people actually thought they were biological brothers because they favored each other so much. Both over six feet tall, both had deep brown skin tones, both had prominent features and a commanding presence.
“Where’s Alonso? I thought he was rolling with us to lunch,” Lauder said.
Roth chuckled. “He’s going to meet us there. Had to go home and kiss the twins and do only God knows what to Vivian.”
The room filled with laughter.
“Man, looking at you and Lo, I can almost picture myself settling down. Wife, kids, white picket fence. Almost.”
“It’s the best feeling in the world, man, to come home to a wife and kids you love more than the sun.”
Lauder enjoyed seeing Roth so happy. He was a good brother and deserved all the happiness life had to give.
“What about that sister who nearly plowed into me rushing from your office? Does she have anything to do with your change of heart? Last I recall, you said you’re never getting married and definitely not having any kids.”
“Willow Dawson,” Lauder said, dropping into the chair across from his desk.
Roth occupied the opposite one. “Willow Dawson?” His brow furrowed. “Why does that name sound so familiar?” Obviously, it dawned on him. “Wait, is she the same Willow Dawson who got you kicked out of the group home years ago?”
Lauder couldn’t believe Roth still remembered that. Though he shouldn’t have been surprised. Roth had the memory of an elephant. “One and the same.”
To be honest, Willow hadn’t gotten him kicked out of the group home; breaking Marvin Kramer’s nose had gotten him kicked out. But Lauder had been defending Willow’s honor, so he guessed she could share some of the blame. One day he’d get around to sharing the details of his honor brawl with her. Maybe if she knew the truth, she’d drop her grudge against him.
Roth cut into Lauder’s thoughts.
“Are you two...”
Lauder hadn’t told Roth about Willow playing his pretend lover, but knew he could trust the man with the information. “Chuck thought I should come across as more family oriented, so I’ve enlisted Willow to play my make-believe lover.”
Lauder studied Roth’s face for any signs of disapproval. There was none that he could spot.
Roth chuckled. “Are you sure it’s all make-believe? The woman has you thinking about settling down. That’s...huge. Especially for you.”
Lauder rubbed his jaw. “Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“How’d you learn to trust Tressa?” Lauder figured that if Roth could open himself up to another person, as guarded as he’d always been, anyone could.
“It wasn’t easy. But when my trust issues jeopardized my relationship with Tress, I vowed to change. I knew that woman was my forever. I didn’t want to lose her.”
“How did you know she was the one?”
Roth beamed as if reliving a beautiful memory, then in a flash sobered. “Her touch.”
By the intense expression on his face, Lauder assumed there was more to the touch story than Roth was sharing. He didn’t pry.
“You’ll know,” Roth said, standing. “Now let’s go. I’m starving.”
Lauder scrubbed a hand over his head. Thing was, he was sure he already knew. And knowing complicated things.
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