The Truth About Secrets

by L. P. Dover

  Chuckling, I turned off the stove and placed the pan in the sink. “How can you not be? She’s the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “You’ll be that way too when you have kids,” Haven teased. “They’ll steal your heart.”

  It’d been a long time since I thought about having a family. “Be safe flying home, Ven. Tell Drew the next time I’m out your way, we need a rematch in the ring. This time I’m going to kick his ass.”

  Haven laughed. “That’ll be fun to watch. Can’t wait.”

  We said our good-byes, and I was just about to wake Clara up when she appeared in the doorway, wearing my button down from last night and showing off her bare legs. Her dark hair was mussed up, but it looked sexy as hell. My dick hardened at the sight of her.

  “Good morning,” I said to her.

  Her eyes widened when she noticed the pancakes on the table. “Did you make those?”

  I nodded. “Yep. You still like them, right? Not unless that’s changed?”

  Grabbing her stomach, she smiled. “I still love them. I’m also starving.” I pulled out her seat, and she sat down. “Who were you on the phone with?” She took her fork and stuck it in a couple of the pancakes and brought them over to her plate.

  I sat down across from her and did the same. “It was my cousin, Haven, from New Orleans. She and her husband wanted to get together for breakfast before they left.”

  Clara picked up the syrup and paused. “You don’t have to stay here with me if you want to go.”

  I shook my head. “I want to be here with you.”

  Her smile was one of the cutest things about her. She always had a way of making others smile. “I appreciate that,” she said sweetly. She ate a bite of her pancake and moaned. “Oh my God, this is heaven. I can’t believe how hungry I am.”

  Chuckling, I ate a bite of mine. “Probably because we burned a shit ton of calories last night.”

  “It was kind of fun,” she added, pouring more syrup on her plate. “So … what was that all about on the phone about you kicking someone’s ass?”

  “That was for Haven’s husband, Drew. We became good friends when I moved to New Orleans.” I took the syrup and added more to my pancakes. “I don’t think you know this, but Drew trained me to be an MMA fighter. Signing up for fights helped pay my way through college. When I visit him, we always get in the ring. Last time he knocked me on my ass, but the next time, I’ll beat him.”

  Clara sheepishly glanced over at me. “Yeah, I kind of already knew about the fighting, but I didn’t know your cousin’s husband was the one who trained you.”

  “You knew, huh? Stalker much?” I teased.

  She glared at me and grabbed one of the strawberries out of the bowl, looking as if she was going to chuck it at me. “Whatever, Zac.” Rolling her eyes, she smiled and tossed the strawberry into her mouth. “I could say the same for you.”

  It was true, I had looked into her every now and again. It was hard not to see her face when she was in the tabloids with Adrian Norwood. I shrugged and winked at her. “Okay, we’re even. We both stalked each other.”

  Clara’s gaze drifted to my arms. “I have to say, though, your muscles are pretty hot. Not that you weren’t back in the day, but you’ve changed. It’s very sexy.”

  “So are you,” I added, remembering every detail of her body in my mind. I wanted to say fuck the pancakes and take her on the table. Now that I had her back, I didn’t want to be away from her. “We should go out tonight. Have a little bit of fun on the town, and then come back here.”

  Her grin widened. “Sounds like fun. I should probably go home and get some clean clothes though,” she mentioned with a wink. Then she sighed. “I want to check up on my dad anyway. And probably mention it to him and my mom that I won’t be at home again tonight.”

  That made me laugh. “I’m sure that’ll make your mother happy,” I said sarcastically. It was no secret that her mother disliked me when Clara and I were together. She might not have said it outright, but I saw it on her face every time I was around. Maybe not now that I’m worth a lot of money, but back then, she didn’t approve.

  Clara waved me off. “She liked you, Zac. Her only concern is that I don’t get my heart broken again.”

  “We both got hurt, Clara.”

  She nodded. “I know. And even if my mother didn’t like you back then, it never would’ve mattered to me. I was determined to spend my life with you no matter what.”

  If only I’d believed her back then. She used to tell me that all the time, but then I let my self-doubt get in the way.

  “You know,” she said, finishing up her pancakes, “there were days when I was in France and all I wanted to do was pack up and come home to confront you. I’d always wondered what would’ve happened if I did. Trina talked me out of it every time though.”

  “Speaking of Trina, have you told her about us yet?” I asked.

  Clara shook her head. “I haven’t spoken to her all week. She has no clue about anything.”

  Picking up our plates, I took them to the sink. “Did she ever tell you I called her to find you? Afterwards, when I tried again, I couldn’t get through. Guess she blocked me, too.”

  I heard the sound of the kitchen chair scraping against the floor and her gasping. “No. When?”

  Brows furrowed, I turned to her. She looked surprised and angry all at the same time. It was obvious she hadn’t by the way she responded, but I had to ask again. “She didn’t tell you?”

  She stormed over to me. “When did you call? Was it after I had you blocked?”

  I remembered that day very well. “No,” I said, shaking my head, “it was the day after I had my phone stolen. I used my mom’s cell but I couldn’t get through on yours so I tried Trina’s.”

  Clara’s mouth gaped. “Did she answer?” It was obvious by her reaction that Trina never said a word to her. If that was the case, then things could’ve turned out differently. Clara grabbed my arm, and I could see the desperation in her eyes. “Zac, tell me. Did she answer?”

  I had a feeling things were about to get ugly between them two. “Yes,” I replied regretfully.

  Blowing out a breath, she closed her eyes. “What did she say?”

  “She told me I had the wrong number. I knew it was hers because you’d called me from it numerous times. I had it programmed into my phone.”

  Clara’s lips pursed and she opened her eyes. “And you’re sure it was the day after everything took place?”

  I nodded. “Yes. I called several times more and got her voicemail. Not long after that, my calls wouldn’t go through at all. I’m assuming she blocked me.” She was angry, and even I couldn’t help but be pissed about it.

  “Why would Trina do that to me? She knew how upset I was and how desperately I wanted to talk to you.”

  I pulled her into my arms. “I don’t know, baby, but there has to be a reason.”

  “You’re right,” she said, looking up at me, “And I’m sure as hell going to find out.” She kissed me quickly and hurried out of the kitchen.

  “We still on for tonight?” I hollered, hoping she could hear me. By the time I walked into the living room, she came around the corner, clad in her dress from last night.

  She flung her arms around my neck and kissed me. “Of course, we are.”

  I kissed her again, then let her go. “Good. I’ll pick you up when you’re ready.”

  “Can’t wait.” She pulled out her phone and her mood shifted. “And as soon as I’m in the car, I’m calling Trina. She has a lot of explaining to do.” Turning on her heel, she walked out the door, and I watched her drive away. I was curious to see what her parents would say when I picked her up tonight.

  19

  Clara

  As soon as I got on the main road, I hit Trina’s number and listened to it ring and ring and ring. “Dammit, Trina, answer the phone,” I growled as I called her again.

  I didn’t know what to think anymore. Zac had n
o reason to lie about it. Trina knew I wanted to talk to him and she never told me he called. I didn’t like that at all. Yes, it happened a long time ago, but I needed answers. Things could’ve been completely different if she let me talk to him.

  I called her over and over again until I reached my house. Once I pulled in the driveway, I waited for her voicemail greeting to finish so I could leave her a message. As soon as it beeped, I huffed. “Trina, it’s me. Call me back as soon as you can.”

  Grabbing my purse off the passenger’s seat, I took a deep breath and headed into the house. My parents were in the kitchen, sitting at the table and drinking coffee, my father still in his pajama pants and T-shirt while my mother was already dressed with her hair and makeup done. She took one look at me in my dress and sighed.

  “Guess you and Zac are back together?” she asked. “I thought you two were on different paths. At least, that’s what you told me.”

  I set my purse on the counter. “I was wrong.”

  My dad chuckled. “I always knew you two would work things out.”

  * * *

  “No thanks to Trina,” I grumbled as I sat down at the table.

  My mother’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean? What does Trina have to do with you and Zac?”

  I stared down at my phone, wondering when the hell Trina was going to call me back. “Apparently, Zac called her the day after his phone was stolen. She knew I was dying to talk to him and yet she didn’t tell me. I want to know why.”

  “Oh, honey,” my dad said, placing a hand over mine. “Surely, it was just a misunderstanding.”

  My stomach clenched so tight it hurt. “Yeah, well, that misunderstanding cost me twelve years that I could’ve been happy.”

  “And you weren’t happy with Adrian?” my mother asked.

  I shrugged. “For a while, yes, but I never loved him. He needs a woman who wants to be in the spotlight just as much as him. I’m not cut out for that kind of life.”

  My mother shook her head and stood. “Guess you made your choice.” After kissing my father on his head, she placed her coffee cup in the sink. “I need to make some phone calls. You two have fun.”

  Once she was gone, my father looked at me and sighed. “You know she means well. She’s just a really big Adrian Norwood fan.”

  So was most of the world. “I know. I should probably call him and tell him not to come out this way.”

  He nodded. “Agreed. You don’t want a fight on your hands.”

  Now that would be a sight … but Zac would absolutely destroy Adrian. Adrian had muscles, too, but he had to have that body for his movies. I highly doubted he’d ever been in a real fight before.

  I took a good look at my dad and he seemed in much better spirits. There was actually a shine to his eyes I hadn’t seen the whole week. “You’re looking pretty good today,” I said to him.

  He finished his coffee. “I feel good. Thought I might go out and ride the mower around the yard.”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I peered out the kitchen window. “You know what? Why don’t you come with me to the club for some golf?” I turned back to him and smiled. “It feels amazing outside. You can ride in the cart and watch me if you don’t want to play. I just think it’ll be good to get you away from this house.”

  He perked up and blew out a breath. “I think you might be right. Let’s do it. Better take advantage of the good days when I can.”

  Hopefully, there would be plenty of those. He stood and left the kitchen, his stride not as slow as before. I pulled out my phone and texted Zac.

  Me: Going to play golf with my dad. He’s feeling energetic today. Call you when I get done.

  Zac: No rush. Have fun. Tell him I said hey.

  Me: Will do. See you later.

  I called Trina again, but she didn’t answer. It was unlike her, but I wasn’t giving up. One way or another, she’d have to talk to me.

  Everyone was happy to see my father at the club. He was able to play a couple of holes on the course, but it tired him out easily. The rest of the time he stayed in the cart and coached me. I’d missed that one-on-one time with him.

  Once we were done, we made it back to the house, and I took a shower to get ready for my date with Zac. We were going to Snake River Tavern which was where a lot of the locals hung out. I hadn’t been there since high school. It was where me, Trina, Zac, and Drew used to hang out after football games.

  My phone beeped, and I smiled when I read the text.

  Zac: On my way.

  My heart fluttered as if I was going out on my first date. In a way, it kind of was. Zac and I were different people now, and I was sure there were things in him that had changed, but I looked forward to getting to know him again, even if it was just for the summer. I didn’t want to think of what was going to happen when I left town.

  I picked out a cute pink top and one of my denim skirts to go with my boots. My dark hair was still slightly damp and wavy, so I threw it up in a messy bun. It wasn’t long before the sound of Zac’s truck rumbled down the driveway. Looking in the mirror, I spread some lip gloss on my lips, slung my overnight bag over my shoulders, and hurried downstairs to get the door. My dad beat me to it and opened it, greeting Zac with a full-on smile. Zac had on a hunter green T-shirt that hugged his arms perfectly and jeans with his cowboy boots. The man was literally sex on a stick. I worked with tons of male movie stars and celebrities, but none of them could turn me on with just one look like Zac could.

  My father held out his hand to Zac. “It is so great to see you, son. How’ve you been?”

  Zac shook his hand. “Busy. Work’s been pretty good to me.”

  Walking up to my father, I wrapped an arm around his waist. “So modest. You should see Zac’s ranch, Dad. You’d love it.”

  My dad beamed. “I’ll have to stop by and see it one day.”

  Zac smiled at me and then back to my father. “I’d like that, sir.”

  Letting my father go, I shifted my bag to my other shoulder. “We’re headed out to the tavern, but if you need me, I’ll have my phone close by.”

  He waved me off. “I’ll be fine, sweetheart.”

  I glanced into the living room, but there was no sign of my mother. “Where is she?” I asked him.

  My father shrugged and nodded toward the stairs. “Our bedroom, I guess. She had a phone call and hurried up there.”

  I wanted her to talk to Zac, and hopefully, salvage that relationship. She’d also spent the past twelve years hating him for what he supposedly did to me. With it all being a misunderstanding, I’d hoped she would approve like my father. Either way, it didn’t matter. It was my life and my choice to be with whoever I wanted to be with.

  I kissed my dad on the cheek. “I love you.”

  “Love you, too, honey.” He shook Zac’s hand again. “Have fun tonight and be safe.”

  Zac and I left in his truck and started on our way to Snake River Tavern. The windows were down and I breathed in the fresh, mountain air. It was perfect.

  “It’s our first time out together in public,” Zac said, reaching over to hold my hand. “Might get people talking.”

  That made me laugh. “I have no doubt, especially after you spent twenty grand on me.”

  Zac smirked. “Knowing them, they probably think I made you my sex slave. Wouldn’t that make for some good stories?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Better not go around saying that kind of crap in front of people. They’ll believe you.”

  Zac winked at me. “You know I wouldn’t.” He squeezed my hand. “Oh, I forgot to tell you, but Drew and Lena are going to hang out with us tonight. She’s pregnant and they want to celebrate now that it’s not a secret anymore.”

  “That’s awesome,” I said, feeling truly happy for Drew. I didn’t know his wife personally, but Drew had always been a sweet guy. He was the class clown of our graduating class. Zac turned into the tavern parking lot, and there was Drew with his arm around Lena’s shoulders, standing by a
black Jeep Wrangler. “I always thought him and Trina would end up together,” I confessed.

  Zac scoffed. “Trina was too high maintenance for him. She wanted bigger and better things.”

  “Can’t argue with you there,” I agreed.

  Zac parked beside Drew’s Jeep. “Have you talked to her yet?”

  I shook my head. “Nope. I’ll try again when we get to your place. I don’t know why she’s ignoring me.” She’d never gone this long without talking to me.

  Pulling his keys out of the ignition, Zac smiled. “Let’s not worry about her right now. We need to have some fun.” He kissed my hand and let me go so I could get out of the truck.

  I waved at Drew, and he rushed over to my side of the truck. “Hot damn, girl, you’re looking awesome,” he called out, lifting me in his arms. He set me down and held out my arms to get a good look at me. “Bet you got all those personal trainers and private chefs working for you in your ritzy town, don’t you?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Not even close.”

  He snorted. “You’re big time now. If I had your kind of money, I wouldn’t be doing anything. Now that Zac’s all loaded, he needs a team of people doing everything for him.”

  Zac shook his head. “I’m perfectly capable of doing it all myself.”

  They bantered back and forth, and I went over to Lena who laughed at them. She smiled at me and held out her hand. “Hey, Clara. I’m Lena. We went to school together, but I was two grades below you.” She was beautiful with her dark blonde hair and striking green eyes.

  I shook her hand. “Hi, Lena. Zac told me all about you. Congratulations on the baby. That’s exciting news.”

  Her hands went straight to her stomach. “Thanks. Drew and I have been trying for a couple years now. It was a surprise to us both.”

  Drew chuckled. “I was beginning to think my swimmers were defective.”

  Zac draped his arm over Drew’s shoulders. “You’re defective in general, dumb ass. Come on, let’s get a drink.”