“We need to talk,” she told him.
He let out a laugh, almost in a mocking tone. “Do we?” Spinning around, he crossed his arms over his chest. “And what do we need to talk about, Cori?”
“Us.” She lifted her chin. She would not back down because of his anger, although this was not the best circumstance in which to be telling him tragic news. “I know you’re upset with how we left things, but…”
“Oh, I’m over that,” he told her. “I’m actually well past the point of being pissed too. You see, some very interesting information was delivered to me yesterday.”
Corinne tucked her hair behind her ears to keep the wind from whipping it in front of her face. “What’s that?”
“It’s about your father and my parents.”
Her ears started buzzing, the sickening pit in her stomach deepened. He knew the truth about her father, and he knew she’d been aware of it. How in the world had he discovered it before she could tell him?
“Dylan—”
“Unless you have proof that you had no clue your father murdered my parents, then I don’t want to hear your lies and I sure as hell don’t think we need to discuss ‘us’ because there is no us anymore, Cori.”
Tears filled her eyes, ran down her cheeks. “You don’t mean that,” she whispered.
He stepped closer until he stood within inches. His eyes never wavered from hers as he gritted his teeth and said, “I mean every word. You lied to me and that’s something I can never forgive.”
The low tone, the dead stare—all made Corinne shiver. She nodded and backed up. She wouldn’t beg, wouldn’t throw herself at his feet, even though that’s what she wanted to do. Her pride was still intact and she intended to keep it that way.
And her decision to stay or go suddenly flip-flopped.
“I was just coming to tell you I’ll be moving back to Miami in the next day or so.”
Dylan said nothing, just continued to stare, and Corinne knew any hope of seeing if their relationship could work had died. When she’d walked down here she’d truly had no idea what she was going to say about Miami. But after being gone, she’d thought about it long and hard and had missed Dylan so much in only a few days. How would she have gotten along without him for months if she was away working?
So, yeah, she’d decided to stay…until his hurt and anger slapped her in the face and woke her up from this dreamworld she’d been living in.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, Dylan.”
He ran a hand over his messy hair, then down his face as if to clear his thoughts. “Just answer me one thing.”
“What?”
He took a step closer. “Would you ever have told me?”
Corinne knew she had nothing else to lose and the truth was really the only way now. “I’d decided to, but I can’t say for sure if I would’ve gone through with it.”
He stared at her for another moment, the muscle in his jaw ticced before he turned back around and stared back out at the ocean.
And that was her cue that he wanted to be alone. They were done. Period.
Broken and hurt beyond measure, Corinne walked back up the beach, each step taking her even farther away from the dream she’d had. The dream she’d murdered when she’d chosen to keep the truth from Dylan.
Chapter Eighteen
Dylan would love nothing more than to get drunk off his ass and let liquor take all this pain away. But he didn’t like that loss of control and he sure as hell wouldn’t let Cori run—or ruin—his life anymore.
For years she’d been there in his mind. She’d consumed so much of him. When she’d returned he’d taken it as some sign—because he was that pathetic and wanted so desperately to have her in his life again.
But she’d lied. She’d purposely been deceitful, keeping the one thing from him that she knew he would want to know. There had been no closure on the death of his parents because the drunk driver had never been caught. For so long that unknown had eaten at Dylan, but eventually he knew he needed to let it go because holding on to that tragic moment was not healthy.
And all this time Cori had carried that damning truth around. Years—she’d known for so many damn years. At any point in time she could’ve come clean, but she’d been too busy building her high society life and shoving her past behind her—she hadn’t once thought of him, Evie or anyone but herself.
Oh God. Dylan dropped his head between his shoulders. Evie didn’t know. She was on her honeymoon and there was no way in hell he’d call her. But when she returned, he’d have to inform her of the truth. She was a strong woman, but he worried this might break her after all she’d already been through.
Which meant he needed to get his shit straight and be strong for her. And he knew Vin needed to be present. Evie needed all the support she could handle with this.
Dylan turned from the soft ocean waves and headed back to his house. He didn’t even spare a glance over at Cori’s because she was dead to him. In his heart, where she’d resided for so long, there was now a black hole and he, honest to God, didn’t think it would ever be filled again.
Evie had been home for two days before Dylan called and asked her to come to his house. There was no way he could hold off any longer. She deserved to know the truth.
By the time she let herself into his front door, Dylan had rehearsed the speech in his head a dozen different ways and, to be honest, he wasn’t happy with any of them.
“Thanks for coming straight over,” he told her as she closed the door behind herself. “Where’s Vin? I though he was coming too.”
Evie set her purse down on the small table inside the foyer. “He had an emergency with work and said he’d come over later. He’s on the phone, but if you need to see him too we can wait.”
Dylan shook his head. “Um…no. This can’t wait.”
“You’re upset.” She crossed the room to meet him, her eyes searching his. “Everything okay?”
“Not really and you will probably want to sit down.”
Evie placed a delicate hand on his arm. “Dylan, you’re scaring me. Are you sick? Did someone die?”
Because he didn’t want to scare her any more than necessary, he blurted out the truth.
“I know the truth about the drunk driver who hit Mom and Dad.”
Evie’s eyes widened, her mouth dropped. “But how? After all this time?”
Dylan took her hand and led her to the sofa. He sat right beside her, never letting go of her because even if she didn’t need the support, he sure as hell did. This would be the hardest thing he’d ever done. Rehashing that night was like living it all over again with fresh evidence that just turned that knife in his heart even further.
“I need to start from the beginning,” he told her, trying to get his bearings and remain calm. “Carl and Inez aren’t Cori’s parents. They are her aunt and uncle who were given guardianship of her when she was only two, after the death of her mother.”
“You’re kidding?” Evie searched the room as if she was processing the information, then landed her gaze back on him. “Was her father not in the picture?”
“Her biological father had been abusive and killed her mother, who was Inez’s sister.”
Evie gasped. “Dear Lord, Dylan. Poor Cori.”
Yeah, he wanted to feel sorry for Cori, but the end of this story sort of hardened his heart. Was he a total jerk for having selfish feelings? Since this was all new to him and Cori had had years to let all this digest, he didn’t think so.
“When Cori was seventeen, her biological father got out of prison and came looking for her. Seems he was drunk when he stopped by and Inez and Carl wouldn’t let him in. He was angry, made some threats, but ultimately left.”
Dylan squeezed Evie’s hand and sighed. “It was Cori’s father who hit Mom and Dad in that accident.”
For a moment Evie was silent, but soon tears filled her eyes. “How did you find out?” she whispered.
“That’s another story, but basical
ly Cori confirmed it and she’s known since that night.” And that was what nearly killed him. “She left town because Carl and Inez were worried about her safety and she went to live in New York with Carl’s family. When she found out her real father had been in a hit-and-run she was afraid to say anything, and he’d long since disappeared. She did say he showed up on location a couple times trying to get money from her, but she had bodyguards who didn’t let him get too close.”
Dylan eased back, still holding tightly on to her hand, but he wanted to let everything process.
“I can’t believe Cori has been living this nightmare for so long,” Evie said. “Is she okay? I mean, when you guys talked about this, how was she?”
Dylan stared at his sister. Was she for real? How was Cori? The woman had known for years, she’d had plenty of time to process it.
“You’re worried about how Cori feels?” he asked.
“Of course I am. Aren’t you?”
Dylan shrugged and Evie jerked her hand away.
“Don’t you dare tell me you were an ass to her,” Evie said through gritted teeth. “Don’t even tell me that you blamed her for this tragedy.”
“I wasn’t an ass, but I won’t tolerate lying. I sure as hell can’t believe she kept this secret all this time when she could’ve come clean at any point.”
Evie came to her feet. “Do you hear yourself? A young girl’s world was turned upside down one night and she fled to stay safe. The people she always knew as her parents weren’t and she finds out her real mother was murdered at the hands of her father. I’m sure she was traumatized and the last thing on her mind was telling you the truth. When did you expect her to tell you, Dylan? When she got settled into a new place where she was probably still scared to death? Or a year later when she’d not had contact with you at all and would just be dropping a bombshell out of the blue?”
Dylan knew his sister was a soft-hearted woman, but there was no way he could be ashamed of his emotions.
“There wasn’t a perfect time,” he told her. “But she should’ve found the time.”
“I agree,” Evie said, crossing her arms over her chest. “But she didn’t. She was building a new life and trying to leave the nightmare behind her. Did you even once stop to think about how she felt at seventeen knowing her whole life had been a lie? Knowing she had to leave behind so many people she loved?”
Dylan rested his elbows on his knees and cradled his head in his hands. No, he hadn’t. He hadn’t once thought of how that whole ordeal had affected Cori’s life. How she must’ve felt alone and scared then…and now. And how he’d been so cold, so heartless, ignoring her needs.
“Dylan.”
He glanced up at his sister who stood above him.
“Where’s Cori now?” she asked softly.
“I guess back in Miami.”
“Are you saying she left because of you or she left because that’s what she wanted?”
He laughed, more at himself than anything. “I honestly have no idea. I wouldn’t listen to her. I assume she left because that’s been her goal from day one of stepping foot back home.”
“What are you going to do about this? I know you love her, don’t act like you don’t. And don’t let this get in your way. If you lose her again, you’ve let her father win at taking everything you love away. Yes, I’m hurt that she knew and kept it a secret, but if I put myself in her position, I’m not sure I could’ve handled it much better. Could you?”
Dylan raked his hands through his hair and stood. Evie wrapped her arms around him and he welcomed the warm embrace.
“I was such a jerk,” he murmured, returning her hug. “What can I do?”
“You’ll need to do a lot of groveling, buddy. There’s no other way around it.”
Yeah, he figured as much. But first he had to have a game plan. He needed to be secure in what he was about to propose to Cori and he wanted a foolproof plan because there was no way he could lose her for a third time.
Chapter Nineteen
Two weeks later Dylan stood inside the freshly renovated building he’d purchased. For the past fourteen days he’d done nothing but work his ass off in preparation for this moment. In that time he’d worked, plotted, rehearsed speeches, and even broken down and cried.
But right now, as he waited for Cori to arrive, he was as nervous as a virgin on her wedding night.
Since she’d been gone, he’d been checking on her parents who were getting along wonderfully at home. He’d even told them of his plan because he needed someone in his corner.
After texts and emails, no calls, Dylan finally got Cori to agree to come home for a few days. He knew she’d told her parents she’d planned on coming soon to check on them anyway, hence the time constraint in finishing this little project.
But as he glanced around at the simple lights suspended from the ceiling with pale blue globes and the soft yellow walls, he smiled. This looked just like what Cori would choose. Simple, small-town feel, yet homey. And he wanted her to choose the rest of the décor…provided she took his offer.
And that was a big if.
Her car pulled up out front and Dylan couldn’t help but stare out the wide window facing the street. If this didn’t get her back, nothing would, and he would have to accept the fact she was moving on.
Cori stepped into the building and Dylan’s heart raced even faster. She was even more radiant than when he’d seen her last. She’d pulled her silky hair back into a sleek ponytail and she had on basic denim capris with a plain pink T-shirt.
How could this woman go from supermodel to hometown girl with so little effort? God, she so belonged here, with him, and he prayed to God she saw that.
Dylan met her questioning gaze from the other side of the empty building and crossed the freshly laid hardwood floor to meet her.
“Come on in,” he told her. “I can’t offer a seat, but it was important we meet here.”
She hoisted her bag higher on her shoulder. “Is that so you could be angry and no one would have to hear?”
The hurt in her voice, even though she sounded joking, sliced through him. She was trying to mask the pain, but he wanted it front and center. He wanted her to put it out there so he had to own up to the ass he’d been to her. He wanted for her to put it out there so he could take it away and be the man she needed him to be.
“I promise, no anger,” he told her. “At least on my end.”
She stepped farther into the building, looking at the lighting, walking toward the back where a kitchen with industrial equipment had been installed in the hopes she’d take him up on his offer.
And some of that stuff had been hell on his finances, but so worth it if she agreed to his plan.
Cori spun back around to face him. “Okay, why am I here?”
He couldn’t fault her for sounding skeptical and harsh. Anything she threw at him, he’d have to take.
“When I bought this building a while back,” he started, shoving his hands in his pockets, “I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what I wanted to do with it.”
Cori walked through to the front window and rested a hip on the wide sill. “I know—you had said that. What does all of this have to do with me?”
Dylan shrugged. “I’m thinking about opening a bakery.”
Cori tilted her head. “I thought you did construction, not cookies. And again, what does this have to do with me?”
Looking at her, talking to her, made him physically hurt. He wanted to reach out to her, touch her, love her. But he had to pave the way first.
“I do good to make a bowl of cereal,” he told her. “I’m just going to own the building. I have someone else in mind to run the bakery.”
Cori eased her purse off her shoulder and let it drop to the floor as she came to a standstill. “I assume you called me here because you want that person to be me.”
Dylan nodded. “After I bought the building, we started growing closer and you kept baking. I know you’ve said it’s a
form of relaxation.”
“It is,” she agreed.
“I know you have your life in Miami, but you have a life here too. You could have a job easily and I would help you get this started. I ordered the best equipment I could get, but I wanted to leave the rest of the décor and other things up to you.”
He knew he was rambling, begging, but whatever. He’d never argued a more important case. This was his life standing before him, and there was no way in hell he was going to let her walk out that door without a fight.
“You’re awfully sure of yourself, Dylan. I’ve just started booking shoots and, hopefully, I’m getting a big contract this week. I can’t come back here.”
“Why?” he asked, taking his hands from his pockets and resting them on his hips. “Why can’t you come back? Because you don’t like it here? Because you don’t fit in, or because you think you have a better life in Florida? I want a valid reason.”
Cori tilted her chin, stiffened her shoulders. “To be honest, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t volley back and forth between what I want and what I need to do.”
Her raw honesty gave Dylan a spurt of hope he hadn’t had seconds ago.
“And what do you want?” he asked softly, inching closer because he could hardly stand back any longer. “If all that factored in was your happiness, not your job, not your housing or financial situation, what makes Cori happy?”
She opened her mouth, but quickly closed it. She shifted her gaze to the floor and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter,” she whispered. “I’ve chosen my life and it’s done.”
Anger spurred him forward, made him grip her by the shoulders and shake her until she looked at him.
“Damn it, it’s not done, Cori,” he yelled, looking her in the eyes. “You may have a life in Miami, but you have a life here too. You have friends who love you, parents who love you. And me. I love you.”
Her eyes widened. “You don’t love me, Dylan. After what I did, you don’t. I saw your face when you knew that I’d kept that secret. I heard the words you said. You voiced honest, real emotions, and I destroyed anything we ever had. Believe me, I know you don’t love me.”
Secrets from Her Past: Scandalous, Book 2 Page 15
