Conflagration

by Tessa Teevan

  “Exactly. That’s why I want to be there. He obviously didn’t get it when you left. I’ll make sure he gets it now.”

  I sigh, wishing I’d just kept my mouth shut. But I know it would be ten times worse if I saw Ben behind his back. “I don’t want to fight about this. You’re right. It’s not up for debate. I’ll go see him in safe territory—at his office. I’ll return the ring, and in turn, I’ll make sure he sees yours. But I refuse to show up with you there with me. Just like with my parents, I need to do this on my own. I need to prove to myself I can do this on my own, and I need you to trust me.”

  His fist slams down on the steering wheel, startling me. “Fuck. You’re right. I’m sorry. I do trust you,” he says, looking over at me. “Okay. If this is what you need to do, I’ll respect it. I don’t like it, and if he so much as touches you, I’ll fucking kill him.”

  Leaning over, I place a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you. And you don’t have to worry about that. He won’t lay a finger on me. That’s why I’ll meet him in his office.”

  His jaw tightens, as does his grip on the steering wheel, and for a split second, I consider changing my mind, but I can’t. What I told him is true. I need to prove to myself—and to them—that I can handle my own problems.

  I’M BEING an asshole. I know I am, and I still can’t help myself. The thought of her going to see her ex has me irrationally pissed off. She’s right. I want to be there so I can look him smug in the face and let him know that he lost the best thing that ever could’ve happened to him and he’ll never get her back. Some primal urge to show that she’s mine rises up in me, and I have to rein myself in before I piss her off.

  Deep down, I get where she’s coming from. But as I said, I don’t like it.

  Silence has descended over us in the car, both of us lost in our thoughts. This trip wasn’t supposed to be like this. It’s supposed to be our new beginning. Suddenly, I realize I really am an asshole. For us to truly move on together, she has to put her past to rest. As much as I want to be there with her, she needs to do this on her own, and I can respect that.

  “Hey,” I say, taking her hand. “I’m sorry. I get it. I do. And I’m proud of you.”

  She gives me a hopeful smile. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah. I have you for the rest of my life. You do whatever you need to do this week to make that possible, because when we get back home, I’m never letting you go.”

  “Thank you, Branson. I appreciate it. You know you have nothing to worry about. What did I tell you? I’d become a nun if I lost you.”

  “Not gonna happen, baby,” I tell her. Then I decide to change course. “So have you thought about what you’re going to do next?”

  “What do you mean?” she asks, looking at me quizzically.

  “Well, something else Dad and I talked about this morning… There seems to be an opening in the accounting department, and since you’re sticking around, he says it’s yours if you want it.”

  She sucks in a deep breath, then narrows her eyes. “No. No way. Absolutely not.”

  “Why not? You’d be a perfect fit.”

  “Branson, I’m not taking a job at Wellington because I’m engaged to one. That’s nepotism at its finest. People would hate me on principle. Not happening.”

  “Oh, come on. You have the credentials and more than enough experience. You’d get hired even if you weren’t with me,” I insist, but she shakes her head.

  “No. I did that after college when I went to work for my dad, and it took years to gain respect from the other employees. I’m not starting a career like that again. As soon as I get the insurance money from the car accident, I’ll get a car and start looking for a job in Nashville. Like you said, with my degree and experience, hopefully it won’t take too long, but I want to do this on my own. This is my new life, Branson. The new me. And the new me earns things on her own. So I appreciate the gesture. I really do. But no, I’m not coming to work with you.”

  “Okay, okay,” I say, backing off then giving her a smirk. “I was just thinking of how amazing it’d be if you were only a few floors down from me. Long lunches, late nights at the office…”

  She laughs. “That’s another reason! We’d never get any work done. Nope, you’ll just have to pack it up at the end of the day and come home if you want me.”

  “All the late nights are behind me. I promise. I won’t let work consume me now that I have you,” I tell her. “But seriously, the offer’s on the table if you want it.”

  “Branson, I appreciate it, but I’d feel better if I found my own job.”

  I can tell I’m not going to win this argument, so I drop it. At least for now.

  THE NEXT few days spent in Atlanta go by in a blur. We make brand-new memories at the Four Seasons, ones I know Branson will never forget, and while he spends his days at the downtown Wellington office, I make the trek to my condo in Buckhead to pack up my things, separating them into two piles: one for Belle Meade and one for Goodwill. There’s no sense in having two sets of housewares, and the less I have to take, the better.

  It’s our last full day in Atlanta, and I’ve put off seeing both my parents and Benjamin. Looking around my condo, I see that there’s nothing left to do, so I know it’s time to face the music. Alyssa’s been too busy to help out, but we were finally able to set up dinner with her tonight. I sigh, knowing I can’t put this off any longer.

  Steeling my nerves, I look down at my jeans and T-shirt, and for a moment, I consider changing. Then I think better of it. This is the new me. I don’t need fancy suits or expensive jewelry to make the trek downtown. Before I can change my mind, I call a cab and head to Benjamin’s office, wanting to get this out of the way first.

  As I make my way to his floor, I take one last deep breath and then step off the elevator. His secretary’s eyes widen when she sees me. Then she collects herself, giving me a warm smile.

  “Ms. Covington, how nice to see you. I do hope you’re feeling better.”

  I fight the urge to roll my eyes, wondering what mysterious illness has been his excuse for the wedding postponement. “I’m fine. Thank you. Actually, I’ve never been better. Is Benjamin in?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. He’s out of town and won’t be back until next week. Surely you know that?” she asks, and I know she’s fishing for information.

  “Samantha, I’m not sure what he’s been telling everyone, but the wedding hasn’t been postponed. It’s canceled. Not happening. I haven’t spoken to him in weeks.”

  Her mouth forms an ‘O’ and I have to suppress my grin.

  “I just need to leave him something. Do you mind letting me in?”

  She nods silently, unlocking his office door. “Just for a minute, Ms. Covington.”

  “Thank you, Samantha.” I smile warmly then slip into his office, knowing she’s just biding her time so she can start the office gossip. I should feel bad that he’s going to hear about this secondhand, but he should’ve listened to me the first time I told him it was over. Instead of feeling guilty, I start my Dear Ben letter, more than relieved to place it, and the ring, inside his drawer.

  A few minutes later, I exit his office, grinning when I catch Samantha whispering on the phone, not even bothering to stop to talk. Relief flows through me as I step onto the elevator, and even though I wish I could’ve confronted him face to face, just knowing that I no longer possess the ring and it’s out that the wedding is off is a huge weight off my shoulders.

  One down. Two to go.

  Instead of wasting my time going to my father’s office, I make a call and his secretary informs me that he’s out for the day. I call Victoria, hoping they’re together, but I get no answer. Glancing at my phone, I see that I have hours before I’m supposed to meet Branson, so I hail a cab and head back to my condo for one last walkthrough to make sure I’m not forgetting anything.

  As the cab pulls up to my building, I smile when I see Branson’s dad’s truck parked out front. He must’ve finished business early.
I practically float through the building, ready to enjoy the rest of my afternoon with him. Opening my door, I call out a greeting.

  “Hey, babe. Finish up early? Maybe we can get in a quick one before—”

  I’m cut off when I walk down the hall and step into the living room, stopping in my tracks when I see Branson, looking extremely sexy in a pair of casual, low-fitting jeans, a tight T-shirt, and no shoes—my favorite look on him. He’s leaning against the wall with a scowl on his face. That scowl is directed not towards me, but to my parents, who are looking equally as irritated, sitting on my couch.

  “What the hell?”

  Branson’s expression softens when he sees me, and he crosses the room, placing a kiss on my temple. “Hey, baby. Yeah, my meetings wrapped up early and I thought I’d come see if you needed any last-minute help before we leave tomorrow. I let myself in, and they arrived shortly after.”

  Turning into his arms for a quick moment, I lean my forehead against chest and let out a loud groan. “Sorry. I tried to get ahold of them and couldn’t. I had no idea they’d just show up.”

  He lifts my chin and smiles down at me. “No worries, babe. They got here just before you. I haven’t said a word.”

  A throat clears behind us, and I turn to see my father rising from the couch. “Ariana, it’s about time you return home. Who in the hell is this man, and why did he have a key to your condo?” he demands, causing Branson to step forward.

  I place my hand on his arm, stopping him, giving him a slight shake of my head. “Well, since you’re here, I might as well get over with. Branson, these are my parents, William and Victoria Covington.” Holding my hand up, I turn towards them. “This is Branson, my fiancé.”

  ARIANA’S MOTHER gasps at her declaration, and I myself am slightly taken aback, not having expected her to tell them about us. At least not about the whole engagement thing. Suddenly, the realization that she really, truly is my fiancée dawns on me. For the first time since I told her that I love her, she’s used the term, and part of me wishes I could whisk her away from her parents, lock her in her room where I can ask her to properly marry me—for real this time—then make love to her for the rest of the afternoon.

  “Excuse me?” a gruff voice bellows, pulling me out of my thoughts. Her father steps towards us.

  Ari holds her hand up, stopping him then gesturing to the couch. “Sit. Please. And I’ll explain everything that’s happened since I left.”

  “Do not tell me to sit, young lady. You have some serious explaining to do, starting with who the hell this man is.” His tone is commanding, and I have to ball my fists at my side to keep from decking him.

  I don’t give a shit who he thinks he is. But for Ariana’s sake, I keep my composure, allowing her to take the lead on this one.

  She stiffens and straightens her shoulders, looking at him directly. “You will sit and hear me out or you will leave. It’s your choice.”

  His jaw tenses, and I think he’s about to head for the door when his wife calls his name.

  “William, calm down. It’s not good for your blood pressure to get riled up. Now, I haven’t seen our daughter in nearly six weeks, and I’d like to hear what she has to say for herself.” Her voice is cool and uncaring, her eyes flicking back and forth between Ariana and me.

  With a huff, her husband sits beside her, and they both look at their daughter expectantly.

  She looks over and gives me a soft smile, nodding for me to sit as well, but instead, I take up residence against the wall opposite the couch, ready to have her back if need be.

  “First of all, I’m sorry for the way I left,” she begins. I raise an eyebrow, but she ignores me. “However, I’m not sorry for leaving or for staying away. I realized I never should’ve agreed to marry Benjamin. I don’t love him. I never loved him, and I never will. I’m not going to sit here and explain myself, because I can see on your faces that anything I say is going to fall on deaf ears.”

  Her mother huffs, but Ari ignores her and goes on.

  “It’s not important where I’ve been or what I’ve been doing. All you need to know is I’m finally living my life for me. Dad, I know you didn’t expect me back for another four months or so, but go ahead and consider this my resignation. Tomorrow, I’m moving to Tennessee, putting the condo up for sale, and starting my new life.”

  Her voice doesn’t waver once as she informs her parents of her plans, and she keeps her eyes on them at all times. I know this isn’t easy for her, but I’m so fucking proud that I could take her into my arms and kiss her senseless.

  Victoria stands, glaring first at her daughter and then at me. “This is absurd! You don’t even know this man. Yet you’re uprooting your entire life? Aren’t you a little old for a rebellion, Ariana?”

  “This isn’t a rebellion, and I’m not going to explain myself to you. I’m a grown adult, and it’s time I start acting like one. And for the record, I know him a hell of a lot better than I ever did Benjamin.”

  Victoria slides her purse on her shoulder, giving Ariana one last glare. “You have no idea what you’re doing, and I will not be around to pick up the pieces when you realize this is a huge mistake.” With that, she turns on her heels and stalks down the hallway.

  The three of us are left in silence until the door slams.

  William slides a hand through his hair then looks at me. “I don’t know who the hell you are or how you’ve brainwashed my daughter, but you will not get a single cent from me if she goes through with this and marries you.”

  I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me. If he only knew. “Excuse me, sir, but I can more than take care of your daughter.”

  He snorts and shakes his head in what I can only guess is disbelief. Wow. Her parents really are a piece of work. His gaze turns to his daughter, who meets his stare, hers never wavering.

  “This is your last chance. I can look past this indiscretion, and I’m sure, in time, Benjamin will, too. Just stop this nonsense, go back to your fiancé, and we’ll forget this whole thing.”

  “No,” she asserts. “This is not an indiscretion. I’m not changing my mind. You either accept this, accept me, or you don’t. The choice is yours.”

  “You have no idea what you’re giving up, young lady.”

  She lifts her chin. “I know exactly what I’m giving up, and it’s not much. What I’m gaining? It’s immeasurable and more than I could ever ask for.”

  With one last sigh, he shakes his head and stalks down the hallway, the door slamming yet again. She stares at the empty space he just occupied, and I cross the room, pulling her into my arms.

  “Well, that was pleasant,” she says, looking up at me with a small smile. “Sure you want those two as in-laws?”

  Leaning down, I kiss her forehead. “Baby, for you, I’d deal with the devil himself if I had to. They’ll get over it. And if they don’t, who gives a shit? You have me, you have your sister, and you have my family. They love you.”

  “I know. I love them, too. And I love you. I know I said I didn’t want you here, but I’m glad you were. Even if you didn’t say anything, just your presence was calming. I like to think I’ve become stronger, Branson, but you give me strength, too. I don’t know if I could’ve gotten through that without you.”

  “You could have. I don’t doubt it. But I’m glad I got to see it. It was kind of a turn-on. And you have to admit, it was funny as hell watching your dad think I’m some lowlife who needs his money. What are we—in the 1800s? Am I supposed to get a dowry for taking your hand in marriage?”

  She laughs, and it’s a beautiful sound. It lets me know that she’s going to be okay.

  “I don’t know if this is a good time to bring this up, but since your parents have already been kind of a downer, I have to ask…”

  She looks up at me, a puzzled expression on her face.

  “Did you get rid of that ring?”

  A slow smile crosses her face as she slides her arms up my chest and around my neck. �
��I did, and I got the office gossip spreading the news that the wedding is most definitely off and it has been for weeks. He wasn’t there though.”

  “I know,” I admit.

  She raises a brow at me. “You know?”

  “When your dad saw me and I produced the key you gave me, proving I wasn’t an intruder, he stepped out of the room to make a call. I overheard him telling Benjamin he needed to get his ass back in town.”

  She groans, shaking her head before looking up at me. “Branson?” she whispers.

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “Let’s go home.”

  AS MUCH as I want to load up the truck and head to Nashville after dealing with my parents, Branson reminds me of our dinner with Shane and Alyssa tonight. All thoughts of leaving fly out the window and excitement fills me at the thought of finally introducing Branson to my sister. Clearly, my parents were less than impressed, although I know that, if I’d properly introduced Branson, they would’ve fallen in love. Well, their version of love.

  That’s why I chose not to say his last name. It’s inevitable that my father will look into his background, and once he finds out that he’s in the Wellington clan, he’s going to want to be his best friend. I’m just glad I’ll be out of Atlanta by the time that happens.

  “Why don’t we head back to the hotel until it’s time for dinner? I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of beat,” he says with an exaggerated yawn. “I’ve gotten spoiled from all the morning sleeping in and naps on the couch over the past month. Three days of getting up at the ass crack of dawn is messing with me.”

  I smile, knowing full well what he means. “Works for me. There’s nothing left to do here. We’ll come first thing in the morning and load the boxes in the truck before hitting the road.”

  Once we’re in his truck and heading back to the hotel, he takes my hand and entwines our fingers, bringing mine up for a kiss. He looks over at me, an elated expression on his face.

  “We’re really doing this, aren’t we?” he asks, squeezing my fingers.