London Falling (24 page)

To: Collier Stone

From: London Kelley

Was surprised to not see you on the jet. I hope you’ll be at the wedding. Please talk to me. I miss you.

I considered removing the ‘miss you’ part. I didn’t want him to know just how badly I had, but damn it. If I was going to win him back, get him to give me another chance at this thing between us, I had to lay my cards on the table. Quickly, I hit send and shoved the phone back into my purse.

“Was that Collier?” Aspen asked.

I shook my head. “No, he hasn’t contacted me in two weeks. We had a falling out,” I admitted. I didn’t want my sister worried during her wedding weekend so I kept it to myself.

“They had a fight over my bullshit.” Tripp shook his head, then proceeded to hang it low in shame. I rubbed his arm to sooth the hurt. That didn’t help since three of my fingers were broken due to the crap he’d gotten himself into that night. Still, he didn’t mean to cause trouble between Collier and me. He lifted my hand and kissed each broken finger, his eyes focused down.

“So you didn’t know then?” Aspen asked.

“Know what?”

Aspen bit her lip and sat up straight. She gripped my hand. I did not like the body language or the sympathy pumping off her. “His dad had a heart attack two weeks ago. Nate, Collier and Emma took the first flight out to be with him.”

My eyes must have been as wide as a house. My heart broke into tiny fractured pieces. Tears filled my eyes. “No, I didn’t know. I should have been there for him.”

“So, it is serious between you two?”

I nodded, not able to speak through the huge lump in my throat. Tripp handed me a glass of water and I took a few sips. “Is his dad okay?”

Aspen smiled brightly. “He is. It was relatively mild but was a definite scare to the family. According to Hank, Nate said their mother was a wreck. The past two weeks, they’ve been settling their dad at home and getting him on an eating and exercise plan. They’re also trying to talk him into early retirement. He’s only in his late fifties.”

Knowing Collier had been gone the last two weeks helped relieve my fears that the thing between us could be resolved, once I had a chance to explain. But the fact that I wasn’t there for him when he needed me? I felt gutted and the knot in my belly tightened. My phone pinged from my purse and I scrambled to get it. Everyone I cared for, save one, was here. My heart expanded and warmth filled my chest as I read the words I’d been dying to see for two weeks.

To: London Kelley

From: Collier Stone

Beauty, I miss you more. It’s been a rough fortnight. I’ll be in Texas tomorrow. I’ll be the one waiting…for you to come to me.

***

That thirteen hour flight was the longest of my life. The past fortnight had been filled with heartache and nerves, for my step father, my overwrought mother, my baby sisters and for London.

I missed that bird like I missed summer in Sussex. The thought of her cinnamon scent, her buttery soft arms folded around me did wonders to ease the ache I’ve suffered since our parting.

At first I was ready to write her off. The bloody bird brought men to her knees with her beauty. The sound of her New York accent sent rivers of pleasure down my spine, and her touch…blimey, her touch was the balm to heal all wounds. She was the whole package, even if her edges were torn and stuck together, piss poor, with tape and glue. She was a dear gift to receive, open and cherish.

When I received that last text, finally admitting she missed me, that was all it took to break down every wall I’d tried to build around my heart. Those three little words, “I miss you,” were all I needed. My Beauty was strong and stubborn. The first week’s messages and voicemails were a bit shotty, trying to make light of what she did.

The second week’s messages changed considerably. They were more pleading, carrying more desire for a reconciliation. This last text--her asking me to talk to her--laid her heart out for me to take. It was a huge step in the right direction. By the end of this trip, she’d be mine. Body, heart, and soul.

I think in her own way, she understands that there is no fighting what’s between us. But we do have some things to work out.

Things like her job. At the risk of sounding like a brute, no woman of mine will be moving in with her male clients. Period.

I don’t care if that’s her unconventional way of connecting with them. She can spend her days learning about them and her nights warming my bed, giving herself time to be free to enjoy the people in her life. She also doesn’t need to spend weekends there. That time needs to be spent with family, friends and me.

If she wants to fix this between us, she will need to make a couple concessions. When she’s had time to spend with me and her friends during hours she’d normally be with a client, she’ll appreciate her off time more fully. It will be more valuable and she’ll not be so keen to give it away so freely.

The period for dithering is over. I needed to find my Beauty. The anticipation of seeing her after not laying my eyes on her for so long has been quite unbearable.

I wished for her at night while I was in England. Having her by my side during the scare with my step-father would have gone a long way to easing my burden. No more separation. It would be now or never. The next day or two would determine whether or not we’d be together and for good.

Nathaniel finally pulled up to a beautiful country home. White, with dark shutters, it was lovely and reminded me of the sprawling lands back home on the outskirts of the country. I heard music in the distance.

When we exited the car, a man in a suit asked for the keys and notified Nathaniel he’d be moving the rental to an unseen parking location. The three of us walked up the wooden steps and were greeted by a lovely woman with long dark hair and eyes. Her smile brightened.

“Welcome, I’m Jess. Groom’s sister-in-law. Thank you for coming. Go on back down the steps and you’ll see the tents. A bar has been set in the dining room if you’d like to wet your whistle,” she added with a drawl that matched Hank’s.

“You fancy a drink, mate?” Nathaniel asked.

“Oh, you’re the British folks. Bride’s sister will be so happy to know you’re here. She told me to get her the moment the sexy Brits arrived!” She smiled.

I couldn’t help but smile in return. “Please don’t tell her just yet. I’d like to have a drink and then find her myself.” I winked.

She nodded knowingly. “My lips are sealed. Now y’all go on back. The festivities will start within the hour. There’s food set up near the bar to nibble on while you wait. When you see a handful of really stuffed shirts, you’ll know you’ve reached the bar.” She laughed.

We gave our thanks and made our way through the house. It was charming and lived in. Hank obviously appreciated comfort first and foremost in his home. I liked that. He was the real deal. What you saw is what you got with Hank Jensen.

Once we hit the kitchen, it was clear where the bar was. A line of primly dressed business executives held amber liquid tight in their grip and stood just off a room where a full bar had been set up. I could see the huge tent through the wall of windows. That was obviously where the service and reception would be held.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” A deep voice to my left said.

I turned and was surprised to see Tripp Devereux. It took everything I had not to deck the man. Instead, I gritted my teeth and scowled.

“I know I’m the last person you want to see but I think we should talk.”

“I’ve got nothing nice to say to you. Now is not the place for a friendly chat with an arsehole,” I whispered close to his body. I distinctly picked up the scent of apples before I pulled a solid two feet away.

“Fair enough, but you’re going to talk to me or I’ll make a scene. Is that what you want?”

“Fine.”

Tripp turned on his heel, expecting I’d follow. I took my time, shaking a few business associates hands on the way. Nathaniel handed me his gin and tonic as I passed him. “You’ll need this more than me.” He tipped his head toward a waiting Tripp. I had to give it to him. He didn’t look flustered, or brassed off, even though I fully planned on taking his
friend
away from him in the very near future.

He led me down a hall to what must be Hank’s study or office. Books lined both walls from floor to ceiling. A burgundy rug spread across the floor and beneath a desk. A couple high-backed chairs filled the space near a small lit fireplace. We sat in front of the fireplace and let its warmth bring feeling back to my cold hands.

“Well now that you’ve got me here, what is it that you want to say?” I asked, not waiting to be addressed.

“I want to apologize,” Tripp said firmly.

It wasn’t at all what I expected to hear coming from his lips. Was it me or were we not both in love with the same woman? I crooked an eyebrow, not clearly following this line of conversation. “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage?”

His lips lifted into a crooked smile, showing his perfect teeth. He pushed his hands through his dark hair. “Look, I know you think there is more between London and me, and you have a right to know what it is.”

I bristled and pumped my chest out instantly.

“Hey now.” He put his arms out in a placating gesture. “What you don’t know is that I led you to believe we were more than friends unintentionally. My relationship with Bridge is different.”

God, that pet name annoyed me. Her name is fucking London I wanted to scream, but held back.

“Continue,” I answered calmly and took a sip of the cocktail. The bubbles from the tonic water soothed my scratchy throat and the booze helped ease my frustration.

“Bridge is the most important
woman
to me. Hell, she’s the most important
person
in the world to me. She’s the only family I have. When I called two weeks ago, I really didn’t intend to break up your night. I was completely hammered and about to make the worst decision of my life. Not only was I planning on having sex with two women who would have probably given me an STD, they were pushing me to get high with them--high as in snort and smoke crack cocaine. I’m an addict, Collier. I’d been clean for over four years now. But in that instant, I wanted it so badly. Partly, because of you.”

“Me! Bollocks!” How dare he blame me for his relapse? His shenanigans?

Before I could call him on his shite he continued. “Yes, you! I knew the night before Bridge met up with you that I’d lost a piece of her. It was only ever me and James who had any real effect on her. But somehow, I knew you had changed everything. When she talked about you, she had a light in her eyes. That sparkle was so bright it burned me to look at her. Her smile was so big she couldn’t contain it. You did that for her.” He propped his elbows on his knees and pushed his hands into his hair. “You gave her something I could never give her. You made her whole.”

“So you decided because she didn’t want you the way you wanted her, you’d go off half-cocked and call on her to save you?”

“In a way. Maybe subconsciously. I don’t know. All I know is that I’m not in love with Bridge the way you think. I love her more than anyone and I would never deny her the happiness you clearly can give her.”

“Damn right, I’ll make her happy. I plan on fixing that dark place in her, filling it with love, not with meaningless sex. I’m in love with her, Tripp. Do you understand that?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“And I think maybe if she wasn’t so worried about you and your shite, she could love me too!”

“I understand.” His voice cracked and he swallowed.

“Do you? Do you really? You’re going to have to take a bit of a step back and let her go. Are you prepared to do that? For her? For her happiness?” My voice was so tight and restrained, it took extreme effort not to growl in anger. I wanted to tell him how incredibly selfish he’d been, how he was done using my girl as his own personal safe house.

“I’m prepared to do anything to make her happy. You’re what makes her happy. But I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to lose her in my life.”

My eyes narrowed as the reality of what he said sunk in. He wasn’t giving up on their friendship and wouldn’t walk away. Any man would be a sodden fool if they walked away from my Beauty, even as a best mate.

“You’ll agree to give her some space? Allow her to find herself and what this thing between us could be?”

Tripp nodded solemnly. “It will be hard, but I can do anything for her. And though you think I’m a needy bastard, I plan on sticking around. That means you and I need to find a way to get past our issues. Got me?”

“Message received. But not now. Right now I need time to cool down. I have a woman to woo, one in which I haven’t seen in a fortnight.”

“I get it. Go get her. She’s been waiting.”

“And I for her. Thank you, Tripp. I don’t know if we’ve worked through everything, but I think we’ve come to a solid understanding about the lovely woman in our lives. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Neither am I,” he challenged.

I smiled. “Touché. Come on, mate. I need another drink. Liquid courage and all that.”

Chapter - 16

He appeared in front of me as if in a dream, standing at the end of the hall leaning his toned form against a sideboard. He looked calm and collected. His arms and legs were crossed casually. Layers of wheat colored hair fell enticingly over his brow. Those perfect lips quirked up into a slow grin as he looked me up and down. The dark gray suit he wore perfectly set off his skin tone. He was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. There he was. The man I’d wanted to see for an eternity was there, in the flesh, waiting for me. Everything around me ceased to exist.

We spent long moments just staring at one another from down the hall, assessing the other. I felt nothing but love and acceptance spiral and plow into me like a breeze of fresh air from a window just opened. I lifted the length of the silver gown I wore. When I looked up, my target set on a sexy Englishman, his long arms opened wide, welcoming me from a distance. Bats straight from hell wouldn’t keep me from my man. At a dead run, I plowed into his embrace, so hard I feared we might break the mirror on the wall behind him. I needn’t have worried. Collier was strong enough to catch me.