Luscious (Topped #1)(53)

Now Jake was staring at Macon with what Macon liked to think of as his satanic, soul-claiming face. He was fairly certain Jake used that face right before he killed people. “Thanks for reminding her, brother. My day’s blown. Let’s get to the office, buddy.”

Three days a week, Tristan went to the office with his dads when they weren’t out on assignment. Ian Taggart had turned one of the unused conference rooms into a daycare center. The other two days Tristan stayed home with Mom. They liked to say it was the best of both worlds. Serena got to work and be with her boy and so did Jake and Adam.

He wasn’t going to have a kid like Tristan. And it was all Ally’s fault. Before Adam could pick up the pie, Macon grabbed it. It was time to show Ally that he wasn’t playing around.

“Tell Ian the bakery’s closed.”

“I think he’s moved into his anger phase,” Jake whispered to Adam.

“Kai warned us this would happen.” Adam was frowning his way.

He clutched the stupid, probably-had-too-much-cinnamon-in-it pie. Had she even used ice water for the crust or had she thought cold tap would be enough? “You’re the one who started this, brother. You want to tell me why you’re looking at me like I’m the bad guy? And why is Kai saying anything? Does he not understand patient-client confidentiality?”

He was really tired of everyone having an opinion. He’d heard it from Eric and Javier and the line chefs. Poor Ally. She looks tired. She seems so sad.

The other servers had stopped talking to him with the exception of Deena, who still communicated but seemed to think four-letter words and dirty hand gestures were appropriate.

He was the f*cking victim here.

“I called Kai because I was worried about you,” Adam explained. “You’ve completely shut down. And don’t think I am not fully aware of the part I played. I acted hastily. I was trying to protect you but I should have brought the problem to the group and figured out how to handle it. Macon, sometimes it’s more important why a person lied than that they lied in the first place. I think we should talk about this.”

“I don’t want to talk. I want to do my job and live my life and I want to do it without that woman.” He couldn’t even say her name sometimes.

But he could dream about her. He dreamed about her every single night. He saw her gorgeous face as she worked over him, her lips mouthing the words “I love you.”

“I’m going to get Tristan in his car seat,” Jake said, his face grim. “Please come help me, baby.”

Serena nodded and followed him out, leaving him alone with his brother.

“You’re not only mad at her,” Adam began. “You’re mad at me and I don’t blame you.”

“I’m not mad at you.” Adam had done what any good brother would have done. He’d brought him the truth. He’d shown him the facts and saved him from making a damn fool of himself.

“Of course you are and until you acknowledge it, it’s going to be difficult around here.”

Well, he should have seen that coming. “I’ll find a place of my own then. I wouldn’t want to make your life difficult.”

“You see. Right there. You take everything I say in the worst possible manner. I don’t want you to leave. I want you to talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I’m not angry. Hell, I’m not really even angry with her. She did what she needed to do to get the information she wanted. I suppose now she thinks she’s found a cushy place to land and she doesn’t want to lose it.”

“Are you talking about living in our guesthouse?”

“It’s nice, especially to a woman like her. She’s never had much of anything so she’s hungry for some comfort and she’ll f*ck the first guy who can give it to her.” It was the only explanation as to why she was still trying.

Adam’s eyes rolled. “Yeah, buddy. You’re a catch. You live in your brother’s guesthouse, have zero money saved, and don’t even own a car. She’s totally after your wealth.”

But Ally had a car. Between them they had a place to stay, a heap of junk car, and three and a quarter legs. Ally wouldn’t let him forget that quarter leg. It was an asset, she would say. Had she said it to get close to him?

“Fuck you, Adam.” He wasn’t going down that road again.

Adam nodded. “Yes, that’s better. Yell at me. Get it out. I know we were taught to shove everything down, but that’s not what we should do. You don’t cure a boil by pushing it under the skin. You lance that f*cker and let it all hang out. That’s the only way you’re going to heal. Say it. Tell me how I screwed up your life.”

He shook his head stubbornly. “You didn’t. You helped me. Although I will admit you’re annoying me now. If you want me to leave, I wish you would say it.”

“Where would you go?”

“Home. I talked to Dad last night. He’s willing to offer me a job.”

Adam’s jaw dropped. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re willing to go back there? To a father who dumped you at your lowest moment?” His brother’s expression was so hurt, Macon almost took the words back. “And you say you’re not angry with me.”

Adam shook his head and walked out toward the garage.