Page 14 of A Tempting Seduction

My brother meant well, but sometimes his approach to business relationships bordered on the obsessive. Walker viewed every client as a potential long-term partnership that required constant attention and validation. It was one of his strengths as a salesman, but it could drive me crazy when I was trying to focus on the actual work.

I was reaching for my desk phone to call the glazer when my cell buzzed again. This time Carrie's name appeared on the screen.

“Hey, sis.”

“Don't 'hey sis' me, Ford Larson. When's the last time you went grocery shopping?”

I blinked at the unexpected question. “I don't know. Last week?”

“Your refrigerator was empty except for a carton of milk that expired three days ago and a pizza box with one slice of something that might have been pepperoni if you squinted.”

“How do you know what's in my refrigerator?”

“Because I used my key to stock your pantry like any good sister would do. You can thank me later.”

Warmth and irritation warred in my chest. On one hand, Carrie meant well and I appreciated the gesture. On the other hand, the woman had a habit of treating me like one of her children instead of a grown man who was perfectly capable of feeding himself.

“Carrie, you don't need to⁠—”

“Yes, I do. Left to your own devices, you'd live on takeout and whatever expired condiments are lurking in your refrigerator door. I bought real food. Actual vegetables. Meat that doesn't come from a drive-through window.”

“Did you do the same thing for Walker?”

Carrie's laugh held a note of embarrassment. “I thought about it, but I was afraid some half-naked woman would come wandering out of his bedroom while I was taking inventory of his pantry.”

I couldn't argue with that logic. Walker's romantic life was like a revolving door of attractive women who never seemed to stick around longer than a few weeks. Walking into his house unannounced was playing Russian roulette with your embarrassment.

“Fair point.”

“I also left some of those frozen burritos you like and a case of that fancy beer from the brewery in Gatlinburg. The one Tommy brought to the barbecue last month.”

“You didn't have to do all that.”

“Of course I did. You're my baby brother. It's in the big sister handbook.”

“I'm thirty-one years old, Carrie.”

“Thirty-one-year-old baby brother. The principle remains the same.” Carrie's voice softened slightly. “Speaking of family obligations, you need to visit Mom and Dad soon. They're starting to think you're avoiding them.”

Guilt twisted in my stomach. I'd been meaning to drive out to their place for over a week, but something always seemed to come up. Work deadlines, client meetings, equipment maintenance. The excuses were valid, but they were still just excuses.

“I know. I'll go this weekend.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Good. Mom's been cooking enough food for an army every other day, hoping you and Walker will show up for dinner. Dad pretends he doesn't care, but he asked me yesterday if you were eating enough.”

The guilt intensified. My parents had always been supportive of our business venture, even when it meant their sons working long hours and traveled for projects. The least I could do was show up for one of mom’s amazing meals.

“I'll be there Sunday.”

“Excellent. I'll tell them to expect you.” Carrie paused, and I could practically hear the gears turning in her head.

“Fantastic. Thanks, Sis.” I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, taking a moment before I’d have to call the glazer.

The phone rang again. Carrie's name flashed on the screen.