“I always blink a lot when that happens.”
That stinging sensation came back with more force. I’d miss Eric’s innocence and his positive outlook. And I couldn’t bear the thought of a life without Lexie. The way she took everything head-on. The way she felt in my arms. The way she gave me something to look forward to.
I’d crossed into dangerous territory, thinking about a future with them in it. Without meaning to, I’d allowed myself to think beyond the moment. I’d made plans with them I hadn’t shared.
This was a cold reminder of why I couldn’t do that. In the span of a moment, all of those plans were yanked out from under me.
My vision of the future now was a black hole.
“You’re up.”
I turned. Lexie stood feet away, already dressed in a magenta jumpsuit and jet black heels which added at least three inches to her height.
I understood the message.
She had on her armor for the outside world. I was no longer allowed to see the Lexie I loved most. The casual, mismatched, vulnerable one.
She didn’t spare me a glance, all smiles for her brother. “I thought we’d go have breakfast this morning. Just the two of us. Chocolate donuts or pancakes?”
“Do we have time for that before we go get suits?” Eric looked to me.
“Good morning, party people. I come bearing gifts.” Teague opened the box of donuts I’d asked him to pick up on his way.
“Donuts!”
Lexie glared as she stalked toward me. She put her mouth to my ear. “Dragging this out is flat-out cruel.”
I inhaled that sweet scent that was only Lexie and committed it to memory. I’d likely never be this close to her again.
Damn that stinging sensation. This wasn’t the time or place.
“Why is your nose red?” Teague asked, offering me a donut.
I opened my mouth to decline but decided to pick one up. This was something I only did with them. Yet another thing I’d miss.
“Allergies.”
He narrowed his gaze but let it go. “Lex, you look lovely. Are you going with us to pick out suits?”
“I just found out about the plan.”
“If you want, we can drop you by the rescue on the way. Pepper could use some help with the wedding. She just wants something simple, and you’ve got style.”
“Why are you all up so early on a Sunday?” Beau stumbled in wearing flannel pajamas.
“I’m getting a suit today. One that’s made for me,” Eric said.
He was so grateful for all the little things. I hoped one day I could take a lesson from that.
Beau high-fived him. “Fun.” She lifted her chin to Lexie. “What are you up to? Are you working today?”
“No. I thought Eric and I could go to breakfast, but he already has plans.”
“I sent Pepper a text that I’m dropping you by to help with the wedding. She sent thank you back in capital letters.” Teague held up his phone so we could see.
I checked my watch. “We should be going soon.”
“I’ll go get dressed,” Eric said, bolting from the kitchen.
“Think he’ll be that excited after he’s been at the tailor with you for hours?” Teague groaned. “And was I supposed to wear a suit to go get a suit? Seems to defeat the purpose.”
“You can wear whatever you wish.”
Beau grabbed a donut. “I’ll go get ready too. We’ll get this wedding planned today.” She hooked Lexie’s elbow. “Help me pick out something to wear. I love having you live here.”
My sister might as well have kicked me in the stomach.
“You all right? You don’t look so hot.” Teague was too observant for his own good.
Beau stopped to look at me. “He’s right. Maybe you should go to a doctor.”
But I was looking at the only one who could help me. Those green eyes were cold where there’d been warmth only a day ago. And there was nothing I could do to fix it.
“You’re still spooked about Friday,” Teague said as soon as they left the kitchen.
Spooked didn’t even come close to describing how I felt. “Very much so.”
“Eric seems good. Better than I thought. I was actually surprised you wanted to do this today.” He leaned his elbows on the island.
“It will be good to keep his mind off of what happened.” And give me a chance to spend more time with him. If only I could find a way to do the same with Lexie.
“He’s one resilient guy.”
That he was.
“You’ll be pleased to know that there will be no charges brought against me for tax evasion.” I felt no relief on the matter. I still leaned toward maybe I’d be better off in a cell.
“I knew that whole thing was bogus.”
“Turns out my accountant was after revenge for all the business we took from Titan Title when we started our own title firm.”
Teague’s brows shot up. “No kidding?”
“The investigation has shifted to him. He filed fraudulent returns on my behalf without my knowledge. There are years of proof to back that up.”
Zegas had turned over everything to the authorities and had been reassured that I would not be prosecuted. And while I wanted to confront Wolken, I’d have my chance when the case went to trial. Zegas had advised me to stay far away from the man. As pissed off as I was about the humiliation and stress he’d caused, it wouldn’t be so bad when Zegas sent his exorbitant bill to him for the suffering he’d caused.
“Have they arrested him yet?”
“It’s coming. They’re shoring up their case and giving him more rope to hang himself.” I folded my hands and stared at them. “I thought Father may have had something to do with the investigation, but I’m not so sure now. It’s likely if Wolken screwed with my taxes, he did it to him as well.”
Teague pressed his lips together. “But you were the one under investigation. Not him.”
“That’s true.” I steepled my fingers. “Zegas wants me to file a stalking complaint against him. What’s the point? It’s not as if I’m doing anything interesting anyway.”
While I didn’t care what the press said about me personally, I preferred to keep things positive. Any negative attention could have ramifications for my employees, and that was unacceptable.
If I filed a stalking charge against my father, the media would salivate over that story. I wouldn’t give it to them.
“He’ll do it to Lexie too.”
I straightened. “Is he following Pepper?”
“Pretty sure he has someone watching. Maybe not all the time.” Teague ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t get it. What is the purpose in that?”
I scrubbed my temples. “I honestly don’t know.”
Teague slapped the countertop. “I’m glad things are looking up.”
I wouldn’t ruin the day with the truth that things were not looking up. Maybe on some fronts, but what did it matter if I had no Lexie?
“I’m ready,” Eric announced. He’d put red bow ties on the dogs.
“Let me adjust my tie and we’ll go.” The barstool scraped when I stood.
“Um, Lincoln?” Teague scratched his head. “How are we all going to fit in my truck?”