Unexpectedly His(50)

“Nick? Are you there?” His sister’s voice interrupted his internal tirade. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this would create a problem for you, and yes, okay, maybe I should have thought it through more, but…”

Nick ran a hand along his jaw, his patience wearing way past thin. “Maybe?”

“But I know you. I know what will make you happy.”

“Can you please cut me some slack here, Cupid?” Since becoming engaged, his sister saw love-despite-all-obstacles on every street corner. She was driving him insane. “Your latest matchmaking stunt could cost me my damned career.” Jane started to protest, but a knock on his door demanded his attention. “Don’t bother to deny it. I know everything. I gotta go. I’ll call you later.”

“Promise?”

Nick sighed. No matter how crazy she made him, Jane was his little sister, the one he’d managed to put through college and keep out of serious trouble. Yeah, no matter how much trouble she caused or havoc she wreaked, he’d always be there for her. “Promise.” He ended the call and looked over at his boss.

“Nick, sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to let you know I’m about to meet with the board about your partnership. Given the way everything is shaping up, my guess is you’re a shoo-in. Another week or two and your name will be embossed on the letterhead.” Dan walked into the office extended his hand. “I’m proud of you, kid. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, Dan.” A not-so-small measure of guilt bled into his pleasure at finally nailing down the partnership he’d worked so hard to win. Yes, he’d earned it through hard work and a successful run of legal and investment advice for his clients, but his fake engagement—his lie—had been the thing to push him over the goal line. A fact that merited no celebration.#p#分页标题#e#

“Can’t happen fast enough, either. I got a call from a new client this morning requesting you manage his portfolio. I need you to get to work on it right away, so we can secure his business.” Dan tapped through the confidential screen on his tablet. “Transferring the data now,” he said, striding to the door. “And Nick?”

“Yes?” Nick verified receipt of the financials and looked over at his boss.

“Between now and your confirmation, can you do me a favor?”

“Absolutely.”

Dan gave him a meaningful look. “Try not to screw up.”

Nick waved his phone in response as a tight smile formed on his face while he watched his boss stride away. He was tired of everyone expecting the worst of him and often being right. The time had come to get his shit together and grow up. He wasn’t just some Brooklyn scholarship kid hustling a good job, lucky to be at the party. He was a partner at Morgan Wealth Management & Trust. He’d made it. Or at least, he was a confirmation away.

And he owed it all to Marianne.

With his partnership practically secured, he’d be engaged another four or five weeks, after which he’d be a free man again. Ironically, and despite its nuclear potential, her father’s conviction offered him an ironclad reason to break off the engagement, a perfect alibi. But he’d never use it. Their breakup would be quiet and painless. If he steered clear of complications for the next few weeks, he’d have everything he’d ever wanted.

So why did he feel so restless?

Nick grabbed the tablet, settled behind his desk, and punched in the codes required to open the transferred portfolio. As the financials filled the screen, Nick’s jaw tightened. Son of a bitch. This. Was. Not. Happening. Nick pushed the tablet aside and tore both hands through his hair. His breakthrough client, the one who’d gone to such great lengths this morning to request him personally, belonged to none other than his fiancée’s ex. So much for avoiding complications.

What? Did the asshat really think they’d be friends? That he’d actually pencil them in for drinks? He’d sooner tweezer his balls. Jason Ward was an asshole of epic proportions. The root, he suspected, of Marianne’s insecurities. Hampton Boy had another thing coming if he thought for one second that Nick would clap him on the back and welcome his business with an IPA and a secret boys’ club handshake. Asshat.

Some of his reaction came from feeling protective of Marianne. He could admit that, separate some of the emotional component. But of all the firms in the city, why would Jason Ward select his, and him specifically, unless he had some ulterior motive?

For a minute, Nick considered calling it a conflict of interest—after all, they’d both been engaged to the same woman—but forwarding his file could raise a red flag or two. Never a good sign. But he sure as hell didn’t want to manage a deal for this guy. He was a snake, and Nick only dealt with people he trusted. Still he didn’t want to rock the boat, not now, not with his confirmation so close. He tapped on the desk. What angle was this guy playing?