Forever Now (The Barrington Billionaires Book 6) Read online

  “You’ll feel better.”

  “Or kill someone,” Annie grumbled. “I love my coffee sweet.”

  Claire shrugged. “I can’t make you give it up, but you did ask.”

  “I did.” Annie sucked down a good portion of her green latte. “No sex. No sugar. It’s going to be a long week.”

  Claire laughed. “You’ll live, and one day you might even thank me.”

  She shouldn’t have to wait. “I am grateful. I needed this talk. I was regressing to high school-Annie and felt like I couldn’t control it.”

  Claire took a delicate bite of her salad, chewed it slowly, then said, “Everyone feels like that sometimes. I call it job security. I have this conversation ten times a day with people you’d never think would doubt themselves.”

  “All Kade-aholics?” Annie joked.

  “Sure.” Claire rolled her eyes and chuckled. She sobered and asked, “So, are any of the Barringtons in need of my services?”

  “Every last one of them,” Annie quipped. “Honestly, they’re in a rough spot, but I like them. I offered to give them a tour. Should I say I can’t?”

  “I don’t see any harm in being nice to Kade’s family as long as you don’t fuck any of them.”

  Annie burst out laughing. “And people say I’m blunt.”

  “Birds of a feather, baby. Birds of a feather.” She raised her glass. “To strong, independent women.”

  They clinked glasses. “And to good friends.” She finished her drink, then asked, “So, how is your love life?”

  Claire made a face and leaned in. “Let me run a scenario by you, and you tell me what you think . . .”

  And that was why their friendship had endured. Claire had no trouble giving advice, but she didn’t hide that she was also human and flawed. Their hour lunch went well over, but Claire didn’t balk. There were some things that were worth rearranging one’s schedule for, and friendship was one of them.

  On her walk to the gym, Annie received a text from Kade.

  Dinner tonight?

  She answered: Long day, but you can call me around nine.

  Kade: Call? Like phone?

  Annie: Yes, if you have time.

  Kade: Is everything okay?

  Annie: Yes, but I do want to talk.

  Kade: I can come over.

  She grimaced. It would have been so easy to say yes. She wasn’t ready to tell him how she felt about him, but she also didn’t want to lie to him anymore. Then we won’t talk.

  He didn’t immediately answer, but eventually texted, I’ll call you at nine.

  Annie continued to the gym that was often a home away from home for her. Buoyed by her conversation with Claire, she felt better than she had in a long time. Yes, she’d slept with Kade. Yes, she still had feelings for him.

  I’m no one’s comfort fuck. Not even his.

  Tonight I’ll find a nice way to tell him that.

  And we’ll go from there.

  Chapter Twelve

  ‡

  That night, Kade pulled his car up to the lake where he and Annie had spent so much time when they were younger. He left his car running and looked out over the water by the illumination of the headlights. He was exhausted from another emotional day with the Barringtons. Selfishly, all he wanted to do was lose himself in Annie’s arms and her bed.

  He glanced at his watch. Almost time to call her.

  Call—not see. He’d expected the day to end much differently. It had started with shower sex worthy of a porn movie. The taste of her was still on his lips. His pants tented as he remembered digging his hands into her hair when she sank to her knees and took him deep in her mouth. God, she was perfect. He loved the little sounds she made when she came and how she wrapped around him while he fucked her in the bed, on the floor, and against the wall of the shower.

  He ached from the raw need to have her again.

  Not tonight, though.

  Tonight she wanted to talk.

  Talking was what he’d done all day. He’d talked to Dale about his health and his guilt. He’d talked to Sophie about how Dale needed to see Kade’s life for himself—how he needed to bear witness to the good life he’d had despite how it had started.

  He talked to Kenzi about Andrew’s struggle with drugs and his own journey back to the family. Then he attempted to talk to Andrew—something that was never well received. There was something with Andrew, some unspoken issue that no one would admit to, that strained every interaction with him. Kade wished someone would tell him whatever it was, but so far no one would.

  After leaving Lavender Farm, Kade had talked to his parents at length about Dale’s health and what it was like to spend time with his biological family. His mother was almost ready to meet Sophie. They’d talked about that as well.

  Talk. Talk. Talk.

  Kade would have liked nothing more than to retreat into the mountains for a week to defrag, but his time with the Barringtons was just beginning. They wanted to see the area, meet his friends, include him in the wedding plans.

  And talk more about his inheritance and all the legal ramifications of accepting it.

  Kade checked the time on his phone again. Finally. He chose Annie’s number and sighed as it rang. He didn’t want to talk about anything else, but he wanted to know if Annie was upset about something. Whatever it was, he’d make it right.

  “Kade.”

  He loved the way she said his name, loved it even more when she cried it out as she climaxed or while begging him not to stop doing whatever was driving her wild. He shook his head, bringing his focus back to the present. “How was your day?”

  “Good. I spent most of it in Melbourne. Had lunch with Claire. Do you remember her?”

  “Of course I do. How is she?”

  “As amazing as always. She’s doing really well there.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “How about you?”

  “I spent it at the lodge with . . . my. . . the Barringtons.”

  “Oh, that’s great. Is it getting easier?”

  “For the most part. I don’t know that I’ll ever have much in common with them, but it’s definitely getting better. Today I had a long conversation with Dale. You were right—he has a lot of guilt. I’m hoping I can help him let some of that go.”

  “You will. He lucked out with you as a son. When he realizes that, the past won’t matter as much.”

  Kade nodded. “That’s pretty much what Sophie said.”

  Neither of them said anything for a few long moments. There was definitely something weighing on Annie’s mind so Kade waited. Eventually, she said, “Kade, these past few days have been incredible.”

  No. No. No.

  “But?”

  “You need time to get to know your family.”

  “Trust me, I have enough time with them.”

  “And I need to place my focus back on my business. This is a hectic time of year for me. I have trainees waiting for me to walk them through our program, and it’s a lot on my plate.”

  “What are you saying, Annie?” In his head the question sounded concerned, but it came out in an irritated tone. “Do you want to end it?”

  She let out an audible breath. “I can’t sleep with you anymore, Kade. It’s not fair to me, and it’s not fair to you. If you want to talk I’m still here for you. I care, but I can’t do this.”

  “Talk? No thanks, I’ve had my fill of that.” As soon as it was voiced, he regretted it. He knew he sounded like an ass, but he was angry. How could she ditch him when he needed her most?

  Her voice was tight like she was holding back tears, and he felt even worse. She said, “Okay, then. I won’t keep you on the phone; I just wanted to be upfront about what I need.”

  “What about what I need?” Kade growled. No, it wasn’t fair, but it was how he felt.

  In a gentle tone, she said, “It’s always been about that, Kade, but that’s never worked out for us. I want to be there for you, but I can’t be th
ere for you anymore. I’m sorry.” With that, she hung up.

  He went to call her back, apologize, grovel, demand she change her mind . . . something. Instead he cursed and threw the phone on the seat beside him.

  With a shaking hand, Annie attached her phone to the charger and placed it carefully on her bedside table. She’d done it. She’d ended it.

  The sex had been fucking amazing. She was certain all it would take to have him beside her that night was a text saying she’d changed her mind. But then what? Seeing him like an addiction had given Annie the clarity she’d never had with him.

  Chasing him, hanging on his every word as if his next would be a declaration of love for her, was an unhealthy pattern. She could hate herself for those moments of weakness, or she could move forward making better choices.

  Like Claire always says—it’s my life, my choice.

  She walked to the kitchen and took out a container of her favorite cookies. Each and every one of them begged to be dunked in a glass of milk and promised to make her temporarily feel better. No. She dumped the container in the trash then filled a bowl with carrot slices instead.

  She plopped down on the couch and bit into a piece of carrot. Like every man she’d slept with besides Kade, it didn’t live up to what she craved. But it’s better for me. She chomped down on another piece.

  She blindly surfed through the channels on her television. None held her attention. She turned the television off and decided sleep was her best option for escape.

  Her phone beeped from an incoming message. Her stomach flipped nervously. What if it was Kade? Was she strong enough to refuse him if he persisted?

  She checked her phone.

  Kenzi: You up?

  Annie: Hi.

  Kenzi: I was wondering if you know of a nice place that does high tea. I’d like to surprise Viviana with that and a shopping trip before her wedding.

  Annie: Sounds like you want to head to Melbourne. I can get you the names of some places with good reviews.

  Kenzi: Any chance you have time to take us? We’d hire you, of course. It’d be a day trip for the women only. Eight of us. Do you have a helicopter big enough for all of us?

  Annie: I do, but it’ll be a little crowded. And you’re not hiring me. I promised you a tour.

  Kenzi: If you’re sure. We’d love to include you the whole day. Also, if you want to bring someone along, we’d love to meet your friends as well.

  Interesting. Annie: One of my best friends lives and works in Melbourne. I can ask her if she’s free. When would you want to go?

  Kenzi: When could you take us?

  Annie pulled up her online schedule for her fleet. The larger, luxury copter was open the next day. She’d have to get coverage for two of her own runs, but she did have a couple of employees looking for more hours.

  Annie: Tomorrow? Do you want me to see if there are openings at the places I know?

  Kenzi: Tomorrow would be perfect. Send me the info and I’ll contact them.

  That made sense. Who would refuse the Barringtons? There was a buzz even among her clients regarding the American family being somewhere in the Victoria region. Annie’s pilots were being asked if they’d seen them, knew who they might be connected with. Being seen with them in public would only make it worse.

  She texted the names of a few tea rooms to Kenzi while debating if she should have one of her other pilots take the ladies to Melbourne.

  She liked them, but they were Kade’s family. Was Kenzi only reaching out to her because she thought Annie and Kade were dating?

  Annie: There’s something you should know before we go tomorrow.

  Kenzi: Yes?

  Annie: Kade and I are just friends. And we’ve hit a rocky spot. He may not want me to hang out with his family.

  Kenzi: The best way to make it down a rocky road is to just keep going. You and Kade looked like you care about each other too much to let whatever happened stay a problem.

  We do and who knows? Maybe there is a way back to friendship for us.

  Annie: Okay. Then I’ll clear my schedule for tomorrow. What time would you like to be picked up? I can land right on the lodge lawn.

  Kenzi: Let’s leave at eleven.

  Annie: I’m not up on the best places to shop, but Claire will be.

  Kenzi: Fantastic. Can’t wait to meet her.

  Annie texted Claire. I know you’re busy, but would you have time to meet the Barrington women tomorrow? I’m taking them into Melbourne for high tea and shopping.

  Claire: Hell yes, I’m in. What time?

  Annie: We’re leaving Bright at eleven. I told them you’d know the best shops.

  Claire: I certainly do. Want me to arrange everything on this side?

  Annie: No need. Kenzi is calling for the reservation for tea. Then just shopping.

  Claire: You’re so cute. There is no just shopping for people like the Barringtons. I’ll call around and have some boutiques prepare for them.

  Annie: Prepare?

  Claire: Oh, hon. You have no idea. Which one did you say was getting married while here?

  Annie: Viviana.

  Claire: What do you know about her?

  Annie told her what Viviana had told her about her humble upbringing in the US.

  Annie: She did ask me if I could connect her with local vendors.

  Claire: Trust me?

  Annie: Absolutely.

  Claire: Then pick me up on the top of the Sterling building. That never gets old. I’ll arrange the rest.

  Annie laughed. You got it. And thank you!

  Chapter Thirteen

  ‡

  Kade woke up in a foul mood the next morning, and his day went downhill from there. He cut his jaw while shaving, backed his car into the stone wall that flanked one side of his parents’ driveway, and received an emailed cancelation for a large tour group. Calling his Wabonga office didn’t help. He’d left Todd, one of best guides, in charge. Apparently, right after Kade left, Todd caught his wife cheating on him, started going to the office drunk, and was managing to piss off every single person he encountered. His staff was refusing to go to work, his clients were not getting the tours they’d been promised, and no one had bothered to call him.

  This is bullshit.

  He parked in front of the lodge and called one of his MIA guides—no answer. Bile rose in his throat. His life felt like it was unraveling before his eyes.

  There was a knock on his car window. He groaned when he saw who it was. Sorry, Viviana, I don’t have the patience for meatheads right now. He left his window up and tried to make another call.

  The passenger doors across and behind him opened then the two hulking men climbed in. Dylan said, “You have to save us, Kade. We are so fucking bored.”

  Connor leaned over the back of the seat. “He looks upset, Dylan.”

  Another door opened as Clay slid into the backseat with Connor. “Sorry, what are we doing?”

  “You three are getting the fuck out of my car so I can have a minute to think,” Kade snapped.

  Dylan scratched the back of his neck. “He does look pissy.”

  “What’s wrong, Kade?” Dylan asked as if he were the one Kade would turn to for help.

  “Nothing. Everything,” Kade growled, running both hands through his hair before slamming them on the steering wheel.

  Clay addressed the meatheads as if Kade couldn’t hear him. “It’s been a long week for him. Let me handle this.”

  He glared at Clay. “Get the hell away from me.”

  In a smooth, cocky tone, that made Kade want to sock him in the face, Clay said, “We’re here for you, Kade. What do you need?”

  Kade closed his eyes, rubbing his hands over them. “It’s all going to shit anyway. Why not?” He told them about what he’d learned was going on at his office.

  Clay’s face lit up. “Trouble with your adventure tour company? I’d love to help you with that.”

  Kade frowned. Clay didn’t look like the outdoor
sy type at all. “Have you ever even been paragliding? White water rafting?” As Clay simply stared back at him, Kade continued, “Camping?”

  Clay shrugged and shook his head.

  Connor jumped in the backseat, bouncing the whole vehicle as he did. “Oh, my God, yes. I want to do all of it. Right now. Today. Let’s go.”

  Dylan snorted. “Idiot, he’s not asking us if we want to do it, he’s asking Clay if he’s qualified to take someone on those tours.”

  “Clay could take us.” Connor swatted Dylan in the back of his head. “Come on, Clay, I can’t play another game of chess with Asher. He scares me. Let’s go touring.”

  “I’m in,” Clay said. “Lexi will understand. I can fly out this morning.”

  Kade waved a hand. “It’s not that easy. My office is in chaos. I have disgruntled clients, no tour guides, and a drunk office manager.”

  Clay’s smile widened. “Stop. You had me at chaos.”

  “No,” Kade said. “This is my company. My problems. I’ll fix them.”

  Connor slumped in his seat. “I knew it was too good to be true.”

  “You give up too easily,” Clay assured the man. “Consider me your business’s fairy godmother.”

  Dylan and Connor exchanged a confused look.

  “Of sorts,” Clay continued. “Listen, you have enough on your plate here. Let me take over your business for a few days. If I lose someone—I’ll try to make it one of them.” He thumbed toward Viviana’s brothers.

  “Please,” Connor begged.

  “We’ll never survive another week here,” Dylan whined.

  The way things were going, Clay probably couldn’t make it worse. I can’t believe I’m considering this. “Be nice to Todd. He’s usually a solid guy.”

  “I’ll fly in some models. He’ll forget all about his cheating wife,” Clay assured him.

  “You can do that?” Dylan asked, his jaw dropping open.

  “He’s joking,” Kade said.

  Clay mouthed, “I’m not.”

  “Lexi doesn’t mind you hanging out with other women?” Connor asked.

  Clay snapped his fingers. “Good point. I’ll make the arrangements, but you two should retrieve the models from the airport and set them up in a hotel. Lexi is understanding, but not that understanding. Maybe we should skip the models.”