One Step Closer(71)

“I saw the way Wren was clinging to you like white on rice at the funeral. This wouldn’t have anything to do with her, would it?”

“She inherits half of everything.”

Macy’s mouth pinched with resentment. It was just as she thought. “So! Sell the company, get your money, and get the hell back to your own plans. What about your design firm?”

Caleb was becoming impatient. “Isn’t that obvious? Someone as smart as you should realize that it’s on hold for now. There’s a provision in the will that our shares can’t be liquidated for five years.”

“So she gets to pirouette off into the sunset and you’re stuck here? And you still have to split it?”

Now, Caleb was pissed. Even he didn’t know how it would play out and he’d be damned if he was explaining himself to Macy. “I could have sworn you were all for my inheriting Lux.” His eyes narrowed and his expression was hateful. “Oh, but that was as long as it was just me.”

“Because the money would help with your own plans!”

“Yeah, right.”

“Why would he saddle you with your little sister for five more years? She has her own career. What was he thinking?”

The gates of the estate opened and Caleb drove through them, up the lane, and around the back to the garage. The electronic door was already opening.

When the car was parked, Caleb turned toward Macy. “How many damn times do I have to tell you that Wren is not my sister?” he yelled. The elevated tenor in his voice took Macy aback and her eyes were wide as she looked at him. His words were hard and begged her to defy his control. “I can’t speak to my father’s intentions other than he was making sure that we didn’t bail on the business he built with my mother before giving it a fair shot. I guess he figures five years is what is needed to give us enough time to see if we enjoy running it.”

“Bullshit!” Macy’s eyes flashed. The lights in the garage were on, but dimly lit. Caleb could see her dark eyes burning in rage. “Five years is long enough for Wren to get her hooks into you!”

Caleb’s own fuse was short and getting shorter and the volume in his voice louder. “You know Macy, this has nothing to do with you! You have no right to be indignant about what I have to do, or that Wren is involved. I saw the way a fire lit under your ass when you realized Lux was short for Luxon. I’m not an idiot.” Sarcasm dripped from his words. “Personally, I could have lived without the money, but it’s not just about me.”

He turned, and got out of the car. Slamming the door, he stood and waited for her to follow his lead.

“No,” she seethed, stomping her way around the car. “It’s about her.”

Calm settled over Caleb. He nodded unapologetically. “Partly, yes. My decision to take on Lux is about Wren, but also Jonesy, Jonathan, the board of directors, the thousands of people Lux employs, and the stockholders! It’s bigger than me, and my own selfish plans. Look beyond your goddamned nose for a minute. Jesus Christ!”

Fucking hell, he thought with a huff. Macy was exactly like Veronica. Why didn’t I see it sooner?

“Let the board run Lux! All of our plans are ruined.”

“We don’t have any plans. The design firm was my plan. You were just helping me arrange the funding, remember?”

“Yes, and f*cking you, in case you forgot,” she said. The words were laced with venom.

“That’s over.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Even if I were fully invested in a relationship with you, which I wasn’t, your true colors have surfaced on this trip and effectively killed it for me. I watched my stepmother use my father for years.”

Macy sucked in her breath as if someone had knocked her in the gut. “Then at least be honest!” She steeled herself for Caleb’s reaction to her next words, but at this point had little to lose. “What’s the truth about you two, Caleb? Wren has your mother’s locket.”

Recognition of the implications registered on his face but he simply stared her down. “Yes, she does, and I already told you about Wren and me.”

“I know there’s more to it! The necklace is a family heirloom and should go to the woman you marry, so you might want to ask for it back.”

“I gave it to her, and it stays where it is. You and I have only known each other a few months, so you can stop trying to make plans for me. It’s been fun, but this is my life, not yours. If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long f*cking day and I’m done with this conversation.”

“Are you f*cking Wren, Caleb?”

He turned and glared at her, shoving both hands into his pant’s pockets. “I’m not dignifying that with an answer.”

“You must be, or you wouldn’t have given her your mother’s jewelry and be treating her like she’s made of glass.”

“Look, my reasons for giving it to her are between me and Wren! You don’t know shit about what she has gone through or why we are the way we are, so back the hell off!”

“But, Caleb …” She said in a softer tone. “I’m just trying to—”

“Enough!” He held up his hand to stop her from continuing her objection, his eyes burning into her as if he willed her to burst into flames.