Obsession (The Plus One Chronicles)

by Lyon, Jennifer

  He didn’t know how long he sat there as grief carved deep into his soul. The waves kept their steady churning rhythm, the moon rose and Sloane realized he was ready to let go. Drake was free of pain and at peace, but his legacy of mentoring throwaway boys would live on.

  Sloane would make sure of it.

  * * *

  Ten days later.

  Kat finished swimming laps in the heated pool at Sloane’s Montecito, California house. The lush backyard was her favorite place. He’d been right to bring them here to give them a chance to rest and recover. Kellen’s parents were taking care of her bakery, and for the first time since she’d bought Sugar Dancer, she truly had a break from work.

  At the steps, she began to climb out.

  Large hands reached down, lifting her from the water and into Sloane’s arms. “I made margaritas.”

  He wore board shorts and a few new lines around his eyes. Between the attack and losing Drake, they were both having nightmares and bad moments. But they had each other and that made it all bearable.

  Kat wrapped her legs around him, knowing he’d hold her. “When did you start drinking margaritas?” She’d only seen him drink a beer or a glass of wine. Even after Drake died, Sloane hadn’t drunk more than a beer or two.

  “When we were driving up here, you mentioned how much you liked the ones Sherry made while I was in Brazil and the two of you were hanging with Drake.”

  She closed her eyes, savoring the way he’d heard her off-the-cuff comment and done something so sweet. “I don’t want to cry anymore.”

  “Margaritas make you cry?”

  She opened her eyes. “You do with the way you love me.” It was easier to say now, easier to believe. She’d seen first-hand how Sloane loved with his sister and Drake. Sloane’s love was powerful and lasting.

  He held her tighter as he carried her to the patio that overlooked the gorgeous backyard lined in trees. Sloane tucked a thick towel around her back, then laid down on a massive, reclining lounge chair with her draped over him.

  He tugged her hair, pulling her eyes to his. “I screwed up and came way too close to losing you. That day when I walked in and saw you standing in front of Drake, facing Foster…that image will haunt me forever. I chose a fight with a goddamned killer over you.” He took a breath. “A margarita doesn’t make up for that.”

  They’d been doing this, going over and over it, trying to get control of their awful memories, regrets and fears. She hated that Sloane blamed himself. “You don’t have to make up for anything, you came back. You chose us—me and Drake. That’s what matters.” Sloane hadn’t known they were in danger. Foster had drugged the two investigators tailing him, so everyone just assumed he was on his way to the fight.

  “I hurt you that day. I walked out with you not knowing you’re my everything. That’s why I went back. I had to tell you that I love you and you come first. And I think…” Sloane shifted his gaze into the distance, “…maybe I wanted Drake to be proud of me.”

  “He told you how proud he was of you in the letter.” Kat had cried reading how much Drake had come to love and respect Sloane, and how proud he was of him. Drake considered all the kids he’d mentored important, but he called Sloane his true family.

  Sloane returned his gaze to her and slowly nodded. “I don’t know who my sperm donor is, but Drake’s my father in every way that matters.” Sloane’s mouth curved, and he fingered a length of her hair. “And he loved you.”

  Her throat tightened thinking of the letter Drake had left her. She’d read it the night Drake died while Sloane sat out on the beach, and she’d memorized every word.

  Dearest Kat,

  When I finally came to terms with the reality that I wasn’t going to beat this cancer, I knew I would die without the comfort of a woman. No wife, lover, daughter, not even a niece. That sucked, but I worried more about Sloane. He refused to let a woman emotionally close to him (you’ve met his mother!) and I feared that boy I love so much would end up alone like me.

  Then you came into our lives and saved us both. You gave me your friendship, filling the last weeks of my life with a bright love, warm comfort, and healing laughter. And you gave Sloane your heart, teaching him that he’s worth loving. Watching him fall in love with you and grow into a better man (and he was already a damn good man) is one of the greatest joys of my life. Trust in his love. He won’t fail you.

  Kat, you’re a strong woman with a beautiful heart. Thank you for being my friend when I needed you the most. I’ve grown to love you as a treasured part of my family. I want you to know I’m at peace leaving Sloane to you. Live, love and be happy until we meet again.

  Love, Drake

  A wave of pain and love filled Kat’s heart. “He didn’t forget me.”

  Sloane’s eyes softened. “You’re a hard woman to forget, baby. Drake didn’t bullshit, he told the truth. You two had a special bond that made his last weeks and days easier.”

  She traced his collarbone with her finger. “My biggest regret is not stopping Foster from hurting Drake. I froze, panicked and that bastard cut a helpless, dying man.” Her stomach churned whenever she thought about it.

  “Sweetheart.” His voice thickened. “You were supposed to run, not protect Drake. Don’t you know he’d have willingly died for you?”

  Damn it. She was going to cry again and blinked determinedly against the tears. “I couldn’t leave him. David left me when we were attacked, he let go of me. I wouldn’t do that to Drake.” How tragic would it have been if Sloane hadn’t had those last painfully beautiful moments with Drake?

  Sloane rubbed her back beneath the towel. “It would’ve been easier if I’d fallen in love with a coward, but instead I fell for you, my brave Kitten. Now I’m going to spend the rest of my life scared to death you’ll get yourself killed protecting someone who can’t protect him or herself.”

  Kat laid her head on Sloane’s chest. With her attack six years ago, she hadn’t had someone to really talk to. But now she had Sloane, and together they were slowly processing their emotions. “Drake taught me more about compassion than anyone I’ve ever met. He made a mistake, but he owned it and tried to do better. What I did wasn’t brave. That was being Drake’s friend.”

  Sloane stroked his big hand across her drying skin, his body warm and solid beneath her. “It doesn’t matter what title you give it. You were there for him.”

  She smiled softly. “And you were there for us.”

  “Thank God.”

  “I wish we could have saved Zack too.” They had gone to the nurse’s funeral, and Sloane took care of all expenses, but it wasn’t enough. Zack had been murdered by Foster, then his car used to gain entrance to Sloane’s property. His death had hit them hard.

  Sloane’s eyes reflected her regret. “I thought for sure I’d baited Foster enough to come after me at that fight.”

  Kat lifted her head. “Would you have killed him?”

  Sloane’s hand stilled on her back, and he tensed. “I don’t know. I wish I could tell you no, but I don’t think I’d have stopped if you hadn’t been there.”

  He’d been honest with her, so she asked the question that bothered her. “Do you regret not killing him?” Foster was alive in a prison hospital. If he survived his injuries, he’d be tried for Zack’s murder and the attack on her and Drake. She didn’t care if he lived or died, but she didn’t want the fact that she’d stopped Sloane from killing him to fester between them.

  He pushed her damp hair back from her face. “No. You needed me, and you come first.”

  She opened her mouth to tell him how much she loved him when her cell phone rang. Sloane grabbed it from the side table and handed it to her.

  She glanced at the screen in surprise. Mentally shifting gears, she answered, “Hi, Ana, what’s up?” It was around four p.m., was there something wrong at the bakery?

  “Hi, Kat. I wouldn’t bother you on your trip, but I’m too excited to wait until you get back.”

 
Curiosity sparked in her. “About what?”

  “Two of the shows we submitted the video packages to called. They both want to book you for one of their segments. This is big news. We did it.”

  “Two?” Two shows wanted her. A sensation like butterflies opening their wings fluttered in her belly. Nerves, fear and joy mingled. Kat looked up at Sloane. “Two shows want me.”

  That face she loved, so brutal at times, slid into a smile that made his eyes dance. “Say yes. Book those shows. This is your time to shine, baker girl.”

  God she loved him. There was no feeling like this. “Ana, let’s book them.”

  Ana laughed, her happiness infectious. “Whew, that’s good because I already did. Tell Sloane hello, and we’ll talk when you get back.” She hung up.

  “I’m proud of you, Kat. So fucking proud.”

  Heat rolled through her. Dropping her phone on the table by the two margaritas, she said, “I’m a little scared. What if I screw it up? Or have a panic attack?”

  Sloane took a moment to answer. “I’ll be there when you tape. Kel can be there too. I know his boss, he’ll give him the day off. You’re not going to fail, sweetheart. You know what you’re doing.”

  “I might panic.”

  He nodded. “So? You’re not hiding who you are anymore. If you panic, I’ll be there to help you through it. Then you bake the fuck out of whatever dessert you’re making.”

  Kat blinked, then laughed so hard she choked. God, it felt good to laugh again. Grief and trauma didn’t vanish like a summer rainstorm, but being able to laugh was a sign they were alive and beginning to heal.

  Sloane shifted her to recline next to him, then handed her a slightly melted margarita and took the other one for himself. “To success, baby. You’re going to win and be my star.”

  Kat looked into the eyes of the man who loved her exactly as she was while supporting her efforts to grow. “I’ve already won. I have you.”

  Epilogue

  Six Months Later

  San Francisco, California

  Kat should be exhausted, but she was flying high. Her open house for Sugar Dancer San Francisco had been a huge success. Reporters covered it, food critics came by, bloggers filled her tables and so many potential customers flowed in and out, it was all a blur of pure excitement. As the limo glided through the dark streets, she caught herself babbling. “I’m talking too much.”

  Sloane wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. “The hell you are. I want to hear everything.”

  She really hoped she didn’t crack her face with her grin. Despite all they’d been through, she and Sloane had a lot to be grateful for. They hadn’t had to face a trial for Foster or David. Lee Foster had died from a blood clot a month after the attack, and David took a plea deal for Finn’s murder. She and Sloane were healing and building a great relationship. No matter how busy they were, he always made her feel important. Like now when he took the time to listen to her excited chatter.

  Kat smiled up at him. “You were at the open house, you already know everything that went on.” He’d flown in last night. Today, he’d had her family and friends flown in. Kat and her parents were slowly building a new relationship, and Sloane supported that.

  But Sloane wanted nothing to do with his mother. Kat respected his decision, especially after having met her. The woman was toxic.

  “Not all day. I left a few times.” He frowned at her. “I had to go work off those cupcakes. I may have developed an addiction.”

  Kat rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you’re getting fat.” He still worked out hard and kept in top shape with his martial arts. Kat could watch him for hours.

  “That so? Then we’ll just have to train together more.”

  Kat would never get much better than she was now due to her leg, but it didn’t bother her or Sloane. “Yeah? Because I’m pretty sure hardcore training isn’t supposed to end with me naked and tied up in your athletic tape.”

  “It does if you’re doing it right.” He leaned in, settling his mouth over hers. In seconds, he pulled back, his eyes traveling down her dress with the long sheer skirt over a shorter underskirt. “You wear these dresses to torment me.” Sloane wrapped his hand around her calf and drew it up her thigh.

  “You love it.” That came out a little more breathless than she’d intended. They’d been together over eight months now, and their chemistry burned hotter than ever.

  “I love you and your dress.” He skimmed his fingers higher, caressing the sensitive spot behind her knee.

  Streaks of pleasure raced up her leg and fisted in her belly. “Maybe we should skip dinner and go home to the condo. We can cook something later.”

  “Nope. I’m taking you to dinner at Waterbar to celebrate. I had to share you all day long. You’re all mine now.” He stroked a few inches higher up her thigh and trailed back down to her knee.

  “You’re teasing me.”

  “Not about dinner. You mentioned you wanted to go to this restaurant, we’re going. Consider it my grand-opening present.”

  “Then what was the condo you bought so I have a place to stay when I’m here?”

  His eyes took on a hard edge. “That comes under safety expenses, and you don’t get a say in it. That was our agreement. That condo is safe for you.”

  “But it’s in my name.” She’d protested that one long and hard, and lost.

  He shrugged. “Clerical error. Shit happens.”

  “Sloane.”

  “Stop whining. I didn’t do anything to help with Sugar Dancer. You did that all on your own.”

  Did he think that? Kat leaned her head back on his arm, looking up into his eyes. “You’re wrong. I didn’t do that on my own.”

  “Come again? I know I didn’t help you.”

  Kat pulled his hand off her thigh and up to her heart. “You’ve been there emotionally every step of the way.” He’d helped her through a panic attack right before taping the first baking show. Sloane had held her hand through buying and remodeling the bakery, hiring and training staff… He was her rock, her safe place. “That means more to me than anything your billions can buy.”

  “It works both ways, Kitten.”

  Kat got a lump in her throat thinking about Sloane’s decision to turn over a lot of SLAM to John and Liza so he could focus on building The Drake Vaughn Center for Boys. He was so passionate about the Fighters to Mentors program and this center that would be part of it. As the limo slid to a stop outside the restaurant, she squeezed his hand. “Drake’s legacy. You’re making it happen.” She was so proud of him.

  “We are.”

  The door to the limo opened, and Levi held his hand out. “Kat, watch your step.”

  She smiled at the man in his early twenties, another of Sloane’s kids who now ran a limo service. She let him help her out and steady her as she tested her right leg. “Thanks, Levi.”

  “Anytime.”

  Once inside the restaurant, Kat craned her head to look at the Bay Bridge.

  With his hand on her back, Sloane leaned close and said, “Better view from upstairs. Come on.” He waved off the waiter. “I know the way.”

  After he led her to the top floor, Kat looked at all the tables draped in snowy tablecloths and beautiful cutlery but no guests. The whole place was deserted. “Uh, is this section closed?”

  He shrugged out of his suit coat. “It’s ours for the night. We’re going out on the terrace, put this on.” He held it out for her.

  Kat slipped into it, his body heat and rich scent instantly surrounding her. It hung from her arms, so Sloane rolled the sleeves back. Her pulse spiked and danced. “What did you do?”

  The amber chips in his light brown eyes gleamed. “Told you, baby. I’m done sharing you today.” He led her out the doors into the cool San Francisco night.

  “You rented the entire top level of the restaurant?”

  “Yes.” They stopped at the railing. “Stop staring at me and look at the bridge. I brought you here for this mag
nificent view.”

  Kat turned to get the full impact of the Bay Bridge arcing across the night sky lit up by thousands of lights. Stunning. It was so beautiful she couldn’t quite breathe. The majestic bridge appeared close enough to reach out and touch it.

  “Like it?”

  “It’s gorgeous. I mean, I’ve seen it before, but this view…it’s breathtaking.”

  He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into his body. The wind caught her hair and skirt, whipping them around. She didn’t care about the wind or chill in the air. She’d stand here forever to take in this view with the man she loved.

  “A perfect end to an awesome day. Thank you.” She sighed and looked up. “When I remember today, this will be my favorite part.”

  He brushed his mouth over hers. “Do you know what my favorite part was?”

  Well it had been a little hard to miss since he’d lifted her off her feet, hugging her as camera flashes went off. “Sara’s German Chocolate Cake.” She’d unveiled her Sugar Dancer SF house specialty earlier today at the open house.

  Sloane’s face softened. “You planned this when you asked me what her favorite cake was.”

  She’d poured her heart into creating a cake good enough for Sara’s memory. Seeing Sloane’s reaction had been better than winning the baking show contests. “It took awhile to get it just right.”

  “She would have loved the cake and having something named after her.” Sloane fingered the strands of lavender in her hair. “Are you going to name something after me?”

  “I’ve tried, but I can’t come up with a dessert special enough to name after you. It has to be perfect.” She gripped the railing tighter, studying the bridge. “Even replicating this bridge wouldn’t capture the power of you.”

  He smiled at her, taking her hand. “There’s one thing that I would like very much to have my name.”

  His warm fingers wrapped around hers. “Really?” Her lemon cupcakes?

  “You.”

  She blanked. “What?”

  Sloane held out his other hand, a velvet box resting in the center of his palm. “Marry me, Kat. Make my name our name. That would make me happy.” He removed the ring, taking her hand and sliding it on her finger. “You told me that all your grandmother wanted for you was to feel the music, remember?”