Page 107 of Brazen Obsession

“You want a job, you have it with us, pip. But I get wanting to branch out. If your end goal is to work at a business and not an accounting firm, you should definitely seek out the mentorship.” Dante’s words are soft, for my ears only. I love working with the guys and seeing them every day, but can I really imagine going to work with them after school?

I love my brother, but I don’t know that I want to spend every day working with him. The guys, yes, I’d love to see them all day, every day, but their company is their dream. Not mine.

I lean in and kiss him softly, resisting the urge to deepen it. When I back away, he smiles and nods. He knows me. He knows what I need to hear and how to help me decide.

I turn back to Madison. “What do I need to do?”

We talk for a few minutes and Madison gives me the contact information for the CFO, Cassie Brown.

Hope slides onto the stool on the other side of Madison. “Hey.”

“Hey.” I release my breath. Dante was right. These girls aren’t like the friends I had in the past. They’re so much more.

Madison fills her in on what Deidre said.

“That’s an amazing opportunity!” Hope says as Jason sets a daiquiri in front of her and me. “I’ve been looking for a mentor myself but haven’t really found someone I want to work with.”

Madison leans back in her chair, looking thoughtful. I try to think of any contacts I might have through school. Dante clears his throat and we turn to look at him.

“Depending on what position you’re looking at, we have quite a few clients that have women in executive positions who may be willing to mentor you.” His attention is on Hope, but when he finishes, he gives me a smile.

“Thank you.” Hope blushes as she looks down at her drink.

Dante pulls a card out and passes it to her. “Call me on Monday and we’ll talk about it.”

Hope nods as she puts his card in her pocket.

“I hope we’re not too late.” Kayla’s voice makes us turn in our chairs.

Nan’s next to her and they stand close even though they aren’t touching. I slide off my stool at the same time Dante does. He leans down and kisses my temple.

“I see someone I know over there. Let me know if you need me. Enjoy your friends.” Dante’s smile warms my heart as he heads across the bar. Heath Duncan sits at the other end of the bar, talking to Jason, Hope’s brother. Dante joins them and Heath greets him like he’s an old friend. Jason steps back.

“I know he’s prettier than me, but...”

I turn back at Kayla’s words. She’s grinning and opens her arms.

“Come on. I don’t bite unless asked.”

I shake my head as I step into Kayla’s embrace.

After a few seconds, she pushes me back to look me over like she’s checking for injuries. “You good?”

I breathe in and nod. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Kayla takes the seat Dante vacated as Nan gives me a hug.

Nan grins as we pull away from each other. “We have so much to talk about.”

I lift my eyebrows at her and she grins. We turn back to join the others when someone touches my elbow.

Juliette lifts a hand and waves as she looks around the bar warily.

“I’m so glad you could make it.” I get Hope’s attention and she slides down to stand in front of Juliette.

Hope speaks as she signs, “Hi, I’m Hope. I’m so excited to meet you. Sorry, I might be a little rusty.”

Juliette’s eyes light up, and when she signs at Hope, Hope translates, “It’s good to meet you too.”