The Return Home

Chapter Eight

Grey stood from his desk and put his hand on Colin's shoulder. "Bianca could use someone like you to look out for her. We've been trying to figure out how get Jagger to stay away from her."

"Why is he so obsessed with her? He could have any woman he wants." Colin was tapping his fingers on the edge of the arms of the chair he was sitting in. His jaw tightened.

'"People want what they can't have. Bianca broke up with him. No one had ever dared to say no to a Winthrop, before her." Grey got straight to the point. "Jagger is Philip Winthrop's bratty son. The Winthrop's are old money and Winthrop Oil is our biggest competition. Greyson mentioned. "Philip looks down on me, because I'm not my father. He has in his mind that I'm incapable of elevating Carrington Enterprises to the next level. I'm determined to make this company everything my father wanted it to be and more." Grey clasped his hands behind his back, looking out of the window.

Colton knocked and entered Grey's office. "I didn't know you were busy." He eyed Colin. "I wanted to go over some financial statements with you." He plopped a ledger on the desk.

"I was telling Colin about his job working in the engineering department with Brody." Grey addresses Colton.

"Hi Colton." Colin waved.

He nodded. "Hey, Colin."

Colin noticed that Colton had nothing else to say to him before he left the office, shutting the door behind him.

"What's up with Colton? He's definitely not a fan of mine."

Grey gave a dismissive wave and massaged his temples. "Don't worry about him. He adjusting to our new family dynamics."

"Gotcha," Colin nodded.

Grey picked up the subject where they left off. "Jagger's family is well connected. You'll be seeing more of him and I'm sure you two will be chatting again. My momma has planned a dinner party to introduce you into Dallas society. It's this Saturday at Carrington Ranch. The Winthrop's are on the guest list. They are an important family in Dallas. My momma doesn't snub anyone," Grey complained. "Oh. . .by the way, it's black tie."

"Are you serious?" Colin sulked like a little boy, not wanting to get dressed up in a tux. He didn't own formal wear. He was sure Aunt Ava already had that covered.

"We're all spending the night at the ranch with our families. Momma added Bianca as a guest, after I told her she was giving you a tour today. She is going to ask her to spend the night. She would like her to join us for our traditional Carrington family breakfast on Sunday." Grey explained and hummed, Here Cones The Bride. He passed by chortling. Colin was ready to trip him.

"It will be fine—we'll all be there. And we'll have a nice day together as a family. . . with Bianca." He covered his laugh with his hand and a cough.

Colin smirked. "I'm happy I could provide comedy relief."

Bianca couldn't understand why she was disappointed Colin hadn't shown up yet. His meeting with Grey ran longer than she expected. She was surprised by his reaction after their encounter with Jagger. Maybe he could get Jagger to leave her alone. Colin may be new to the family, but he displayed so many gallant Carrington characteristics. She kept watching the quiet sweeping hands on the clock in her office, touched by his sincerity.

She busied herself filing paperwork, hoping he would knock on her door. Not trusting the clock, she looked at her watch. "Face it Bianca, he was being nice. He's not showing up this late," she spoke in a sigh. She snatched her suit jacket off the back of her chair, turned the lights off, and headed home.

As she entered her apartment, her cellphone rang. 'Hey, it's Colin."

"Hey."

"Grey gave me your cellphone number. I wanted to apologize, our meeting ran overtime."

"It's no problem. I wasn't sure if you were going to still be able to stop by my office."

"I had intended to."

"So you are a man of your word," she snuck that in.

"I try to be."

"I'm sorry I compared you to Jagger. I see now, that you are total opposites."

"Good. I'm happy to hear that." He had a smile in his voice.

"Colin, can we postpone our tour until next week?" She gave no explanation.

"Sure, I'm supposed to meet with Brody tomorrow. I'm starting my first day in the engineering department. I called to make sure you're alright."

"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern," her breath hitched. "I just got home and was going to make myself dinner. Have a good night." She was hurrying off the phone.

"Wait," he stopped her. "I don't normally meddle in other people's lives, but do you mind telling me what happened with you and Jagger. I became curious after meeting him today. If you don't want to talk about it, I totally understand."

She exhaled. "Since you were part of the Jagger experience today, I guess I can share my story with you—in confidence, of course," she made it sound like a theme park ride—the Jagger experience.

"My lips are sealed."

"Are you with anyone, who can hear our conversation?" She asked.

"I'm alone. I'm driving home—I have you on Bluetooth."

"It's a long story, but I'll give you the short version," her voice softened. Something about Colin made her feel like she could trust him. She kicked off her navy blue shoes and settled on the sofa with her feet tucked underneath her. She began to expound on her past relationship with Jagger Winthrop.

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                      Author's Note - I hope you are enjoying the story so far!