Chapter 15 Sienna
FIFTEEN
SIENNA
SIX MONTHS LATER
“Promise you won’t mention a word of it while we’re in Boston.” I clutch my wrist and bring it to my chest, my nerves getting the better of me.
Garreth grasps my hand and runs his thumb over the top of it, easing my anxiety. He has the innate ability to sense when I’m about to spiral and knows exactly how to calm me down. Especially in the months since my life went to shit.
His gentleness instantly causes guilt to flare inside me.
Because even after two years with this man, a man who treats me well, who respects me and supports me, I find myself scanning the wall of books inside the shop in the airport.
No matter where I go, I’m always searching for the book. I’m an asshole. Truly.
It’s been almost five years. I should have given up by now. I’m never going to find the book. And even if I did, would I really call him?
Garreth is a good man. He doesn’t ask for much.
He hops a jet to visit when I have time and he never pressures me to step away from work.
He’s content with what I have to offer. If there’s another person in this world who understands the importance of hard work and running a business, it’s him.
He puts just as much energy into his whiskey company as I put into my designs.
Designs. Just the thought causes a pit to open up in my stomach.
The time and energy I’ve put into my business no longer matter.
Not after the bad investment decision I made.
When I asked Beckett for a recommendation, I never imagined that it would cost me everything.
While the authorities are working on locating my money, I’m not holding my breath.
If the scam had only impacted me, I wouldn’t even care.
Maybe that makes me sound spoiled, but money is replaceable.
I’ve had several successful years. I could have several more.
Unfortunately, the money I invested belonged to the co-op I created for up-and-coming artists, which means all their money got caught in this scheme too. It’s bad. Really bad.
“I wish you’d let me handle it.” With a squeeze of my hand, Garreth pulls me against his chest and kisses my forehead.
I step back, and he releases me, wearing a concerned frown.
“No.” My tone is firm, and I can’t help the rush of annoyance that hits me. This isn’t the first time he’s offered to help. He’s a good man. And I appreciate it. But I won’t change my mind.
“Would you at least consider allowing me to tell Beckett about us?” He maintains an even expression, though I know he’s itching to do it. He’s wanted to tell him since we became exclusive over a year and a half ago.
There’s no reasonable excuse not to tell him, or the rest of my brothers.
Garreth may be fourteen years older than me, but none of the guys would care about that—especially Gavin, whose wife is close to twenty years younger than he is.
Garreth is wonderful, and my brothers would all be thrilled that I’m happy.
Yet I’m still not ready to admit to our families and friends that we’re together.
I’m an asshole.
I suck in a breath and put on my proverbial big-girl panties. “After the wedding,” I promise. “I don’t want anything to take away from Brooks and Sara’s big day.”
Grinning, he leans down and presses his lips to mine. “Whatever you want.”
I close my eyes and will myself to sink into the kiss. To relax and think of only Garreth.
But no matter how hard I try, every time Garreth kisses me, I think of him.