The Second Chance

Conrad Steele leaned forward, deep blue eyes a stark contrast to his thick salt-and-pepper hair. In his deadpan way, no emotions entering his expression, Conrad asked, “How’re things with Shana?”

“Still no recollection of the past. But we’re settling into a new routine.” One full of desire that left Chuck aching. He wouldn’t mention that. “I appreciate your accommodating my working from home.”

Broderick nodded, brow tense as he leaned forward, too, setting a pen down on the dark wood conference table. “If you need time off, just say the word.”

Chuck barked a laugh. Time off was the furthest thing from his mind. “Last time I took a month for personal reasons, my brother threatened to break my legs.”

Conrad smiled tightly. “Trystan handled himself well with the press and at the fund-raiser.”

Trystan was the younger Mikkelson brother, who had been adopted by Jeannie and her first husband after his mother, Jeannie’s sister, had become addicted to drugs. He was as much a part of the family as all the other Mikkelson siblings.

“Other than punching the paparazzi.” Broderick shot his uncle a look.

The older man shrugged. “Some would say the situation warranted a fist to the face.”

Grinning, Chuck said, “And some would say you’re siding with my brother to cause trouble.”

Conrad steepled his fingers along his nose. “Trust between our families isn’t going to happen in a day.”

Hell yeah on that point. “Especially when people like Milla Jones are throwing around accusations about my family.”