“I’ll be happy to back off,” said Finn, “as soon as you admit you’re in love with Stephanie.”
“I’m not in love with her.” He didn’t love Stephanie. He needed her. Like his body needed air and water. He couldn’t survive without her. Finn would never understand the difference.
“Just tell her you love her and see what she says. What’s the worst that could happen?”
He didn’t want to dream about something that could never happen. “It won’t work. We’ve been over this. I’m marrying Carina. End of story.”
Bran grabbed the elbow Finn bumped against him and walked beside him. His cane found the curb, and as he stepped up, Finn whispered in his ear, “Okay. But if you’re not in love with her, she’s fair game.”
Before Bran could blast him with a furious retort, Finn was gone.
“Bran! You made it.” Cole wrapped him in a hug, and Bran squirmed, trying to get away. Cole laughed. “Nobody thinks it’s weird for me to hug you, Bran. No one’s even paying attention.”
“You know I don’t do hugs. Has nothing to do with what anyone thinks.”
Nevertheless, the arm remained around his shoulder, ushering him through the doorway onto the plush carpet. Inside, Bran’s heart rate kicked up another notch, as the noises of the casino in the back mixed with voices from every direction. Why did I agree to come? I can’t do this.
“Hi, Cole.” Stephanie’s voice came from his left, and he felt her arm wrap around his. “I’m going to steal Mr. Knight away for a minute. One of his managers has a crisis situation. You know how it is.” She tugged Branson to the side. “They’ve already checked us in, so we can go straight to the elevator. But I have a present for you.” She slid something into his hand.
“What’s this?” He probed the small plastic piece.
“It’s my dictation earpiece. I’ve got the microphone attached to my scarf—a beautiful designer scarf, thanks to you. And the transmitter is in my new purse, which, by the way, is worth more than one of the smaller states.”
As her plan became clear, a smile fought its way onto his lips. He placed the discreet receiver in his ear. “If this works, I’ll buy one you could trade for Alaska.”
Her gentle chuckle played clearly in his ear, drowning out the other sounds. “You might have to get your three cohorts to help purchase that purse.”
With the earpiece in place, the room sounds were muffled in that ear, and he found he could put that noise in the background.
“Is it okay?” Steph sounded anxious. “You can toggle it until it’s not too loud or too soft. If anyone notices, you can say you’re wearing an earplug in that ear.”
“No, it’s good. I think it’s going to help.”
“Great.” Her breath whooshed out. “I had my fingers crossed.”
A band tightened around his chest. He didn’t deserve someone so good. “I owe you, big time. I think my blood pressure’s already dropped.”
Her hand squeezed his arm. “You’re going to be fine. It’s like riding a bike. You need to get out and have fun with your friends again. And with Carina. This way, no one will know I’m helping you.”
“What about you? Are you still nervous about gambling?”
“I’m only nervous about fitting in,” she said, from the corner of her mouth.
“Branson! Jarrett’s here.” Carina’s call cut through the ambient noise. “We’re all waiting on you and Stephanie.” Something about her voice was already getting on his nerves. It was going to be a long twenty-four hours. And a long three years after the wedding.
Since she hadn’t muted her microphone, Branson got to hear Stephanie’s exclamation when she opened the door to her suite. Of course, she shouted so loudly, the other four heard it as well. “Jiminy Cricket! This place is amazing! There’s a swimming pool in my living room.”
Carina made a sarcastic remark about her lack of sophistication, but it didn’t dampen Steph’s enthusiasm.
Branson’s room was sandwiched between Stephanie and Finn. Carina had made a point of demanding her own room, which was fine with Bran. In fact, he had no plans to share a bedroom or bathroom with Carina, even after marriage. Certain things had to remain private, and those things would be impossible to hide in close quarters. In particular, he hadn’t let anyone see him without his prosthetic eyes since his teen years. Carina would undoubtedly run screaming at the sight, and the marriage plans would disintegrate, along with his opportunity to control Parker-Aston Pharmaceuticals.
Inside his room, Bran made a methodical examination, to learn the location of the furniture and fixtures in the living area and bedroom. He normally had excellent spatial recall, though he was somewhat out of practice. In his early-to-mid twenties, when he traveled frequently, he could navigate a room flawlessly after a sixty-second inspection. Now, he had to circle the room twice and backtrack, as well, before he felt comfortable.
Lunch time had been moved up, thanks to his suggestion that they attend a matinee. What was I thinking? But he knew the answer. He didn’t want Steph to visit Finn in New York. No matter how much devotion Stephanie displayed, Bran knew she could be enticed away from him, especially by someone like Finn. Not that Finn would ever do such a thing on purpose. But Finn had everything Bran had—money—and all the things he didn’t—good looks, confidence, charm, and quick wit, in addition to sight. What’s more, Branson could never stand in the way of their happiness if they were to fall in love. That’s why he had to prevent it from happening.
Unpacking his suitcase, he ran his fingers across the small Braille labels Stephanie had used to organize his pants and shirts so he could dress without her aid. He’d have preferred having her come in and lay out his clothes, as she did at home, but she insisted Carina wouldn’t be pleased to discover them in his room together.
He’d changed clothes and splashed some water on his face, when Finn rapped on his door. “Hurry up, Bran. We’ve got a lunch reservation in ten minutes.”
He took a deep breath and opened the door. “I don’t hear anyone else out here.”
“Cole and Jarrett went down to arrange a limo. We don’t have time to walk to the restaurant.”
“What about Steph?”
He heard the sound of a door opening as Steph’s voice sounded in his ear. “I’m ready. Do I look okay?”
Finn whistled. “You look amazing, with a capital A.”
Bran fumed, wishing he could compliment her, as well.
“Bran bought this dress for me,” said Steph. “In fact, he bought every outfit I packed in my suitcase.”
“It’s not the dress that looks amazing. It’s what’s in it.” Finn’s voice grew louder in Bran’s receiver, as if his mouth was close to Steph’s microphone. Is he planning to kiss her? Right here in front of me?
A door rattled across the hallway. “I hate being rushed,” Carina announced. “I barely had time to change clothes, much less fix my makeup. I look atrocious.”
