Chapter 5
“Thanks for coming over so early.” Miles handed his brother Rhett a steaming mug of coffee.
“I had a bunch of errands to run in town anyway.” Rhett stretched his legs and leaned back in the chair on the front porch.
Miles chose to lean against the railing so he could have a better view of Liberty’s place.
The sun had yet to peek out from the horizon, but the glow of morning had started to erase the darkness of night.
“What’s on your mind?” Rhett asked.
“I need a favor.”
“All right.” Rhett sipped his coffee. “I’m all ears.”
“I want you to look into Charlie Livingston.”
Rhett shook his head. “Man, you can do that yourself; you don’t need me for that.”
“I’m well aware that I could, but we both know it requires me to do a little extra on the reading end. I can’t do research at work with her little brother standing over my shoulder while I’m constantly doing text to speech or asking someone to read it to me. And let’s just say she’s been in my house and I’m not going to prevent that from happening again.”
Rhett’s right brow shot up. “You slept with her.”
“Don’t make it sound dirty.”
“I didn’t. You’re always the one who does that. All I did was state a fact.” Rhett set his mug on the table, snagged his ponytail holder, and put his manly hair in that bun thing. He was the only one in the family who could pull off long hair and a beard, though he didn’t dare grow one. His wife would shave it off in his sleep. “Why am I looking into her ex-husband?”
“Because I don’t trust the man or why he’s coming around. I want to know why he’s moved here. The real reason. And why they got divorced.”
Rhett leaned forward. “That, my little brother, is sketchy as fuck. You should be asking her that question, not digging in her background.”
“Come on, man. We didn’t give Emmerson this lecture when we went poking around in Rumor’s life.”
“You can’t compare the two, and you know it.”
“Are you going to do it or not?” Miles rubbed the back of his neck. The lights in the family room over at Liberty’s house flicked on. A shadow eased across the window.
“Of course I am, but I’m also always going to tell you what I think and this time, I believe you’re making a mistake. Before I come back with whatever I find, talk to her. Ask her. Especially if you want this one to last.” Rhett smiled like the day his first kid was born.
“You can wipe that grin off your face. Cupid hasn’t struck me down.”
“Oh, he’s got his arrow pulled back and aimed right for you. I don’t think you’re getting away this time.” Rhett gave Miles a little jab in the arm. “I better get going. I’ll be in touch as soon as I know anything.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Miles said.
“Miles!” Gabriel barreled through the front door of Liberty’s house wearing a T-shirt and a pair of SpongeBob Squarepants boxers.
“My wife made me get rid of all my cartoon boxers. It was a sad day in my house when that happened.” Rhett shook his head. “I miss them.”
“There’s something seriously fucking wrong with you, dude.” Miles smiled and waved. “Hey, Gabriel. What’s happening this morning?” He raised his mug and sipped.
“Oh, hi, Rhett,” Gabriel said. “Liberty’s making waffles. Do either of you want some?”
“Does your sister know you’re asking us?” Miles downed the last of his coffee and set it aside. It wouldn’t be the first time Gabriel had invited him over without Liberty knowing anything about it. The first time, Liberty had been flustered, but she welcomed Miles. The second time, she took Miles aside and asked him to make sure Gabriel had permission before showing up.
It felt like he’d been back in middle school and his mother had scolded him for having friends over after school without asking first.
But he did understand.
Gabriel rubbed the side of his head and swayed side to side. “Um, well, no.”
“Why don’t you go ask her if it’s okay and if it is, I’m down for some food,” Miles said.
“But not me.” Rhett waved his hand over his head. “Sorry, buddy. I’ve got to get going. Maybe next time.”
“Okay.” Gabriel turned and raced inside the house.
“That man cracks me up.” Rhett slapped Miles on the back. “One second he’s like a toddler. The next second he’s schooling me on engines.”
“He’s taken to the profession with ease.” Miles puffed out his chest like a proud father. He’d taken in a few apprentices over the years, knowing full well that if he trained them right, he ran the risk of them leaving his shop. The first one was still with him; the second one opened his own place three towns over. Miles couldn’t blame the man if he tried. He’d done exactly the same thing to his mentor.
Gabriel stuck his head out the door. “She said it’s fine. Come on over. Coffee is brewing.” He disappeared back inside.
“Looks like you got a breakfast date.” Rhett gave Miles a little jab in the biceps. “I’ll catch you later.” Rhett jogged down the steps and strolled toward his fancy oversized SUV.
Miles took his mug and made his way across the lawn. He hadn’t liked how she slinked out of his kitchen last night. While he couldn’t regret what happened, he did wonder if she did.
He opened the door and his nostrils were assaulted with the rich scents of sizzling bacon and bitter coffee. It reminded him of his childhood. His father always cooked a big breakfast. It was often the only time the entire family was around for a meal, even his mother, though she would often eat hers quickly and run out the door.
Or if she’d been working the night shift, she’d scarf it down and go to bed, while everyone else made plans for the day.
It wasn’t that his mother hadn’t been present in his life, she had been. And she’d been a kind and caring parent. But her career was her top priority and all seven boys felt that to their core.
“Want a refill?” Liberty lifted a pot of fresh brew and smiled weakly. Her cheeks flushed when their gazes locked.
“Thanks.” He held out his mug while she poured. “Did you sleep well?”
She tilted her head and blinked. “Um, yeah.”
He glanced over his shoulder.
Gabriel sat at the island, his attention on his iPad while he played some game. The man loved his games. When he had a break at the shop, he’d sit in Miles’ office, devour his lunch, and then spend the rest of the time on the computer until Miles called him back to work.
Miles set his cup on the counter and rested his hand on Liberty’s hip. “Are you okay?” He leaned closer and brushed his lips over her sweet mouth.
She jerked, taking a step back. “I’m fine,” she said with a raised brow.
He might not always be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he could take subtle hints. This conversation would have to wait. “It smells delicious.”
“Bacon is just about done, and the waffles are staying warm in the oven.”
“I didn’t think I was that hungry, but now I’m starving.”
“Why don’t you take a seat next to Gabriel. I’ll serve it right up.” She patted his shoulder.
He took his coffee and eased onto the stool. “What are you playing?” He leaned over Gabriel’s shoulder and frowned as Gabriel quickly closed out the text messaging app.
Fucking Charlie.
“Just some solitaire,” Gabriel said, pushing his tablet aside.
Liberty placed two plates on the counter. “Eat up, boys.”
“This looks amazing.” Miles dug right into the waffles, which were doused in syrup and topped with a little powdered sugar. The presentation was as if he were at a fine restaurant. And the taste was even better.
He picked up a slice of crispy bacon. “Oh, my. Do you cook like this every morning?”
Liberty laughed. “Twice a week. Otherwise, it’s cereal or oatmeal.”
“I get to choose which days. So once during the week and once on weekends,” Gabriel said. “And once a week we go out for breakfast. It’s my favorite meal. I could eat breakfast food all day long.”
“I could too, but I do like a good hamburger and fries.” Miles watched as Gabriel stuffed his face, barely even tasting his food, he ate it so fast.
Once Gabriel was done, he hopped off the stool. “I have to go shower for work.” He marched off toward the stairs without another word, leaving him alone with Liberty.
Miles leaned back, sipping his coffee. He’d spent a good hour this morning lying in bed, going over everything he wanted to say to her, but now that he had her alone, the silence was deafening and no words filled his mind. She deserved a man who was whole. A man who could give her everything, and Miles was broken. He might have some skills and when he did that deep soul-searching that one therapist had him do occasionally, he could even tell himself he was a successful man.
But Miles was also a realistic person. He knew his limitations. He’d been living with them his whole life and there was no way in hell he could have accomplished anything in life without the support and help of his brothers.
And now his sisters-in-law.
Balancing his checkbook was beyond a struggle. It was impossible. It went beyond transposing numbers. He didn’t have the kind of dyslexia where he could retrain his brain to see things properly. Words would always be jumbled. Sure, he could read. A little. But if he was ever to take a test, he needed someone to read him the questions.
The embarrassment and shame he’d felt his entire life still lingered. It didn’t matter that he’d accepted who he was and could lean on family. It still often made him feel like less of a man.
Trixi’s father had drove that point home.
However, none of that changed the emotions swirling in his heart or the pull Liberty had over his soul. It went beyond wanting to be with her again physically, because once surely wasn’t enough. He wasn’t sure now that he’d had a taste, he’d ever be able to get her out of his blood. Every time he closed his eyes last night, she entered his dreams. And when he blinked them open, she was the first thing that popped into his thoughts.
This was more than attraction.
Rhett and his damn fucking Cupid analogy.
He set his coffee on the counter and strolled around the island, taking her into his arms. There was no point in denying what he wanted. If she didn’t want him, he could accept that. But there was only one way to find out.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“I was going to kiss you,” he said. “And I’d like to know how you feel about last night and going out on a proper date with me.”
Her lips parted and he took that as an invitation.
He pressed his mouth over hers, dipping his tongue inside.
A soft moan bubbled from her throat to his, encouraging him to deepen the kiss. Her nails dug into his shoulder blades for a brief moment before she ended the encounter.
“I don’t want my brother walking in on this,” she whispered, dropping her hands to her sides.
“He’s in the shower.”
“Not the point.” She pushed from his embrace and gathered the plates, setting them in the sink. “Change is hard for him, and this would be one whopper of a new thing for him. I can’t just have him find out by chance. He has to be eased into the concept.”
“Does that mean you’ll go out with me?” His lips curled into a smile, even though he tried like hell not to. He wiped his hand over his mouth.
“I don’t know. With everything that’s going on with Charlie, it might be too much for Gabriel right now. Maybe when things calm down.”
Miles cocked his head. “Do you regret coming over last night? What happened between us?” There had only been one other time in Miles’ life that he’d ever asked that question. The women he dated he never saw himself being with long term, except one. And even Trixi he wasn’t sure about. To this day, he had no idea if he loved her or not. He had strong feelings for her and liked her more than most. But her being with him had come at a high price. Not so much for Miles, but Trixi stood to lose everything, including her family.
“No, Miles. I don’t regret last night. I’m just not sure it can happen again. At least not right now. I’m sorry. It’s not that I don’t like you because I think it’s fairly obvious that I do. Please understand that this has nothing to do with you or even me. My little brother is all I have in this world. He matters to me more than anything. His well-being is all that I care about. I first need him to adjust to not having Charlie in his life. Once I know Gabriel has accepted that, then and only then can I consider dating.”
“First, I don’t think you give Gabriel enough credit.” He held up his hand. “I’ll respect your decision. I’m not going to hound you about it. But I’m not going to give up either.” Wow. Did that just come out of his mouth? When a woman brushed him off like that, he usually shrugged his shoulders and moved on.
But not with Liberty.
Even though part of him believed he should. It all came back to the same tired old tape.
He wasn’t good enough and she knew it.
But his father once told him that unless a girl flat-out admitted that’s why she didn’t want him, then it was all in his head.
“Second, you should know that Gabriel was texting with Charlie.” He pointed to the tablet on the counter. “I saw it when I sat down for breakfast.”
“I’m not surprised.” She sighed. “The only real question I have is whether Gabriel reached out or Charlie. My guess would be Charlie. Even though I upset Gabriel by telling him Charlie wouldn’t be welcome anymore, he stopped texting him when we first moved here, except when Charlie texted him first.”
“Does he ever tell you what they talk about?”
“Sometimes.” Liberty nodded. “I’ll talk to him about it later.”
“I’m happy to have a chat with him at work. He jibber-jabbers all day anyway about all sorts of stuff. Maybe he’ll open up to me.” Miles downed the last of his coffee.
“Don’t press him.” She reached out and curled her fingers around his biceps. “The last thing I need is for him to have an issue with you and not want to work.”
“I hear you.” He took a chance and stole a brief but powerful kiss, letting his lips linger on her mouth, rendering her speechless. He smiled. “Tell Gabriel to meet me by my truck in fifteen.” He turned on his heel and made a beeline for the door with his heart hammering in his chest.
She might not have said yes.
But she sure as shit didn’t say no.
And he did his best to push that beat-up old tape out of his mind.
Liberty sat in the break room at the Safe Harbor Café, stabbing her fork into her summer salad and pushing the food around. She’d barely slept all night, thanks to what most would refer to as a little booty call. Damn, she couldn’t believe she’d slept with Miles.
She laughed at the thought. No. She more or less fucked him good. Or maybe it was the other way around.
She’d gone to see him only because she wanted to apologize and set the record straight.
Not end up screwing him right there in his kitchen.
It resolved nothing. She felt like crap over the way she’d dealt with Gabriel and her raging conflicting emotions regarding Miles, and she hadn’t been able to settle her mind.
Of course, the texts from Charlie hadn’t helped.
Fucker.
The man had made her life a living hell and he wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.
Her only hope was that if she ignored him, he’d go away.
Only he went from calling her a selfish lying bitch to telling her he loved her, that he was sorry, and he wanted her back.
“You look like you swallowed a lemon.” Lucy Ann, her boss and the owner of the café, strolled into the break room and plopped herself in the chair across from Liberty. “I hope it’s not the change in schedule that’s got you looking so down.”
“Not at all. I have no problem working mornings and lunches. I just can’t believe that Rumor is coming back tomorrow. She just got married yesterday.” Liberty relished the idea of chatting about anything other than Miles or her ex-husband.
Lucy Ann laughed. “That’s her and Emmerson for you. To them, each day is either just another day or a day to be grateful, depending on how you flip the coin.”
“I wish I could look at life that way sometimes.” Liberty pushed her salad to the side and lifted her iced tea, taking a big gulp. “I wanted this town to represent new beginnings for me and Gabriel. We’ve never lived anywhere other than Palm Beach and honestly, I hated it there.”
“You don’t seem to be the kind of girl who would get along too well in that town.” Lucy Ann arched a brow.
Liberty laughed. “You don’t know the half of it.”
Lucy Ann glanced at her watch. “You’ve still got twenty minutes on your break. Why don’t you tell me about it.”
“It would take a lot longer than that.” Since Liberty had been in Lighthouse Cove, she’d done her best to make the transition easy for Gabriel. Making friends wasn’t something that came naturally for either her or her brother. Back in Palm Beach, she didn’t really have friends. She only associated with those whom Charlie deemed acceptable, and those weren’t the kind of people whom Liberty felt comfortable with, not even when she’d lived with her parents.
Liberty had rebelled against being rich. Sure, it came with many perks, one of them not having to worry if she could afford some of Gabriel’s favorite foods, hence the breakfast schedule. And dinner schedule. She had to budget or she’d be broke. Gabriel didn’t understand that and she didn’t want to place that burden on his shoulders, though he did insist on giving her part of his paycheck for rent. That made him feel like an adult, and she wouldn’t take that away from him.
Her parents—well, mostly her mom—had made it clear that associating with people beneath their station in life might as well be a federal offense. Her mother hated the few friends she had because they weren’t in the proper social circle. She never did understand that concept because half of the people who were deemed acceptable, were the types of people who looked down on everyone else.
She wasn’t that person.
Since she moved to Lighthouse Cove, she’d met a few people she could call friends. People who didn’t judge solely based on someone’s bank account.
Lucy Ann.
Just about every female married to a Kirby.
And Miles.
Although, sleeping with Miles had complicated the hell out of that friendship. The sex had been right out of an erotic novel. She hadn’t experienced anything quite like it before and she couldn’t stop thinking about it if she tried.
“If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. But I have to admit I’m more than curious about Palm Beach. Phil and I have gone down there a couple of times. We’ve done the window-shopping thing, because no way would I spend that kind of money on shit I could buy for half the price. We once went to that fancy hotel with all the restaurants, but only had one drink at the seafood bar. It was seventy-five dollars.” Lucy Ann smacked her forehead. “And it wasn’t half as good as what my husband makes here in this cheap-ass diner.”
Liberty laughed. “Everything in Palm Beach is overpriced. You’re not paying for the food or beverage; it’s all about the experience. About being seen in the right place with the right people. It’s honestly about the dumbest thing ever.”
“You’re telling me.”
“I was born and raised there,” Liberty said. “Oddly enough, my parents were loaded. And I mean, Palm Beach loaded.” She couldn’t believe she was telling anyone this story. Everyone in Palm Beach knew her past, but no one here did. However, all they needed to do was google her and they’d figure it out, so what the hell was the difference.
“Seriously?” Lucy Ann leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. “Where are your parents now?”
“I honestly have no idea and couldn’t care less. They left me to take care of my brother when I was twenty and he was just shy of eleven. And they took their millions with them.”
“Ouch. That’s not nice. Why did they do that?”
“The stigma of having a child like Gabriel,” Liberty said, biting back the tears that were always threatening to break free when she allowed herself to think too hard about what her parents had done to both of them. She didn’t have any regrets or resentments about dropping out of college to step in and take care of Gabriel.
But she did hate her fucking parents for it.
Especially her father. He’d at least been present in their lives. Shown some interest in what they were doing. He’d even asked her about college and what she wanted to do, as if he didn’t agree with his wife’s goals about finding her a suitable man to take care of her and give her the proper status in life.
She’d always believed her dad had been on her side. That he at least cared about her and Gabriel.
But he left anyway.
“What the hell is wrong with Gabriel? I mean, I get he’s on the spectrum, or whatever they are labeling it these days, but he’s a human. His shit stinks like the rest of us.”
Liberty burst out laughing. Lucy Ann was a breath of fresh air. Hell, everyone in this sleepy little town made Liberty feel like there wasn’t a damn thing wrong with either one of them and sometimes she wasn’t sure how to deal with that. Charlie’s parents tiptoed around Gabriel. They tolerated him, only taking him out in public when it suited their needs. Showing off the special needs kid to make them look better, as if they had a fucking heart.
And Charlie. At first, he acted like Gabriel was his best friend. He used Gabriel to get to her, but she still didn’t understand why. She was the poor waitress at the fine dining restaurant whom everyone pitied.
Lucy Ann reached across the table. “I’m sorry your parents did that to you. And to Gabriel.”
“Gabriel is my whole world and I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage it all. Enter my dick of an ex-husband. I knew who his family was and even him, even though he’s about six years older than me. Our parents had yachts at the same marina. I remember him being popular. Stunningly handsome. And every girl wanted him.”
“Except you?”
“Well, I am younger and was too busy trying to help Gabriel feel like someone cared because my parents hid him away. Once he was diagnosed, it was like they erased him. They didn’t want anyone to know they had a dumb kid with the emotional bandwidth of a toddler, especially my mother. When I went to college, it was local and I lived at home. All my mother wanted me to do was get married to some guy like Charlie. I honestly never wanted that life. I figured I’d get a degree, save up some money, move away, and take Gabriel with me. But that didn’t happen and I was struggling. Charlie offered me an out.” Her phone buzzed in her purse. “Do you mind if I see who that is?” It was rare that anyone texted her. Lately, it was either Charlie—or Miles.
If it was Charlie, she was going to have to respond and tell him to stop or she would have to take matters to the next level. If she dared.
“By all means.”
Liberty dug into her bag and lifted her cell. “Shit. It’s Miles and there’s an issue at the shop.” She stood. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I know that leaves you?—”
“I’ll deal with it. Just let me know if you can come back or not.” Lucy Ann rose and took her by the arms, pulling her in for a hug. “When you work for me, you become family. Remember that.”
“Thank you.” She fumbled with her phone, her fingers barely able to hit the screen.
Liberty: I’ll be right there. Walking. It will be faster.
Miles: I’ll meet you at the corner.
What the fuck? Where was Gabriel? No time to text back. She raced out the door and down the street. Miles’ auto shop was only two blocks away. She came to the light at the center of town. It was red, but there were no cars, so she ran across the street.
Miles waved as he rounded the corner.
“Why did you leave Gabriel alone with Charlie?” she asked, trying to catch her breath.
“I didn’t.” Miles kissed her cheek and placed his hand on the center of her back as they walked the last block. “He’s going for a joy ride with Emmett in his patrol car.”
She skidded to a stop and glared at Miles. While she’d mentioned Gabriel struggled with authority, she hadn’t said why. “Being in a police car is going to freak him out and he doesn’t know your brother that well.”
“I wouldn’t have sent him if he didn’t want to go, but he was excited.”
“I find that hard to believe,” she mumbled. “How did you get him away from Charlie?”
“He doesn’t even know Charlie’s here.” Miles ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair. “I was out back talking with Emmett when I saw the Porsche coming. I called for Gabriel and asked him if he wanted to go for a ride with Emmett. He jumped at the chance. They might go see Emmerson and Rumor. I told Emmett not to come back until I texted him.”
“I think Gabriel has a bit of a crush on Rumor.” She squared her shoulders as the body shop came into sight.
“Doesn’t everyone?”
She chuckled. “That’s your sister-in-law.”
“And my brother’s a lucky man.” Miles turned his head and winked.
“If you’re trying to settle my nerves, it’s working.”
“Good.” He tugged her tighter and kissed her temple. “Just so you know, Charlie says he’s here to have me service his car.”
“It’s brand new. Why would he need that?”
“He told me he wants to take it on the racetrack, but he needs two thousand miles on it first. He’s only got three hundred. I told him to bring it back when he hits the right mileage and I’ll certify it, but that didn’t satisfy him. He asked about Gabriel and I told him he was out for lunch. I believe he’s waiting for him to return.” Miles pointed toward Charlie, who leaned against his precious Porsche. It wasn’t the first one he owned, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.
She paused on the sidewalk and turned. “I think I need one of your brother’s or maybe your mother’s help.”
“With what?”
“This.” She pulled out her cell and pulled up the text string from last night and this morning. “I want him out of my life. And Gabriel’s. For good this time.”
Miles took the phone and scrolled through the messages. He didn’t arch a brow or show any emotion at all. “Emmerson went through something similar with his ex. I’ll text my mom to come down. She’ll document this. Unfortunately, for now, that’s all we can do. Until she gets here, I don’t want you saying too much. And I certainly don’t want you getting into an argument with him. Save it for when she gets here.”
“This isn’t going to go over well.” She turned, sucking in a deep breath, and rubbed her hands down her jeans.
“It never does.” Miles looped his arm around her waist, guiding her across the pavement.
“Hey, babe.” Charlie smiled. “Where’s Gabriel? I thought I’d take him to lunch.”
“He had plans,” she said. “And stop calling me that.”
Charlie narrowed his stare, glancing between her and Miles, whose arm was firmly planted around her body.
Part of her wanted to push Miles away. It only served to piss Charlie off even more. But maybe that’s all she needed to drive the point home. Charlie could have almost any woman he wanted in Palm Beach. They were lining up at the door when she walked out. Hell, they were doing that before she left. It didn’t matter that most only wanted his money. And if they had family money of their own, they wanted his family name.
Livingston.
Something she dropped the day she got divorced.
While she didn’t like the name Blue, and all that represented, it was better than being a Livingston one second longer.
“Would you mind giving me and my wife a few moments alone?” Charlie pushed from the hood of his fancy sports car.
“I do mind,” Miles said in a calm voice.
Too calm, and it rattled her fucking nerves.
“Too bad. I need to speak with Liberty alone and it doesn’t concern you.” Charlie inched closer, almost daring Miles to get in his face.
“Unless the lady asks me to leave, I’m not going anywhere. Besides, this is my shop. No one tells me what to do in my own place of business,” Miles said. This time his tone shifted. It wasn’t loud. Or cocky. But it did have an edge to it.
She wasn’t sure if she was terrified or thrilled.
“Liberty, please ask this man to leave us alone.” Charlie glared.
Just then, a police car rolled into the parking lot.
Rebecca Kirby eased from the driver’s seat. Her long blond hair was pulled back into a bun and she was decked out in her uniform, badge, gun, and all.
Liberty had met her a dozen times in the café and Rebecca had always been kind. A little scary, but nice.
“Good afternoon.” Rebecca looped her fingers through her belt. “I see we meet again.” She nodded. “I hope I’m not going to be pulling you over for speeding or reckless driving in my town today.”
“No, ma’am,” Charlie said.
“Good to hear because that first time I was being kind. I could have suspended your license right then and there. Second time, I won’t be so forgiving.”
Charlie lifted his hands. “I’ve already apologized and it won’t happen again.”
“Hey, Ma,” Miles said. “Thanks for coming.”
“My pleasure. Now, what is this problem Liberty needs my help with?”
Miles handed her cell to his mother. “She needs you to make it very clear to this fine gentleman that she doesn’t want him coming to her house or contacting her or Gabriel anymore. They’re divorced and that’s the end of it.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Charlie mumbled. “What business of this is yours? Liberty, tell them they’ve got this all wrong.”
“They don’t.” She folded her shaking arms across her chest. “I moved here to get away from you. I’ve asked you to leave me alone. I’ve especially asked you to let Gabriel get used to his new surroundings and you pull a stunt like coming to his place of work. And after I asked you not to stop by the house anymore. To stop calling and texting him.” She sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her nerves were more than frazzled and it weren’t for Miles and his mom, she would have surely caved. She had no backbone when it came to Charlie. She’d tried. But he always managed to worm his way back into her life.
Not this time.
“Please, let us be. I don’t want to have to keep saying it. You’re confusing Gabriel. We both need a fresh start and you and I are never getting back together.” There. She’d said it. In front of witnesses, one of which was a cop.
“I believe Miss Blue has made her position clear.” Rebecca handed the phone to Liberty. “I hope I won’t be getting a phone call that you’re bothering her or her brother. I’d hate to make this a police matter and have to pull out my handcuffs.” She lowered her chin. “I’d take that as your first and only warning.” She turned her attention to Miles. “I’m heading over to Emmerson’s place. Something about an impromptu pool party. All are welcome. I hope I’ll see you and Liberty over there soon.”
“You probably will.” Miles leaned in and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Love you, Ma.”
“You too, son.” Rebecca turned and with some serious cop swagger, she strolled back to her vehicle, climbed in, and drove off.
Miles squeezed Liberty’s hip. “Why don’t you go grab my car keys. They’re on my desk.” He literally turned her and gave her a good shove.
She glanced over her shoulder and took one tentative step as Miles inched closer to Charlie.
“Come back here and you’ll have more than my mother to deal with and it won’t be pretty,” Miles said.
“Are you threatening me?” Charlie asked.
Miles shook his head. “Just telling you the facts. Now get off my property.”
Charlie muttered something under his breath, but Liberty couldn’t quite make it out. Whatever it was, she suspected it wasn’t good.
She stood by the office door and watched Charlie slowly drive away.
Fuck. What had she done? If she believed for one second that Charlie would go away quietly, she was a dumbass.