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“You’ve been involved with Gavin King instead of giving the men I’ve chosen a fair chance. He didn’t deny it when I spoke with him earlier.” He gave me disappointed look. “I don’t want to cut you off, Eva, but actions have consequences. If you do well on the tour, we can see about finishing the last semester of your degree.”
Actions have consequences.Didn’t I think the same thing to myself when I started softening toward Gavin? The wave of despair I’d been holding back came crashing down on me. Worst case scenario. He wanted me to give up everything I cared about—cheer, school, my friends, Gavin—to maintain my wealth.
I almost laughed at the nonsense. Now that I was forced to pick, the choice was ridiculously easy. I met my dad’s eyes, the same blue as mine, without a shred of doubt.
“Thank you, but I have to decline your generous offer. I’m afraid I don’t have the time in my schedule to dedicate to your speaking tour.”
The edges of his mouth tipped down. “I want you where I can keep an eye on you.”
“No, you don’t. You want me where you can control me. I’m done with your games. Nothing I do is ever going to live up to Brendan.” Dad winced at his name, but I plowed on. “I won’t play the role of dutiful daughter to help you achieveyourgoals. I have other roles that mean more to me—like girlfriend and student and boss cheerleader. You may not approve of me or the direction of my life, but you’re not going to stop me.”
“Is this the influence of the hockey player?”
I crossed my arms and let my inner voice have free rein. The release felt glorious even if what followed scared the shit out of me. “You wish this was his influence. This choice is all me.”
“Gavin is a drug addict and a cheat. I knew he’d try to contact you, which was why I shut off your phone. If you follow this path, I’ll have to follow through on our agreement and revoke all payments for your accounts. Are you sure you want to give up your privileged life for him?”
Betrayal cut a hard line. He’d done everything he could to cut me off and force me to the position most advantageous to him. His gaze shifted behind me, but I didn’t care of one of his cronies overheard me.
“In a heartbeat. Gavin is kind and generous, and he treats me like a woman instead of a doll. He’s a brilliant hockey player, a devoted brother, and a leader to his teammates. I couldn’t find a better man if I’d built one myself.”
“And I’d never let you deal with this alone.” Goosebumps rose on my skin as a familiar arm curled around my waist from behind.
I closed my eyes, absurdly happy to hear Gavin’s voice. When I opened them again, my father had drained his whiskey. I leaned back against Gavin’s chest, covering his arm with mine, and lifted my chin.
“Do what you have to, Dad. I’ll still support you publicly, but I’m staying at TU and I’m choosing Gavin.”
His lips pressed together, and he nodded. “I see.”
I softened at his stiffness. He was frustrated now, but I hoped one day he’d come to the same realization I did. Control was meaningless without joy. “If you’re interested in getting to know the real me instead of the pretty doll you seem to think you birthed, you know how to find me.”
Dad buried both his hands in his pockets—his tell for when he felt like he’d lost control of a situation. “Call your mother when you change your mind.”
“I won’t.” I linked my fingers with Gavin and led him away with my head high. No one had noticed the exchange, but I spotted Stephen chatting up the bartender. He lifted two flutes of champagne at my exit. I didn’t stop until I’d walked us out of the ballroom and around a corner into a little alcove.
Gavin’s arms closed around me the second we were alone, holding me steady as I fell apart. His hand cupped my head, and I let the hot tears fall against his chest.
“Shh, it’s going to be okay,” he murmured into my hair.
I finally laughed, letting go of the last vestiges of my goals before this point. “I know.”
My finances were going to be fucked, but Stephen had been right. I had friends with gobs of money. My car was paid off, my grades were on track for spring graduation, and I hoped my living situation would stay exactly as it was. I didn’t know howGavin had ended up here, besides the obvious interference of Stephen, but I was so very thankful.
His lips brushed my temple. “I am in awe of you.”
“I did just spectacularly blow up my life.” I took a shuddering breath and eased away to see his face. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about tonight—I didn’t want to get in the way of your future.”
Gavin’s thumb caressed my jawline. “Eva, you are my future. Nothing else matters.”
Warmth filled all the cracks and holes I’d tried to close on my own. I’d lost the life I thought I wanted, but I’d gained one a damn sight better. A future with Gavin sounded fantastic, even if it meant letting go of my rigid control and asking for help.
Stephen would never let me hear the end of this.
30
Ididn’t need her to respond—my pulse still raced from hearing her choose me—but I didn’t want her to focus on what she might have lost. Her tears made me want to fix the world for her, and I knew exactly how to pull her out of her whirling thoughts.
“Are you wearing a tiara?” I asked.
