Penny
“I did not think they would go this far.” Kylie sighs, propping her hands on her hips and staring out.
“What are those papers?” I ask.
“It’s their next move,” Kylie answers as she spins and heads for the wet bar. The ting of ice cubes feels deafening as I wait for either of them to explain.
“I thought you said this was a nonissue? They stole the lease and they wouldn’t be able to use it?”
“They can’t,” Kylie says as though the truth is obvious, striding over to Dalton and taking the papers. “It’s why they needed another option. It says a lot that they feel they need vinegar and honey here.”
“What are you talking about?” My voice is a few octaves higher than normal as I pace the room.
“They are offering me a promotion and a leap forward in my career or threatening me with having Dad prosecuted for all his nonsense. They’d never throw in the promotion if they thought I’d cave to the threat. My reputation precedes me here.”
“Prosecuted?” I gasp, looking desperately at Dalton for some kind of reassurance. I hate myself for wanting or needing it. I hate him for not being able to give it to me right now. But the thought of my dad in jail makes my stomach churn.
“Dad is a small fish.” Kylie shrugs as though this is all no big deal. “He wouldn’t exactly show up on the FBI white-collar crime radar, but if these guys put the wheels in motion there is enough there for Dad to get in trouble. He’s played fast and loose with his business for decades. It’s a plausible threat but misguided. If they knew anything about me they’d realize that play wouldn’t work.”
“You can’t let Dad go to jail over this apartment.” Kylie just rolls her eyes.
“Penny, it’s like you don’t know me at all. Dad’s not going anywhere. Besides, Dalton says he has a plan.”
“I do?” Dalton asks, then says, “I do.”
“Although I’d love to know why.” Kylie swirls the amber drink around in her glass.
“Excuse me?” Dalton looks rattled, which isn’t like him at all.
“My sister told me everything,” she says, raising a challenging brow at Dalton. “So I know all the sordid details. I’m asking you, where you stand right now?”
Dalton’s eyes slide away from Kylie and to me. His face falters. “I stand here. With the two of you.”
I shake my head. “You don’t have to, Dalton. I know you don’t get involved.”
Dalton reaches for my hand, but I step back from him. “That used to be who I was.”
I blink quickly. “I want to believe that, but I can’t. Not yet.”
“That’s okay. We’ll talk after we fix this.”
“Good,” Kylie says, cutting off any chance at a warmer moment between Dalton and me.
“Your father is in some serious trouble if you don’t meet their terms.” Dalton flashes his cocky smile. “But I’m reasonably certain Winslow doesn’t want his father to know he’s fucking his stepmother. Daddies don’t like to share.”
“Oh, my God, that’s awesome. Do you have proof?” Kylie leans forward.
On his phone, Dalton brings up a photo of them in a compromising position. “This one is my favorite.”
Kylie laughs. “Welcome to the family, Dalton.”
My jaw drops open. Dalton and I don’t have a commitment to each other, and even if we did I haven’t forgiven him yet.
Kylie asks, “How about the others?”
“I’m compiling shit on them as we speak. We also have Luther Green on our side, although that might be because he finds this amusing.”
The smug smile on Kylie’s face reflects the one on Dalton’s. “I’ll take my raise, my title, and my apartment here. They can take my foot in their asses. Tell them those are my terms.”
“Kylie,” I squeak out, my blood pressure thudding dangerously high. “You can’t take that gamble with Dad. These men are dead serious.”
“So am I. They want to blackmail me? Not going to happen. I don’t negotiate with people who have as much to lose as I do. I have the support of Christen Brockton who owns this place. I have as many connections in business as they do. Plus we have something they don’t.”
“Vaginas?” I ask, desperate for a little levity before my heart explodes from all this pressure.
Kylie laughs.
Dalton is still watching me as if waiting to see a sign that I’m softening.
“We have your friend, Dalton.”
I swallow hard. Is he my friend? Is he more? I don’t know where we go from here. I meet Dalton’s gaze and ask, “Do you believe in friendship?”
He touches my cheek gently. “I do now. That and so much more.”
“Together we will crush these bastards,” Kylie says.
“Your sister is a little crazy,” Dalton whispers as he leans into me. His cologne fills my nose, and I’m instantly transported back to the last time he held me in his arms. Back when everything felt hopeful and possible.
“She’s my sister.” I shrug, eyeing him closely. “You’re the nut who pledged your friendship to her willingly. Crazy might be contagious.”
Okay, maybe I’m beginning to forgive him.