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And I don’t want to leave.
I want to have a life with my daughter, my woman, and my sister, this crazy family unit we’ve created where we all fit together somehow, bringing happiness and growth and love into each of our lives in a way I never expected.
“Okay, I’ll do it,” I reply, leaning forward and putting my face in my hands, exhausted and knowing I can’t wait. “Elise, set it up.”
I thought she’d be happy, but she knows what this is costing me. Not in terms of money like Donnie wants, but it’s costing me all the same in my peace of mind, which is going to be sorely lacking for a long time, I suspect.
Elise’s eyes are somber, serious as she reaches into her purse and pulls out her phone, dialing quickly. “Maggie, it’s a go,” she says simply when the line’s picked up. “Work your magic.”
I hug Carsen to me tightly, hating that her world is about to change but knowing it’s the only way.
Donnie needs to be stopped, and I can do that.
Chapter 25
Elise
Sitting in the ‘green room,’ waiting as the makeup people do last-minute adjustments to Carsen’s wardrobe and makeup next door, I’m struck by last-second indecision. “Keith, are you sure about this? I mean, I know it’s my idea, but it’s your decision. Nothing has been done that we can’t undo. We can stop this train if you’re uncertain.”
Keith glances out the door at Carsen, who looks like she’s having the time of her life as a makeup artist and hair stylist give her the full celeb treatment, then he shakes his head. Crossing the room, he grabs my waist, pulling me to him. “No, I’m not sure, but this is what we’re doing. My manager agreed with the plan too. And though you’re right, as much as I wish I could turn back time and not have to disrupt Carsen’s life, that would mean not having you. And this, us . . . I’ve got to believe it’ll be worth it in the end.”
I bite my lip, trying to stop the words I’ve already said so many times from spilling out again, but I can’t help it. I might be forced to say it another ten thousand times, but I mean each one. “I really am sorry, Keith. I never meant for any of this to happen. I can’t believe Donnie is such an asshole, and if I could take it all back, I would. Except for you, of course.”
Keith’s hands move down to cup my ass in a firm grip that gets my attention, and I’m glad the green room is only us for the moment. “Stop apologizing. I think we’ve both apologized enough. We haven’t done anything wrong. It’s Donnie and he’s forced my hand. He expected me to roll over and give in, but he’s threatening my family, and I’m more of a bite than bark kind of guy.”
I feel a warmth spread throughout my body and my nipples tighten in my sensible, professional bra that I’m wearing. “I’ve noticed that . . . the biting, that is. I happen to like it sometimes. Although your bark is pretty loud too.”
I’m intentionally trying to lighten the mood, even if I am starting to get massively turned on. But Keith needs this. He’s been a growling beast of a reluctant man all morning. But I love him for it because I know it comes from a good place. He loves Carsen, and he wants the best for her. This is just one of those situations where the best path forward isn’t the one he planned. But he’s still doing it, and that’s why I love him.
“I just hope the hosts go easy on us,” he says, raising his hands enough that he’s not quite making me want to dry hump his leg in the middle of a TV studio but still making his point. “You know, with Carsen and everything.”
“Really, Keith. I know this is the exact opposite of what you’ve wanted for Carsen, but I think it’ll be for the best,” I reassure him, running my hands over his broad chest. He looks handsome in his button-down shirt. “You won’t have this constant threat hanging over your head. I just hope the fallout isn’t too bad.”
“It’ll be whatever it is, and we’ll handle it,” Keith says, gaining confidence. “I promise.”
Sarah and Carsen come in from make-up, and Carsen looks like she’s actually having fun. She’s not too made up, which I know Keith was worried about.
“Wow. So this is a green room?” Carsen asks, coming over and grabbing a bottle of water. “I thought it’d be green, but the walls are just blah wallpaper. And they said there’d be cookies!”
Her nerves are obvious, even if she is pretty awed by the whole production of a morning television show. Keith walks over and kneels down in front of her.
