“That’s what I asked, but he’s not backing down.” In fact, my father has followed up with not one but two phone calls since our visit, asking if I have made up my mind.
Braden straightens and walks over to where I stand. “So how badly do you want the money? Enough to get married and get your wife to pop out a kid?” Braden asks, obviously kidding because he knows me better than that, and besides, I am with Bri. And she doesn’t deserve to get involved in my father’s quid pro quo.
“It wouldn’t hurt,” I say back, equally joking because there’s never been a moment when I considered my father’s demands.
“I’m sorry, what?” Bri stands in the doorway, one hand on the molding, staring at us both in disbelief.
Motherfucker. “Bri, that was not what it sounded like.”
The color has drained from her face, and she now clutches that molding in a death grip. “Really? Because itsoundedlike you need a wife and a kid to get the money from your father.”
She looked from her brother to me, obviously feeling betrayed, and I understand why. “Bri—”
“Is that why you told me you loved me?” she asks, her lower lip quivering.
“Aww, shit,” Braden mutters. “You’re taking things out of context.”
“I heard it myself.” She glares at me. “Well?”
“You said it first,” I remind her, because I want her to understand that I didn’t come to her with the words because I want something from her. I said them back because I mean them.
She steps away from the doorframe and rests her hands on her hips. “Oh, so I gave you the opening you needed. That’s just great! I asked you what your father said, and you told me he turned you down!” Her voice rises, and I wince, not wanting more of an audience than the one we have.
“Because as far as I’m concerned, he did. Look—” Before I can explain further, she brushes past me and stops at the sofa, grabbing the big purse she always carries. “What are you doing?”
She pulls out a folder and clutches it in her hands. “I was going to show you this tonight, after the party. I’ve set up a huge fundraiser and invited the biggest names I know to bid on high-end items with the proceeds going to the clinic. And trust me, with offerings like a week at Asher Dare’s Bahamas home, you’ll have all the money you need. No reason to get married.”
She slaps the folder onto the desk. Hard. “I’m assuming you would have gotten around to that question eventually.”
Reaching for her, I grasp her arm. “We need to talk. You don’t understand.”
“I do. You’re just another guy in a long line of them who needs something from me. Even if we didn’t start out that way, that’s where we ended up. I’m never enough.” She turns and rushes from the room, leaving me stunned.
“Shit,” Braden says. “Go! Talk to her!”
I almost forgot he was in the room. “Your sister has a huge heart, and she’s generous beyond belief. But I have a feelingthere is no way she’s going to believe anything I say.” I saw the set of her jaw, the stubborn look on her face.
While she’d proven to me with more than words that she loves me, she’d overheard the one thing certain to drive her away, costing us any chance at a future.
But I’m not giving up without a fight, and I bolt after her, coming to a stop in the living room, where half her family stand. “Where’s Bri?”
“She came out of the office upset, asked for a set of car keys, and I gave her ours.” Macy walks up to him, anger etching her features. “I don’t know what you did but fix it,” she says, then turns her back on me and walks away.
***
Brianne
I know I’d escaped in the nick of time before Hudson or my brother came after me. It isn’t in my nature to run, but this is different. Hudson is supposed to have been different. The one man who fell in love withme, no strings, nothing I can do for his career or his future, and I told him as much. No wonder he hadn’t revealed what his father’s stipulation for the money had been. It is much easier to guide me into marriage to save his dream, and I made it so easy by sayingI love youfirst.
When in the world will I learn?
Driving Macy and Jaxon’s car, I pull into my driveway. Someone will give them a ride here to pick up the car later, and I appreciate the fact that my friend hasn’t asked any questions. One look at the tears in my eyes had been enough for her to hand them over.
I leave the keys under the floor mat for whoever picks up the vehicle, walk into my house, lock my doors, and set the alarm.Too bad I gave Hudson a key and my code, but hopefully he’ll be smarter than to show up here without my okay.
I drag myself into my bathroom and wash off my makeup, then change into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt before heading to the kitchen. Because what does any normal woman do after being betrayed? I pull out my favorite mint chip ice cream, grab a spoon, and make my way back to my bed, where I turn the television on to some mindless show and proceed to down the entire pint.
When my phone begins to buzz, I allow myself to look at the screen. Noting it is Hudson, I power off my cell. I don’t want to hear what he has to say.
