***

The past few days with Chase had been unforgettable for Brooke. She knew that no matter what happened between them she would cherish this time they had together. They worked hard on the Steele Tech acquisition, they laughed together, they made the best love she’d ever experienced and he made her feel like the most beautiful creature in existence. It had been the most exciting days of her life and as stupid and ill-advised as it was, Brooke was starting to get long term, forever, happy ever after feelings.

She was screwed. She was so screwed.

And that was exactly why she was out again, this time in the chilly afternoon, using the concealed sunshine and crisp breeze to clear her mind. Shortly after lunch all four men locked themselves away in Vance’s office for some super-secret meeting that she wasn’t needed for so she headed outside. Away from Chase and the feelings he evoked in her, away from his scent, his easy smile and away from that sparkling stare that always pierced her right in the heart. Dammit.

She turned left at the greenhouse and lumbered through the rose garden. It really was a work of art decorated with tea roses, heirloom roses and a rainbow of roses she’d never seen. There were yellow, white, peach, pink, spotted and even a beautiful purple rose that smelled like a mix between a rose and lavender. It took her breath away so she lingered, closing her eyes and inhaling the unique scent each rose carried.

It felt good to be out of the house and away from Chase. Into the fresh air instead of the stifling house where emotions were tense, secrets ran rampant and her heart was becoming more and more involved. She knew it was a mistake to fall for Chase. Again. She knew she would get hurt but she couldn’t seem to say no to him. Luckily they would be going back home soon. She hoped. And home meant she could reschedule her date and forget about Chase Silver.

Her musings were interrupted by a familiar sound. The whir of a camera sounded again, this time louder and more noticeable. She kept her eyes closed and pretended to sniff the red tipped yellow rose before her so she could hear where the stealth photographer was shooting. There it was again, the click and the whir. It came from just behind her and to the left. Brooke stood slowly and turned keeping her eyes on the flowers instead of the wild brush beyond. She turned and turned and turned and stopped. Her eyes caught on a slight figure in a black hoodie, an expensive looking camera protruding from their face. The hooded figure looked around the camera and held the gaze for a moment but his eyes were covered by large aviator sunglasses perched on his face, at least she assumed it was a he. He took a few more pictures and casually walked away.

Brooke wasn’t so casual, she hauled ass through the rose garden and back around the greenhouse and down the long stretch of grass that lead to Silver House. She barreled into the kitchen past Galina and down the hall to where the men were and stopped in front of the large dark wooden door. She heard voices but they were muffled by the door so she did what any good assistant would do, she placed her ear right against the door.

“I don’t see why you boys have your panties in such a twist. Settle down with a nice young woman and you can retain control of the company. Don’t and you’ll lose everything.”

She heard the deep baritone of Jackson’s voice. “This is ridiculous dad. You can’t trust a relationship built on the fear of losing our life’s work.”

“Maybe,” Vance began. He looked at each of his sons thoughtfully. “But some of you can’t even see what’s right in front of you.” He sent Chase a pointed look.

“Don’t look at me Dad. I’m single and I plan to stay that way for a long while.”

Of course he does, she berated herself. She felt like an idiot. While she was having visions of happily ever after swirling in her head, he was seducing her for Silver Enterprises. He didn’t have to seduce you since you threw yourself at him, her inner voice taunted. The voice was right, she had pretty much thrown herself at him and Chase was only guilty of taking what she offered.

“You’re lying to yourself son. Brooke is the perfect woman. She’s beautiful, intelligent and capable. She’ll make sure your home and work life runs like a well-oiled machine.”

Brooke had heard enough. With all the anger that had built up in the last few minutes she ripped the doors open and stared at the two men responsible for the pain in her chest and the stinging behind her eyes. “I can’t believe you. Either of you!” She looked to Vance, disgust written on her face. “You think you can manipulate your sons to make up for your mistakes.” She turned her attention to Chase. “And you! I made it really easy for you didn’t I? Fell into your bed so quickly you must’ve felt like it was Christmas morning. I’m sure the fact that I was in love with you for the past five years just helped make sure you kept your precious Silver Enterprises. Thank goodness you cured me of those affections.”

Brooke turned to leave but stopped and turned, unwilling to let him see how close she was to tears. “You’ll have to find another love struck idiot Chase because I’m done. With you and with SE.” She shook her head at her own foolishness. “The reason I came in here was to tell you that some guy in a hoodie was taking pictures of me in the rose garden.” She turned and walked away. She had bags to pack.

Chapter Five

The sound of her footsteps walking away from him grew quieter and quieter and Chase was sure that sound was a metaphor or something for his relationship with Brooke. “Dammit!”

“Are you just going to stand her and curse a blue streak or are you going after her?” Vance’s eyes narrowed at his son, that shrewd look that intimidated competitors hung on his face like a work of art. “I didn’t take you for a coward, boy.”

“I am not a coward.” His father said nothing, just raised one eyebrow in challenge. “I’m not!”

His brothers tried and failed to stifle their laughter.

“Screw you guys.” He finished his drink and left the room in a hurry, thundering up the stairs as if he was being chased. He wasn’t about to let Brooke run away from him, from them and what they could have. Damn Vance and his meddling. But he knew he couldn’t blame Vance entirely. He did have feelings for Brooke, had for at least the last year, but he should have told her about Vance’s newest plan.

He threw open her door and took in the scene. Her long waves were tossed in a haphazard bun at the top of her head, eyes suspiciously glassy and a vacant expression on her face. His mind registered the clothes in her hand and the open suitcase on her bed. She was leaving. “Going somewhere?”

She didn’t spare him a glance as she worked. “I would think the answer to that is obvious.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, one foot over the other ankle in a relaxed pose that betrayed the mess going on inside of him. “I didn’t take you for a coward Brooke.”

“No you just took me for a fool and I played right into it.”

Chase was getting more upset by the second. She wouldn’t look at him and although her words cut deep, her voice was blank, cold as if she couldn’t muster up enough effort to even care. “I didn’t Brooke, really. I have never taken you for a fool.”

She sighed heavily and slammed her suitcase shut. “Look Chase its fine, really. You only took what I offered so don’t worry about it.” She shook her head, still upset she’d been a fool after she’d already resolved to forget Chase Silver.

“Is that what you think? That you were just a convenience, a warm body?”

The distraught look on his face tugged at her heart but she wouldn’t let it matter. Couldn’t let it matter. “What else should I believe? You never gave me the time of day since I started working for you and the week you decide to pay me a little attention happens to be the same week your father tells you to find a woman to settle down with or lose your company? Excuse me if I find the timing a tad suspicious.”