Page 54 of The Merger

“Then you’d better come have a beer with me and help me figure out how to keep her from running.”

He held up his hands and started to back away. “No way. I’m done meddling in her life.”

I smirked. “Seriously? Not meddling? That sounds out of character for you. I heard you stranded your daughter with your best friend to get them back together.”

“That was different, she’s my daughter, and she was pregnant.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Then you pushed Jana to marry you under the guise of keeping her company. I’ve seen the paperwork, there’s no way you didn’t know she could have gotten control of it without a walk down the aisle.”

“That woman is the most stubborn person on the planet. How else was I supposed to keep her?” he argued.

“See, this sounds like exactly the kind of thing you’d do. Helping your sister keep her marriage is right in your wheelhouse.”

He sighed. “I guess one more time couldn’t hurt.” He pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket. “I better call Beck. We’re going to need all hands on deck for this one.”

ChapterTwenty

Stryker

Colter dragged me down to an exclusive club he was a member at. It was a swanky place with casual sitting areas, a nautical theme, and completely the opposite of what I envisioned when I pictured a member’s only establishment. It fit his laid back demeanor.

He watched me check the place out. “I’m not big on throwing my money around, but it’s nice to have a place to relax without people bothering you all the time. Ever since Beck and I landed on those stupid eligible bachelors lists years ago women have become aggressive.”

For once I didn’t mind being in one of these types of places. There had been occasions where I had to meet clients in private clubs, but this one wasn’t purposefully ostentatious. Despite my reticence to appear wealthy, I’d earned a very comfortable living. Maybe it was because I refused to spend lavishly, but either way, I’d amassed a very healthy bank balance.

Colter was the first rich person I’d met who seemed as averse to flashing his wealth as I was. It set me at ease and made asking for his help with Sabrina more palatable.

We’d both just started to look over the drink menus when Beckett Anderson strolled over. Tall and blond, with Hollywood looks, he’d gotten a lot of press over the years as a famous bachelor. With his appearance and money it was no wonder the tabloids were obsessed with following him around.

“There better be a damn good reason I left my sexy wife at home when our baby just laid down for her nap. Evie was giving methatlook, and I found the leather cuffs laying out, ” Beck said as he sat down.

Colter gagged. “In that case I’m glad to drag you out of the house. I’d like to have a second kid before I have a second grandchild. Also, stop telling me about your sex life.”

Beckett leaned back and stretched his arms along the sofa. He smirked, and his eyes practically glowed with mischief. “I was being tame, but I imagine you are well aware of the kinds of stories I could tell since you also have a younger wife.”

I chuckled. It was clear Colter was uncomfortable, but it was too amusing not to join in myself. “There’s something we all have in common.” Images of taking Sabrina on my desk flashed in my mind.

Colter pointed his finger in my face. “Whatever thought you just had, save it. Fuck, I need new friends. Preferably ones who aren’t married to my sister or my daughter,” he grumbled to himself.

Beckett and I started laughing. Then it hit me. Not the part where Colt included me as a friend, which was surprising enough, but these men, virtual strangers, were my family. At least by marriage.

This time it was Colt that laughed. “You just figured out we’re all family, didn’t you?”

I nodded, honestly a bit stunned. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had anything close to family. As you no doubt can understand, Malcolm doesn’t count.”

Beck looked back and forth between us. “I’m guessing I’m here to help you figure out how to stay that way?”

I nodded. “I think I love her.” Actually, I knew I did, but most people scoffed at love at first sight. Maybe I didn’t fall at her feet the first second I laid eyes on her, but by the time I danced with her in that casino bar, I knew she was it for me.

Colt rolled his eyes. “I already know you love her, but ifyouaren’t a hundred percent sure I can’t help you.”

I cleared my throat. “I’m sure. It doesn’t make sense. We haven’t spent a lot of time together, but I’m all in.”

Colter nodded. “That’s good because Sabrina deserves nothing less.”

He ran his hand through his hair. “I’ve been so focused on Waverly and the damage our parents have done to her I never really thought about how Sabrina coped with them.”

“She’s mentioned her dad a few times,” I added. What she hadn’t brought up was any plans for me to meet him. As long as she was keeping me separate from someone she obviously loved and respected, I knew she hadn’t really let me in.