“You’re not ready. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I know you won’t hurt me. I’m fine. I’m ready.”
Shaking his head, he picks me up and sets me back on my feet. “I’m not.”
“What?”
“I would never forgive myself if I hurt you. Besides, we need to talk.”
He laces his fingers between mine and guides me to the family room and his overstuffed couch. Once I’m comfortable, he spills his guts.
He confesses to gathering my brothers in the backyard last night and telling them the truth about what happened to me. He explains why. It’s only then I hear Owen and my brother’s theory about the connection between my fall and the cut fence at the ranch. Who knew there were minerals on the neighboring properties? And I am still trying to wrap my head around Chad and Wesley being related.
It’s a clusterfuck.
It’s terrifying.
But here with Owen, I feel safe.
Because he’s stuck. And he’s waiting for me.
Now, I need to figure out why I continue to make him wait, because I don’t want to wait anymore.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Daisy
New York
Six weeks ago
“Okay, we’ve got five hours before the car is here to take us to the show. What are we all thinking?” Mom asks as we convene in the lobby of the luxurious New York hotel my brother and his band have taken over.
Sawyer’s head is on Mia’s shoulder. His eyelids are heavy with exhaustion from his big day in the city. We’ve just come from Madison Square Garden, where he ran around with the other kids from the Hollow Knocks family during sound check. He was in awe of it all, especially the other kids. He got his very own ear protection and felt like one of the big kids. It was touching to watch Knox walk him around the stage and set himon his lap behind the drum kit. He was nervous, but most of all he was proud to have his child there.
We were all clutching our hearts watching father and son together. It was emotional for everyone, but Mia seemed overwhelmed. Angus never left her side and whispered what I can only imagine were reassurances into her ear the entire time. Now she looks as exhausted as her little boy.
“I think we’re gonna lay him down for a couple of hours so he’s good to go for the show,” Angus replies to Mom.
“I’m so glad you said that. I could use a nap myself. How about we all take a break and do our own thing, then we can meet down here for the car pickup. You okay with that, Daisy? Owen?”
“Works for me,” Owen replies. “I might walk around the city a bit. Daisy, wanna come?”
His invitation doesn’t faze anyone, and since he’s asking me to leave the hotel and not join him in his room, I guess it’s innocent enough.
“Sure, what the heck.”
“Okay, then we’re all set. You two have fun, and we’ll see you right here in a few hours.”
The four of them pile into the elevator, and I’m left alone with Owen. “So, sightseeing, huh?”
He checks the time on his phone. “We’ve got time to grab a slice of pizza, and then I have an appointment. You’re coming with me.”
“What kind of appointment could you possibly have?
“You’ll find out soon enough. But I need you there.”
“I'm so confused.”
