by Lea Hart
“Cole, I need to be honest with you.”
“Always a good idea.”
“When you told me it wasn’t your scene and used that derisive tone, it reminded me of the way my ex-fiancé spoke to me at the end of our relationship.”
“I’m guessing there’s more.”
“There always is.” She let out a breath and then looked out the window. “Sam and I dated for almost a year and a half and were engaged. His behavior changed dramatically after he proposed, and he ended up breaking up with me over email and then marrying another woman a month later.”
“Fuck.”
“Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction. Needless to say, I was blindsided, and it took me a while to get over the shock and put myself back together.”
“Calling him an asshole doesn’t seem strong enough.”
“I have a whole dictionary of words that I’ve used, but asshole is probably still one of my favorites.” She crossed her legs and looked up. “I had my part in it, though, because there were signs that I chose to ignore. Had I been more tuned in and realistic, I might’ve been able to avoid the crash and burn.”
“No offense, Kelly, but that’s bullshit. If a man asks you to marry him, then he better be damn sure about it. It’s not your job to look for signs to see if he’s full of shit or not.”
“Isn’t it, though?”
“No, in my opinion, it’s not. A man should be damn sure of what he wants before he asks a woman to get married. Seems to me this fucker wasn’t and dragged you along the shit road he was on.”
“But shouldn’t I have seen it?”
“If he wasn’t showing you, how would it be possible?”
“But, I’m smart and, in retrospect, there were signs that I ignored.”
“Can’t live your life looking in the rear-view mirror. You did the best you could at the time.”
“That’s a very generous view.”
“Why is he going to a wedding in your hometown anyway?”
“His brother is marrying one of my good friends. Would you like something to drink?”
“Yeah, that would be great.” He watched her stand and did the same. “Babe, you’re lucky you got out in time.”
“Maybe.”
Feeling a cold fury roll over his body, he let out a breath. “You still have feelings for the guy?”
“No! I just wish I could’ve avoided the whole thing altogether. All his ‘I love yous’ were really ‘fuck yous’ considering he proposed and led me to believe he meant it.”
Taking a step closer, he took her hands. “People show you what they want you to see, and if they’re good actors, then it’s going to take a while before the truth is revealed.”
“I should have told you why I wanted you to come in the first place. It wasn’t fair that I pretended like meeting my family was important.”
“Babe, I should’ve said yes before you finished your sentence. If you want me to be someplace, then I sure as shit need to be there. Like I said earlier, I let old crap get in the way, and that is inexcusable.”
“I really don’t expect you to meet my family after a month of dating. It’s not like we’re on the road to a serious relationship and it was a big ask.”
“No, it wasn’t!”
Sliding her hands away, she walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. “Do you want a beer?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” He slid onto a stool at the island and watched her open one and push it over. “I’m so fucking sorry for the way I reacted to your invitation.”
She filled a glass with wine and took a seat across from him. “As much as we’ve bickered, you never used that dismissive, condescending tone with me, and it’s not one I ever want to hear again. Sam used it with me, and I should’ve never allowed it. It was a sign I ignored, and that will never happen again.”
“Understood.”
“Right after he proposed, he started putting me down and then pretending like he didn’t. It made me feel crazy because I knew what was going down, but he’d always deny it and try and play it off. You don’t like me; fine, I can handle it. Say it to my face, own it, and then we move on. But saying shit and taking shots is not acceptable.”
“I’m a hundred percent on board with everything you just said, so how do we move forward?”
“Not sure.”
“I think it’s time we went all in. We’ve spent a month together, and it’s been amazing, but most of it has been spent in bed. As much as I love it, I know it’s not helping us build a relationship. Since I have almost no experience on how to make that happen, I’m open to suggestions.”
“What exactly are you saying, Cole?”
“You are my woman, my girlfriend, my boo, bae or whatever label makes you feel comfortable. I’ve got your back and vice versa. You need something, call me, lean on me, know I’m your man. Everything we do from now on will be meant to build a solid foundation for our marriage, family, and dynasty. You are my queen, and no one comes before you, and I’m your king and ask the same of you. This is the real fucking deal, and I’m ready to go all in.”
“Are we talking minivans?”
“Babe, I’ll get you a real nice SUV, ‘cause your ass is too fine to be sittin’ in anything else.” Watching her face, he waited. When she gave him his favorite smile, he took the first full breath in a week.
“I’ve given pieces of myself away to men who didn’t deserve it, and I’m tired of selling myself short. If you’re being real, then I’d like to invest in you and see if we can make something we’d both be proud to be a part of.”
“I know this is just a lot of words, so all I can say is watch my actions and then you’ll know for sure. Each day, we’ll put another brick on our castle and, before too long, you won’t have any questions.”
“I never would’ve guessed you’d be interested in a relationship.”
“I am with you. I was playing the odds, hoping you’d profess your undying love and devotion to me so I’d know it was safe to do the same. But that’s chickenshit, and I’m not a man who’s ever stooped to that level. You scare the shit out of me and I’m not sure a punk like me deserves a woman like you, but I’m not letting it stand in my way anymore.”
“You’re no punk, and I’d ask that you look in the mirror and realize that the man you see deserves every good thing in the world.”
He stood and lifted her out of her chair. “Which is why you’re my queen.”
“Do I get a crown to go with my new title?”
“If that’s what you want.” Running his fingers over her face, he felt the knife that had been lodged in his chest disappear. “Are you really in?”
“Yes, I believe I am.”
“I’m sorry I let old shit trip me up.”
“All we can do is our best to communicate what’s going on and be real. I promise not to flinch when you waver and ask that you do the same.”
“I’m a damn Marine; ain’t nothing you got that’s going to spook me.”
“If you’re serious about coming to the wedding, then we’ll be staying with my family.”
He swallowed and then nodded. “No problem.”
She let out a laugh and then rested her head against his chest. “Don’t you want to know what you’re in for?”
“Sure…”
“My father is a general surgeon and is brilliant when he’s in the operating room. In life, he’s a lot like the absent-minded professor. My mom is a psychiatrist and likes to know how you’re feeling and will not rest until she feels you’ve had the chance to express yourself fully. It’s exhausting and wonderful and will make you want to consume an unreasonable amount of alcohol or donuts. My twin brothers are attorneys and work for the ACLU. My sister is a teacher and is my favorite person in the world. I grew up in a big, loud, chaotic house and the only sin you can commit is being narrow-minded or judgmental.
“If you dare to join me, expect to have an excruciatingly long conversation with my mother, and drinks wi
th my father where the Royals will be discussed ad nauseam. My sister is going to put you through your paces, and most likely my brothers will not be around because they’re usually out of town trying cases.”
“Not what I expected to hear.”
“Did you think I came from some uptight family?”
“Well…”
“Never mind, don’t answer that.”
“You like your rules and can be a little intense, so I assumed that was a result of the environment you grew up in.”
“I’ve needed a lot more control in my life in the last two years, but it had to do with the horrendous mistake I made in getting involved with Sam. I haven’t trusted myself very much, and the control made me feel better.”
“Is that why you were hanging out at the Red Door?”
“What do you mean?”
“You told me you had a merry widow and a crop and that certainly goes with the whole control thing.”
“Cole, you know I like to take my bra off the minute I get home, and the idea of trussing myself up in a getup to turn a man on is way more than I’m willing to do. So being a dominatrix is not on my list.”
“Good, because being a sub is not on mine either.”
She wiggled her hips against his and raised an eyebrow. “Are you lying?”
“Babe, it wasn’t the whip that made me hard; it’s your soft breasts pressed against my chest. You look in my direction, and I’m ready to go.”
“Have we gotten to the makeup sex part of the evening?”
“I’m hoping so, but it’s your call. As much as I want you, I’m not willing to jeopardize our reconciliation. If we need to spend more time talking, then let’s do it.”
“I’m talked out, for now.”
Grinning, he stepped back and took her hand. “Then take me to bed and let me show you how much I missed you.”
“Come on, king, let’s go consummate this reconciliation.”
“Feel free to use my title as often as you want.”
“As long as I get some sort of crown, then it won’t be a problem.”
“Done.” He trailed behind her and felt like his heart was going to explode. Everything he never knew he wanted was within reach, and all he had to do was make sure not to screw it up.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kelly sat in her old office at McCallan Security and revised the software she had installed to include some updates the IRS had requested. The audit was thankfully over, and the brothers did not have to write a check. It went as she predicted and both sides decided to call it a wash, and she thankfully did not have to refile for the year in question.
Smelling popcorn, she looked up and saw Terrence standing in the doorway. “Are you tempting me again?”
“Don’t let Cole hear you talk that way; otherwise, he’ll be giving me the stink-eye for a week.”
She let out a laugh and put out her hand. “You know I have no willpower.”
Glancing down at the bag, he let out a laugh. “Oh, you mean my snack and not my very fine body.”
“Ms. Jazzy would never allow it.”
Taking the chair, he pushed the bag of popcorn across the desk. “So true, my woman likes to keep me all to herself.”
Taking a handful of popcorn, she popped it into her mouth. “We had fun at dinner the other night; I hope we can make it a regular thing.”
Terrence took the bag back and shook some into his hand. “Me too. Jazzy thinks having couple friends is important and likes you and Cole, so anytime you guys want to hang out, let us know.”
“We’re going to Kansas City next week, so maybe the week after that. We could go to a show or something.”
“Sounds good to me; she loves Cher for some reason, and I know she’d like to see her perform.”
“Me too!”
Terrence shuddered. “How Cole and I got ourselves involved with women with such bad taste in music is hard to understand.”
“Cher is a rock legend, and it’s too bad you boys don’t understand that.”
Cole stuck his head in the office and frowned. “What don’t we understand?”
“Cher.”
Cole glanced at Terrence and grimaced. “Are we going to a show?”
“Eventually.”
“May need a couple of drinks before I’m ready for that one.”
“No shit,” Terrence replied with a laugh.
“Are you coming over for dinner tonight?” Kelly asked.
“Of course, it’s Blue Apron night.”
“We’re making chicken and poblano tostadas.”
“I’m going to meet with Zach and Seth, and then I’ll be ready to go.”
“All right.” She watched him give her a wink and then walk out.
“He’s a hell of a lot easier to work with now that you two have worked things out.”
“Hope he survives the trip next week and nothing makes him want to run for the hills.”
Crossing his leg over his knee, he lifted an eyebrow. “Are you sending our boy into a skirmish he can’t survive?”
“No, my parents are going to welcome him with open arms, and I’m afraid he’ll freak and think they want him to join the family before he’s ready.”
“They want to marry your old ass off or what?”
“Ha, ha.” Picking up a pencil, she tapped it against the desk. “I know he didn’t grow up with the greatest family situation, and my family is a little overwhelming, and I don’t want it to be too much.”
“If your parents are as cool as you say, then he’s going to be fine. The only monkey crawling on his back is his fear of them not accepting him.”
“He’s an incredible man with a ton of accomplishments; how could they not love him?”
Terrence leaned forward and knocked his knuckles on the desk. “You two are going to be fine.”
“I hope so because I’m in so deep that, if this doesn’t work out, I may have to swear off men completely.”
Standing, he grabbed his bag of popcorn. “As long as you stay out of your own way, it’ll work out.”
“Thanks, T.”
He stopped at the door. “For what?”
“Sharing your snack.” She blew him a kiss and then laughed when he looked side to side. “Don’t worry; he knows I only have eyes for him.”
“He’s not a reasonable man when it comes to you, so let’s not test him.”
“Fine.”
“Behave, woman, because I can’t take another week of Cole throwing shit.”
“All right, if you insist.” She watched him walk down the hall and wondered if Cole really had been out of sorts. Shrugging, she went back to work and decided to ask him later.
***
Cole walked into Shane’s office and grabbed a seat. “Hey, little brother.”
“Hey.” Closing his laptop, he pushed his chair back and grinned. “Damn glad to be on the other side of the audit.”
“Me too.”
“Kelly’s recommendation for the lawyer was right on. The woman pushed back at just the right moments and, had we not had her there, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”
“Agreed. It also helped having Kelly on-call, so she could answer any questions about the amendments we filed.”
“Hope we don’t have to go through that again.”
Zach strolled in and grabbed a chair. “What are we talking about?”
“Audit.”
“Damn, I hated that shit.”
“God willing, it won’t be something we ever have to go through again,” Cole commented.
“You ready for next week?” Seth asked.
“Yeah, we’re heading out on Thursday and will return on Monday. Kelly wants to show me around and has a bunch of things planned.”
Zach let out a whistle. “This is the first time you’ve met a girlfriend’s parents, right?”
“Yes, and from everything Kelly has said, they’re very friendly and easygoing.”
“You nervous?” Seth asked.
> “Yeah, but not as much as I was a month ago. We’re solid and only getting better with each passing day.” He rubbed the back of his neck and then looked between his brothers. “She’s probably the one for me.”
Zach nodded and then leaned forward. “Are we talking a ring and everything?”
“Yeah, the American dream with kids, dogs, and soccer games.”
Seth snorted. “Who the hell are you and what have you done with my brother?”
Cole put up his hands and shook his head. “Never guessed it would happen to me, but we’re definitely headed in that direction.”
“Shit,” Seth said quietly.
“What are you worried about?” Cole asked.
Seth gave him a smile and then ran his hand over his desk. “Nothing. It’s just a huge shift.”
Zach let out a laugh and punched Cole in the arm. “If you can find someone to love, then maybe it’s possible for us.” He linked his hands and rested them behind his head. “Maybe the shit we grew up with doesn’t dictate our future.”
“I’m trying like hell to see if it’s possible,” Cole responded. “We’ve built an incredible business together, and I’d like to see us have a chance to build the families we always wanted too. Meeting Kelly has made me believe it’s possible and it’s something we all should have a shot at.”
Seth grinned and stood. “The McCallan brothers might be ready for some happy shit.”
“Damn straight,” Cole responded.
“Why the hell not?” Zach added.
Looking at two of the three most important people in his life, he hoped like hell it was possible. They’d been to hell and back, and it would be great if they could leave it in the past and walk toward something that would make the trip seem worthwhile.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Kelly got out of the car and was immediately slammed with the familiar heat and humidity of a Midwest summer. Looking up at her high school sent a flood of emotions through her as she stared up at the familiar brick building. “St. Teresa’s Academy, oh how I love you.”
“Can’t believe my girlfriend was a Catholic school girl.”