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“Babydoll, you stay right here. We’re going to make some calls and see what this is all about.” Declan kissed my forehead and got out of bed. He found a pair of pants on the floor and pulled them on, hopping out the door.
Thomas was right behind him.
I pulled my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. We’d had such a beautiful evening together, and this was ruining everything.I’druined everything. I should have said no to Declan when he asked me to dance.
My phone chimed, reminding me of the other unread messages. I needed to call Spencer.
Dialing, I flipped through the other messages of people wanting to know if the article was true or not.
Spencer picked up on the third ring. “Sorry, boss. I already forwarded the phones to my cell and have been ignoring half the calls. Thought you were another person calling to ask for an interview.”
“What?” I shouted at the phone. Why would people want to interview me? Yes, the article wasn’t favorable, but I figured it would blow over. Declan had danced with Jessie, too. I was more concerned it might upset Tori, and Declan and Thomas’ parents would have such a sordid view of me before we’d even met.
“The clinic line has been blowing up. Reporters and townspeople want to hear the story. I figured I’d field your calls for you, so you could get a handle on everything without interruption.”
“Thanks, Spencer. I appreciate that. I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do. The story paints me as a cheater and I’m not.” I sighed and rested my chin on my knees. “I can’t stand being the center of all that gossip, especially when it’s not remotely accurate.”
“If people ask, do you want me to comment it’s not true?”
“No, but thank you. If anyone calls and starts asking, just hang up. I don’t want you stuck in the middle. If it’s an animal emergency, let me know. Maybe we can do the video again, and I can talk you through anything we need to do. We’re closed today anyway, so hopefully nothing really comes up.” I rubbed at my forehead. I hated dragging Spencer into this mess. “Are you sure you’re okay with handling the phones? You’re my tech, not my personal assistant.”
“Dr. Brooks, after everything you’ve done for me, it’s the least I can do. I’ve got your back. You take care of what you need and let me know if there is anything else.”
“Thanks, Spencer. I’ll keep you updated.”
I disconnected and stared at my phone. Pulling up a web search, I typed in their names. An array of articles popped up. I went to click on the first one and stopped myself. If I wanted information on them, I would ask directly.
I threw on the clothes I’d brought with me.
Making my way downstairs, Mrs. Roberts handed me a hot cup of coffee with a sympathetic look. She must have seen the article. Great. The staff on the ranch knew I was sleeping with both of the guys, but there was a difference between them knowing and the rest of the country thinking I’m cheating on Thomas with his brother.
I peeked into Declan’s office. Thomas paced back and forth in front of the desk while Dec was on the computer.
“We need to fix this. Think of something and get back to us. No. Absolutely not. I don’t care what you have to do, but make sure Alex’s name is not splashed across any more newspapers in print or online. I want you to demand she get a formal apology. Cosland does not tolerate this kind of behavior.” I could only hear one side of Thomas’ conversation, but it meant a lot he was sticking up for me.
“Any news?” I stepped in as he hung up.
“No. That was Archie, our family’s PR person. He said it was an anonymous tip with photographs. The reporter ran with it, but she wasn’t even there the whole time. She was only outside until all the guests finished arriving and then left. She wasn’t even one of the reporters who had been invited. We carefully vet each one before they’re allowed entrance.” Thomas rubbed the back of his neck. His pacing was making me dizzy.
I went around and sat in the chair opposite Declan.
“Do you think Tori said something because she was upset Declan wasn’t paying her any attention?”
“She wouldn’t do that. What would she have to gain from it? She’s not vindictive, and she’s super happy we found you.”
With all the events last night leading up to this morning, I wasn’t ruling her out just yet. I could tell by the looks on their faces there was something they weren’t telling me. Meeting Tori had been weird from the very beginning. Hadn’t she called them her fiancés when we first met?
I took a deep breath. We needed to be honest with each other. “You both need to explain who Tori is to you. Why she called you her fiancés last night and what the deal is with her.”
Declan let his head drop for a minute before he looked directly into my eyes. “Tori is a childhood friend of ours. Her parents and our parents are best friends.”
I tapped my foot. “Right. You told me that.”
The two exchanged a look I didn’t like. A shiver ran down my spine.
“Well, our parents wanted us to end up with her, but since we grew up with her, she’s more like a little sister than a wife,” Thomas continued.
Again, nothing new they hadn’t already told me before.
