Secrets from Her Past: Scandalous, Book 2

by Jules Bennett

  She tilted her head, causing all that dark hair to slide over black silk. “Then I’m doubly sorry for bothering you.”

  For a moment he didn’t say anything, but his damn mouth opened before he could stop it.

  “You’re so beautiful, Cori,” he murmured. “Without all that makeup and those fancy clothes. You look the exact same.”

  A shadow crossed over her eyes. “I’m not the same, Dylan. I’m damaged, broken, but I’m going to be okay.”

  He slid his hand over her smooth cheek and up into her hair. This was a mistake. All of it. Coming in here, talking, touching. Wasn’t that a nonnegotiable rule he’d given himself? No touching?

  She stepped up against him and looked into his eyes. “What are you doing?”

  “Hell if I know.”

  His mouth captured hers, hard, fast, and she gave it right back, clutching at his shirt and leaning into him.

  He relished in the fact her lush body was rubbing all over his, the fact her tongue was in his mouth. All of this was so familiar, yet so new and…so wrong.

  Dylan pulled back, putting his hands on her slender shoulders and ignoring the confusion and hurt in her eyes.

  Dropping his hands to his sides, he took a step back, then another. “Did you do this on purpose?”

  “Excuse me?” she asked, her hand coming up to wipe her mouth. “Do what?”

  “Get me over here, in your bedroom.”

  Cori rolled her eyes. “Yes, Dylan. I planted a bat on my curtain to lure you into my bedroom. Do you hear yourself?”

  Yeah, that sounded ridiculous, but…

  “The bat I believe, but the robe, the lack of clothing beneath it.” He swallowed. “The kiss.”

  She placed her hands on her hips, pulling the V of the robe even wider. God. Couldn’t she find a damn turtleneck to cover those tits up with?

  “You kissed me,” she reminded him. “I didn’t ask you to and I didn’t hint for it either. I was on my way to bed, where I sleep in the nude for your information, and when I saw the bat, I grabbed the robe from the bathroom and went into the living room, and that’s when I saw your lights pulling into your driveway.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. “I didn’t come here for this, Cori, and I don’t like whatever game you think you’re playing.”

  Her eyes turned to slits. “I’m not playing a game. Just because you got blown off by some date tonight and you’re coming home to bed alone, don’t get all pissy with me.”

  Dylan closed the gap between them, arms at his sides because he wasn’t going to be stupid enough to touch her again. Her eyes widened, lips parted. Yeah, she wanted him to kiss her again. Like hell. They’d both end up setting each other on fire in that bed that was so close and most definitely mocking them.

  “Next time you need a job done, call another neighbor and put some damn clothes on.”

  He marched from the room sporting one hell of an erection and more irritated than he’d been earlier. She didn’t have anything else to throw on before coming to get him? Yeah, like he believed that.

  Just because her body had gotten her all she’d ever wanted the past few years didn’t mean it would get him to crawl to her on hands and knees. He’d had that body before anybody else in the world laid eyes on it. Before any adolescent fantasized about her. Cori had been his.

  And tonight she could’ve been his again, but common sense had kicked in at the last minute and he was damn glad he’d put the brakes on.

  As he slammed the door to his house and flicked the lock, he rubbed his lips. Now if he could get his body to stop humming and settle down, he’d be more convinced he’d made the right decision.

  Chapter Two

  Dylan was more than happy that after five—yes, five—times at measuring for the cabinet, the damn thing finally went in the way it should. He was a professional, this is what he did, what he knew. So why the hell was he botching things this morning?

  Oh yeah. The temptress from his past had him tied in knots. The woman hadn’t even been back in town for a full twenty-four hours and so far she’d pissed him off, had him in her bedroom, and had his hands and mouth on her.

  Great track record, Dylan. Well done. Way to man up on the willpower.

  On a groan he went to another large box and ripped it open to reveal the smaller base cabinet that would go next to the fridge. As he was tearing the cardboard away, his front door opened and closed.

  “Dylan?”

  Thank God it was his sister. He didn’t think Cori would just walk right in, but, hell, he didn’t know what to think anymore.

  “Kitchen,” he yelled back.

  Evie stepped through the doorway and leaned against the frame. “Wow, you’ve really made some progress since I was here last.”

  Resting his hand on the top edge of the cabinet, he nodded. “I’ve been trying to work double time in here to get it done. Not that I mind eating out for nearly every meal, but it’s getting old and expensive.”

  Evie stared at him for a second and he knew what she was going to say. He knew it before she opened her mouth.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” he said, just as her lips parted. “So don’t bring it up.”

  Crossing her arms, she smiled. “You don’t want to discuss what? The renovations? My new haircut? Or do you not want to discuss the woman who just moved back in next door?”

  Dylan groaned, raking a hand through his bedhead. Well, it would be bedhead if he’d gone to sleep last night.

  “The renovations are fine to discuss, I didn’t notice your new cut and that final question doesn’t even warrant a response.”

  Evie sighed and moved into the room. “Dylan, you can’t avoid it. I just came from Shop ’n Save and they were all talking about Corinne being back.”

  “Her name is Cori,” he corrected, then cursed himself. “Listen, she’s back to hide from the scandal. Did she come when her parents needed her most? No. She came because she’s selfish and she wants to keep out of the negative limelight.”

  “So you’ve seen her?”

  Flashes darted through Dylan’s mind. Oh, he’d seen her…touched her, tasted her.

  “Yes,” he said, offering no further explanation.

  Evie ran her hand along the newly installed counter on the island. “Don’t be so harsh. She’s struggling, Dylan. No matter what you think you know about what’s going on with her, unless you heard it from her, don’t be so quick to judge.”

  Dylan studied his sister’s face. “You’re defending her?”

  “Yes, until I hear the truth from her.” Evie lifted her head, met his gaze. “I’d think you would’ve learned after my scandal not to jump to conclusions or to judge people before you know the whole truth.”

  “Your scandal was nothing like what Cori is going through.” Dylan couldn’t even believe she’d compare the two. “Everything Cori is going through is her own fault. What happened to you was at the hands of a lunatic.”

  And still, the thought that one of his best friends, a man he’d grown up with, gone on family vacations with, had raped his sister…

  “Stop, Dylan.” Evie crossed to put her hand on his bare arm. “I’m fine. I’m engaged, I’m happy. Let’s just move on. Don’t let your mind always go to that ugly place.”

  How could it not? Evie had lived with the truth for years and he’d just learned of it a few months ago. Not that he thought time would ever make him forget or erase the image, but he was still adjusting to the fact his sister had been sexually assaulted and he’d never had the first clue.

  “Dylan, stop.”

  She was too good at reading him.

  “What happened when you saw Cori?” she asked.

  Dylan shook his head. “I closed the door in her face.”

  Evie gasped. “You didn’t! Oh, Dyl.”

  He shrugged. “I admit, looking back, that was harsh, but damn it, Evie, she caught me off guard and I wasn’t in the mood to listen to her excuses for coming hom
e. She’s been gone over ten years and only shows back up when she needs a place to hide? She’s changed. She’s too…”

  “Rich? Beautiful? Unattainable?”

  Dylan turned back to the cabinet and pulled it away from the protective packaging. “Snotty.”

  After a moment’s silence, Evie burst out laughing. “You’re jealous.”

  He froze, his hands gripping the cabinet. “Excuse me?”

  “Jealous. You heard me. She left town, made a big name for herself and you stayed behind.” Evie crossed her arms over her chest. “Didn’t you two always have a goal of leaving town, marrying and never looking back?”

  “Those were teenage pipe dreams.”

  Evie shook her head. “Maybe so, but you still wonder what would’ve happened had you left too.”

  So maybe he had, but he wasn’t sorry he’d stayed in town. He loved living on the beach and only minutes from the city. And he was especially thankful now that he had his home back because this house was literally right on the beach. The backyard was a postcard and it was all his.

  “Is that all you came over for?” he asked, not bothering to hide his irritation.

  “My, my. We’re extra cranky today.”

  He couldn’t help his grin. “You’re such a smartass.”

  “All part of my charm,” she said with a wide grin. “I came to see if you needed help, actually.”

  Dylan took in her cotton capris and T-shirt, and smiled. “So you did dress to work. In that case you’re going to get a lesson in cabinet installation.”

  Evie groaned. “I was hoping something along the lines of painting.”

  He moved to the base cabinet and smacked his hand on the edging around the open top. “Nope. First we do the grunt work, then we work on the pretty.”

  As well she knew, considering she was an interior designer.

  “Fine, big brother.” She threw her arms wide and sighed. “Where do you need my muscles?”

  Dylan laughed and proceeded to put those “muscles” straight to work.

  Corinne pulled her BMW into the parking spot at the rehab facility and took a deep breath. She hadn’t been home in so long the guilt ate at her. But her parents had very good reasons for wanting, needing her to keep her distance.

  Reasons only the three of them knew about. Reasons that could never be discovered. Which meant the longer she stayed around, the more likely the truth would be revealed.

  She readied herself to see her parents even though her mother’s health wasn’t the greatest. Corinne had been in contact constantly over the years, so she knew what to expect and not to expect upon this initial greeting.

  A couple years ago Corinne had flown her mom and dad to meet up with her at her small flat in England. That was the last time she’d seen either of them. Every day that had passed since she’d left she missed them. Even though she’d created a life, a very successful life until about six months ago, she still missed that closeness, that bond that only parents could provide.

  And now, here she was, only moments from seeing them and she was a total coward. Even though her father swore he never doubted her innocence for a second, she prayed that was the truth. She couldn’t bear seeing disappointment in his eyes. To know she’d let down someone that she loved.

  Like Dylan.

  His expressive eyes had held not only pity, but they’d also been full of accusations and hurt. She could hardly stand to look at him last night when he’d been in her bedroom.

  But she’d gone beyond looking. She’d kissed him senseless and damn near rubbed her whole aching body against him, silently begging him to make use of that bed behind her.

  Once upon a time Dylan was the one she could lean on, trust and share her fears with. But that was ages ago and she only had herself to lean on right now. It was time to suck it up and get tough, or life was going to run her over.

  Corinne got out of her car and hit the button on her remote until the chirp of her bimmer indicated she’d locked it. Even though she’d grown up in this town, she didn’t feel at home. Matter of fact, she hadn’t felt like calling any place home in a long, long time.

  Oh, she’d loved places she’d visited and a few she even owned properties in, but nothing had ever felt safe or secure enough to refer to as home. The only time she’d ever thought of a residence as a sanctuary was when she’d lived in this town years ago with her parents, before that fateful night when the truth was revealed to her, completely altering the path she’d so wanted to travel.

  But the decisions her parents had made, she had made, were for the best. No matter the hurt that they’d caused.

  Corinne hadn’t been in this facility before, but as she entered there was an elderly lady looking out the door and another woman at a small desk. Assuming she was the greeter, receptionist, or whatever, Corinne went up to her.

  “Could you tell me what room the Robertsons are in?”

  The lady obviously knew who Corinne was, if the sneer on her face and the critical stare meant anything. Apparently she was aware of the scandal—thank you, media.

  “Room 105.”

  “Thank you,” Corinne said with a smile.

  No matter how rude people were, she’d always been taught to treat everyone with respect, and all she really cared about was her parents.

  Corinne shifted her designer bag up onto her shoulder and headed down the middle hall toward her parents’ room.

  Month after month she would deposit money in a special account she shared with her mom and dad in order for her father to pay the necessary bills. She hated the thought of her mother being ill and needing extra care, but whatever it took to provide for the people who loved her, she’d sacrifice. They’d already done so much for her it was beyond measure.

  Corinne paused outside their door and knocked before turning the knob and easing the door open. The sight waiting for her nearly had her choking on tears.

  Her mother was in her wheelchair and her father was feeding her. At the sound of the door opening, her father turned, dropped the spoon into the bowl of peaches and came to his feet with a wide smile.

  “Cori.” He crossed the room and wrapped those big, strong arms around her, lifting her off the floor as he’d done when she was a kid. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

  Tears fell—she couldn’t stop them. “I’ve missed you,” she sniffed. “You don’t know how much.”

  Her father leaned back, swiped at her damp cheeks and shook his head. “Please don’t cry, Cori. It’s all going to be all right.”

  Was it? Because now that she was home after a grueling year, she wasn’t so sure it was. After seeing her mother in a wheelchair and unable to even feed herself, Corinne didn’t know how to feel, how to act.

  “Hi, Mama.” She crossed the room and took a seat in the chair her father had just vacated. “You look beautiful today.”

  Her mom’s eyes held unshed tears. “Oh, my beautiful girl is home. I wish I could stand and hug you.”

  Corinne leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her mother. “I’ll hug you for both of us. I’ve missed being with you guys.”

  “I’m so glad you’re home,” her mother said through tears. “Now step back and let me look at you.”

  Corinne stood, but reached down to take her mother’s fragile hand. Once upon a time those hands had planted flowers, they’d wiped tears, they’d baked pies. But now they lay lifeless on the arms of her motorized wheelchair. Raw emotions swept through Corinne as she hiccupped more tears.

  “Oh, honey.” Her father came up beside her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “It’s going to be all right. You’re here now where people love you.”

  She wasn’t so sure of that, considering the cool welcome she’d received at the grocery, the bank and a few moments ago at the desk. But she’d keep that to herself. Seriously, if the people of this town knew her at all, they would know those bogus charges were ridiculous and she’d never, ever done drugs at any point in her career. Yes
, she’d seen plenty of models use them from time to time, but she could honestly say that she had not been one of them.

  “I hate to tell you this, but your mother and I were just about to go down to her therapy,” her father told her, turning to look her in the eye. “Would you like to walk down with us? It’s only about twenty minutes.”

  Corinne smiled. “How about I just wait right here for you guys?”

  The last thing she wanted was to disrupt her mother’s routine. Corinne would give anything for her mother to be able to use her arms and legs again.

  “You promise?” he asked.

  Corinne smiled up at her father. “I promise I won’t go anywhere.”

  As her father wheeled her mother out of the room and down the hall, Corinne sighed, taking a seat in the wingback chair. She propped her purse on her lap and pulled out her phone to check email. Just because she was back home didn’t mean her life back in Miami had stopped.

  As she was scrolling through emails, her agent’s ringtone filled the room.

  Corinne slid the lock over and answered. “Hi, Kate.”

  “Corinne. You made it home okay?”

  She smiled. Her agent had been so much more than just a watchful eye for business, she’d been her friend, her confidante, her sounding board. Kate had been there for her through so many years, Corinne always felt immediately comforted at the soft tone of her voice.

  “I’m home. Actually just got to the rehab facility to see my parents.”

  “Oh, then call me when you can talk.”

  “This is fine,” Corinne assured her. “They had to step out for Mom’s therapy so I’ve got some time now. You sound a little off. Everything okay?”

  Kate sighed. “No, it’s not, and I have some bad news.”

  Corinne gripped her cell. “What? Just tell me.”