by Rayne Reilly
“Yeah, but that was before they knew I was considering going out with her. I wonder what their reaction will be when they hear that. Knowing Father, he will think Kellie can do better,” Holden laughed.
Grant chuckled and glanced at Holden.
“I guess we’ll find out tonight?” he winked.
Holden was taken aback. “What are you talking about?”
“Acacia has invited Kellie to join us tonight. We thought it would give the two of you a chance to get to know one another without any pressure. And since I know how you feel about attending family events, it will give you someone else to focus on besides Father.”
Holden put up his index finger and pointed at his brother. “For one thing, I don’t mind family events. I just don’t see eye to eye with him. And second, that’s not the ideal place for us to have our first date,” Holden said.
“Who said it was a date? She is Acacia’s guest. You still have to talk to her. Just approach her and have a proper conversation with her. I know that it's a hard concept to grasp, Little Brother but you’ve got this. I am sure you can handle it,” Grant said, reassuringly.
Holden rolled his eyes and sat back in his seat with a sigh. “I talk to women just fine. It’s admitting how I feel that has me in knots.”
“Give yourself some credit. You’re a grown man. You have nothing to fear. She’s your mate; just accept it.” Grant’s voice was firm and brotherly.
Holden nodded to himself. He knew that tonight could change everything for him if she accepted him, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that – or what to expect.
CHAPTER SIX
The house was silent as Kellie sat in the living room. Grant and Acacia would be there any minute to pick her up.
She shuddered as she glanced around the dimly lit room. There was an eeriness about it that she hadn’t noticed before. Nagging thoughts of her father kept intruding on any sense of excitement she might have had about the coming evening.
Well, I guess no news is good news.
Rising, she strode to the front door where she could look outside while she waited for her friends.
The car pulled up almost on queue. Swiftly, she opened the door and went outside, locking the door behind her.
The rear passenger side door opened and she noticed a pair of Italian leather shoes touching the pavement as Holden stepped out and smiled at her. Not having expected him to be in the car, she did a double take and broke into a broad smile.
Holden approached her, one hand sweeping behind him as he bowed.
“Your carriage awaits!” he grinned. “You look incredible as usual,” he added, turning on the charm.
“Thank you, kind sir!” Kellie said, playfully.
Holden held the car door open so that she could be seated. Once her feet and dress were safely tucked inside, he closed the door and raced around to the other side to join her.
Grant pulled away from the curb to a round of happy greetings.
Kellie clasped her hands in her lap and kept her eyes focused out the window beside her. They rode in silence for the first few minutes before she piped up.
“This will be my first time at your parents' home since the wedding,” she commented, glancing at Holden, who had been gazing at her. She felt a little self-conscious for just a moment until he smiled warmly at her.
“It’s a big place! There's lots of room for one to get lost there!” he winked.
Kellie laughed, unsure of how to respond to his flirty comment. Their eyes locked briefly before Kellie's nerves made her look away. Holden placed his hands on his thighs and took a deep breath.
“I’m glad you could come tonight. I hope we can get to know one another a little better,” he murmured.
“Me, too. I would like that,” Kellie said, smiling back at him. She noticed his jaw clenching and grinned to herself.
'This could turn out to be a very good night, indeed!' she thought to herself.
***
The long driveway was already filling up with cars when Grant pulled up to the mansion. The couples got out and Grant handed over the keys to a young male valet that worked for his parents.
Holden held out his arm for Kellie. She linked hers through his and the two followed Acacia and Grant, who were holding hands.
Once they were inside, Kellie noticed Marcia chatting with a couple of guests before she sighted them.
“Grant! Acacia! I'm so glad you came!” she said happily as she hugged them. Turning toward Kellie, she held out her arms in an invitation for a hug. Marcia embraced the young woman.
“Good to see you again, Kellie!” said Marcia, warmly. “Acacia told me she was inviting you. I am sure Forrest will be happy to see you again, too. He was quite taken with your singing!” she beamed.
Kellie felt herself blush as she thanked Mrs. Beringer.
Holden was the last to be greeted by his mother. “Hello, Mother,” he said as she hugged him briefly.
Kellie watched his face as his mother asked him how he was doing. “I'm fine, thanks,” he replied with a quiet smile but his eyes looked a little sad.
Marcia looked radiant with her red hair in an up-do with tendrils of curls falling softly around her face. Her green eyes glowed with joy as she spoke. Both Beringer parents looked far younger than their years.
“Make yourself at home,” she said to the two couples with a smile before turning to greet more guests.
Grant turned to Kellie and Holden, who were still standing next to one another.
“I’m going to find Father and wish him a happy birthday. You two enjoy yourselves,” he grinned. Acacia squeezed Kellie's hand before walking away with Grant.
“Well. It looks like it’s just us now. Want the grand tour?” Holden asked in a sexy voice.
“Sure,” Kellie whispered.
The sound of music and the din of voices faded as they weaved down hallways, methodically peeking into one room after another, most of which were obviously rarely used.
“Is this your old room?” Kellie asked when Holden took her into a blue bedroom. It felt like they had stepped into the 1990’s with everything frozen in time like an old photograph. Clearly, nothing had been touched or moved since the day he left.
“It is. I don’t know why my parents insist on living in such a huge place when it is only the two of them and several staff members,” Holden said, wistfully.
Walking over to a small desk, he picked up the top book from a stack of several.
“My mother can be quite sentimental. My father likes to give the impression of being human so he lets her be. I don’t remember reading this book…ever!” he chuckled, as he placed it back on the desk.
Kellie watched as Holden looked around the room as though he were seeing it for the first time.
“Do you ever stay here when you come back to Seattle?” she asked.
“Not a chance. I prefer to stay with Grant or at a hotel. According to my father, I don’t work hard enough and therefore, don't deserve to stay here,” Holden muttered with a hint of acid in his tone.
“Seriously? He doesn’t seem that bad. I can’t see him not caring about you. He’s your father, for heaven's sake!” Kellie insisted.
“Trust me when I say that Grant is his favorite. Reece and I got used to not getting acknowledged for our accomplishments. I think Reece had a harder time accepting my father's ways than I did,” he said.
Kellie wasn’t sure what to say. Forrest Beringer was always polite to her. She had heard the way he spoke to Reece and understood that there was tension between him and his sons. Her thoughts turned to her own father and she wondered if he had called Felicia yet. She wished she had taken Felicia's phone number to check in with her. She inhaled and exhaled.
'I'm sure my dad is fine,' she thought. She folded her arms lightly across her chest.
“I’m lucky I guess,” she replied. “My dad and I have always been close. My mom left when I was very young so we've only really had one another.” Kellie moved
to the bed and sat down, bouncing lightly upon it a couple of times and smoothing the bedspread with her hands.
Holden walked over and sat beside her.
“Do you have any contact with your mother now?” he asked clasping his hands in his lap.
“No. I haven’t and don’t expect it. She is not welcome in my world. My dad has a new girlfriend. That has taken some adjustment for me recently, but things seem to be going well for them.” Kellie felt a little less envious of her father's relationship at the moment, now that she was alone with Holden.
Holden’s voice was softer, “That’s good.” Kellie watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he spoke.
“I’m sorry that things are not great between you and your dad,” said Kellie, sincerely. “At least you have both of your parents. That’s a plus,” she chirped.
Holden nodded and placed his hands behind him so he could lean back and look at her.
“You are always so cheerful, Kellie. I like that about you,” he smiled.
Catching her breath, Kellie noticed the sensation of butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
She had been doing her best not to feel nervous about being next to Holden Beringer. “I try to see the world in a positive light…although it isn’t always as easy as it sounds,” she replied.
Holden slid his hand toward hers on the bed and their fingers touched. Electricity shot through her fingertips at the slight touch. Kellie’s heart skipped a beat.
Holden turned slightly to face her and moved a little closer.
“I’m sorry for the way I treated you…before,” he said, apologetically.
Kellie was surprised at the turn of conversation, but glad that he was finally bringing it up.
“You mean for making me feel like you couldn’t stand being near me?” she giggled and smoothed her hair off her face.
Holden looked down for a moment.
“It’s far from true. In fact…the reason I behaved so badly was that…I was…am…very attracted to you, Kellie. It scared me and I behaved like a jerk though. There is no excuse for that.”
Kellie pursed her lips and eyed him.
“Reece told me that you haven’t had a long-term relationship and that you weren’t great at communicating with women,” she admitted.
“Oh, he did, did he?” Holden snorted. “What else did my older brother tell you?” he asked cynically.
“Nothing, really. I think he was just trying to make me feel better at the time.”
“Oh?” A smile slipped onto his lips.
Kellie chuckled. “He could see that I liked you and I guess he wanted to reassure me,” she finished.
Holden sat up straight. “You feel it, too?” he asked, obviously surprised.
Kellie wasn’t sure what he meant. She had spoken to Acacia about the energy between them but her friend had only grinned in response.
“I’m not sure what you mean, exactly,” Kellie said, quizzically.
Holden moved to close the distance between them and leaned in to kiss her. Placing a hand on the back of her head, he pulled her face to his, allowing their lips to touch.
Kellie threaded her hands in his hair and opened her mouth slightly. She had dreamed of the moment they were now sharing and she wanted it to be perfect. The toe-curling kiss seemed to last for ages.
Kellie's body responded immediately by heating up. Holden’s breathing had changed and was more rapid. She kept her hands in his hair holding his mouth to hers just a few seconds longer. Releasing one another moments later, they both let out a sigh of relief.
“I’ve wanted to do that since I first met you,” he grinned.
“Me, too,” she responded, biting her lower lip and smiling.
Kellie felt the tingling sensation of arousal as Holden came toward her for another kiss. She succumbed easily to his advance. She didn’t want the moment to end. Her mind raced. Would they finally have a chance?
***
“Maybe we should go and wish your dad a happy birthday before they send out a search party?” Kellie purred as they broke from another kiss.
She wasn’t sure how long she and Holden had been making out, but she knew that they should at least make an appearance at the party.
The two rose and stood next to the bed, facing each other. Kellie smoothed out her dress, grinning sinfully at Holden.
He looked down at her and for the first time since she had known him, his eyes did not seem so sad. She had done that. She made Holden happy and she hoped it would continue.
Shoving aside any doubts about things working out, she hoped that the fact that he lived in a different state would not come between them or their budding relationship.
“I suppose you’re right,” Holden said, reluctantly.
He stood and straightened out his clothes. Placing his hands on either side of her head, he leaned down for one more tender kiss. Kellie closed her eyes and savored it until finally, he pulled away.
“Before we go…” Holden put his hands in his pockets and shifted from one foot to the other nervously. “I want to ask if you would consider going out sometime?”
“I would think so. I don’t make out with just anyone in their childhood bedroom!” she teased.
Holden gave her a sexy lopsided grin.
It was really happening, at last.
Holding hands, the pair made their way to the party in search of Forrest Beringer. Kellie spotted him talking to a couple of older gentleman. Holden clenched her hand more tightly as they approached him.
“Miss Adams…Nice to see you again,” he said, glancing down at their clasped hands.
“It's nice to see you, too, Mr. Beringer,” Kellie replied, smiling. “Happy birthday!”
“Happy birthday, Father,” echoed Holden.
“Thank you, Son. I see you finally decided to grace us with your presence. I hope you are treating this young woman with the respect she deserves?” he spoke firmly.
“Holden is treating me very well, Mr. Beringer. He’s a wonderful man.” Kellie blurted, standing a little taller. Forrest looked at her in mild shock. A smile curled on his lips.
“I see that Acacia is not the only feisty female that my sons know!” he commented.
Holden’s chest moved slightly and Kellie noticed a grin on his face.
“Be good to this one, Son. You need a strong woman to keep you in line.”
“I don't think Holden needs to be kept in line,” Kellie said in a sweet tone. She glanced at Holden and back at Mr. Beringer. Holden pulled her closer releasing her hand and putting his arm around her. Forrest narrowed his eyes at them.
“We’ll see about that,” Forrest said before turning his back on the pair and walking away. Kellie stood watching as he walked away, her mouth slightly agape. What was that about?
Holden steered Kellie out of the room until the two were alone again in another room.
Kellie couldn’t believe the way Forrest spoke to Holden. She had just lost so much respect for the man. Didn’t he realize how much he was hurting his son? Filled with empathy for Holden, she hugged him tightly.
“Don’t worry about my father. He has always been that way. That’s why I moved away,” Holden said, pulling back to gaze down at her. "My father doesn't think I am capable of doing anything productive with my life. Sometimes I feel like he wishes I was never born." He pressed his lips together and shrugged.
Kellie grimaced. “I’m sorry. I’m sure that’s not the case though. You’re his son after all.”
Holden scoffed. “That may be, but I don’t feel that he likes me very much.” He admitted.
There was a long silence as both Kellie and Holden stared at the floor. Kellie finally looked up and straight into Holden’s eyes.
“Do you think you would ever move back to Seattle?” she asked. She hoped that he wouldn't continue to allow his father to push him away. She wanted him to live closer to her so that they might have a chance to be together in a long-term relationship.
Hol
den was about to respond when Kellie’s phone went off. She reached into the small handbag that she had draped across one shoulder and pulled out her phone. It was from an unknown number. Her heart raced as she stared at the phone.
“Sorry. One sec.” She put an index finger up as she answered. She held her breath and then released it before speaking. Holden nodded and waited.
“Hello?” she said hesitantly.
“Acacia, it’s Felicia. I’m sorry to have to call like this…” Kellie's stomach flipped. “It’s your dad. He’s been shot.”
As these terrible words resounded in her head, time stood still. My father? Shot? No!
Unable to hear another word, Kellie pulled the phone from her ear and dazed, handed it to Holden without a word.
Puzzled, he took the phone and put it to his ear. “Hello, this is Holden. Kellie – ”
He listened while Felicia interrupted him on the other end of the phone.
“Oh, my God! Which hospital?” he asked, urgently. “We’re on our way now.”
He hung up and put his arms around Kellie. Apart from hot tears streaming down her face, she couldn't feel anything else.
She heard Holden’s voice off in the distance. “Stay here, I’ll get Grant and be right back, okay?”
She nodded and remained where she was. In minutes, she was aware of Acacia’s arm around her as the four hurried to the car.
Holden moved in beside her in the back and held her. Grant and Acacia spoke in hushed tones while Kellie buried her head in Holden’s chest and sobbed. She didn’t want to ask if her dad was okay or not, as long as she didn’t ask, there was still a chance he was alive. The alternative was too painful to imagine.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Grant drove up to the doors of the E.R. and dropped off Holden, Kellie and Acacia before going to find a parking spot. Holden and Acacia were on either side of Kellie, each with an arm around her.
She had barely spoken since she passed the phone to him. Though she had stopped crying, Holden was concerned about the fact that she was trembling as the shock set in. They hurried inside where Acacia went to reception to ask about Kellie’s father. She returned quickly.