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“Posting revenge porn is a felony in most states. They’d face anything from prison time to a hefty fine. Archer’s private investigator found that they’re up to their eyeballs in debt already, so a fine would break the bank. Plus, they have an infant under the age of one”—he sighed and held my gaze—“and are expecting again.”
That was news to me. But then, I’d ignored Steve’s attempts to contact me. There were unread emails in the Ex File, which was his only way of contacting me. He’d never approach my brothers, especially after Tiffani had posted the video initially. They should learn to wrap it up to keep from getting pregnant. Steve hadn’t really wanted kids, so this had to be hell on him. The thought made me smile, but then I sobered and tried to take a step back.
Callan shook his head and stopped my backtracking. “Red?”
“That video is already out there. Chances are good it will resurface.” I chewed my bottom lip. I didn’t want to have to leave. Not Nashville or my house or job. Not Naomi. And most importantly…not Callan. My life had restarted when I’d met him. The idea of him not part of my every day wasn’t a road I cared to take.
Callan slid his hands down my arms, linked our fingers together, and tugged me back to his chest. “Said it before, Red. Anyone watching that video is going to have one of two thoughts. Either they’ll think your ex is not only a jackass, but a total loser for letting a fine woman like you get away. Or they’ll think I’m the luckiest bastard in the world.” He ducked his head, looked me right in the eyes, and kept his open as he kissed me. He ended the kiss, still holding my gaze. “I think I’m the luckiest bastard in the world to have you in my life. Always going to be sure you’re okay. I love you.” He kissed me again, for emphasis.
I smiled up into his eyes. “I love you, too.”
James hailed us from the side of the house. “5-0 wants to talk to you, Cal.”
“Coming.” He touched a hand to the small of my back and escorted me and Elvis back to the patio. “I’ll be in as soon as I’m done with the police. Hopefully this will send a message to the other paparazzi out there and they’ll clear out.”
I laughed. “Like my dad always says… Your lips to God’s ears.”
He nuzzled my neck. “Gonna find a way to use that in a song.”
We were both laughing as he backed away from me, tripping on a loose paver on the patio. His ear-to-ear grin was a work of art, and I wished I had my camera. I settled for yanking my phone from my pocket and snapping a fast burst.
That’s when I remembered the text I’d gotten before the photographer showed up. I stared after Callan, ready to call him back as he disappeared around the side of the house.
I opened the message again, studied the words that began to make more and more sense to me. I was certain.
My new number was Callan’s dad’s old number.
25
CALLAN
When security had radioed about the intruder, Archer and I had been in the process of finalizing the last few items for the tour. I’d hung up without a goodbye and had sprinted outside. I don’t think my heart started beating again until I had my arms around Catie, felt her breasts brush my torso as she drew steadying breaths. If I hadn’t been so busy holding her tight in my arms, I’d have wrung that guy’s neck.
Thank God James and the security detachment had it under control.
After a police car had pulled away with the trespasser, the remaining officers had ordered the rest of the dicks taking pics to move on or suffer the same fate. The paps shouted some questions toward me, but I ignored them while speaking to the deputy about pressing charges. Ultimately, I probably wouldn’t, because to do so was likely begging for more trouble. But I was willing to let the asshole they’d arrested stew in lock up for a while.
Archer called back just as I was hurrying up the driveway to the house. After he made sure all was well at our end, he got down to business. I paused on the front porch, parked my ass on the railing and listened as he outlined his reason for getting back to me so fast. My on-the-ball business manager and friend had a plan to take my relationship with Catie public.
“Yeah, that’s a freaking brilliant plan.” I rubbed my palms together. Going public made the most sense, and I was ready. My gut told me Catie was ready, too. “I’ll run it by her and get her seal of approval on it. But I’m thinking it will be a yes from her.”
“If she wants to hold off a bit,’ Archer continued, “we’ll figure out something else. But Carrie agrees this plan wraps up everything very neatly.”
After signing off with Archer, the need to find Catie rose like a wave, and before I could drown under it, I threw open the front door. I hustled to the kitchen, where she’d been working earlier. Her laptop was still on the counter, but she wasn’t in the room. Frank wasn’t under the bench, although his bed still was.
I retraced my steps toward the front door, thinking she might be waiting for me in the office, but it was every bit as empty as the kitchen.
“Catie?” I raised my voice as I started climbing the steps toward the bedrooms.
“In here.” Her voice came from my bedroom and I nearly ran the rest of the way.
She was seated on the armchair in front of a large picture window. Frank was on her lap and she stroked him absently as she stared out at the trees.
“Are you okay?” I sat on the ottoman in front of her and drew her feet into my lap. There was a bandage on her left foot. I fingered it. “What happened here?”
“Splinter from the dock. I dug it out and helped myself to your medical supplies.”
“Everything that’s mine is yours, Red.”
