The Consequence of Falling: New York Times Bestselling Author

by Contreras, Claire

  “I want you to have it.”

  “Thank you.” Her smile was forced. “But I don’t want it.”

  I took a step back, feeling as though she’d physically pushed me. I deserved it. I knew I did, but accepting it was still difficult. I searched her face, hoping to find more than that placating smile on it. I stopped myself from saying anything else. She was mourning. I was mourning. Winston had been like a father to me. He’d been the strongest male figure in my life these last fourteen years. Of course Presley knew that. It was why she was being so kind to me. It was why despite the fact that she probably wanted to slap me, she’d hugged me instead. It was why I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I’d royally fucked up with her and she was taking it in stride, because I did what she was used to from every other man in her life.

  “Please.” I tried to hand it to her again. She put her palms up in defense so there was no way for me to place it in her hands. “Presley.”

  “Thanks for stopping by. I made a spreadsheet of our expenses while I’ve been gone. I’ll email it to you in five minutes.” She took a step back and turned around, walking away. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

  I dropped my hand. My chest felt like it was being ripped up from the inside as I watched her walk away from me, but I let her because I knew she needed time. Ezra stepped back into the room shortly after. I probably looked like a sucker, standing there in the middle of all of those containers of beer, salivating over something I couldn’t have.

  “Do right by her,” Ezra said as he neared me.

  I blinked. “What?”

  “Do right by her. Winston told me you were in love with her.” He raised an eyebrow. “Was he right?”

  “I . . .” My heart hammered. I felt caught off guard. “Yes, I guess I am.” I frowned. “What else did he say? About me being in love with his daughter. What else did he say?”

  “He seemed happy about it.” Ezra smiled, shrugging again. “He loved you, you know? The way a man can only love a son.”

  I swallowed, nodding as I patted him on the shoulder and left. I wasn’t against grown men crying, but I definitely wasn’t about to do it in front of fucking Ezra. He was too old-school to let that fly.

  * * *

  I took his advice and slept for two hours. By the time I showered, shaved, and got dressed again, I was cutting it close on making it to the church where Presley and her mom had asked for a service. I took the train and managed to get there on time. As I walked into the church, I searched for Presley. Her mother wore a huge black hat, and Presley was beside her. They were leaning down speaking to an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Beside her on the other side was Adam. He had an arm around her, holding her by the elbow. I felt my temperature rise as I took a seat. I inhaled and exhaled a few times, hoping it would help calm me down. I’d seen them together countless of times—in college, at their wedding, occasionally at a gala, and I’d felt annoyed each and every time, but nothing compared to the suffocation I felt now. I let it go for Winston, but I vowed to get her back in my arms as soon as possible.

  I was shocked when I saw her walk to the podium. Even in her grief she looked stunning. She wore a black dress and no jewelry. Her hair was down, pin-straight. She looked sleek and fierce, but when she opened her mouth, that soft voice filled the room and held my heart in its grasp as she’d done from the moment I first saw her.

  “My dad was a hard-working man.” She licked her lips, offering a small smile. “I know a lot of you worked with in some capacity. I used to think that the only thing I got from him was his tenacity, but these last two weeks, as I’ve dealt with his absence, I realized I got a lot more from him than only that. Some good traits, and some bad, but all are things that make me who I am and make me feel closer to him.” She paused again, swallowing and exhaling a shaky breath.

  “What I valued most about him was his ability to love. He didn’t care if you were poor or rich. If he felt you needed him, he was there.” She smiled. “It used to bother me a lot when I was younger. I hated having to share him with others. I am an only child, you know.” She chuckled lightly, as did the rest of us. “As I grew up though, I realized how fortunate I was to have someone in my life who cared so deeply about what others were going through that he’d spend time with me, go to work, and then make it a point to be there for someone else. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that we can all learn a thing or two from Winston Rose. Sure, he was successful. Sure, there was a time when he had a beautiful house and fancy cars and all the things money could buy, but in the end, he’d traded all of that in. Money, having it or not having it, didn’t change who he was. He was always selfless and giving and his time was worth more to him than any dollar bill or company opportunities. And for that, I thank him. I’m going to miss him so much.” Her voice broke as tears cascaded down her face. I squeezed my hands to remind me to keep sitting. “But I’m going to do right by him and make sure White Oak continues to grow and thrive, because it’s what he would have wanted. Thank you for coming.”

  Thirty-Eight

  I was shaking as I stepped off the little stage, thankful for Adam helping me back to my seat. I was shocked to see him there. Shocked because he’d come completely alone. This wasn’t one of the publicity stunts I’d gotten used to from him. Shocked because he didn’t get along well with my father, but still chose to come pay his respects. Shocked because I liked that he was there, even though I knew as well as anyone that this was a fleeting moment of kindness. The service was a blur. I spoke, but even that was a splotchy memory. Thankfully I didn’t think I took too long. I glanced at Adam.

  “Did I blabber a lot?”

  He patted my knee. “You did great.”

  “I hate public speaking. I don’t know how you to it.”

  “Practice.” He smiled. “You used to hate how I hogged up the mirror to practice my speeches.”

  “It was highly annoying.” I smiled, grateful for the repose from the grief that had taken me hostage. “I hope your new girlfriend doesn’t like to wear makeup.”

  “I’m seeing a therapist. Not dating one, actually seeing one.” He swallowed as he looked at me. “I know I didn’t do right by you and I can see now that it was one-hundred-percent me. I hope you can forgive me.”

  “I already forgave you, Adam.”

  “You deserve to be treated right.”

  “I’m not putting my future in anyone’s hands or anything.”

  “I’m sorry for everything.” He squeezed my knee again. “By the way, your name is completely gone from everything having to do with the foundation. I’m in the process of having it looked at and doing right by it.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Your therapist must be a miracle worker.”

  He chuckled. I excused myself and walked to the back, where I was due to thank everyone for coming and reminded them to head to the brewery for beers and hot dogs—that was Dad’s wish.

  Nicole and Victor each gave me a huge hug and held me tight longer than the others before them had.

  “I love you,” Nic said. “You know we’re always here for you.”

  “I know. Thank you for being here now.”

  “Always, Pres.” She pulled back, wiping the tears leaking down my cheeks. “Always.”

  I smiled because I couldn’t say anything else. Victor pulled me into another hug, squeezing the life out of me. I had to laugh.

  “Babe, you’re going to make her throw up,” Nicole said.

  “Sorry not sorry.” He let go. “I haven’t wanted to call you about the will and all that because I don’t want to be the asshole lawyer who doesn’t give you time to mourn, but whenever you’re ready to discuss it . . .” He tilted his head.

  “We can discuss it. I’m good. Seriously. I mean, I cry randomly and stuff but I’m good most of the time. Let’s talk about it at the brewery.”

  “Tonight?”

  “Well, you can explain the gist of it to me.”

  “Okay.” They walked aw
ay.

  Morgan and Jamie walked over next. I gasped when I saw Jamie. “I didn’t know you were in town.”

  “I wasn’t.” She threw her arms around me. “I came for tonight. I have to go back tomorrow night, but if you want to do brunch please let me know.”

  “Of course.” I had no idea what to say next. I’d missed Jamie very much, and there were so many holes in our lives to fill. I pulled away and hugged Morgan next.” Thanks for coming.”

  “You know it, Big. Papa Winston was a father to us all,” she said, smiling through the tears she tried to blink away.

  “He really was,” Jamie said. “We were all lucky to have him.”

  I smiled even though I couldn’t seem to stop crying. “I’ll see you guys at the brewery.”

  “See you there.” They waved as they walked away.

  I took a deep breath and let it out when I realized that was the last of them. Or so I thought, until Nathaniel approached. Unlike this morning, when he looked like a complete mess, he was wearing a black suit and tie. His hair was slicked back, and he’d shaved his messy beard down to a sexy scruff. His blue eyes found mine and held them as he closed the distance between us. His cologne infiltrated my senses as he brought his hand down to cup my face.

  “You did great up there.”

  “Thanks.” I swallowed. “I was nervous.”

  He leaned in, resting his forehead against mine and exhaling. “I miss you, princess.”

  My heart pounded. I missed him too, but I didn’t want to admit that to him. He’d yelled at me. He’d shut me out when I’d needed him most. I knew he’d done it out of pain because he was hurting, but it didn’t lessen the blow. I took a step back, putting distance between us.

  “Are you going to the brewery?”

  “Want to go together?” He looked around. “Where’s your mom?”

  “Waiting for me in the car with Constantine.” I paused. “Do you want to come with us? He has a limo.” I rolled my eyes. “So extra, I know.”

  Nathaniel smiled. “I’ll ride with you.”

  “Adam’s riding with us too. Mom invited him,” I said. Not that I owed him an explanation. “He came to pay his respects.”

  “Is she a fan of his?”

  “Who knows?” I shrugged, glancing up at him. “Doesn’t really matter to me.”

  His jaw was twitching. “She doesn’t like me much.”

  “She’s . . . difficult,” I said. “I’m not sure she likes anyone much at all.”

  He pulled the door open and slid in behind me. Mom, Constantine, and Adam were settled in their seats, looking at us.

  “Hey, man.” Adam walked over in a crouch, careful not to hit his head on the roof and extended his hand for Nathaniel to shake. He did. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know you and Winston were close.”

  “Thanks.” Nathaniel shook his hand and scooted closer to me, his thigh pressed against mine, his arm draped over the back of the seat.

  He might as well have draped himself around me, he was obviously trying to make a point. I shot him a glare. He shot me a grin. I rolled my eyes and looked forward, not missing the shock on Adam’s face. Mom seemed to be stifling a smile as she focused on the window, and Constantine was typing away on his phone so he wasn’t really paying attention, but somehow it felt like all eyes were on us anyway. Tonight, there was no small talk amongst Nathaniel and Adam like they were buddies. Tonight the air was crackling with intensity. Emotions were already high, but whatever unspoken thing was happening between Adam and Nathaniel was threatening to suffocate us. The second the limo pulled up to the brewery, I shot out of the car without waiting for the driver to come open the door.

  Inside, I busied myself saying hi to the people that hadn’t made it to the service. One of them was Nathaniel’s mom. She was wearing scrubs and I was so surprised by that and her being here that I almost walked right past her.

  “Iris. Oh my God.” I stood in front of her, holding her arm. “I’m so sorry. I barely recognized you.”

  “Is it the messy bun, the no makeup, or the fact that I’m running on zero hours of sleep?” she joked. “I just got off work, but I wanted to pass by and extend my condolences personally. Your father was a gift in the world. I’m so sorry he left us so soon.”

  For a moment, I simply stood there, trying to swallow past the knot in my throat, but it was no use. I threw my arms around her and breathed out when she hugged me back. People had been so kind to me, but only some of them knew what Dad was really like and even fewer of them spent as much time with him as Iris and Nathaniel, so I knew she didn’t say those words in vain. I felt embarrassed as I pulled away and wiped my face. This lady was going to think I was crazy.

  “Nathaniel should be making his way here shortly,” I said. “I have to go check on the catering, but thank you so much for coming.”

  She grabbed my hand, sandwiching it between two of hers, and held my eyes. “If you need anything, even if it’s to get away. Anything at all. Please come see me. My door is always open to you.”

  “Thank you.” I hugged her again, a little lighter this time before walking away.

  I wasn’t lying, I really was checking on the catering, but as soon as I did that I slipped into my office in the back and sat there catching my breath. I’d go out there shortly but for now I needed to be alone and process. I felt like since that night at the hospital things had been non-stop. As I sat there, massaging my temples, I felt gratitude not only for the many people who’d come to pay their respects to my father, but also for the time I’d had with him. Nathaniel had lost his at eighteen. I had friends who’d never met theirs. And mine was larger than life. Impossible to deal with sometimes, yes, but amazing nonetheless. I just wished I’d had more time with him. It was selfish, I knew, but I felt what I felt. I lowered my hands when I heard the knock on my door and looked up to find Victor standing there.

  “You okay?” He walked in and took a seat across from me. I nodded. How could I explain that amongst everything else going on inside me, the numbness returning was the biggest threat?

  I cleared my throat. “Just taking a little break from people.”

  “It’s a miracle you were ever married to a politician.” He smiled.

  “Ah well, you know politicians and their wives are good pretenders.”

  “I gathered that.” He chuckled. “Adam’s out there making his rounds.”

  “I’m surprised he didn’t bring a camera crew with him.”

  “Give him time.”

  I smiled, shaking my head. “So, what’s up?”

  “The will. As you know, your father sold half of the company to Nathaniel. It was a merge, of sorts. White Oak was bleeding and Nathaniel wanted to step in to help.”

  “Right.”

  “This brewery was fully funded by Nathaniel,” Victor said cautiously. He obviously knew I didn’t know this.

  “What?” My mouth dropped momentarily. “Does this mean . . . what does this mean?”

  “I want to preface this next part by saying this doesn’t mean anything for you. This is yours and it’s safe.”

  “Safe from what?” I put a hand on my pounding heart. “Is Nathaniel selling?”

  “No. No.” Victor took a deep breath. “I probably shouldn’t have even mentioned the fact that Nathaniel funded this whole thing, but I never thought it was right to withhold that information from you to begin with.”

  “I don’t understand,” I whispered. I thought about the very first day I saw him and the way I flipped out on him and told him the brewery was mine. “Oh my God. I feel so stupid.”

  “I was afraid you might. Anyway, during our meeting, your dad said that once he passed away, Nathaniel should keep the brewery and give you money for it in exchange for more ownership in White Oak.”

  “Makes sense.” I licked my lips.

  “Nate turned him down.”

  I blinked. “When did you start calling him Nate?”

  Victor rolled his eyes. “Can
we stick to the task at hand?”

  “Yes, bossy.” I sighed. “So Nate wants what? To buy the rest of the company so he can have it all?” A loud knock on the door interrupted the tirade I was just beginning to go off on. Nathaniel peeked his head in. “Oh, fun. Come join the party, Nate. Pull up a chair. Get cozy. After all, this is your office, isn’t it?”

  “Presley,” Victor said.

  “I’ll take it from here, Victor,” Nathaniel said.

  Victor stood, eyeing me cautiously. “We’ll continue this later. Maybe I can bring you the papers tomorrow.” He walked toward the door and mouthed something that looked like “Be nice”. I flipped him the finger just in case I’d read his lips correctly. Judging by the sound he made, I was probably right.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” I looked at Nathaniel, who still hadn’t sat. I stood up and waved a hand to the chair I’d vacated. “Would you like this chair, boss?”

  “What are you doing?”

  “What am I doing? What are you doing? You paid for all of this. You funded it,” I said, using air-quotes. “You—” He walked toward me until he was looming over me. I lost my train of thought. “You—”

  “I what, princess? I saved your ass? I saved this company from oblivion? What exactly do you want to blame me for?”

  I pushed his chest. “I hate you.”

  “I think what you feel for me is the complete opposite of hate and that scares the shit out of you.” He grabbed my wrist. “You know how I know? I feel it too. And it’s not going anywhere.”

  “That’s a lie.” I shook my head, yanking my arm from him. “You’re a liar. You want to kick me out of your apartment and call me a liar? Well, you’re a fucking liar, Nathaniel Bradley. You think you can just waltz in here and take over my life because you feel like it? Because you felt a connection to my father and you thought a good way to stay in his good graces was to become one with his company? Fine. That’s fine. But you don’t own me. I’m not yours. Just because—”

  His mouth crashed down on mine before I could finish my sentence. My heart soared, pounding so hard I was sure it would leap out as his tongue slid inside my mouth. He lifted me, pressing me onto the concrete wall behind me, caging me there with his mouth, his hands, his muscular legs that parted mine leaving me no choice but to wrap them around his waist. The need for him was greater than every single sense I had that was previously telling me I hated him, because he was right. I didn’t hate him and I was afraid to admit what it was I actually felt. This was safe though, this grinding and teasing. The physical we had down. I made quick work of his belt and zipper as he lifted me higher up the wall, hoisting me with one arm as the other pulled the dress I wore over my hips.