BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS AND A PAST

Chapter 2: Which Kane?

Julia POV

"Miss Hart?"

I'm jolted out of my reverie by Luke's words. I blink and realize that instead of responding to his questions, I've been looking at his office floor.

“Sorry! I, um… what did you say?” I sit up higher in the chair across from him and stammer. My hands are more tightly gripping my portfolio than is required, as if it will help me stay grounded.

Luke Kane, Luke Kane could be Jake's father smiles his effortless, endearing smile and reclines on his leather chair, observing me with curiosity. “I asked what you think you can bring to Kane Enterprises. Are you sure you’re okay? You appear somewhat... distracted."

It's an understatement to say distracted. When my mind is shouting that he could be the one, how could I concentrate? I make an effort to smile as my cheeks begin to flush. "No, I'm all right. I just… I feel a little anxious. Big opportunity, and all that."

He seems to understand, as he nods. "That's reasonable. I also get anxious occasionally."

My eyebrows go up. "You? Anxious? I doubt that somehow."

Luke strokes his immaculately combed blond hair and chuckles quietly. "Hey, you know, I'm a human too." His smile grows, and my heart makes a strange turn.

Julia, stop it. Pay attention.

I begin, clearing my throat, "Well, I'm well-organized, diligent, and I don't give up easily. I am prepared to prove myself, and I believe I can contribute significantly to Kane Enterprises."

Luke responds, his eyes glowing, "Good answer. You seem like the ideal candidate for this position."

I smile back, and my stomach turns uneasy. The words are professional, but there's something off about the way he stares at me. The man from five years ago is on my mind constantly. The mask. The manner of his demeanor. Luke exudes the same charm and effortless assurance. Could it really be him?

Luke sits beside me, his confidence nearly overwhelming, his smile disarming. I clasp my hands together in my lap, trying to maintain composure as my thoughts race.

Leaning back in his chair with his hands clasped behind his head, Luke begins, "So, Julia. What inspired you to join the Kane Enterprises team?"

I suppress a smile as I clear my throat. All right, Julia, pay attention. "All right... Kane Enterprises is a well-known business. I’ve always wanted to work somewhere that pushes me to grow.”

Luke seems amused and raises an eyebrow. "So you have been monitoring us?"

"No! Yeah—well, not like that," I stammer, agitated. Great, now I sound like a stalker. "I simply mean that this business has a fantastic reputation."

Luke shakes his head and laughs. "Calm down, Julia. I am merely making fun of you."

I released a breath I was unaware I had been holding. "All right. I understand. Sorry, I’m just… nervous.”

"You don't have to be," he adds with ease. "I'm not a biter."

His tone is lighthearted, but I get chills from the way he looks at me. My mind instantly returns to the man from the masked party, the way he leaned in close, sure and confident, and the way he smiled. It had to be him?

“So, tell me about your experience,” Luke says, jolting me out of my reverie. You’ve worked temp jobs before this, right?”

"Yeah," I reply hastily, nodding. “Mostly administrative work, filing, scheduling, that kind of thing. I'm well-organized and accustomed to multitasking."

He writes something on the notebook in front of him and responds, "That's good to hear. How about objectives? In five years, where do you see yourself?

I momentarily freeze. Five years? I don’t even know what I’m doing next week. I try to think of something to make myself smile. "All I want is stability. A job where I can grow and provide for my family.”

At that, Luke's face slightly softens. “Family’s important, huh?”

"Yeah," I reply softly, my mind instantly turning to Jake. "It is."

He looks at me for a while, and I move beneath his eyes. He finally remarks, "You're not like most people who come through here," in a calmer tone.

"What do you mean?" With my heart racing, I ask.

Luke shrugs and remarks, "Most people talk about ambition or climbing the ladder. You appear to be... unusual. Like you’re here for something else.”

Unsure of how to react, I glance down. If only he were aware of the reality.

After a moment, he smiles once more and replies, "Well, I like that. We need people with heart around here.”

I try to mirror his smile as I look up at him. “Thank you. I’ll work hard I promise.”

Luke closes the folder in front of him and responds, "I don't doubt it. Julia, you seem determined. I like that.”

I nod, swallowing forcefully as my mind keeps racing. I'd really like to ask him, Do you remember me? Do you remember that night?—but I can't find the right words.

Luke responds, "Let's see how you do," getting to his feet and extending his hand. "Welcome to Kane Enterprises.”

My heart is racing as I look at him. "What do you mean? I got the job?"

Yes. "You start today," he says with a smile. “Think of it as a trial run. You'll be all right if you can make it through your first day."

"Today?" Completely unprepared, I squeak. “But I...”

He walks me to the door and interrupts me, saying, "You'll do great. Let me show you to your office.”

Luke shows me throughout Kane Enterprises' hallways, pointing out key locations such as the meeting rooms, the break room, and cafes. I try to focus, but it’s hard. I feel like I melt a little more every time he gives me that effortless smile or cracks a small joke.

Luke stops in front of a small but tidy cubicle and says, "And here's your office. Not the most glamorous space, but it’s yours.”

I smile, nervous and excited at the same time. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”

"All right. Luke leans comfortably against the wall and adds, "My office is just down the hall if you need anything. Don't hesitate to come look for me."

"You got it," I respond, my cheeks getting pink.

He smiles at me one final time and leaves me alone, returning to his office. I let my belongings fall onto the chair and inhale deeply. This is it. My new beginning.

With activities, the day goes by quickly. I dive right in, anxious to prove that I deserve this job, even if there is a lot to learn about emails, files, and reports. I'm tired by the time the clock strikes five o'clock, but I'm also pleased of myself for getting through the day.

I look down the hall toward Luke's office as I gather my belongings. This is the moment. I’ve been waiting all day to talk to him. To ask about his memories of that evening. To tell him about Jake.

As I make my way to his office and practice my next words, my heart is pounding. Hey, do you remember that masked party five years ago? Because I think… I believe you are my son's father.

I approach his door with shaky hands and a hard swallow. The door opens just as I lift my hand to knock.

I go cold.

Standing tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a sharp suit that seems like it costs more than my rent, a man emerges. His blue eyes pierce me like lasers, and his dark hair is groomed to perfection.

He hardly looks at me as he enters the corridor and yells, "Watch where you're going."

I stagger back, agitated. “Oh...I’m sorry, I...”

Luke's voice calls out from behind him, "Andrew. Stop being so theatrical. It was an accident.”

Andrew?

My gaze flickers between Luke, who is standing in his office doorway grinning as he usually does, and Andrew, the new guy, who is gazing at me as if I've just ruined his day.

“Julia, this is my brother, Andrew Kane,” Luke says, motioning toward him. "This is Julia Hart, Andrew. She only began today."

I look at them while my mind becomes blank. Brother?

Andrew Kane's cold, blue eyes dart back to me. “Try not to cause any more accidents,” he mutters before walking off down the hall without another word.

I stay put. I can’t move.

Luke gives me an apologetic smile. "Don't worry about him. He is intense."

“Your brother?” I'm able to choke out.

Luke replies, "Yeah," with a somewhat amused expression. “You’ll get used to him.”

But my head is racing, so I don't hear the remainder of what he says.

Kane had a brother?

Andrew possessed the self-assurance, sharpness, and strength I recall from that evening. Luke, however, had the warmth, the easy smile, and the charm.

I look at Luke, unable to speak.

I have no idea which Kane was at the party that night.