THIRTEEN
ELI
Oh my God, Wren needed to tone this down. I glanced at Darren and the hardness in his gaze. He was getting increasingly pissed with each question Wren had fired off about his finances. Plus, Wren had knocked back too many drinks for this conversation. “Hey, this was a very enjoyable dinner, but we need to head home.” Grabbing Wren’s elbow, I rose. I wouldn’t let him shut me down again. “Come on, let’s say our goodbyes.”
Wren flashed a glare at me and pursed his lips. “Yeah, okay.” He stood next to me, downed the rest of his drink and then faced his father. “Thank you for having us. I…hope we can see each other again soon.”
“Yes, of course. Maybe we can have dinner regularly.” His father strode to the sliding glass door and opened it. “After you.”
“Come on.” With my hand on Wren’s lower back, I guided him inside and into the kitchen. “Karen, the meal was fantastic. It was so nice to meet you.”
She twisted at the sink, her lips twitching into a grin. “You’re very welcome. It was nice to meet you as well.” Her gaze swiped to Wren. “Take care of yourself, Wren.”
“I will.” He set his empty glass on the counter and gave her a side hug, patting her on the back. “Thanks.”
With a nod at her, I focused on Darren, ambling past the kitchen. “Come on, boys, I’ll see you out.”
As I peeked at Wren, I said, “Let’s go.” Snatching his hand, I led him through the hallway and into the front room. I’d never seen a family so tense and in need of therapy. There were obviously years of buried animosity between Wren, his father and Karen. No wonder he’d needed me here.
We approached the front door, and Darren swung it open. “I’ll be in touch, son.” He gave Wren a swift hug and then shook my hand. “It was very nice to meet you, Eli. I’ll watch the games when I get a chance.” He offered me a warm grin.
“I hope so.” Lifting his chin, Wren strutted through the door.
He had to say it. “Goodnight.” I strode after Wren. “Hey, slow down.” As I caught up with him, I seized his hand. “Slow down. You’re practically running from the house.”
“I need to leave, Eli.” He stopped at my truck and flung the door open. “Just get me out of here.”
“Okay.” I jogged to the driver’s side of the truck and climbed in. With a peek at the house, I started the engine. The door was closed, so hopefully his father hadn’t heard Wren. As I drove onto the street, I said, “What the hell happened in there?” It had been tense during dinner, but then I’d thought it would settle when he headed to the patio.
“Dear old dad is hiding something from me. I don’t know what, but I’ll get to the bottom of it.” He scoffed and shifted in his seat, his gaze swinging toward the window. “Think about it. My dad withheld news of Karen’s pregnancy until last week, and the woman is ready to pop. They’ve known about the pregnancy for months.”
“Okay.” I turned the corner onto a major boulevard, the streetlight illuminating Palo Verde trees and cactus on the sides of the road with the occasional saguaro. He had a point.
“And they didn’t move into that house recently. It was fullyfurnished, and there were no boxes lying around. Do you think a pregnant woman wants to move right before she gives birth?” He shot me a pointed look. “They’ve lived there for a few months.”
“So, maybe they needed time to settle in before having you over?” I’d play devil’s advocate. Maybe I could get him to relax. I drove us onto the freeway.
“Or maybe there’s a reason Dad wants to renew our relationship, and it has nothing to do with him moving here.” He clenched his jaw as he peered through the windshield.
“Like what?” I changed lanes. I needed to get him home.
“I don’t know, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s money-related.” He choked back a laugh. “The fucker was such a miser with my mother, and now look at how he lives with Karen?”
I patted Wren’s thigh. “This isn’t good for you, Wren. You’ve had a lot to drink, and you might draw conclusions that aren’t there. Maybe you could talk to your mom about the situation. She might know things you don’t.”
His throat dipped with a hard swallow, and his gaze fell to his lap. “Yeah, you’re right. I just don’t trust my father after everything that’s happened.” He placed his hand on mine. “Let’s drop it for now. I’ll call my mom and see what she says.”
“Good.” I checked my speed. I’d been over the limit and should slow down.
We arrived at my house.I parked in the driveway, and my attention drew to Wren. He’d been quiet for the rest of the way home. “Do you want to come in?” A soft glow spilled from the front window. The guys were probably asleep and had left a light on for me.
With a slow nod, he said. “Could I?” His gaze found mine, and his brows wrinkled. “I could use some time alone with you tonight.”
Did that mean? Hell yes. I’d been a little afraid he’d be too upset to do anything. “Sure.” I stepped out of the truck and met him on the sidewalk. “You should drink some water so that your hangover isn’t as bad tomorrow.” I opened the door for us and walked inside.
“Good idea.” He scanned the room. “Is everyone in bed already?”
“Probably or studying in their rooms.” I strolled to the refrigerator and grabbed two bottled waters. “Come on.” As I handed him a water, I strode through the hallway to my room and then shut the door behind me, flicking the nightstand light on from the switch on the wall.
