I slumped in my seat.
“You’re doing the right thing.”
I wasn’t sure of that, but it was too late to turn back now. “Go to Teague’s.”
He switched lanes and flipped on a turn signal. “Totally your call, but you should tell them about . . .” Ever so gently he swiped his finger along my jaw.
It was as if it were too painful for him to speak about what Alex had done to me.
“They’ll kill him.”
“No, I’m going to.”
I jerked my head toward him. He sounded serious. And while I wouldn’t mind a lot of bodily harm coming to Alex, I didn’t want Cal to suffer the consequences. Without a shadow of doubt, my father would go after everything to do with Cal’s family. They’d be destroyed.
“Cal . . .”
He gripped the steering wheel. “Don’t call me that.”
“Everyone else does.”
He stopped at a light, his gaze intense when he looked at me. “And you’re not everyone else.”
We were back at that first time we met, when we’d said those words to each other. They were true then and they were true now. Except he wasn’t just anyone either. Something in me had recognized that before my brain had. Because he was Garrett. My Garrett.
“I’m not telling them we’re married.”
His jaw worked. “Your show. How are you gonna explain why I’m with you?”
I swallowed hard. “We’re . . . together?” Why was that so hard to get out? He was my husband. It didn’t get more together than that.
But he wasn’t mine.
And why hadn’t I told him I was talking to my brothers alone?
Because you want him there.
I did.
I wasn’t afraid to face my brothers. They loved me no matter how many mistakes I made. But Cal had seen me through these past difficult weeks. Maybe they didn’t need to know the extent, but he deserved credit.
And it would be nice to have someone behind me.
He was confident in everything he did. Even driving the truck, he was in command, always knew what to do. Was that what had always drawn me to him?
Often, I felt reckless. Like I was spiraling out of control. Like nothing was my decision.
When I was with Cal, I didn’t worry about anything . . . except getting hurt again.
“Why haven’t you moved on?” I asked quietly.
I thought I knew why I hadn’t. I didn’t want to go through the pain again. Not to mention, he still had pieces of my heart. But I was beginning to wonder if it was more than risking my feelings again. If it was because no one else was Cal.
“Moved on?” His brow furrowed.
“Why aren’t you married with a nagging wife and a brood of kids?” It hurt to say the words. To think about him with another life. But family meant everything to him. He thrived on it.
He stared straight ahead. “Who was I gonna move on to? There is no one better than you.”
Chapter Seven
Cal
I had nothing to lose but her.
I was supposed to keep my distance. Supposed to pretend like I didn’t care so she could have the best in life. Live how she wanted to.
What I wanted wasn’t important.
She came first. Always had.
And she deserved a hell of a lot more than a man like me.
But she was mine for however long that might be.
Apparently, my head had forgotten I was supposed to hold back. Admitting there was no one better than Beau? Something in me wanted her to know I felt that way. That she was more than good enough for me. Too good for me. And I hated I’d ever made her feel anything less than that.
We stood in opposite corners of the opulent elevator.
This was her world. Filled with gold and jewels and more money than would fit in a Brinks truck.
I was jeans and T-shirts and broke.
I had nothing to give her other than my unwavering support.
She fiddled with that damn necklace.
She needs you, Cal. Not your distance.
I’d made a vow to her. Even if it was temporary, it meant something to me.
I stretched out my arm. She looked at it warily, with vulnerability I didn’t like. I preferred her confidence. I hated anything or anyone that made her doubt herself.
Instead of taking my hand, she slid against me, molding her body to my side. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed the top of her head, praying I could take away some of her worry.
There was a time not so long ago, maybe even a few hours ago, she wouldn’t have let me hold her on the principle of it. I couldn’t believe her warmth was against me now.
While I wasn’t particularly looking forward to a showdown with her brothers, I drew strength from her. Would it be enough when she went back to London and left me behind?
Focus on the here and now.
It was selfish, but I would. There was a shitstorm outside of this elevator, but for one brief moment, we had calm. And I’d take it.
There was a polite chime and the elevator slowed to a smooth stop. The doors slid back, revealing a foyer that probably cost more than Ma’s house.
Beau untucked herself from my side, and I immediately felt the loss. She curled her fingers around my bicep and led us toward massive double doors to what I assumed was an apartment.
They both flew open and a woman with dark hair grabbed both of our hands, dragging us inside.
I stumbled forward. This wasn’t the greeting I expected. I thought rich people were supposed to be stuffy and formal.
“Beau.” The woman pulled her in for a bear hug. “Should’ve known I could count on you to bring lots of gorgeous men to our apartment.”
My face got hot.
Beau snickered. “I’m good for something,” she said lightly. How did she manage to put on a brave face with so much chaos going on? “Vivian, this is Garrett Calhoun. Cal, this is Vivian Elliott.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said awkwardly.
“Likewise.” She motioned us forward. “Come on. They’re all in Daniel’s study.”
I tried to keep my wide-eyed stare to a minimum, but this place was . . . crazy nice.
“I’m not going to hold it against you that you haven’t been by to see us.” Vivian winked at Beau. “Looks like you’ve been occupied. But now, neither of you have an excuse not to come over for dinner.”
What?
I didn’t know this woman, but she was already extending an invite? I didn’t belong in their world. But she had on an old pair of holey jeans, a faded sweatshirt, and ballet shoes. She hadn’t even balked at my worn boots on her expensive floors.
“What is he doing here?” Teague thrust his finger in my direction. Not so long ago, I would’ve gotten a much friendlier greeting. Yeah, that stung. But it was more expected than Vivian’s warm welcome.
Beau breezed into the study as if she’d been there a million times before. She kissed both cheeks of a man I didn’t know. He towered over her and reminded me a lot of Lincoln.
“Daniel, thank you for letting us invade your home on such short notice.” She gave him a warm smile.
“You’re always welcome.”
“Except I think I’m close to pissing off that one for not coming over for dinner.” She pointed her head in Vivian’s direction.