Page 40 of The Silver Fox Brother

"Winter Hayes Design Studio."

Fletcher and James exchange a glance—both of them look slightly confused, like they're searching their memory for why that name sounds familiar.

Fletcher furrows his brow.

"Why do I feel like I've heard that name before? Where have I heard that name from?"

I stay quiet, take another sip of scotch instead of answering.

The pause stretches.

Fletcher studies me.

"Is that who you're going to go for? Have you already set up an interview with her?"

I set my glass down carefully.

"There's just one little problem."

Fletcher and James both look at me, eyes narrowing slightly, waiting.

"She's my brother's girlfriend."

The silence that follows is complete. James sets his glass down slowly.

"Your brother's girlfriend. As in Rowan's girlfriend?"

"Yes."

Fletcher stares at me.

"And you're considering hiring her?"

"She's the best fit for the project."

Fletcher stares at me.

"She's also your brother's girlfriend."

"I'm aware. This is business."

James laughs—short, disbelieving.

"Knox. Your family will implode."

"Rowan will lose his mind," Fletcher adds, shaking his head.

I meet their eyes, steady.

"Rowan's opinions don't dictate my business decisions."

"Okay, but—" James stops, recalibrates.

"Have you even talked to her? Like, actually had a conversation with her?"

"A few times. At family events over the past couple years. Brief conversations. Hellos mostly."

Fletcher leans forward, his expression shifting to something more serious.