Chapter 28
Paisley
J ust before six, I arrive at the rundown shack Parker is calling a home while he fixes it up. I’m here to pick him up for the grand opening of The Alexander Hotel. As I step onto the front porch, the weathered wood slats creak beneath my feet, and I jump back, worried I’m about to fall through.
He swings open the front door, and I eye the porch with suspicion. “Is it safe to walk on these?” I ask, my voice tinged with weariness. The last thing I need is to slip and fall before the night even begins.
“It should be,” he replies casually, but he’s not wearing heels.
“That doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence,” I quip, chuckling nervously as I cautiously make my way toward him, stepping only on the planks that look extra supported. The wind gets under the house, and they whistle, but I safely make it to the entry in one piece.
“Wanna come in for a sec before we head out to the hotel?” he offers, and from his serious expression, I know it wasn’t really a question. He’s got something on his mind.
“Sure,” I agree, trailing behind him into the foyer. I settle onto his plush leather sofa, but the serious expression on his face immediately puts me on edge. “What’s going on?”
He looks me over, his eyes full of brotherly concern. “I need to say something.” He pauses, his eyes meeting mine, and a sadness washes over him. “I didn’t know, and I’m so sorry, Paisley. I should have protected you from him. Me leaving to shield myself was selfish, but if I thought for a second…” His voice breaks, and I feel terrible for him.
“Parker. I’m okay. He never hurt me the way he did you, just a few bruises. I understood why you had to get out of there. I hated him for the way he treated you after Mom left.”
“I shouldn’t have left you behind. Until Noah explained what happened between our father and him last week, I didn’t realize he had been hurting you as well.” His voice is strained; it’s obvious how heavily this has been weighing on him.
“How could you know? I didn’t come to you, and maybe I should have, but our family didn’t work like that. I’m glad we have a closer relationship now. We didn’t let our parents ruin it for us.” I take his hand in mine and offer a squeeze of comfort. “Noah shouldn’t have stepped in. It wasn’t his place to cause such a scene and have him arrested.”
He gazes at me with a serious expression. “He would do anything for you. He did for me when I needed him. I haven’t told you this, but it was him who got me out of there the night Dad beat the shit out of me. If Noah wasn’t there, who knows how far he would have gone. I’d never seen him so angry.”
I suspected as much after the story Noah told me. “Is that why Dad hates him so much? Because he knew the way he treated you?”
“Probably. Noah pulled him off me and fought back. Something I never had the guts to do.” His head drops, sadness washing over him.
“Parker, you were a kid who respected your dad, we both did. He was scary as fuck, and we didn’t have anywhere else to go. What choice did we have? You did what you had to, to survive living with him. When I heard he was arrested, I wasn’t even sad for him. All I could think was I hope they lock him up and throw away the key,” I admit, sadness filling me for the little girl who just wanted a normal family. One with a loving mother and father, one where they actually cared about us.”
“He was dead to me a long time ago. If he goes to prison, it will change nothing, but I’m glad this town finally knows who he really is.” He pulls me in close to him, hugging me. But I know it’s more for me than him. He’s distant like he’s detached from reality. It makes me worry for him and wonder what happened to him while he was away. He hasn’t been the same since.
We stay like this for some time, both lost in our own thoughts. “Parker, what happened to you while you were away?” I finally get the guts to ask.
He pulls away from me, goes to a sideboard, and grabs his keys and a leather jacket. “Come on, let’s get you to this party,” he says, completely ignoring my question.
I sigh and follow him out the door, wishing he would open up to me. I could help him. Well, I’m not sure I could, but I would try. But our family’s not like that. Him even pulling me aside tonight to discuss our daddy is so unusual. I should be just grateful for small wins.
As I walk onto the rooftop terrace with Parker, salt spray kisses my face. My eyes widen in absolute awe of the space at night. With a 360-degree view of the beach, it’s breathtaking. Various shades of a milky white siding coat the exterior, with huge modern planters filled with lush greenery that drapes out of them, curling its way to the tiled floor below. Emerson has strung up lights that add to the charming atmosphere. “Parker, this space is stunning, you have truly outdone yourself.” I smile at my brother, so proud of him.
“Our vision sure did come to life,” he agrees with a nod of his head. No emotion or happiness for the fruits of his labor.
We make our way over to the bar where Emerson and Gisele are handing out flutes of champagne. Emerson decided after all the hard work everyone had put in to get The Alexander looking so fabulous, we should be rewarded with a party on the most spectacular rooftop in town, and us girls all agreed it was a genius idea.
“You girls certainly know how to throw a party,” I gush, opting for a champagne flute filled with orange juice over the champagne she’s handing me. I take a sip as I glance around the beautiful space.
“It’s the least we could do,” Emerson says, kissing Parker’s cheek. “What your team has done is incredible. And the flowers, Paisley, they’re stunning as always.”
“Anything for you guys,” Parker agrees.
I’ve created two large pastel arrangements, one for the bar with draping Amaranthus and another for the top of the doorway. The pop of color, though subtle, adds to the space nicely.
“How are you two holding up?” Emerson asks, glancing back and forth between us, and I can sense her worry. They all would have read that damn newspaper story about our father’s arrest.
Parker shakes his head, and I know he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. “We’re doing just fine.” I plaster on that show-stopping smile they all love and lie through my teeth. I don’t think I know what it would feel like to be just normal again and be smiling for real. Lying to my best friends all just feels so standard now. It’s scary how easy it is.
“Oh, course you are. But anything you need, you tell me. Okay? I’m here for you both. You have been so incredible to me and Brody in our tough time, and I really can’t thank you enough, so please let me help you. If you need it.”
I lean against the bar. “Thanks, sweetie, we will be sure to let you know.” I spot Beckett sauntering through the door, and I wave.
“What’s he doing here?” Emerson’s expression turns into a scowl. I would have thought after the Founders’ Day parade she was warming to the Prescott boys a little. She and Hamilton were certainly getting along when I saw them together. But who knows, she’s been acting so strange lately.
“I invited him. Be nice,” I tell my friends.
“Why, he’s an asshole. It’s not on us you decided to side with him,” Parker snips, suddenly rejoining the conversation. It’s still a sore point that I’m his campaign manager. But as I told Parker, I’m a big girl with a brain of my own, and I, for one, am glad I sided with him. He’s showing himself to be a worthy candidate.
“You might have had some issues in the past, but we’re all adults here, aren’t we? I’m sure we can put that all behind us. He’s going to be our new mayor. Wouldn’t you prefer to be on his good side?” I smile at them all sweetly like we have already won.
The three of them look back at me with disgust written all over their faces. “No, I would prefer you stop helping him and let Noah win. I still don’t get it,” Parker grumbles, and Emerson nods her head, agreeing with him.
“I don’t trust him, Pais,” Emerson adds.
I stare back at them, kind of shocked they’re still going on about this. Why does everyone say they can’t trust him? Since I put him in his place, he’s been nothing but straight up with me. “There is a lot about Beckett you guys don’t know. If you did, I think you would see him differently. He’s not his father or brother. I think you can understand that we can’t be held accountable for what our families have done in the past.” I eye them both. We all have issues with our parents and wouldn’t want to be put in the same boat as them.
“Beckett.” I kiss his cheek in greeting, happy to see him. “You know Emerson and Parker. Have you met Gisele?”
“Pleasure’s all mine,” he says, all charming, holding out a hand toward her.
She flashes her stunning smile and takes his hand. “You’re just like your brother.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He winks, and she laughs.
“I wouldn’t,” Emerson grumbles under her breath then smiles at him sweetly, seeming to just remember her manners. “What can I get you to drink?” she says, ever the perfect host, but there is an edge to her tone.
His eyes rake over her in question. Yeah, something’s not right there. What does he know that I don’t? “You got a beer?” he asks her.
Brody joins Gisele, wrapping a protective arm around her as he glares daggers at Beckett for having the audacity to shake his girl’s hand.
I roll my eyes in his direction. This is some high school shit right here. I’ll never understand why these guys can’t just act like adults and stop fighting.
Parker straightens his shoulders. He’s not comfortable being this close to Beckett since the last time they were, it ended in a fist fight. But it’s obvious that for me he’s trying to be civil, and I appreciate it. “My sister tells me you helped her out with a loan for the flower shop. That was kind of you,” he says, his words laced with skepticism.
Emerson looks toward me, shocked.
Gisele’s more friendly. “Did you, Beckett? What a lovely thing to do.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to take over the shop without him.” I smile at him, so grateful now that the paperwork has been finalized and the shop is officially mine.
Noah arrives with Margo; the two of them appear to be inseparable these days. He is dressed in formal suit pants and a light blue button-up shirt, while she is wearing a fitted pale pink cocktail dress and noticeably more makeup than usual. If I didn’t know better, I would say the shy little thing has a crush on Noah. It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. If I’m miserable because of him, he shouldn’t get to move on.
As our friends chat around me, I watch as he makes the rounds, smiling and shaking hands as she walks beside him. I can’t handle this. The sudden urge to get out of here comes over me, but I know this is important to Parker. He begged me to come, and in the end, I gave in because I knew it would be good for Beckett’s campaign.
Mae and Elliot join us, looking slightly flustered from rushing around.
“Where have you two been?” Emerson asks, concerned.
“Just checking on the staff in the kitchen.” Elliot smiles at her then winks at Mae.
“You’re supposed to be having a night off,” she playfully scolds both of them.
“We are.” Mae smiles sweetly, and I wonder what they were really up to. That’s her I’m guilty as hell face. “He can’t stay away from the place, you know that.” Mae laughs, brushing flour off her little green dress. She has let her hair down in large, glamorous curls that cascade down her back, and she looks absolutely stunning tonight, all dressed up for this special occasion.
It’s impressive to see how Parker smoothly accepts a glass of champagne from Gisele and courteously passes it to Mae. I cast a suspicious glance at my brother. What is he trying to do with my best friend? He grins back at me, all innocent. But he can’t hide from me. I know he’s got a thing for her.
Mae catches my eye and comes to stand beside me. She polishes off her champagne in one go like she really needed the drink. “You on the OJ?”
“Yep.” I sigh.
“Good for you. My nerves are frazzled tonight, I need the drink.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling,” I mutter, still watching Noah. I drop my head closer to her ear. “What’s with all the sneaking round?” She looks at me puzzled, her cheeks flushing. “You and Elliot?” I whisper.
She laughs innocently, looking relieved. “A big surprise for the Alexanders. Let’s just say things did not go according to plan in the kitchen this afternoon, but Elliot came to my aid and saved the day, again. He seems to be doing that for me a lot lately.”
I smirk back at her. She will be a chef by the end of the year, but from the dramas she tells me she has in the kitchen, I really wonder if she would be suited to another profession. “Lucky.”
“So lucky,” she agrees. But I know my bestie, and she’s hiding something from me. I wonder what it is. “I don’t know what I would do without him. Do you ever wonder what would happen if you just threw it all in and started again?”
“You mean a new job? ‘Cause you’re not packing up your life and leaving town like Gisele did. I need you.”
“I won’t leave you. But yeah, maybe a new job. I don’t know. I’m not a very good chef.” She holds up her hand, and I see the bandage wrapped around her fingers.
“Oh, shit. Mae, what did you do?” I ask, inspecting her hand.
“I was distracted, daydreaming stupidly, and nearly chopped my fingers off. Two of them! How is that even possible.”
“Oh my God. You need to be more careful. I don’t think you should give up because of this. People make mistakes. What about that wedding when I snipped through my thumb while finishing off a bouquet, remember? You had to come help me finish it off because I only had one hand.”
“How could I forget, we ended up in the ER. That cut was so deep.” She shudders at the thought.
I’ll never forget it. It was just after Noah left, and I was so distracted I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I was such a mess. “See, and now I own my own store. You’re still learning. Give it time.” I smile at her, but she doesn’t look convinced.
Beckett’s arm laces with mine. “Come meet some people with me.”
I leave our crew and join Beckett, introducing him to influential people from the hotel, making sure they all know how much of a stellar guy he is, and he plays his part, making it easy for us to convince them he will be good for this town. The more time I spend with him, the more I believe what I’m saying.
Servers hand out delightful finger food, and I try to make the most of enjoying a night out, but I’m distracted. While we mingle Noah watches me. He’s never far away, and my eyes keep floating back to him because I feel his on me. I don’t know what to do. I’m itching for a drink to help block him out, but I know I need to keep a clear head. The internal struggle is killing me.
A young brunette smiles Beckett’s way, and he becomes preoccupied with her. He leans into me closer. “What do you know, this event wasn’t without its benefits after all.”
Noah catches my eye as he walks toward us with purpose. Oh, shit, why is he coming over here? He’s lost his sidekick, but I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. I scan the terrace for her, but when I don’t see her, I quickly grab Beckett’s arm. “Don’t you dare walk away and leave me with him just so you can screw some girl,” I whisper angrily. Can’t he see I need him right now?
Beckett chuckles lightheartedly. “I’m sure you can handle him, kitten. This might be a good chance to make a scene, try to make him look bad.” He winks at me before slipping out of my grasp and heading toward the girl.
I’m not making a scene just to make Noah look bad. This town talks about me enough. But I would very much like to run like the wind in the opposite direction. Shame I drove here with Parker in an attempt to be good tonight and not drink. I’m very much regretting that decision now.
Since our encounter in the kitchen at town hall a week ago, I’ve been doing everything possible to avoid him. He’s backed off a little as well, and I was starting to think that maybe he’d given up. I can’t talk to him now. I search the terrace for an escape, but I’m too late.
He flashes a charming smile in my direction. “Paisley.” My name smoothly glides from his lips.
“Noah,” I murmur. Desperately, I search the room for a friend to escape with.
He comes to stand by my side, also assessing the space. He’s so close I can feel the warmth his body is radiating. He’s hot as hell, and I’m not surprised since he’s the devil himself. Where is his little sidekick? Shouldn’t she be around here somewhere, ready to whisk him away from me?
“Have you worked out that you sided with the wrong guy yet?” he says, watching Beckett chatting with the girl across the way.
“We’re not friends, Noah. I don’t want to make small talk with you, unlike every other girl on the terrace.” I roll my eyes, trying to show how much he irritates me.
He smiles at me, all gorgeous, and I just want to slap him. Why does he have to be so, so Noah. It’s unfair. His smile could charm anyone. But it’s the way he looks at me, like I’m the only one on the terrace even though there is a party full of people and he’s about to have his dirty way with me, that really has my panties wet. “Are you jealous, baby?” He brushes my hair off my neck playfully, sending a tingle in its wake.
I stiffen. My body is desperate to soften into him, but my head knows better. This man is nothing but trouble. “No. I just feel sorry for them,” I huff, trying to keep my cool.
He steps closer, dropping his head so his lips are just below my ear. A shiver runs over my skin, my insides turning to liquid. Oh God, I’m so screwed when it comes to him. “You’re gorgeous tonight, baby. Red’s your color,” he purrs, and for a second, I’m transported back to three years ago. His words light me up inside. He always did know exactly how to get my attention. “You might be angry with me, but you can’t deny that when we’re this close, your body craves mine. It’s why you got swept away with me in town hall the other day. And it’s why you will leave here with me tonight.” His words ooze confidence that they shouldn’t.
My breathing hitches. I keep my eyes focused on the room in front of me, partygoers in fancy dress and suits mingling happily. Because if I glance his way, if I entertain this crazy notion that I want him for just one second, I know I won’t be able to help myself. I will fall under his spell again. How presumptuous of him to tell me I’m coming home with him. He’s so fucking cocky, and I want to knock him down a few pegs. I’m not that easy. Anymore.
His hand captures mine behind my back, and he steps in behind me, pulling me into the shadows with him. “You don’t have to say anything, baby, I already know your answer. I can smell your arousal. You’re so turned on right now. You want to fight your attraction for me, but you know you can’t.” He places a kiss to my exposed neck. “Stop fighting your urges. You need this, Paisley, we both do.”
“My brother is just at the bar,” I whisper like that should stop him. Like it should stop me.
“Stop finding excuses. Give us both what we want.” He presses his body to mine so I can feel how turned on he is. He’s warm and hard, and for a second, my eyes flutter closed as I inhale his aftershave and imagine things are different. “Let me give you what no other man can.”
My heart races like crazy, and for a split second, I lean into him. He’s right, I want him. More than ever before. It’s becoming impossible to ignore the throbbing between my legs. Roger has seen more action in the last month than ever before. But I can’t. A man who can’t be trusted with my heart can’t have my body. I’m stronger than this. I take an uneasy breath, then I pull away, forcing him to release my hand. Then I run.
I sprint as fast as my heeled feet will take me, desperate to get the fuck away from him before I do something really stupid. Because this is more than just chemistry. I’m still in love with him, I know it.