by Lexi Lawton
“Not a good time, Xan.”
“Tanner, I really need you not to be a dick right now and help me.” He kept his voice low and his back to the officer keeping guard.
There was a much too long pause. If he fucking hung up on me… “Tanner?”
“Yeah, I’m here. Make it quick because I’m about to board the plane.”
“Whatever you do, do not get on the plane.”
“If this is your idea of a joke, it’s not funny.”
In the background, Xander heard the call for the rows to begin boarding. “Do I sound like I’m joking? I mean it, Tanner. Walk your ass back to the ticket counter and buy a ticket to Ohio. I need you to bail me out of jail.”
“What?” Tanner shouted.
“Look, I don’t have a lot of time. I’ll explain when you get here, but please hurry. And don’t tell anyone about this.”
“I’m on my way.”
“Oh, bring Jules. I’m going to need her help, too.”
After giving Tanner all the information he needed to get there, Xander ended the call. The guard then escorted him to a cell.
He sat on the small bed and let his head fall back against the wall. Closing his eyes, he settled in to wait for Tanner and Jules. He also hoped to hell Kylie was all right, and that she’d be around when he got out. Because if she wasn’t, if she’d decided she had enough of his shit, he didn’t know what he’d do.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Kylie bounced her knee nervously as she waited for Sheriff Rick in the police station. This was not her first time there, but it would damn well be her last. If her father really thought she should’ve died with her mother, then she was done with him, once and for all. He’d said a lot of shitty things while drunk, but he’d never said that. That was unforgivable.
After what seemed like an eternity, Sheriff Rick emerged from the back. She stood and greeted him.
“You sure you want to do this?” He held open the door and ushered her through.
“Yes.” But her voice was even less confident than she felt.
“I can only give you five minutes.” He stopped outside of an interrogation room. “He’s cuffed, and I’ll be right outside the door. Just holler if you need me, okay?”
She nodded, took a deep breath, and then walked into the room. Her father sat slumped in a chair, his cuffed hands resting on the table. His hair was a mess, his lip was cut and starting to swell, both of his eyes were bruised, and there was a butterfly bandage across the bridge of his nose. Sadly, this wasn’t the worst he’d ever looked.
“Father,” she said coolly.
He grunted. “What do you want?”
“I want to know why.”
“Why what? I hit the punk because he hit me first. Little fucker deserved more, and he woulda gotten it if that prick sheriff hadn’t shown up.”
“No.” Hanging her head, she sighed. “I want to know why you’re like this.” She moved farther into the room, her stomach knotted so tight she could barely breathe. “The night we buried Mom, you left me home alone so you could go get drunk.” Her voice cracked. “You chose to stop being my dad, and I want to know why. I was just a child, and I lost her, too, you know. What did I ever do to make you hate me so much?” Throat clogged with emotion, she forced a deep breath.
He slammed his fists on the table, making her jump. She put her hand over her racing heart, impending tears burning her eyes. “I loved your mother. She was my world.”
“Then why did you abandon me? You know that’s not what she would have wanted.”
“Yeah, well, maybe she shouldn’t have gone and gotten herself killed, then.” He sat back in the chair, his hands hanging between his legs. He turned his head away as if disgusted by the mere sight of her.
Pain sliced through her chest, and her knees became weak. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, and she quickly wiped them away with shaking hands before he could see how much his words hurt. “You’ve done nothing for me my entire life, but I believe you used to love me.” She shook her head. “Maybe you don’t anymore, but you used to at one time. I know you did.” Her lips trembled, and she licked them. “Before you started drinking, you were a good dad. And I’m asking you now—if you ever loved me, if there’s a shred of decency in your heart, please don’t tell the judge that Xander attacked you. Tell Sheriff Rick you were wrong about what happened.”
He remained perfectly still, and the seconds ticked by in total silence. She shifted on her feet. Finally, he looked at her, his gaze stone-cold. “How much is it worth to you?”
She half gasped, half sobbed, although she didn’t know why she was shocked by his response. He wanted the money, and she’d given him an opening to get it. She bit the inside of her cheek and shifted her weight again. An assault charge could ruin Xander’s life. How could she let that happen if she had the means to prevent it?
Squaring her shoulders, she held her head high. “All of it.”
…
“So, it’s done, right?” She paced in front of Sheriff Rick’s desk. Her hands hadn’t stopped shaking since she’d left her father, and her heart hadn’t slowed, either. “Xander won’t be charged with anything, right?”
“Yes, I will take care of everything. Now sit, before you wear a hole in the floor.” He stood, the key ring fastened to his belt jingling.
“I’m too nervous to sit.”
“Sheriff Rick, there’s a gentleman here for Xander Collins.” Officer Gina stepped aside, and a tall, mirror image of Xander walked in, followed by a gorgeous woman with to-die-for curls and stunning brown eyes.
Kylie stepped back and blinked, her legs banging against the desk. They looked like a couple made in Hollywood.
“Can I help you?” Sheriff Rick asked.
The guy stepped forward. “Tanner Collins. I’m here for my brother, Xander.”
Rick nodded. “I was actually just going to get him. Stay here, and I’ll be right back.” Rick glanced at Kylie, and she turned her focus to Tanner. She’d hit the sexy guy jackpot with Xander, but now there was another one of him?
The girl looped her arm through his and whispered something in his ear. They both seemed oblivious to her. A moment later, Rick returned with Xander in tow. Kylie let out a pent-up breath. His right eye was a little swollen and bruised, but he’d fared much better than her father had.
“There’s my jailbird brother!” Tanner held open his arms like he was expecting a hug.
“Tanner!” The girl elbowed his ribs and gave him a dirty look. “Be nice.”
Xander flipped his brother the middle finger. “Hey, Jules.”
“Xander.” She hugged him. “How are you?”
“I’ve been better. Thanks for coming. Both of you.” He glanced at Tanner.
“So, you gonna tell us what happened?” Tanner asked.
Xander nodded. “Yeah, I’ll tell you everything, but first—” When his gaze landed on her, she gripped the edge of the desk, not trusting her legs to hold her up. “Kylie,” he whispered. “You’re here.”
“Where else would I be?” She flung herself into his arms, and he caught her.
“Ah, fuck.” He winced.
She pulled back, eyes wide. “What’s wrong?”
“I think my ribs are bruised.”
“Oh. Sorry.” She frowned. “Really, I’m so sorry about everything. It’s all my—”
He took her face into his hands and silenced her with a kiss. She threaded her fingers into his hair as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tighter to his body. Kylie whimpered and leaned into him, becoming pliant in his embrace. His lips were soft, his breath warm, and his hold safe.
She broke the kiss and buried her face in his neck. “I was so worried about you.” She squeezed him, never wanting to let go. “Are you really okay?”
He nodded. “I’m fine. I was worried you were pissed at me, that when I got out, you wouldn’t be here.”
“No.” She shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes. �
��Nammy Joyce was the only person in the world to ever stand up for me against my father. Until today.” She swallowed hard as the first few tears slipped down her cheeks. She hastily wiped them away.
“Uh, Xander. Wanna introduce us to your friend?”
Kylie looked toward Tanner. Seeing him straight on, she noticed he had the same dark hair and eyes and chiseled features. The resemblance between them was eerie.
“I know. Weird, huh?” The girl standing beside Tanner laughed. “I had the same reaction when I first saw them together.”
Xander released his hold on Kylie and took her hand instead, lacing their fingers. “Kylie, this is my brother, Tanner, and his girlfriend, Julianna.”
“Oh.” Kylie smiled. She remembered Xander talking about them. “Uh, nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Juliana stuck out her hand, and Kylie shook it. “And call me Jules.” She smiled warmly.
“My brother never told me he had a girlfriend.” Tanner shook her hand, too, and she held her breath.
Was she Xander’s girlfriend? Neither of them had really discussed it.
“Kinda been busy dealing with other things,” Xander said.
“You guys mind moving this outside?” Sheriff Rick asked. “Unless you want to take advantage of our luxurious accommodations.”
“Let’s get the hell out of here.” Xander laughed.
Kylie pulled her hand from his and gave Rick a hug. “Thank you, for everything.” Releasing him, she headed outside with Xander. She reached into her purse and pulled out his car keys. “I brought your car back.”
He took the keys. “Thanks.”
“So, what’s the plan now?” Tanner asked. “We’re supposed to be in New York tonight, y’know.”
“I know.” Xander sighed heavily, dragging a hand through his hair. “It’s a nine-hour drive.”
“We can still make it,” Jules said. “We’ll drop off the rental car at the airport and ride with you, all right?” She looked to Xander for confirmation.
“We need to check out of the hotel and get our stuff,” Kylie said.
“Shit.” Xander nodded. “Yeah, okay. You two follow us, we’ll grab our stuff, and then we’ll drop off your car on the way. We have to drive right past the airport.”
“Perfect!” Jules smiled. “Tanner, you ride with Xander. Kylie and I will take the rental car.” She held out her hand, and Tanner dropped a set of keys in her palm. “Thanks.” She gave him a quick kiss and then looped her arm through Kylie’s.
“What the hell?” Xander threw his hands up in the air.
She glanced at him over her shoulder and gave him an apologetic shrug. Then she got in the car with Jules.
Once they were on the road, Jules turned to her. “So, you and Xander?”
“Yeah, I don’t know.” She laughed nervously. “We haven’t really labeled our relationship. It’s complicated.” Kylie took a deep breath and looked out the window.
“Of course it is. He’s a Collins.” Jules laughed. “I know we don’t know each other, but if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”
“Thank you.” She had no idea what to make of Jules’s offer, but right about now, she would take all the help she could get. Jules pulled into the hotel lot and parked next to Xander.
“We’ll wait down here, but make it quick.” Tanner gave a stern look. “Dad’s already going to be pissed we’re late.”
Xander rolled his eyes and muttered something she couldn’t understand. They walked through the lobby and took the elevator to their rooms, neither of them speaking.
He stopped in front of her door. “Sheriff Rick told me you were at the jail to see your father.”
She hung her head. “I had to.”
“But you didn’t have to come see me?” There was a sharp, accusatory edge to his tone. He shoved the key card into the lock and motioned for her to go in.
She lifted her head. “I had to convince my father to do the right thing and not pursue his claim that you assaulted him.” She exhaled loudly. “I made a deal with him.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What kind of deal?”
She shifted on her feet and refused to meet his gaze, knowing he wouldn’t be happy about what she’d agreed to do.
“Kylie, what deal?”
“I agreed to give him all the money if he told Rick that you didn’t attack him.”
“Fuck.” Xander turned his back on her and took a few steps into the room. “Did you already do it?” He spun back around, his dark eyes angry.
She shook her head. “I told him I’d call Mr. Stanton later today and start the process to transfer everything to him.”
“The hell you will.” He put his hands on the door on either side of her head, his face inches from hers. “I will not let you give up your inheritance to that drunk, no-good piece of shit. He doesn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve anything. He wished you were dead, Ky.”
She swallowed hard. “I told you. I don’t care about the money. I care about you, and I didn’t know what else to do. It was my fault you were arrested, and I needed to do whatever I could to get you out.”
“Well, I’m out now, and you’re not making that call. I won’t let you.”
“You can’t stop me.” Her heart raced, and she licked her lips, worried she wouldn’t be able to change his mind. But it wasn’t his choice. It was hers, and she stood by the deal she made.
“You’re right, I can’t, but I’m begging you. Please don’t do this. Please just talk to my dad first. I know he can help you.”
She put her palms on his chest. His hard body beneath her hands was warm and familiar. “Why do you care so much?”
He covered her hands with his. “Because this money can change your life. Think of the freedom that it will give you.” He brushed his lips over hers, leaving her wanting more. “I’m sure your grandmother worked hard to save up that much money, and she wanted you to have it. Not him.”
She chewed on her lip, contemplating what he was saying. Everything he said was true. This money would change her life. She could buy a car and not have to rely on him or anyone else to drive her around. She could get an off-campus apartment like she and Celeste had talked about. She could pay her tuition and not have to graduate with massive student loan debt.
“If Nammy Joyce were standing here in front of you, what would she tell you to do?”
Her lips twitched into a smile. “She’d tell me I was crazy for even considering it.” She sighed.
“Then don’t do it.”
She nodded. “You’re right.”
“Thank you.” He looked relieved. “I’m sorry you had to meet my brother and his girlfriend like this. I used my one phone call to ask him to bail me out. Thought I was going to need it.” He leaned forward and kissed her again, a lingering, tongueless kiss, which wasn’t nearly enough. He kept his eyes open, his gaze locked onto hers. What was that all about?
“C’mon, let’s get packed.”
She gathered her stuff and shoved it into her duffel bag. Xander went to his room to do the same, and within an hour, the four of them were crammed into his car and headed toward New York. Xander and Kylie were in the front while Tanner and Jules were in the back.
“All right, tell us what landed your dumb ass in jail,” Tanner said.
“Wait, you didn’t tell him?” Kylie asked, glancing at Xander with confusion.
“Didn’t really have a chance to get into all the details.” With a heavy sigh, Xander launched into what happened, and Kylie filled in where she could. “And so,” she said, “my dad being a known drunk and public nuisance finally came in handy.” Xander reached over and gave her knee a squeeze.
“You’ve never gone to jail for me,” Jules said to Tanner with a sweet smile.
Tanner glared at his brother. “Thanks for raising that bar.”
Xander laughed and then shrugged. “I’d do it a million more times if I had to,” he whispered.
Her heart fluttered. She laced her fi
ngers through his and leaned back in the seat. The past few days were catching up to her, and exhaustion seeped into her bones. She closed her eyes and let the hum of the engine lull her into a calm relaxation. The events of the past two nights raced through her mind, and her face heated at the memory of how Xander touched her, how he’d held her all night.
She’d never be able to repay him for all he’d done for her, but maybe she could do something to show him how much she appreciated him, valued him. Loved him. That thought made her pause. There was no denying it. She was in love with Xander Collins.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“I called Dad,” Tanner said.
“And?” Xander stroked Kylie’s hair and glanced down at her. At the last rest stop, he’d given up the driving duties to Tanner, and within minutes of being in the backseat, Kylie had laid her head on his lap and fallen asleep. He had no idea how she was comfortable enough in this cramped seat. Jules was asleep in the front.
“I told him we’d be late, but that we’d be there tonight. He didn’t ask why.” Tanner caught his gaze in the rearview mirror. “You’re going to have to tell him the truth.”
“I will.”
Tanner nodded. “Is it serious?” He inclined his head toward Kylie.
Xander took a deep breath and rested his hand on the curve of her hip. “She unravels me in every way imaginable.” He smiled wistfully. “I’ve done and said some really dumb shit since meeting her, and I’ve loved every fucking second of it.”
“I know that feeling.” He laughed and glanced over at Jules. “I squeezed my ass into a white polyester suit and went disco roller-skating just to spend time with Jules.”
“I played Just Dance.”
“Dude, you fucking suck at that game.”
“No shit.” He laughed. Resting his head on the back of the seat, he watched the way his brother looked at Jules. There was so much love and admiration and respect in his gaze. “When did you know she was the one?”
“From the moment she first spoke to me.”
“How did you know?” Kylie was important to him; there was no doubt in his mind about that. And he had very strong feelings for her, but was it love? He’d never felt this way about anyone before, so that had to mean something, didn’t it?