Page 28 of An Unexpected Everything
I swallowed hard as I stared into those light eyes of his. Every time I was near him, it’s as if my body wasn’t my own. It had a mind of its own and did what it wanted. So I clenched my thighs together, even as the hurt and pain and confusion of everything that occurred warred within me.
I was always a mess when it came to Weston Caldwell. And here I was, in his family shop, inhisshop, confused as ever.
“I know you didn’t sleep with her,” I whispered again.
“He knows it too. He just hates the fact that people in this town take care of each other. It’s why you’re here after all,” he added with gritted teeth. But before I could say anything else he continued. “She got in a car wreck on the same fucking bridge my parents died on. The one coming into this town. And the asshole didn’t get the car checked out. Instead he said he would take care of it himself, and he made it worse. She’s lucky shedidn’t wreck, hurt herself, the kids, or God forbid someone else. So I fixed it. I only charged her for parts, and even then, I nearly didn’t. The only reason I did was because I knew she wouldn’t take it as some form of charity. And Drew can’t help but be the jerk that he is. If he isn’t finding ways to be a truly big asshole, he’s at Lake Bar, drinking his way under the table.”
Someone cleared his throat and I turned to see a man in a sheriff’s uniform. He looked to be about the same age as a few of my brothers, but I still couldn’t quite think. The man nodded at me, then raised a brow at Weston. “I’m just glad that you’re okay. Are you going to have him arrested?” He gave me a look. “I’m Macon, by the way. I used to go to school with this guy over here and sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve been called here. So, Weston, charges?”
Weston let out a breath. “No, because it just ends up being more paperwork for you. And it’s going to hurt Deidre.”
Macon sighed. “I knew you were going to say that. I keep thinking that maybe if I keep him behind bars then he’s not going to reach out again. But he never learns.” He gave me a small smile, though I read the exhaustion in his gaze. “By the way, welcome to Cage Lake, Miss Cage.”
“It’s Dixon actually. Cage is my middle name. And hello. Nice to meet you. I guess.”
“I’m Sheriff Brothers. If you need anything, let me know.” The sheriff gave me a knowing look and I held back a curse. Of course.
“I take it one of my many brothers contacted you?” I asked, the ice seeping into my tone.
“Yes. He found it especially important because there is a man out there on parole, who seems to be threatening you. Or there’s someone else trying to threaten you. We’re keeping an eye out. I promise we’re not going to hem you in.” He looked at Westonthen. “Let me know if you need anything. We will go make sure Drew takes a walk. Get him sober.”
Weston cursed. “I just don’t want him to go home and hurt Deidre.”
Macon’s jaw tightened. “That’s not going to fucking happen.”
And with that, the sheriff walked out, leaving me alone with Weston. Again.
“I’m glad that it seems that he’s trying to help,” I said.
He nodded, turning toward me. “This town is good for something sometimes. Though there are no secrets. Considering somebody saw us kissing, and the twins had questions about it this morning.”
My brows rose. “What?”
“That’s small towns for you. I’d say I’m sorry. But I’m not.”
“I…I don’t know what to think right now. I was just here to drop off paperwork because James needed it, and he couldn’t get ahold of Hudson. Plus, it’s part of my whole work remotely thing. Get me out of the city, into this town where everything is so complicated, and so here I am. Working.” I pulled a stack of papers from my bag, ignoring the shake in my hand.
“You were here for work,” Weston said, and I could have sworn I heard the disappointment in his tone.
“Yes…I mean… no. I just… I couldn’t stop thinking about our conversation. And I’m so damn confused. So when you have a moment, I figured we should talk. The one thing that we never really did.”
“Bella,” he said after moment, and then I shook my head. “Yeah. We should talk. Though I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“Good, because I don’t either.”
“I have a few things to finish up here, and to make sure that the clients and my staff aren’t freaking the fuck out about what happened.”
“And I bet since it’s a small town they’re going to have questions about why I’m here,” I said dryly.
Weston threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, dear Bella. Just you fucking wait.”
“I don’t know what to think about that. But I’ll be at the house. Um, I’m staying at Aston’s place.”
“I know,” he said calmly, though I sensed something beneath his tone. “Hudson mentioned it.”
“I’m sure he did. You think the town is small, this world is damn tiny when it comes to Cages. They pop out of anywhere.”
“Don’t I know it,” Weston added dryly. “Give me a couple hours? I have to be back at the house and make sure homework and dinner’s good, plus, the prom’s tomorrow.”
