Page 60 of Wine & Whiskey
“Not exactly. He said I should do what was safest for now, and we would talk about it tonight. I guess going to Nick’s is the safest, so here I am.”
Nick runs his hand through his hair. “Invite him to come over after he gets off work. He can see where you’re staying, and we can talk.”
Carrie frowns as she drops the bottle Shae hands her into her bag and zips it closed. “I can’t wait.”
Her stomach clenches at Nick’s guilt and her friend’s worry. The three of them combined still may not be enough to persuade Nathan to let Carrie stay, or not blame Nick for the danger.
* * * *
As soon asNathan walks into Nick’s house, he wraps his arms around Carrie. “Are you okay?”
Shae’s stomach aches at his sweet gesture. Nathan works more than seventy hours a week in an adrenaline-surging environment taking care of the sick and injured. He doesn’t need the added worry of Carrie’s safety on top of his other stress.
“Yes, I’m fine. Everything’s good.”
He pulls back and looks at Shae, shaking his head. “What about you?”
Shame fills her chest at the disappointment clouding his eyes, as if he really asks why she got them into this, why she’s turned into a troublemaker. It’s not a role she normally plays, a title she’s never worn. “I’m fine too. We’ve just been unpacking and getting settled.”
Nathan nods and looks around, his gaze scanning the immaculate house filled with expensive furniture and priceless paintings. Taking in the money and the guards and the vastness, but not seeing the love behind the things, the warmth beyond the luxury. “You have a really nice house, Nick.”
“Thank you. You look like you could use a drink. Do you want a beer?”
“That’d be great, thanks.”
After Nick walks into the kitchen, Carrie tugs on Nathan’s sleeve. “Where’s Jason? I thought he was coming with you.”
“He’s too upset.” He frowns at Shae, and her heart drops at the frustration she generates in both her friends. “He said you won’t listen to anyone, so he isn’t going to bother.”
The truth hurts. He warned her, and she didn’t listen. She can’t blame him for avoiding her, yet never thinking he would give up on her, not realizing their friendship is so insignificant to him.
Nathan takes a long swallow from the bottle Nick hands him before sitting down on the sofa. “So, tell me what happened again.”
Carrie reaches for his hand. “There’s been some trouble and—”
“Please, Carrie.” Nathan shakes his head, his eyes moving from Shae to Nick. “I want to hear it from Nick.”
Carrie’s cheeks burn red, and she bites her lip, preventing the anger flaming in her eyes from spilling out of her mouth. Shae hangs her head. Now, she’s causing problems between her best friends. Her selfishness hurts everyone she loves.
Nick rubs his thumb over her fingers, a comforting reminder they’re in this together, as he meets Nathan’s eye. “I have a business acquaintance who’s out of control. I didn’t realize to what extent until he shot my driver and threatened Shae. I won’t make that mistake again. But, to ensure Shae and Carrie’s safety, I want them to live here until everything is resolved.”
Nathan’s eyes grow wide, his face flushing. “Resolved how?”
“I’ll make sure he’s no longer a threat.”
“That’s what I thought.” Both Nathan’s body and his voice rise, and he points at Nick. “You’re involved with God knows what, and now my fiancée and her best friend are in the middle of it. Don’t expect me to say all of this is okay.”
“I don’t expect anything.” Nick shakes his head, his voice steady but tight, restraining his irritation.
“You and your associates shouldn’t suck innocent people into your fight.”
The injustice of Nathan’s accusations boils in her. She jumps up off the sofa, losing the comfort of Nick’s touch, yet adamant Nathan knows the truth. “Nick can’t control what other people do. You can’t blame him for this.”
Nick’s hand slides around her fingers again, pulling her down next to him. “It’s okay, sweetness. I’ll take what I deserve. You don’t have to defend me.”
“If you really love her, you wouldn’t put her in the situation to have to defend you at all. It’s time to end this. Let her be with a nice guy who can take care of her without putting her in danger.”
Humiliation heats through her at Nathan’s words, at the realization of how they see her. Someone who can’t take care of herself, who needs others to decide what’s best for her.
