by Clarissa Yip
“I have reason to keep myself separate from them all,” he finally said.
“If you think your reason is good enough to keep hurting your family, especially your mother, then kudos for you.”
Kane frowned as he pulled the car into the bridal shop’s parking lot. He jerked the gearshift to park and turned to face her. “Don’t analyze me. You wouldn’t understand.”
Lauren reached for the door handle. “Then make me understand.”
Irritation rose. He shoved his fingers through his hair. The weight on his shoulders pressed him into the seat. How much could he tell her? “I had a sister…” He found it hard to breathe, but he continued. “She died when I was twelve. A year after my mother remarried.”
Lauren laid her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”
He stared down at her pale fingers against his dark jacket. She didn’t even ask if he was referring to Sara. His eyes narrowed. She knew.
Drawing in a deep breath, he waited until her eyes met his. “My mother deserves to be happy and I’m a constant reminder of…” He swallowed hard. Saying his sister’s name out loud hurt. “Lily.”
Lauren shook her head. “That can’t be. She loves you.”
His heart squeezed. “Look, I don’t want to hurt her any more. We had a tough life before she remarried. I’m not good for her and she doesn’t need me. She has her own family now.” He didn’t know how many times he had to emphasize his point before she understood.
Lauren studied him quietly. “I’m going to have to disagree. You are her family no matter what you think. Life’s too short, Kane. If you don’t appreciate what you have, it’ll be too late and you’ll regret it years from now. Like I do.”
She pushed the door open and got out of the car.
Her words rang through his mind as he watched her approach the building and go in.
His guilt tightened like a chain around his neck. Or was that regret, like she’d said?
Chapter Thirteen
Lauren walked cautiously through the main showroom. The place was hopping. Women swarmed the area, grabbing at the gowns on the racks, ransacking the designer collections. She didn’t want to think about what the accessories section looked like or the mess in the fitting rooms. Leaving Kane in the car had been hard, especially after what he’d told her. She’d been surprised he didn’t follow her in, but he probably figured she’d be safe since he wasn’t that far away. Besides, her employees would question why he was hanging around her. Daniel’s body was still warm. He was dead.
And she’d stick with that story no matter what.
A few of the girls waved at her as she passed. Making her way up the stairs, she collided with Trina. She let out a shocked scream, arms flailing, but her assistant gripped her forearms to steady her.
“Whoa! What are you doing here? I figured you weren’t coming in today.”
Lauren shrugged, moving to the side so she wouldn’t lose her balance down the stairs. “I’m actually not staying. I just wanted to pick up some paperwork. I have a headache, so I planned to work from home.”
Trina studied her warily, then wrapped her arms around her. Lauren stood stiffly, but endured the affectionate embrace. It startled her every time someone touched her. Except Kane. She frowned at herself. “You should just rest. You’ve had a hard few weeks and we all know you’re mourning your husband.”
She waited until Trina released her before she answered. “Can you handle—?”
“Of course. Everything’s been smooth for the day, maybe a few late appointments with crying brides, but otherwise everyone is doing good. We don’t need you. Just go home.”
Lauren bit her lip, hesitation gripping her insides. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her employees, but her heart thudded in warning. She’d never been away from her business for more than a few hours at a time. The idea of staying away for weeks made her sick, and she didn’t know when her nightmare was going to end. If it would ever end… “If you’re sure—”
“Yes, I’m positive. I’ve got everything under control. And we don’t want you to burn out.” Trina pushed her gently toward her office. “We all love our jobs too much, so get whatever you need and go home and rest. I’ll call you if anything comes up.”
“All right,” Lauren said reluctantly.
“Oh, by the way…”
Lauren turned.
“Your husband’s partner stopped by here right when we opened and asked for you, but I told him you weren’t coming in. Cute guy. I’m surprised I’ve never seen him before.”
Lauren frowned. “Did he say what he wanted?”
Trina shook her head. “Nope, just said that he’ll try to call you on your cell.”
“Okay, thanks again.” A tremor ran through her body. She started to her office. Why would Gabe seek her out here? He never came to the store. But then again, she wasn’t ready to talk to him. Even if he wasn’t the killer.
As she passed the fitting rooms, she heard chatter then a voice humming “Here Comes the Bride.” She smiled. Out of curiosity, she stopped at the last fitting room, where the voice became louder. The door was cracked open and she peeked inside. The hum continued but she didn’t see anyone. Quietly pushing the door wider, she stuck her head in and her eyes widened.
Kerry, her assistant, wore a Vera Wang strapless wedding gown with pearl beading—her favorite, the one she would have chosen for her own ceremony if she hadn’t married Daniel—swaying in front of the mirror.
Lauren took a step into the room. “What are you doing?”
Kerry’s gaze met hers in the glass and she whirled around. “Ms. Burke. I-I was…”
Crossing her arms, Lauren lifted her eyebrows. It wasn’t that she minded her employee trying on a dress—her dress—but if the girl was on the clock, then she should be downstairs working. “Why are you up here?”
Kerry winced. “I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to try this on. It’s so pretty and I fell in love with it the moment I laid eyes on it.”
A chuckle surged to Lauren’s throat at the scared expression she’d received. She moved into the room and bent to adjust the layers on the floor. The smooth material brought an ache to her heart. It was one of Vera’s older designs, but the way the waist was cut and the design of the pattern put the more recent gowns to shame. “You look beautiful.”
Kerry beamed her a bright smile and turned to look at herself again. “Thank you. I feel like this dress was made just for me.”
Straightening from her crouch, Lauren ran her gaze over the intricate detailing. A strand of pearls laid over the bare chest. The simplicity of the necklace took her breath away. Classy and elegant. Her assistant definitely looked great in the masterpiece. Her bright red hair tied up into a knot, tendrils kissing her face—the blushing bride. “It’s definitely you.”
“I’m really sorry. I meant to ask you but you weren’t here.”
Lauren waved a hand. “It’s okay. I don’t mind you trying on the dress, but next time do it when your shift is over.”
Kerry bit her lip and nodded like a child being berated. “Okay. It wasn’t busy earlier so I figured I had some time.”
“It’s actually a little crowded downstairs. They’ll probably need you soon,” Lauren said sternly.
Her assistant hopped off the stand. “I guess I’ll try it on another time, but I do need the dress soon. I’m getting married.”
“You’re engaged?” Lauren asked, surprised. She hadn’t known the girl was even dating anyone. But then how much attention did she really pay to her employees’ personal lives? She had enough of her own problems. Like a stubborn detective who continued pushing everyone away. She stopped. Wasn’t she doing the same thing?
“Yes. The wedding is next month.” Kerry blushed, the red tint in her cheeks deepening the appearance of her freckles.
Shock punched Lauren in the gut. Her mouth dropped open. She quickly composed her features. She didn’t mean to come off rude. “Next month? That’s really soon. How big is the wedding?�
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“We’re actually going to elope. We want to go somewhere warm.”
The corners of her mouth lifted even though she didn’t feel the smile. Eloping seemed grand compared to being married in front of the justice of peace. “Well, congratulations. I wish you had told me sooner.”
Her assistant shrugged. “It wasn’t really planned. Last-minute decision.”
“You’ll make a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you.”
“Just make sure you tell Trina when you need time off.”
“I will.” Kerry headed into the private changing room, but stopped. “What are you doing here? Trina said you’d be home resting.”
“I’m just picking up paperwork. I’d love to stay and help out, but I have a headache,” Lauren said smoothly.
Kerry watched her; a glint entered her eyes and quickly disappeared before the girl gave her another bright smile. “You should rest. Definitely. It’s tough losing someone you love.”
“Yeah…” Lauren swallowed hard. She thought of Kane. Kerry had no idea what she’d lost even before she had it. Her heart ached. How was she going to endure time under Kane’s roof knowing she was still alone even with him there?
…
From across the table, Kane watched Ryan and Lauren laugh. Their conversation had gone on and on about various topics from crazy brides to what food they liked. He had to hand it to Ryan for drawing Lauren out of her shell—something he hadn’t been very successful at.
Once she’d exited the store, she’d slid into the passenger seat and said not one word to him as they returned to the house. She’d closed up again, pretending he didn’t exist. He’d thought it was a good idea if his partner came over to break the ice, but the moment he’d left Ryan and Lauren alone to cook dinner, the sound of her laughter gripped him in annoyance.
To him, she acted cold and impersonal, but with his partner, she was open and warm. After what he’d admitted in the car, he’d expected…what did he expect? For her to run to him with open arms? Pity him?
His fingers curled tightly around his beer bottle. Their conversation played continuously through his mind. Life’s too short, Kane. If you don’t appreciate what you have, it’ll be too late and you’ll regret it years from now. Like I do.
What was she regretting? Her marriage? Her life? Part of him wondered if she was still in love with Burke. She’d gotten married so soon after he’d left, and he’d been shocked to find out. The other part told him it wasn’t true based upon her reaction to him only last night. His eyes closed briefly as he recalled the way she’d felt in his arms, the smoothness of her skin against his, her response to his touch, her heat wrapping around his fingers—his groin hardened and he straightened in his seat. He looked up and found them both staring at him. He met indifference from Lauren, but his bastard of a partner was smirking. A blush stole over him and he glared. “What?”
“Whatcha thinking about over there?” Ryan asked.
They weren’t partners for nothing. Kane ignored him and took a swig of his beer before standing up to clear the table. “Clean up. You got dishes.”
“I’ll do them.” Lauren took his plate out of his hand.
Ryan reached for them instead. “It’s fine. I can do dishes since Kane cooked. You’re a guest. Don’t want you tiring yourself out.”
Lauren chuckled. “From dishes?”
His partner leaned in across the table. “Well, I have to look like I’m making an effort or Kane will never invite me over again. You know no one cooks like him and his mother. Pasta with pesto and little lobster bites? Seriously,” Ryan said in an exaggerated whisper.
“Well then, I guess we can’t have that.” She stacked up the plates and handed Ryan the dirty dishes with a smile. Picking up the leftovers, Lauren ignored Kane and headed to the kitchen with Ryan. His irritation rose as he plopped back down in his chair. He took another sip of his beer. He was definitely banning Ryan from any more dinners.
After a few card games and listening to their continuous banter, Kane was at the point of literally throwing his partner out by the seat of his pants. He didn’t get it. How was it that she could so easily laugh and talk to Ryan but any time he spoke, they both froze and looked at him as if he had two heads?
Lauren threw her cards on the table and held out her hand. “Full house, buddy. Pay up.”
Ryan groaned and slipped her a few bills. “Dammit, Kane. You didn’t tell me she was this good at cards. I think I lost twenty bucks to her already.”
She grinned. “Tough break. Maybe you should learn how to bluff better.”
His partner gasped. “Excuse me, do you know where I learned to bluff in cards?” He reached over and patted Kane on the shoulders. “Only from the best.”
“Same here,” she retorted. She flickered a glance at him and quickly averted her gaze as she piled up her winnings.
Kane bit his inner cheek. He was sick of her cold treatment. Enough was enough. “Time to go, Ryan.”
His partner pouted. Kane wanted to sock him in the face. “But it’s still early…”
“Get out,” he said, gathering the cards in a pile.
Lauren chuckled at Ryan’s expression. “We’ll have to do this again. It was fun.”
“Sure thing. Maybe tomorrow night if Kane wants to whip up something for dinner.” Ryan looked at Kane, waiting for an invitation.
Over my dead body. “I don’t make enough to feed you. You’ll have to start paying for your own food.”
“If you or your mom cook it, then I’d give you both my whole salary.”
Kane snorted. “If you’re willing to give up your tech toys and bachelor pad, maybe that’ll work.”
Ryan tapped his chin in contemplation. “All right, maybe half.”
“Go home.” Kane let out an aggravated breath.
Lauren and Ryan shared a smile. Kane ignored them and placed the cards back in the case. He watched as Lauren walked his partner to the door, and he gritted his teeth. His eyes narrowed the moment Ryan chucked her under the chin and then left. He surged out of his seat and strode to the foyer area just as she closed the door.
“What the hell was that about?” he asked.
She looked up in surprise. “What?”
“That.” He waved at the door.
Lauren stared at him, impassively. “Your partner leaving…?”
He growled. “What is wrong with you?”
She crossed her arms over her chest, and her gaze hardened. “What do you mean?”
Kane shoved a hand through his hair. “You…me…”
“I can’t read your mind, so if you have something to say, just say it.”
“You’ve been acting so cold since you left the store. What did I do?”
“Nothing.” Confusion swarmed her features, then she walked past him to the kitchen. He followed. He didn’t know what his deal was. Probably best to leave things alone, but he couldn’t. Especially not after tonight. What he’d witnessed before his eyes, he didn’t like. The tightness in his chest expanded each time she laughed or chuckled or smiled. And it wasn’t even for him. He hated it. Dammit, was he jealous?
“Why were you getting all chummy with Ryan?”
Lauren whirled around. Her eyebrows arched. “He’s your partner. I like him.”
He stilled. His annoyance heightened, with a splash of fear. “What do you mean?”
“I like him as a person. He’s fun. That’s all.” She studied him, her expression daring him to say more. The ringing of a cell phone filled the room. Lauren gave him a frown and went to the couch, where her purse sat.
“Ryan is a good guy, but…” He drew in a deep breath. But what? “You can’t like him.”
“Why not?” Lauren asked as she dug into her bag.
“He’s not…” He didn’t know what the hell he was saying. Why should it matter if Lauren liked his partner? It wasn’t as if he had a claim on her. Even though she did belong to him…
Lauren whipped aro
und, her cell still ringing. “Kane.”
He shoved a hand through his hair. His emotions were chaotic. He probably wasn’t thinking straight.
“Kane.”
He glanced up, noted her suddenly white face, and rushed to her side. His eyes ran over her features. Her lips quivered, her breathing harsh. “It’s Daniel.”
It took him a second to register her words. He grabbed the phone and looked at the caller ID. Shock gripped him as he read the screen. Daniel Burke. Alert, he gained control and turned his attention back to Lauren. “We’re going to answer this together, okay?”
She shook her head.
“Listen to me. Just say hello.” He pressed the speakerphone button and held the phone to her mouth.
“H-hello.” Her shaky breath blew warm air on his fingers. What he heard next startled him more than anything.
“Lauren. It’s Daniel. Get out of town. Now!”
A loud clunk sounded, then the line went dead.
The blank screen flickered before it turned black. A gasp slipped past Lauren’s lips as she stared at him in horror, her eyes wide.
Kane drew in a deep breath. Reality punched him in the gut. “Oh, hell. He’s alive.”
Chapter Fourteen
Who was the dead body Lauren had buried?
Kane stared at the files on his desk. He pored over the notes on Burke’s murder and found nothing. They’d finally identified the second body as Tara Smith. The records from the dentist had confirmed Burke’s identity, and if Burke’s body was really in the fire, then wouldn’t his cell phone been burned in the mess also? What was he missing here?
He’d left Lauren with Officer Wendall once again and had called his partner, along with Beckett and Mitchell. He hadn’t wanted to leave her, but he had no choice. The call Lauren received had been made in front of a bank on the upper west side of town. By the time they’d arrived, the phone had been turned off and the signal lost.
“Here, buddy.”
Kane looked up. Ryan held out a coffee cup and he took it, wrinkling his nose at the burned smell. With a sip, he already felt more awake. Glancing at the clock, he sighed. “Guess we can go home now and get some sleep.”