by Cathryn Fox
They made one beautiful mistake. The consequences could haunt them for life.
In the Line of Duty, Book 6
From the moment the Nelson brothers took a lonely young girl from the wrong side of the tracks under their wing, Rachel Andrews loved them both with all her heart. But it was James who won her hand.
Now widowed, she’s trying to pick up the pieces for her daughter’s sake as well as her own, but once again loneliness is her closest friend—until James’s brother comes back to town. The man she secretly wishes had asked her first.
Army ammunitions expert Kyle Nelson would rather face live fire than face the raw reminder that the woman he loved chose his brother over him, but he’s tired of running. And ready to step up to be the man everyone needs him to be—especially the young niece he’s never met.
As time runs short before Kyle ships out again, the desire Kyle and Rachel have suppressed breaks free in a fiery rush. Tempting her to reveal a secret that could give him a reason to stay—or burn their love to ash.
Warning: Contains a hot military man who will steal your panties as well as your heart.
His Reason to Stay
Cathryn Fox
Dedication
To my fabulous editor, Tera, for her brilliance and insight.
Prologue
Rachel Andrews glanced at the clock, then turned her attention back to the patient in her chair. Christmas music filtered in through the speakers above as she grabbed the dental floss, and coiled it around anxious fingers. In two short hours she’d be picking James up at the airport and she was excited to have him home for the holidays. Truthfully, she hadn’t seen much of him since he went off to Harvard right after their high school graduation two years ago. They might have started dating prom night, but she’d spent far more time with his younger brother, Kyle—before he enlisted in the army.
She continued with her cleaning, and thought about the two brothers who meant everything to her. After Rachel’s dad had died of a massive heart attack, she and her mom had moved to Austin during Rachel’s sophomore year. A friend had introduced her to James and she met Kyle through him. The three had instantly hit it off. They were all tight through high school, and in all honesty she loved both brothers equally. By the time their senior year came around, James became a little more possessive around her, and the two started dating before he went off to Harvard. A natural progression of their relationship, she supposed. While he was away, Rachel went to work at night to put herself through dental hygiene school, and Kyle, much to his parents’ disappointment, joined the army the minute he was old enough. She wasn’t sure why he wanted out of Austin so badly, only that he was eager to move away. God, she’d missed him so much, and when he upped and left after high school without so much as a goodbye, it nearly tore her apart.
Floss in hand, she swallowed down her emotions, finished the cleaning and straightened. “All set,” she said. She removed the bib from around the woman’s neck, and pressed a button to lift the chair. “Any plans for the rest of the day?” Rachel peeled off her gloves and tossed them onto the counter.
“Just finishing up some shopping.”
Rachel groaned. She’d been so busy she hadn’t even begun hers. Not that she had many people to buy for. Outside of her mother, the only family she had were James and Kyle. Not that the guys were related or anything. She and James had never even talked about a future. But they were both close to her heart and she’d be lost without them.
Her client stood, and Rachel walked her out to the front of the clinic. As she made her way to the counter to pay, Rachel hurried back to her station to clean it, ready to check out for the weekend. She said goodbye to the staff, grabbed her coat and rushed outside. She had just enough time to get home, shower, and change and make it to the airport on time.
The second she stepped outside and found Kyle leaning against his car waiting for her, her heart leapt. “Kyle,” she squealed. She ran to him, and he picked her up, spinning her around as he hugged her tight. “What are you doing here?”
He grinned and set her back down, but kept his arms around her. “Oh, you know, just hanging out in front of the dentist’s office because a guy never knows when he’s going to chip a tooth.”
Laughing, she hugged him tight, the warmth of his body chasing away the chill in the air. “I didn’t even know you were home.”
“Got back early.”
“Your mom and dad must be excited to have the extra time with you.” She fought off a shiver at the mention of his mom. No matter how hard she tried, she could never do anything right in Irene’s eyes. Neither could Kyle.
“Haven’t seen them yet.”
Her heart gave a little start to know he’d come to see her first. God, how she’d missed him. His gaze moved over her face, then his eyes met hers. They held for an extra moment, then he let go of her and opened his car door.
“Get in. It’s freezing out. I’ll drive you home.”
“I only live two blocks away.” She slid into the car anyway, and he crossed the front and hopped in to the driver’s seat. He grabbed the stick shift and she closed her hand over his. “James is getting in tonight. Will you be able to go to the airport with me? He’ll be happy to see you.”
He scoffed. “He’s been gone for four months. It’s not me he’s going to be happy to see.”
“Don’t be crazy. Besides, I want you to come.”
“I don’t know, Rach.”
Honest to God, she didn’t want him out of her sight, for fear that he’d up and take off again. “Pleeeease….”
He smiled and shook his head. “You know I can never say no to you.”
“Good.” She relaxed into her seat as he pulled in to traffic and drove the short distance to the apartment she shared with her friend Sara, to cut costs.
He parked and they both darted up the stairs. Inside her small apartment, Kyle plunked himself down on her sofa and grabbed the remote. She glanced at him, noting how at home he seemed in her place. James hated her apartment. Said it was cramped and cluttered, but Kyle looked like he belonged.
“Give me a minue to shower and change.” She darted down the hall, peeling her clothes off as she went. Twenty minutes later she emerged from her bedroom, wearing jeans and a sweater with a hint of makeup. Kyle climbed to his feet when he saw her and his glance moved down her body, a slow inspection that rippled through her blood.
Blue eyes locked back on hers and a muscle along his jaw ticked. “You look beautiful, Rach.”
She laughed, but there was no humor in his eyes. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“No just to you.”
“Yeah, and the rest of the women you have falling at your feet.” She wagged a finger at him. “I see how women look at you.” He opened his mouth, like he wanted to say something, then shut it again. “Kyle?” she asked.
“We better get moving.” He checked his watch. “Traffic is heavy.”
She nodded, slipped on her boots and coat, and locked the door behind them. Kyle put his arm around her and offered his warmth when they stepped into the wind. Inside the car, she blasted the music and sang along to the Christmas carols. Kyle kept casting glances her way, grinning as she sang off tune. But she didn’t care. She was happy. Her two favorite men were home, and that was the best Christmas present ever.
At the airport, Kyle parked and they dashed through the parking garage. She checked the board inside and clapped when she saw James’s plane had arrived.
“Come on.” She grabbed Kyle’s hand. His big palm practically swallowed hers whole as she tugged him, maneuvering through the crowd until they reached the escala
tor. They stood at the bottom, and ten minutes later, she spotted James. His glance met hers and her heart beat faster when he gave her a big smile. That smile however, faltered a bit when he noticed his brother.
James reached them and she let go of Kyle’s hand to give him a hug. He picked her up and spun her, in much the same manner as Kyle had earlier. His lips landed firmly on hers, kissing her possessively.
After a very public display of affection that made Rachel slightly uncomfortable, James put his hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “Hey, little brother, good to see you.”
“You too.” Kyle threw his arms around James and gave him a hug. A noise sounded at the luggage carousel and Kyle inched back. “I’ll grab your bag for you and give you two a minute.” Rachel smiled. That was just like Kyle. Always watching out for his older brother and conscious of his needs. There wasn’t anything Kyle wouldn’t do for him.
As James pulled her in close, she cast a glance at Kyle, who suddenly couldn’t seem to meet her eyes.
James shifted his backpack. “No need. I packed light. Let’s get out of here.” They started toward the car, Kyle walking a few feet ahead of them to give her and James a bit of privacy, she assumed. James leaned in to her. “I made reservations for us at Lucien’s.”
She blinked, surprised. Lucien’s was a very expensive restaurant, and she was far from dressed properly. Not to mention a meal there probably cost more than she made in a day. “You did?”
“I wanted to go straight there.”
Her brow furrowed. “You don’t want to go home first?”
“No.”
Rachel looked him over. He seemed anxious about something. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just didn’t expect to see you with Kyle, and the reservation is for two.”
“I asked him to come. Do you think we can change it to three?” She didn’t want to leave Kyle out.
“Hey,” Kyle said, slowing to let them catch up. “You two go ahead to dinner. I have things to do anyway.”
She put her hand on his arm. “But I want you to come.”
“Yeah, me too,” James said. The brothers exchanged a look Rachel didn’t understand.
“You sure?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, I think you should come. You should be there.”
Rachel wasn’t sure what James meant by that, but she was happy that they were all going to be together. James pulled his phone from his pocket and called the restaurant as they made their way to the car.
The brothers sat in the front, catching up with one another, and Rachel claimed the back seat. She sat there grinning, her heart so full she was unable to wipe the smile from her face.
Thirty minutes later, they were led to a quiet table in the back of the restaurant, and James ordered a bottle of wine. As they sipped, his hand closed over hers, and across from her Kyle shifted in the seat.
“It’s good to be home.” James leaned in to press his lips to hers. This time she was the one shifting. Sure they were dating, but it felt oddly wrong kissing James in front of Kyle, and James seemed to be showing more affection in front of his brother than usual. His lips lingered and he coiled his fingers in her hair. “I missed you so much.” Before she could answer, James pushed his chair back, and then he went down on one knee.
Rachel gasped and her gaze instantly shot to Kyle. He sat ramrod straight in his chair, his eyes locked on hers, his mouth set in a grim line.
“Rachel,” James said, a note of irritation in his voice. “Look at me.”
She turned her attention to James, her heart pounding so hard in her ears, she could barely hear anything.
He pulled a box from his pocket and tears pricked her eyes. Was this really happening? Here, in front of Kyle? Is this what he wanted his brother to see?
“Will you marry me?” he asked.
“Oh, my God,” she said under her breath. Once again her gaze crept to Kyle’s. The muscles along his jaw ticked, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Her throat tightened, her vision going a little fuzzy around the edges.
She blinked, and something in Kyle’s face softened. There was a slight nod of his head as he pushed back in his seat. As he distanced himself both physically and emotionally, she turned back to James and knew she had her answer.
Chapter One
Two years later
The prison sentence could very well be worth it.
Mouth agape, Rachel Andrews stood inside her soon-to-be in-laws’ grand entranceway, her heart crashing against her chest as she listened to the words coming from her future mother-in-law’s perfectly painted lips. Rachel was calm by nature, never one to rock the boat, but as she fisted her hands at her sides, blind rage filled her.
So did the need to strangle someone.
After bullying Rachel on every wedding detail—big and small—Irene Nelson was now trying to get her and James to change their honeymoon plans. Hell no! They’d planned the trip months ago. The tickets had been bought on a payment plan, the resort had been booked, and she was already packed, for God’s sake.
Irene smoothed a strand of jet-black hair behind her ears, showcasing diamond earrings that were worth more than Rachel’s monthly paycheck. The pretty, middle-aged woman dipped her head and looked down her nose at Rachel, continuing with, “I mean why go halfway across the world when we have a perfectly good cottage at Fox Point?”
Desperate to occupy her hands before she wrapped them around Irene’s neck, Rachel briefly pinched the bridge of her nose, then darted a glance at James, who was rubbing his chin, a familiar habit when he was mulling something over. The pulse in Rachel’s neck leapt. Surely to God he wasn’t considering changing their honeymoon destination, wasn’t going to let his mother strong arm him into doing what she wanted—again.
Hawaii was his idea.
“James,” Rachel said through gritted teeth. He angled his head toward her, and when soft, translucent blue eyes met hers, Rachel’s stomach dropped. She loved him, she truly did, but how could he not stand up for her, for them? Rachel sucked in a quick breath and opened her mouth, even though she wasn’t sure what to say, but Irene was quick to cut her off anyway.
“An expensive honeymoon is a bit frivolous at this point, don’t you think? You need to think about building wealth, not spending money you don’t have yet. James has only begun his career at the investment firm.” Irene steepled her hands in front of her chin, a breathy laugh shuddering past her lips as she looked heavenward. “I’m just glad James’s father and I could help out with the wedding costs, since the bride’s side wasn’t…well, you know.”
Wow. It took real skill to insult someone while flashing a million dollar smile.
“And you know we appreciate all you’ve done,” Rachel began through clenched teeth, even though she hated the idea of them paying for anything. She’d wanted a small wedding, immediate family and a few close friends only. Those were the things important to her. But the Nelsons were determined to have a huge, elaborate affair, inviting all their influential friends. They insisted on throwing money at the event to give their oldest son the “royal” wedding he deserved.
Like they’d said to Rachel and James on numerous occasions—if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Clearly appearances were everything to the Nelsons. While Rachel didn’t want anything to do with an extravagant wedding that was well beyond her budget, James had talked her in to accepting the gift, because it was what his mother wanted.
What about what I want?
A beat passed, and Rachel folded her arms and waited for James to say something…do something. When he continued to rub his chin, the rasping sound drilling on her very last nerve, Rachel spoke up. “Everything is already booked.”
Irene waved a dismissive hand. “That’s easy enough to change.” James’s mother blinked dark lashes over eyes that mirrored her son’s. “James is just starting at the firm and hasn’t established himself financially yet, and you, well…”
She let her voice fall o
ff, leaving what she really wanted to say unspoken—James could do so much better than the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, one who didn’t have the right job or pedigree to step into the Nelson family.
In all the time she spent with the guys, Irene had never once treated her like she was part of the family. Now here they stood, one month before the ceremony and Irene was still hell-bent on trying to drive a wedge between Rachel and her son.
“James,” Rachel began, her blood burning.
He turned to her and reached for her hand. “You know, Rachel, she does have a point.”
What the hell!
Without missing a beat Irene pounced. “That’s right, James. Mother does know best.” She flashed a smile Rachel’s way then turned back to James, but Rachel could see right through her. The woman was a wolf in sheep’s clothes. Irene smoothed her hands over the collar of James’s crisp white dress shirt and beamed with pride as she looked up at him. “I’ll even make sure to stock the cottage with all your favorite foods.”
Rachel practically vibrated as heat crawled up her neck. With her body shaking, her face undoubtedly the color of a tomato, and steam coming from her ears like she was ready to blow, she could only imagine how crazy she must look to them. James hated confrontation as much as she did, but he needed to stand tall and put a stop to his mother’s interfering once and for all. Since it was his family, it was his place to do it, not hers. A strange strangled noise caught in her throat as she twisted her diamond engagement ring.
Irene angled her head. “Are you okay, dear?” Rachel swallowed, trying to find her voice. Although, even if it did resurface, she was sure she wouldn’t be able to get the words past the lump in her throat. Irene patted James’s shoulder, a triumphant look on her face, and inched back. “Perhaps I should give you two a minute.”
Irene’s heels clicked on the polished marble floor as she stepped into her library and closed the double doors behind her.
“You’re kidding me, right?” Rachael whispered. “You’re actually agreeing with her on this?”
