Chapter Twelve
“My father,” Colton began. “Is an ass!”
Not certain that she heard him correctly, she turned to look at him. “You think?”
“And I’m sorry if he said something that hurt your feelings.”
“That’s putting it mildly. He did more than just say something. He…” Her words were barely above a whisper. “He touched me…my breast.”
Colton just shook his head as though he wanted to say more but couldn’t. It was a side of him she’d never seen before. Clearly, there was something going on where he and his father were concerned.
“Did he hurt you? Because if he did, I’ll…I’ll…”
“No, I took care of things myself. But if he ever says anything more to me or tries to harm my family in any way, I swear to God, I’ll come unglued on him. I’ll ruin his name and I’ll tell everyone what a sleezy scumbag he is.”
Colton listened as she rehashed everything that had happened. “Wait,” he stopped her. “He set up an interview with you? That’s why you’re here today?”
“Well, he didn’t set it up. The clerk did. She called me last week to arrange it.”
“Blayze, I’m so sorry.” He shook his head. “He filled that position a week after your father’s retirement.”
“But he called me. Over and over for days.” She pulled out her phone so she could show him the missed calls. “He even sent a certified letter to my house.”
“He’s done some shitty things before, but this is downright deceitful. He’s an evil man.”
“You could say that again.” She couldn’t believe he’d pulled such a vindictive move on her. Having her drive all the way to Keebler Hills for an interview he never planned to follow-thru with, for a position that wasn’t even available. No wonder the town clerk had disappeared from her desk.
“So let me get this right, were you actually considering coming back to Keebler Hills?” Colton asked. “I mean, had he offered you the position? Because that would’ve led to a lot of confusion with the new chief had he caught wind of it.”
“Actually, no.” She stared out the window as Colton drove down the highway. “I wanted to get even with your father. I wanted to get back at him…at you…for the way things had been a long time ago. And when you left my hotel room…”
“Blayze, please…”
“No, Colton. Let me finish.” She reached up to wipe away a tear that had leaked from the corner of her eye.
“I’ve had these issues with you for as long as I can remember.
Then, to think you had a part in this…whatever you want to call what your father was trying to pull.
I was downright livid. He even told me he’d help me where you were concerned. ”
“He told you that?”
“Yes! I assumed, when you bailed on me, that it was just another one of your stunts you’d pulled on me. Just like you did in high school. Anything you could do to get at me.”
“Here’s what you don’t know, Blayze.” Colton reached over and grabbed hold of her hand.
“My father and I don’t exactly see eye to eye on a lot of things.
Most things, if you want to know the truth.
He played me for a fool with this stupid city council position, and I’ve made up my mind that I’m done with him.
I won’t cover for a man that lies and steals.
Or one who cheats. I’ll act civil to him in public, but that’s where I draw the line.
Trust me, when I tell you he’s not a good man, he’s done a lot he should be ashamed of. ”
“Help me out here because I’m not sure I understand.” She looked over at Colton. “So, you’re saying you and your father…you’re not a part of this is any way?”
“Not at all.”
“I’m sorry, Colton.”
“Don’t apologize. I learned my lesson the hard way.
It cost me my reputation as well as my law practice, but I’m dealing with it.
I refuse to follow in his footsteps. There are many people in this town that think my father is the greatest. It’s why he’s been mayor for so long.
One day though, he’s going to get called out and the people will see him for what he really is.
I just want to walk away, while I’ve still got some dignity left. ”
“So, are you leaving? I don’t understand.”
Seemed there was a lot more to the story than what Colton was willing to talk about.
“I am. Where, I’m not exactly sure, but I’ve accepted an offer on my house.
I’m ready for a new beginning. I’m ready for something positive in my life.
As for the morning I bailed on you…I’m sorry.
I freaked out when I woke up and realized I’d fallen asleep with you beside me, someone I’d had a crush on for years.
Someone I’d picked on for so long because I didn’t have the guts to tell her the truth…
that I thought she was pretty. Someone that I admired.
Someone that worked her butt off to get where she is today. ”
Blayze was stunned and didn’t know what to say. So much had come to light and she was having a problem letting it all sink in. Had Colton really said that he admired her?
By now, he’d pulled off on the side of the road. He turned to look at her then reached up to run his hand along the side of her cheek. “Colton, I’m…I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m sorry. So sorry I was mean to you. So sorry for the way I treated you and for the way my father treated you. Will you please forgive me?”
She nodded then looked out the window for a moment. “I hate that it came to all this. I guess, though, had I not come back today, we might not have run into each other and had this talk. And that everything wouldn’t be out in the open.”
“Please, don’t give my father any credit. Trust me, he doesn’t deserve it.”
They both agreed with that comment. Brent Burns didn’t deserve a single thing!