Covering Home (32 page)

“I’m an idiot. I left my purse in the car.” Britt wrinkled her nose at Trent. “I’ll go back and grab it, Hughes said he’d park by the vacant lot.”

Trent turned and looked down the street. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk that far alone?”

“I’ll be fine. It’s only a block or two. See you inside.” She turned back the way they’d come, squeezing through the crowd that mingled outside the club.

A breeze blew against her face and she drew in a deep breath. In the distance, Coit Tower stood like a beacon on Telegraph Hill, a bright white sentinel illuminated in all her glory. Britt walked another block, her heels clicking on the sidewalk. Once she got away from the club, the crowd had thinned out quickly. In a matter of minutes, she was alone, with only the occasional streetlight to brighten her path. The old warehouses now converted into funky shops and art studios were closed for the night. This was a bad idea. Maybe she should go back and try to sweet talk the bouncer into letting her in without ID. She approached a narrow alley, quickening her steps. The lot Hughes mentioned was further away than she thought. A figure emerged from the darkness.

“Enjoying your walk, princess?”

Britt froze. Tyler’s voice made her skin crawl. She stared straight ahead, her heart hammering in her chest. Tyler stepped in front of her, that same raunchy cologne filling the air.
Disgusting.

“What do you want, Tyler?” She tried to keep her voice even. He couldn’t know how much he creeped her out.

“You keep asking me that, princess, as if you don’t already know.” His lecherous stare raked over her. “I like a woman who plays hard to get.”

“I’m afraid you’re too late.” She squared her shoulders and raised her chin defiantly. “I’m spoken for.”

Tyler raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Is that right? Then why are you out with your brother tonight?”

Britt conjured her iciest glare while she tried to think of a response. Had Tyler followed her?

“You don’t want him anyway. A pitcher with a wrecked elbow isn’t any use to you now.” Tyler inched closer, trailing his fingers up her arm. She flinched and tried to back away, but his hand clamped around her wrist. Blood pounded in her ears. Tyler tugged her close.
Help. Please. Someone help.

“Easy, there,” he murmured, his breath hot on her cheek. “You don’t have to be afraid. If you come with me tonight, we can finish what we started. I don’t want to hurt you, but you’re starting to test my patience.”

“What do you mean, test your patience?” Fear wrapped its icy tentacles around her heart as the muscles in his jaw knotted.

In one deft pull, Tyler yanked her into the dark alley. Britt cried out but he silenced her with a clammy hand cupped over her mouth.

“Listen up, princess.” He shoved her against the wall, the bricks snagging the gauzy material on her shirt. She trembled now, adrenaline coursing through her veins. “You have led me on since the day we met and I’m tired of playing your little games, do you understand?”

Britt shook her head forcefully, wishing she could break free.
What games?!
She’d made her feelings crystal clear … hadn’t she? Wait. Was she supposed to agree with him, act amiable?

“Don’t play dumb with me,” Tyler snarled, pressing his body against hers. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve embarrassed me and—”

“Let go. Now.”

Caleb
. Relief washed over her. She swiveled her head and saw him standing in the middle of the alley. Wes Harper and a beautiful young woman flanked him.

Tyler’s fingers dug into Britt’s upper arm. “You really know how to kill the mood, don’t you, Scott? Go play in the sandbox with your buddies. We’re busy.”

“I said ‘let go’.” Caleb walked slowly toward them.

Britt prayed no one had a weapon. She didn’t know what Tyler was capable of. Wes guided the young woman behind him and then slid his phone out of his pocket.

Tyler laughed, deep and sinister. “Or what? You gonna hit me again? Bring it on. I’m pretty sure I can take you.”

Caleb’s expression hardened and he erased the distance quickly, fists clenched.

“Don’t.” Wes was behind him in an instant, his hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “He’s not worth it. Tyler, you have two seconds to let go of her or I’m calling the cops.”

“Wow, feel the love.” Tyler glared at Wes. “I thought we were teammates.”

“We both play for the Senators. But you’re far from a teammate. In fact—”

“Is there a problem here, Britt?” Trent skidded to a halt at the end of the alley, eyes darting between Tyler and Caleb.

Britt wrenched free of Tyler’s grasp. “N-no. Just a … misunderstanding.”

“To avoid any further confusion, I think I’ll put my
teammate
here in a cab.” Wes reached around Caleb and grabbed Tyler by the arm. “Let’s go.”

“Get off me!” Tyler howled.

“No arguments, or we’ll press charges for assault. Obviously there’s plenty of witnesses.” Wes glanced back over his shoulder. “I’ll be right back, Renee.”

Renee nodded, eyes wide.

Tyler continued to give Wes a hard time as Wes hailed a cab.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Trent reached for Britt.

Britt watched Tyler get into the back of the taxi. Wes spoke to the driver and then slammed the door. Once Tyler was out of sight, Britt sagged against Trent, her legs trembling. She met Caleb’s confused gaze. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Not a problem. Did he hurt you?” Caleb asked, his voice gruff.

Britt shook her head. “No. But he might have if you hadn’t come along.”

Caleb shrugged. “I didn’t do much. I think you can thank …” his voice trailed off.

“Trent Bowen.” Trent stepped forward and extended his hand toward Caleb. “Britt’s brother.”

“Wait.” Caleb shook Trent’s hand, head cocked. “You’re her brother?”

Britt nodded. “Who did you think he was?”

“Nobody. I mean—” Caleb let go of Trent’s hand and looked away. “Never mind.”

“I’m Wes Harper.” Wes joined them and shook Trent’s hand, too. “This is my girlfriend, Renee.”

They all mumbled the standard greetings, but the reality of what might have been had they not intervened enveloped Britt. Bile snaked up the back of her throat.

“Thank you again for helping me. I’m okay. Could you give us a minute?” Britt shot Wes and Trent meaningful looks.

They both smiled and exchanged knowing glances. “Maybe we’ll see you inside.”

Once Trent, Renee and Wes walked away, Britt cleared her throat, suddenly shy. She wrapped her arms around her body, shivering. “Thanks again for coming to my rescue.”

“You’re welcome,” Caleb said. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Are you?”

“Of course.” Caleb dragged a hand through his hair. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Britt looked away. “You pretty much dismissed me that day at your house. I didn’t think—”

“Yeah, about that.” He cleared his throat. “I owe you an apology.”

Britt’s heart fluttered. She stared at him. “You do?”

“I should’ve never said what I did. That was ... uncalled for.”

“It was a little harsh. But I needed to hear it. I’m the one who should apologize for being so wishy-washy. You were being selfless and I … made it all about me.”

“I did move a little fast.” He scrubbed a hand across his jaw. “I guess I knew what I wanted and tried to make it happen.”

“But I was too worried about myself to even stop and consider what you were going through.” She took a step closer. “I’m sorry.”

“Sounds like we both need a Mulligan,” Caleb said, eyes crinkling at the corners.

“I love a man who talks to me in sports analogies.”

The ‘l’ word was out of her mouth before she could stop it.

“Is that so?” Caleb moved in, taking both of her hands in his. “Could you love a man who lives in Denver half the year?”

“Persuade me,” Britt whispered, her eyes locked on his.

His fingers still intertwined with hers, Caleb drew her to him, lips hovering inches from hers. She closed her eyes, longing for his touch. When his mouth claimed hers, she melted against him. As he deepened the kiss, she decided Denver sounded like a wonderful idea.

Caleb pulled away, his eyes searching her face. “Come with me. Please. I need you. I’ll take a day, two—whatever you can give me. I’m so sorry for sending you away. I’m in love with you, Britt Bowen.”

Her heart soared. “I’ve been in love with you since that night in the park. It just took me a while to figure it out. I’m sorry I made this so difficult. The truth is, I’d go anywhere with you.”

He kissed her once again. “Would tomorrow be too soon?”

She shivered with delight. “We can probably work something out.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Britt switched her phone to her other ear and angled toward the limousine window as the Brown Palace Hotel came into view, a pie-shaped tower silhouetted against the pale blue of Denver’s evening sky. “I’ve got to wrap this up, Marne. We’re almost to the hotel.”

“One more thing. Make sure they get a shot of him at the podium,” Marne said.

Britt tapped her finger against the clasp of her sequined clutch and stole a glance at Caleb sitting next to her. That might be a tall order.

“I’ll do my best. I’m sure Paul will do an excellent job. He’s been there all afternoon setting up.”

“Let me know how it goes. We want to run this segment as soon as possible.”

Britt bit back an exasperated sigh. “We agreed we’d wait until we could tell the whole story. Remember?”

“You have my word.”

“Excellent. I’ll talk to you soon.” Britt pressed her manicured nail against the screen to end the call, then tucked the phone under her thigh.

“Everything okay?” Caleb asked, readjusting his tie.

“Yep. Marne’s micromanaging the details for tonight, even from two thousand miles away.”

“Huh,” Caleb grunted.

“Are you expressing your displeasure or approval with that grunt?”

Caleb reached for her hand. She savored the warmth of his fingers wrapped around hers. He rocked the monochromatic look. The black shirt, tie, and suit coat emphasized his dark hair and eyes. Just a hint of a five o’clock shadow clung to his jaw. She hated that she had to share him with anyone tonight.

The last three months had felt like an epic roller coaster ride—taping five shows a week of
Covering Home
in Newark and then flying back to Denver on the weekends to see Caleb—if the Rockies were in town. His job with the Rockies and preparations for tonight’s silent auction and gala promoting Mandy’s Kids consumed him. But it would all be worth it. The network finally gave the green light to run Caleb’s story. They’d feature a full twenty-minute segment on
Covering Home
later this summer—Britt’s last hurrah with the show before she took over Kate Songer’s seat at the sports desk in primetime. All the loose ends were coming together quickly, she just wished she had a second to stop and catch her breath.

“I’m not sure this is the best night for press coverage.” He turned away and stared out the window, a muscle in his jaw twitching.

Irritation knifed at her. They’d talked about this. “We need footage from the gala and you at the podium. You’re making a big announcement tonight, right? Or did you change your mind?”

He shook his head. “I didn’t change my mind. It’s still on.”

The limo rolled to a stop and he let go of her hand, reaching to open the door.

Oh boy, it was going to be a long night. She scooted across the seat, her gown hugging her legs. He offered his hand again, and she grasped it, stepping out onto the sidewalk. Thank goodness only a handful of photographers stood on the steps of the hotel, documenting the arrivals. She still smiled, out of habit, pretending like she wasn’t in the midst of a tense conversation.

“Did you have a bad day?” she asked, her voice hushed.

“Yes. No. I mean—no, I’ve had a great day.” He forced a smile and waved as someone called out his name.

“Then what’s going on? You are in a
mood
tonight.”

“Amanda’s parents will sit at our table. I’m … not looking forward to that.”

Britt’s mouth went dry. She’d expected to see Mr. and Mrs. Forrester tonight, but eating and socializing in an intimate setting was a bit of a game-changer. “Hey,” she tugged on his healthy arm. “Look at me. Your work with the foundation is phenomenal. Don’t let their grief minimize what you’ve accomplished.”

His stony countenance softened. “Thank you.” He pulled her in and planted a tender kiss on her forehead.

“You can do this.”

He caressed her cheek with his palm. “What would I do without you?”

“Good question.” She winked. “Let’s go inside.”

The lobby of the Brown Palace Hotel was breathtaking. She’d checked out the pictures online, but even the virtual tour didn’t do it justice.

The quartz columns and broad archways proclaimed the hotel’s historic grandeur. Brass light fixtures and elaborate inset panels created a luxurious ambiance. Britt counted eight stories of open corridors soaring above the atrium, iron-paneled handrails and embossed wallpaper adding to the opulent dC)cor. Several couples mingled in their formal attire, while waiters in tuxedos circulated with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Britt felt Caleb stiffen next to her. “What’s wrong?” she whispered.

“My parents are talking to the Forresters. I don’t think they’ve spoken since—”

“Wait. Your parents are here?” Britt turned and scanned the crowd. “Where?”

Mrs. Scott was already headed their way, wearing a black sequined top and black pants. She held hands with a tall, thin man in a suit coat, blue jeans and a white button-down shirt. His features were almost a carbon copy of Caleb’s and his brothers’.

Britt turned and stared at Caleb. “You didn’t tell me they were coming.”

“It was kind of last minute.” He avoided her gaze.

Britt didn’t have a chance to say another word. Caleb’s parents were in front of them, wearing expectant smiles to match their party attire. She shifted from one foot to another, remembering to smile, and waited for Caleb to introduce them.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Mrs. Scott stood on tip-toe and planted a kiss on Caleb’s cheek.