Chapter 31
31
Cortney
The first thing I do at home is start the kettle on the stove and change into my black satin pajamas. Mom gave them to me for my birthday last year. One of her nonnegotiable life rules is that every girl should treat themselves to underwear and pajamas. She always said it’s important that you feel good with what’s under your clothes and that you feel comfortable when you’re out of them.
Out of everything she’s taught me, this is one thing I’ll always cherish. She isn’t wrong on either account.
Thinking of her prompts me to pick up my phone and tap the contact at the top of my call list. It rings once before she answers.
“Hello, honey.”
“Hi, Momma.” I walk to the kitchen to fix myself a cup of tea. The drama tonight has left my soul a little weary and my bones cold.
“Are you doing okay? I heard about what happened.”
“Which one of my gossiping brothers filled you in?”
Her light laugh injects me with warmth. “Jack. I was watching their kids tonight. Whitney went over to Bree’s, and the boys were watching baseball at Lee’s house when they got your texts.”
“Ah.” I pour my cup and take it with me to the couch.
Outside the front window, I watch Lee and Spencer talk. The two have their arms crossed, nodding and occasionally waving a hand around.
“Let me have it, honey.” Mom’s voice is soft and kind.
Tears immediately rush to my eyes. “I’m just really sad. We lost so much time.”
“I know. I’m furious for what that… that… prick did to the both of you.”
The sound that leaves my mouth is a cross between a snort and a sob. “Did you just call him a bad name?” In all my life, I think I’ve only heard her swear twice.
“Well, what else am I supposed to call him? He broke up my children. Yes, children, because those Stone boys are as much as my kids as the rest of you are.”
“Momma,” I say softly. I use the hem of my shirt to dab my eyes.
“It’s going to be okay, honey.”
I watch my brother and Spencer shake hands. “I know. I love him.”
“Of course you do.”
“How would you know?”
“I saw the two of you canoodling at the baseball game. I’m old, not blind.”
“He came with me on my honeymoon,” I admit. “I didn’t invite him. Sebastian donated his half of the trip behind my back, and I guess Spencer really needed a vacation.”
“I knew you came back from that trip glowing, and it wasn’t just from the sun.”
“Mom!”
“What? I was happy for you. Nothing wrong with a little beach fling to mend a broken heart.” A smile warms her voice.
My sigh is soft and content. “I think that fling might be my forever.”
“I’m happy for you, sweetheart.”
Spencer walks up my sidewalk with determined strides as Lee’s truck pulls away from the curb with a roar.
“He’s coming back inside.”
“Then I’ll let you go. Tell him he’s invited to Sunday dinner, and I expect him to be there from now on.”
My lips tip despite my eyes shimmering with tears. The door creaks slowly open. “I don’t foresee that being a problem. “Good night, Momma.”
“Night baby girl. See you soon.”
“Bye.”
“Goodbye.”
I set my phone and tea on the coffee table and start to rise.
“Stay. I’m coming to you.” Spencer kicks off his shoes.
I drop heavily back into my seat. “How’d it go?”
“Good. Really good. You have nothing to worry about.”
Relief slows my nervous pulse. “You sure?”
“Think of it as the slate being wiped clean. We’re starting fresh, but there’s a layer of respect from Lee that wasn’t there before.” Spencer moves a throw pillow and settles into my couch. He tips his head back and stares at the ceiling for a moment. “Come here, Kitten.”
Turning over, I tuck my bare feet into the couch cushion and lean into his chest. “How’s your hand?”
Holding it in front of me, he rolls his knuckles. They’re still red and swollen.
“You should put ice on that again.”
“It’s fine.” The light touch of his lips against my forehead has my eyes fluttering closed.
“Hey, Spence?”
“Yeah?”
“When you bought that ticket at the auction, did you know I’d be on that trip?”
Spencer stills behind me. He picks up my hand and runs his thumb over my knuckles. “I did.”
“How?”
“You remember the night of the benefit?”
“Sort of. That was the day I found Sebastian balls deep in his assistant. I was late and pretty pissed off.”
He tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Then I’m not sure if you know, but they basically had two auctions. Some items were only open until that night, but there were others that ran online for about two weeks. Mostly nontangible items like timeshares and other experiences.”
“Okay, I think I’m following.”
“The ticket was put up later as part of the online portion. Saw it. Thought it sounded interesting. Then disregarded it. Until I was on one of my rare outings into town, and I heard your name mentioned. Your ex was encouraging his friends to up their bids by telling them they’d probably get to sleep with you.” He shakes his head in disgust. “Joking or not, their fantasies were vile.”
A shudder runs through my muscles. “Ugh. I don’t want to know.”
“Shoulda hit him harder,” Spencer says beneath his breath. “And I probably should have told someone to pull the auction, but I’ve never really been one to pass up an opportunity.”
I snuggle deeper into his side. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Me too.”
My lashes flutter through a yawn. “How much did you spend?”
“Ten grand,” he answers without pause.
“You spent ten grand to take a trip with me?” I scramble to my knees beside him.
“Worth every single penny.”
“You’re unhinged, Spencer Stone.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far. Maybe a little unethical.” He grins wickedly, then touches his mouth to mine.
I sink into the taste of him. Tonight revealed just how close I was to losing him forever. As much as him walking away hurt me, it’s the reason we’re here right now.
The years we lost we can never get back, but the future is laid out in front of us, waiting for us to write our story together in permanent ink.
The front door flying open startles us apart.
“Mom! Mom? Where are you?” Oliver’s frantic voice fills me with panic.
“Oliver, what’s wrong?” Spencer and I are both on our feet, moving toward the door.
“Are you okay?” In three strides, Ollie’s across the floor and pulling me into a tight hug. “I heard Lee tell Juniper about what happened tonight.”
“I’m fine, honey.”
Ollie flits his gaze over my face in a way that’s eerily reminiscent of one of his uncles. I fit my palms to his cheeks to steady him.
“I’m fine.” The finality of my tone nullifies further questions.
Oliver grabs my wrists and hugs me again. “Heard you punched the guy,” he says to Spencer.
“I did.”
“Good.”
I point my finger between the two boys. “We do not condone violence.”
“Mom, if a guy tries to hurt your girl, you’re allowed to kick his ass.”
Spencer grunts to conceal a laugh. “I’m on his side.”
I put on my best stern face. “I don’t need the two of you teaming up on me or getting into trouble.”
Oliver looks at Spencer and cracks a smile. “This could be fun.” He turns on his heel and strolls to the kitchen with all the swagger of a high school junior.
“I swear, Spencer, if you corrupt my boy—”
“Bro, I’m almost eighteen. Stop calling me your boy.”
“I’ll stop calling you boy when you stop calling me bro!” I yell after him.
“Whatever. I’m ordering pizza. Did you guys eat?” Ollie’s voice floats around the corner. The fridge opens and closes, followed by the hiss of a pop bottle cracking open.
Before I can answer, Spencer beats me to it. “Throw on one for us. Still like pepperoni and black olive?” he asks me.
“That’s what we usually get,” Ollie answers from the kitchen.
I shrug as my lips tip up. “Some things don’t change.”
Spencer looks at me with a face full of contentment. “Make it two, and I’ll cover it.”
Oliver pops his head around the corner. “Is he moving in?”
My body becomes so stiff a strong wind could topple me over. “Why are you asking that?”
Ollie strolls by on his way to his bedroom as if he didn’t just shock me stupid. “Just saying if he’s going to pay for pizza from here on out, that’s an arrangement I’m happy with.”
“Boys,” I mutter as I slowly relax. “The way to their hearts is through their bottomless stomach.”
The silence lingers for an elongated beat.
Spencer’s shoulders lower with a deep exhale. “Would you want that?”
“Would I want you to live with us? Do you even have to ask that?”
Spencer huffs a short laugh. “I have my rental, but I’m sure I can work something out. Find a subtenant.”
I loop my arms around his neck. “I might know someone who’s looking.”
“Do you now?” He runs his palms beneath my upper arms and trails leisurely kisses up my neck.
One by one, pieces fall back into their rightful place. “Mm-hmm. Whitney’s friend Alice has been looking. Her lease is up next month because her landlord is putting the house up for sale.”
“Get in touch with her. I’ll get on it first thing Monday morning.”
“In a hurry for something?” I tease as his teeth scrape across my collarbone.
He pulls back and looks me straight in the eyes. “Only to begin the rest of our life together.”
“Why wait until Monday?” I drag his mouth down to mine. Against his lips, I murmur, “I’m ready to start right now.”