Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon) Read Free Page A

judgment on Trip’s lifestyle.
    “Silence isn’t exactly the warm response a father wants from his son.” His father’s voice jerked him out of his daze. Just like that, guilt seized Trip’s shoulders, tugging them back.
    “Sure, Dad. I’ll introduce you.”
    A defeated sigh came through the other end of the phone. “One of these days we need to have a heart-to-heart, Gunner. I realize our family isn’t picture-perfect, but I’ve been there for you since your mom died.”
    For the first decade of Trip’s life, his mother and her father—his beloved Poppy—had raised him. But when his mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she’d introduced Trip and his father to each other. Trip’s dad spent the ensuing months convincing his mom and her father that he could better provide for Trip’s future than Poppy could. But when Trip had finally been taken from Poppy’s home just two weeks after his mom died, Deb’s resentment had made it impossible to openly grieve his losses.
    As a man, Trip understood why Deb had disliked having a constant reminder of her husband’s infidelity staring her in the face each day. But as a boy, it had been brutal. At first, Trip had been eager to meet his older brother. Unfortunately, Mason turned out to be an entitled, self-centered brat who despised sharing his father. Trip suffered through almost five years of torment before Mason went off to college.
    His father continued, “Don’t you think it’s time everyone made peace with our situation?”
    Trip pinched the bridge of his nose and inhaled slowly. “No one’s fighting, Dad. I just don’t live in Denver or work for the family business. I’m pretty sure Deb and Mason are happier without me in the picture, too.”
    He imagined his dad waving his hand dismissively, scowling.
    “Dammit, son. You and Mason are brothers. It’s time you two talked, man to man. Don’t think I haven’t spoken to Mason about all this, too. Meanwhile, I’m not getting any younger. And Mason’s been having a tough time since Jen filed for divorce. He could use a brother.”
    Trip pounded a fist against his breastbone, trying to break up the ball of acid burning through his esophagus. “Mason may be my half brother, but I doubt he wants to confide in me. He’d probably take out his best Remington and shoot you if he knew you just shared that tidbit about Jen. So can we not argue about him right now? Let’s focus on why I called, and deal with the rest some other time. I really need you to release the funds before I lose this opportunity.”
    While Trip had no sympathy for Mason, he didn’t feel very proud of disappointing his father. Every fiber of his being resisted being hog-tied by guilt, but those ropes were chafing him anyhow. Dammit, he knew there’d be a steep price to pay for tapping into his trust fund.
    “Send me the financials so I can give them a look and make sure you’re not getting ripped off. If everything is in order, I’ll wire the funds by the end of the week.”
    “Thanks.” Relief trickled through Trip, easing the muscles in his back. “I’ll email the most recent statements. Call me if you have other questions . . . ,” he paused, “or if you decide to come to town.”
    “Gunner, think about what I’ve said. If you and your brother can’t solve your own problems, you’re going to force me to find a way.”
    “I hear you.” Trip hung up and tossed the phone on the desk. He blew out a deep breath, clasped his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes.
    Their dad had tried and failed to negotiate peace in the past, and Trip remained certain they were all better off apart. If only he could squash that tiny voice inside that whispered about owing his dad more attention and respect.
    Grey walked back through the door and went straight to his center desk drawer. “Got all the way there before I realized I forgot my wallet.” He then looked at Trip, eyes narrowed. “You look like you’re about to barf.