Page 33 of You're To Blame 2

Mom clutched my shoulders and led me out of the house.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I helped her prepare the twins for bed.

“Mom, Matt reserved a room for Tate. I’ll stay in his room. I need to be there when he gets in.”

She nodded. I peeked at the twins deep in a peaceful slumber, then stalked toward the door.

“Chelsea.”

I peered over my shoulder. “Yes mom?”

“Why did you keep Mason’s secret?”

Running my fingers through my hair, I sighed. “I was blackmailed.” I faced her.

“He extorted money from granddaddy and Mr. Branuer.”

Her eyebrows wrinkled. “Why would my father pay him anything?”

I hated to tell mom the truth about her father. “Granddad was caught in a compromising situation.”

She dropped on the bed, staring at the floor.”

I stepped closer. “Mom, talk to him. I hate I had to be the one to tell you.” I sat beside her.

“I’ll be fine, honey.” Her smile didn’t quite meet her eyes.

“Continue.”

“Over the years, Mason wanted me because I chose Tate. I think he learned toward the end the girl he really wanted was Marisa.

I believe Mason felt indebted to Mr. Forrester, because he paid millions to save his life. So he was willing to conceive a child with me and Marisa. I joined forces with the only friends I could trust and we devised a plan to rescue Tate. Oh, the other reason I didn’t make you aware Mason was blackmailing me was because he threatened to hurt Tate. So, I played along.”

She wrapped her arms around me. “He’s lucky to have you.” I held her so tight, I thought I might squeeze the life out of her.

“Good night, baby.”

“Night.”

Tate pulled me closer. “Are you ok?”

His deep voice brought me back from my thoughts.

“Yes, I’m perfect now that I am with you.” I nuzzled my nose into the crook of his woodsy and citrus scented neck under the blanket.

“Merry Christmas, baby.”

My lips ticked upward. “Merry, Christmas, Tate.”

∞

Tate and his father searched through Douglas’ financial records. I sat at the desk on the opposite side sorting through manila folders.

“Dad, do you think you can guess his password?”

He leaned over the keyboard, pecking away at the keys.

“I know someone who can get into the system.”

---