Page 40 of Keeping Denver

My chest tightens as I fight to give my answer. "I broke it."

"You broke it. She didn't use her past as an excuse not to open up and allow herself to love. The betrayal Denver feels is not just the fact that you didn't believe her when she was being accused of something she didn't do; it's the fact you didn't return the same kind of trust and love she has for you."

"I do love her, Richard. I love her more than anything."

"Well, Son. I guess it's time to get off your ass and prove it." Then the line goes dead.

I sit and stew on his words. Everything he said is true. I went into my relationship with Denver believing it would eventually end. Realizing I forgot all about Spencer, I stand. Noticing he's not in the same room as myself, I go in search of him, only to find a yellow sticky note on my front door.

Call me if you need to talk, or help pulling your head out of your ass.

Catch you later.

At this moment, there is only one thing I'm sure of; I'm not letting my woman go without a fight. I'm going to earn Denver's trust and win back her heart.

16

It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop on Richard's telephone conversation with Callan, but once I knew they were talking about me, I couldn't help myself. Now here I am leaning against the wall outside Richard's office after listening to him lay into Callan.

I guess it's time to get off your ass and prove it.

Just as I'm about to walk away quietly, Richard calls out, "How are you doing, sweetheart?"

I close my eyes and bite my lip. Shit. I've been made. Rounding the doorframe, I step into Richard's office. "I'm sorry for listening in on your conversation." I give him a sheepish smile.

Richard waves his hand. "Have a seat." Sitting in a chair across from his desk, I wring my hands in my lap. "What's on your mind, sweetheart?"

I look up from my lap, and take in Richard's concerned face. "You and Callan are close. He once told me you are like a father to him."

Richard's bushy mustache twitches, then his lips turn up in a grin. "I care for Callan very much. Frances and I were not blessed with children of our own, but I consider him and Spencer our sons."

I return a warm smile of my own. "I feel like my being here might come between you all, and despite the way I'm feeling toward Callan now, I would never want my presence to cause any trouble."

"Callan was right. You are something special." Richard leans back in his chair, and clasps his hands together in front of him. "I see why he's in love with you. Despite whatever bullshit life hands you, you still want what's best for others."

"Richard, I…"

He cuts me off. "My wife and I won't accept anything less. Your ass will stay put, sweetheart." I chuckle at Richards playful, no-nonsense vocabulary, and stand.

"Thank you, Richard." I go to leave his office when he calls out.

"Denver."

"Yes?"

"I'm going to speak my peace and then leave whatever happens between you and Callan alone." I give Richard a small nod, letting him know he can continue. "I'm not saying this to take sides. In this particular situation, there can be no sides. But I want you to know Callan acted from a place of fear, and let his past get in the way. Did he tell you about his father?"

"He did," I confirm.

"When I first met Callan as a boy, he was so angry. The older he got, the anger turned into determination. That determination is what fueled him to become the successful man he is today—determined to help women stand up to men like his father. But in turn, it also caused him to build a wall around his heart. Callan's fear of abandonment has him keeping people at arm's length. No one has been able to break through those walls until you."

Walking back toward his desk, I sit back down for a moment while letting Richard's words sink in. "If you're wondering if I'll be able to forgive Callan, then my answer is yes. I will because I love him. The real question is, will I ever be able to look him in the face and not feel the sting of betrayal, and wonder if he would ever do something like this to me again. I want a man who will love me and stand by my side always. A man who I can trust. Right now, I don't trust Callan." Richard says nothing, only nods. His eyes tell me all I need to know. He understands. Giving him a small smile, I leave his office, trying like hell to suppress the gamut of emotions wanting so much to break free. With my own determination, I don't let my love for Callan run over what is more important. Myself. If I don't protect my own heart, then who will?

Later that evening, after calling Spencer and accepting his job offer, I'm in the kitchen helping Frances with the dinner dishes. "Frances?"

"Yes?"

"I've already thanked you, but I hope you know how much I appreciate all you have done for me. Not only allowing me to stay in your home until I can find a place of my own but for believing in me. Especially since we haven't known each other very long."