by Autumn Reed
By the end of the fourth inning, I’d finished my popcorn and was ready to take a few pictures. While I adjusted the camera settings, my attention was drawn to the big screen where the message “Kiss Cam” was displayed with a giant red heart framing the image. An unseen camera panned the crowd before settling on a family. The children bounced around, pointing at the screen before their parents gave them each a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Chase grin, but I no longer questioned if that was what he truly wanted—a devoted wife, two point five kids, white picket fence, normalcy. In the past, witnessing such a scene would’ve brought a pang of guilt, a round of questions. I now accepted that he was happy, and so was I. We weren’t missing out on anything; we were simply choosing a different path.
The next couple who flashed on the screen looked so carefree, it took me a moment to realize it was us. The tips of Chase’s ears pinkened, but, otherwise, he took the sudden attention in stride. When he brushed his lips against mine in a relatively chaste kiss, the crowd whistled and cheered, but all I could think about was the feel of his skin on my skin, his lips on my lips. I loved everything about Chase and our life together.
A few days later, I reported to the training center for a meeting with Diana. After the Giants game, Chase dropped me off at Jackson’s on his way back to the loft to study. I’d been spending more time at both Jackson’s bungalow and Liam’s apartment. Even though I had extra clothes and toiletries at each of their places, I still found that I forgot things from time to time. If I was being honest, the weekly trek between the three homes was wearing on me. Not that I’d ever admit it to the guys.
“Haley, it’s good to see you.” Diana embraced me gently, always mindful of my shoulder even now that it had healed. “Please, take a seat.”
I sat across from her and was hit with a memory. Almost four months ago, she’d called me to her office to tell me about Kenneth’s class. She’d since apologized for nominating me, and even though I told her that what had resulted wasn’t her fault, she clearly continued to blame herself. It was evident in her haunted expression and from the great lengths she’d taken to ensure the rest of my training was as smooth and painless as possible. Not only had she arranged for me to complete my remaining coursework at home, she’d lobbied the regional directors (less Kenneth, of course) to waive my outstanding physical courses. Her argument—and no one disagreed—was that I had more than proven my ability in the field.
“How are you?” she asked.
“I’m good. Great, actually.”
DuBois was sitting in jail awaiting trial, and I’d spent the last few nights at Jackson’s, celebrating the fact that I no longer had to wear a sling. I should’ve been more tired from the lack of sleep, but I was floating. The things he did . . . my thighs clenched at the memories.
She smiled. “I’m so glad to hear it. You’ve been through a lot this year, and I’m proud of you. I know Patrick and Team Jaguar are too.” I didn’t miss the way her cheeks flushed when she said Patrick’s name.
“I couldn’t have done it without them.”
“We both know that isn’t true, but I’m glad you’ve had support. Anyway, thanks for coming in today. I wanted to deliver the news in person that you’ve been approved to graduate.”
“That’s great!” I’d been ready to move on for a while, itching to put my knowledge to use. No more simulations or tests; I wanted to make a difference.
“The ceremony will be held on April twenty-fifth at the training center, and you can invite as many people as you like.”
“Is six too many?” I laughed, thinking of Kara and the guys. I assumed Patrick would already be attending in his official capacity.
“Of course not.” Her answering smile was warm, and it made me wonder how much she knew about my relationship with Knox, Theo, Chase, Jackson, and Liam. Not that I cared, at this point. I didn’t feel the need to shout it from the rooftops, but I no longer wanted to hide the truth either.
“Also, I wanted to talk to you about your position with Zenith post-graduation. One of the team leaders recently approached me about potentially offering you a spot. Do you have any interest?”
“Oh.” Although I was curious which leader inquired about me, I refrained from asking. “That’s flattering, but my passion lies in strategy, not in the field.”
She smiled. “In that case, I’d like to formally offer you a position at Zenith as a strategic coordinator. In addition to a generous salary, you will be provided with health insurance, the option to participate in a 401(k) program, and access to a number of other employee benefits.”
My chest swelled with satisfaction and excitement. The months of studying, attending class, and practicing simulations had all paid off. Everything I’d been working for, striving toward, was finally within my reach.
“I happily accept.”
“You’ll have to complete the paperwork and attend employee orientation, but the job is yours. Congratulations!”
“Thank you.” I beamed.
“I’ll get the ball rolling, and then we can finalize your start date.”
“Thank you, Diana. I’ve so enjoyed working with you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“It’s been my pleasure, Haley. And this isn’t goodbye. I’m sure I’ll see you around,” she said with a shy smile. “Well, that’s all I have for today, but I believe Jackson is here to discuss a few additional matters with you.”
My head whipped to the closed door. Why hadn’t he told me he was coming?
I stood when Diana rose from her desk and opened the door to motion for Jackson to come in. She bid me goodbye as she passed him on her way out, and Jackson shut the door behind him.
“Miss Jones.” The corner of his mouth tilted, and he hastened to my side, settling his hands on my waist. “I’ve missed you.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, reveling in my ability to do so once more. “You just saw me, no less than,” I said, lifting my wrist to check my watch, “four hours ago.”
“Too long,” he grumbled, crushing his lips to mine.
I smiled but quickly melted into the kiss. I was breathless when he withdrew, eager for more despite the setting, despite my questions about his unexpected appearance.
“Are you trying to distract me from the real reason you’re here?” I asked while his lips brushed my cheeks and neck.
“Maybe.”
“Since you’re of a mind to stall, do you want to hear some good news?”
“Absolutely.”
“Diana told me that I’m cleared to graduate, and she offered me the strategic coordinator position.”
I was rewarded with a face-splitting smile, a rare sight from Jackson Hart. “Not at all surprising. You’ve worked hard, and I’m so proud of you. We’re definitely going to celebrate.”
“Like we celebrated the removal of my sling?” I arched an eyebrow.
Instead of answering me, he resumed his assault, all teeth and tongue, until I placed my hands on his shoulders in an attempt to establish some distance. After spending all night together—touching, tasting, exploring—we should have been able to control ourselves. Apparently, it had only served to further inflame our appetites.
When he finally withdrew, I assessed him, surprised by the wariness and hesitation written in his eyes. “Your unwillingness to discuss the true reason you’re here is making me nervous. What’s going on?”
He took a seat and guided me to the chair beside him. Holding hands, our knees touching, I waited for him to speak. Every second that passed felt like a lifetime. “Kenneth wants to know if he can meet with you.”
I stared ahead, hyper-focused on Diana’s bookshelf. Did I want to face Kenneth after all he’d done? Ever since I’d learned of his role in my kidnapping, hearing his name invoked a variety of emotions—betrayal, hurt, anger. Most of all, disappointment.
Was it better to pretend he didn’t exist or to attempt to gain closure? I already
knew the answer.
“Okay.”
“You’re sure?” His eyes pierced mine, seeking confirmation. “You don’t have to do this. You don’t owe him anything.”
“I know, but I want to, need to.”
He nodded in understanding, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. “Do you feel up to meeting with him now?”
“Now’s as good a time as any.” I’d rather speak my piece and move on than waste more time thinking about him. Standing, I dragged Jackson up with me when he seemed to hesitate. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”
My stomach churned with anxiety as we neared Patrick’s office at the training center. Even though Jackson promised to remain at my side, I began to doubt my decision. No, I thought, steeling myself for this confrontation. If I could survive the kidnapping, if I had the courage to testify against DuBois’s men in court, I could face Kenneth James.
When Jackson opened the office door, Kenneth turned to face us, and I froze. Despite knowing he would be there, waiting, I still found his presence shocking after all this time. Jackson gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, and I shuffled forward so that I was no longer poised on the threshold.
“Haley.” Kenneth stepped toward me, but I recoiled, my instincts setting off alarm bells.
I took a moment to evaluate him. He no longer seemed like the arrogant, controlling man I once knew. Instead, he was a shell of his former self with hollow eyes and sunken cheeks. Still, he wasn’t someone to be underestimated. I’d misjudged him once, and I wouldn’t do so again.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me,” Kenneth said. “I’m glad to see that your shoulder is healed.”
I remained silent, not sure what to say under the circumstances. Should I thank him for his concern, when he was the one responsible for my injury? Or should I tell him off like he deserved? Nothing seemed right.
“I would’ve reached out to you sooner,” he continued, “but I figured you needed time. I regret what happened, and I wanted to apologize for what I put you through.”
“I admired you, respected you, and you . . . you used me like a pawn.” I balled my hands into fists, anger seeping through me. “Like my life meant nothing.” Kenneth’s face crumpled, and I could tell my words affected him. Not that his remorse made up for what he’d done.
“That wasn’t my intent. As warped as it sounds, I selected you because of your strength and determination. I knew you could protect yourself, and Perrin was supposed to extract you.”
Unbelievable. “You’re a brilliant strategy expert. How did you not anticipate all the things that could go wrong? You drilled it into us to ‘expect the unexpected.’”
“Even the best of us can be blinded by personal motives. It doesn’t excuse my actions, but I hope it helps you understand them.” He exhaled loudly. “So, I guess that’s my final lesson to you—don’t allow your bias, or your past, to cloud your judgment.”
“You’d do well to remember it yourself.”
“Trust me, it’s something I’ll never forget.” He looked so pathetic, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him.
I sighed heavily and told myself to be the bigger person. “Not unlike you, someone I loved was murdered. A life filled with anger and grief is no life at all. You have to find a way to let go. You have to move forward.”
“Have you, moved forward, that is?” Despite his slumped shoulders, I saw hope in his eyes.
“I’d like to think so.” I looked to Jackson and smiled.
My mom’s murder was senseless and unnecessary, but even my dad was attempting to reclaim his life and obtain closure, difficult as it was after all these years.
Kenneth’s show of contrition was enough for us to part on cordial terms. He didn’t ask for my forgiveness, but I offered it anyway. He had plenty of other demons to fight, and I walked away from him with a clear conscience. Kenneth James was no longer a factor in my life.
“What will happen to him now?” I asked once the door had shut. Although Kenneth resigned from Zenith soon after the scandal broke, I had yet to hear if he was being charged for any of his crimes.
“According to Uncle, Kenneth signed the documents terminating his interest in Zenith. And he made a deal with the prosecutor to hand over the documentation he collected against DuBois.”
“So, he’s not going to prison?”
Jackson stopped and turned to face me, brushing my hair over my shoulder. “Does that bother you?”
“Probably not as much as it should.”
He nodded, and we resumed walking, his arm around my shoulder, holding me close. “I’m sure that wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of you.”
“You know, I’m proud of you too. I figured you’d punch him, given the chance.”
“Like you said, it’s time to move on. Besides, you’re more than capable of fighting your own battles. Just remember, I’m always in your corner.”
33
Lucky Girl
Haley
“Are we stopping by Patrick’s?” I asked Jackson as he exited the highway.
“Sort of.”
Twisting to look in the back seat, I frowned at Theo. “You didn’t plan a party, did you? I told you not to.” We’d just left the reception after my Zenith graduation, and I’d assumed we were heading back to the loft to hang out.
“Nope. No party.”
I looked at Knox, and he shrugged. “It depends on your definition of party.” Typical.
“And, by your definition, will there be a party?”
He appeared to consider the question. “Normally, I would say that a social gathering of six people is a party. But, if that was true, we’d be partying a lot these days.”
“So, it’s only the six of us?”
“Yes, cupcake, it is,” Theo replied. “Will you stop scowling at me now?”
“Do I have to?”
He stuck his tongue out at me, and I laughed before turning back to the front. It was amazing how much my life had changed in the last two months. Though my days in captivity would always cast a shadow over my past, I often wondered if it was something I’d needed to go through. Being thrust into DuBois’s clutches and my subsequent involvement in what would hopefully be his demise made the entire ordeal seem almost worth it. And I had to be somewhat grateful that I’d been pushed to the edge, to the realization that love and happiness were more important than society’s judgments or my own insecurities.
It was probably crazy to believe my kidnapping had been a good thing, but it had become impossible for me to think of it as only negative. Thankfully, the trauma counselor I’d been seeing didn’t seem to think I was insane.
“Where’s Patrick?” I asked as we waited for Jackson to enter the code on the keypad to the front door.
“He’s staying at Liam’s penthouse tonight.” Jackson grinned. “And I’m pretty sure he has a date.”
“With Diana?” I asked a little too excitedly. I’d observed them standing a little closer than necessary on several occasions recently and couldn’t help but hope there was something going on between them.
He nodded. “Uncle was vague about his plans, but that’s my best guess.”
“They would make such a cute couple.”
Theo slung an arm around my shoulder once we entered the foyer. “Just because you’re in the perfect relationship doesn’t mean everyone else wants to be.”
“Perfect?” I asked on a laugh. The guys were wonderful, and I was happier than ever, but I doubted anyone would consider my unique situation perfect.
“Yep. Don’t bother denying it. You have the best boyfriends ever.”
Unsurprisingly, Knox shook his head at his brother while Jackson seemed to wait for a response from me.
“I do have the best boyfriends ever.” There was no reason to refute his claim; it was true. More so than I’d even imagined when I began dating them.
“I knew you’d see it my way,” Theo said as he started down the hall carrying my overnight bag,
his own duffel thrown over his shoulder. “Follow me.”
Shrugging at Knox and Jackson, I trailed after Theo and into one of the guest rooms. It was the same one he’d dropped me off in the very first time I’d visited Patrick’s house . . . the first time all six—well, seven of us then—were together.
He plopped my bag on the bed before kissing my forehead and walking back out. “Change into your swimsuit and meet us outside.”
“Isn’t it a little cold for that?” Though the weather was starting to warm up, it was still only in the sixties and overcast.
“The pool is heated,” he called through the now-closed door.
Deciding there was no point in arguing, I sat on the bed and unzipped my bag, curious about what Theo had packed for me. One by one, I removed a long-sleeve top and jeans, one of his vintage tees, silky sleep shorts and the matching tank, a hoodie, and a pair of sneakers. I opened the interior pocket to find my retro navy one-piece, and my mind immediately went back to that moment when I’d shed my cover-up at the pool in front of the guys, revealing this suit. Even though it was modest, I’d been so self-conscious standing there for their perusal. Now, not only had my five boyfriends seen me naked, they’d each explored every inch of my body in painstaking detail. Oh, what a difference a year and half made.
Not bothering to put anything on over my suit, I headed toward the backyard. When I caught sight of Knox talking to Liam from his spot on a barstool, I stopped in my tracks. Just like the first time I saw him in almost that exact spot, Liam was leaning against the kitchen counter, the first few buttons of his white dress shirt undone.
“Okay, I’m experiencing a serious case of déjà vu right now.”
Liam beamed at me. “Then, we’ve succeeded so far.”
“Wait, this was your plan . . . you’re recreating that night?”
Knox nodded, his eyes full of tenderness. “It was a great night.”
That had been a great night, one of my best. My friendships with the guys had been so new then, but I’d begun to understand what family meant to them and found myself hoping to find something like it one day. I never could have imagined what they would ultimately come to mean to me—that I would become part of their family.
