“And this.” She took the phone back, swiped, and showed him a different picture of them standing hand in hand, looking into each other’s eyes. “Rude,” she muttered.
“Agreed.” Owen’s new woman looked like she could use a good meal, and Chloe’s ex had no shame. He’d just been a no-show at his own wedding, stood up a woman he’d supposedly cared about, and was now out and about like he’d done nothing wrong. “Why don’t you unfollow him and save yourself the aggravation?”
She lifted her shoulder in a dainty shrug. “I asked myself that the other day. Call it morbid curiosity. Like when you pass a crash and can’t help looking?”
He chuckled, taking her phone and doing the unfollow for her. “There. He’s gone where he should be. Out of sight, out of mind,” he said, handing back her cell. He didn’t want her to have to look at that asshole ever again.
She treated him to a smile. “Thank you. Considering I have to spend a day at my mom’s, writing notes to people who came and brought gifts, and to those who sent engagement presents, so we can send them all back, seeing Owen carefree just pisses me off.” Her mother had even offered to handle getting the ring back to Owen and for that Chloe was grateful.
“And I don’t blame you, but you need to focus on the fact that you’re moving forward and doing things you wouldn’t have tried if you were still with him. Then you can remind yourself you dodged a bullet.”
Because the vibrant woman inside her had nothing in common with the boring tax attorney who wouldn’t have supported her dreams. “Thanks to him, you’re becoming who you were meant to be.” And she was accomplishing it in record time.
She leaned over and pressed a kiss on his cheek.
“What was that for?” he asked, taken off guard.
“For being sweet. And supportive.”
The last thing he thought of himself as was sweet. Supportive? He supposed. Still, he wasn’t sure how to reply, but his phone rang, saving him from getting into an emotional discussion.
He picked his cell up from where it lay on the bed and saw his mother was calling. He swiped and answered. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, honey.”
“Is everything okay?”
Beside him, Chloe slid out of bed, walked to the dresser, and began to pull on his shirt.
“Hang on, Mom.” He glanced at Chloe. “Where are you going?”
She met his gaze. “I’m going to give you some privacy and go get showered and dressed for the day.”
He nodded and returned to his call. “Sorry. What’s going on? Is Dad okay?”
“Your father’s fine. Stop worrying. Is that the woman Tripp told me is staying with you?” his mom asked.
Beck leaned back against the pillow and winced. His brothers were like gossipy women sometimes. “Yes. I’m helping her out during a rough time.”
“That’s so sweet. I was calling to make sure you were coming for dinner tonight. Your brothers are going to a Yankees game and won’t make it.”
“Yeah. They asked me for tickets.” They knew he had connections with people in the front office. They’d invited him but he wasn’t in the mood to sit at a game. “Of course I’ll be there.” He wouldn’t miss spending as much time with his parents as he could.
“Wonderful. Bring your girl friend.” She separated the words, but he shook his head at the implication anyway.
He swallowed a groan. “Mom, I don’t think–”
“Oh, come on. If she’s going through a rough patch, I’m sure she would enjoy getting out of your loft, nice as it is. And having company means you won’t be all gloom and doom. I’m determined to remain hopeful about your father, and I insist you do as well.”
“Of course, Mom. You know I’ll do anything for you.” And he meant it.
“Great! I’ll add a seat for dinner. I’ll see you around six?”
“See you at six.” He disconnected the call and glanced up at the ceiling. He was bringing Chloe to his parents’ house, and his mother would figure out in a heartbeat they were more than friends. When it came to her kids, she had a sixth sense about those things, and nothing would make her happier than one of her sons settling down.
No matter what said son wanted or had planned.
* * *
Chloe wished she’d had more warning about going to Beck’s parents’ house for dinner. Like a year would have helped. Though she wasn’t sure why, her nerves were on full display. She’d managed to run out and pick up a key lime meringue pie from Petee’s Pies on Delancey Street so she wouldn’t walk in empty-handed.
“Are you sure your parents want an extra person tonight? When they’re going through so much?” Chloe asked the question for what had to be the third time on the drive to his parents’ place in Great Neck.
A sexy grin lifted the edges of his mouth as he drove. His sunglasses only added to his appeal. “I swear to you, my mother extended the invitation herself. No prodding from me.”
“Does that mean you don’t want me there?” She didn’t have to be perceptive to notice he was tense, too.
He shook his head. “Of course not. I’m just worried about my dad, and I know they are going to put on a good front … like everything is fine and will be fine.” He clenched his jaw, then said, “I’ve been through it before with them, you know?”
“And you don’t know whether or not to believe them this time?” She wanted to touch him, to cover his hand with hers and let him know he wasn’t alone, but he gripped the wheel tight and clearly wanted his distance.
“I don’t know your parents, but you’re an adult and I don’t think they’d lie to you.” She blew out a breath. “Did they lie about Whitney? Or did things just take an unexpected bad turn?”
She knew he didn’t like talking about his sister, but asking was the only way not just for her to find out but to help him through things now.
He flipped on the right turn signal and took the exit. “I don’t believe they lied. Maybe they’re more optimistic than me but I don’t understand how. Not after what happened to Whitney.”
“I get it. But anything they did or said was because they love you.” She hesitated and then dove into the deep end. For Beck because she cared about him. She knew her past had not been as tragic as his, but she could draw some kind of parallel in the hopes of making him think about how he viewed life.
“My parents are nothing like yours.” She bit the inside of her cheek. “Don’t get me wrong, my mom loves me, but she lived her life in denial so she didn’t have to rock the boat of her marriage. Oh, she says she stayed for the kids, but let’s face it. How happy are the kids living in a house where the husband is cheating and it’s a known issue as we all grew up? I know it’s not the same as losing a sibling.”
She paused and drew a deep breath. “But what I’m trying to say is that the love you guys have for each other is strong but so is the respect.” Respect her family hadn’t had for one another. Her parents, anyway. “Trust your parents to tell you the truth and gain strength from their optimism.”
His hands curled around the wheel, his knuckles turning white. “That’s easy to say but harder to do when I was given every reason to believe Whitney would survive only to lose her despite the positive outlook.”
She closed her eyes and sighed. He was a stubborn man with a very valid point, and she didn’t know how else to get through to him.
“But Chloe?” He turned toward her before looking back at the road.
“Hmm?”
He reached over and placed his hand over hers. “I appreciate you telling me about your parents, and I know you’re just trying to help.”
She was. Too bad it wouldn’t help him open his heart any time in the near future.
He turned into a driveway of a large colonial-style home in a modern neighborhood that looked fairly new. Since Beck had grown up in the Bronx, she knew this home was one he and his brothers must have helped them buy. The Daniels brothers were good men.
Beck cut the engine. “Ready?�
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She picked up the pie from the floor in front of her. Her purse was already hooked on her arm and she met his gaze. “Let’s do this.”
He winked at her, causing her stomach to tumble over. He’d probably meant to calm her. He’d just reminded her of how easily she was falling for him instead. Shoving that thought out of her head, she climbed out of the car, letting him help her, and followed him up the path to meet his parents.
His mom, a pretty woman with wavy light brown hair and Beck’s green eyes, greeted them at the door. Introductions were made while his mother fawned over her son. She led them into the house, which had a modern décor, and they ended up in the kitchen, also modern with gorgeous stainless steel appliances.
She took the pie out of Chloe’s hands and put it on the counter and proceeded to pull her into a hug. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
A loud sound of a man clearing his throat startled Chloe, and she spun to see a handsome man, an older version of Beck, studying her intently. “I’m Kurt Daniels,” he said.
“This is Chloe, Dad.”
He nodded, his gaze zeroed in on her face.
“Kurt, stop staring. You’re being rude,” his mom, who’d insisted Chloe call her Audrey, said to her husband.
He shrugged, not looking sorry. “It’s just that she looks familiar,” he said. “You said your name’s Chloe, right?”
She nodded. “Chloe Kingston.”
Audrey’s eyes opened wide. “Are you Linc Kingston’s sister?”
Chloe nodded. Beside her, Beck stiffened.
“I remember him from your college years,” she said to Beck. “You were roommates, and then at some point, you stopped mentioning him.”
“Things happened,” Beck muttered. “Dad, want to go watch some television?” He was obviously eager to change the subject.
Chloe was still in the dark about her brother and Beck’s history, something she intended to change as soon as she had time alone with Linc, and it was time for her to do just that.
Suddenly Kurt snapped his fingers. “I know why you look familiar to me. You’re the jilted bride! TMZ and Page Six had photos.”
Chloe felt her face begin to flush and grow hot. Though she’d known those articles existed, she hadn’t thought people would pay much attention, let alone recognize her.
“Dad!” Beck shot his father an annoyed look.
“I’m sorry, honey.” Audrey glanced at Chloe. “Kurt’s retirement has given him too much free time to pay attention to gossip on the internet.” She shook her head in dismay.
Chloe sighed. There was no way to avoid the truth. “That’s me. Beck helped me that first night, and he’s been my savior ever since.” She smiled up at him. “You raised a gentleman, Mrs.…” At the other woman’s scowl Chloe corrected herself. “I mean Audrey.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Kurt said. “My wife is right. I spend way too much time surfing the internet and watching trash on TV. A part of me misses my job but my back won’t let me work anymore.” He placed a hand on his lower back and rubbed the area.
“What did you do before you retired?” Chloe asked. Beck had never said.
“I was a building inspector for the city,” he said, obviously proud of his occupation.
“Sounds interesting.” Before she could ask another question, Beck announced he and his father were going into the family room, but not before shooting Chloe a questioning look.
Was she okay? She could read his mind and offered him a nod and a smile.
She was great, as were his parents.
She and Audrey ended up in the kitchen. Dinner was already made, the table set, and all Chloe could do was sit on a stool by the counter and talk to Beck’s mom, though she had offered to help.
“So … you and my son.” Apparently Audrey was direct, which Chloe admired.
“We’re good friends. Like I said, he rescued me the night of my non-wedding and has been giving me a place to stay while I get back on my feet. He’s been very generous.” And that’s all a parent needed to know.
Audrey picked up the salad bowl and removed the foil covering the top. “That’s interesting because I’ve never known him to step up for a stranger. And even if he felt compelled to help you out the night of the wedding, having you move in? It’s not his typical personality, if you know what I mean.”
Chloe narrowed her gaze. “If you’re afraid I’m taking advantage of your son, I can assure you I’m not. I–” Before she could inform his mother she was helping with cooking and cleaning and doing whatever else she could around the loft, Audrey shook her head and rushed over.
“God, no. I didn’t mean it like that. Just the opposite, in fact. I’m telling you if my son is helping you out, he cares.” Audrey beamed at her observation.
She obviously wanted her son settled and happy and had no idea Beck had other plans.
It wasn’t Chloe’s place to tell his mother things about Beck he hadn’t explained himself. “As I mentioned, we’re good friends.”
“Well, Beck doesn’t have many of those, and he’s never moved a woman in before.” She rushed over to the refrigerator and opened the door. “Do you like creamy Italian dressing?” Audrey asked. “I also have vinaigrette, French…”
Head spinning, Chloe replied, “Creamy Italian is fine, thank you.” She opted to ignore his mother’s other comment. And since she didn’t mention her husband’s diagnosis or problems, Chloe didn’t either.
But in the few minutes she’d had with Beck’s mother, Chloe had a few observations. His mom was a bulldog, which showed Chloe where Beck got his determination in business to go after what he wanted. It explained how he was so successful so fast and all on his own.
She also tended to ignore the important things and push them aside like they weren’t happening … her husband’s illness, for example. And Chloe had no doubt if asked, Audrey would assure her that Kurt would be fine. She wouldn’t want to hear otherwise. Which explained why Beck was so frustrated and why he had a hard time deciphering truth from blind hope.
Audrey meant well, but she didn’t want to see the reality in front of her, and she had the definite impression Kurt followed his wife’s lead in all things.
Then there was Beck. He wasn’t just more of a realist, he was a glass-half-empty kind of guy. That way, if the worst happened, he’d protected himself ahead of time.
Now that Chloe knew the forces that had shaped him, she was even more convinced there’d be no changing his mind once he’d made a decision. He’d put Chloe outside his inner circle, and that’s where she would remain.
* * *
“Your parents are amazing,” Chloe said as they headed back to the city.
Beck couldn’t help but grin. “I’m partial to them myself. And they liked you a lot.” He could tell they’d fallen in love with Chloe immediately.
He’d known it by the gleam in his mom’s eye and the way she’d grinned at him when Chloe wasn’t looking. His father merely patted him on the back as if he’d done something good by bringing her over. That was his dad’s seal of approval. It helped that Chloe was the perfect guest, bringing dessert and offering to help in the kitchen, which gave his mother a chance to grill her about her life.
“I’m glad.” She stretched her legs out in front of her and groaned, the sound going straight to his cock. “I noticed your parents changed the subject every time you tried to bring up your father’s surgery.”
He set his jaw. “Yeah.” Beck had gritted his teeth and gotten through it. “I just have to wait until he’s operated on and we have results.” And that was all the discussion he wanted to have on the subject. “So … do you have plans for tomorrow?”
He couldn’t imagine her sitting around the house and staring at the walls or the television.
She shook her head. “Not really. I could go back to work with Linc until I hear about the contest or find something else. In fact, I probably should.” But her pout told him how she felt about that.
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br /> He looked back at the road. “I have a better idea. Come to the office with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
She pivoted toward him. “Who?” she asked, excitement in her voice.
“My in-house designer, Natasha.” He had a feeling she and Chloe would get along, and maybe Natasha could help Chloe find direction.
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She shifted in the passenger seat. “Umm, there’s something else. I told my friend Amelia, the Realtor, to set up a couple of appointments for me to see the apartments I thought might be possibilities.”
He’d forgotten about her intention to move. More like he’d pushed it out of his head.
“I’ll go with you.” The least he could do was make sure she ended up in a good place, though he had a feeling her brother would be all over her choice.
“You really don’t have to do that,” she said of his offer.
“Well, I want to.” He gripped the wheel tighter in his hand.
She shrugged. “Okay then. I’ll keep you posted on the day and time.”
After that, they fell into silence until they reached his loft. The moment he stepped inside, awareness of their situation settled on his shoulders. He was living with the same woman he was currently sleeping with. Would she expect to be in his bed every night? Was that even what he wanted?
He’d enjoyed sleeping with her last night and waking up with her this morning, both solid reasons to make sure it didn’t become a habit. The biggest thing he needed to worry about tonight was not insulting Chloe when he went into his bedroom alone.
Beck was tense as he locked up and they headed down the hall to the bedrooms, and he paused at his door, prepared to let her down gently. But she made a left and stepped into her room.
“Beck?” she asked, turning in the doorway and facing him.
“Yes?” He waited for her to tell him she’d change and come in. Or wash up and meet him in his room.
“Thank you for tonight. I enjoyed meeting your family,” she said, treating him to a genuine smile. “Good night, Beck.”
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