Page 171 of One Wrong Move

“I’m sorry if that kept you here just to wait for me,” I say. “That wasn’t my intention at all. I know you guys are visiting only for the weekend.”

Connie waves a hand. “Oh no, don’t worry about it. I woke up with terrible nausea today. Typical, right, getting sick on vacation? So I stayed home. If I feel better this afternoon, I’ll meet up with the rest of them. My husband wants to drive a high-speed boat down the Thames tonight.” She shakes her head, but there’s a fond smile on her face.

I smile back. “That might not help your nausea.”

“Definitely not. I’ll have to cheer him on from the sidelines, I suppose.”

“Are you enjoying London otherwise?”

“I am, yes. I love this city. This is the first time we’re here all together, though, and with Alec’s kids, as well. It’s nice to do things as a family.”

I think of what Nate had told me—of the Connovans, their relationships, and how they’re slowly reconnecting. Taking small steps toward a more relaxed family environment.

One without their dad.

“I think it’s great that you’re doing this,” I say. “It’s definitely something Nate appreciates.”

Connie’s eyes sparkle. “I think so, too. And can I just say… I heard about what he did. Not all of it, of course, but I was curious. Especially since I have met your ex a few times over the years.”

I swallow. “Yeah. It’s… we’re in a kind of weird place right now.”

“I know that,” she says and blows out a sigh. “And can I also say, between you and me, he shouldn’t have paid Dean off. But that’s my big brother for you. Actually, both of my brothers are the same. They’re loyal to the bone and will die for someone they love. But neither has a ton of emotional intelligence. Nate thought he was helping.”

I nod, and look over at the large couch where I lay several times in Nate’s arms, watching movies. Talking. Laughing. “Yeah.”

“Sorry, I shouldn’t be bothering you with my opinions,” she says. Her voice brightens. “It’s just that, I know my brother, and I’ve never seen Nate care for anyone the way he cares about you. And while I have you here… I wanted to say, I know love can be really scary. New relationships are terrifying.” She chuckles, and I can’t help but look at her. She comes alive when she laughs. “Trust me, I know that better than anyone. My husband and I had a terrible start. But, sometimes it’s worth taking the risk. That’s another thing Gabriel has taught me.”

I run a hand along my neck. What she’s saying makes sense. But she is Nate’s sister, and of course, she thinks the best of him. The problem is…

So do I.

That’s why his actions hurt so much. Because I didn’t want to think this way with him. I never wanted to introduce the pain brought on by money, and the unbalance of power and control in our relationship. I want things to be the way they were before he paid off my debt to Dean, without telling me about it. I want our relationship to be as it was before he made the decision for me about my future.

“I’m glad it worked out for the two of you,” I say instead. “And I appreciate what you said. It’s just…”

“I know,” Connie says with a nod. “I do. All in due time. Are you okay, though? Are you staying somewhere safe?”

That makes me smile. “Did Nate get you to ask that?”

“He’s worried, yes, but no. I wanted to make sure myself. I know how it can be when your living situation changes quickly. My best friend had something similar happen almost a year ago, and she… Never mind. Are you okay?”

I smile. “Yes, thank you. I’m staying at a nearby hotel. And if you let him know that, please also tell him that he is not allowed to pay for the hotel bill.”

Connie grins. “Got it. Now, let’s head to your room. I want to hear all about this art collection you’ve influenced my brother to buy.”

That makes me chuckle. “I’m not sure I influenced it so much as he saw an opportunity for investment.”

“Uh-huh,” Connie says behind me as we head up the stairs. “I think influence is definitely the right word. Tell me about the lady in red in the downstairs guest bedroom. What’s the story there?”

“Oh, that’s actually a fantastic piece,” I say. “The artist worked on a series of paintings referencing the witch-burnings of the Middle Ages, but with modern women in focus, to really highlight to viewers how outrageous it was. Like, they were just ordinary women like you and me, who were punished unfairly.”

“I thought her dress looked like flames! I told Gabriel, and he said I was imagining things.”

I look over my shoulder at the smiling redhead. “No, that was intentional.”

“I win,” she says, voice smug. “That’s cool.”

“She’s fantastic.”

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