My eyebrows hit my forehead.
Christ.
Words fail me.
Her eyes are downcast and she’s fumbling nervously with her hands.
Her tragic confession weighs heavy in the room.
After a few long seconds, she speaks again. “It was horrible. I had never experienced slashing pain like that. Aurora had always been there. Then she was gone. Forever.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss.”
She responds with a small nod as she fights more tears. “As I was dealing with this tragedy, Dalton reminded me of his political agenda.”
“What?” I’m dumbfounded. “The dipshit chose that moment in your life to talk politics?”
“They were his words, but I know they came from his mother. His breakup speech had her signature all over it.”
“What a piece of work.”
“You have no idea. My parents saw red when I told them. Right after the funeral, Dalton pulled me aside and declared he would give me some space. When I told him I needed him now more than ever, he showed his true colors.”
“What did the asshole say?”
“Scandals and the presidency don’t go hand-in-hand. He had his eyes on the prize and he couldn’t afford to be associated with me.”
“What a heartless pig,” I spit out. “The same goes for his mother.”
“Dad, who never advocates violence, wanted to strangle Dalton.”
“I don’t blame him.”
Everly lets out another long sigh. “The drama that plagued my family was only part of the reason why he broke it off. Three weeks after we laid Aurora to rest, I was aimlessly combing the streets of Boston after work hoping each step would numb my pain when I bumped into Dalton holding hands with someone I knew very well.”
“Who was it?”
“Adrienne Lambert, aka, my best friend.”
“Jesus Christ,” I mutter under my breath.
“Suddenly, everything made sense. She had been distant for a while. She wasn’t busy with work. She was busy stealing my boyfriend.”
“Dalton doesn’t have balls,” I say, “and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no excuse for a best friend’s betrayal.”
“He wasn’t the love of my life, but he hurt me. As for Adrienne, her duplicity gutted me. We’d been friends since high school and she pulled a fast one. Still, I didn’t dive into a bottle of vodka and drink myself into tomorrow because I was dealing with even more debilitating pain surrounding my sister.”
“There’s more?”
She nods. “It took a while for the autopsy report to be completed. Just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, we found out Aurora was pregnant. So in essence, we lost two family members on that fatal night.”
My blood runs cold.
I can’t imagine anyone going through that.
What do you say to erase so much pain?
“It was all over the news. I couldn’t handle any of it. Everyone in our entourage was talking about it. Some people were looking at us sideways as if we had a disease.”
For a few long seconds, neither of us speaks.
“I was quickly sliding down a spiral of depression,” she continues. “Mom declared she wasn’t about to lose another child, so she sent me to my aunt in LA to heal. Six months after I arrived, Aunt Leslie passed away.”
“I’m so sorry, precious.”
She bursts out crying.
I jump to my feet, circle the table and grab her in my arms. A flood of tears erupts, interrupted by a series of hiccups. She’s shaking so hard. I pull her closer to me and hold her tight inside my embrace, dropping soft kisses against her cheek. I may not have the right words to ease her suffering, but I can hold her like this for as long as it takes.
CHAPTER 22
Everly
“Everly?” Callum’s voice snaps me back to reality.
“Oh, sorry. You were saying?”
“I called out your name three times. Are you okay?” he asks.
“I am,” I lie.
“Is that why you left the front shop ten minutes ago to grab some more donuts and never came back?”
Guilty as charged.
I’ve been standing here just staring outside.
“Are you keeping tabs on me?”
“We both know I am… especially when I feel something is up.”
“You’re way too overprotective,” I scold gently.
“Does this have to do with the rock star? Because if it does, I won’t hesitate to tell him off.” And he would. “I don’t give a fuck how many albums he sold. He hurts you, he deals with me.”
I shake my head. “No. Not at all. He was over at my place last night––”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. That’s already more than I need to know.” Callum’s freaked out expression makes me laugh.
“You want me to answer you or not?”
“All right. I’m listening.”
I let out a long, heavy sigh. “I opened up about Aurora.”
“Oh, shit.”
“Yeah. All those bad memories came flooding back and I had a lousy night’s sleep and woke up with a sad heart.”
“Why didn’t you take the day off?” Callum asks.
“I’m lucky to have you here manning the fort when I can’t. I’m not about to push my luck.”
“Aurora isn’t just a passing discomfort, Everly. You’ve barely talked about her since you landed in LA.”
“You’re right. For the past two and a half years, I’ve hidden that part of me to the outside world. I was unwilling to relive the worst episode of my life.”
“With reason. The rock star must be something else if you were willing to go there.”
“I felt safe sharing the depth of my pain with Holt. I didn’t expect him to react the way he did.”
“What do you mean?” Callum’s defenses are already up.
“Calm down. He held me in his arms until I stopped crying. I don’t know how long it was, but he patiently waited for me to regain my composure. Only when he was certain I was okay, did he leave.”
“I’m starting to really like this guy,” my cousin nods. “What a departure from that imbecile.”
“I couldn’t have said it better. Dalton ran away like a spineless coward hiding under his mother’s skirt and using a bullshit excuse to dismiss me.”
“As if he’d be the first president to ascend to power––if the idiot ever gets elected––with a blemished past,” Callum sneers.
“Right? Holt stepped up and showed compassion. Something Dalton couldn’t even spell with the help of Google and a good old-fashioned dictionary. Holt is a man. Dalton? He has a lot to learn.”
“Speaking of the rock star, he’s out there waiting for you.”
“Holt?”
“Yeah.”
“And it’s only now you tell me?”
“You should’ve seen your face, Everly. I was treading carefully. I didn’t know if Holt was the culprit. Now that I know I don’t have to throw him out, I’m telling you.”
I shake my head. “I’d ring your neck if I didn’t think I was the luckiest person in the world to have you watching my back like this.”
“So you like him?”
“Oh, stop it,” I say, walking past him.
“Just admit it,” he shouts over my shoulder.
I wave him off.
When I enter the shop, it’s bursting with even more clients than a few minutes ago. Wow. What a busy Saturday morning. Since I already have two girls working the cash, I can focus my attention on Holt. I spot the very tall and handsome man immediately. When our eyes meet, I return his wide smile. It’s only when he approaches the counter, I notice he isn’t alone.
“Good morning,” he says.
“Good morning. I didn’t expect to see you today.”
I brush a strand of hair behind my ear, suddenly aware I’ve made no effort today.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“You drove all th
e way out here just for me?”
“A special trip for a special girl.”
“I’m touched.”
He offers a sympathetic smile. “I could’ve sent a text or called, but that wasn’t good enough for me.”
My cheeks flame up. “You’re the sweetest man.”
He leans over the counter. He’s so tall his lips flirt with my earlobe. “That was some heavy and emotional stuff last night. It looks like it weighed on you throughout the night. You’re still as beautiful as ever, but you look a little tired.”
I bite on my lower lip, relishing the compliment.
“I can’t pull the wool over your eyes,” I say shyly.
“Not when it comes to you,” he responds.
“Thanks. I’ll be okay.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m positive,” I confirm.
“Daddy, we’re going to be late.” A small voice interrupts our intimate moment.
Oh my God, she has the cutest British accent.
Holt shifts his attention to a tiny princess all dressed in pink. “We have plenty of time, Naomi.”
“Oh, okay.” Her big blue eyes study me intently.
“This is my friend Everly. She owns the bakery. This is where I bought the glitter donuts for your party. Remember how we stopped by last weekend, but she was off so you couldn’t meet her in person?”
“Oh, yeah.” His beautiful daughter smiles up at me. “Hi, Everly,” she waves.
“Hi Naomi,” I wave back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Me too. I like your purple hair,” she says.
“Thank you. It’s actually violet.”
Her eyebrows knit.
“It’s more of a deep purple-red tone,” I explain.
She looks up at Holt and says, “Daddy, can I have deep purple-red tone hair?”
“When you’re all grown up, sweet pea. Until then, you’ll remain a blonde,” he tells her.
She pouts.
I bring my hand up to my mouth to cover my smile.
“I’ve always wanted to be a blonde,” I say.
“Really?” There’s that smile again.
“Yup! I love your hairstyle as well. Did your nanny do that?”
Naomi shakes her head. “Daddy did. He does my hair every day.”
I’m sure I misheard her. Naomi’s pullback chignon accentuated by a beautiful braid that runs on the side of her head looks very stylish. My eyes lift to the sexy man with the golden heart.
“More hidden skills?”
“Yeah. It’s part of the package of being a single dad,” he explains.
“Wow.”
“I don’t want her to be scarred for life when she looks back at her childhood photos.”
“That’s funny. Well, you’re really good at it,” I say.
As if he wasn’t already perfect.
“I’ve had a little practice over the years and I have the perfect model,” he taps the tip of Naomi’s nose.
He smiles lovingly at his daughter.
She looks up at him and flashes him a radiant smile.
You can tell there’s a lot of complicity between the two of them.
“You’re going to ballet class?” I ask Naomi.
She does a little curtsy. “I’m wearing my tutu.” She brushes the fabric of her skirt.
“It looks so pretty on you,” I say.
“Daddy got it for me.”
She’s the spitting image of her father all the way down to the huge blue eyes. My God, the man makes beautiful babies. She’s the most adorable child I’ve ever seen.
“She should only wear it for recitals, but it’s impossible to convince her not to leave the house without it on Saturdays. We’ll remove it when we get to class,” Holt explains.
I laugh. “Are you going to dance in those?” I point to the most adorable pair of tiny pink high top Chucks dusted in silver glitter.
“No,” she giggles. “I wear ballet shoes. Luna doesn’t wear anything. She just wears a tutu.”
I look up at Holt. He jerks his head towards the window. That’s when I see a dog decked out in a pink tutu, a white t-shirt and a tiara.
“We’re celebrating two years since we adopted Luna. So in essence, it’s her birthday… and someone insists on dressing her up,” he says.
“But she looks pretty,” Naomi protests.
“Yes she does, sweet pea.”
I fight off a smile.
He shakes his head.
“Your donuts are the best,” Naomi says, tapping her little fingers against the glass.
I have a new fan.
“Would you like one?” I ask.
She purses her lips, looks up at me, frowns and scrunches her nose. It seems she’s deep in thought. She’s too cute. Eventually, she shifts her attention to her father. “Is it okay, Daddy?”
“You can’t have one before class, but we can buy some for movie night tonight. How does that sound?”
“Okay,” she answers with a firm nod.
“I was just about to come out with a new batch of our flavor of the day. I think you’d like it.”
“What is it?” she asks.
“This one.” I point to the last special of the day. “It’s a chocolate donut with white glaze frosting and coconut shavings.”
“Oh!”
“Does she have any allergies?” I ask Holt.
“Thank God, we’re allergy free,” he smiles.
“Great! In that case, I’d go with that one, but I have another one for you.”
“More?” Naomi’s eyes widen.
“I also have a white custard cream vanilla glaze topped with coconut shavings. We make those for people who don’t like chocolate, but it’s pretty amazing,” I say.
Naomi scrunches her nose again. “Everybody likes chocolate,” she argues.
I lean against the counter and pretend to whisper. “Well, between you and I, not everybody does. I see it every day.”
“That’s crazy.”
“I totally agree.”
“Can we have both, Daddy?”
“We’ll take two of each and we’ll ask Everly to add another one of her favorites.”
“I can manage that,” I smile. “I’ll be right back with your order.”
Under Callum’s amused gaze I rush to the kitchen. A few minutes later, I’m back out carrying Naomi’s order.
“How much is it?” she asks.
I look up at Holt.
He grins back.
“It’s my treat. You don’t have to pay,” I say.
“I have money. I can pay,” she insists.
Holt’s grin widens.
“Okay.”
I tell Naomi how much she owes me and she opens her little palm and produces a ten and a twenty-dollar bill.
“You put her up to this?” I ask.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Holt says, slipping another twenty in the tip jar. “I’m sure the fanny pack must be empty by now.”
And just like that, I’m transported to the first time he walked into my shop.
I shake my head. “You’re impossible.”
He winks.
I rush to grab her change.
“Here you go—”
“For the tip jar,” she says.
I just laugh.
“Don’t tell anyone, but you’re my favorite customer,” I say, handing her the bag.
“Thank you,” she beams.
“We’re off, sweet pea,” Holt says before shifting his eyes to me. “We’re still on for tomorrow?”
“Absolutely.”
I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
“I’ll pick you up at three-thirty, if that works?”
“It does.”
We just stare at each other for a few long seconds, before I pull my attention away from his handsome face. If I don’t, I’ll melt. His intensive gaze is far too mesmerizing. “Wish Luna a happy birthday for me,” I tell Naomi.
She nods
. “Okay.”
“Maybe one day I’ll have to bake her a doggy donut.”
“Really? You can make that?”
“I can make anything,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest and flashing her a cocksure grin.
Naomi bursts into laughter.
“Luna would like that,” she says.
“Deal!”
“You have a new friend for life,” Holt laughs.
I wink at him.
“See you tomorrow,” Holt says.
“Yes!” I smile. “Bye, Naomi,” I wave.
“Bye, Everly. Can we come back and visit?” she asks.
“You’re welcome at my shop anytime.”
“You want more donuts?” Holt chuckles.
Naomi seems to ponder for a few short seconds. “Everly is very pretty and she’s nice.”
Her answer catches me off guard.
“That she is,” Holt nods.
I blush so furiously, I bring the back of my hand against my warm cheeks.
CHAPTER 23
Everly
“Open the door right this second, Everly,” Ainsley shouts from outside my apartment. I’m surprised I can hear her over her loud banging.
“I’m not here.”
“News flash. I can hear you. And my brother told me you were up here.”
“Snitch.”
“You can’t send me that kind of response and not expect me to debark on you demanding the scene-by-scene.”
“You wanted me to come over to your place for dinner, I told you I can’t. I have plans.”
Ainsley called yesterday afternoon to go out for drinks after work. I suspect Callum nudged her. I told her the whole story about opening up to Holt and how I was still feeling out of sorts. I explained I’d spend my Saturday night on the couch eating Chinese food and doing an UTV.com marathon. She didn’t push. I left out the part about Holt asking me out on a date until half an hour ago. She made it to my place in record time.
“Plans?”
“Yes, plans.”
“You say that like you’re going to do laundry.”
“I wouldn’t quite put it––”
“I am not having a conversation with this door and I’m going nowhere.”
“Fine,” I say, walking to my door. “Come in.”
She stomps into my apartment with this pissed off look on her face.
“Why is it only now I find out about this? How did it happen? Where you in bed when he asked? Did you say yes immediately? Where are you guys going? Do you know what you’re going to wear yet? Shoes? Accessories? You going for designer or casual?”
Torrid Rush: A Single Dad Romance (Bad Boy Studs Book 3) Page 19