Chapter 47: June, Your Taste Is Already Perfect
Brandon’s POV
Despite my reluctance, Sean had successfully managed to stay for dinner. As I watched him sitting at my dining table, playing with Max while deliberately ignoring my cold stares, I couldn’t help but wonder why I’d tolerated him all these years. But that thought vanished the moment Summer walked in with the final dish.
The scent of Summer’s cooking filled the room, transforming the usually austere space into something warmer, more intimate. I watched from the doorway as she moved around my kitchen with ging confidence, her simple movements holding my attention more than they should have.
“This is amazing!” Sean’s enthusiastic penise made Summer blush, the color spreading across her cheeks in a way that stirred something possessive in my chest. “Brandon, where have you been hiding this amazing cook?”
I shot him a warning look, but he just grinned, clearly enjoying himself too much to take the hint. “The food is perfect as is,” I said, my eyes finding Summer’s. “No need for excessive praise.”
She ducked her head, but not before I caught the small smile playing at her lips. The sight made something warm unfurl in my chest, a feeling I wasn’t quite ready to examine too closely.
After dinner, Summer insisted on clearing the dishes despite my objections. I’m sure you have things to discuss.” she said, waving
us off
Sean raised an eyebrow at me as we headed upstairs to my study, but wisely kept his mouth shut until the door closed behind us. Max, his German Shepherd, had settled himself outside the kitchen, dearly hoping for scraps from Summer.
I pulled out two cigars, offering one to Sean. The familiar ritual gave me a moment to study his expression something was bothering him, beyond his usual dramatic tendencies,
“Spill it,” I said, lighting my cigar.
Sean’s usual playful demeanor faded slightly. “Still reading me like = book, huh?
“I wish I didn’t have to.” I took a slow drag, letting the silence build. What’s happening with the Sullivans?”
His smile turned brittle. “What else? That damn cousin of mine. Michael Sullivan’s decided to grace New York with his presence.”
“Michael?” The name sparked a memory – ambitious, reckless, with none of Sean’s natural charm to smooth over his rough edges. “Wasn’t he settled in Boston?”
“You’d think.” Sean ran a hand through his hair, a nervous tell I hadn’t seen since our college days. “The family’s in an uproar. You know how they feel about his… methods.”
“You’re not involved in the family business,” I pa
business,” I pointed out, “Why does this concern you?”
“Because he’s making it my concern!” The frustration in Sean’s voice was real. The medical conference is just an excuse. I need to by low until he leaves town.”
“First time I’ve seen you run from anyone.” I couldn’t help the slight amusement in my tone. “Besides her.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Sean’s expression shuttered, all traces of his usual warmth vanishing “Low blow, man. You were involved in that too, remember?”
“You brought it up.” My voice carried an edge of ice. I wasn’t helping you you were wrong for her
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Chapter 47: June, Your Taste Is Already Perfect
“And who was right? The hillness in his valer surprised me, “You?
“Anyone but you. The words came
sharper than intended. “Youmised to let her go. You owed her that much.”
“She probably still resents you for it.” Sean’s laugh held on humor. Her own brother, taking my side.”
“That’s none of your business.” The cigar had burned down to ash, fogotten in my hand. “Don’t mistake my silence for approval. She wasn’t right for you, and she wasn’t right for the Stark family.”
Sean studied me for a long moment, something calculating replacing his usual easy charm, “Speaking of family… word in you’re making moves against Matthew? He might not be a Wall Street tiger, but even cats have claws.”
“Take care.” I said instead of acknowledging his warning. Some game were better played close to the chest.
By the time we headed back downstairs, Summer–had prepared iced tea. The sight of her in my kitchen, so naturally domestic, did something complicated to my chest.
“Sorry, can’t stay!” Sean called out, already heading for the door. “Get some follow–ups at the hospital. You two enjoy!”
I watched Summer’s face fall slightly at Sean’s abrupt departure. “Want to try?” she asked, holding out a glass. “I’made it earlier, just remembered it was in the fridge.”
The tod was perfect exactly the right balance of flavors, served at the ideal temperature. Of course it was. Summer had that gift for getting things right, even when she didn’t realize it.
“You’re in Fortune Corp’s project department? I kept my voice casual though the question was anything but.
She nodded, something guarded creeping into her expression. “Yes. Why?”
“Ever considered leaving?”
The way
she tensed told me everything about how much thought shed already given this idea. “What’s your reason for asking?”
“Fortune Corp has hit its ceiling.” I set down my glass, chousing my words carefully. “Old Mr. Stark lacks vision. He’s trying to milk benefits from Stark Group instead of leveraging our resources for growth. A company like that will never thrive.”
Summer pressed her lips together thoughtfully. “I may” had issues for a long time now. It’s not exactly news.”
y not understand things from your perspective as CEO, but Fortune Corp has
“Why did you choose to join Fortune in the first place?” I asked
“If I said it was for personal reasons,” she said slowly, “would you think less of me?”
“No.” The word came out more forcefully than I intended. “Everyone misjudges people sometimes. Your judgments better now
what matters.
that’s
She twisted her fingers nervously, a gesture I was coming to know well. Tve always known I couldn’t join Capital Corp. Never knew why, but I didn’t really care either.” A bitter laugh escaped her. “Sometimes I wonder, are these things really that important? Victoria and I never got along, and Alexander chose her because of these things.”
They are important.” I moved closer, unable to stop myself from reaching out to still her restless hands. “You don’t not care – you just understand there’s a limit to their value. Compared to family, they seemed less important.”
“But what would fighting get me?” The vulnerability in her voice made something protective stir in my chest. “I don’t want that. Don’t want to make things worse,”
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Chapter 47: June, Your Taste Is Already Perfect
“You think things arent had now?” I couldn’t keep the edge from any nice. Haven’t you noticed the more you give in, the more
they’ll take?”
She looked up at me then, really looked, and something in her expression made my breath catch. “Do what you need to do, she said softly. “I’m just an employee there – you don’t need to consider my flings.” A pause, then: “Want more iced tea?”
Yes.
I watched her pour another glass, her movements graceful and prec. Something about seeing her here, in my space, felt dangerously right. Like a piece clicking into place that I hadn’t know was missing.
“June.” Summer’s eyes widened at my words. “Your taste is already peffect. Don’t let anyone
tell you otherwise.
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The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 48: Old Friend–1
