Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family 2)

She lifted her shoulder in a dainty shrug. “I asked myself that the other day. Call it morbid curiosity. Like when you pass a crash and can’t help looking?”

He chuckled, taking her phone and doing the unfollow for her. “There. He’s gone where he should be. Out of sight, out of mind,” he said, handing back her cell. He didn’t want her to have to look at that asshole ever again.

She treated him to a smile. “Thank you. Considering I have to spend a day at my mom’s, writing notes to people who came and brought gifts, and to those who sent engagement presents, so we can send them all back, seeing Owen carefree just pisses me off.” Her mother had even offered to handle getting the ring back to Owen and for that Chloe was grateful.

“And I don’t blame you, but you need to focus on the fact that you’re moving forward and doing things you wouldn’t have tried if you were still with him. Then you can remind yourself you dodged a bullet.”

Because the vibrant woman inside her had nothing in common with the boring tax attorney who wouldn’t have supported her dreams. “Thanks to him, you’re becoming who you were meant to be.” And she was accomplishing it in record time.

She leaned over and pressed a kiss on his cheek.

“What was that for?” he asked, taken off guard.

“For being sweet. And supportive.”

The last thing he thought of himself as was sweet. Supportive? He supposed. Still, he wasn’t sure how to reply, but his phone rang, saving him from getting into an emotional discussion.

He picked his cell up from where it lay on the bed and saw his mother was calling. He swiped and answered. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, honey.”

“Is everything okay?”

Beside him, Chloe slid out of bed, walked to the dresser, and began to pull on his shirt.

“Hang on, Mom.” He glanced at Chloe. “Where are you going?”

She met his gaze. “I’m going to give you some privacy and go get showered and dressed for the day.”

He nodded and returned to his call. “Sorry. What’s going on? Is Dad okay?”

“Your father’s fine. Stop worrying. Is that the woman Tripp told me is staying with you?” his mom asked.

Beck leaned back against the pillow and winced. His brothers were like gossipy women sometimes. “Yes. I’m helping her out during a rough time.”

“That’s so sweet. I was calling to make sure you were coming for dinner tonight. Your brothers are going to a Yankees game and won’t make it.”

“Yeah. They asked me for tickets.” They knew he had connections with people in the front office. They’d invited him but he wasn’t in the mood to sit at a game. “Of course I’ll be there.” He wouldn’t miss spending as much time with his parents as he could.

“Wonderful. Bring your girl friend.” She separated the words, but he shook his head at the implication anyway.

He swallowed a groan. “Mom, I don’t think–”

“Oh, come on. If she’s going through a rough patch, I’m sure she would enjoy getting out of your loft, nice as it is. And having company means you won’t be all gloom and doom. I’m determined to remain hopeful about your father, and I insist you do as well.”

“Of course, Mom. You know I’ll do anything for you.” And he meant it.

“Great! I’ll add a seat for dinner. I’ll see you around six?”

“See you at six.” He disconnected the call and glanced up at the ceiling. He was bringing Chloe to his parents’ house, and his mother would figure out in a heartbeat they were more than friends. When it came to her kids, she had a sixth sense about those things, and nothing would make her happier than one of her sons settling down.

No matter what said son wanted or had planned.

* * *

Chloe wished she’d had more warning about going to Beck’s parents’ house for dinner. Like a year would have helped. Though she wasn’t sure why, her nerves were on full display. She’d managed to run out and pick up a key lime meringue pie from Petee’s Pies on Delancey Street so she wouldn’t walk in empty-handed.

“Are you sure your parents want an extra person tonight? When they’re going through so much?” Chloe asked the question for what had to be the third time on the drive to his parents’ place in Great Neck.

A sexy grin lifted the edges of his mouth as he drove. His sunglasses only added to his appeal. “I swear to you, my mother extended the invitation herself. No prodding from me.”

“Does that mean you don’t want me there?” She didn’t have to be perceptive to notice he was tense, too.

He shook his head. “Of course not. I’m just worried about my dad, and I know they are going to put on a good front … like everything is fine and will be fine.” He clenched his jaw, then said, “I’ve been through it before with them, you know?”