Page 105 of One Little Mistake
Choked up, I nod, and she pulls the door closed as she leaves.
My phone buzzes in my hand and startles me. Bringing it to my face, I see another message from East.
Easton: I love you.
Easton: And I’m so fucking sorry for being an unbelievably stupid asshole.
Lexi: I know you do, and I know you are.
Easton: …
Lexi: Have a good day, East.
Easton: You too, Locket.
Reading my nickname, my hand immediately searches out the key charm around my neck. I haven’t taken it off since the day he gave it to me, but I squeeze it in my palm to know it’s real.
Chapter 40
Easton
“Is she talking to you yet?” Preston asks as we take a seat on the picnic table at the town square.
Handing him a bottle of water, I shake my head no.
“Jesus, Easton. I told you to be careful with her.”
“I love her, Pres.”
He punches my shoulder, then bumps it with his. “I know you do, little brother. And I think she’s good for you. It’s nice to have you back.”
“I’m happy here, Pres.”
He cautiously observes me before speaking. “I can see that. I was wondering how long you would suffer through The Westbrook Group before you realized it wasn’t for you.”
I swing my gaze to him so fast I nearly fall off the table. “What?” I ask, shocked. I had no idea he knew I was unhappy there.
“I remember the plans you had with Dillon once upon a time, East. Those dreams don’t just go away.”
“No, but life happens, and responsibilities pile up. I couldn’t leave you to figure it all out on your own.”
“And I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know, but we have a well-oiled machine now. So maybe, now that you’ve found your girl, it’s time you figured out what will make you happy.”
“I can’t just walk away from The Westbrook Group, Pres. It’s our legacy.” Placing my forearms on my thighs, I stare at the ground.
“Maybe not, but perhaps roles can change, and we can expand into a market better suited to your talents.”
I stare at him, confused.
“I saw Lexi’s desk at the office, East. You’re amazingly talented, and I think working with your hands makes you happy.”
It does. More than he’ll ever know. But I never thought about incorporating it into The Westbrook Group.
“Let’s get the Heart women settled here, then we can talk about the next steps, okay?”
“Yeah, okay. Pres?”
“Hmm?” he hums distractedly.
