Dalton rubbed his head. “It was such a stupid idea. But I was only twenty-two, Cal. You rushed into the marriage after Mom died, and I was all fucked-up, thinking I was gonna be this hero and save you.”
Tristan cleared his throat. “I believe him, Cal,” he said quietly. “Dalton’s always been a man whore, but he wouldn’t cross that line. He’s also stupid enough to think that type of plan could work.”
Dalton groaned. “Thanks for nothing, bro. But it’s true. Looking back, I know I should’ve just told you straight up when I saw her kissing Jeff. Instead, I built this whole PI scenario and screwed everything up.”
How strange, after all these years of refusing to talk about the incident, that it was finally revealed in a dingy bar on the anniversary of his mother’s death. The wound that had festered for years broke open and oozed clean. The truth rang out in his brother’s voice. For the first time, Cal accepted the reality and realized though he’d screwed up, Dalton had never set out to seduce his fiancée. It was almost as if he could feel his mother’s presence wrapping around them, desperately trying to get them to listen to one another.
“I’m sorry, Cal. I really am.”
The apology struck home. Emotion clogged his throat, so he just nodded. His voice came out gruff. “Apology accepted.”
And then they sat awhile longer, not talking.
Morgan slammed the car door and trudged toward My Place. The sight of it made her shudder with bad memories, but she’d been all over Harrington and was running out of places. Her texts and calls went unanswered, and she couldn’t get ahold of Dalton or Tristan, either. Maybe Cal had sought haven in a bar more outside of the main town.
She pushed open the door and stopped short. And stared at the sight before her.
Cal, Tristan, and Dalton sat on stools by the bar with two empty bottles of liquor. They were laughing. Tristan had his arm loosely wrapped around Dalton’s neck in a man hug, and Cal was scrunched forward close to his brothers, a huge grin curving his lips.
Without giving away her presence, Morgan stepped to the side and watched the amazing scene before her.
“They belong to you?” Raven motioned toward the men. Humor glinted in her dark eyes. “ ’Cause if so, you’re driving them home. They’re trashed, and I confiscated all their keys.”
Morgan smiled. Warmth flowed as Dalton gave Cal a noogie on the head. It was as if through their mutual pain, they had found each other again. “Yeah, I got them covered. What is it about men drowning their demons in alcohol?”
Raven shrugged. “Fastest way to silence them.” Her face hardened. Seems she had big secrets, too. “You’re not a hooker.”
The statement caused a flush to darken her skin. “No, I’m definitely not a hooker,” she retorted. “I’m hoping we can put that whole scene behind us and never bring it up again.”
“Already done. I knew the cop was an ass. Anyone could see you’re as proper as they come.”
Morgan sighed. “Yeah, I know. Boring, right?”
Raven smiled. “You? Don’t think so. I have stellar instincts, and you’ve got more hidden layers than an onion, as Shrek would say.”
“Thanks.” Somehow the comment from such an interesting woman spiked her ego. “I do.”
“Which one’s yours?”
A glow settled over her. “The one on the right.”
Raven nodded with approval. “Good choice. Stay away from the one in the center. That man’s a heartbreaker.”
“Came on to you, huh?”
“Darling, he probably comes on to anyone with a vagina.”
She smothered a giggle at the accurate description. “Thanks for taking care of them.”
“Part of my job.”
Morgan headed over to the men. Heart pounding, she hoped they wouldn’t feel as if she was intruding on their private time. The need to check and make sure Cal was okay won over her nervousness, so she stopped beside them and laid a hand on his broad shoulder.
“Cal?”
He looked up. Those charcoal eyes lit up with pleasure, and without a word he reached up, tangled his hands in her hair, and kissed her.
The dim hoot from his brothers singed her ears, but she didn’t care. She kissed him back in full public view in the bar she’d gotten arrested in. And she loved every moment.
“Hey, baby,” he drawled. The slight slur told her he’d been drinking awhile. “What are you doing here?”
“My plans with Sydney got canceled. I wanted to come see you. Give you a ride home. Hi, Tristan. Dalton.”
Dalton treated her to a sloppy grin. “Morgan! Wanna drink with us?”
Tristan raised his glass. “Another bottle of Jack!”
She laughed. “No, thanks. Just think of me as your designated driver. Are you ready to go home yet?”
She had no problem letting them have their time with one another. As long as they were together, she’d wait till closing time to drive them home, so at least she knew they’d be safe. Raven strolled over and leaned her elbows on the bar.
“I’m out of Jack, gentlemen, so I’d advise taking the lady up on her offer.”
Tristan looked mournfully at the bottle. “It’s all gone.”
Cal nodded. “We drank it all.”
Morgan pressed her lips together. “You certainly did. I’m impressed.”
“Sh’okay. I’m ready to go.” He stumbled a bit getting up, but for a man who had downed a whole bottle, he was pretty steady on his feet. Tristan and Dalton got up carefully, swaying just a bit. “It worked.”