“Considering I’ve never even introduced her to someone before, yeah, I’d say she was probably pretty surprised.”
“I bet she thinks it’s weird... Me living here. I mean, we’ve only known each other for a few days.”
“I honestly don’t really care what she thinks.” I relax into Titus’ chest when his arms wrap around me from behind. “Right now the only thing I care about is getting you out of these clothes,” he murmurs against my neck seconds before his lips press against my pounding pulse.
“I just put them on. You could have saved me the trouble and stopped me as I was changing.”
“Nah, I like watching you get dressed. Especially when I know that I get to take them right back off of you.” His hands slide down my arms as his tongue darts out, tracing the sensitive spot below my ear.
I hum, feeling the effects of his touch in all the right places.
“Your sister is just a few feet away,” I halfheartedly object.
“And?” he rumbles against my ear. “I can be quiet if you can.” He grabs my hips and twists me into his arms. As soon as my eyes land on his face, another wave of desire runs through me. I swear, I’ll never get over how good looking this man is. I reach up, pushing a chunk of hair out of his eyes.
“I promise I’ll try.” I bite my bottom lip to contain my smile.
“Works for me.” He grins, his mouth closing down over mine seconds later.
——
“I didn’t realize how much I needed this until this very moment,” I tell Ellen, relaxing further in my seat as the petite woman in front of me works lotion over my foot and up my calf muscle.
When Ellen suggested mani/pedis I must admit, I was hesitant. Not because I don’t love a good mani/pedi, but because the thought of spending time alone with Ellen made me extremely nervous. Maybe because, like her brother, she’s kind of intimidating. Or maybe it’s because I really want her to like me and I’m terrified she won’t. I also don’t want to take away from Titus’ time with her. They went to dinner yesterday, just the two of them, while Link and I hung out at the cabin, but other than that they haven’t had any real time alone since she arrived here three days ago.
However, she insisted and Titus seemed excited by the idea, so in reality, I didn’t have much of a choice.
I will say though, the drive to Harrisburg was easier than I expected. We talked non-stop the entire drive to the salon as we bonded over similar tastes in music and movies.
“Right,” Ellen agrees with me, her head falling in my direction.
“I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve done this.”
“Oh not me. I had one like a week ago.” She grins. “I just like being pampered.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” I sip my Mimosa, still shocked that they served me without asking for a lick of identification.
Ellen mirrors my action, lifting the long-stemmed glass to her lips before taking a small sip.
“So, you and my brother.” She sets her drink back down, her gaze never leaving mine. “I take it’s pretty serious. After all, you’re living with him.”
“Yeah, I guess you could say it’s serious. Though we haven’t really known each other very long. It honestly feels like we went from zero to sixty in the matter of a couple of days.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. That’s my brother for you.”
“How do you mean?”
“I just mean Titus has always been an all or nothing kind of person. If he wants something, it’s full steam ahead. Though I must admit, I’ve never seen him quite so smitten with a girl before. He seems to really care about you.”
“I really care about him.”
“Yeah, I can see that.”
“It’s strange though, feeling like I’m falling for someone that I barely know anything about.”
“What do you want to know?” Ellen offers, finishing off the remainder of her Mimosa before asking for two more. I take that as my cue to finish off the rest of mine as well.
“Everything.” I smile. “What he was like as a child. Where he comes from. His family. I want to know everything.”
“Well everything is a lot to cover in one afternoon. Let’s start with something specific.”
“Tell me about your family.”
“Now there’s a complicated topic.” She turns her attention to the middle-aged woman who reappears with two fresh Mimosas. She takes both, keeping one for herself before extending the other to me. “Anything you want to know specifically.”
“I don’t know. I already know some of the basics. Father owns Driscoll Atlantic. Grew up in Atlanta. You are his only sibling. And I know he left shortly after your grandfather died, leaving him the cabin.”
“So you know the bullet points.” She grins, sipping her drink.
“Pretty much.”
“Titus has always been a little... complicated. Where I grew up feeling like I could rule the world, he resented our upbringing. Then again, I was daddy’s princess and I could do no wrong. Titus on the other hand, he didn’t have it quite so easy. From a very early age my father started priming him to take over the company. Every move he made, every grade, every decision was under constant scrutiny.”
“I know that feeling,” I mutter under my breath.
“I would assume the daughter of a well-known Governor would.” She catches my shocked expression and quickly continues, “Don’t be mad at Titus for telling me. It’s just... Well, I worried maybe you were with him in hopes of cashing in on some of the family money. He reassured me that was not the case. And I can see now that he was right. And don’t worry, I won’t say a word to anyone.”
“It’s not like it’s some big secret. My father knows where I am now.” I shrug.
“Yeah, I heard about him showing up. That couldn’t have been easy.” She pauses. “I can see why you and Titus are so drawn to each other. You’re a lot alike.”
“I guess we are,” I admit. “Though I didn’t come from billions.”
“No, but you come from a wealthy family in your own right. And we both know that power is more valuable than money when it comes to business and politics.”
“That it most certainly is,” I agree. “Tell me about your mom. Titus hasn’t really mentioned anything about her.”
“Probably because she’s a stranger. At least in all the ways that count. Our mother is... How should I put this? A slutty, self-serving bitch.”
I nearly choke on my drink.
“Too harsh?” She smiles, sipping her own drink. “Sad, but true. She was never around when Titus and I were growing up. She was always off at some resort or spa. Taking a two-month long girls’ trip to Bali or sailing the Caribbean in our father’s yacht. She was worthless. The only thing she had to do was be a mom and she couldn’t even pull that off. I never understood why my father put up with her. That is, until a few years ago when I learned the reason we had a new nanny every six months was because he couldn’t keep it in his pants. Guess they really are a match made in heaven.”
“That’s awful. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Truth be told, my parents’ relationship never bothered me. And honestly I liked the house better when my mom wasn’t around. So really, it all worked out. But Titus never felt that way. Maybe because he was older and he sheltered me from a lot of the bad stuff. Or maybe it was because my father was so hard on him. He hated it all. The money. The business. Our parents. He wanted no part of any of it.”
“And you did?”
“I did. I couldn’t graduate business school fast enough. All I ever wanted was to join my father at Driscoll Atlantic. And now that I have, I love it. I was made for this life but Titus wasn’t. I think deep down I always knew that one day he would walk away.”
“Do your parents ever talk about him?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “Our mother is too wrapped up in herself to care and our father, well, I think he’s still in denial. Deep down I know it bothers him.”
�
��Do you ever think they’ll rebuild the bridge?”
“Doubtful. Daddy is too stubborn and Titus is too proud. What about you? Ever think you’ll work through your issues with your father?”
“Doubtful,” I repeat her words back to her. “If I thought he was capable of changing, maybe. But if the last ten years have taught me anything it’s that Thomas Buckley only cares about one person, himself.”
“And your mom?”
“She died when I was nine.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Titus hadn’t mentioned that.”
“It’s okay. I miss her, but if I’m being honest, I don’t really remember all that much about her. It’s like the older I get, the less of her is still with me.”
“I get that. It’s a funny thing... Time.”
“That it is.” I lift my glass, taking another drink.
“Okay, enough with the heavy. Let’s talk about something else,” Ellen suggests.
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Tell me what you like to do for fun?”
“Honestly, I don’t really know. I love to paint. So there’s that.”
“That’s right. You painted that picture I saw sitting in the living room, right? The one of the sun setting over the trees.” I nod. “I thought Titus had sprung for a professional piece when I saw that. I can’t believe you painted it. You are really talented.”
“Thank you. I’ve never really taken it seriously. Though it’s the one thing in this world that makes me truly happy.”
“Have you thought about trying to sell your paintings?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like in an art gallery?”
“It’s crossed my mind, sure, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin to make something like that happen.”
“And that’s why it pays to have friends with connections.” She winks. “I can make a few phone calls.”
“Oh, no, you don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to. Trust me, there’s this incredible gallery in Atlanta. The owner and my father go way back. There’s no way he won’t feature you. We won’t even have to put your real name on it. What do you say?”
“I don’t know...” I mull over the idea.
“Oh come on. Please.” She pouts out her bottom lip dramatically.
I don’t really understand why this is so important to her, but I also don’t want to seem unappreciative or rude by questioning her motives.
“Let me take the piece you’ve already finished,” she continues. “I’ll have it up in the gallery in no time.”
“I really appreciate the offer, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Are you kidding me? It’s a great idea. Listen, I get that you’re hesitant to accept my help, but I’m not saying I’m going to sell the painting for you. I’m just offering to get you placement. If it sells, it will be because your work was good enough. And, depending on how well received it is, you could potentially get more pieces placed and not only in Atlanta. This could open a lot of doors for you. If art is something you’re wanting to pursue, that is.”
“Being an artist has always been a passion of mine. My father used to say it was a waste of time and that I could never support myself that way.”
“Well, then here’s your chance to prove him wrong.”
I think on that for a long moment, realizing that maybe she’s right. What’s the harm in having something I painted placed in a gallery? Worst case, it sits there and collects dust. Best case, it could lead to something I’ve only ever dreamed of.
“You know what, you’re right.”
“Yes!” She claps her hands together excitedly. “We’ll get the piece wrapped and I’ll fly it back to Atlanta with me tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? I didn’t realize you were leaving so soon?”
“Yeah, I don’t get much time away from the office. I’m surprised I was able to get away for this long before some crisis called me back. I swear the job of C.O.O. is never done.”
“At least not when you work for a multi-billion-dollar company like Driscoll Atlantic,” I chime in.
“Amen to that, sister.” She clinks her glass against mine and together we drink.
Chapter Seventeen
Titus
“Hey there, big brother.” I look up from the bike I’m working on to see Ellen heading into the shop, a cup of coffee in each of her hands. “You’re at it early this morning.”
“Yeah.” I wipe my hands on a towel as I stand, taking the cup she extends to me moments later. “I thought I’d get an early start since everyone was still sleeping.”
She takes a sip of her coffee and looks over the motorcycle. “It’s looking good.”
“It’s getting there.” I shrug, lifting the hot liquid to my lips before taking a tentative sip.
“Who knew that all those years you tinkering in the garage would lead to this?” She smiles. “I’m really proud of you, Titus. I know I don’t say it often enough, but you’ve really made a life for yourself.”
“You say that like you’re surprised.”
“Truthfully, I kind of am.”
“I’m going to try not to take offense to that.”
“In my defense, you didn’t exactly have your life together when you decided to walk away from the family.”
“I guess you’re not wrong there.” I grunt.
“You know.” She leans against the work bench, balancing her cup between both of her hands. “I was so mad at you when you left.”
“I know,” I admit, a little surprised to be having this conversation with her. In all the years that have passed since I left, we’ve never really talked about it in any great detail.
“I thought, what an idiot. Walking away from a guaranteed future for one filled with so much uncertainty. But I can see now that it really was the right decision for you. You seem... happy.”
“I am happy.” I smile, realizing for the first time that I truly mean it.
“I’m sure Fallon has something to do with that.” She gives me a pointed look. “Though I must admit, I was surprised to find out you had moved someone in with you. Especially after finding out how long you’ve known her.”
“If this is going to turn into a lecture about moving too fast, save your breath.”
“It’s not,” she interrupts. “In fact, I can see why you like her so much. She’s sweet and funny. Intelligent. Not to mention, very pretty.”
“She is, isn’t she?” I smile. “Does that mean she has Ellen’s seal of approval?”
“Not that you need my approval, but yes, she does. We had a really good time yesterday. Made me realize how much I wish I had a sister.”
“Are you trying to hurt my feelings?” I tease, cocking a brow.
“Of course not.” She laughs, taking a drink of her coffee. “You know I love having you as a big brother. But I also wouldn’t have minded having a sister too. You know, someone I could go do girly things with. Someone I didn’t have to worry about trying to take advantage of me or only being my friend because they’re hoping they could cash in on our family’s wealth.”
“It’s not easy being a Driscoll,” I agree.
“No, it’s not. Don’t get me wrong, it has its perks. But when it comes to trusting people...”
“I get it. But you have friends.”
“Not really.” She shuffles her feet. “Not any that I feel particularly close to, anyway.”
“That’s because you don’t let anyone get too close.”
“Can you blame me?”
“Not at all. I’m just saying, sometimes people can surprise you.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my brother?” she fires at me.
“What do you mean?”
“What do I mean? Listen to you. You were always the voice of negativity. Never trusting anyone as far as you could throw them.”
“Things change.”
“I can see that.” A small smile plays on her
lips. “You’re falling for her, aren’t you?”
“Who? Fallon?”
“No, the other woman you have living with you.” She rolls her eyes. “Yes, Fallon.”
“I care about her.” I shrug.
“You care about her.” She eyes me curiously. “I think you more than just care about her.”
I consider her words.
“It’s strange. I was completely content living my life the way I always had.”
“And by that you mean, satisfying yourself with the endless parade of women that have always fallen at your feet.”
“Yeah, yeah. Fuck you,” I jab at her playfully. “But yes, I guess you could say that. And then out of nowhere, Fallon walks into my life and I swear, everything feels different.”
“Because you love her.”
“Seems a little premature to be throwing the L word around, don’t you think.”
“Love doesn’t have a time frame. When you fall, you fall.” She ponders her own words.
“You talk like you know this from experience. Anything you want to tell me?”
“What?” She straightens her shoulders. “No, of course not.”
“You sure there isn’t someone special in your life?”
“Maybe there was, a long time ago, anyway. But that feels like another life.”
“This is the first I’m hearing of this.”
“It’s not like I make it a habit of sharing intimate details about my love life with you.” She gives me a knowing look.
“On second thought, you’re right. I don’t want to know.” I chuckle. “Just let me say this, when and if you meet someone, they are going to be the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet.”
“You have to say that because I’m your sister.”
“Doesn’t make it any less true.”
She gives me a soft smile, pushing away from the work bench.
“Well, I guess I should let you get back to it. I need to take a shower and then start packing. My car will be here to get me at eleven.”
“Tell you what, you go take a shower, I’ll finish up here, and then I’ll join you inside in a few minutes. We might have the stuff to make chocolate chip pancakes.”
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