Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family 2)

He often thought she reminded him of who his sister might have been. A strong woman surrounded by brothers, struggling to make her own way. But Whitney never had that chance. And he wasn’t going to open himself up to anyone, not even the beautiful, gutsy Chloe Kingston.

“Yeah, I know you didn’t use her,” Linc said.

That shocked him. But before he could speak, Linc continued.

“What I’m trying to say is, I came to understand you weren’t using her. At lunch, Chloe told me how much you supported her, encouraged her, and were there for her in a way I couldn’t be…” Linc ran his hand over his eyes, his frustration with himself showing. “I didn’t know what my sister needed. She kept her unhappiness hidden. I had no clue she found her job unfulfilling. And no matter how many people told her she was making a mistake with Owen, she wouldn’t admit she chose him for the wrong reasons.”

Dammit. Beck actually felt sorry for his old friend. He’d feel the same way if it were his sister and he’d missed all the signs of her distress. “It’s easier for an outsider to see things,” he said, actually attempting to make Linc feel better.

“Well, regardless, you got her to open up and made sure she followed her dreams. I’m grateful and it’s not easy to admit that to you.” Linc leaned forward in his chair. “But what I’m not happy with is the fact that she moved out of your apartment because you were a fucking asshole to her.”

“And there’s the jerk I know. Welcome back,” Beck muttered. But he couldn’t help but ask, “How is she?” He’d been thinking about her nonstop, hating himself for hurting her and frozen inside, unable to thaw and reach for what he really wanted.

“How do you think she is? But she’s tough. She’ll get over you,” Linc said oh so easily.

Ouch. The thought of Chloe moving on made him want to puke, but he forced himself to remember his reasons. “Look. You want what’s best for Chloe and so do I. The one thing we can agree on is that’s not me.” It couldn’t be him.

“As much as it galls me to admit this, you’re wrong,” Linc said. “She loves you and thinks you can make her happy. From what I’ve seen, she’s right.”

That Linc, of all people, was pushing him toward Chloe was a shock. Still, Beck shook his head, not wanting to delve into his past and his pain with anyone. But he owed it to Chloe to explain it to someone who could help her get through this.

He finished his drink for fortification and put the glass down on the table. “You know about my sister.”

Linc nodded. “And I know that’s why you’ve shut Chloe out. I just think you need to reconsider. You’re denying yourself happiness out of fear. I can tell you from experience, love is worth the risk.”

“Loss isn’t and that’s not something you’ve experienced yet. And I don’t wish that on anyone. Including you.” He refilled his glass.

“Well, at least I can say I tried.” Linc leaned back in his chair, a disgusted look on his face. “But you’re the same stubborn asshole you’ve always been,” Linc said but his smirk meant he wasn’t serious. He clearly didn’t like Beck’s choices but knew they were his to make.

Beck lifted his glass and treated Linc to the same grin. “Back at you, buddy,” he said and took another drink before sliding his chair back and heading home.

* * *

Chloe made it through the long weekend, in part because Xander stayed in the city instead of heading back to his beach house. He didn’t want to leave her alone, and she was grateful for the company. They hung out, binge watched television, ordered in pizza and ice cream, and just had a chill couple of days.

She missed seeing her brother, and spending time alone together was special. She heard all about his upcoming movie. Of course, she’d already read the book, but she enjoyed hearing about the script alterations that were made and the reasons for changing it compared to the novel. But no matter how much Xander tried to distract her, she couldn’t forget Beck.

After talking and seeing him daily, she hadn’t heard a word since she’d moved out. She had no idea how he’d felt about coming home to find her gone, whether he’d been relieved he hadn’t had to ask her to leave or sad to lose what they’d shared.

It was crazy how they’d bonded so fast, during such unusual circumstances, and she wished things could be different. But not having him in her life didn’t mean she wasn’t concerned about his family, especially his father. She had Tripp’s phone number saved and, earlier this morning, called him to get his mom’s cell. She checked in without discussing anything about Beck. His mom didn’t ask, and she didn’t offer information about why she wasn’t getting her follow-ups from Beck himself.