“Yeah. I got your back, sister.”
I was counting on it.
* * *
I woke up the next day excited and anxious. Today was Caleb’s birthday party.
At work, I glanced at the clock again—for the hundredth time. Why does time move so slowly when you’re waiting for something?
I was excited to see him, very anxious about meeting his mom again, his brother, and all of his guests. There would be a lot of affluent people attending.
That shouldn’t intimidate me, but it did.
Grabbing my phone, I pressed the home button and stared at the background picture of Caleb kissing me in the car. And I suddenly felt better.
He would be there. That was the important thing. I remembered our phone call from this morning.
“Today’s my birthday,” Caleb had said excitedly.
I laughed. “Happy birthday, Caleb.”
“It’s not that happy until I see you. Are you sure you don’t want me to pick you up later?”
“I’m sure. Kar’s driving me, and it’s all planned out. I’ll see you at your party.”
“Don’t forget my gift.”
“What makes you think you’re getting a gift?”
“What?”
The shock in his voice made me laugh.
“Are you sexting Lockhart?”
I blinked and realized I had been grinning stupidly at my phone while replaying the memories from this morning.
“You have that creepy smile on your face,” Kara pointed out.
I rolled my eyes at her and glanced at the clock again. We had half an hour left, but Kara was already pulling the cash out of the till.
“Want to balance now? There are only two more cars waiting to be picked up, so we can probably balance everything now.”
“Yes, please.”
“Lockhart must be itchy to see you. He’s texted you every five minutes—”
Kara froze as we heard angry shouts from the back of the shop. We stared at each other in alarm and started to race to the back to see what was going on.
“What the fu—”
Before we even made it to the door, the walls shook. I had a second to witness the horror in Kara’s eyes before I heard the explosion.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Caleb
“You could’ve told me you were hiding your sorry ass up here.”
I looked over my shoulder and spotted Cameron in his black tux, holding two cans of beer. He tossed one to me before joining me on the balcony, propping his elbows on the stone railing, and looking out at the city lights in the distance.
“Needed some air,” I replied, delighted and amused that he had found beer. Mom would never serve beer at parties. Unless the prime minister had requested it. Or Mick Jagger. “Where’d you get the beer?”
Cameron eyed me mockingly as if to say, Oh please.
I nodded, acknowledging his genius before taking a sip. “Seems like I can’t blink without someone making a business proposition to me down there.” I gestured with my own beer at the party below.
Among the sea of soft lights and lavish gardens, women paraded in elegant gowns and glittering jewels, and men in stylish penguin suits. It looked like a dazzling play.
“Guess you’ve got a lot to learn,” Cameron commented, curling his lip as he watched the people. “Better have an excellent poker face, because you’re going to deal with a hell of a lot more than business propositions.”
I shrugged. He was right. I really didn’t mind it. In fact, I liked people, parties, and socializing. Usually.
But Red wasn’t here yet.
Everything felt wrong.
“How the hell would you know?” I asked, just because I was irritated.
He tapped his beer against his temple. “Because I have a brain.”
“Oh? That’s news to me.”
He sniggered.
“You know what they say about a man with a gorgeous face?” I asked nonchalantly.
“He has a little dick?”
I took a sip of my beer and looked at him smugly. “I don’t even need to talk. I just stand around and get what I want.” I paused. “I’m holding a beer, aren’t I?”
He laughed. “Nah. Mostly, I feel sorry for you. Guess she’s not here yet.”
I glanced at my watch for the hundredth time. “She’s not answering her phone.”
I reached for mine in my pocket. No text, no calls.
Where is she?
“You phoned…Kara?” Cameron asked.
“Yeah,” I replied. “Phoned at the shop too, but no one’s answering.”
“It takes them each a week to get ready. And there are two of them.” Cameron shuddered. “Besides, the shop is open on weekends during the summer. They get really busy at this time.”
Raking my hands through my hair, I leaned against the balustrade. “I’m leaving in half an hour to get my girl.”
He was just taking another sip of beer when he stilled, stared at me with his brows raised. “Your mom will kill you.”
I just eyed him silently.
“Fine,” Cameron replied with a self-deprecating sigh. “But I’m driving.”
I grinned at him knowingly. “See? Didn’t even say a word. I’m just standing here.”
He laughed. “Fuck you.”
“Cal?”
We both turned at the voice. Beatrice-Rose was standing at the door in a red gown, eyes soft and pleading as they watched me.
I felt a mix of emotions at the sight of her. Pity, guilt, anger. Somewhere beneath all that was affection for someone I had grown up with—and bewilderment at the thought of a childhood friend being hateful enough to hurt the only girl I loved.
She approached us slowly and warily. Beside me, I noticed Cameron change his stance. He looked relaxed, but I knew it was only a facade. Like me, he was braced for a confrontation.
“Hi, Cameron,” Beatrice-Rose said.
“Beatrice-Rose.”
“How are you?”
“Good.”
Cameron was a man of few words when the mood struck him. He used his intense too-blue eyes to let you know what he was thinking. But I had to admit that it only made the air more tense and awkward.
“How’s your dad?” Beatrice-Rose asked softly.
She didn’t seem to get the hint that Cameron didn’t want to talk to her. Or that I didn’t. I had been avoiding her throughout the party, but she’d found me this time.
“Still in jail, I’m presuming,” Cameron answered coldly.
Beatrice-Rose’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Oh…I…”
Cameron cut her off. He had no patience for empty words, but his voice was less harsh when he asked, “How’s yours?”
“H-he’s not doing very well. I… Can I have a moment to talk to Caleb?”
Cameron just leaned against the balustrade, pointing his beer at me. “That’s up to him.”
I nodded at him. He threw me a pitiful look before he left, shaking his head.
Uncomfortable silence lingered as I waited for Beatrice-Rose to speak. She had her eyes down, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Happy birthday, Cal.”
I nodded, but since she wasn’t looking at me, I decided to finally open my mouth and speak. “Thanks.”
She bit her lip, tucking her hair behind her ear.
She’s sick, Cal.
I shut my eyes tightly, blowing out a breath. She needed help, and I’d be a major douchebag if I didn’t at least try.
“How are you?” I asked.
She glanced at me, her eyes tearing up.
She has a penchant for faking her panic attacks to get what she wants…
I felt like an ass for thinking this when she needed a friend, but I c
ouldn’t help it.
“I’m fine.” She paused, her lip trembling. “Actually…I’m not doing well.”
“I’m sorry,” I said uselessly.
When she started to scratch her arm, I held her hand to stop her. Ben had told me she would keep scratching until she bled.
As soon as I touched her, I regretted it.
She took it as a sign that everything was back to normal between us. Tears started to pour down her face as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.
“Oh, Cal! I feel so alone. I can’t do this alone.”
“Beatrice-Rose…”
“Please,” she sobbed, burying her face in my chest.
I raised my arms awkwardly. I knew the right moves when a girl cried on my shoulder, but I couldn’t seem to wrap my arms around her in comfort. I patted her back instead.
“Are…are you”—she hiccupped—“still mad at me? Cal?” When I didn’t answer, her arms wrapped more tightly around me. “Please don’t be, Cal. Please. I don’t think I can take more heartache. I’m going through a lot with my dad, and if you’re mad at me too, then…”
“I’m sorry for what you’re going through right now. I really am.”
“Oh, Cal! I missed you so much! I knew you wouldn’t stay mad at me for long.”
“Beatrice-Rose—”
“Veronica was just a distraction, yes? Miranda says you’re going to live in Saskatchewan and manage your new hotel there. Once you’re there, Veronica won’t be around to amuse you anymore. I can go there with you—”
“Stop.”
“—and help you with anything you need. Anything, Cal. I’ll give everything—”
“Listen to me.”
My eyes shifted to the door as I heard someone clearing their throat. I spotted Ben first, and then my heart jumped into my throat as I saw Red beside him, staring at us.
Through the guilt and pity I was feeling for Beatrice-Rose, relief and pleasure flooded me as I realized Red was finally here. Then pleasure turned into horror as I realized how this might seem to Red. Beatrice-Rose was still holding on to me, crying. And I had my arms around her.
Fuck.
Reluctantly, I returned my gaze to Beatrice-Rose. “I’m sorry. I appreciate the help, but I’m not relocating to Saskatchewan.” I gently removed her arms from around me. “My fiancée’s here, and I go where she goes.”
“F-fiancée?”
I froze when I saw how pale she was. “Beatrice-Rose? Are you all right?”
She stepped away from me, covering her mouth with her hands as tears continued to stream down her face.
“Beatrice-Rose…”
But she wasn’t listening to me. Her eyes darted toward Red, and what I saw in them chilled me to the bone. But whatever was in her eyes disappeared in a flash, and I wondered if I’d just imagined it.
Beatrice-Rose turned on her heel and rushed through the door toward Red.
For a moment, I had the strongest urge to stop her before she reached Red. But she only went past Red and headed for the stairs.
I sent Ben a grateful look as he nodded at me and went to soothe Beatrice-Rose.
Everything faded as I looked at Red again.
She looked so alluring, so captivating standing there in her red gown. Her dark hair cascaded down her back. Red lips, dark eyes. Just the way I liked it.
Grabbing her hand, I laced our fingers together and pulled her with me.
I walked fast, past the guest rooms and the library to the west wing where my old room was. As soon as I’d closed the door behind me, I held her face in my hands. Leaned my forehead against hers.
“You’re here,” I whispered. “God, I missed you.”
Her smile was warm as she wrapped her arms around my waist. We held on to each other a little longer than usual. A little tighter. “Happy birthday, Caleb.”
“Now it is.”
I kissed her. Slowly, tenderly, savoring her taste. Her lips were soft and tasted like chocolate. Like love. Like everything.
“You look like a dream.”
“I love the all-black suit. And the red tie. Very debonair.” She rested her head on my chest. “We match.”
“Perfect,” I murmured, kissing her hair. “You’re not mad at me?”
She pulled back a little to look at me, one dark eyebrow raised. “Should I be?”
I angled my head to study her face. She didn’t look pissed or even irritated, but her face told me something was wrong. “Was that a trick question?”
“Caleb.” She whispered my name in a way that squeezed my heart. “I trust you.”
“And I love you.” I kissed her again. “Is that my present?”
“Here. They wanted me to leave it downstairs with all the other presents, but I wanted to give it to you in person.” She bit her lip.
“Good. I want to open it now.” I looked inside the huge paper bag and found two boxed presents. “Did you get me two presents?”
“No. The pink box is for your mom.”
How sweet was that?
“She’ll love that. She loves presents.”
I eagerly pulled out my present. I tore off the paper, opened the box, and saw a red beanie inside. I knew instinctively that she made it for me. Something warm wrapped around my heart. “You made this.”
“Yes,” she answered, breathless. I shifted my eyes back to hers and found that she had her bottom lip tucked between her teeth. “Do you like it?”
Did she even have to ask?
“I love it. Thanks, baby. I’m wearing it.”
“No.” She laughed. “You can’t.”
“Of course I can.”
“Caleb,” she warned, snatching the beanie before I could place it on my head.
I narrowed my eyes at her. She must have caught the gleam in them because she started backing away, holding my beanie behind her.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I drawled with a hint of a challenge in my tone as I stalked her.
But she only smiled that secret smile of hers and kept walking backward until she hit the wall. I grinned as I closed the distance between us, placing my hands on her waist. Slowly and deliberately, I ran my hands over the hourglass shape of her torso, her ribs, and the sides of her breasts.
Her breathing became erratic, loud and fast in my ear.
I leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I caught you.”
I grazed my nose over her cheek and down to her jaw while my hands cupped her breasts, molded her through her dress.
“This dress is sex. Tell me, Red. Did you wear it for me?”
I heard her swallow audibly before she nodded.
“You have to wear it again. I have…plans for you and this dress.”
She let out a hot, sexy moan and I turned rock hard.
“I’ve never brought a girl into my old bedroom before,” I said, enjoying the arousal I saw in her eyes, the fast pulse in her neck that told me how much she wanted me.
“T-this.” She cleared her throat. “This was your bedroom?”
“Yeah,” I replied, tracing the shape of her earlobe with my lips. “I had…fantasies of bringing a girl here before.” Sucked. Licked. Sucked. “Want to hear them? Or better yet, why don’t I show you?”
“Caleb, please…”
“Please what?”
“Kiss me.”
“Where?”
“Caleb.”
The longing in her voice as she moaned my name made me feel so fucking good.
“Where should I start?” I teased, sweeping my fingertips down her bare arm. “There are so many places to choose from,” I continued, skimming at the tops of her breasts now. “It’s so hard to decide. Need a little help.”
I bit my bottom lip to keep from smiling as I heard her make a fr
ustrated sound.
She was staring at my lips, licking hers. At that point, I knew it was either kiss her or die.
Need punched into my stomach as I pushed my fingers into her hair and leaned down to claim her lips. It was powerful, this yearning I had for her. And I surrendered willingly.
I slipped my tongue inside her mouth, exulting at the feel of her, at the taste of her.
“I need you. Now,” I growled.
Before she could answer, there was a knock on the door.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Caleb
I snarled. “Who is it?”
“Yo mama.”
Red’s eyes widened in horror as she started wiping her lipstick from my mouth. Although from the look of her still-red lips, the lipstick hadn’t faded from hers.
I needed to calm the hell down.
Deep, calming breaths. I stepped away from her. Away from her luscious body and the tempting-as-sin scent of her skin.
I had to think of something else. Didn’t want big brother to see I had a raging hard-on when I opened that door. Think!
There are billions of people starving on earth.
People barfing.
Smell of the locker room just after a game.
Gross!
I was feeling better—not entirely calm, but it was a start.
I blew out a breath. “It’s all right. It’s just Ben,” I reassured her. “You still have your lipstick on, by the way. How is that even possible?”
“Kar used this magic, chocolate-flavored Harry Potter lipstick she got. Caleb, hold still!” she hissed, rubbing my bottom lip hard enough to hurt.
“Ow. Red.”
“All right. There. It’s gone. How’s my hair?”
“Gorgeous.”
She glared at me. “Caleb. Be serious.”
“I am serious.” I grinned, grabbing her hips and pulling her toward me.
The knock sounded again. Red’s eyes were filled with panic. I kissed her on the mouth before yanking the door open.
Ben stood at the door, his hand raised to knock again. His eyes shifted from my face to Red’s. Then he smiled charmingly. I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Don’t stare at her,” I barked.
He ignored me.
“I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier. You must be Veronica. I’m Ben, Caleb’s older brother.”
Always Red Page 20
