A Rare Gift

  He set her down easy, kissing her lips and her throat, stroking her hair while she threaded her fingers through his hair. Neither one of them said anything. What they'd done, what they'd shared, had said enough.

  They dried off and climbed into his big bed, but only used a quarter of the space because he tugged her close against him. She pulled his arm around her and he realized he liked having her here in his house. In his bed. In his life.

  He'd do anything to keep her here.

  Except the one thing he knew she wanted.

  That, he couldn't--wouldn't do.

  "I have a problem, and I need some advice."

  Tori tossed her oversized bag on Calliope's desk. "You've come to the right person."

  Wyatt had a meeting with his brothers at a potential new job site, so he'd left early. Tori had agreed to pop over after work, so now that the day care center was closed, she and Tori had some quiet time to talk.

  She'd let a week go by. Things with Wyatt were almost perfect. They were together all the time, and even though the room addition project was a couple days from being completed, she knew the two of them would continue to be together after it was finished. But still, things weren't quite whole between them, and she knew why. It nagged at her, refusing to go away.

  Tori took a seat in the chair across from Calliope's desk.

  "It's about Wyatt."

  Tori smirked. "I figured. What's the problem? Is he being grouchy again?"

  "No. Well, not really. He's...uncooperative about a particular subject."

  "What subject is that?"

  "His ex-wife."

  Tori's eyes widened. "You do realize that subject is off-limits. None of us ever bring up the ex. I know she's your sister and all, but, honey, that marriage did not end well."

  "I know." She pushed back from her desk and stood, looking out at the streetlights and cars passing by. She turned to face Tori. "The scars of that marriage are holding him back. It's holding us back. He can't let it go."

  "Ugly things were said between the two of them. I wasn't privy to it all, but from what I heard, it was a bitter divorce."

  "Yes, it was. Mistakes were made on both sides and they walked away without closure. Without forgiveness. Without talking to each other. They need that closure now. Without it, I don't think Wyatt will ever be able to move on with a clear conscience."

  "And you want him to be able to move on. With you."

  She nodded.

  "Honey, you know I love you. But some things--some people--can't be fixed."

  "I don't want to fix him. I want him to be happy."

  "Doesn't he seem happy? With you?"

  "Yes and no. I feel like there will always be a wall between us."

  "Meaning Cassie."

  "Yes. He needs to get past her, really let her go, before he can ever be truly happy."

  "You do realize this could be a deal breaker for him."

  Calliope nodded. "I know. But I love him, and I know that on the surface he's happy with me, but Cassandra will always be between us. Which means I have to try. And if that means he walks away from me, then I guess we were never meant to be."

  Tori stood, came over and hugged her. "So what do you want to do?"

  "I have an idea."

  "That Wyatt won't like."

  "He'll hate it. He'll be angry with me."

  "And you need my help to make it happen."

  "Yes."

  Tori nodded. "You know I love you both. So what can I do?"

  Chapter Ten

  Wyatt hated parties. It required more socializing, and God knew he'd done enough socializing the past couple months to last him a lifetime.

  But it was part of what they did for business, and the annual Kent Construction holiday party included inviting their clients. Treating clients to a night of fun, dinner and dancing was good for their business. So he'd suck it up, put on a smile and a suit, and down enough whiskey so he could numb the pain.

  At least this year he'd have Calliope by his side, so he wouldn't have to huddle in a corner with some drunken businessman he'd have to end up driving home at the end of the night.

  Trying not to strangle on his tie, he pulled into Calliope's driveway and got out, went to her front door and rang the bell.

  "It's open," he heard her holler. He opened the door.

  "How do you know I'm not some serial killer?" he said as he walked in. "Lock your damn door, woman."

  "There are no serial killers in this town," she said from the bedroom.

  "I'm sure the last person to be killed by a serial killer in a small town thought that, too."

  "Fine. I'll have a key made for you and I'll start locking the front door."

  She came out, and he forgot all about the lecture he was going to give her about locking the door.

  Dressed in a black dress that swept across the tops of her knees, her shoulders were bare, the dress sparkled, clung to her amazing breasts and every curve of her body. Long silver earrings hung from her ears, her hair was swept up and into some kind of sparkly clip, curls dangling down her back. She even wore different glasses, black ones with tiny crystals on the side. Sexy as hell. Her shoes made her legs look miles long and all he could think about was getting her out of that dress later on tonight.

  "I can't breathe, Calliope."

  She frowned and walked toward him. "What's wrong?"

  "You're so goddamned stunning you take my breath away."

  She paused, and her lips curved. "Really?"

  "Yeah." He came to her, lifted her hand in his and pressed a kiss to it. "I'm going to make every man at the party jealous."

  "Stop."

  "No. You're truly beautiful. I'm a very lucky man."

  She grinned. "Thank you." She adjusted his tie. "You look so handsome in a suit. Black suits you. We make a fine couple."

  "Thanks. I'm uncomfortable."

  "Suck it up, hot stuff. It's only for one night."

  "You ready?"

  She inhaled, let it out, and he couldn't help watching the rise of her breasts.

  "You keep looking at me like that and we won't make it to your party tonight."

  "And that would be a bad thing...how?"

  She laughed. "I'll get my coat."

  Calliope's stomach was twisted up in knots. The venue was beautiful. She found Tori and told her she'd done a fantastic job.

  "Thank you." Tori squeezed her hand. "We have so many people here tonight. I'm so nervous."

  "Don't be. This is amazing."

  Tori took a sip of champagne and looked around. "We have such a great turnout. I'm glad we booked on a Friday night. I think people were ready to party, let loose before the holidays."

  "And you look gorgeous." Tori's flaming red hair was in an updo, with tendrils framing her creamy face. She wore diamond studs in her ears, and a knockout, tight-fitting red dress that showcased all her assets. "Has Brody seen you yet?"

  "Brody who?"

  Calliope laughed. "Deny all you want, but that is an impress-a-man dress."

  "How do you know it isn't for Jimmy Redding of Redding Tools?"

  Calliope snorted. "If you had the hots for Jimmy Redding I'd already know about it."

  Tori shrugged. "I'm on duty tonight, making sure our guests have a great time."

  Calliope saw Brody frown in Tori's direction, and head their way.

  "We'll see what Brody has to say, since he's coming at you like a runaway freight train."

  Tori turned. "Huh. Oh, look, there's Jimmy Redding now. Gotta go."

  Tori skirted away in a hurry. Calliope had no idea what kind of game Tori was playing with Brody, but from the steaming mad look on Brody's face, she'd guess that game was going to reach a conclusion soon.

  Calliope dug her phone out of her purse, then palmed her stomach to calm the nervous jitters.

  This had to work. If it didn't, her relationship with Wyatt would be in serious jeopardy.

  She spotted Ethan and Riley along with Ethan's pa
rents, so headed over there to say hello. Riley looked gorgeous in a pale cream dress, her hair cascading down her shoulders.

  "I love a good party," Riley said. "And these aren't the industry type of parties I'm always stuck going to. Small-town parties are always the best."

  "You didn't always think so," Ethan said, sliding his arm around her waist.

  She leaned her head against Ethan's shoulder. "I'm reformed now. I might have to be on the road a lot, but there's nothing better than coming home."

  Calliope grinned. Ethan and Riley had gone through a lot to be together. Seeing them so happy together now gave her hope.

  "Calliope," Stacy Kent said, taking her hands. "It's so wonderful to see you here."

  "Thank you, Stacy. It's nice to be here."

  Stacy looped her arm in Calliope's after Ethan and Riley moved off. "Can I say thank you?"

  "Why?"

  "For giving life back to my son. He hasn't had much of one since the divorce. Until you."

  Calliope smiled. "Can I tell you a secret?"

  "Of course."

  "I'm head over heels in love with your son."

  Stacy hugged her. "He's very lucky to have someone like you."

  Obviously Wyatt's mom had no problem with her being Cassie's sister. That was one Kent in her corner, at least. Her fingers were crossed this was going to work out.

  She'd made a calculated decision. A tough one. One that might blow up in her face and cost her the man she'd fallen madly, hopelessly, irrevocably in love with.

  But she didn't see any way around it, because this needed to be done. Not only for Wyatt and her, but for her sister, whom she loved.

  It was time to bury the past, forgive the sins and move on.

  She just had to get Wyatt on board.

  The evening passed with little fanfare. There was food, drinks were plentiful and Wyatt seemed to be having a great time. He wasn't drinking a lot--mostly water, so that was good. She didn't need him drunk and difficult to deal with. This night was going to be tough enough as it was.

  She pulled her phone out, judging the time. She wandered around the party, saw Tori and Brody in a dark corner engaged in a heated discussion. Tori's hands were flailing like they always did when she was pissed off. Brody towered over her, his voice raised. Calliope wondered if she should go over and intercede, see if Tori needed any help, but then Brody jerked Tori into his arms and planted one seriously hot kiss on her.

  Uh. Wow. That was some kiss. Tori didn't seem to be fighting it either. In fact, she grabbed the lapels of Brody's jacket and tugged him closer. Calliope pivoted and walked the other way, her lips lifting in a wide smile.

  Go, Tori.

  Intending to find her own hot kisser, she searched the crowd, found Wyatt engaged in conversation with a few of his clients. She slid her arm through his. He looked down and grinned at her, then excused himself from the conversation.

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, making her entire body swirl with warmth and emotion. A little over a month ago he wouldn't have even wanted to be seen with her. Now he was kissing her in public. Not only in public, but surrounded by his family and friends.

  That was some serious progress.

  "People are watching us, you know."

  He brushed his lips across hers again. "Don't care. Let them watch. You're mine and I want everyone to know it."

  Her stomach tightened. She didn't want to lose Wyatt over this. "I like being yours."

  "Let's dance."

  He dragged her out on the dance floor and pulled her into his arms. The music was slow and his body was all muscle. They fit together perfectly.

  Other couples were out there, but Calliope didn't notice. All she saw was Wyatt, the way he looked at her, as if she was the only woman in the world for him.

  She wanted to be the only woman in the world for him. That's why she was doing this tonight.

  It was now or never. "I hope you don't mind, but I have a surprise for you later."

  His brows lifted. "I hope it has something to do with you and me finding a private room somewhere so I can see what you're wearing under that dress."

  She let out a soft laugh. "Yes, there's that, too. But there's another surprise. After the party's over."

  He cocked a brow. "I can't wait."

  They finished the dance and Wyatt pressed his lips to hers. He hovered, as if he wanted to say something, but one of his clients came up and the moment was broken.

  "Go ahead," she said. "We'll catch up later."

  He wandered off and she tried to find Tori, who seemed to have disappeared. So had Brody.

  Interesting.

  Maybe the two of them went off to have their own private holiday party.

  If they had, it was about time.

  She ran into Ethan and Riley.

  "Have you seen Tori?"

  Riley looked around. "No, I haven't as a matter of fact."

  "I was looking for Brody earlier," Ethan said. "I can't find him."

  "You don't think--" Riley's eyes widened. "Did the two of them run off to some dark corner together?"

  Calliope refused to answer that one, but Ethan and Riley put two and two together and grinned at each other.

  "I guess I can stop trying to hunt down my brother," Ethan said with a knowing smile.

  Calliope had no idea what was going on with Tori and Brody, but she hoped whatever it was, it was a good thing and nothing bad.

  The party wound down and guests had begun to leave. By midnight, the place was empty. Still no sign of Tori and Brody. Wyatt's parents had already gone home, and Ethan and Riley had to go pick up Zoey from the babysitter.

  Which meant she and Wyatt were the last ones standing. She made the call. It was now or never.

  "You ready to head out?" Wyatt asked.

  "Not yet. I need you to follow me."

  His lips curled. "Are you planning to drag me to some dark corner for sex?"

  She laughed. "Uh. Not exactly."

  She took his hand and led him out of the main ballroom. Her heart pounded and her pulse began to race. Her legs felt weak and she pondered calling a halt to this whole thing, but as soon as they reached the lobby, she was standing right there, right on time.

  Cassandra had always been punctual.

  She had left a party of her own at the hotel next door, promising Calliope she'd show up.

  Wyatt's hand tightened in hers. He stopped, looked at Cassie, then down at her.

  "Why? After I told you no, why? You have no business interfering in my life."

  She saw the hurt and anger on his face, but lifted her chin.

  "I have every right to interfere in your life. I'm in love with you. I want you to be happy, and as long as this animosity lingers between you and Cassie, you'll never be free."

  He turned, started to walk away, but she grabbed his hand. "Wyatt, don't. Don't walk away. Not this time."

  "I asked you not to do this. I trusted you. The last time I trusted a woman she screwed me over. I guess it runs in the family, doesn't it?"

  His words were like a stab in the heart, but she knew it was just his fear talking. She refused to let him push her away. Instead, she was determined to stand and fight.

  "Grow up and act like a man, Wyatt. Once you do you'll realize I'm the best damn thing that's ever happened in your life--a life you'll never be able to wholly live until you let go of the past." She pointed down the hall at her sister. "That's your past. I'm your future. Pull your head out of your ass and figure out what you want. A life of regret and anger, or a life with me."

  She turned and walked away.

  Wyatt had never been more furious about anything in his entire life. Not even when things had been at their worst with Cassandra had he felt as betrayed as he did right now.

  He'd asked Calliope to stay out of it, not to put him and Cassandra together.

  He'd trusted Calliope to honor his wishes, yet there Cassandra was, the nightmare of his past.

  Fu
ck a Christmas turkey. What the hell was he supposed to do now?

  Cassandra didn't look any happier about this than he did. In fact, she looked downright miserable. Not angry. Miserable.

  Shit.

  He'd never wanted to see her again, talk to her again, think about her again, but all he'd been doing for the past three years was think about every goddamn thing that had gone wrong in their marriage. And he'd done a lot of blaming--mostly blaming Cassandra for his failures.

  Maybe Calliope was right, and it was time to talk it out. If he and Cassandra could have a civil conversation that lasted five minutes.

  He strolled toward her, and she came toward him, looking as wary as he felt.

  She was still as beautiful as he remembered--even more so, her long blond hair straight and pulled back into a ponytail. She wore heels, some fancy black coat and a party dress.

  "You come from a party?" he asked as they stopped a couple feet from each other.

  "Real-estate event, yes. A holiday party, like yours."

  "How's business?"

  "Good. I hear yours is going very well."

  "It is."

  "Wyatt. Is there someplace less...busy...where we could talk?"

  He raked his fingers through his hair. "Yeah." He led her through the lobby and into one of the private ballrooms that wasn't having an event tonight, flipped on the lights and pulled up a chair at a dressed-up table that was set up for some luncheon tomorrow.

  She slipped off her coat and he grabbed a chair, straddling it to face her.

  "It's been a long time," she finally said.

  "Yeah."

  Neither of them said anything for a while. Wyatt didn't know where to start, what to say. For years he'd thought of nothing but the words he'd say to her if he ever saw her again. Angry words. Hurtful words. Now, seeing her, she looked small, vulnerable, not the pit viper he'd conjured up in his head all these years.

  "Calliope forced me to come here," Cassandra finally said. "She browbeat me, said the two of us left things...open. That there was so much animosity between us, neither of us could move on with our lives until we had closure."

  "She's good at pushing people into doing what they don't want to do."

  Cassandra laughed. "She's pushy. Always has been."

  "I love that about her," he said, then lifted his gaze.

  "It's okay. I know you two have been seeing each other for a while. It's all right, Wyatt. I think it's well past time we both move on, don't you?"