Read Online Threads Of Desire (Creative Hearts Book 3) by K.M. Jackson - Free Book Online Page A

they aren’t as involved with board business. They’ll vote as their grandmother tells them.” He sighed. “Truthfully, though, I’m wary of Pierce. He’s essentially a good guy, but just a little impulsive, a little wilder than Avery. If they sell out, I worry he’ll run off with the money and lose much of the family’s assets in some wild scheme.”
    Nick thought of the differences between him and his own brother. Though to some it seemed obvious, at times, it was hard to tell who was the real risk taker of the two.
    “So just where do I come in? How do you want me to come at this?”
    “I want you to look at this from all angles, though I know you’ll do that. See how you can make everyone happy and of course make the firm come out well in the end.”
    Nick studied the file a bit and frowned. The numbers were bad. He hated to tell Bill but at first glance, he agreed with Pierce Sutton. Selling out, even at a loss, seemed like the best option. But that probably wouldn’t please Mrs. Sutton, and if she pulled her business, it’d be a big blow to the firm. Even with their struggles, the Suttons were one of their biggest clients.
    “Nick, I want to make it clear that Roselyn Sutton’s happiness is important to me, but as always, the bottom line for the company has to be our top priority.” Bill’s kind eyes went to ice, mirroring the coldness Nick had seen in Claire the other day. “Friends are one thing, but business is another entirely. You do what you have to do.”
    Nick cleared his throat. “Of course, sir. I always do.”
    Bill gave him a smile that was more a baring of his teeth than anything else. He then clapped his hands together, signaling the end of the conversation and the meeting. Nick was beginning to rise, when Bill’s voice stopped him. “Speaking of family, I spoke with Claire last night.”
    Damn, so close. The older man’s eyes were still doing that cold shark thing he did when he was in negotiations. Nick knew he couldn’t show fear. One drop of blood in the water and he was sunk. But then Bill blinked, eyes going soft as he took in Nick’s own solemn expression. “Oh, don’t worry, my boy! Buck up. You gave it your best, and who knows, she may yet still come around.” Bill leaned in. “As a matter of fact, I’m counting on you to bring her around.” Bill’s eyes narrowed again and Nick fought the urge to swallow. Fuck.
    Nick didn’t know what to say and inwardly chided himself on not finding out how Claire really had spun things with her father.
    “I don’t know if I can do that, si—” He stopped. “You know your daughter. She is quite strong willed.” There, that was vague enough.
    Bill twirled a pen between his palms, then let out a sigh. “This is true, Nick, but if anyone is up for the job, it’s you. Whatever has happened, I assure you it has not clouded my opinion of you.”
    Oh hell. What had Claire said about him?
    “Cloud? Why should it?”
    Bill grinned. “It won’t. I’m sure you and Claire will work out. You know, I still see you as the future of this firm, and I’d hate for you to get distracted. I let my daughter know that business is business, and she can’t go and take my star player out of the game.”
    Nick pushed back a frown. So she’d called her daddy and put his job on the line? Just what he needed—and probably what he deserved for screwing where he ate. Well, let her play her games. He’d deal with the rest later. “Yes, si- Bill. I’ll get right on the Sutton case.”
    “Good,” Bill responded, and Nick turned to head for the door. “Oh and Nick? Better get that watch checked out. Seems like it’s running about five minutes slow.”
    He cringed, embarrassment flushing his cheeks. Nick couldn’t afford another mistake. He had to get his head out of his love life, and into the game. Forget Claire’s games and Gabby’s distractions. As of this moment, the only woman he had time for was Roselyn Sutton.
    • • •
    It was all