Camden (The Casanova Club Book 13)

by Ali Parker

  Every guy I talked to came with a glass of wine in hand, however. Like clockwork.

  After chatting with Miles, I was stolen away by Aaron, who told me all about his new upcoming book deal and the agent he was now happily working with.

  “I’m so glad you found someone who was willing to help you venture into a new genre,” I smiled, recalling how fed up he was of writing the same thing over and over again. His agent had painted him into a box and made him think his fans would abandon him if he wrote something other than romance—something that he was exceptional at, for the record. Over the course of the year, I’d read every single one of his books. Part of me was sad he’d be moving onto bigger and better things, but whatever he wrote, I would read, regardless of whether it was horror or nonfiction.

  Though I doubted he’d dabble in either category.

  Aaron and I walked slowly through the lounge toward the bar. “It’s been better than I could have imagined. The new partnership has helped me clear up some mental space. Writing is easier than it has been in—I don’t know—five years?”

  “That’s wonderful,” I said.

  “I owe it all to you, Piper. You gave me the push I needed.”

  “Happy to help, but don’t chalk it up to my efforts. You put in the work to make it happen.”

  Aaron stopped walking and turned toward me. “It feels like it’s been so long since you were with me. How are you?”

  “I’m good.”

  “How are you really?” He gazed into my soul.

  I swallowed. “Um.”

  I was spared having to answer his question when Cooper swung in beside me, bumping my hip with his playfully before draping a heavily muscled arm around my shoulders. He shot Aaron a wide grin while leaning into me. “Sorry, writer boy, I’m going to steal her away for a minute. That all right with you?”

  Aaron blinked.

  I smiled. “Sorry, Aaron. I’ll catch up with you again later, okay?”

  Aaron nodded and sipped his drink. Cooper didn’t give him time to formulate an answer before steering me away to a table for two tucked up against a window far enough from the others where they couldn’t hear us.

  Cooper leaned back in his chair, crossed one leg over the other, and bounced his foot while he traced the rim of his cocktail glass with his index finger.

  I arched an eyebrow. “I’m waiting for you to tell me how hot I look tonight.”

  Cooper threw his head back and laughed. “Babe, you’re a total knockout. I’m glad you finally know it yourself.”

  My cheeks burned, but I liked having a moment of Cooper’s company. He said it like it was. And when I was with him, I learned to do the same thing. I now saw his rash and abrasive personality as endearing after getting to know him. I understood why he rubbed most of the others the wrong way, same with Easton, but Cooper had a special place in my heart.

  “I’ve missed you,” I told him. “How are things in Nassau? What happened with Lennon?”

  Cooper swirled his drink around. “So many questions.”

  “Really? I believe that was only two.”

  He shrugged. “Fair. Nassau is as hot and sunny as it was when you left. And Lennon made his move two months ago.”

  “What?”

  Cooper grinned. “I’m still standing, babe. See? Told you there was nothing to worry about.”

  “What happened?”

  “I won’t bore you with the details.”

  “Please do.”

  He eyed me curiously. Then concluding he might as well be honest, he let out a sigh. “All right. Well, me and my boys were surfing, as we do. And Lennon and his crew showed up on the beach and waited for us to come in with the tide. They had baseball bats and shit over their shoulders. They were hungry for a beat down.”

  I felt my eyes widening. “Was anyone hurt?”

  Cooper laughed. “Did you not just hear me? I said they brought baseball bats. Of course people were hurt.”

  I bit my bottom lip. “Were you hurt?”

  Cooper studied me. I knew his answer before he gave it voice. “Yes.”

  I nodded. “But you’re all right now?”

  “Yes.”

  “And Lennon?”

  “Is in jail for assault.”

  “Good.”

  Cooper leaned forward on the table and looked around conspiratorially. “Listen, babe, I know you want the goods on what went down on my little island, but we only have a few precious minutes left before one of your other suitors comes and steals you away. So let’s talk about the shit that actually matters, shall we?”

  Like I said, Cooper was a straight shooter and he told it like it was. “And what is it that actually matters?” I asked.

  “Who are you going to choose?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “When this is done. Which of these lucky pricks is the one you want to marry?”

  My heart did a panic flutter in my chest.

  Cooper waved away my worries. “Look, Pipes. I know it’s not me, okay? I’ve known that all along, and I came to terms with it a while ago. You and I were good together. Really fucking good. Especially when we were naked and—”

  “I get it.”

  He smiled like the devil. “Of course, you do. But I know I’m not the sort of dude a girl like you should settle down with. I’m trouble. And I will be for a long time. But one of these fuckers is going to be the right guy for you, and I want to know where your head’s at.”

  “Why? So you can tell me I’m making the wrong choice?”

  “Only a few of these pricks are the wrong choice.”

  “Like who?” I challenged.

  Cooper’s eyes flashed with mischief. “Well, that’s the question of the night, isn’t it?”

  “You’re not going to tell me?”

  “Do you want me to?”

  It was my turn to laugh. I shook my head. “No. No, I don’t.”

  “Good. So then, who are you choosing?”

  I looked him in the eyes.

  “Oh shit,” Cooper breathed, leaning back once more. “You don’t know, do you?”

  I averted my gaze. Then as Cooper collected his wits and took a breath to answer, another man appeared at my side and held out his hand to me.

  Joshua.

  My Canadian, the man who I’d begun this journey with nearly an entire year ago, smiled down at me. His dark features glittered in the dim light, and he held up a glass of ice water in his other hand. “May I steal you away for a hydration break?”

  Cooper waved me off. “Go on, kids. Just don’t wander too far.”

  I took Joshua’s hand, and he guided me to my feet. He handed me the water as we began walking, and I thanked him before lifting it to my lips. “I really needed this. I’ve definitely had a couple too many glasses of wine. You’re a gentleman, as always.”

  Joshua let out a deep chuckle. I was reminded of the cozy evenings we spent in his luxurious rustic home in Quebec, of the wine we shared and his charming family and how welcome they’d all made me feel when I was nothing but a bundle of nerves and a naive girl who had no idea what she’d gotten herself into.

  “It’s very good to see you, Piper. I’ve been thinking about this evening for weeks.”

  “Me too,” I said. Although I doubted I’d been looking forward to it with the same enthusiasm as him. Where Joshua was excited, I’d been wrought with nerves and dread. “And it’s good to see you as well. I’ve missed you.”

  “How have you been?”

  “Good,” I said.

  Joshua frowned. “Are you?”

  We stopped in front of one of the windows and gazed out at the balcony. The stone railing was wrapped in white Christmas lights, and two lit trees stood point in each corner, casting warm light over the cobbled ground. “I think so. I mean, as good as I can be with what’s to come.”

  Joshua nodded like he understood my anguish, and I believed he did. Joshua had more empathy in his bones than most men I’d ever met. Inc
luding the majority of the Casanova bachelors. “You will make the right decision, Piper, as long as you listen to your heart. It won’t lead you astray.”

  He had no idea what he was saying. Words were so much easier than action. I sipped my water to avoid answering him.

  “I imagine you’ve seen some incredible things this year,” Joshua said after a heavy moment of silence.

  “I have. Parts of the world I never dreamed I’d be lucky enough to see. How has your year been? How are your parents?”

  “Very well. They’re very well. They say hello.”

  I smiled. “Tell them I say hello, too. And give your mother a hug for me.”

  “Of course.”

  “Joshua?”

  He turned his dark eyes toward me. “Yes, Piper?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  His brow creased. “For what?”

  For everything. For what I was going to do to him in two weeks time. For everything I’d put him through. For wasting an entire year of his life.

  I couldn’t answer him, so Joshua simply nodded and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me gently against his side. I rested my cheek on his shoulder, and he placed his chin on top of my head. We fit together as effortlessly as we had in January, like two pieces cut from entirely different parts of the world who were destined to meet. If I’d met Joshua under any other circumstances, there was no doubt in my mind we would have ended up together.

  And we would have been happy.

  So happy.

  My moment of bliss was interrupted by yet another bachelor. Max tapped me on the shoulder and asked for my time, and I left Joshua at the window smiling after me like he’d already forgiven me for the hell I was about to bring down on him. On all of them.

  Max handed me another glass of wine.

  I considered setting it down, but the guilt swirling in my stomach screamed to be numbed, and there was no better way for me to do that than to drink the damn wine. So I sipped it as we walked.

  “How’ve you been?” Max asked.

  I was so tired of answering the same question over and over. “Tired.”

  “The end is near.”

  I nodded. “How about you?”

  “I’ve been having a lot of dreams about being on an airplane with a beautiful naked brunette.”

  I giggled. “Of course, you have.”

  He grinned. “In all honesty, I’m just all right. Going back to my normal routine after you left wasn’t easy. I’m still not into my groove.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. We signed up for this, right?”

  “Right.” I nodded.

  We’d barely been walking for three minutes when we were interrupted by yet another man. By my count, I’d spoken to almost all of them, minus Wyatt, who I spotted across the lounge sitting at the bar with Camden.

  Christian, the second to last bachelor left standing for me to talk to, stole me away from Max, who let me go with a bit of resistance. I understood. We’d barely had enough time to exchange niceties. I made a mental note to make more time for him later as Christian led me outside into the chilly night air. He slid out of his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders, and we wandered to the railing.

  Christian’s eyes were a bit red, and he wore a sloppy smile when he turned toward me. As soon as he started talking, I could tell he’d had a few too many drinks. “Piper James, the queen of the hour. Enjoying yourself in there?”

  “Not really.”

  “No?” he asked, swaying a bit on the spot. “Why not? You don’t like that you’re going to have to turn all us sorry fuckers down in two weeks?” He snorted.

  I licked my lips. This was more than a little uncomfortable. “Sorry, Christian. I’m really cold. Can we go back inside?”

  “Give me a minute to get some fresh air. You’ve indulged all the others in their time.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” He shrugged. “A few too many gin and tonics perhaps. Did you know these guys all think they have a shot with you? It’s a little embarrassing on their part. I mean, I feel kind of lucky to be in the know. You know, that you’re not going to say yes to any of us and that you’re going to take the money? I mean I’d hate to be walking around like one of those dopes thinking I might be engaged to you in two weeks.”

  “Christian,” I hissed. “Keep your voice down.”

  “Sorry. Don’t want to blow your well-laid cover.” He put a finger vertically across his lips. “My lips are sealed.”

  My cheeks burned with shame. Why had I told him the truth? Why had I given him an inch? I knew he wasn’t saying any of this to hurt me. Perhaps he was saying it because I’d hurt him. And that was fair. But this was not the time or place for this kind of conversation.

  “How’s your daddy’s heart?” Christian asked.

  “Better. His recovery is going really well.”

  “Good. I’m glad to hear it. What about your heart?”

  “What about it?” I asked sharply.

  He chuckled and turned toward me, leaning heavily upon the snow-dusted railing. The snow soaked through his suit sleeve, but he didn’t seem to notice. “How’s that heart of yours doing, knowing that you’ve strung these guys along for a year when all you’ve been after is the million-dollar payout?”

  I put my wine down on the railing. “I’m going inside.”

  As I turned, Christian caught my wrist. “I’m sorry, Piper. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “Yes, you did.”

  He grimaced. “All right. Maybe I did. I just think you’re making a mistake.”

  “Let go of me.”

  “These guys are head over heels for you. Fuck it. I’m head over heels for you. And that kind of love is worth more than money. I’m not saying you have to pick me, but for fuck’s sake, don’t take the cash, Piper. It’s a mistake. And it’s one you’ll never be able to take back, and you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. I know you. I know the hurt you’ll carry in your heart if you do this.”

  I wrenched my wrist out of his grasp. “I said let go of me.”

  His brow creased. “Piper, I’m sorry. I—”

  “Is everything all right out here?” A cool, deep, calm voice broke the tension.

  I turned to find Wyatt standing in the light of the cocktail lounge doors framing his silhouette. I couldn’t see his face, which was hidden in shadow, but I could see the hard set of his jaw and the tightness in his shoulders.

  “I’m fine,” I said. “I was just going inside.”

  I moved away from Christian, who made to follow. I brushed past Wyatt, who let me pass before stopping Christian’s pursuit. “Let her go,” Wyatt said.

  The warm air of the cocktail lounge made me instantly lightheaded. I shrugged out of Christian’s jacket and left it on the closest table as my head started spinning. I put one foot in front of the other until someone caught my hand and turned me gently around.

  And there he was. Wyatt.

  His dark brows were drawn together with concern, and his deep brown eyes bored into me. “Piper?” My name on his lips brought me back to his ranch, to the smell of hay and the warmth of his kisses on my bare skin on those quiet early mornings in his bed. “Piper? Are you all right?”

  “I have to go.”

  “Did he hurt you?”

  “No,” I said, backing away. “No. I’m fine. But I have to go.”

  “Piper, please, just give me—”

  I shook my head fiercely. A strand of hair came unpinned and fell in front of my face as my throat tightened and the guilt I was carrying doubled over. I was about to burst. I couldn’t cry here. Not in front of all of them. Not like this.

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

  Chapter 20

  Camden

  I was at the bar by myself when Piper came in from the patio. I’d had my back turned to the bartender while he poured me what I intended to be my last drink of the night.

  Piper had come thr
ough the doors looking rattled. She was pale save for the concentrated redness of her cheeks and the tip of her nose from the cold. I could tell she was breathing quickly with the rise and fall of her chest, and she discarded someone’s jacket on a table before moving quickly for the door.

  Then the cowboy caught up with her.

  They exchanged a couple of words. He looked as worried as I felt.

  I slid off my barstool as Piper shook her head and stepped away from Wyatt. The other men in the room had noticed her retreat as well. Bodies were stiffening as all attention went to her.

  Max, at the far end of the bar, took a couple of steps forward. So did Joshua, the Canadian, on the far side of the room.

  Piper buried her face in her hands.

  Wyatt, looking distraught, reached for her.

  When she dropped her hands from her face, she looked right at me.

  I went to her. She didn’t pull away from me when I got close and stood beside her, ignoring every other man in the room. They didn’t matter. All that mattered was the girl in front of me who looked terrified.

  “Would you like to leave?” I asked.

  Piper nodded, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

  That was all I needed to know.

  I draped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her tightly against my side before turning her away from Wyatt, who watched us with slumped shoulders and a shell-shocked expression. With no concern for the others in the room, I walked her to the archway we’d come through when we arrived and then down the hall toward the elevators.

  She didn’t even make it halfway there before she fell apart.

  “Hush,” I whispered. I could feel the eyes of the other men on our backs as we walked. “You’re all right. I’ve got you. Just a little further and we’ll have privacy.” I pulled her in closer, and she hid her face against my chest as her sobs took her.

  My heart ached. It was like someone had closed it in a vise and was applying more and more pressure. She clung to my shirt, and I rubbed her shoulder as I called the elevator. We had to wait.

  I cast a wary glance down the hall. A few of the men had gathered there and were looking after us. I lifted a hand in a wave as if to tell them she was going to be okay, that I had her, but I doubted that made them feel any better.