Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family 2)

Beck let the door shut behind them before turning to Linc with a scowl.

Meanwhile, Linc’s hands curled into fists at his sides, reminding Beck of how he’d taken a swing at Linc after finding him in bed with Jenna. “Taking advantage of women is more your style than mine.”

Linc jerked at the insult. “This isn’t about what happened back then. I left Chloe here against my better judgment, and it turns out I was right.” Linc’s gaze raked over Beck’s lack of clothing. “Where’s my sister?”

“In bed.” Beck couldn’t help tossing out the words that would rile Linc up more. But before he could react, Beck continued. “You’re just damned lucky I was there to make sure she got up here safely.”

Linc’s jaw locked in place, and he visibly drew a calming breath. “She’s not safe if she’s with you.”

Beck laughed but it was harsh. “It’s not like you were there to look out for her.”

Linc stepped forward, clearly planning to swing, and Beck was ready.

“Linc, stop!” Chloe’s voice had both men turning toward her.

She’d obviously found the hotel robe before coming out here, because she was tying the belt around her waist as she stood there, facing them. Her hair was a wild tangle around her face, and despite the crying jags last night, he’d obviously managed to clean her up fairly well. There were black circles under her eyes, but her cheeks weren’t smudged with makeup. Just flushed with embarrassment but still just as attractive, if not more so now that he saw her softer, real side.

“Are you okay?” Linc stepped toward her but she held him off with her hand in the air.

She nodded. “I’m fine. What are you doing here?”

He narrowed his gaze. “I think the better question is what are you doing with him?”

“If you must know, I drank too much and he … umm … helped me up here.” Her cheeks burned brighter and she couldn’t meet Beck’s gaze.

“That better be all he did,” Linc muttered. “Come on, Chloe. Let’s go.”

“What?” She straightened her shoulders.

“You can come stay with me and Jordan until you get yourself sorted out.”

She shook her head the way she had last night when Beck had suggested nearly the same thing. “No. You two have a baby on the way. You’re new as a couple. You need your time together. I won’t be a third wheel. And before you say Mom’s, I won’t go there, either. Or Xander’s or Dash’s place. Just no.” She wrapped her arms around herself, looking lost.

Most likely because, as she’d told Beck, she’d given up her apartment and really did have nowhere to go. “You can stay with me.” The words were out before he could stop them or even think them through.

But he had to admit Linc’s horror-filled expression made the offer worth it. “I have plenty of room at my place and you won’t be in the way. You can stay until you make a plan of your own.”

Chloe shot him a look filled with surprise and some gratitude. “I–”

“No. He’s just using you to get back at me,” Linc said. “I won’t have it.”

Chloe drew herself up tall, and Beck knew immediately Linc had made his final mistake.

“You won’t have it? Well, it’s not your decision to make.” She strode up to her brother and got in his personal space. “I don’t know what went on between you and Beck and I don’t care. What I do know is that he was there for me last night, and since he’s still willing to help, I’m going to take him up on his offer. Now it’s time for you to go.” She turned away from Linc, strode to the door, and held it open.

Linc briefly closed his eyes, then opened them again. “I’m sorry. I know it’s your choice, but please let your family be the ones to help.”

She shook her head. “I need time to sort out my life without anyone else telling me what they think is best.”

“I understand that but with him? Not to mention, I came to tell you that the society pages of the papers and social media sites picked up the story.” His tone gentled as he broke the news.

“Great.” She pressed her hands to cheeks that had flushed in embarrassment. “So now I’m a public laughingstock.”

Linc shook his head. “I’m sorry. Since Dad died and some asshole named you the Kingston heiress, people have kept an eye on your engagement.”

Beck felt sorry for her, being in a spotlight she hadn’t asked for, but it came along with her family’s wealth.

“Well, I’m taking my honeymoon time off from work, so that should help me stay out of sight and make people forget about me. Now, go home to Jordan. Please.” She swept her arm toward the hallway.

Linc shot Beck a warning glare before walking toward the door. He braced a hand on the frame and turned. “Chloe, I love you and just want what’s best for you.” And Beck isn’t it resounded without him saying the actual words.