Page 58 of Irresistibly Wicked

“That’s a big ask for someone who just admitted lying to me.”

“I realize that, but I want to be honest with you. It’s nothing horrible. It’s just not something to be proud of.”

“Now I’m worried,” he said with a wrinkled brow. “But you have my word.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me. Especially now.” She told him about the inheritance, and that she’d been staying with Zander, and about Brian showing up in the middle of the night. Then she told him about Zander’s brothers and cousins stepping in to help, and finally, she told him about their plans to get married. “With how bad off Brian had gotten, marrying Zander is the only way I can think of to get Brian into rehab right away.”

“Married?” Cap sat back and whistled. “When you make an entrance, you don’t mess around.”

“I know it sounds crazy, but it’s just for a few months, and Zander has been amazingly supportive and a good friend.” She looked down at the tattoo on her hand and warmed with the memory of when she realized Zander had been the one whose words had set her on the path to change her life. When she lifted her gaze, Cap was watching her intently. “He’s the one who drove me home that Fourth of July when I decided I wanted to change my life. We didn’t realize it until that day he showed up here and we got to talking. It’s the weirdest thing, Cap. With the accident, and his showing up at our cottage to do the work for our landlord, and everything that’s happened since, it feels like we’ve known each other longer.”

“They say people come into our lives for a reason.”

“Like you came into mine,” she said fondly. “I’m grateful he’s willing to help, but his family isn’t thrilled about it.”

“I can’t say I blame them. This is something you see in movies. Are you sure about this? I can lend you the money to pay Zander back, and then you can take your time reimbursing me.”

“That’s really nice of you, but it would take me a lifetime, and borrowing money from my boss wouldn’t be right.”

“Can you get into legal trouble over this?”

“Probably if they find out,” she admitted. “But I’m willing to take that chance for Brian to get help.”

“You must really love him,” Cap said compassionately.

“Always have, always will.”

He steepled his hands beneath his chin, studying her. “I didn’t even know you and Zander were dating.”

“We’re not. I mean, technically we’re engaged now, but it’s not real.”

He glanced at her left hand. “Guess there’s no need for a ring.”

She caught herself brushing the underside of her ring finger with her thumb and flattened her hand on her leg. “That’s what I said.” She lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret. “But he got me the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

“Really?” he asked with shock. “Are you sure there’s nothing between you two?”

“Yes. It’s not like that.”

He arched a brow. “Does he know that?”

She smiled. “Yes, and trust me, Cap, he’s not the marrying type any more than I am. He’s been honest with me about how he’s been a player his whole life, and now he’s trying to change, but not for me. For himself. He had a revelation after the accident.”

“A lot of people do, but going from a player to a husband is like going from zero to one fifty in three seconds flat. Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

“Yes. I want to help Brian, and Zander has never made me feel uncomfortable in any way. He’s…” Charming? Kind? Generous? Sexy? She definitely shouldn’t mention sexy. “He’s so real, I can’t imagine him making any woman uncomfortable.”

“I’m sure he knows better. The Wickeds have deep roots in the community and a reputation for being trustworthy.”

“How well do you know his family?”

He crossed his ankle over his knee. “Well enough to have a conversation if you need me to.”

“No, I don’t. He can handle them however he sees fit. But I don’t want to ruin his relationship with them over this.”

“I doubt anyone could ruin their relationship with any of their kids. They’re a tight-knit, loyal group.”

“That makes me feel a little better.”