Divided Interests (Southern Bride 3)

“So the truth is, Lucas and I both live in the house. You know about the letter William left me, and he left one for Lucas too. We’re trying to find a chest that William said contains answers as to why he left us both the house.”

Tom laughed. “Ah, for Pete’s sake. You’re both smart enough. The only reason William left you both this house was to force the two of you to come together to work out a solution. Everyone knows that. And his little plan is working, considering this dickhead just had his tongue down your throat and hands under your shirt.”

I looked away and cleared my throat.

“Yes, I’m sure that was part of William’s intention, but I think there’s more. He wanted us to find something together.”

“Paige, he didn’t. Ever since you were a little girl you’ve been enamored with this house. Hell, you’ve been enamored with him.”

He jerked his chin my way.

“William knew that. He forced the two of you together. That is not how you mend a relationship. He forced your hand and now you’re letting another Foster take advantage of you.”

“Wait one minute, Tom,” I said, pushing off the counter.

“My granddad knew how much this house meant to Paige. He left it to her for that reason and that reason alone. No one can force Paige to do something she doesn’t want to do, and I’m not taking advantage of anything.”

“Then sell her your half of the house.”

With a warning look, Paige said, “Tom, please stay out of this.”

“No, Paige. If this jerk truly cares about you, truly wants to see you happy, then he should walk away.”

“It’s my family’s house!” I protested.

“And word on the street is you want to sell it. Make a hefty profit and head back to Austin and probably take your model on another trip to Europe.”

Paige groaned while she buried her face in her hands.

“Is that what people are saying about me?” I asked, dread settling in the pit of my stomach.

“Of course they are, Lucas. You left Johnson City and never looked back.”

“Because the life I wanted here—”

“You let go. You made that choice. You. You gave up your chance.”

“I made a mistake, which I’m trying to make up for.”

He scoffed. “You want this house, plain and simple.”

“Tom, I’m asking you to please stop,” Paige begged.

I stared at Tom, then looked at Paige. Her brother’s words hit me like a brick wall. Had I really lost my chance with Paige? Could we forget the past and figure out a future together? Or would everyone think I’d simply seduced her to get the house? Even if I never sold it, people would whisper behind my back.

“I’ll let you and your brother talk.”

Standing, Paige reached for my arm. “Lucas, wait.”

With a quick step back, I forced a smile. “It was nice to see you, Tom. Please accept this as my apology to you for the way I treated your sister in the past. I truly do regret it.”

“Lucas!”

Paige quickly followed me. I grabbed my keys and wallet from the small table in the foyer and headed out the front door.

“Please, don’t go. Please.”

I walked to my truck and opened the door.

“Stop!” she yelled. “You promised me.”

Slowly, I faced her. “Everyone in this town is going to think exactly the way he does!” I said, pointing back toward the house. “I’ll never be able to convince anyone any different.”

“They don’t matter. The only thing that matters should be me. What I think.”

“What do you think, Paige? Because just last night I was the enemy.”

She slowly shook her head. “Lucas, you’ve never been the enemy.”

I swallowed hard. “I sure as fuck feel like it.”

Paige stepped back as I slipped into the truck and started it.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

With a slight smile, because I really didn’t want her to think I was upset with her, I said, “My folks’ place. Maybe go for a ride. I just need to clear my head. I don’t regret earlier, kissing you. And all.”

She nodded. “Neither do I. Be careful, don’t ride angry.”

God, this woman. She was worried about me. I truly was a stupid idiot to ever let her go.

“I promise, and I’m not angry.”

As I pulled away, I glanced in the rearview mirror to see her standing, watching me. We had taken two steps forward today, only to be pulled back three.

With a curse, I hit my steering wheel as I drove away from the woman I loved.

Paige

LUCAS KICKED UP dirt as he drove down the driveway. That had been twice today we had been stopped before things got carried away. Even with a promise to each other that we’d go slow, I was beginning to wonder if that was really the smart thing to do.

Turning, I headed back into the house. I wanted to throttle my brother.