“On the cheek,” I tell her as she laughs. “He also helped me get this.”
I pull out the ring, and she lets out a little gasp. I drop to one knee so I can ask her properly. I know we’re already here, getting our license and all, but I want her to look back and remember that I asked. “I’ve loved you for more than half my life, Tegan Kelly. Will you please marry me?”
“Yes, because I’ve also loved you that long.”
I slide the ring on her finger and stand up to pull her to me for a kiss. I’m stopped before our lips touch, though. “You can kiss her when Elvis tells you to. Until then, she’s off limits,” Stella tells me.
“Fine. But it’s going to be one of those kisses that makes all the guests feel awkward, so be prepared.”
“Yuck, Dad.”
“Just close your eyes,” Tegan tells him.
“I have a feeling I’m going to be doing that a lot from now on.”
“Count on it,” I admit.
We get the license and then head down the street to the chapel. Elvis is ready for us, and the ceremony goes off without a hitch. Cyndi and Brad give Tegan away, which has tears in all of our eyes. Ethan is my best man, and Stella is the maid of honor. I’ll admit I was a little worried that Cyndi or Wayne would object, but no one does. An added bonus is that the chapel was able to live stream the ceremony, so my family in Texas were able to watch as well.
We didn’t have time for a cake or reception, but I’ll make it up to her later. My mom already said she wants to have a big party for us once we’re able to travel there. Tegan asked them not to tell anyone about the wedding yet. She said it’s too dangerous. I don’t really care if anyone knows or not. It only matters that we are in fact married.
When we get back to her place, she tells me to wait in the upstairs hall for a minute while she goes into her room. I lean against the wall and wait for my surprise. It’s worth the wait when I see her standing in the doorway, wearing that damn black dress.
“Come on in,” she says, finally inviting me in.
I’ve wanted to see her room for so long, but all I can think about right now is her in that dress. Until I’m past the door. Then I stop and look around in shock. The room’s full of things from our past. Little gifts I gave her and pictures. The entire wall facing her bed is filled with pictures of us. There are large photos of Ethan and me that Candi took, but in between are photos of the two of us, from the time we were kids until we were sixteen.
“Say something,” she says.
“I’m going to do so many bad things to you tonight, that you’re going to lose your voice from all the screaming.”
“Promises, promises”
“I’m keeping this promise, honey. I guarantee it,” I tell her as I pick her up and toss her onto her bed.
The bed looks like a corral, with wood rails on each side and a headboard made from a piece of wood that I recognize because it was once in my family’s barn. It’s perfect, just like we are when we’re together. I’m so glad that she finally let me in. Waking up next to my wife tomorrow is going to be amazing.
Chapter 11
Tegan
I wake up before I need to, but I’m glad that I did. Caleb just rolled over away from me in his sleep, but I know from experience these last few weeks, that it will only last for maybe an hour, and then he’ll roll back over to me. It’s sweet that he can’t be away from me for long, but right now it’s making my heart hurt. I dress quickly, and leave the note I wrote on my pillow for him. With any luck, I’ll be back here in less than twenty four hours to explain everything.
I’m already on one of the Corrigan jets when the first message comes in on my computer screen.
Cal: What the hell Teeg? You’re just going to fucking leave me after we got married last night?
Me: I left you a note.
Cal: I got the damn note. I want my wife. Come home.
Me: I can’t, but if everything goes like it should, I’ll be home tomorrow.
Cal: Tell me what’s going on at least. That note was shit. “I love you, but I have to leave.” Really? WTF?
Me: I can’t explain now. Just please remember that everything is not what it seems.
Cal: With us?
Me: No. You and Ethan are my everything, Cowboy. You just might see something that looks bad. I need you to know that it won’t be what it looks like.
Cal: Cryptic much?
Me: I love you.
Cal: I know. I love you too. Hurry home, honey.
Me: I promise you that I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Cal: I guess that’s all I can ask for. Call me when you can.
Me: I will.
I close my eyes as we descend into Houston, and pray that I can actually pull this off. I haven’t seen Greg since high school. When I got a Facebook account a few years ago, he tried to friend me, but I declined his request. For obvious reasons. I never, in a million years, thought I would have to go near him again. But to save Caleb, I’ll do anything, even add to my bad reputation. If that’s possible.
“You okay, Teeg?” Nate asks me when we get to my house. He’s here to back me up. I’m hoping I won’t need it, but I’m not putting anything past the bastard who already conspired to break me once.
“As okay as I can be. I need to go get changed.”
“I don’t know all the details of what this guy did to you, but I’ve got your back. I won’t hesitate to take him down if he tries to hurt you.”
“Thanks.”
I put on the dress Stella got me for tonight. It’s not something I would normally ever wear, even when I was going out looking for a guy to take to bed. But Greg won’t be able to ignore it. I told her to get me the red one, so it can match my invisible letter. The one that’s going to come back full force tonight. The dress has a gold, flowered lace overlay and red lace sleeves. It’s super short, with a very deep V-neck. I have a nice set of girls, but I still use an extreme push-up bra to make them practically fall out. I have to adjust a little to hide Caleb’s bite marks, but I get them all covered. Simple red heels complete my look.
“Whoa. I’m definitely protecting you tonight.”
“So you think he’ll notice me?”
“Hell, Teeg. You’re like a little sister to me, and I’m noticing you.”
“Gross. You need to be noticing Jade,” I tell him as we walk outside.
“I notice her. That’s my problem.”
“She could be your salvation.”
“Drop it.”
“For now.”
We get in the car and drive down into town. He gets out a block away from the local bar, so no one will see us together. I park in the parking lot, and check my make-up. I already know my hair is clashing with the dress, but tonight is about looking trashy, so it works.
The minute I walk into the bar, most conversations stop. I immediately see Greg with the blonde I was told he’d be with. She’s another pageant girl from Dallas, according to my “friend” back in Vegas. I ignore the fact that I want to throw up right now, and swing my hips as I walk towards the one person I’d hoped to never see again in my life.
“Well, well, well. The prodigal daughter returns.”
“Hi Greg.”
“You’re looking good, Teeg. Real good.”
“I was hoping you’d notice.”
“Were you now?”
“Uh-huh. I haven’t been able to get you out of my head for all these years I’ve been gone.” Ain’t that the truth?
“Excuse me, but who are you?” the blonde asks me.
“This here’s the legendary Tegan Kelly, the hottest girl to ever come from this town.”
“And now I’m back looking for some fun.”
“With me?”
“You’ll do. You can bring her, too, and any other friends you think might want to join in.”
“Hell, yeah. Let’s get out of here.”
He loops one arm around my shoulder, and one arm around hers. I hear the camera
phones clicking as we make our way out the door. I seriously am having to tamp down my gag reflex as I smell that same disgusting cologne that he’s worn for years. I’m not worried about my safety with him this time, at least. I could take him down in a hot second, and I know Nate’s out there.
“Hold up a second. I need a selfie of us.”
I force myself to smile as he grabs my right breast and squeezes, kissing the side of my head. I know exactly who he’s going to send it to, but I have to see this through.
We get into the car, with Greg next to me, and Sharla—the blonde—behind me. Just as I shift into drive, Nate jumps in the backseat.
“Hi party people, are we ready to play?”
“Holy shit, you’re Nate Anderson. I mean, the Nate Anderson.”
“And you must be Greg. Tegan said we were going to have some fun tonight.”
“Oh yeah. This is going to be epic.”
“I get to play with him, don’t I, Greg?” Sharla asks. I see her in the rearview mirror, running her hand over Nate’s biceps. Jade is going to cut a bitch.
“We can share you. I like sharing,” Nate says, looking her over.
“Is Phil still around?”
“You want someone to share with, darling?” Greg asks, not able to mask the hunger in his eyes when I glance his way. “Have you ever had two, or more?”
“Yes. Call him, and tell him to meet us at my place. The blue house on the hill,” I say biting my bottom lip and then licking it. God, this is painful.
He takes out his phone and texts. A couple minutes later, he puts his hand on my thigh and leans close to whisper in my ear. “He’s bringing some other girls with him, but we want you to ourselves first.”
“I can’t wait.”
I pull into my driveway and we all get out. We’re barely through the door when Nate and I attack. Well, I should say I attack. He just grabs Sharla in a chokehold while I punch and kick Greg until he’s almost unconscious. He didn’t see it coming, and it was almost too easy, but I still enjoyed it immensely. We tie them both to my iron dining room chairs, and put duct tape over their mouths. Then we put on some loud music, and wait.
About ten minutes later, my doorbell rings. I answer the door with a bottle of vodka in my hand. “Hi Phil.”
“Hello, Tegan. You look good enough to fuck right here in the doorway.”
That works for him? Really? Obviously it does if the four girls with him are any indication. Plus, he actually got someone to marry him. Sweet Jesus.
“Let’s get inside first, so you can introduce me to your friends.”
That doesn’t happen, of course. I let Nate have him while I fight the girls. Two of them go down easy—I just whack them with the bottle—but the other two want to play. That’s fine. I’m in the mood for a good fight.
They have some silent communication going on, which I’m pretty sure they think will give them an advantage. Oh, this is going to be fun. They circle me and then try to attack. I let a punch graze my cheek as I kick the other one into the living room, where she crashes into my metal coffee table. I’m once again thankful that my style doesn’t lean towards antiques.
The other one moves past me to help her friend up, and I follow them into the room. I glance at Nate. He already tied up the other three, and now he’s sitting on an empty chair eating an apple with his arms crossed. Jack-ass. I know I’ve got this, and so does he, but still.
The two are a little more wary, and frankly I’m just bored with this whole thing. I want to get to the interrogation, and then go home to my guys. I run towards them, and they part just like I want them to. Not too far since they don’t have time, but just enough for what I want to do. I grab a fistful of each of their shirts, jump on the coffee table, and flip forward, taking them both over with me. I land on my knees, while they’re face down on the floor, unconscious from the impact.
Nate starts a slow clap. “Nice. Very, nice.”
“I learned from the best,” I tell him with a wink.
“You sure as hell did. That was so impressive I’ll even tie them up for you while you start making your friends talk.”
“They’ve never been my friends, Nate. Never.”
“I gathered that from the way you beat that one down,” he says, gesturing to Greg. “Play not nice all you want, I’ve got a few knives with me if you need help.”
Greg’s eyes widen as I walk towards him. I’m not sure if it’s from what Nate just said, or what he just saw me do. Maybe it’s both. As long as he talks, I could give two fucks.
I rip the duct tape from his mouth. “Are you going to tell me what I need to know, or am I going to get to hurt you some more?”
“I’ll talk.”
“Damn, you’re no fun. But here we go. Why are you and your beauty queens trying to stop Caleb from releasing his formula?”
“That? That’s why you kidnapped us? Of course it is. It always comes down to Tegan and Caleb. The golden couple. Well, until we took you down.”
“As much as I’d love to reminisce about how you broke us up when we were teenagers, I need an answer to the question I asked you. You will answer, whether I have to hurt you first, or not.”
“Fuck you.”
“You already tried that, and it didn’t work,” I tell him as I kick him in the face, knocking his chair over.
“You bitch. You do that to me when I’m tied up? Real tough.”
“She hit you when you weren’t tied up, and you didn’t fare any better,” Nate reminds him.
“I’ll tell you nothing. You can’t kill me, because you need the information I have.”
“Do I? Do you know what he knows, Phil?”
He starts to shake his head, but when I raise my eyebrow at him, he nods. I turn back to Greg with a smile on my face. “Traitor! You’d really kill me?”
“What do you think?”
“Let me up, and I’ll tell you everything.”
Nate rights the chair, as I pull over another empty one and take a seat. “Go ahead.”
“My boss at the oil company in Houston hired me to do this side job. He knew I was friends with Cal, and we both figured I could get him to back off. I tried to just talk him out of it, but he wouldn’t budge. He insists that this will be good for everyone, but that’s just bullshit. His alternate fuel will put us all out of jobs.”
“Maybe in ten to fifteen years, but not now. Most people are creatures of habit and will just go for the regular gas. Especially because his fuel won’t be cheaper. Once people get used to it, they might buy it more, but they’ll be lucky to break even with it for the first year.”
“My boss didn’t tell me that.”
“Of course not.”
“But why would the Halls buy it from Cal if it’s not going to make money right away?”
“Theirs is an old company. They’ve weathered ups and downs for many years, and his grandfather understands that they need to be forward thinking. He’s willing to take a chance because he thinks it’s the right thing to do, and because he loves his grandson.”
“Why are you helping him, Tegan? What he said and did to you was unforgivable.”
“Which was your plan all along back then. But like I said, I’m not here for a walk down memory lane. Law enforcement will be here soon.” I glance at Nate, and he nods. “They’re on their way to get your boss, and then I can go back to my life.”
Phil’s moving his head like he wants to talk, so I remove his tape. “My wife. She went to Vegas, and I haven’t heard from her.”
“Oh yeah, we have her in custody there. She has a crush on me, so you may want to rethink the whole marriage thing.” His eyes bug out, and I laugh. “You look almost as shocked as she did when I was messing with her. Nice touch, by the way, using pageant girls. People don’t realize how tough they can be. So bravo ladies for stepping outside your stereotype. You’re still going to jail, but hey, you know as well as anyone that you can’t win them all.”
We wait for our friends fr
om the FBI to arrive, and the sheriff comes in soon after. I’m talking to one of the guys about the Houston takedown—which netted them more guys, and girls, when he saunters up to us.
“I saw you were back in town causing trouble, Tegan. And in a sexy red dress to boot.”
“If saving someone is trouble, then yes, that’s what I was doing here.”
“This town is going to crucify you all over again. So I suggest you leave as fast as you came.”
“I own this house, and this is my hometown. I’ll leave when I’m good and ready to.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you when something happens.”
“If something were to happen, I’d expect you to protect her, Sheriff,” the agent I was speaking to says to him.
“The trash needs to take itself out. I can’t be responsible for what happens.”
“What did you just say?” Nate asks, coming up behind me.
“Just leave it, Nate. He’s just a sad little man. What he says can’t hurt me.”
“I could take you in for that smart mouth of yours.”
“No, you can’t. And don’t think I won’t report this. You should count on a visit from the State Police, and possibly my boss. Tegan has helped us out several times, and she is well respected in the Bureau.”
“I just bet she is.”
“Get out of my house, Sheriff. You’re not welcome here.”
“Bitch,” he mutters under his breath as I hold Nate back.
I meant what I said. His words can’t hurt me. But I probably shouldn’t have antagonized him quite so much. He is the law here, and I won’t always have back-up.
Chapter 12
Tegan
I’m exhausted by the time everyone except Nate leaves, but I can’t wait to get back to Vegas. I turn my phone back on as I change clothes. It goes a little crazy, beeping over and over to let me know all I’ve missed. I sit down and decide to check Caleb’s first. I know he’s going to be upset, but I did tell him not to believe everything he was going to see. I realize that he didn’t do that at all when I see what he wrote.
Caleb: What in the fucking Hell, Teeg?
Uncovering His SECRET Page 10