Page 167 of Penalty to the Heart

Roxanne

Say what you will about the Donovans, but they sure know how to throw a party.

Jack’s penthouse apartment is filled to the brim with his closest friends and family, all eager to celebrate his return home after so many months in the hospital.

Though by the reception he got when he walked out of General Mass earlier today, I already had my suspicions that this party would be a grand affair. It seemed like every Bostonian came out to stand outside the hospital doors just to show Jack how much this city loves him.

In all my years, I’ve never seen something quite like it.

The never-ending love poured out from this city for one of their own.

It was one of those awe-inspiring moments that I will never forget. And neither will Caleb.

Today, I saw the darkness that had haunted him all these months just vanish into thin air, and all that remained was pure joy and love.

But as much as I want to share in his happiness, I’m unable to.

Not while I still have to lie and hide from the world my true feelings for him.

It’s not fair on him, and it’s not fair on me.

I just haven’t mustered up the courage to tell Trent the truth, fearing too much time has passed for him to forgive such a professional lapse in judgment on my part.

Though, to be fair, that small lapse was the best mistake I’ve ever made.

Even if Trent decides to punish me for my indiscretion, I don’t regret it.

I knew the risks.

I knew what was at stake.

But falling in love with Caleb is the one mistake that I would make a million times over.

And it’s time that I womaned up and told the world as much.

I scan the crowded living room for my friend, and when I see him laughing away with Rex and Piper, I start marching in their direction.

“Hey, you.” Caleb wraps his arms around me, keeping me in place. “Where do you think you’re running off to so fast?”

“I’m going to do it. I’m going to talk to Trent. Today,” I say with conviction.

“Are you now, love?” he coos, kissing my neck.

“Hmm.” I nod, my resolve starting to wane with every lingering kiss.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather sneak off with me for a few minutes?” he whispers in my ear before biting my earlobe in a way that always makes my toes curl.

“In the middle of your brother’s party?”

“No one will even know that we’re gone.”

It’s true.

There are so many people here that no one even notices how Caleb can’t keep his hands off me.

When he sees me hesitating, a sly smile crosses his lips.

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?”

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