Page 3 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
Too ingenuous to realize how cruel and vindictive Jessica truly is, Shae invites nothing but heartache in her attempt to help Emme. “You don’t understand. Jessica will make our lives hell.”
“Maybe. Let’s at least try, okay?”
He kisses her forehead. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
She curls onto her side and faces him, but doesn’t meet his gaze. “Somehow, you’re under the impression I’m perfect. Which I definitely am not.” Tucking her head under his chin, she talks to his neck. Anxiety seeps through the breaths blowing against his skin. “I’ve made mistakes too.”
Panic clenches in his stomach. Whatever she’s hiding, seemingly more than just the baby, surfaces again. Eager to know, yet fearful of jeopardizing her health, he forces himself to postpone the discussion. “You’ve had a rough few days. Why don’t we talk more when we get home?”
“Quit lying,” Carrie answers from the doorway. “I know talking’s not what you two are going to do when you get home.”
“You’re here!” Shae sits up, the huge smile he’s longed to see finally lighting up her beautiful face. Yet, it’s a cruel reminder he’s not the one who generates the sentiment in her. But he’ll do everything he can to bring back her happiness of being with him, of rebuilding her confidence in him again.
He caresses her cheek before climbing out of bed. “I’ll let you guys catch up. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” As he passes by, he squeezes Carrie’s shoulder. More grateful to her than she’ll ever understand. “Thank you.”
Uncertainty lines Shae’s forehead, her gaze jumping from her friend to him. “What’s that about?”
Carrie shrugs her shoulders. “Nothing.”
“Tell me!”
“Fine. I loaned him some money. You know, him being a deadbeat and all.”
He laughs and rolls his eyes as he closes the door. She needs Carrie in her life even more than him.
Outside her room, Max leans against the wall and scrolls through his phone. Just like he knew the bodyguard would be. Max looks up and tosses him a t-shirt. “I asked Marta to bring you some fresh clothes. How’s Shae?”
Nick pulls on the polo as they walk down the hallway. He’d kill for a shower, but a clean shirt works for now. “Better. I’m ready to get her out of here and take her home.”
“Do you think she’ll come back?”
“She said she would. If not, I’m going to her house. I can’t be without her anymore. Not after everything she’s gone through.”
His friend raises his eyebrows. “With Carrie there? Good luck fighting with Nathan on that one.”
He’ll fucking build a house if he has to. Or take her to a hotel. Or rent a yacht. Whatever it takes for them to be together.
Max nods toward the door. “Speaking of her place, the guys have someone over there repairing the damage. Carter’s body is at the morgue. It’ll be released after the autopsy, and then you can decide what you want to do.” He taps his jacket pocket. “And, I’ve got the paperwork for your paternity test. You can go to the lab anytime you want to have it done.”
Everything he needs before he even asks for it. Shae’s right. Max always takes care of them. “You’ve got a fucking concussion. How have you been able to do all this?”
“Some of us don’t get the luxury of lounging in bed all night.”
“Fuck you. It was for her.”
Laughter bounces through the empty corridor as Max throws his head back. “Sure. Tell yourself whatever you want. I’m just glad she’s okay.”
More like a brother to him than Carter ever was, even before the bastard betrayed him, Max protects both of them even when he doesn’t deserve it. Shae tells Max how much she appreciates him, but now it’s his turn to do it too. “Thanks. For everything. If it wasn’t for you, she wouldn’t be.”
“Now who’s getting soft?”
And…nice moment over. “Fuck you.”
Max smirks before patting his chest. “I love you too. Maybe I should come up with a cute nickname for you, like you call her? How about—”
Nick puts his palm up and shakes his head. “I’m fucking done talking to you.”
“Good, then I’m going home. I’ve got to get some sleep.” He scrubs his hands across his face before pointing back to the waiting area. “You’ve got six guys here, and Jacks is downstairs with the limo whenever you’re ready to go. Buzz me if you need me.”
