Easton

“Of course, have a seat.”

“I don’t think this is going to work out the way you hoped,” Easton said.

“Why not?” Liam dropped his pen to the desk, sat back, and waited.

“I know you mean well, and you think you see a future here. It’s not possible. It’ll never be possible. Not in a million years. I felt Scarlett today, and she’s nervous around me.” He saw the tears in Easton’s eyes, and he looked away, not letting Liam see them.

“Do you love her?” Liam asked.

“Dude, look, it’s not going to work.”

“Do you love her? I’m going to keep on asking the question. You may as well answer me.”

Easton sighed. “You really do like getting what you want.”

“I’m a big believer in truth. I don’t like people who run from their responsibilities but also their feelings. You don’t just hurt yourself if you run, Easton. You hurt Scarlett and Junior this time.”

“Did you see how nervous she was with me. How … scared? I don’t want her to be that way. Not with me. I will never hurt her.” Easton got up and started to pace the office.

Liam watched him. “You did.”

“Eleven years ago.”

“You’ve got to understand, Junior will always be the painful reminder of what you both had and lost,” Liam said. “If this is really so hard for you, walk away, but you don’t come back.”

“You can’t keep me from my son.”

“I don’t believe a coward should raise a gentleman, Easton.”

“I’m not a coward.”

“Then what would you call a man who is on the brink of having everything he could ever want but because it’s not gone so smoothly first time around, you walk away?”

“It’s easy for you. She loves you, and she likes your touch. I felt the way she changed when you were there. You can’t deny that. You’re the one she wants.”

Liam stood up. “She wants both of us, you nitwit. Why do you have to push like this?”

“I … I…”

“You were expecting it to be easy. Believe me, I get it. You think this is easy for me? The love of my life has a lot of pain inside her. I know through her pain she loves you. A part of her will always belong to you!” He pointed at Easton. “My love for her is another reason I’m willing to share her. Not only that, but we can make this work. I know we can.”

“What if it doesn’t? What if this is going to hurt her even more?”

“What are you so afraid of? Has your father fucked you up that you can’t even see the chance of happiness?”

“I don’t fucking need this.” He didn’t want to think about his father in this house. Not with his son or Scarlett, or even Liam.

Liam grabbed his arm, and Easton couldn’t help it. He raised his fist as if to hit him, but Liam saw the move and grabbed his fist.

“You don’t want to do this.”

All of a sudden, Easton was pressed up against the wall and Liam had him completely restrained.

He growled, thrashing, trying to get away. He needed to be free.

“Stop it.”

“Fuck you.”

“Talk to me, Easton.”

“Fuck off.”

“You like that word a lot, don’t you, Easton? Are you used to pushing people away all the time? Do they even fight to stay in your company?” Easton was so beautifully broken, and Liam was determined to change that. He didn’t want any of his family to be like this. He could fix both of them. Scarlett was already changed, but he had no doubt he’d be able to fill the hole in this man’s life. Be it friend, confidant or even lover. He’d never force the man but would be more than happy to guide him with everything he needed.

The tension in the room changed, and Easton suddenly stopped trying to fight him. It caught Liam off guard, especially as he was able to feel so close to Easton. The other man was everything he’d ever wanted, and he couldn’t believe he’d been right in this city this whole time. The only difference for Liam was he would never hurt Scarlett for his own personal needs.

He’d made that vow once he realized he loved Scarlett more than anything, but now, with Easton in the picture, he was truly starting to know what it meant to love two people with the same kind of passion.

Easton kept on staring at him but not saying a word.

Finally, he let him go. If Liam didn’t move back and take a break, he was going to do something about the arousal he was feeling. Kissing Easton wouldn’t come like this. Without waiting for a reply from him, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Chapter Twelve

Over eleven years ago

“I hate the rain,” Easton said, running into the gazebo for shelter.

Scarlett giggled. “Come on, what did the rain ever do to you?”