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Luke’s eyes glinted and he suddenly started laughing. Shaking his head, he rummaged in the brown paper bag on the table and brought out a donut.
“You’re unshakeable as always when it comes to him,” he said, biting into the donut. He licked jelly off his lips and grinned. “You hated your stepbrothers but loved your stepdad.”
“It’s all in the past,” I said, leaning against the couch. “We’re all grownups now. Business comes first in everything we do. We’ll find a way to work together.” Taking a sip of my coffee, I added, “What are you up to these days?”
Surprise flickered in his eyes. “You honestly don’t know?”
“Believe it or not, I’ve been too busy to look up people I knew in college. You’re going to have to tell me.”
Internally, I couldn’t believe how he’d stayed unchanged over the years.
Luke still expected people to look him up and associate his name with his family. It was almost disappointing he thought I cared for someone’s background like that. Didn’t he know me at all?
“That I believe,” he said, raising his coffee cup. “You’re gorgeous, Milla. I always knew you were smart and wanted to bring you over to my side. My dad has handed me the reins to Beckett Industries and I’ve wanted someone like you on my team. Is it too late to ask you to join me?”
“Thanks for saying that,” I said with a smile. “Brian needs me too. He wants me to take an active part in running this company. After everything he’s done for me, I owe him this much.”
“Brian will be retiring soon,” he said in a grim tone. “You’ll be left working for Noah and those useless twins. Don’t you want to be part of an organization that recognizes your brilliance and appreciates you?”
It was my turn to be surprised.
The news of Brian stepping down from his position was still contained within the upper management of the company. Most employees weren’t even aware of it.
He’s got our managers in his payroll, I realized with alarm.
This was something Brian needed to know about. We had to root out these traitors before something important was leaked from our meetings.
“Milla?” Luke urged. “What are you thinking about? You’ll have a good portion of shares if you decide to join me.”
“I don’t care about money.”
“What do you care about?” Luke watched me with interest.
I finally understood he was here to lure Azalea to join Beckett Industries. When he found out about my real identity, he decided his job would become easier.
Disappointment spread through me.
I’d been happy to meet an old friend from college, but all I got was a business competitor who knew too much about my past.
“I care about friends,” I said in a serious tone. “I care about family. Please, Luke. Do we have to talk like we’re doing business? Can’t we just be friends like before?”
He closed his eyes and touched his forehead with the tip of his fingers.
“I’m sorry, Milla,” he said, looking at me. Heaving a breath, he leaned against his couch. “I’m ambitious too, you know? And I’ve always liked you. I guess I got greedy when I saw you.”
“We can be friends,” I said, meaning it. “We don’t have to bring business between us.”
He gave a nod. “I’m glad you think so.” A small smile lifted the corners of his lips. “I have to get going now. How about we catch up some other time over dinner?”
“Sure.”
Getting to his feet, he buttoned his jacket. “It’s great to have you back, Milla. I’ve missed you.”
He came forward and leaned in. Before I could get a grip, I found his lips pressed to mine.
“I’ve always wanted to kiss you, Milla,” he said and straightened up.
I stared at him, too shocked to say anything.
