His mouth curled into a sneer. “You wanted me. You were like a porn star that night. Best sex of my life.” He leaned into her space. “And you still do want me. I can see it in your eyes.”
Haley’s mouth was dry and her hands clammy as she reached past him for the door handle. “There is no world where I would want you. Stay away from me and stay away from my son.”
Brad grabbed her arm and pulled her against his chest. The door banged closed. Haley’s throat constricted as her breath came in short puffs. “This is considered assault.”
Brad laughed. “You think anybody in this town is going to prosecute me?”
Haley’s arm hurt from the pressure of his fingers. Sadly, she knew it was true. Brad could rape her on Main Street and probably never serve time for it.
“I don’t know about prosecute,” a deep voice came from behind Brad, “but making you disappear wouldn’t be hard.”
Brad released her and whirled around. Haley glanced over his shoulder and her knees went weak for a completely different reason than the fear Brad inspired. “Cal.” He was really here. Had he followed her? Did that mean he wanted to be with them?
“Who’re you?” Brad demanded.
“I’m Haley’s boyfriend.” It was obvious by the clenching of Cal’s fists and the bunching of muscles in his neck that he was ticked. He looked more than ready to thump Brad. Cal stepped up, got right in Brad’s face and said very quietly, “And I’m the guy who can make you very sorry if you touch or threaten her again.”
Brad’s eyes flitted up and down Cal’s frame. Haley’s heart was soaring, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up like this. Haley’s boyfriend? Had Cal really come? For her? The look on his face was so intimidating she would’ve felt sorry for the target, if it was anyone other than Brad. He looked like a beast about to rip someone apart. For her.
Brad shuffled a few steps away from Cal then turned and speed-walked away like the prissy wuss he was. “You’re in my town now so I’d watch where you step.” Brad flung over his shoulder.
Cal watched him go then turned his gaze to Haley. His eyes softened and his shoulders lowered a few inches, though his fists stayed clenched.
She wanted to fling herself into his arms, but knew she didn’t have that right after the way she’d left. She clasped her hands together, not sure how to tackle the issues she’d created by calling him a liar and a womanizer. Then after he saved her life and gave her a kiss for the memory books, she’d left him with a lame thank you note. Now he’d defended her from Brad, the man who had tormented her for years. Cal was everything she’d ever dreamed of, but how to tell him that?
“You shouldn’t have threatened him. He’s a weasel and will stab you in the back if he gets a chance.” And that was what she opened with? Why couldn’t she just beg his forgiveness and kiss him until he promised to love her forever? Even if he did, would she trust him?
“Really? You’re worried?” Cal gestured to his impressive build.
Haley had to smile at that. It was true Cal could probably hold his own in any fight.
“I’d love to have a go at him.”
Haley sobered quickly. “He really does run this town though. Thinks he’s all that because he’s a millionaire.”
Cal’s jaw clenched. “I’m a billionaire and I couldn’t care less about his small town politics.”
“You don’t need to defend me though.”
Cal took a tentative step forward, but then stopped and looked into her shop window at the display of a cozy living room. “So, that’s where we’re at? I defended you from that psycho and you ran.”
“Cal. I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I shouldn’t have left, but I couldn’t wait and have you break my heart later.”
He focused on her. Those smoky blue eyes were making her stomach hop. “So you chose to break my heart sooner?”
“I’m so sorry.” She’d broken his heart. Oh, Cal.
“Why can’t you trust me?”
Haley inhaled then exhaled before whispering, “I wanted to know everything about you, but you wouldn’t trust me with you, the real you.”
Cal pursed his lips and nodded. “What do you want to know, Haley?”
“Everything.”
His eyebrows arched. “Does that mean there’s still hope for me?”
Haley wanted there to be hope for both of them, but she was so scared. She looked around at the uncrowded street. In an hour people would be closing up their shops and the dinner traffic would fill the restaurants but it was a slow time of year, after the ski season and before the summer crowd.
“If you’re lucky,” she whispered.
“I usually am.” Cal gave her a half a smile.
“Tell me something, Cal, something only Tucker would know about you.” She was being needy and ridiculous, but she wanted to be everything to him, privy to his secrets, the one woman he couldn’t get enough of or ever leave.
Cal folded his arms across his chest and studied her. “That’s what you need?”
“It’d be a start.”
He glanced down and said in a low voice, “Tuck and I were in the army together. We were ordered to do things, horrible things.” He met her gaze. “If you want I can describe them, but I don’t think you want the images in your mind either.”
Haley’s mouth had dropped slightly open. She closed it and nodded.
“I met with therapists and psychiatrists for several years to put it behind me. I’ve spent more time on my knees asking for forgiveness than I can recount. I’m in a good place now, but I’ve been broken like few people can understand.” He pushed a hand through his dark hair. “That’s the deepest, darkest secret I have Haley. Is it enough?”
Haley swallowed and touched his arm. His warmth seemed to trail up her fingers. “I’m sorry you went through that, Cal. Thank you for sharing with me.”
He gave a slight nod. His blue eyes were still wary. “Can we go somewhere from here?”
An older couple walked past them, craning their necks. Haley forced a smile at them before focusing on Cal. “Maybe. Did you follow me here?”
Cal blew out a breath. “No. I bought the One Ski Hill Resort a few weeks ago.”
“Oh, before we met?”
“Yes.”
Haley’s heart was dropping again. “How long have you been here?” she whispered.
He looked away. “A couple of days.”
“A couple days and you didn’t even come see me?” Her voice pitched up on the word me. Please don’t let me cry in front of him.
He shrugged. “Did you want me to come after you?”
“Yes.” The answer ripped out of her with such ferocity that Cal’s eyebrows arched up and a smile grew on his face. “I’ve missed… your dimples.”
Cal chuckled and took another step in her direction. “Is that all you’ve missed?”
“No.” Her voice lowered to a whisper.
Cal’s large hand wrapped around her chin. He tilted it up. “You know what I missed?”
“No.”
“You.” He kissed her. It was gentle at first but soon grew in intensity. Haley threw her arms around his neck and lifted herself onto tiptoes, aligning her body with his. Some loud whistles from across the street created a little distance between them.
The door of the shop opened. “Mama?” Taz poked his head out. “I crashed all my cars.” His face lit up. “Cal!” He pushed between them and clung to Cal’s legs.
Cal bent down and lifted him into his arms. “How’s my boy?”
“I missed you so much and so much and so much!” Taz smacked his lips on Cal’s cheek. “Now can we go back and live on the island again?”
Cal glanced at Haley. “I don’t know. I need to talk to your Mama about that.”
“Please, please, please, Mama.”
Haley laughed. “Cal needs to convince me a little bit more.” She winked, but she knew it was more than just convincing. She needed to make a leap of faith and she wasn’t sure
if she could do it or not.
Cal smirked at her. “I’ll work on your mama, buddy.”
“Thanks. You’re my best.” Taz squeezed Cal’s neck.
“Could I take you both to dinner tonight?” Cal asked Haley.
“Sure. I just need to close up the shop.”
Cal played with Taz and his trucks while she straightened the shop and closed out the till. The front door swung open and she called out, “Sorry, we’re closed.” Not the best thing for business but Cal was here, she wasn’t going to wait for a customer.
“Not to me you’re not.”
Haley shook her head and sighed. She hoped Cal was ready for the protective older brother.
“Unca Isaac!” Taz tore from the play area into his uncle’s arms.
Cal followed at a more leisurely pace. He came to Haley’s side and wrapped his arm around her. Haley smiled up at him. Isaac carried Taz to the counter and cocked his head to the side. His dark curls were much shorter than Haley’s, but everyone said they looked like twins with their olive skin and green eyes, except he was twice her size, built like a stinking freight train.
Cal released Haley and stuck his hand out. “Cal Johnson. It’s nice to meet you, Isaac.”
Isaac shifted Taz to his left arm and grasped Cal’s hand in his. The muscles in Isaac’s forearms bulged but Cal didn’t appear to try to win the contest for strongest grip. He simply smiled. “I have sisters. I know how it is.”
Isaac released his hand and smirked. “I only have one sister so it’s twice as bad for me.”
“Oh,” Haley exclaimed, pushing at Isaac. Of course he didn’t budge.
“I’ll treat her better than I expect my sisters to be treated.”
“I’ll decide,” Isaac challenged him.
Cal chuckled. “Sounds good. I’ll be around a lot, give you a chance to approve.”
Isaac laughed and looked at Haley. “You know. I’m kinda liking him. Is this serious, sis?”
Haley smiled up at Cal. “I’ll decide.”
They both laughed and Isaac excused himself to go to the hardware store before it closed. Cal, Haley, and Taz walked the few blocks to Teocalli Tamale. Taz chatted the entire time about riding his uncle’s horse, going on bike rides, and ordering a quesadilla. Haley couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Cal as Taz held each of their hands and asked occasionally to be swung. This strong man had been vulnerable and shared his darkest secret with her. He’d impressed Isaac. He’d defended her from Brad. Was it enough? She wanted to be with him so much it was a physical ache, but the fear of him breaking her heart still had her trying to protect herself and Taz.
The hostess sat them down and they had menus in hand, though Haley and Taz didn’t need them, when the voice Haley hoped to never hear again came over her shoulder, “My lawyer says I’ve got a very good chance of getting custody.” Brad slapped some papers down on the table and smiled at Taz. “I’m going to be your daddy.”
Haley whirled to stare at him, her stomach dropping to the wooden floor. No. Brad could never be allowed near Taz.
Cal’s chair jerked back. He stepped in front of her. “Get out of here,” Cal said in a low whisper.
Brad took a step back but then dodged and grabbed Taz off of his chair.
“Hey!” Taz screamed.
Haley jumped to her feet but Cal was faster. He yanked Taz from Brad’s arms. “You want to go to prison?” Cal asked. “Try touching my boy again.”
“I’m never going to prison,” Brad scoffed, taking a step back.
“Statue of limitations on rape is ten years in Colorado.” Cal’s eyes were cold and calculating.
Brad’s face paled. “You can’t prove anything. I could claim she raped me.”
Cal chuckled but there was no humor in it. “And if I hired a team of private investigators I’m sure they wouldn’t find any other women who had one drink with you and woke up violated the next morning. If they talked to the drug suppliers, say the ones who sell roofies, I’m sure we’d never find one who ever sold you anything.”
Brad’s eyes widened and his mouth flapped open. He quickly backed up a couple more steps, unable to hold Cal’s gaze.
The way Cal was holding Taz pulled his shirt up and exposed some of his lower back. Haley tugged it back down and glared at Brad.
Brad pointed at Taz’s back. “What is wrong with my kid?”
Haley rolled her eyes and tried to cover Taz’s ears, but he pushed at her hands. “Nothing. He has a skin condition.”
“A skin condition? He’s a freak! He’s going to be an albino or something.”
Taz’s little body quivered. “You’re stupid!” he proclaimed. “I don’t want you to be my daddy, I want Cal.”
Cal held Taz close. “You heard the boy. Now get out of here or I’ll help you leave.”
Brad turned a pasty white and was shaking. “I don’t want a freak for a kid anyway!” Brad stomped away, the entire restaurant watching him go. Brad was so pathetic. Cal had terrified him and he found a way to turn it around and make it look like he wasn’t just running like the scared rat he was.
“Why’s that guy my daddy? He thinks I’m a freak,” Taz whispered.
Haley held out her arms and Taz went to her, wrapping his arms around her neck. “He’s not your daddy,” Haley said, not caring about semantics. “And you are not a freak. You’re amazing.”
Taz’s lip protruded out, but he didn’t cry.
“You’re such a tough kid.” Cal rumpled his hair. “Do you remember Alyssa that you met a couple weeks ago?”
Taz nodded. “She’s my girlfriend.”
“She only has half of a foot. Does that make her a freak?”
“No! She’s beautiful.”
“See, and having some marks on your skin doesn’t make you one either. That guy is… stupid. Anyone would want to be your dad.”
“Would you?” Taz whispered.
Cal opened his arms and Taz sprang into them. He held him against his broad chest. “I would. I can’t imagine anything I’d want more.” He met Haley’s eyes. “That is if your mom will marry me?”
Haley blinked and licked her lips. Her hands trembled. She nodded, unable to find her voice.
“Is that a yes?” Cal looked uncertain, vulnerable, and much too handsome.
“Yes.” Haley found her voice. She threw her arms around him, not caring that she was taking a leap of faith or who was watching as she kissed him.
“Whoa, Mama,” Taz said.
Haley pulled back and laughed. Taz put an arm around both of their necks. “I love you so much and so much and so much!”
Haley laughed. “I love you too, buddy.” She focused on Cal. “And I love you.”
Cal’s dimples were on fine display as he bent past Taz to kiss her.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Haley’s voice squeaked.
Cal wrapped his arm more tightly around her shoulders. “I’m doing great. You on the other hand are shaking like a belly dancer.”
Haley relaxed into his strength and the memory of him saying that to her the first time they met. Taz pushed the front door open without knocking and dashed into Haley’s childhood home. It was a small brick rambler with the typical living room up front, kitchen and dining area behind and a couple bedrooms on the main floor. Her dad kept it clean but he hadn’t updated it since mom had passed away.
Mom had been Haley’s partner in the home décor store and she’d loved painting, redecorating, and “sprucing up” her own home. Dad probably didn’t have the heart or desire to change anything in the past three years. Haley swallowed. She missed her mom and wished for the thousandth time that she was still here. Mom had softened Dad and loved Haley and Taz completely. She would’ve loved Cal too.
“Papa!” Taz called out. He dodged through the living area and back into the kitchen.
“Hey, hey, hey, my boy is home. C’mere!”
Cal smiled down at Haley. “Should we follow him?”
Haley
shook her head. “No. Give me a minute.”
Cal bent until his lips brushed her ear. “He’s not going to run me off, love. I’m made of tougher stuff than that.”
She turned toward him and couldn’t resist stealing a kiss, thrilling at the touch of his hands and lips.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Her dad always repeated things in threes. “What in the sam-hell is going on in my living room?” His tone of voice was all Haley needed to hear. This was going to be bad.
Cal kept her in the circle of his left arm, stepping toward her dad with his right hand extended. “Cal Johnson. It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
“We’ll see how nice it is.” Trevor Johnson stood to his full six feet, but Cal still had a few inches on him. He took the proffered hand and gave it a quick shake, holding onto Taz with his other arm. “What business do you have with my daughter, young man?”
“Cal’s gonna be my daddy,” Taz piped up. He tugged on Trevor’s sleeve. “He’s my best, Papa, almost as best as you.”
“Oh, he is?” Trevor softened as he looked down at his grandson. He set Taz on the floor. “How about you go find some cookies while I ask your future daddy some questions.”
Haley wasn’t sure if this was going well or not. She should’ve known Taz would spring the news faster than they wanted, but her dad hadn’t tried to bodily throw Cal out yet.
Taz scrambled to the kitchen. Trevor gestured to the worn leather sofas. Cal escorted Haley and sat close to her side. He reached for her hand and she gladly surrendered it.
“When did all this happen?” Trevor asked, looking at Haley.
“We met two weeks ago when I went on vacation to the Isla del Sol.” She glanced up at Cal and reluctantly admitted, “Cal’s island.”
Her dad’s eyebrows dipped together. He was neither intimidated by nor impressed by money, but owning an entire island was a pretty big deal. How would he react when he knew the whole of it?
“Cal took such amazing care of us. I fell in love with him.” She blushed and admitted, “I didn’t think he returned my feelings and I ran away. He came for me.” No reason to tell him about the ghost, the attack by Bryce, or Brad’s threats. He was upset enough right now.
The Independent One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Page 14
