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I pushed hard against Richard’s broad chest. Richard let out a low growl of anger, his fingers digging into me, his body pressing me against the doorframe. I struggled against his unmoving bulk, trying to find an opening, when the sounds of pounding feet met my ears. Over Richard’s shoulder, I saw Will, his face contorted with shock and fury.
“What the fuck is going on here?” he shouted.
“I said no,” I panted.
Richard let go and stepped back, dusting off his hands. “A misunderstanding.”
Will stopped inches from his father, his fists clenched, every muscle bunched in his tux. “Don't you ever touch Andie again.”
“A disagreement,” Richard said smoothly. “That's all.”
“Right. A disagreement. A big one.” My voice was coming back, dry but getting stronger. “About what I would or wouldn't do to keep things quiet about you and me. I don't care.” My voice rose. “I don't care if everyone knows.”
Will stared at me, then at Richard. “If you come near her again,” he said softly to his father, “or fucking threaten her… You don't want to know what I'll do.” His slitted green eyes sent a tremor through my body. Richard held his son's gaze and said nothing. But his bulk suddenly seemed less powerful, less terrifying. “Whatever you do with anyone else — don't even look in Andie's direction. And don’t expect me to come to work tomorrow.“ Will closed his eyes, then opened them. “Or ever.”
A full minute passed. My skin was clammy, sweat trickling between my breasts. Will’s hands were still balled into fists, rage making him rigid. His father’s face held no expression at all. But the air between them crackled with hostility.
Finally, Richard’s dark eyes flickered. Turning on the heel of his shining dress shoe, he walked down the hall. It was like Will and I were no longer there.
When his broad back disappeared through the far doorway, I let out a long, shaky sigh. My face suddenly pressed against a hard chest. Solid arms wrapped tight around me. My knees were about to give out.
“What did he do?” Will’s heart was beating as fast as mine. “Did he touch you? Andie, talk to me.”
“Yes.” I felt exhausted. “He didn’t get far.”
“Anything is too far.” His face was in my hair. “Are you okay? Tell me if you’re okay.”
“I want to go home.” I sagged against him.
“Yeah. So do I.” His voice was low. “I’m sorry, Andie.” His body was shaking against mine. “I’m so, so sorry.”
There was a lot more than apologizing for his dad in there. I took a heaving breath. “I know. I forgive you.”
“I’m just like him.” I could barely hear Will. “I’m the same. I’m going to be like that. I already am. I’m worse.”
“No. You don’t have to be.”
“I can’t do this,” he whispered into my hair.
“Then don’t.” I grabbed his hand impulsively. “Come on.”
Our footsteps clattered through the huge house. As we burst out the side door, racing down the circular driveway to the garage, gravel crunched underfoot. I kicked off my heels to run. My tight dress bunched around my thighs. Will’s legs were longer, but I was fast. I kept up.
When the doors opened to the vast garage, and bright fluorescent lights flooded the yawning space at Will’s touch on the switch, sanity tried to intrude.
“Will, your party—“
“It’s not my party,” he muttered. He pulled me to his silver SUV. Then he helped me into the passenger’s side, jumped into the driver’s seat and roared in reverse out of the garage.
We tore away from my aunt and uncle’s property in a squeal of tires, zooming onto the tree-lined road. The smell of burning rubber filled the air. From the pocket of Will’s tuxedo pants came the buzz of his phone, constantly ringing.
“Are you okay?” he asked again. His free hand gripped mine. Or maybe I was clinging to his. I didn’t know who was holding on tighter.
“I don’t know. I think so. You?”
“I just gave up everything.” His green eyes were stunned.
Crazy as it was, I laughed. “You still have a lot.” More than most people. “You can make up with your parents. They’ll take you back.” My insides twisted as I said it. But they were still Will’s family.
