He left his dad on the lawn, glaring after him as he ducked back into the house, desperate for a moment of peace, somewhere to hide until he got himself under control. Damn if his hands weren’t shaking as he headed for the study. The sound of voices—Matt and Leah’s—had him jerking to a halt outside the door.
“Getting stuck in here with the old lady was a genius stroke, Lee. Bet you saved a stack of money. But schmoozing up to the grandson must blow, though. Seriously, who took a shit in his cornflakes?”
Jackson’s nails bit into his palms.
“Matt—”
The dumbass cut across her. “The guy’s like a gray sprinkle on a rainbow cone! I bet every day shacked up here with him has felt like a year.”
A wave of exhaustion swamped him and Jackson raised a hand to grip the back of his neck. The movement reflected in the gilt-framed mirror hanging just outside the doorway to the study, and the action caught Leah’s eye. For a second, they locked gazes in the glass. He didn’t know what she saw on his face, but hers was mortified.
Matt hadn’t finished. “We’re better together than apart, Lee. Always have been. You’re my inspiration.”
Jackson spun around and stalked away. He’d heard enough.
Fuck the lot of them.
Chapter 42
Leah
Fury and frustration rioting through her veins, Leah let loose.
“Inspiration? Don’t make me laugh! I wasn’t a muse. I was a punching bag for all your moods.” It felt freeing to let it out. “Living with you was scary, Matt. I didn’t know how to make it better and, financially, it was almost impossible to leave. The pressure nearly broke me.”
The cocky smirk slid off his lips and something, maybe shame, flashed in his eyes. He tucked his hands into his pockets, looking less certain, a little defensive, younger.
“You know nothing about me as a person or you wouldn’t have dreamed of coming here. And you know nothing about Jackson. Nothing at all. So don’t even think of mocking him, because he’s one of the best people I know.” Leah was steaming. She had to get rid of Matt and find Jackson. She needed to explain this whole mess to him. “I don’t care what Alistair Hale said to you, but you’ve been played for his own ends. I won’t be leaving Amity Court until it sells. And I will never be leaving with you. We were done a long time ago.”
Matt grabbed her wrist as she tried to push past him. “You’re not thinking it through. There’s good money in this for both of usif we play it out. The Hales are rolling in it. There’s nearly $150,000 in cars sitting on the drive right now!”
“Let me guess. Alistair Hale offered to pay our deposit on a rental somewhere.” Leah snorted in derision. “He’s already tried that with me. I wasn’t interested then and I’m not interested now.”
“He’s offered more than that, Lee, and I need the money. It’ll give me the chance to make it big with my music.” Matt’s grip tightened on her wrist.
“This is not about you!” She almost growled it, pressing into him instead of pulling away, so furious she could feel the anger vibrating in her sternum. “You don’t get to have a say in any of it! Go and earn your way. Do what you want with your music and your life but leave me out of your plans.”
“I’d suggest you let go, sonny. She’s made herself very clear, and I’ve disabled men three times the size of you without breaking a sweat.” Hazel’s voice was steely.
“She’s taught me half of what she knows,” Marjorie chipped in. “Sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I panic and go for the nearest blunt object. I wouldn’t risk it if I were you.”
The two ladies filled the doorway like equal-opportunity bouncers. Leah didn’t rate Matt’s chances if he underestimated their resolve. Seemingly, neither did he. He took a step away.
“Smart choice,” Hazel approved. “Let me show you out.”
Matt shook his head. “You’ve never been good at seeing the bigger picture. You’re making a mistake, Lee.”
“It wouldn’t be the only one I’ve made.” Leah stared him down.
With a set jaw and a bitter curse, he stormed out into the foyer. Hazel followed, serenely unflustered.
“You need a drink,” Marjorie assessed.
“I think I need several.” Leah let herself be towed back onto the veranda.
There was no sign of Jackson.
Alistair Hale’s long face blanked a little when he registered the absence of Matthew, but Leah couldn’t bear to give him more than a glance. How Esther had given birth to such a manipulative jackass, she had no idea.
