“Honey, are you okay?”
Zoey blinked, only then aware of the moisture on her cheeks. Her breath caught, air impossible to breathe in. She’d been so afraid of the truth she had buried deep inside her, ashamed of what happened. That, somehow, it had been her fault, and that the shame would destroy her. But it occurred to her now, sitting in the warm comfort of her childhood home, alongside her parents, that Rhys was right. She couldn’t let what Scott and Jake did change her. She couldn’t let them dim her light or her truth. She couldn’t lose herself like Katherine had lost herself. But she had done just that; she’d let them win. Again. She left a life she loved, a man who was opening her heart in ways she only dreamed of, all because fear ate at her like a disease.
With shaky hands, she reached for her purse sitting on the floor next to her and took out Hilary’s card that she hadn’t been able to throw away.
“Zoey,” her dad said, firmer now, sliding closer to her on the couch. “What’s wrong?”
“Mom,” Zoey managed, glancing between them. “Dad.” A sob broke free. “I need to tell you something.”
“William,” Rhys said to his cousin, frustration coursing through him. “I don’t want to hear how this is a terrible idea. I need you to tell me the steps I have to take to make sure I’m good to leave for Sacramento.” They sat across from each other in the cigar lounge, on the brown leather couches, with a glass coffee table between them. Even if they were related, William looked nothing like Rhys. He was tall and lanky, with light features, and five years younger. The bar wouldn’t open until later this afternoon, but Rhys had business he needed to take care of. The bartenders were already there, restocking the bars and handling the day-to-day chores.
Next to the pile of paperwork was the plane ticket that would take him to Sacramento tonight at eight o’clock. He’d done the right thing, letting Zoey leave, to choose her own path. But it made him miserable. Rhys didn’t have a plan, not fully, but he knew he couldn’t take the distance between them. He could not ask her to stay, and he knew she’d never ask him to go, but fuck, he needed to see her again. This life without her was not one he could survive.
“I realize you want me to rush this,” William shot back. “But this isn’t something I can do so quickly. You oversee a lot of your family’s investments. And let’s not even talk about your own finances.” The color drained out of his face. “I don’t even know where to begin on this. You are the face of the Harrington fortune here in New York City.”
Rhys knew if he left New York City, he’d shake things up. He needed to have this all squared away. Because he knew once he got to Sacramento, there was no chance in hell he’d leave again. “I know I’m dropping all this into your lap, but I’ve got total trust that you can handle things here in New York until we figure out how to make all this work.”
William shot a look of disbelief. “Fuck, Rhys, I am not you. You’ve got meetings scheduled for the next month. You honestly want to bail on those?” He blinked twice. “Okay, what the hell is going on? Are you having a mental breakdown? Do you need help? I can get that for you.”
Rhys had never been so certain about anything before. And yet, he understood William’s concern. Rhys never acted impulsively. But time and time again, Zoey made him break his own rules. He leaned his elbows on his bent knees. He couldn’t tell his cousin the reason he was leaving was for Zoey. That news would get to his father. And the last thing he wanted was for Zoey to be the target of his father’s wrath for being the reason he left his responsibilities behind. Rhys knew how to thwart his father. Zoey did not. “My sanity is fine. Reschedule important meetings over Zoom. Go to dinner meetings on my behalf.” Because that’s how finance worked. Schmooze the right people. Keep contacts and close relationships tight. Let them know how sweet it was to be in the Harrington circle.
William blinked. “Have you talked to your father about this?”
“I don’t need to discuss my plans with anyone,” Rhys countered.
William paled a little, shuffling through the papers. “All right, all right. Shit, all right.” A bead of sweat slid down the side of William’s cheek. He gave Rhys a look of disbelief. “You’re planning on running your life in New York from Sacramento? This is insane.”
“What’s insane?”
Rhys glanced sideways, realizing that Archer, Hunt, and Kieran had arrived. Rhys had hoped to have his conversation with William wrapped up before then. “Give us a minute,” he told William, who looked slightly wobbly as he rose.
“I’ll go have a drink at the bar,” his cousin said. He nodded a greeting to Rhys’ friends before leaving the sitting area.
Kieran chuckled at the retreating William. “What did you do to him? He looks ready to puke.”
Rhys exhaled deeply as they all took seats around him. This was the hardest part. “I wanted to wait to tell you all this until I had everything lined up, but I’m moving to Sacramento.”
The silence was deafening.
Rhys chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever rendered you all speechless before.”
Archer countered, “I don’t think you’ve ever hit us with such a bombshell before. When did you decide this?”
“It’s been in the works since the night Zoey told me she was leaving,” he explained, hating the sadness he noted in his friends’ eyes. “It’s not an easy decision for me. I didn’t come to it lightly, but you’re right, I need to fight.”
“For her?” Hunt offered.
Rhys nodded. “She can’t do New York City, and understandably so, but I can do Sacramento. It’s just going to take some planning.”
Archer cocked his head. “She’s the one, then?”
“I think we all knew that from day one.” Rhys smiled. “Listen, I’ve got a big ask, but I’ll be renting my condo, and I’ll need to hire a manager to oversee the cigar club. Archer, you can handle Phoenix until we get someone to step in my place. We’ll have to look at this from all angles, but—”
“Let me stop you there,” Hunt said, offering his typical sly smile. “You know we’ve got your back and would help you figure all this out, but I really hate to break it to you, buddy; you’re not going anywhere.”
Rhys tipped his head back and let out a frustrated breath. “Please do not give me a hard time about this. It’s not easy to leave any of you.” He dropped his chin and glanced between his friends. “But this is happening. I’m leaving tonight.”
Hunt’s smile widened. “While I’ve totally got the warm fuzzies over the love fest you’re showing us, what I mean is, you’re not going anywhere, because an arrest warrant was just filed for Jake. Zoey flew back to New York City with her parents to speak out against him this morning. Between Hilary’s statement and Zoey’s, it was enough to press charges.”
Rhys rose, thrusting his hands in his hair. He moved to the window and cracked it open to get some fresh air, hardly able to believe what he’d heard. Delight filled him that she was facing her fears head-on and testifying against Jake. He’d been so worried she lost herself like Katherine did, but he’d never been happier to be wrong. He shut his eyes and breathed deeply, gathering his thoughts, then he glanced back over his shoulder. “She came forward?”
Hunt nodded with a warm smile. “She came forward.”
Ten minutes ago, he was ready to walk away from New York City and go to Zoey. The plane ticket was bought. His plan set. Of course she’d completely derailed him; that had been her style since day one. Rhys turned away from the window. “How do you know this?”
“I saw her today at the station. They brought her in to give her statement. She looked…strong.”
“She’s always been strong,” Rhys said, returning to his seat.
“And about moving to Sacramento,” Archer said. “I’m not sure if that’s the wisest idea.” At Rhys’ arched eyebrow, Archer added, “After Hunt told me about Jake’s arrest, I did a little digging. Zoey flew back to New York City this morning, but she also came with the two suitcases she l
eft with.”
Rhys couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe.
“All right, Rhys, I need to go to one of your meetings, so I need to run,” William said, sidling up to the group.
“No.”
William’s brows went up. “No?”
“No to all of it,” Rhys said and smiled at his inner circle of friends. “Looks like I’m staying in New York City after all.”
A long pause. Then William reached into his pocket, concern heavy on his face. “That’s it. You’ve fucking lost it. I’m calling your mother.”
Kieran jumped up from his seat and wrapped an arm around William’s neck. “Come on, Willie, tuck that phone away, and I’ll grab ya another drink.”
Rhys turned his attention to Hunt. “Where’s Zoey now?”
“I suspect she’s still at the station,” Hunt replied.
Archer rose. “What do you need from us?”
Rhys glanced at his cousin. “Get William drunk enough that he passes out. He’s going to talk to my parents, and I’d like to talk with Zoey before that happens.”
Hunt cocked his head, well aware of what Rhys’s family was like and how they’d react if William called them. “To prepare her for the Harrington storm coming her way?”
Rhys would need to explain why he’d been so wishy-washy to his parents. But there was one thing to take care of before he did that, and Zoey played a huge part in it. Rhys chuckled. “Yeah, something like that.”
Chapter 15
“Thank you for your statement, Ms. Parker. You can leave now.”
Zoey rose from her seat in the New York City Police Department, feeling like a weight had been lifted off her chest, but she didn’t touch the USB stick that sat on the table between her and the detectives. The evidence of Rhys’ conversation with Scott and Jake would no doubt get a conviction against Jake. She left the two stoic detectives behind in the cold room and headed down the hallway. All the fear, all the shame, no longer felt buried. Freedom made the world vivid again.
“Zoey, honey, we’re over here.”
She turned, seeing her parents in the waiting room. Warmth filled her as she hurried to their side, moving immediately into their arms. She never could have imagined her parents’ supportive reaction. Or the outcome of revealing the truth. That, while she had exposed herself to the world, telling the truth made her feel safer. Made her feel free. She felt the power of each word she spoke during her statement. Maybe it wasn’t the revenge she’d once thought she deserved, but she knew she had taken a step to make the world a better place. To keep other women safe. Part of Jake’s control had been to shame her so she buried her secret.
Not anymore. Never again.
“We’re so proud of you, sweetie,” said her mom, giving Zoey a big kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks.” She stepped back, sighing heavily. “Honestly, I’m just glad that’s all over. Those detectives are intense.”
“You did good,” her dad said, ushering them through another door. “I can only imagine how intimidating that interview must have been.”
“Just a little,” Zoey admitted with a soft laugh.
When they moved out to the large, open foyer of the police station, Hilary rose from the couch near the wall of windows. “Did it go okay?” she asked after rushing forward and gathering Zoey in her arms.
“Yeah,” Zoey said, hugging her back. “It felt good to say what happened aloud. Actually, easier than I was expecting.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” Hilary said, backing away. “Feels good to stick it to him, right?”
Zoey laughed softly. “Definitely.”
“Hey, Hil.”
Hilary glanced over her shoulder, and Zoey caught sight of a cute guy waving at Hilary. “That’s my boyfriend, Nathan,” Hilary explained. “I’m sure with Jake’s trial, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, but let’s plan a dinner or something soon.”
Hilary didn’t know Zoey had ever left New York City, and Zoey didn’t feel like explaining it all anyway. “I’d love that. I’ll reach out soon.”
“Please do. You killed it today. I’m so proud of you,” said Hilary, giving Zoey another tight hug before she was off and running into her boyfriend’s arms. Their laughter echoed in the large foyer. A different kind of warmth touched Zoey’s chest now. It occurred to her that justice wasn’t always about putting someone behind bars; it was about being heard. About being believed. An obvious weight had been lifted off Hilary too.
“Oh, there’s the lawyer,” her dad said. “I’ll see what he needs.” He dropped a kiss on Zoey’s forehead and headed toward her lawyer with her mom in tow.
“You should have told me.”
Zoey’s eyes shut, a swell of emotion washing over her. She’d recognize that low voice anywhere.
“Zoey,” he said again, so softly, a sound only for her.
She turned, meeting Rhys’ warm stare. He wore black slacks and a gray button-up that did amazing things for his eyes. He held out a piece of paper. “What is this?” she asked.
He closed the distance. “My plane ticket to Sacramento. Like I said, you should have told me you were coming back.”
She blinked, processed, and blinked again. “You were flying out to see me?”
“Not see you.” He slid a hand low on her back, tugging her tightly against him. “I was going to Sacramento and never planning on coming back.” He dropped his mouth, bringing his lips close to hers. “Imagine my surprise when I learned you decided to move back.”
“How did you—” She laughed, knowing the answer. “Archer?”
“He does know all.” Rhys grinned. His gaze followed his hand as he brushed her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Then his smile fell when he slid his knuckles across her cheek. “You’re so brave to come forward, Zoey. That took such strength. I’m so proud of you.”
Warmth touched all the cold bits she once felt deep in her chest. “I thought everything would fall apart once I told the truth, but it didn’t.” She took a step closer, wrapping her arms around him, not wanting to let go. “Telling the truth stitched me back together again. It brought me home.”
“There is no better news than that.” He dropped his head into her neck and held her tight.
For all that had felt wrong since she left New York City, everything felt instantly right again. She leaned her head against his chest, closed her eyes, and fell into him. “I wanted to tell you the plan, but I had to do this on my own.”
“I know.”
She leaned away, locking herself into the strength of his stare. “What if I told you I was done with fighting my way through life alone?”
“Then, I would tell you that you don’t have to anymore.” The sweetest smile she’d ever seen spread across his face before his lips met hers. She let him take her far, far away from there.
Until someone cleared their throat next to them.
Her dad said, “If you’re kissing my daughter like that, I should at least meet you.”
Zoey broke away, laughing. “Sorry, Dad. Rhys, I’d like you to meet my father, Daniel Parker, and my mother, Monica Parker.”
Rhys shook both of their hands with all his bursting charm and incredible smile. “It’s my pleasure to meet you.”
Her mom gave Rhys a long examination. “So, you’re the Rhys Harrington I’ve heard all about.”
“Yes, indeed, I am,” he said, his gaze turning contemplative before he faced her father. “If I’ve learned one thing from your daughter, it’s that no matter what plans you have, they can always change. While I had other ideas about how this would go, I suppose having you here saves me a step.” He sent Zoey a dazzling smile before addressing her father again. “Sir, I’d like your blessing to ask your daughter to marry me.”
Her mom squealed, her hands covering her face.
Zoey blinked frantically, wondering if she’d heard him wrong.
The world spun away as Rhys continued, “You don’t know me yet, but I promise to take
care of Zoey. To treat her with the same love and respect you’ve obviously shown her. Most of all, I promise to give her the life she deserves.” He hesitated, shooting her an intense look that stole her breath before adding to her father, “We don’t need to rush this. I’m sure you want to get to know me, but if she agrees, I can’t fathom spending another day not knowing that she’ll be my wife.”
“Oh, Daniel,” her mother said, grabbing her father’s arm.
Zoey still blinked, knowing she should say something, do something, but only managed to gawk.
Her father laughed at whatever crossed Zoey’s face. “By the way she looks right now, I’d say you’ve done something right so far, son. But this choice is, and always will be, Zoey’s.”
Time slowed as Rhys moved in front of her and bent down on one knee in the foyer of the police station, not seeming to care that a crowd had gathered. “There are far more romantic ways of doing this, but you know, and I know, all that matters is the happiness we’ve found in each other. You left once. I’m damn determined to never let that happen again.” He opened a box, revealing a princess-cut diamond ring. “Zoey, I have fallen wildly in love with you. Nothing makes sense without you. Everything is right when you’re close. We deserve a win in life. Will you marry me?”
Zoey stared into Rhys’ smoky eyes and said the easiest thing she’d ever said in her life, “Yes.” Because when the bad had happened, the good seemed so far away. Now he was right there, offering her a lifetime of happiness, and she knew she’d fallen for him too. She threw her arms around him, hearing her mother crying beside her. “I love you, Rhys,” she said in his ear.
He caught her in his arms and kissed the ticklish spot on her neck. “I love you, Zoey.”
Watch Me (Phoenix Book 1) Page 14