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Fuck. This isn't right. This isn't Reese. Why am I being such an asshole?
But she was acting so cagey. In my experience, it was never a good thing.
"Reese, if I'm wrong here—"
"If? God, I can't believe you! Just leave, okay?"
"Tell me I'm wrong. God, I want to be wrong."
"Yes, you're fucking wrong! You're so off base, you’re not even in the same zip code as what's happening."
I stepped right in front of her. "Then talk to me, Reese. Tell me why he's been messaging you and why you don't want me to know."
She drew in a deep breath. "Because I didn't want to drag you into the drama with Malcolm. Clearly I was right to do so, because if you react like this just because I'm not telling you about the message, then obviously we’re not as close as I'd hoped we were."
"Reese, you know that’s not true. This weekend was amazing."
She swallowed hard. "Then why are you behaving like this?"
I took another step back. I couldn't find the right words, and they were essential right now. Reese was right on the edge; if I said the wrong thing, I was going to lose her.
"Because the last time a woman kept secrets from me, my life imploded. That's all I've got. Literally. I apologize for reacting like that, but I don't have anything else to say in my defense. I just saw you keeping secrets, and I jumped to the worst conclusion."
Reese was completely still for a few seconds. I knew this was a defining moment for us.
"I want to know what's happening in your life, Reese. Judging by what I've seen and heard about Malcolm up to this point, this can't be good news."
"Yet you thought I was trying to get back with him? It's like you don't know me at all!"
I dipped my head in acknowledgment. "Again, I apologize. I should have known better."
"Yes, you should have." She nodded, and I had the impression that she was having a silent conversation with herself. "Fine, I'll tell you what's going on." She fiddled with her thumbs. "It wasn't how I wanted to end this weekend. I was hoping to go out on a high note, but I think keeping secrets isn't going to work." She still sounded a bit stiff, but I couldn't blame her. I had acted like a complete ass, after all.
We took off our coats and shoes as Reese said, "I'm going to make myself a drink. Do you want something?"
"No."
"Actually, I changed my mind. It’s better to get it over with." She sat down on her couch, and I sat next to her. "He texted me a while ago. He said he's going to come after me and my family, that we killed the deal he'd organized to open the spa because we wanted to open the hotel. I’m not getting into all the legal stuff right now because I don't understand half of it. I’m good with numbers, not the law. Declan is on top of it."
"Why didn't you tell me about it?"
She straightened up, rolling her shoulders back. "Because it's my drama. My baggage."
"I’m dating you. I want to know everything that goes on with you, the good things and the drama. And the baggage."
"Why? So you can jump to the worst conclusions?"
I took one of her hands between mine. "I swear to you that it'll never happen again. It was a weak moment. But don't keep things from me, Reese. Even the bad things. We all need support, and I know you have that from your family, but I want the privilege of being right there next to you, no matter what."
"You mean that?" Her eyes searched mine. That fucker obviously hurt her. I had to do a better job showing her how important she was to me.
"Fuck yes."
She nodded once. "Okay. So, this new message said he wants to deal directly with me and not with Declan. He's got another think coming if he believes I'm going to do anything without my cousin's legal counsel." She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I realize something like this can rile up your demons. That wasn't my intention. I didn't want you to have a front seat to the drama."
I pulled her onto my lap so swiftly that she gasped, losing her balance for a brief second before I steadied her. "You don't have to protect me from anything, Reese. I want to be right here next to you through all of it. Understood?"
She nodded. "He texted me that night when you took me out to the jazz club."
