by Terry Towers
He waited for her to comment, but she didn’t.
“We graduated and both took jobs at my father’s law firm. My brother is three years older and he’d been practicing law for several years before.”
“So they started working together?”
“Pretty much, he began mentoring her while my father took me under his wing. Rachel was assisting him with a case, then another and another. It came to the point where they were spending more time together then she and I were. Much more time.”
“And so they…”
He shrugged. She was already catching on to where the story was going. He was tempted to just let it go at that, she would have accepted as much, but she needed the full story. Or maybe he just needed to tell it; either way he continued.
“They got close. She loved the job and looked up to him because, as always, Eric was a superstar. While I was good at it, I found myself more and more unhappy with the profession. I was a defense lawyer and while the money was good and there was a part of me that got satisfaction from a win, there was also the more important side of me that kept screaming it wasn’t the life for me.”
“Everyone is entitled to the best defense, but to defend people who are so blatantly guilty… It wore on me quickly. And the bottom line is that art is in my blood. It’s what I am. I was spending 12 hours a day, sometimes more and hating every minute.”
“So you quit?” she asked.
“I quit,” he confirmed. “It wasn’t long after quitting and opening the art gallery, which my brother helped me bankroll, that I realized they were…”
“Together.”
“Together.” He let out a loud puff of air. “I caught them in the act. Quite literally. I went to the office to surprise her with a late-night snack and they were fucking on her desk. There was a fight, police were called. My brother dropped the assault charges, but it damaged what was left of my relationship with my brother.”
“I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged, attempting to pretend it was no big deal, but he knew she could tell he was full of shit. “It still stings, especially since my family took his side. They blamed me for throwing my life away to pursue art, like it was my fault she cheated and he betrayed me.”
She gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m so sorry,” she said again.
“Nothing to be sorry for.” He leaned forward and gave her a tender kiss on the temple. “Things got worse and worse between my brother and I after that. We’d battled it out over women prior to that, but none of them meant anything to me, until Rachael.”
“That’s horrible. Where is Rachael now?”
He shrugged. “It’s been years. She went on to another law firm when things cooled down between her and Eric. He lost interest when she was no longer mine. Eric is all about the chase and win, he’s all about the game. Hell, it’s why he’s such a damned good lawyer. He’s part owner of the gallery, but not for much longer. I put in the long hours to buy his half, then I’ll finally be free from any and all obligation toward my family.”
She frowned and then slowly nodded. “I see. There’s no way to reconcile?”
“Not for now. Maybe sometime down the road, but we’re two very different people and I prefer to keep people I can trust close to me. There’s no place in my life for the likes of Eric McCloud, I endure him because I have to. Tonight was the first time I’ve seen him in nearly a year. Occasionally we text back and forth, but our discussions are limited to the finances of the gallery. And that is it.”
Tessa was looking more and more uncomfortable. He frowned as he pulled her into him and placed another kiss to her temple. “That’s one thing I really love about you, Tessa. You’re so honest and have a heart of gold. It upsets me to see such a dark cloud over you. You don’t deserve it. I hope you can see that.”
He expected her to smile and maybe blush. She did neither of those things, in fact she looked sad, almost worried. Something wasn’t right. He’d thought over dinner they’d gotten past their argument by the bridge – maybe he’d been wrong? He needed to find out and make things right.
“Tessa, what’s going on?”
Chapter 19
Tessa
How could someone do that to their brother? To destroy a soon-to-be marriage, for what? A quick lay just to say you could? But then again, it wasn’t all on Eric, Rachael could have stopped it. Tessa felt a longing in her heart, a wish that she could have taken the pain away that Chase had felt. By the look in his eyes when he talked about her there was no doubt it was still a very sore spot.
She could relate. It was hardly the same thing, but until she’d met him she’d tried to keep her emotions at bay. She tried to remain rock hard toward the overwhelming sense of loss and the last thing she wanted to do was talk about her parents and her feelings toward the loss. But he’d opened it within her, he’d made her feel safe enough to allow the emotions in and allow her to feel it all. Looking deep into Chase’s eyes she felt their connection deepen. He’d let her in like she’d let him in.
He really was hers.
“Tessa?”
“Huh?” The sound of her name pulled her from her thoughts and put her focus back onto him. “I’m sorry.”
“I asked what was going on. You looked like you had something you needed to say.”
She could have groaned out loud. Taking a deep breath in and slowly releasing it, she nodded. “I do.” She was about to start her story when Chase’s phone began to ring.
Pulling it from his suit jacket pocket, he looked down at it and groaned. Accepting the call he brought the phone to his ear and stood. He began pacing as he spoke to the person on the other end. Despite him being within earshot, she didn’t hear a word being spoken; she was too lost in her own thoughts. But her fear that he might be upset with her over not telling him was gone and she knew now that her fear was irrational. She couldn’t tell him something she herself did not know. Right?
“I gotta run back to the house a minute. Did you want to stay here or come with me? I have a matter I need to take a minute or two to discuss with my father. You could mingle…”
“Hell, no!” A next-to-drunk Eric was in the house. His mother, who she was getting the impression didn’t care much for her, was in the house. Quite frankly, most of the people in the house she simply couldn’t see herself being able to hold her own in a conversation with.
“Boy, that was a pretty quick response.” He smiled as he walked back over to her, leaned down and gently kissed her lips.
She shrugged. “I’m enjoying the view.” And that wasn’t a lie. It was beautiful, the gazebo surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden. This particular section was mostly rose bushes. Roses of every color, shape and size imaginable seemed to be present.
“You’ll have to get used to dealing with my parents and their associates. They’re just people, Tessa, no better than anyone else.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Despite them thinking themselves to be. But considering this is your first function, I’ll cut you some slack.”
With a loud sigh, Tessa cast him a smile of thanks. “I appreciate that. It’s been a bit of overload tonight.”
“I completely understand, babe.” Giving her one more quick kiss, he stood. “I’ll be quick.” Without another word to her he took off down the path and out of sight, leaving Tessa alone. And she didn’t mind. It had been a long, straining day. Between his parents and Eric, she was hitting her stress breaking point.
Sitting back on the bench, Tessa closed her eyes and allowed the sweet fragrance of her surroundings, along with the peaceful night sounds, to flow over and through her. If she lived in this house, she’d make the gazebo her go-to place to relax. She could happily stay there alone all night. Preferably with Chase, but alone would also do.
She didn’t know how long passed, but the tranquility of the area was soothing so she didn’t even consider looking at her watch. It wasn’t until the sound of footsteps coming down the path that she opened her eyes and sat up straight.
“Chase?”
There wasn’t an answer, but a moment later Eric appeared.
Shit fuck my life. She groaned inwardly. Pasting a smile onto her lips she stood to greet Eric.
“Tessa, I was looking for you.” He approached her with a little more caution than necessary. He didn’t seem drunk, but appeared to have enough alcohol in him that he had to take a little more care with each step.
Without giving it any thought, Tessa raced over to him, just in case. Despite his step being somewhat steady, she was still concerned, however with the heels she was wearing her help was minimal.
“Damn, you smell good.” He leaned into her, his lips brushing her neck as he deeply inhaled her scent.
“Umm, thanks.” She wasn’t sure how to deal with this situation, so she opted for being as neutral as possible. He still held the fate of her café in his hands and he was Chase’s brother – she preferred there being no hard feelings between them.
“I was looking for you.”
“Yeah, you mentioned that.” She attempted to put some distance between them, but he advanced on her until her back was to the rail. “What did you want?”
“You didn’t tell me you were dating my brother. That he was the one you chose over me.”
“You two don’t have the same last name, I didn’t know he was your brother until tonight. And it wasn’t a matter of choosing him over you.”
His mood shifted and she sensed anger simmering within him. “You sat there at the table and you two professed your love for each other in front of me, yet you don’t know who his family is? You’re lying, Tessa. How stupid do you think I am, really?”
She attempted to keep her emotions in check, but it was hard. How dare he accuse her of lying? “What exactly are you accusing me of? And for that matter, what does it matter to you? We have a business relationship only – who I date is none of your concern. Besides, you must have dozens of women, why are you even interested in me?”
He looked her straight in the eye, his face emotionless as he said matter-of-factly, “Because you’re the one I haven’t been able to get yet. And I don’t lose – ever.”
This wasn’t sounding good, and she was becoming more and more uncomfortable with this situation. He wouldn’t do anything to me, it’s Eric… But how well did she really know him? She nervously looked around them; they were truly alone. And where was Chase? But this was Eric, not some loser who couldn’t get a woman. He could have virtually any woman, what harm could he really be? His ego was bruised – that’s all. He’d get over it.
He took another step toward her, so close there was only a foot remaining between them. She attempted to squirm away from him, but he was quicker blocking her path.
Planting her hands on her hips she glared at him, pretending to be less scared than she was becoming. “Eric, this isn’t funny. Get out of my way.”
“I will. Once I prove to you that you made a mistake.”
She knew what he was going to do, she could see it in his eyes as he closed the distance. The smell of alcohol clung to him. This wasn’t romantic. It wasn’t arousing. It was scaring her and she didn’t like it. He shouldn’t be this close to her, she needed distance between them.
“It’s too late, Eric. We’re business partners only.”
“We don’t have to be. It’s not too late to make the right decision, Tessa.” With that he pulled her into his arms, his lips crashing down onto hers.
~*~ TT ~*~
Chase
He was shocked. Floored. His father actually said he was proud of him. It was one of the few times he’d said it in Chase’s entire lifetime and he’d said it tonight. His father said that he was proud of the man he’d become and that he’d been brave enough to follow his own dreams and was finally settling into a good life. It felt good. It was amazing that even at thirty-three years of age, he could still feel pride when given a compliment from his father.
As he approached the final turn before the gazebo he heard the faint sound of voices. He couldn’t make them out, but one was definitely Tessa. Someone must have stumbled upon her and decided to start up a conversation. As much as he bucked this lifestyle he hoped she could adjust enough to be able to feel comfortable on the rare occasions family obligation required them.
He was confident she could. She’d seemed to relax a bit at dinner after he’d finally admitted his feelings to her. A smile formed on his lips as she remembered the look in her eyes. No one had ever looked at him like that – EVER. Pure unconditional love.
Rounding the corner he recognized the other voice as his eyes caught sight of him – them. Eric was with Tessa. A feeling of déjà vu hit him; he was in the process of shaking it off and calling out to them when it happened. Eric pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Rage filled him, pure blinding rage so intense that it consumed all thought. Again, it was happening again. He didn’t think about it, not a second. That son of a bitch. That fucking son of a bitch!
Within seconds he was in the gazebo, grabbing Eric and spinning him around.
“Ch–” Eric’s eyes went wide with surprise, a second before Chase’s fist came in contact with Eric’s jaw.
The rage amplified within him as he hit him a second time. Eric stumbled backward and Chase pounced, both men tumbling to the floor of the gazebo. The guards had stopped them at the office that day. But he didn’t have the guards to protect him this time. Eric was going to get the beat-down he deserved, something he’d been deserving of for nearly a decade.
“Chase! Chase!” He felt Tessa’s hand’s circling his arm, slowing his fist from making contact with his brother’s face, but only slightly.
“Stay back, Tessa!” Chase growled at her, unaffected by the look of terror in her eyes. “Stay the fuck back!”
She refused. Slipping an arm around his neck she pulled him backwards. Between her pulling him back and Eric pushing him up and away his fists stopped landing on their mark.
“Stop it, Chase. Stop!” As the rage began to subside, questions began popping into his head. Had she known Eric all along? Had he been the lawyer?
His gaze shifted to Eric, who was slowly getting to his feet, his face bloodied. Chase wanted to lunge at him again, he wanted to kill him – then and there.
But her, she was the greatest disappointment of all. Two times in his life he gave his heart, but with Tessa it was so much worse. His sweet Tessa. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes he’d never have believed it.
“Chase.” There was pleading in her eyes now. “Let me explain.”
“Nothing to explain.” Getting to his feet, he fixed his suit and turned his back to them. She attempted to grab his arm as he walked off, but he shrugged her off. “Stay away Tessa.” He turned and fixated a look of pure hatred in his brother’s direction. “If I see you again, I’ll fucking kill you.”
He didn’t wait for her to reply. Didn’t give a rat’s ass how she got home or who she got a drive with. He was done. He didn’t need this shit. Fuck women and fuck falling in love. This was the last time.
Chapter 20
Tessa
She was at a loss. It all happened so fast. One minute she was by herself enjoying the surroundings and waiting for Chase, the next she was attempting to push Eric away and then it was over. It was over and Chase was gone, leaving her head reeling.
Eric’s groan sprang her into action. Going to Eric’s side, she helped steady him as he rose to his feet. No matter how much she wanted to run after Chase, the fact was she’d never be able to catch up to him, he’d been moving too quickly, and he was so angry she wasn’t sure if it would do any good anyhow.
“Asshole.” Eric swiped the blood off of his lips. “I have a fucking trial starting Monday. How the fuck am I going to explain this?” He motioned toward his face.
She glared up at him, while keeping him steady with a hand on his arm as they began to walk across the gazebo in the direction of the exit. “Maybe if you kept your lips
off of his girlfriends you wouldn’t get your ass kicked. I have a good mind to leave you here and go after him.”
“Why don’t you?” He had the nerve to attempt a cocky grin, but the pain in his lips didn’t permit such a movement. He settled for a grimace.
“Because I’m an idiot who can’t just leave you here. Besides, I doubt I’d be able to catch him in these heels, I imagine he’s halfway to the house by now.”
He shrugged. “Maybe you don’t want to.”
“I love your brother. Your brother. And you just really fucked me over.”
“If he loves you like he says then he’ll allow you to explain. Doesn’t he trust you?”
She was tempted to push him into the rose bushes, but the good Samaritan in her refused to let that happen. At the same time the guilt was working overtime in her head. She did nothing wrong, she hadn’t asked for the kiss, but that’s not what Chase thought. From his viewpoint she was sure it appeared very questionable. It was killing her not to explain.
As the house came into view, Eric seemed to be doing fine walking on his own so she released him, quickening her pace. What if he wasn’t in the house? How would she explain why he left her? She groaned inwardly.
“I’ll drive you home, Tessa,” Eric offered as they entered the house.
“He might still be here.”
“He’s not. I assure you, despite the tension between us, I still know my brother. He’s gone, Tessa.”
She shot him a dirty glare. “Then I’ll get a cab.”
“Don’t be so fucking proud. Just let me drive you.”
“And if Chase is at my house waiting for me? Besides, you’ve been drinking.”
He huffed. “Hardly. And there’s nothing like being punched in the face repeatedly to bring you out of an alcohol haze. Let’s just sit down, have a coffee and I’ll take you home.”
Her glare was even nastier this time. “You could at least apologize. It really is the least you can do.”
