Chapter 46

**Summer's POV**

I found myself picking at a loose thread on my sleeve, unable to meet his intense gaze. "So Fortune Corp is really finished?"

Brandon studied me with that unsettlingfocus I was starting to know too well. "What's wrong? Having second thoughts?"

"You know that's not what I mean." I caught my lower lip between my teeth, hesitating. "Does it have to be this way?"

"The company's situation isn't something you need to worry about right now." His voice carried that gentle authority that never failed to make my pulse skip. "Some things are better left unexplained until the right time."

"But if Fortune Corp goes under, what am I supposed to do?" The question burst out before I could stop it.

"I've told you before - you're smart." The casual confidence in his tone made something warm unfurl in my chest. "Finding a better position won't be an issue."

Heat crept up my neck as I realized how my concerns might sound."I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't be asking about Stark Group's internal matters."

"No." His dark eyes met mine briefly before returning to the road. "If you want to know, I can tell you." "It's fine." I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of my position."I'm not a Stark Group employee,after all." "Need any help?" I leaned against the kitchen island, trying to look casual despite how my heart raced every time he rolled up his sleeves."I cancook too,you know."

His lips curved into half-smile. "You can wash the vegetables. There'll be plenty of chances for you to cook in the future. Why the rush?"

"Right." My body tensed slightly at his knowing tone.

The peaceful domestic moment was shattered by the sudden sound of the doorbell. I glanced at Brandon, surprised. "Who could that be at this hour?

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Go ahead and answer it."

I made my way to the door, wondering who would visit Brandon's private sanctuary unannounced. The moment I opened it, I let out a startled yelp and stumbled backward. A massive German Shepherd bounded forward,nearly knocking me over in its enthusiasm.

"I..." My voice came out as a squeak as I pressed myself against the wall.

Brandon appeared beside me in an instant. "What's going on?" His eyes found Dr. Sean standing in the doorway. "What are you doing here?"

"Heard Summer just moved in!" Dr. Sean's easy smile didn't falter under Brandon's cold stare. "Came to celebrate! Don't worry, Max is very intuitive -he only gets this excited around people he likes."

I managed a weak laugh, my heart still racing from the surprise encounter.

"Showing up uninvited?" Brandon's tone could have frozen hell itself. "Aw,come on! Surely Summer doesn't mind?" Dr. Sean's eyes danced with barely suppressed mischief. "I'll go check on things in the kitchen." I started to edge away,but Brandon's hand caught mine. "Were you scared?" His voice softened as he studied my face.

"It's nothing." I tried to smile despite my still-racing pulse. "Just startled me for a moment. You two catch up - I'lI get dinner ready."

I retreated to the kitchen, but their voices carried clearly as they moved toward the living room area. I couldn't help but listen as I pretended to be busy with dinner preparations.

"Going for the warm and caring husband angle?" Dr. Sean's teasing voice made me blush. "That's new."

*God,do they have to discuss this where I can hear them?* I focused intently on chopping vegetables, trying to ignore the conversation while simultaneously straining to catch every word.

"You know, this isn't very brotherly of you." Dr. Sean continued. "The rest of us are still single."

"Is that so?" Brandon's tone carried a dangerous edge that made me shiver even from the kitchen. "Should I call her back to hear this?"

"Brandon Stark, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" There was a pause, and I could practically picture Dr. Sean's grin. "Come on,what's really going on here?"

"You tell me. Why are you really here?" I heard movement, and their voices grew clearer as they approached the kitchen area. *Are they really going to continue this conversation right here?* My hands trembled slightly as I focused on stirring the pot,hyper-aware of their presence. "Like I said - celebrating! We were all supposed to get together,but clearly you're not readdy for that yet. If the others can't meet her, I had to at least check things out myself." There was a pause. "Max, sit!" "Are you serious about this?"

"We're legally married. What do you think?" Brandon's response made my heart skip despite its clipped tone.

"Alright, truth time." Dr. Sean's voice grew more serious. "You know how busy I've beenlately, and Max hates the hospital environment."

"You want to leave Max here? You saw how Summer reacted to him." The protective note in Brandon's voice made something warm flutter in my chest.

"Why not leave him with Edward?"

"You think I haven't thought of that? But you know Edward-he only likes his own dogs. I wouldn't be here if I had another option. I have to go to Boston for a medical conference the day after tomorrow."

"No way, Summer doesn't like it."

"Summer, Summer, Summer... Is everything's about Summer?"

I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and peeked around the corner."What's about me?"

Dr.Sean turned those pleading eyes on me. "Summer, I'm desperate here.You wouldn't let Max stay home alone for a week without food or water,would you?" "He needs to be away for a week," Brandon explained, his dark eyes studying my reaction. "If you're comfortable with it, we can watch Max.If not,they'll leave right now." *He's actually asking my opinion instead of just deciding?* The realization made me pause. "I.., don't mind." "Max is super low maintenance!" Dr. Sean jumped in quickly. "Just give him a corner, and if you don't like him around, just keep him at a distance.

1

A sudden burning smell hit my nose. "Oh no.my stew!"

"Summer is... not bad at all." Dr. Sean's appreciation was evident in his tone.

"She's mine." Brandon's casual possessiveness made my cheeks flush.He turned to Dr. Sean. "Now that that's settled, isn't it time for you to leave?"

"Leave? No way! It's been ages since I visited, and it's dinner time! I remember the last time I had your cooking. Summer- it was amazing."

Brandon's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Sean, are you looking for a fight?"