What she did deserve was an apology.
Caydan had picked up the phone to call her so many times. But what could he say? I’m sorry. I’m an asshole. She’d already experienced that firsthand. No, what he needed to say should be done in person.
And it looks like that’s about to happen.
As they entered the restaurant, Delveen turned to him and said, “Remember, you can’t go back, but you can move forward.”
Yes, Mother. That was difficult for him. His entire past had driven him to one thing, revenge. It had been his outlet to deal with his anger and hate. But now, although far from perfect, he’d made peace with the Hendersons. DNA proved what his mother had said and Caydan wouldn’t hurt family. Especially after getting to know them better. They were assholes, like himself, but they weren’t cruel sadistic bastards. If anything, he understood why. They each carried their own scars from how James Henderson had treated his children when he was alive. It was actually a miracle how civil and upright his brothers were. He could see himself getting along with his sister too. What’s the term? A rose between thorns? That was definitely Zoey. But what he hadn’t realized was he hadn’t been the only child hidden away from James. Logan also had a sister Rhonda, like himself, she was kept from the family and had never met James. Although that only happened a few years ago when they located her by accident, she was welcomed into the family just like him. In a way, we’re the lucky ones.
But there was no moving forward without addressing the past. That’s how his life had gotten so fucked up in the first place. He didn’t want that with Allyson. She shouldn’t be left believing something that wasn’t true.
He opened the door to the restaurant and it was packed. There were people standing around waiting to be seated. This wasn’t the ideal place for him and Allyson to finally see each other again.
“Mother, I think we should—”
“Hello. You must be Delveen,” a woman called out.
Delveen grinned. “And you must be Marion. This is my son, Caydan. Caydan, this is Allyson’s mother.”
And when I think it can’t get worse, it always does.
Extending a hand, he said, “A pleasure to meet you Mrs. King.”
“Please call me Marion. And this is my husband Dennis.” The two shook hands and Marion continued, “I have no idea where the birthday girl is. She doesn’t normally run late.”
Birthday? We’re here for Allyson’s birthday? Fuck! He turned and shot his mother a warning look and she smiled innocently back at him. From the look on Marion’s face, she wasn’t so innocent either.
There was only one who might take his side. “Dennis, I believe Allyson may prefer a . . . less crowded atmosphere. Would there be another place where we can dine?”
Dennis nodded. “You do know my daughter.”
Marion’s eyes widened. “You’re right. Allyson wouldn’t like this place at all. Why don’t you wait for her outside and maybe the two you can find a . . . quieter place to celebrate.
Delveen chuckled, and Dennis rolled his eyes but said nothing. Marion seemed so pleased; this must have been the plan all along.
There was only one thing worse than a busybody mother, and that was two of them.
“Any suggestions?” Caydan asked, wary of the answer.
Marion said, “I’m sure you two can think of something on your own. And Delveen, I do hope you’ll join us for dinner. They have the best lobster bisque around.”
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
Caydan was about to suggest they all go someplace, but the hostess appeared. “King, party of three.”
Marion blushed. Three? He’d been manipulated by two shrewd women. Delveen reached out and touched his cheek. Softly she said, “Remember how she made you feel and tell her.”
Marion nodded and then the three of them disappeared in the crowd, following the hostess.
He wasn’t sure Allyson would show. But I hope she does. Tensely waiting inside in the sea of impatient patrons wasn’t sitting well with him. As he opened the glass door to leave, he saw Allyson standing in the parking lot. She looked as though she didn’t want to come inside. He didn’t blame her. Was she going to be happy to learn she didn’t need to? There was only one way to find out.
When he approached, he got his answer. She looked at him in disbelief as she headed toward him.
“Caydan, you’re here. You’re really here.”
He nodded. “I am.”
“Why?”
“Because I wanted to see you. Do you think we can go somewhere and talk?”
Allyson looked past him. “My parents are expecting me.”
Caydan smiled. “I don’t think they are. My mother is having dinner with them.”
“Delveen is here too? Why? What’s going on?”
“Let’s just say our mothers might be more alike than either of us would like.”
Allyson giggled. “Then let’s get the hell out of here before they come out.”
He was shocked by her reaction to seeing him. Although she looked surprised, she wasn’t upset. There was no way she’d forgotten what he’d said. I haven’t. It haunts me every time I think of you.
“I’ll take you anyplace you’d like to go.” Hopefully someplace quiet.
“It’s a Saturday night. That’s a busy date night here. The lines are long no matter where we go. But I know a place that’s a hidden gem. Just don’t judge it by the way it looks; the food is fantastic.”
“Are you sure?”
“Trust me,” Allyson said.
Those words were like a knife to his heart. He did trust her. It was himself he didn’t trust. Somehow he needed to make her understand that today.
“Lead the way.”
They had come by limo to the restaurant, and he left it there for his mother. She’d need it to return to the hotel.
He was tall and found her Jeep Liberty a bit cramped, with no leg or head room. But nothing mattered right now. He finally was getting the opportunity he’d been waiting for.
Allyson was correct. The restaurant wasn’t much to look at, but there were plenty of tables where they could sit and talk in private. He was willing to risk food poisoning if it meant they could clear the air.
Once they had ordered, he knew he should start by apologizing. But that’s not what came out of his mouth.
“You look very beautiful in that dress.”
“Thank you. I don’t normally wear red, since I’m a redhead.”
“It suits you. And if I recall, your bikini is red.”
He watched as Allyson blushed. “You have an impeccable memory, Caydan.”
And sometimes it’s a curse. “I do. That’s why I’m here. Because there’s something I need to clear up.”
“And you couldn’t call to do it?”
I was waiting to grow a pair. “Some things are best handled in person.”
“I agree.” She sat waiting, and he didn’t want to break the mood. But it was time.
“The last time I saw you, in Roger’s room, I said things I shouldn’t have said.”
“I’m sure it was a difficult time for you all. Are things . . . better between you and your . . . the Hendersons?”
“You can say it. My brothers. I’ve accepted I am no longer an only child. Never thought I’d be the oldest of so many. But there were a lot of things I hadn’t expected. You are one of the most exciting of those.”
“Oh, I’m not all that exciting.”
“I beg to differ. But before I get off track, I need to apologize for what I said to you. It was wrong. I was angry, and you were the one person there I wished hadn’t seen it. When I saw your expression, it reflected the pain I was feeling. You saw me and hurt for me, and I wasn’t ready for that. No one had ever cried for me before. And in that moment, I couldn’t handle it.”
“I’m sorry. It was all my fault to start. If I hadn’t called Delveen then—”
“She’d have found out somehow. And I would’ve succeeded in my
plan. Having to live with knowing I had crushed my own flesh and blood would’ve been far worse.” He reached across the table and touched her hand. “Things happen for a reason.”
“Yes, they do. But I’m still trying to understand why you’re here in Connecticut.”
“Because it’s where you are. Allyson, I’m not sure where this is going. But I know, when I was with you, you made me want to be a better person. I want that again.”
Allyson snickered. “I thought I was just nagging you to death.”
“No. You called me out on what I was doing. You saw past the walls I put up and yet, somehow, you still seemed to like me.”
“I did. I mean . . . I do. Caydan, I don’t see the horrible man you tell me exists. With that being said, you’re not a fluffy teddy bear either. Your life experiences have helped make you who you are. And from what I’ve seen, you are an honorable man. You were seeking revenge for those who’d been wronged. Although it was misguided, your heart was in the right place.” Allyson gave his hand a squeeze. “Maybe next time try doing it legally instead.”
“Therein lies my problem. My brothers have asked me to return to New Hope. They would like me to become active in the restoration of the country.”
Her eyes widened and her smile was brighter than he’d ever seen it. “Caydan, I’m so happy for you. You’ll get what you were striving for. A better Tabiq. But why don’t you seem thrilled?”
“I do want Tabiq to thrive. But so much has changed since I met you.”
“I’m not sure if I should apologize now. I’m unemployed. Heck for all I know, we both are. I know very little about what you really do.”
“You actually know me better than most. But, I have my own company. I deal in real estate. I buy cheap, upgrade and sell. Never before have I wanted to hold on to anything for long.” That’s changed too. “But it’s not what I’ll be doing in Tabiq. I want to build a strong future, to teach and train new skills to the unskilled.”
“Wow, that’s inspiring, Caydan. And from what I saw in the way the Tabiqian people responded to you, you’ll do that well.”
“Maybe. Time will tell.” Caydan cocked a brow. “I understand why you left New Hope. But I’m surprised Drake and Scott didn’t take you back to full time in your old position.”
“My position had already been filled. And like the Hen—like your brothers, they offered me a different job in HR. But I also have changed since I met you. I was so caught up in the rules that I was forgetting how to live a little. My fondest memories of Tabiq is the time I was with you.”
Me too. “Then come back with me.”
“What? To Tabiq?” Allyson asked. He nodded. “I quit, remember?”
“I do.”
“And what I learned while I was there is that New Hope doesn’t need an HR person.”
“You’re right, they don’t.”
She shook her head. “Then you agree, you don’t need me there.”
“No. I don’t need an HR manager. But you have so much more to offer and not just at New Hope. There’s so much to do in Tabiq.”
“So you came here to offer me a job,” Allyson said. Her eyes lost a bit of their light, as if it wasn’t a job she actually wanted.
His hand cupped her cheek. “No. I don’t want you to do this for me, I want you to do this with me.”
“Caydan, I’m not sure what you’re saying.”
He smiled. “That’s because I’m much better at business than I am at personal relationships. And before you, I’ve never wanted anyone by my side. So no, I’m not offering you a job; I’m trying to say I care very much about you, Allyson. And I’d really like it if you came with me. You’re exceptional at relating to people, and I know you’d be an asset in training new staff. Your organizational skills . . . but that’s not why I want you to come. Hell, I just want you in general. I want you by my side. Please. We can take it as fast or as slow as you want. But I’m hoping you’ll consider giving this a—”
“Yes. Yes, I’d like to go back with you.” Allyson leaned over the table and wrapped her arms around his neck. “This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten.”
Having her so close again, he couldn’t resist. “Trust me Allyson, it’s going to get much better.”
Then he claimed her lips. They were sweeter than he remembered, but then again, she’d just said yes.
Their kiss was cut short by the waiter bringing their food. When he left, Allyson asked, “When do we start?”
He gave her a playful wink and said, “We already have.”
She smiled. “I know I’m going to regret saying this, but I’m glad my mother didn’t listen to me.”
“Me too. But let’s not tell them or they’ll start planning everything. And I have a feeling those two could be dangerous together.”
Allyson laughed. “And apart.”
He reached for her hand again. “I’m willing to risk it if it means being with you.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
Her green eyes glistened and he knew whether it be Switzerland, Tabiq, or even Connecticut, with her is where he was meant to be. Who would’ve thought I’d go from driven for revenge to passionate for the future? One with Allyson.
He had no idea what tonight or the nights after that would entail, but for the first time in his life, Caydan didn’t need it mapped out in advance. He was looking forward to all the surprises being with her would bring, and he knew it would be good because he had someone of substance and true inner beauty alongside him. His soul needed that. I need that.
Epilogue
Allyson stood with her mother and Delveen, peeking through the crack in the door. She had wanted a small intimate wedding. This was anything but.
“Can someone tell me again why we’re having such a big wedding?” Allyson asked.
Delveen smiled. “I can give you eight reasons why.”
She looked again as she saw the wedding party all lined up. It looked more like a family reunion. Caydan stood at the head, looking absolutely stunning in his black tux, followed by all seven of his siblings for a photo. Good thing I’m good with names. And when you look at them, you can see they’re related. Uncanny.
It was funny, because one of the things she and Caydan had in common was they both had been the only child. Now they were adapting to being around a sea of family. She was looking forward to being Auntie Allyson and, maybe someday, Mommy as well.
Was this where she had pictured herself standing a year ago? No. But right now she couldn’t think of anyplace she’d rather be. She was about to become Mrs. Caydan Pintino.
The music started to play and Delveen said, “My son is a very lucky man. And I’m so happy to be gaining a daughter.”
“Thank you.” Allyson hugged Delveen before the usher escorted her to her seat.
Then Allyson turned to her mother. “I know you never pictured this day would come.”
Marion shook her head. “You’re wrong. I always knew it would.” She kissed Allyson on the cheek and said, “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Mom.” I had no idea how good love felt until I met Caydan. Thank God, for Tabiq.
Then she was left alone with her father. “I guess that’s our cue. It’s time for you to start the next chapter of your life.” She met Caydan’s eyes and it was as though the music stopped and all the guests had vanished. Her father leaned over and whispered, “And from Caydan’s expression, he’s just as excited about it as you are.”
This wasn’t just the next chapter, it was writing a story she never knew she had in her. Her very own happily ever after.
* * *
The End
Also by Jeannette Winters
Barrington Billionaires Series:
Book 1: One White Lie (FREE!)
Book 2: Table For Two
Book 3: You & Me Make Three
Book 4: Virgin For The Fourth Time
Book 5: His For Five Nights
&
nbsp; Book 5.5: New Beginning Holiday Novella
Book 6: After Six
Book 7: Seven Guilty Pleasures
Book 7.5: At the Sight of Holly
Book 8: Eight Reasons Why
Book 9: Nine Rules of Engagement Pre-Order 5/24/24019
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One White Lie
Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.
Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?
Do you love reading from this world? Continue with Always Mine from my sister, Ruth Cardello, Her series will mirror my time line. It isn’t necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun!
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Betting on You Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Secret (FREE!)
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Masquerade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Longshot
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Jackpot
Book 5: All Bets Off
Book 6: A Rose For The Billionaire
Book 7: The Billionaire’s Treat Novella
* * *
The Billionaire’s Secret
Betting on You Series
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
She never expected to win a date with a billionaire.
He never thought one night could turn his life upside down.
One lie stands between them and their happily ever after. Too bad it’s a big one!
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Eight Reasons Why Page 17