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We stood in opposite corners of the opulent elevator.
This was her world. Filled with gold and jewels and more money than would fit in a Brinks truck.
I was jeans and T-shirts and broke.
I had nothing to give her other than my unwavering support.
She fiddled with that damn necklace.
She needs you, Cal. Not your distance.
I’d made a vow to her. Even if it was temporary, it meant something to me.
I stretched out my arm. She looked at it warily, with vulnerability I didn’t like. I preferred her confidence. I hated anything or anyone that made her doubt herself.
Instead of taking my hand, she slid against me, molding her body to my side. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed the top of her head, praying I could take away some of her worry.
There was a time not so long ago, maybe even a few hours ago, she wouldn’t have let me hold her on the principle of it. I couldn’t believe her warmth was against me now.
While I wasn’t particularly looking forward to a showdown with her brothers, I drew strength from her. Would it be enough when she went back to London and left me behind?
Focus on the here and now.
It was selfish, but I would. There was a shitstorm outside of this elevator, but for one brief moment, we had calm. And I’d take it.
There was a polite chime and the elevator slowed to a smooth stop. The doors slid back, revealing a foyer that probably cost more than Ma’s house.
Beau untucked herself from my side, and I immediately felt the loss. She curled her fingers around my bicep and led us toward massive double doors to what I assumed was an apartment.
They both flew open and a woman with dark hair grabbed both of our hands, dragging us inside.
I stumbled forward. This wasn’t the greeting I expected. I thought rich people were supposed to be stuffy and formal.
“Beau.” The woman pulled her in for a bear hug. “Should’ve known I could count on you to bring lots of gorgeous men to our apartment.”
My face got hot.
Beau snickered. “I’m good for something,” she said lightly. How did she manage to put on a brave face with so much chaos going on? “Vivian, this is Garrett Calhoun. Cal, this is Vivian Elliott.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said awkwardly.
“Likewise.” She motioned us forward. “Come on. They’re all in Daniel’s study.”
I tried to keep my wide-eyed stare to a minimum, but this place was . . . crazy nice.
“I’m not going to hold it against you that you haven’t been by to see us.” Vivian winked at Beau. “Looks like you’ve been occupied. But now, neither of you have an excuse not to come over for dinner.”
What?
I didn’t know this woman, but she was already extending an invite? I didn’t belong in their world. But she had on an old pair of holey jeans, a faded sweatshirt, and ballet shoes. She hadn’t even balked at my worn boots on her expensive floors.
“What ishedoing here?” Teague thrust his finger in my direction. Not so long ago, I would’ve gotten a much friendlier greeting. Yeah, that stung. But it was more expected than Vivian’s warm welcome.
Beau breezed into the study as if she’d been there a million times before. She kissed both cheeks of a man I didn’t know. He towered over her and reminded me a lot of Lincoln.
“Daniel, thank you for letting us invade your home on such short notice.” She gave him a warm smile.
“You’re always welcome.”
