“The Jag? Your brake pads are wearing out.”
Atlas’s lips curved in a smile. “You can replace them?”
She nodded. “If you don’t mind me being a girl.”
The remark was pointed, and it hurt. Calix winced.
“Why would I mind?” Atlas asked. “The best part of my life I owe to a woman.” His gaze returned to Calix’s face. “Took me falling on my face to learn that.”
CHAPTER 4
Atlas Bellamy’s wife was not what Flynn expected at all because she was decidedly normal. She entered, take out bags hanging over her arms, her heels hooked in one hand, her purse fallen to a place on her elbow.
“Help me,” she said with a laugh.
Atlas was quick to relieve her of the food and kiss her cheek.
She was very pretty, slender and blonde, and dressed simply, in a beige skirt, white blouse, and gold hoop earrings. She was also, based on the light in his eyes, adored. Flynn gave herself one wistful moment of longing for that in her life then buried it. What was the point? She’d only become frustrated.
“I see Calix is here,” Atlas’s wife said. “Won’t you introduce me to your friend?”
Calix smiled, a practiced look, and shifted his gaze to her face. “This is Flynn Burckhardt. Flynn, Meghan Bellamy.”
Meghan approached and hugged her neck. “I’m so glad to meet you. He keeps me locked up in this palace, surrounded by his old cronies, and I’m always forced to retreat upstairs. It’s nice to be let out of my cage.”
“She jests,” Atlas replied. “She’s the queen, and it’s actually a throne.”
Meghan blew out a loud breath. “Porcelain throne.”
This made the four of them laugh and lightened the atmosphere considerably.
“Now,” she said. “I have food, which is getting cold. We’ll eat on the patio ....”
The patio was as grand as the rest of the house, softly lit by a number of wall sconces and the flickering flames of tiki torches in the garden. Jasmine thickly scented the air. Calix pulled out a chair at a round table placed in the center, and she took a seat, Meghan on her right and him on her left.
“My apologies for the lack of gold plates and diamond dusted silverware,” Atlas said to her.
She couldn’t help but smile. “Apology accepted. I did wonder if a man like you would eat with your fingers or not.”
“He prefers it,” Meghan replied. “Only when he’s in public do his manners come out.”
Their friendly jabs set the course of the dinner conversation. Flynn found herself relaxing and joining in. Calix was noticeably quiet, a fact she tried not to dwell on too much. The meal completed, Meghan rose and motioned toward the house. “I need to clean up this mess. Why don’t you help me?”
Flynn gladly did so, trailing after her indoors, empty containers in her hands. They took a back hallway to a new part of the house, some two minutes later popping into a tiny kitchen. Flynn halted inside the doorway.
“Surprises you?” Meghan asked.
Flynn nodded. “This whole evening surprises me.” Calix’s statement earlier lifted into her thoughts. She’d only heard the tail end … Altas’s question and his response. But it was enough to let her know things weren’t as pleasant on the inside as they seemed on the outside.
“The kitchen proper is a ‘half mile’ that way.” Meghan pointed one finger. “I got tired of walking so far, so Atlas made me one on this end. He wanted it to be grand, of course. But honestly, I’m a normal person with normal needs. It’s only he and I most nights.”
“You cook?”
Meghan nodded. “Usually. Though Navy is a good hand at the barbeque.”
“The butler, right?”
She laughed light. “Yes. But he’s really more of a father figure for us both. He’s known both Atlas and I since we were this high.” She held her hand a couple feet from the ground. “Maybe one day, he’ll do the same for our children.” Meghan pulled out a garbage can and deposited the remains of the meal in it.
Flynn followed suit.
“I confess I had a motive in asking you to help,” Meghan said, tying the bag. “Atlas called me at work earlier …”
“You’re a doctor, right?”
She nodded.
“He doesn’t mind?”
Meghan’s expression shifted. She folded her arms across her chest. “I know why you’re asking that, and it goes to what I want to say. If I can have a little freedom to speak?”
Flynn’s heartbeat sped a pace, but she tried not to show it, dipping her chin.
“I’ve not spent a great deal of time with Calix, but what little I have spent has told me a few things.”
“He told me about his dad … sort of,” Flynn offered.
Meghan pursed her lips, a professional look, Flynn imagined she wore at work at lot.
“That’s interesting … that he’d open up to you. He never does. Atlas says it’s the one thing he never talks about.”
“They argued. At least, I think they did.” Talking to Meghan was extremely easy, like sharing with an old friend, and a big relief to release what’d been locked up in her head. “I heard Calix say he liked me, but he sort of shouted it.”
Meghan’s eyes softened. “I wouldn’t put too much into it. They’ve been friends too long for it to ruin anything, and Calix would never knowingly hurt your feelings. That’s actually what I wanted to say, in a round about way. He’s been raised, as Atlas was, with a spoon in his mouth, though Atlas spoon was full at all times and Calix’s was empty. It was still a silver spoon, and the weight of the money they faced was the same.”
“Why was it empty?”
“Because his mother holds a tight rein.” Meghan turned toward the sink and rinsed her hands. “He’s never quite been able to break free, at least, not in his mind. He had to work for her approval at all times. Still does, in fact. That makes him unwilling to put himself out there for anyone.”
“Like me.”
He’d apologized for his remarks about women, something she understood better now. It also explained why he’d answered Atlas’s question so harshly. He was afraid.
“Especially you,” Meghan replied. “You’re the very kind of woman he’s avoided, and he’s worked hard to avoid women in general, but especially any who work on their own.”
“I had to. My dad died and left the business to me … closing it is like … burying him. Besides, I love what I do.”
Meghan nodded. “And I love what I do. Atlas understands that. I don’t do it for the money. In fact, I donate all of it.”
Flynn started. “All of it?” But then, why wouldn’t she? She lacked for nothing, so why not help others?
“Knock. Knock.”
Atlas spoke from the doorway, and they both hushed.
He flashed his smile at Flynn. “It’s been wonderful having you here, but Calix wishes to go.”
“Oh, sure.” Flynn pulled up straight. “Thanks so much for the hospitality. I’m going to dream about all this for days.”
He laughed, and she crossed to Meghan, giving her a hug. “Thanks for the girl talk,” she said in her ear.
“Anytime. Feel free to find me if you need anything.”
A generous statement that she knew was heartfelt. Flynn detached herself and followed Atlas back into the living area. Calix posed at the end of the room, as handsome and as complex as ever. She walked to his side. “I’m ready if you are.”
He gave a sharp nod. They said goodbye again and made their way outside.
In the car, her mind full, her heart uncertain, the mood changed. Whatever ease they’d had seemed to be gone, and her heart squeezed. She immediately released it. She shouldn’t have gotten her head in the clouds about him anyhow. So he’d been nice and shown her a glimpse of his world. They had nothing in common, and attraction wasn’t enough to build on. Plus, there was an even greater issue of uncommon faith. She had to take that seriously. She’d do best to separate herself. This thought in m
ind, she was surprised when he spoke.
“Are you free Friday?”
Flynn glanced toward Calix. “Friday?”
He nodded. “I’d like to take you to dinner.”
She curled her fingers tighter around the steering wheel. Dinner. He was asking her out? Part of her wanted to jump at the chance, say yes, and go after him with both hands. The other part weighed the arguments she’d rehearsed minutes ago. “Why me?”
His head tilted to the right. “You’re an attractive woman who I like.”
She understood his reason for saying that. He was acknowledging the remark she’d overheard. But really, it didn’t change anything and made her question his motive.
“You’re a handsome man,” she replied, returning his compliment. “I admit I’ve noticed. I’ll go even further and say I’m … interested … but I don’t think it’ll work out. We should save ourselves the heartache and …” Flynn caught his eye then and wanted to kick herself. His gaze fallen, the lines on his face growing long, he looked like a lost puppy. He’d opened up to her, told her things he told no one else, and gone through all the trouble to take her to the Bellamys. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
He moved his gaze out the window. “Forget it. You’re better than me, I get it.”
Better? She angled herself. “That’s not true. It’s just, you want someone to wear on your sleeve, and I’m always going to be underneath a vehicle somewhere. It’s what I do.”
“You think I’d stop you?”
She inhaled and released the breath slowly. “Wouldn’t you? I mean … Atlas and Meghan worked through their issues, but who’s to say we will? I’m only trying to avoid …”
“Me. You’re trying to avoid me.” He spoke harsh.
She leapt in place. “No …”
The squeal of tires drew her gaze back to the road, and she realized too late she’d forgotten about driving. The left front panel of the car impacted a pickup headed through the intersection, and the car spun left. She watched helpless as they twirled counterclockwise into a light pole, the world around her descending into darkness.
“Let me out of this bed. I will not lay here while she’s …”
“You will stay right there. You’ve created enough troubles being caught with her.”
Calix rose up in his hospital bed and glared at his mother. “Troubles for who? Steele Enterprises? I’m your son, not your investment.”
She gave a small snort.
“And her name is Flynn,” he continued. “She’s a perfectly lovely woman, who I happen to like.”
“She’s beneath you.”
“Beneath me? Beneath you, you mean. You’ve always fancied yourself on a pedestal. Well, I have news, mother, the pedestal was taken away long ago. It’s just you in an empty room turning in circles.”
“Mrs. Steele, so lovely to see you.”
Calix looked up into Atlas’s eyes, then switched his gaze to his mother and watched her fierceness fade. She became frail almost, her hand trembling.
“Mr. Bellamy, that you’d grace us with your presence …”
Atlas, he knew, would make light of that remark, but not until she’d gone. He took her hand and bowed, sharp. “You’ve always been dear friends. When I heard what had happened, I had to come. You can rest assured I’ll tend to everything.”
She seemed relieved. Returning her hand to her side, she squared her shoulders. “I’m glad. I do have an appointment.” She fled the room, her heels clicking loudly in the hall.
They both waited until she’d gone before speaking.
“I see things are their usual,” Atlas said.
Calix fell back on the pillow, an explosive breath escaping. “She was worried about our image. Kept going on about me being ‘found with’ Flynn … as if she was someone I’d picked up on the side of the road.”
Atlas waved one hand outward. “Let it go.” He moved to his side and took a seat. “Tell me, instead, what happened.”
What happened? He’d distracted her, and she’d run a red light. “It’s my fault. I asked her out, but she declined. I then had a pity party. We were neither one paying attention.”
Atlas folded his hands across his knee. “That isn’t like you.”
“Isn’t it? All I’ve ever done is feel sorry for myself. I understood why she said no, but all I could think of was my pride.” He shifted in bed. “Have you seen her?”
Atlas patted Calix’s hand. “Meghan’s in there. She’s banged up, but will make it. The car, however …”
Calix winced. “I’ll pay for repairs. It’s special to her.” Plus, with a banged up arm, she’d be unable to work for a couple weeks. He’d offer to pay for her to hire help as well. That is if she’d speak to him. “I’ve really made a mess of things.”
“So fix them.”
Calix met Atlas’s eve gaze. “When Meghan and I were at our lowest point, the one thing I still had was determination. I beat myself to a pulp saying it was my fault we were in that shape, and it was. But …” He held up one finger. “I wasn’t about to let her go. Even when there was nothing I could do to convince her but walk away.”
He turned that over in his mind. Atlas and Meghan had been further along in their relationship then than he and Flynn were now, so the comparison fell a bit flat. At the same time, he saw his point. Some things could not be forced.
“How did you know she’d come back when you weren’t there to remind her?” he asked.
“I didn’t; and I know you don’t want to hear this, but God did.”
Calix closed his eyes. “You’ve become devout. A priest’s collar will sprout around your neck and a halo on your head.”
Atlas chuckled, then his voice calmed. “What’s inside a man always comes out. Besides, look at where I am compared to where you are.”
Calix reopened his eyes and focused on Atlas’s face. “Point taken.”
She wanted to cry, curl into a fetal position with her knees to her chest, and give into the grief choking her soul. But with Meghan Bellamy in the room couldn’t bring herself to act like that. She wasn’t sure what she’d be crying for anyhow. The car? It was toast. Calix? Unsure how to answer that one, she didn’t try, but the pressure of it produced a sigh.
“Thanks for coming,” she said. “I’m all right really, though my left arm’s out of use for a while. I don’t know how I’ll manage …” The doctor had put her left arm in a sling, saying it needed to be kept immobile. She wasn’t about to argue since it hurt pretty badly.
Meghan took a seat beside the bed, crossing her legs. “I imagine Calix will take care of it, and here’s a suggestion … let him. There’s something to be said for independence and something else for letting a man feel like a man, if that makes sense.”
It did, and he could certainly afford it. Plus, he was probably busy impaling himself over the accident not realizing she was doing the same.
“I should have been watching the road and not his face,” she said. “But when he asked me on a date and I refused, he looked like I’d kicked him in the …” Flynn coughed.
Meghan smiled. “Pride isn’t restricted only to certain men.” She reclined in the chair. “What I want to know is why you said no when he asked you out.”
“I should have accepted.” She heard the defeat in her own voice.
Meghan held up one hand, palm outward. “That’s not what I meant. I refused Atlas more than once.”
That was an interesting admission.
“But you need to know why you refused,” she finished.
Flynn exhaled. “I figured it wouldn’t work. We’re too different.”
Meghan didn’t speak at first, but her eyes clearly said she was thinking. She halted and inhaled. “I was attracted to Atlas from the start, but he continually stepped on my toes. Then he tried to win me over by helping everyone around me. It worked … sort of … but then again, it didn’t. Even having fallen in love with him, I couldn’t get past all the things he’d done to embrace the r
elationship.”
“What changed?” Flynn asked.
Meghan smiled. “Forgiveness. I learned to forgive, and he learned to accept it. There was no living without him for me, so really I had no choice.”
To see the love on Meghan’s face was proof enough of that, and Flynn’s heart warmed. “You give me hope,” she said. “But I’m not sure how Calix fits into it. He’s an attractive man, who, for some reason, I feel connected to. He’s opened up to me. It means a lot, really, that he’d tell me what he did. And truthfully, I want to say yes. I feel like all this happened for a reason …”
“I think you need to tell him that,” Meghan replied.
Tell him how she felt, open up to him like he’d done to her. He deserved that. Her gaze strayed to the door. It’d be best to get it over with, but—
“I probably shouldn’t leave the room. Plus, my backside’s hanging out.”
Meghan rose to her feet. “Tell you what. I’ll find you a robe. I imagine the doctor will forgive a short walk. Neither one of you are going to rest until something’s been said.” She left the room and true to her word, returned with a thick, white robe.
Flynn wrapped it around herself, tying the sash, and sucked in a breath. Her fingers trembled the closer they came to Calix’s room until, halting outside the door, she forced herself to relax. The least she could do was relieve him of the responsibility of the accident. After all, she’d been driving. She was the one who hadn’t watched the road.
Meghan poked her head inside. “Atlas, dear? Can I see you in the hall for a moment?”
He appeared seconds later and after a glance at Meghan, placed one had on her own shoulder and compressed his fingers.
In response, Flynn curled hers into a fist. She could do this. He was one man … one man with the wrong impression. It was up to her to correct it. She adjusted her injured arm, hissing at the discomfort, and entered the room.
At sight of her, he sat up taller. “Flynn …”
She shut the door and made her way to his bed. “We need to talk.”
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