Easton

“Thank you.”

“I also don’t want you to feel the need to keep it from me. I hope we can be friends, and I can prove to you, I’m one of the best.”

“I like that.”

“I better go. Axton wanted me to stop by, but I came to you first.” Taylor stood up. “Would you like to hold her?”

“No, I’m fine for the time being. I’m not ready to hold a baby.” He also didn’t wish to have the reminder of all he’d lost with Junior.

“Another time.”

He never planned to hold the baby.

Taylor left him alone, and he was able to deal with a few important contracts. He was heading out of the office when mail arrived. He placed the large bundle on his desk, only to pause when he caught sight of one letter, stating the prison where his father was being held.

He took the envelope, flipping it over, and glancing at it.

Nial Long was the only person who would bother to write to him. Rather than open the letter, he shoved it in his pocket and made his way to his car in the underground parking lot. Sitting in his car, the letter burned a hole in his pocket, but he ignored it and pulled out of the building. The fresh air didn’t feel good to him.

Why would his father get in touch with him now?

He’d not heard from him since the arrest. Nial had asked for him to post bail, and he’d refused. There was no way he was going to allow a monster on the streets.

He arrived at the vegan restaurant just as Scar did. She parked right beside him and offered him a smile as she climbed out of the car.

“This will rarely happen,” she said, laughing. “I’m usually late or way too early. Never on time.”

“Me neither. This is nice.” He offered her his arm. He noticed he hesitated for a second before taking his arm.

He didn’t speak about it as they entered the restaurant. The place was busy with the lunchtime rush. They stood in the line, ordered their food, and then took a seat in one of the only available two seat tables.

“I’m thinking we should have gone back to my office. We’d have more food and time.”

She chuckled. “This is more than fine.”

“Does my office scare you?”

“No.”

“Being alone with me?”

“Easton, you don’t scare me. I told Liam about the kiss, and he didn’t mind.”

“About that, I’m pleased you brought it up.” He leaned forward, wanting to be close to her. “How well do you know your husband?”

“Really well. I know him better than I know anyone else. Why?”

“He offered me something the other day, with you, with him.” He saw her cheeks start to turn red. “I don’t think you know him as well as you think you do.”

Scarlett took a deep breath.

He waited as she composed herself. “You’re right. We should have done this in your office. I’m aware of what Liam has offered. He talked to me the night he offered what he did to you.”

Now it was Easton’s turn to be taken aback.

“And you’re still with him?” Easton asked. “He offered to share you.” He kept his voice down.

“I know. He believes you and I have … unfinished business. I don’t know if he’s right or not, but Liam, he knows me. He knows my limits, and even though I find his approach somewhat clinical and direct, I know he will only have my best interest at heart. Is this why you wanted to have lunch? To try and turn me against Liam?”

“I hoped you had all the facts before I made a decision.”

“Liam’s not a monster, Easton. He cares a great deal. There’s a lot you don’t know about him, and if you’re willing to give this a shot, then so am I. There, I’ve said it. You broke my heart, crushed it, and it took me a lot to get back up and pick up the pieces, but I did. I’m willing to take a chance and to either end this thing once and for all, or for us to find some way to get past it. I know what I did was wrong. I shouldn’t have ever kept you away from your son, and I apologize for that, I really do. There’s no way I can make up for all that I took from you. But what I don’t need is you trying to tell on my husband. I love Liam, and I will defend him at every single turn. I need to go.”

“Your food,” he said, trying to stop her from leaving.

“I’m not hungry.”

He watched her go, wishing he’d kept his fucking mouth shut. Sitting back, he saw no reason to rush back to the office. His best friends would only want to know what was going on, and he didn’t want to tell them how he’d fucked up with the only woman he loved, for the second time.