Chapter 1

“Is Galactic Warriors ready for a Christmas Eve release?”

Bronx Corona sat in his brother’s office reclining against the god awful modern red office chair, leg crossed over his knee as he stared out at the sliver of Sierra Nevada mountains visible from there. With a sigh, he answered. “Yeah, the final testing stages are complete. We’re doing a Turkey Day competition to work out any kinks or bugs,” he held up his hands before his twin could protest. “It’s not mandatory but most of our employees aren’t from here so this is a way to earn some money and get their grub on if they can’t go home.”

Brooks paused, then smiled in surprise. “That’s thoughtful of you.”

“Yeah, I’m a regular damn do-gooder,” he groaned and squirmed uncomfortably.

“You are, Bronx,” he shook his head. “It’s really too damn bad you can’t see it.”

Bronx sighed because it was a familiar refrain with his twin. At least it had been since they were reunited at age eighteen after spending eight years apart thanks to the fuck-ups in social services. They’d lost their mom when they were eleven and the state hadn’t seen fit to keep them together. Brooks had gone to a decent family but Bronx had been in a handful of shit shows before he landed in a group home, where he stayed until he aged out of the system. “As long as I have you I don’t have to,” he grinned, revealing his own dimpled smile.

Brooks shook his head, perfectly coifed brown wavesdidn’t dare move an inch to mess up his perfect hair. “How’s the game looking?”

“You don’t know?” That was a shock because Brooks made sure to know about everything that happened at their company, whether it was a video game, software application, or their top secret government contracts.

“I’ve seen the game, but I want your opinion as the resident gaming expert.”

“It’s damn good,” he answered, simply. “The graphics are the best on the market and the multi-verse options give us maps, gear and other shit to increase profits.”

Brooks jotted a few things down on the notepad he kept, despite the tablet right in front of him. “Excellent. The new accounting software is doing better than we anticipated, so we’ll end the year with huge profit.”

“Good.” He still found it hard to believe they were here now, after all they’d been through. A substantial inheritance the state had tried to keep from them had provided the seed money for their company, B&B Solutions, which had quickly catapulted them from poor orphans to billionaires. “That means we owe the team another party.”

“I suppose you’re right. They seem to increase productivity after your thank you parties,” he said with a reluctant smile. “I’ll have Nola put together meals for Thanksgiving and start planning the next party.Mid-January work for you?”

Bronx nodded. “I have my own assistant, you know.” Besides, he wasn’t ready to have to deal with Nola so closely. They’d kept their distance in the weeks since their passionate night after the Halloween party, but he’d prepared himself for the worst tear-filled messages, an angry outburst, an unannounced trip to his home. But none of that had happened. Nola hadn’t sought him out and barely acknowledged his existence during staff meetings.

“Everyone complains when Gabriela handles the food. She always orders rabbit food when our guys want food with substance. And cheese. And bacon. Just let Nola handle it and your assistant can take all the credit.” Before Bronx could object, his brother had picked up the phone and mumbled a few words which brought his assistant into the room, looking capable and sexy. And sweet, dammit.

“What do you need, Brooks?” She addressed his brother, not bothering to look at Bronx but knowing he was there all the same. Her thick, honey blonde hair was tied in a loose ponytail, lips a perfect shade of pink to highlight their plump poutiness and just a touch of makeup to enhance her delicate features. But Bronx’s favorite part was the sexy little professional dresses she wore that couldn’t help but hug her curves. Curves his hands knew all too well.

Brooks explained about the upcoming holiday tournament. “I think we should do a traditional meal and then snacks to last the rest of the day.”

She nodded her agreement. “I know just the place, and they provide the best fixings for Thanksgiving leftovers,” she beamed a smile at Brooks. “Where will the tournament take place?”

Bronx felt his annoyance rise at how easy it was for her to ignore him. “Fifth floor media room,” he bit out, angrily.

Finally, that jade gaze slid to him, cold enough to freeze him on the spot. “Got it. Anything else?”

“I think that’s it. Just be sure to send the details to Gabriela,” Brooks instructed.

“Will do,” she said and left the office as efficiently as she’d entered.

His brother frowned at him. “Have you noticed anything different about Nola?”

Bronx froze. “No, why would I?”

“Yeah, she’s not exactly your type, is she?” Brooks huffed out a laugh, shaking his head.

“What in the hell does that mean?” For one night she’d been exactly his type.

Brooks held his palms forward. “It means she’s too smart, too natural for your tastes.”

“Careful, brother, you’re starting to offend me.”

Brooks only laughed. “Oh come on, you know it’s true. And that’s perfect. The last thing I need is to have the best assistant I ever had quit because you broke her heart. I just wondered if you noticed she seems…sad, I guess. All the time.”

Hell. What was he supposed to say to that? “Nope. I haven’t noticed anything.” I might go to hell, but I refuse to tell Brooks what I’ve done.

* * *

Nola knew it was coming, had known for a few weeks that Brooks had been gearing up to say something to her. He’d invited her to lunch at their favorite burger joint, which meant what he had to say was either really good or really bad. “What’s on your mind, Brooks?”

He flashed that one dimpled smile that she’d seen countless women swoon over but he never seemed to notice. “Am I that transparent?”

“Well, it is my job to know what you want or need before you do.” And she did her job better than anyone else. “So, spill it.”

He sipped his sparkling water, set the glass down carefully and wiped away the circle of condensation before he looked at her again. “You’d tell me if something were wrong, wouldn’t you?”

He looked so concerned her whole demeanor immediately softened. “If something were wrong, I would.”

“You’re so damn sad all the time, Nola, it breaks my heart.”

Mine, too. “I am sad, Brooks. My Grammie is gone and I’m all alone and it feels like it.” She had a hard time remembering she had no one to call at the end of each day. No one to share silly work stories with or a thick slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.

His smile flashed, sardonic and far away. “Some days I forget Mom isn’t going to call or walk through the door. When our first game became a best seller, I picked up the phone to call her and then cried like a baby.”

“What about your foster parents?” He never spoke about them though she knew he stopped by once a week for dinner because she kept his calendar.

“They wanted me to get a real job. Still see this as a hobby or something.”

“Lucrative hobby,” she shot back.

“No kidding.” He grinned at the waitress who brought their orders and the woman nearly tipped the basket of fries into Nola’s lap. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” she cooed before walking away with a huge swing in her hips.

“Jeez, Brooks, you’re like catnip for these women.”

He frowned in confusion but chose to ignore the comment. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Hell, no. I slept with your brother and I want to do it again, but he’s already forgotten about me and our night together. “I will be, Brooks. Thanks for caring.”

He nodded. “So are you going to be at the tournament?”

“No.” She planned to come in early to set up but she would be long gone before anyone showed up. Hopefully.

“What will you do for the holiday?”

She shrugged. “I’ll find a way to keep busy, Brooks, don’t worry.”

“Can’t help it,” he said and took a big bite of his burger.

“You’re a good friend.” The truth was he was her only friend since she’d spent the past few years finishing school and taking care of Grammie, then working and spending her evenings with the old woman. Now though, she knew she owed it to her grandma to get out there and live her life. To explore her new hometown and make a few friends.

“I’m glad you think so,” he told her, seemingly surprised by her words.

Nola smiled. She would also find the perfect woman for her friend. “I really do, Brooks.”

“Good,” his grin widened. “Now you can tell me what’s going on with you and my brother.”

Ah, hell.