Balancing Act Read Online Free Page A

the elevators, he strode toward her. Tessa glanced at him, finding him a less vibrant version of his brother. Though they were almost the same size, his eyes were hazel rather than the gold of Seth’s, and his hair was darker, as if his blond was attributable to the sun rather than heredity.
    “I was going out to grab some lunch. Want to come with me?” His voice was pleasant, not the bark of his elder brother.
    Tessa smiled. “I don’t think that would be a good idea, Mr. Barrett.”
    His brows lifted. “Afraid of what others will think? Or afraid Mr. Cantankerous will bite your head off?”
    Tessa arched a brow in return. “Neither. I just see no need to wave the red cape in front of any of the bulls in this building.”
    Brandon grinned, then broke into a full-fledged laugh. “You are so exactly what my brother needs. Please don’t leave. Now, all kidding aside, I’m running down to the deli on the corner. Can I get you anything?”
    “A chef salad would be great.” She started to reach for her purse.
    “My treat. Call it a reward for putting up with Seth.” With a wave of his hand, he turned for the elevator. “Be right back.”
    * * * *
    By Friday, she was feeling much more secure in her office space. She had finished setting up workable systems and getting things organized when her personal line rang late in the day.
    “Good afternoon. Tessa Edwards here.”
    “Tessa. I’m glad I caught you.” It was her attorney. “The judge moved the custody hearing up. I at least got them to give me a time Monday afternoon. Can you make that?”
    Tessa’s hand trembled. She had to catch her breath before she responded, “Yes. I’ll be there. What time?”
    “One PM.”
    Seth had rescheduled his supplier for that time and she knew he would want her in on the meeting, but this was more important. She would just have to convince Seth of that. After all, she didn’t have much choice, and she was not going to be the one making waves about the timing of the court date.
    She arrived extra early Monday morning. Even so, he was already in the office. Sometimes Tessa wondered if he lived there. She knew he kept extra dress shirts and ties in his coat closet. She’d seen that one day over lunch when the dry cleaner showed up with laundered shirts to put there. She brought him a cup of coffee, but instead of leaving after setting it down like she did other mornings, Tessa stood in front of his desk.
    Seth was working at his computer. He had a habit of hyper-concentrating like Zach. A bomb could go off around her brother when he was absorbed in something. Seth appeared to be no different. He grabbed the coffee, his mind still elsewhere, and that’s when he noticed her.
    “What?” he barked. She’d already begun to realize some of his tone was sheer reaction to having his concentration broken.
    Tessa kept tight control over her nervousness. She had yet to ask him for anything.
    “I need to leave at lunchtime today.”
    Seth regarded her out of hooded eyes. “You’re free to do as you please with your lunch hour.”
    Tessa shifted. “I’m sorry. I expressed myself badly. I mean I will need to leave for the day.”
    “You know I’ve got that one o’clock that I canceled last week, and I need you to take notes. It will have to wait.” A note of impatience threaded through his voice.
    Tessa felt like a child being raked over the coals, but outside she was as cool and composed as ever.
    “It’s a personal matter, sir. It came up without much warning. I have to go to court. It’s a custody hearing for my little brother.”
    Seth leaned back in his chair and crossed one long, elegant leg over the other as he regarded her. “You currently have custody?”
    “Yes.”
    “Who wants him?”
    Tessa raised one eyebrow at him, but somehow she knew she shouldn’t be surprised he asked such a personal question. If he wanted information, he wouldn’t let the fact he might be prying get in the way.
    “Aunt Kathleen and