My body is desperate for sleep, but my mind still worries over the details of all this business shit going down. Timing is everything, my father always says, and right now, the timing sucks.
And there's the little matter of AJ's sudden disappearance. Drama queen as usual...
I don't think much about it—until my phone dings with an incoming text in the early morning hours.
Groggy, I roll over and reach for my phone, assuming it's Mila. I swipe to reveal a photo, not even bothering to look at the sender.
Blinking, I try to figure out why would she send me a picture of a bridal shop? Zooming in, the word Enchanted is scripted on black awning.
My brain struggles to wake up and makes sense of what I’m seeing,
Swiping back to see the sender...
My blood runs cold. It's AJ.
I immediately dial Jett, and he answers on the fourth ring. "Yeah," he croaks out.
"I found AJ," I tell him as I forward the message.
"Where?"
"St. Helena. Check your messages."
"Done. Wait, I'm confused, why is AJ buying a wedding dress?"
"The shop. Enchanted. It's Mila's dress shop."
"Oh shit."
"Yeah. I hate to ask, bro, but—"
"I'm on my way. Driving or flying?"
"Let's just drive. It's only a couple hours and I need time to come up with a plan.”
"I'll be there within the hour."
"Thanks, man. Better pack a bag, I’m not sure how long this could take."
"You’ve got it." The line goes dead, and I throw my phone to the bed as I pace the floor, contemplating calling Mila, but decide to wait, not wanting to upset her with all this.
It's a lot to throw on her. Our relationship is too new. I want to explain it to her in my own time. I just hope she doesn't find out before I have the chance. With a shake of the head, I get the ball rolling, shooting AJ a reply. I normally wouldn't tip my hand, but hopefully knowing I'm coming will prevent anymore contact with Mila or the shop. I just can't figure out how AJ would have even known about her.
Me: Where you wanna do this?
AJ: Took you long enough...
Me: This ends TODAY.
AJ: Sending Google Maps link with directions. 3:00. Don't be late.
Chiming notifies me I've received the map and I grab my bag before heading out to wait for Jett.
********
We get into town a little early, so we drive around, looking out for AJ's car in town, then park across the street from the shop. This way we can keep an eye out, and secretly, I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of my girl. It pains me to be so close to Mila without being able to let her know I'm here, but I need to make sure AJ leaves town before I go to her.
It's not like she could see us in the tinted, black tank Jett calls an SUV.
"It's time." I break the silence, and Jett nods in understanding. It's been an intense day, and something tells me it's going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
We arrive at the restaurant AJ sent the location for, and I check my watch, noting we're a few minutes early. Parking out back, we go in through the rear door. Jett takes a seat at the bar area while I grab a small table up by the windows, leaving my aviators on in a half-assed attempt to disguise myself. I'm anxious to see Mila, but I don't want to chance running into her, or God forbid, Bea. That would be a shit storm.
Thinking about Mila, I send her a quick text to let her know I’ll be in town early. If she can’t get away today, I’ll hang around St. Helena, and make sure AJ doesn’t try to pull anymore stunts.
Me: I have a surprise for you!
Mila: Okay, what?
Me: Guess!
Mila: Hmmm... you purchased stock in Hershey?
Me: Is that all you think about?
I love teasing her.
Mila: Jealous much? ;)
Me: Never! But, no. You'll see soon enough!
Just texting her sets me at ease. I exhale a breath I didn't realize I had been holding, and spot AJ the minute she walks in, back stick straight, head held high, cold gray eyes scanning the room. Steel eyes that widen just slightly as they land on me—her only show of emotion. Slipping my glasses off, I set them on the table. That practiced smile she's wearing, I know it all too well.
Reaching the table, she sits across from me. "Hello, lover," she says, her breathless voice grating on my nerves. Scooting closer, she grabs for my hand.
"AJ!" I snap, jerking my hand from her grasp. "I'm not your lover. Not anymore. Game’s over,” I grind out, my jaw aching from clenching my mouth so tightly.
Twirling her hair around her finger, she pouts like the entitled little witch she is and scans the room, as if looking for someone. I follow her gaze, not seeing what she’s looking for, and lock eyes with Jett, who throws me nod.
“I see you brought your bodyguard.” She never did like Jett.
“Still pissy about him turning you down?” I counter. “Does that make him the only one of my friends you didn’t fuck?” She doesn’t even have the decency to look remorseful or ashamed.
“Enough strolling down memory lane.” Grabbing the papers out of my bag, I slide them across to her. “Just a little insurance policy. Keep it. I have several copies. Along with the sworn testimony."
"I have one of my own." She picks up her phone.
"I would say ladies first, but we both know you're not a lady." She rolls her eyes at my insult and picks up the papers. Her eyes widen in shock at seeing her dirty little secret in black and white. I’ve got her.
"How did you…? How could you…? I…" she stutters and stammers before shooting daggers at me.
"I knew you were lying. It took lots of digging to prove, but after everything you put me through, put our families through—the lies, cheating, drinking, partying—it was always going to come to this. You nearly destroyed two family empires with your selfish and impulsive behavior." My throat strains as I fight to control my temper.
I can see her anger bubbling just below the surface, her eyes narrowing at me. "That's rich coming from you, Mr. Carter ‘The Playboy’ Brooks."
"I was always faithful to you after we agreed. Always. It was you who couldn't give up dating." Her mouth hangs open at my confession.
"It doesn't matter now. It's done. I've met someone. And if you don't sign these damn papers and go away so I can finally start living my life, one I've chosen, your dad gets a copy of the hospital report." She goes white as a sheet. Daddy's little girl doesn't want him to know all her secrets.
"So, you’ve met the one? Mila, such a lovely girl." She smirks, mask back in place, recovering quickly. “If you're into the whole chubby librarian thing."
"Don't be a bitch. I happen to love her body." If she were a dude, this conversation would be continuing outside, but I'm not even going to give her the satisfaction of knowing it pissed me off.
"Just answer one question." I cross my arms. “How did you even find out about her?"
"Oooh, someone's worried," she laughs. Seeing I'm not amused, she continues. "It's not as devious as you think. Kimber from my Pilates class was a guest at the wedding—a wedding I was supposed to attend. She saw you guys all over each other and sent me some pictures. She was confused about why you would be there dancing with another woman. She asked around, and it wasn't too hard to figure out what Mila was doing there—or who. I can be pretty resourceful myself."
"That was your insurance? Photos of us dancing?” She shrugs and puts her phone away.
“I'm gonna need you to forward me those photos. Now, there's also the matter of your family's business. We seem to have some very interested buyers. Stay away from me and my family, or I'll be forced to take yours down," I threaten.
"That won't be necessary. If I sign, you swear my father never sees that report?" I nod, and she scribbles her name on the document before shoving it back as she looks around. "There. You got what you wanted."
"Not yet, but soon enough," I
tell her.
Chapter 15
Camilla
The lock clicks into place as I pull the shop door closed. Making my way down Main Street to Sweet & Savory for my meeting, I draw in a deep breath, attempting to calm my nerves. The portfolio nestled under my arm gives my confidence a boost. It’s some of my best work. I can do this. It took me a while to adjust, but I’m finally starting to feel like I belong. The shop family and friends I’ve made have given me something I never planned to find here: acceptance. Then, there’s Carter.
The café bell chimes, as if announcing my arrival. I stand a little taller, scanning the crowd for her platinum hair. This particular bridezilla rattles my nerves, but adding another high-profile client is just what Enchanted needs, and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to help Mona—even if it means dealing with Amber, the ice queen. I walk around to the section near the side windows. Thinking I spot her, I move closer. It’s hard to tell for sure with the way her head is obscured by the head of the man she's kissing, but that ostentatious rock on her finger is hard to miss.
Odd, she didn't mention her fiancé would be joining us. It's usually bad luck for the groom to see the dress, even if it is just a sketch. Oh well, her call. I walk toward the PDA, trying to give her time to end the kiss, but she grips his head like she's never letting go. I hate to be rude and intrude on what seems like an intimate moment, but I really want to get this over with so I can change for my date with...
"Carter," I gasp, getting a glimpse of the mystery groom’s face as she breaks the kiss. His head whips around and the pieces start to fall into place. No. No. NO! It can't be. Cool eyes meet mine, widening in shock. The beating of my heart is deafening, and with each beat, it cracks a little more.
"Mila?" he questions, looking as confused as I feel. My breathing picks up and I think I might hyperventilate. He glances at her, then his gaze shifts to the table. I need to get out of here and avoid a scene, but I'm still trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
"Oh, I see you've already met the groom," Amber throws at me as she lays her hand on his back, practically petting him. "Carter, love, this is what I was trying to tell you. Can you believe, in this cozy little town, I've found someone to commission a design for my wedding gown? She did the Hampton wedding! I know we agreed to wait, but I'm thinking an August wedding. She pats her belly and winks in my direction. That won't be a problem, right?”
"Enough," he whispers harshly, pulling away from her talons. She continues to chatter, looking at him all doe-eyed, oblivious to the awkwardness smothering the air around us. Carter is as still as a statue, staring at his fisted hands on the table, avoiding eye contact with me—or just looking at me, really. His jaw ticks, the only sign he’s affected. Well, this is uncomfortable. Oh, but that jaw…my mind drifts to the memory of the feel of his stubble on my...
I have to go. This cannot be happening. I put my hand out to steady myself and the sketches fall to the floor, catching Amber's attention. "Mila, are you okay?"
Carter jumps up, finally meeting my stare. "Mila." He reaches out to steady me, and the touch burns when his hand meets my arm.
I snatch my arm away and step back, stuttering out, "I'm sorry, I…uh..."
Dropping down, I quickly gather my papers as tears sting the corners of my eyes.
Standing, his grip finds my arm again and tightens. "Mila, please," he pleads, but I can't place his expression. I'm also so overwhelmed by my own humiliation, I can't focus on what he's thinking. I don’t want to focus on his emotion. I need to get away.
"No. I can't," I grit out, jerking harder this time. He releases my arm, and I twist away, running right into a waiter carrying a tray of drinks—which clatter to the floor, right along with my dignity. The shock of the cold drinks splattering all over me pulls me from the fog.
Looking up, my eyes skirt around the café, meeting the gaze of everyone in here, including him. A satisfied grin spreads across Amber’s face, and I force back the tears threatening to overwhelm me. I will not cry. I will not. With an apology, the server scrambles to do damage control as I rush out the door, hearing him call, "Mila, wait!"
But it's too late. I'm halfway down the block, each step taking me farther from the man I fell for. Too bad he wasn't mine to have. I was only borrowing him.
Fumbling with my keys, I try to open the door, but the tears start, blurring my vision. Suddenly, the door opens, and I find myself falling forward and being pulled into an embrace. “Mila, it’s okay. I’ve got you,” Bea soothes in my ear.
I pull back. “Wait, how did you know?”
“Lexi called. She didn’t see everything, but by the time she got out there, you were gone.” The sound of her clicking the lock into place makes me jump. “Come on, let’s go back to the office and get you cleaned up.” I look down at my sheer blouse and gasp at the brown stains
dripping from the cream fabric. In my shock, I had forgotten about my tango with a tray full of drinks. And the tears of mortification start again. I’m such a…
“Oh, Bea, it was awful. I’m such a fool!” I cry out in shame.
“Shhh. If anyone is the fool, it’s him. Come on.” She takes my arm and tugs.
I kick off my heels as I follow her into the office. “Stay here. Catch your breath. I’ll be right back,” she instructs before heading up to her studio. Doing as I’m told for once, I shut the main office door and lean against the worn wood. Another sob escapes and I slide down until I find myself sitting on the floor.
She returns with a clean robe. “Here. Let’s get you changed.” Stretching a hand out, she helps pull me to my feet and I turn to go to the bathroom. Pounding on the door stops me in my tracks as my back stiffens and goosebumps rise on my arms.
Chapter 16
Carter
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I yell, not caring that everyone is still watching.
My instinct is to go after Mila, but I need to know what she said to her so I can do damage control.
“What have you done?”
“I went to see a dressmaker about making a dress for our wedding. You know, the one that was supposed to happen this fall?” she spits out, her voice laced with venom.
“That was before you screwed half of my friends and your trainer. The engagement has been off for months, why can’t you let it go?”
She rolls her eyes and acts bored, which pisses me off.
“Get up!” I order, standing.
She crosses her arms in defiance.
Leaning in, I whisper, “Get up now, or so help me, I’ll not only go to your dad, but I’ll contact every major news outlet within three time zones and tell them how up-and-coming actress Amber Joanne not only slept her way to the top, but seduced, got pregnant, and blackmailed a famous director. Then, when he denied it, she tried to pin it on someone else. But there was never a baby, was there?” Her face falls at my accusation, and for the first time, I see fear in her eyes.
Standing, she attempts to brush past me, but I grab her arm to escort her out. Turning to look over my shoulder, I signal to Jett that we are leaving.
“You didn’t think I would figure it out? It was all lies fabricated to find someone to play house with. Since our fathers thought it was time we both settled down, a merger was made. Then you faked an accident, lost the baby, and blamed me! Do you have any idea what that did to me?” Anger courses through my veins.
She refuses to look me in the eyes. “I was stupid to go along with it out of loyalty to my family, our fathers. Something you know nothing about.”
“Why did you go along with it?” Her question causes me to stop. Dropping her arm, I run my hands over my face, as if trying to wipe away the memories. I turn, walking to her car, and she follows.
“We had dated on and off—”
“Screwed,” she reminds me. “Carter ‘The Playboy’ Brooks dated no one, remember?”
Though ashamed to admit it, I can’t deny what she’s saying as anything but the truth. “S
crewed, whatever. You’re right. I cared for no one and nothing but myself and having a good time. Before you found yourself in trouble, I was already in some hot water of my own with my father. He was tired of the image I was creating. Ruining the Brooks’ name, he said. The board was getting restless, threatening to pull some funding if he didn’t rein me in. He gave me an ultimatum, I took it. So, the decision to help you wasn’t a completely selfless one.”
She remains quiet for a change, so I continue. “I worked hard the last year to prove myself to my father. Marrying you is what he advised, and I fell in line. I knew we could be compatible. You understood what the lifestyle was like, so it seemed like it could work. Then, just when I was getting my shit together, you started losing yours. It wasn’t fair. I was giving up my life to pay a debt that wasn’t even mine to pay. By the time I realized it would never work, our mothers were planning a wedding. Then, you staged the accident. Then, my guilt was pushing me to go through with it. Until, a couple weeks later, when I caught you in bed with someone else.”
“Guess that about sums it up then,” she whispers. “Did you ever love me?”
Tightness pulls in my chest as I shake my head. “No. I was attracted to you, cared for you, but I never really knew what love was. I do know what I feel for Mila is different than anything I’ve felt before.”
She nods, her eyes filling with tears. “I kind of figured as much. That’s why…” I shoot her a look that says I’m not following. “That’s why I sought her out. I couldn’t let it go. When Kimber sent me those pictures, I saw the way you looked at her. You never looked at me that way. And I just wanted to know what was so special about her—why she got to have what should have been mine. Once I figured out who she was, the rest just sort of happened. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
My face goes blank, and I find myself at a loss for words.
“I won’t mess with her anymore.”
“If you keep your word, your secret stays safe with me,” I offer as she gets in her car, feeling relieved to be free for the first time in a long time.
St. Helena Vineyard Series: Something Borrowed (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 6
