“Stop blaming Antonio. He did nothing wrong,” her mother snapped. “You always do that. You are in his house. Eating his food, wasting his coffee. Show some appreciation. If you can’t behave, then leave. I’ll give Representative Reynolds your apologies and make up some excuse, like always.”
“Mother…” Reggie huffed out.
“Go,” Bettina ordered.
Reggie put her coffee cup on the counter. “I’ll give you some time to cool off.”
She grabbed her coat off the rack and headed outside for a little fresh air and maybe a walk around the neighborhood.
An icy breeze whipped through the bare branches of the trees. She pulled on her jacket and zipped it up. A glance around showed that her mother’s neighbors had decorated their front yards with tasteful, non-religious displays.
“So nice and boring,” she muttered before she headed down the porch and along the stone pathway to gate. She lifted the latch and pushed it open.
No cars drove by. Only a few birds and the distant sounds of vehicles could be heard, but here, all was so quiet. So distant. So clean. A perfect little paradise if you had enough money.
She hated all of it. Not because of the way the houses and perfectly manicured lawns reeked of wealth, but because her mother and younger siblings and Gertie had moved here three months after her father’s death. Nine months after that, her mother had married her father’s former law partner. It confirmed the sneaking suspicion she’d had for a long time: that her mother had stopped loving her father and was in love with Antonio.
Despite all her mother’s displays of affection for her father, everything always seemed off, a show for all their affluent neighbors and church friends. Only with Antonio did her mother ever seem comfortable and relaxed—to a point.
Reggie hated all of it, the lies, deception, and disrespect for the family and her father.
She could’ve dealt with a divorce. In fact, she had hoped her mother and father would realize that a divorce was what they both needed. But then her father was diagnosed with cancer, and her mother went into overbearing image overdrive. Pushing all of her children, and especially her eldest daughter, away. Maybe from guilt or fear, who knew? Reggie certainly didn’t. She couldn’t imagine what the world was like in her mother’s head—didn’t want to.
The only thing she knew that had always remained true and real: Bax and Cliff. They had been her anchor and rock since they’d met in middle school. Their homes had become her homes—places where life was honest and people didn’t put on airs or act as if they liked you because of your last name and the connections you had.
Her heart ached to see those two smiling dorks again. To feel their arms around her and their whispered words of reassurance. And their flirting, most of all—even if it never lead to anything. How could it? They loved each other. She would never dream of coming between them.
She started walking, no destination in mind or desire to go into town. She didn’t want to meet anyone from church or anyone who knew her mother. Nothing should ruin this Christmas, not when Dana, her younger sister, was about to get engaged.
She just wished that she could be happy for Dana. Timothy was a good man. Whether he had been pressured to ask or not, she didn’t know. She just hoped Dana would end up happy.
Reggie also wished she could witness the happy event and leave—go to a safe space where she could be herself before she had to return home to her normal life. Her normal life alone.
Anything was preferable. Hell, witnessing her fellow nurses gossip and swoon over the handsome newbie, Doctor Singh, or translate for Doctor Webber and his lack of a bedside manner, or work an eighteen-hour shift after a massive accident.
Anything that would pull her out of this squeaky clean, image-driven nightmare that she went through every year.
She put her head down and walked faster, her thoughts spun in her head. She barely noticed as a black luxury sedan with tinted windows slowed alongside her.
The front passenger-side window rolled down. “Need a lift?” a man called.
She rolled her eyes and kept walking, not giving the driver a look. As if she’d be stupid enough to get in a car with a stranger.
“Reggie, it’s us!” Bax practically shouted, his voice echoing through the quiet night. “My huge celebrity ego can’t handle being ignored!”
Reggie glanced over as shock rippled through her. Her anger and frustration disappeared at the sight of her best friends. She rushed over to the car, placed her hands on the window edge, and leaned down.
“Oh my god, you guys, I can’t believe it!”
As usual, Bax’s bright green eyes were lined with inky black. His sensual lips curled in a grin. This time his long, black hair was pulled back in a low ponytail with strands framing his angular face.
Cliff leaned over the front seats from the back. His clipped blond hair glinted in the early morning light. He gave her a lopsided smile. “Hey, honey. Guess who’s home.”
Pure happiness washed through her, heating her inside like hot cocoa. “What are you doing here?”
“We’re here for you,” Bax said, holding her gaze, uncharacteristically serious. “Get in. It’s cold out there.”
She reached down and opened the door. She slid into the front passenger-side seat and buckled up. Her heart pounded in her chest. Seeing these two men had been exactly what she’d needed to raise her spirits. “Come to save the princess from the wicked mother?”
Bax put the car in gear and took off. “Nah, you’re no damsel. You don’t need saving. You can leave anytime you want. You just want to stay for the fireworks when Dana turns ol’ Timmy down.”
She jerked her head and stared at Bax. “How do you know that?”
“’Cuz Dana called me—”
“Us,” Cliff interjected.
“Us.” Bax pulled a face. “And asked what she should do. She loves Timmy, but she’s not ready to get married. She wants to finish school and go to law school, become a lawyer in your father’s practice. She loves law, the weirdo. Your mom won’t be so thrilled.” Bax snorted.
Reggie thought it over. “Yeah, she won’t be. Especially after Cressida, Chantale, and Leroy all settled down, married well and are in successful, influential careers. Unlike me.”
Cliff gave her a grunt of disapproval. “Being a nurse is an honor. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Never did.” Cliff reached out, placed his hands on her shoulders and worked her muscles. “If you’re out for a walk in the cold, that means your mother is already making your life difficult. So what’s she raving about this time?”
She sighed and leaned back into his touch. He had strong hands, but despite his strength, he always used exactly the right amount of pressure. “The usual. I may have escalated things by dragging Antonio into things.”
Bax whistled. “Damn, she’s going to hate that. Does she know what you think of her marriage to him or is she still trying to pretend that things were normal back then?”
“Normal. I know there can be love with no sex. They lived like that for years, but to just ignore the shit I’ve seen. No.” She shook her head. “I can’t do that. I love my father, and playing into the lie when we all know the truth was just stupid.”
“What do your sisters and brother think?” Cliff asked.
“Haven’t talked to them about it. They can’t understand why Mom and I are at odds. Oh and I’ve been informed not to whine about my birthday, again.” She blew out a puff of air.
“Why do you think we’re here?” Bax asked. “We can celebrate Christmas and your birthday and not make a big stink about it. So, milady, where to? Want to go to the Waffle House or would you like something else?”
Cliff, still giving her the heavenly massage, leaned in so his deep voice rumbled near her ear. “We’re at your command.”
“Destiny told me they opened a Starbucks on Fifth and an Ihop opened on Decatur and Magnolia. I’m in the mood for as many pancakes as my stomach will allow me to consu
me before I die.” She grinned and winked at Bax.
“Of course you are. Well, Ihop it is. After that we can go back to our place and catch up, yeah?” Bax cruised up to the security gatehouse. The guard nodded and hit a button. The big iron gate swung open. Bax drove through, back on public streets again. “Jesus, you would not believe the hell we had to put up with to get into this place. The security guards would only allow us in if we took a tour of one of the houses up for sale.”
“That’s why we were late picking you up. I thought Cliff was going to start tackling people for wasting his time.” Bax winked at her and shrugged. “They could tell pretty quickly we weren’t into it. These kinds of McMansions don’t have enough style.”
She chuckled. “I heard all about the renovations you were doing on your new home base. Did you finally finish?” Their renovations had caused quite a stir in town. Everyone’s brother or father was working on the project. It had been quite the boost to the local economy.
“That’s why we chose to have a home here rather than anywhere else, give back to the town that made us.” Cliff gave her shoulders a final squeeze and sat back. Her body already missed his touch. She shook the tempting thought away. She didn’t want to complicate things. These two men meant far too much to her. “I can’t wait for you to see it. I just wish I could convince Ma to move in, but she’s happy in Florida.”
“Land of mosquitoes, gators, and hurricanes.” Reggie grimaced. “I don’t know how she survives there.”
“It’s close to my brother while he’s at college, so she’s happy.”
Bax pulled into a near-empty parking lot and chose a space. “That’s all that matters, family,” Bax said. Then he seemed to realize what he’d said and gave her a sympathetic glance. “Wish yours were as close as ours are.”
She nodded, wanting to drop the subject. Instead she glanced at the front of the restaurant. Her stomach rumbled. “Let’s get to eating. I’m starving.” She shot Bax an amused glance. “Hopefully no one recognizes you, Mr. Super Star Chef.”
His grin was wicked. “What did I tell you? The ego is never satisfied.”
She laughed and climbed out of the car. Bax hooked his arm into Cliffs and Reggie’s and guided them to the entrance. He pushed open the doors.
A hostess greeted them and brought them over to an empty booth, handed them menus, and left to bring them water.
Both men sat opposite her. She leaned forward in the booth. “All right, spill it. Why are you here?”
Bax gave her a hard look. “Well, because of your e-mail.”
“And the way you sounded on the phone,” Cliff added, his strong jaw set.
Bax nodded. “You sounded so sad, so subdued. Not your usual self. We knew something was wrong and had to come get you the hell out of here. Kidnap you if necessary.”
Reggie bowed under the scrutiny they both gave her. Heat flashed her face. “Yeah, I was in a bad place when I got here and was confronted with my mother and my siblings and Antonio. I began to feel the walls close in on me. I needed an out. I didn’t think you’d be crazy enough to come all the way here.”
Cliff smirked. “Then we need to remind you of the lengths we’d go to make you happy.”
She was saved from having to reply by the waitress returning with their waters and taking their orders. The dining room wasn’t very full. Only a few people, all tourists based on their clothing, were eating here. No familiar faces.
After the waitress left, Bax turned to focus on her. His speculative…almost too intense gaze made her very self aware. Her body reacted to the electricity in his green eyes. When he looked at her like that, she had no hope of forgetting how gorgeous he was. The dark stubble on his face made him look so sexy. She wanted to reach out and press her palm to cheek to feel the roughness—
No. She couldn’t let her mind go down that road.
Bax stared at her. Sometimes, when he looked at her like that, she thought he could see all of her deepest, darkest secrets.
“Cliff, looks like we’re gonna have to bring her home with us and teach her a lesson.” Bax winked at his partner.
Cliff grinned. “Looks like it. I think some Carolina barbecue is in order. You just get her settled in and we’ll have all the food delivered. We’ll make it a real holiday vacation.”
Reggie held up her hands. “Guys, no. I can’t impose.”
“She does need a lesson, Bax.”
“Yes, she does.” Bax refocused on Reggie. “So, spanking, barbecue, and putting up with us until your vacation is over.”
Reggie studied the stubborn set of Cliff’s jaw and Bax’s impish grin. She sighed. She wasn’t going to get anywhere with these two stubborn men when they got like this. Her heart did a little jump at still being home for the holidays but having space from her mother. “Fine, fine. I’ll pack up and move to your place, but what will I say to my sisters and brother? I can’t just up and leave them.”
Bax shrugged. “Tell them you’re giving your mother some space. And that you want to catch up with us. Tell them anything you want, just know that we’re here for you and we aren’t going anywhere.”
She snorted. “Must be nice to be your own boss,” she teased. “OK, I’ll think of something. But first pancakes!”
The waitress returned with the much-needed coffee and food.
For the first time in a few hours Reggie could breathe easy without fearing she would say the wrong thing or step on someone’s toes or have to endure another lecture on how she would end up a spinster if she didn’t find the “right” man soon.
Bax grinned at her, the same smile that melted hearts and panties. “By the way, don’t think we forgot your birthday, honey. We have it all planned. Lots of fun. I promise.”
She laughed. “Of course you do. Just don’t get us arrested.”
Bax pouted. “Now how is that not fun?”
“Just relax and trust us.” Cliff reached out and squeezed her hand. “We love you and we only want the best for you. Besides that, cake!”
Reggie relaxed into her seat. It had been so long since she could celebrate with people who cared about her. Who didn’t make her feel guilty.
“I love you guys.” Reggie squeezed Cliff’s hand back and returned Bax smile. “I’m so happy you came and got me.”
CHAPTER THREE
Bax stood in the doorway, arms crossed, watching Bettina Samson-Cardoza yelling over his shoulder at Reggie while she packed. He studied the lines of frustration that creased the corners of her eyes and lips and the anger that sparked in her eyes. He felt no sympathy for her. The only emotion he could summon for Bettina Samson-Cardoza was pity, and he doubted she’d enjoy that.
“How can you be so selfish?” Bettina hissed. “Your siblings are depending on you! This is absurd. Is it because of your birthday? I told you, it is extremely selfish of you to expect both Christmas presents and birthday presents! I didn’t raise a spoiled brat!”
Bax gritted his teeth. Retorts came to mind, but he resisted the urge to correct her. Engaging with her would be a mistake. It would only hurt Reggie in the end. Exactly what Bettina wanted.
“And you.” She turned to him. “Mr. Big-Timer. Why are you letting her do this? How can you take her away from her family? I always knew you and Clifford were no good, but this really, takes the cake.” She let out a bitter chuckle.
Bax felt the muscles in his jaw clench even tighter. Do not engage, he warned himself.
Cliff tapped him on the shoulder. “We’re ready to go,” he whispered.
Bax nodded and stepped aside. He didn’t give in to the sigh of relief that he could leave this place and possibly never set foot in it again.
“If you walk out of here—” Bettina warned.
Reggie brushed past Bax and stepped out into the hall. “I’m going where I’m accepted and wanted. I told you the reason, but you refused to listen. The presents for the family are already under the tree. You know where to find me if you truly want to talk.” She grabbed B
ax’s hand and pulled him down the hall, while Cliff followed, carrying her bags.
The trio rushed down the stairs, nodded to Gertie on the way out, and left the mansion without looking back. Bax rushed to the curb to open the car door. Reggie slid into the seat, and Cliff placed the bags in the trunk and got into the back with Reggie. Once he was buckled in, Bax took off, smoking the tires. Yeah, it was a little immature, but it brought a brief smile to Reggie’s face. Which made it more than worth it.
Reggie laid her head on Cliff’s shoulder as he drove.
“How are you doing?” Bax asked. Worry churned in his stomach. Reggie and her mother had always butted heads, even when she was a child, but this—this was something new. She’d never walked out on a family holiday before.
“Scared that my siblings won’t understand why I’m not putting up with my mother’s tantrums. I’m scared that Dana will be disappointed.” She snuggled against Cliff and exhaled. “It feels right and wrong at the same time.”
Bax slowed down and stopped at a stop sign and glanced at her in the rearview. “That’s the guilt talking. Don’t worry about it. Once we’ve got you settled, it will go away. Besides, your siblings and Gertie are welcome to our house anytime they want. It’s no big deal.”
Bax put his foot on the gas and drove down the street, taking the scenic view of the neighborhood. Everything looked so clean and neat. He had difficulty believing this was all real and not some movie set. “Jeesh. Should I be waiting for some masked villain to come running out a house with a chainsaw over his head?”
“Perfectville, right?” Reggie giggled. “Yeah, that’s what I thought when she first moved here after dad died. But she wanted a ‘fresh start.’” Reggie rolled her eyes. “More like she wanted to get out of her home with dad as quick as possible.”
“Remember when we were growing up and we would look at the ’burbs like they were some magical place?” Bax called to Cliff.
Cliff laughed. “Yeah. We thought they had everything in the fancy suburbs: nice soft beds and their own bedrooms, soda whenever they wanted, unlimited candy, so many fancy gaming systems and tech. And then we met you.” Cliff nudged Reggie.
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