I checked my phone for the tenth time in as many minutes. Still no word from Remi. She’d only answered one of my many texts, and that was with one word. No.
One foreman frowned, his attention on me instead of the pile of blueprints on the table in front of us. “You good, Cade?”
I clipped my phone to the case on my belt and nodded. “Yeah, my dog is at the vet. I mean, not mine…” I let my voice taper off. How do you explain your fake girlfriend, who is like a sister to you because she’s your best friend’s sister—except you might have accidentally fallen in love with her—and she has a dog that you’re attached to as well, and he ate twenty grand worth of jewelry and might need major surgery? I shook my aching head. “It’s complicated. When are the skylight panels arriving for installation?”
“Six weeks,” another foreman answered.
I shook my head and forced my thoughts to the hundred different deliveries, trades, and workers that I organized and managed. “We won’t be ready. Push the delivery back two weeks so the installers won’t be waiting on us to finish the framing.”
The rest of the status meeting went by, and I managed not to check my phone once. As we were wrapping up, it buzzed, and I snatched it from the clip like a kid with a present on Christmas morning—fast enough to earn several odd looks. The text wasn’t from Remi. It was from my old high school buddy. My anticipation crumpled to dust.
Cement invaded my blood vessels and hardened. Sara was coming to the party. Why the hell? Nausea washed over me. For years, I’d thought I messed up the best relationship I’d ever have by not being good enough for someone like her. At the party last weekend, Sara had practically hunted me like a prized animal, pouncing every time Remi was more than a foot away. And instead of making me feel good, she made me want to run fast, in the opposite direction. The party had been hell.
Until the kiss with Remi under the mistletoe.
I hadn’t let myself think about that kiss. It changed everything. All the emotions that I’d been blocking up inside had flooded out. I couldn’t deny my feelings for Remi. Then, I’d been too weak to stop myself from kissing her again on her porch—she was lucky I hadn’t done more. If Gunner hadn’t interrupted us, I had no idea what would have happened.
I took off my hard hat and wiped sweat from my brow despite the freezing December temperatures. I’d messed this situation up so badly. If Jeremy got wind of me fake dating his sister, I might have been able to explain my way out of it, but now that we’d kissed? Well, I’d probably end up with more than a skunk in my truck.
I’d lose the only family that I really had left. My heart twisted painfully. I needed to explain to Remi why we couldn’t risk being together. I’d happily take a beating from Jeremy. But I didn’t know if I could take losing her parents and brothers if we broke up. Nancy was the one who’d convinced me to move back to Colorado. Nate’s firm grip around my shoulders held me up at the altar when Sara shredded me and left me—my own dad being on vacation with his new wife’s daughter and family.
I had to make her see. But to do that, I had to get her to talk to me.
Chewing on my inner lip, I typed out a text, then erased it four times and retyped before hitting send.
My phone dinged as soon as I’d clipped it at my waist.
I sighed. Her anger came through loud and clear in the tone of her words. Plus, she was right. Usually, I’d skip the party altogether.
I hesitated before I texted the next part, gambling.
I bit back a grin. Yep, Remi was still way competitive. A sour taste lingered in my mouth at having to use Sara to manipulate her, but I needed to get her talking to me.
She sent back a reply.
There was a pause and the bubbles popped up that she was texting again.
Worry tightened my grip on the phone even as a smile at his antics curved my lips.
She didn’t respond.
I spent the rest of the week playing out conversations in my head to convince Remi the myriad of reasons we couldn’t be together but could still be friends. I wasn’t sure I’d even convinced myself.
After two days of waiting, the vet had performed surgery on Gunner to remove the diamond bracelet. I’d gone to see him after work at the animal hospital. Even partially sedated, he’d tried to get up and lick my face.
The bill for the surgery and hospital stay was already over ten thousand—which the receptionist was willing to tell me since she’d seen me when we brought Gunner in. I’d left my credit card number and asked him to charge half the bill and mark it as a charity donation. No way would Remi accept my help if she knew, so I couldn’t pay the entire amount.
I rang the bell at eight sharp. Remi yanked open the door, stepped out, and closed it behind her without even a hello.
“You look amazing,” I said.
Her slanted glare was her only response.
Okay, not in the mood for compliments.
We drove across town in tense silence. I couldn’t stand that our easy comradery had been destroyed. I ventured onto a hopefully safe topic. “I stopped in to see Gunner yesterday. He seems to be getting some spunk back.”
She kept her gaze on the passing buildings. “He gets to come home hopefully by next Wednesday if his recovery goes well. I’m taking a few days off work to stay with him.”
“Is that a good idea with the promotion up for grabs?” I asked.
“What choice do I have?” she snapped, but without heat. “Besides, Mark is probably going to get the position no matter what I do.”
I hated the defeated tone in her voice. And I hated even more that I’d contributed to that. “Remi, you deserve the promotion more than that asshat.”
“Can we not talk about it? We have this party to get through and then my work party, if you still want to come.”
“Of course, I’m coming,” I said. “I wouldn’t leave you to face those two alone.”
She grimaced, but nodded. “Thanks.”
The party was in full holiday swing when we pulled up.
“Hey, see the Santa on the roof?” I pointed out the blow-up Santa in beach attire with a daiquiri in one hand and a beer bottle in the other. “And I’ve never seen Mrs. Claus looking so fine.” Santa’s wife sported a skimpy bikini that showed ample assets. Next to her, a blow-up of Rudolph smoking a cigar waved in the breeze.
“You hate Christmas decorations,” she said with a sideways glance.
“Those are funny.” I laughed, desperate to catch a glimpse of the Remi that I knew. “If not child-friendly.”
At least her sigh wasn’t filled with anger.
The front door was unlocked with a sign that said Come on in to party! We strode in and pine scent with a dash of alcohol blasted me in the face. This was going to be a rowdier party, by the looks of things. They set up an entire bar in the living room with a professional bartender twirling shakers of drinks before pouring out lines of shots.
No soothing Christmas music here. Loud rock played over the speakers. I took Remi’s hand and couldn’t miss how her body stiffened at my touch. She didn’t lean into me as I led her through the crowd.
“You want to find something to eat?” I shouted over the noise. As I finished the sentence, I spotted my personal Grinch weaving her way through the partygoers like a snake in the grass. Sara’s expression could only be described as predatory, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was her prey of choice.
Remi saw her as well and leaned up to speak into my ear. “No food. I’m going to need a couple shots to get through this.” She yanked me toward the bar with surprising strength for someone her size. “Two shots of whatever that is and a beer,” she called to the bartender, waving at the pink shots he was pouring out, then turned to me. “You want anything?”
Oh, shit. I knew from past experience not to comment. “I’ll stick with water since I’m driving.”
She shrugged and threw back one shot, then the other, before taking her beer. “Okay, sweetie, let’s get this over with.” The way she said sweetie sounded more like an insult than an endearment. She wrapped her arm around my waist and leaned into me, obviously spotting Sara, who had redirected to follow us. “Oh goodie, here she comes.”
The warmth her touch elicited was immediately doused by her words. Sara sidled up next to us at the bar. “Hey! Cade, I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Remi snorted and I jumped to speak before she could say something overly rude. “Yeah, there are a lot of my high school buddies here.”
“Well, I love a good party.” Sara beamed brighter than the north star. “But I don’t know very many people here, if you wouldn’t mind introducing me?”
Instead of cradling Remi under my arm, I was feeling like I’d captured a wild tiger cub that I needed to contain. Maybe coming to this party was a mistake.
At that moment, I realized my real mistake. Jeremy walked in the door. As if guided by fate, his gaze swept the room and settled directly on me—with Remi in my embrace.
His eyes widened, and a look that I couldn’t read shifted his features.
Shit shit shit. I should have known Jeremy would be here. We had the same friends. But with everything going on with Remi and the dog…
“Cade?” Sara said, holding out a shot to me.
I shook my head, my gaze darting back to Jeremy as he made a beeline for us, and every macho bone in my body seemed to disappear. “Uh, no thanks.”
“I’ll take his,” Remi piped up and grabbed the shot and slammed it. The drinks, back-to-back, were going to hit her hard.
“Remi, slow down,” I whispered.
Her glare screamed that I’d overstepped. I wanted to say more, but Jeremy approached us.
His tongue rolled over his teeth, and he crossed his arms as he considered Remi in my embrace. His tone was even, giving nothing away. “Hey, guys. Having fun?”
Sara gave me a playful shove in the arm. “This one is being a total bore. But it’s great to see you, Jeremy.”
Jeremy didn’t spare her a glance. His attention was on me. He jerked his head to the side. “You want to talk?”
No, I’d rather jump in a tank of hungry sharks. “Sure, man.”
I released Remi who leaned against the bar and ordered another beer. This night was going down fast. I followed Jeremy to a corner, my feet heavier with every step.
He turned and leaned against the wall in what most would assume was a relaxed pose, but I knew better. “I asked you to keep an eye on Remi. You taking that a little far?”
My brain sputtered with partial explanations, half sentences, nothing that made sense. “I… We were helping each other out with our exes. Just to get through the holidays.”
His eyes slitted. “So, why is she over there guzzling shots like a freshman?”
I glanced back in time to see Remi clink glasses with Sara and take another shot.
“She’s upset.” I couldn’t come up with any excuse, so the truth poured out of me like an avalanche. “I’m so sorry, man. I fell for her before I knew what was happening. I told her we can’t be together because I can’t lose your friendship, Jeremy, or your family. Plus, she’s on the rebound.” I paused to see his reaction. He stared at me like his face was made of granite. “I tried backing off and not hurting her, but I think I screwed up.”
That got a snort out of him. He pushed away from the wall and leaned in close so no one around could hear. “Are you really that stupid?”
I flinched. “I swear we never…”
Jeremy held up a hand to stop me. “Do you actually think I’d be pissed at you for dating my sister?”
My tongue was frozen in confusion, so I nodded.
He huffed and put a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t care if you fall for her. What better guy could I ask for to take care of my sister?” He pulled me in a little closer and his grip tightened. “But we have a serious problem if you break her heart.”
I blinked. “I figured you’d hate me if you knew I loved her.”
It was his turn to be surprised. His eyes widened. “You love her?”
It was the first time I’d even admitted my feelings to myself. I swallowed audibly as the truth sunk in. “Yeah, she’s amazing.”
“I don’t need to hear the details. But sounds like you should probably tell her how you feel.” He released me. “I don’t want to have to deal with another skunk. I had to throw away my favorite pair of jeans after the last time.”
I watched him walk away, too stunned to move. I’d never considered that Jeremy would actually be okay with Remi and me dating. And you’ve already messed it up.
A commotion returned my attention to the bar. Sara was getting in Remi’s face, pointing her finger in a position that was way too familiar. I’d been on the receiving end of that anger way too many times. I rushed over.
“How dare you?” Sara exclaimed.
“What’s going on?” I demanded.
Sara’s furious glare melted off her face like snow in the Colorado sun. “Oh, thank goodness you’re here.” She stepped closer to me. “You won’t believe the horrible things this…this girl has been saying.”
Remi rolled her eyes in such an exaggerated gesture that I was surprised they stayed in her head. Her voice was slurred, the shots catching up with her. “Yep, I’m horrible.”
Sara tried to snuggle under my arm. I stiffened and gently but firmly set her away from me. The shock on her face, wide eyed, mouth agape, gave her an expression that reminded me of a fish.
Sara sputtered. “Aren’t you going to do something?” She waved a hand at Remi. “She said I was a lying snake, and ugly, and no one wanted me around.”
“Didn’t say that,” Remi said.
Sara continued. “And that I was stupid.”
“Kind of said that.” Remi smiled.
Sara’s glare could have melted the polar ice caps. “And that I should take my gold-digging expedition somewhere else.”
Remi nodded once. “Definitely said that one.”
Sara lifted her chin in victory. What I knew from experience to be fake tears glistened in her eyes. “You’re going to let her treat me this way?”
She was so used to me following her every wish, jumping at her whim. For years I’d dedicated all my time to making her happy. I’d tried so hard, sacrificed anything and everything she asked.
Finally, I realized that our relationship had been doomed from the beginning. And not just because Sara was a narcissist, but also because I’d let her get away with it. Really, the biggest favor she’d ever done me was walking away on our wedding day.
Weight that I’d carried around with me for the last three years fell away. I was finally over it. Relationships weren’t supposed to be so hard. I considered Remi, who was watching me with increasingly teary eyes to see how I reacted.
“Cade,” Sara almost shrieked. “Do something. How can you let her treat me this way?”
She must have been so sure that if she crooked a finger, I’d follow again.
I considered Sara and spoke in a soft voice, “How people treat you stopped being my responsibility a long time ago.” I turned to Remi. “Hey, you want to get out of here?”
Remi nodded. “I think I might puke.”
I bit back a grin and took her hand, leaving Sara staring after us.
With Jeremy’s help I got Remi to my truck and buckled in. Jeremy waved as I pulled away from the curb and I didn’t miss the smirk on his face. By the time I got her home, Remi was passed out in the front seat. I carried her inside and tucked her into bed. She mumbled and rolled over. I watched her sleep for a minute in the too quiet house, hating to leave her alone without even Gunner to keep her company, but knew staying wasn’t a possibility. Then I smoothed her hair away from her face and knew that I could only hope that I hadn’t already messed up beyond forgiveness.