With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4

couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t do this. He hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but he couldn’t hide who he was. It just wasn’t in him.
    Where did that leave them? Aubrey had never said anything about Matt pretending to be straight too.
    “Are you listenin’ to me? It’s a damned good thang Ashley’s Tee’s sister and can be trusted to keep
    her mouth shut.”
    Matt nodded, not even knowing what he was nodding for. Tears prickled the backs of his eyes, and he
    bit his lip to keep it from trembling. His whole world had come crashing down around him. Not only was
    Aubrey furious with him, madder than Matt had ever seen him, but he wanted Matt to be something he
    wasn’t. It was one thing not to let everyone know they were mates. It wasn’t actually lying unless someone asked outright, and no one would. But this was lying, plain and simple. He didn’t know if he could do that.

    Matt hadn’t looked him in the eye since they left the limo. That was three hours ago. The evening
    should’ve been flawless. The ballroom was a showcase for The Buchanan with its crystal chandeliers and
    Brazilian cherry wood floor. The band was good, the hors d’oeuvres and champagne were top quality. Best of all, he was positive he’d persuaded several board members and shareholders to his way of thinking. But it all paled in comparison to enjoying Matt’s company. Instead he was left remembering the crestfallen look on Matt’s face.
    Damn Matt anyway . Aubrey took another drink of champagne and tried to concentrate on what his
    chief financial officer was saying.
    Across the room Matt laughed. Even if the wolf senses that proclaimed them mates hadn’t honed in
    on Matt, his rich scent and joyous sound would’ve captured Aubrey’s attention.
    Matt and Ashley had their heads together as they walked toward the ballroom entrance, obviously
    enjoying the evening. God almighty, he was gorgeous, especially when he laughed. His whole personality
    came bubbling to the surface. There wasn’t a soul around more down to earth and genuinely friendly, and most of the partygoers had figured that out as well. Every time Aubrey looked up, Matt had a crowd around him. It was hard to believe Matt could be so shy at times and even harder to remain irritated at him.
    “Reynolds, I like your ideas for the chain, but Boskie brought up a good point the other day. For only
    a little more we could open another hotel,” Geoff Smithly, one of the minor shareholders, said.
    Tearing his gaze from his mate, Aubrey turned his attention back to the group of men whose support
    he was trying to gain. Damn Boskie’s hide. “Very true, but right now the hotels aren’t taking in as much with this recession. By renovating we’re trying to attract new customers to all the hotels, not just a new one.”
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    With Abandon
    Katchum nodded. “I agree. At first I had my doubts because of the cost, but the improvements are
    way overdue. The coffee bar idea Aubrey sent out the other day is a stroke of genius. Not only do we have the potential to draw more staying customers, but passersby as well. The restaurant and bar currently makes up thirty-six percent of our profit. I think the coffee bar will up that number.”
    Aubrey barely suppressed gaping like a fish. When had Ralph Katchum done this one eighty? He
    cuffed Ralph on the back and nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”
    Over Smithly’s right shoulder, Matt shook hands with some man Aubrey didn’t know. Did that old
    man just check Matt out? Or was he looking at Ashley? He definitely held on to Matt’s hand longer than
    necessary.
    Damn it, he was doing it again. He’d been right in reprimanding Matt. He hated that Matt had gotten
    so upset, but it didn’t change the fact that Matt was in the wrong.
    “I hadn’t thought of that. I’d love to see the numbers,” another shareholder added.
    Aubrey reined in his wandering thoughts. “I believe the report is going out early next week.” Aubrey
    made a mental note to check on the latest reports. Boskie was usually on top of them, but with his attitude lately, Aubrey didn’t trust him any farther than he could throw him. Speaking of Boskie… Sipping from his glass, Aubrey glanced around the ballroom. This was the perfect opportunity to corner him and get some
    answers over his resistance to the renovation proposals. Boskie wouldn’t dare cause a scene here. Where the heck was he? Aubrey sniffed the air covertly.
    Tee