“You’ve always had a gracious spirit.”
“Too gracious,” Evin rumbles.
“Accepting your apology doesn’t mean forgiveness. There’s no denying you hurt me. I’ll never understand your shitty choices, but I recently came to a conclusion.”
“What is the conclusion?”
“I didn’t need you.”
Marco goes pale, sorrow etched in his expression. “You didn’t need me? Not exactly what a father wants to hear.”
Evin growls low, taking my hand protectively.
“Karen and Tasha rode on your coattails, depending on your success to get where they are. I got here on my own. Your position, title, money, influence—none of it means anything. You kept your promise. The day you walked away, you took away my last piece of security. In your way of protecting me, you also gave me freedom.”
“You deserved a life unfettered by the toxicity I allowed into our lives.”
“I understand. Because of that, Dante and Ryanne are in my life. And eventually, it led me to Evin. There is no telling what the future holds. My husband isn’t your biggest fan, but it’s because of him we’re here.”
“I’m well aware he took pity on me, and I’m forever grateful.”
“We aren’t going back eight years and dwelling over the things we can’t change.”
“So what now?”
“You’ve seen me, you’ve apologized, so it’s time to reacquaint about our lives. I’d like to do it without walking on eggshells and pregnant pauses.”
Marco grins, giving a quick nod. “I’ve visited the Brasher in San Francisco and Aspen.”
“Aspen is where Darby launched her partnership.”
“I actually know that.”
Instead of being annoyed with the fact he researched everyone in my life, I roll with it.
We keep the conversation light for the rest of lunch. Marco seems to relax, but Evin stays mostly quiet, never releasing my hand.
When the bill arrives, Evin takes care of it, making another statement. An idea pops into my head and I jiggle our hands, sending him a silent message. He scowls, mumbles under his breath, and eventually shrugs.
“Marco, we’re headed to the studio. If you’re not busy, you’re welcome to join us.”
There’s a second of shock and disbelief before his face brightens. Then his gaze drifts to the man sitting alone a few tables over.
“It’s his security,” Evin fills me in. “I recognized him when we walked in.”
It takes a second to figure out the connection, then Evin’s visit to the hotel in Vegas comes to mind. Plus all the information Scottie uncovered about Marco moving his advisor to a security role. “Is this your advisor-slash-security guard?”
“You know about Grady?”
“A little, he’s welcome to come as well.”
“I don’t want to make things uncomfortable.”
“He obviously knows about me. If he works this closely with you, I assume you trust him.”
“Grady is one of the few people I trust. That’s why he’s here. He’s also been searching for Natasha.”
“Ugh! Such a drag.” I exaggerate the roll of my eyes and fling of my hand. “That part of his job must suck.”
“Now who’s being dramatic? Regardless, I’m sure he’d concur.” One side of Marco’s lip curls and a wave of familiarity washes over me. It’s an expression I haven’t seen in a long time but reminds me so much of my childhood.
“If you’re going with us, I suggest getting a coat. Our building is cold,” Evin relays gruffly.
Marco offers his hand. “Thank you for lunch. I won’t be long.”
Evin shakes it, dipping his chin in acknowledgment. Grady stands to go with Marco. He’s a huge frame of muscle, his eyes keen and body alert. I catch the approval in his gaze before they leave.
“I wanted to see him sweat. You went too easy on him.”
“Pretty sure your brazen scowling and barbed attitude got the point across.”
“You never stop amazing me.” He kisses along my knuckles before helping me up. “Even if I have to spend the afternoon with Marco.”
“It came to me on a whim. Besides, you’re the one with a soft spot for him.”
“Feeling pity for the guy doesn’t mean I want to share my wife the entire day.”
I bump his shoulder. “Your jealously has no bounds.”
“Nope.”
Marco and Grady are stepping off the elevator as we enter the lobby.
“We’ll have valet bring around the car.”
“That’s unnecessary. We’re right out front.”
Evin’s hand tightens, and I stifle my giggle.
The icy wind hits when we step outside and Evin tucks me into his body, hurrying to the prime spot upfront. He hoists me in the passenger seat, closing me in.
“Evin has special privileges here,” I explain.
In less than five minutes, we’re parked and Evin’s back at my door, helping me down.
“I was wondering how you got in and out of this massive vehicle while on crutches,” Marco smirks.
“Oh, this isn’t an injury thing. He’s always lifted me in and out. I can fly through the air, flip over my head, and land on my feet. But he’s unconvinced I’m able to get out of a truck.”
“I like it.”
Evin guides us in, turning off the alarm, and I describe the layout changes immediately. The finalized plans are vivid in my mind, and I try to give the vision justice.
We get to the second floor and my energy turns electric. Kendrick Construction won’t officially begin until after Christmas in a few weeks, but Pierce, Miller, and Evin have almost finished the general renovations on the space we’re making an apartment.
“Here’s my first project!” I twirl into the room, adding flare to my spin.
“Jesus.” Marco is wide-eyed with alarm.
“Poppy, cut it out,” Evin chides.
“I’m wearing my brace!”
“One more week.” He refers to Jesse’s agreement to let me start dancing techniques.
“Is this an apartment?” Marco glances around.
“Yes, would you like to see what I have planned?”
“Love to.”
Evin’s phone dings and he frowns at whatever is on the screen. “I need to make a quick call.”
“Everything okay?”
“I’ll be right downstairs.” He kisses me and takes off before I can question further.
“I’ll look around.” Grady’s gone in a blink.
“Well, that was subtle,” I murmur.
“Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?”
“Not really.” I shrug, opening my idea binder Ashlyn helped create. “It works out well because I can show you what I’ve picked without Evin looming. Some of it’s a surprise.”
Why I feel Marco needs to be involved in my secrets beats me, but I chalk it up to excitement.
“Let’s see.” He steps close and the familiar scent hits me. “You wear the same cologne?”
“I never stopped.”
A tinge of sadness creeps in and before I can stop, the words come tumbling out. “I’m surprised Karen allowed that.”