Page 99 of Miss Trust

Leave it to Penelope to speak up. “He’s so nice. He got me this.” She showed off her dolphin necklace. “And he got me an iPad for the hospital, and we flew on his plane to Vegas.”

Three pairs of eyes focused on me. At my sister’s obvious amazement, I amended. “Mona went to Vegas with us. It was just for the night.”

“Mommy got all dressed up like a movie star.”

My face heated, but then I realized I had no reason to feel embarrassed. I was proud to have been Chance’s date, and although he was acting like an asshole now, I wanted his brother to know Chance had been the perfect gentleman. “Yes, we went to a gala for the opening of a new VIP room. We had a lovely spa day, didn’t we, Penny?”

She showed off her painted fingernails. “Yes, it was so fun. And Mr. Chance taught me how to play Go Fish on the plane.”

“He sure did. And now it’s all she wants to play, so prepare for a tournament.”

Teagan smiled. “I can hardly wait.”

Later that night after I put Penny to bed, Teagan found me in the kitchen.

“You get settled into the guest room okay?” I asked.

“Yeah. It’s really nice. This house suits you.”

I nearly snorted. “Right. It’s temporary, Teag.” Not unlike my time with Chance.

“Well, something suits you. You look good. I don’t know. Settled.”

I took a glass of water to the kitchen table and sat down.

Teagan sat across from me.

“Penny is through the induction phase, and so far, things are going well. I’m working and have medical insurance. So maybe I feel more settled. Speaking of settled, you and Reid seem happy.”

She stared at her hands. “We are. Sometimes I can’t believe he loves me.”

Of course she couldn’t. Like me, she wondered if she was worth anything as a crack addict’s daughter. “You are the best thing to happen to that man, do you understand me?”

She lifted her head, her lips twitching. “You’re biased.”

“Damn right I am, but are you going to tell me he’s perfect?”

“Well, no.”

“Then stop thinking he might not love you for who you are. Your past doesn’t define you.”

“Doesn’t define you either.”

No. It didn’t. “I see the way he looks at you. The way he talks to you. The way he loves you. I’m really glad things worked out.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I think Reid was nervous to meet you and get your approval.”

“Good. He should be.” We both laughed.

“So how is it really going with Chance? How has he been? Reid may not want to ask, but we’re both curious as to what’s going on, especially after hearing you went to Vegas.”

As much as I’d have loved to confide in my sister about my feelings, I didn’t think it was a good idea. Matters were already precarious between the brothers, and I didn’t want to add more fuel to the fire by admitting I’d been sleeping with Chance. Instead, I settled for a different truth. “He’s been generous, not without my protest at times. Professional. And most of all, he’s been terrific with Penny. He certainly didn’t have to be. You were right about him being a good man. I know he hurt Reid, but I have to believe it was with good intentions.”

A heavy sigh left her lips. “I think Reid realizes it. How could he not? Hell, I doubt we’d be together if it wasn’t for his brother’s interference. Anyhow, I’m hoping maybe they can reconcile. I know Reid misses him, especially his bi-weekly video games.”

I grinned at the thought of Chance playing video games with his brother. I wondered if he wore a suit while doing it.

“Anyhow, I’m glad you’re living here, and the new job is working out.”

“Me too. I’m not sure of your plans when you’re home, but I hope you know I don’t expect you to spend all of your time with us. You and Reid should do some couple things too.”

“We were thinking we’d drive up and do a wine tour.”

We both started giggling at the thought. We weren’t exactly wine tasting kind of girls, but times could change.

“I know, I know. I have no clue what happens on a wine tour, but hey, it’s wine. How bad can it be? Also, we’re meeting Aiden and Chloe there, so I can’t wait to see them.”

A couples’ trip sounded like fun. “It sounds amazing. You want to do a beach day tomorrow?”

My sister smiled. “A beach day sounds perfect.”

Maybe it would be something to get Chance off my mind.