Family Secrets (Brannon House Book 2) Read online

  A giggle sounds from out in the hallway.

  I ignore it, though my stomach knots a little. I’m not letting anything get in the way of tonight. I finally have the chance to return his necklace. Every time I look at it, guilt stings. It’s way too expensive to be a gift, and besides, I almost never accept anything from a client—not that anyone else has ever offered anything close to this in value.

  After pulling and tugging on the dress to make sure it falls just right, I slide on the same purple stilettos I wore to Claire’s funeral. Thankfully, I was able to get all the mud off. Even I can’t tell where the dirt was.

  Then I touch up my makeup and add a little more hairspray.

  Perfect.

  I glance at the time. Ten minutes ahead of schedule.

  Even more perfect.

  In my room, I go through my shimmery black clutch to make sure I have everything I need for the evening. Makeup, check. Phone, check. Wallet, check. Keys, check. Don’t need anything else.

  Another giggle. Then another.

  “Go away, Billa!”

  Silence.

  I don’t know what’s worse—the fact that I’m yelling at my imaginary childhood friend or the fact that she’s following my request.

  Dayton would never request me as his date again if he knew any of this.

  I grab my purse and look around the room one more time to make sure I’m not forgetting anything.

  Perfume. Can’t forget that. I spray on my most expensive one and head out the door.

  A rolled up set of papers catches my attention.

  The original Brannon House blueprints.

  It took me forever to find them. Going to the courthouse would have been too simple. I’d had to go on a runaround throughout town before finally landing the documents. While Ember was at camp the last few days, I was busy hunting these.

  And they’re incomplete. Neither the basement nor the secret room behind the mirror are there. And the top level is even less accurate, not showing any separated rooms at all. It does, however, show how much land my family originally had. Most of the town. It was sold off bit by bit over the years until we ended up with the four acres I currently own.

  Ember and I spent a good portion of the night before making sense of the floor plans. I’m not sure which of us was more annoyed by what was left out.

  That means the only way to find out is to explore areas that aren’t public record. Rooms built that were never approved by any code. Not that any part of the house would’ve been built to today’s standards. Or any other. Our house was built before there was even a town to have a building code.

  I shove those thoughts aside. It would do me no good to think about any of this while out with Dayton. After ruining our last date, I owe him my full attention this time around.

  A door slams down the hall.

  “Ember?” I call, even though she’s not home. She’d gone with Gretchen and a few other friends to a sweet sixteen party. After she left, I’d closed all the windows. Even so, I check them again.

  The one in Mom’s workout room is open.

  A chill runs down my back, and it has nothing to do with the breeze.

  I hurry over, close it, making sure to lock it, then I make my way down the stairs. It’s a good thing I was ten minutes ahead of schedule before because I’m right on time now. And that’s if I don’t run into an unexpected traffic jam. I’m heading toward Seattle, so gridlock is a given no matter the day or time. I hope it won’t be any worse than normal.

  Thankfully, there are relatively few slowdowns on the way to the hotel. Dayton’s family sure likes their gatherings in expensive places. It’s no wonder he doesn’t seem to care about me keeping the necklace. Doesn’t matter. He’s getting it back tonight.

  As I park, I notice Dayton’s imported convertible. I’m surprised he drove all the way up here when he could’ve easily flown.

  By the time I’m done checking my makeup, he’s tapping on my window.

  I step outside.

  “Hello.” That accent gets me every time. He backs up, smiling, and nods toward the car. “I see you’ve upgraded.”

  I cringe, imagining what he must’ve thought of my old beater. “Money goes further up here.”

  It doesn’t, really, but I find myself hesitant to admit I inherited it from my murdered sister.

  He nods, then pulls out a bouquet of what has to be two dozen roses. “For you.”

  I just stare. Not that I should be surprised after the necklace.

  “As a thanks for driving so far to meet me. You don’t need to carry them inside.”

  “I, uh, thanks. It’s no big deal.”

  He steps past me and places the flowers on the driver’s seat. “They’re in water, so they won’t wilt.”

  “Okay.”

  “I hope you don’t mind …” He digs into a pocket and pulls out a jewelry box.

  “What?” I exclaim. “I don’t need more—”

  Dayton whips the top off and shows me a delicate bracelet that matches the necklace.

  “Really, this isn’t necessary.”

  “My family will want to see that I’ve given you more gifts since they last saw us.”

  He reaches for my hand. In a matter of moments, he has the jewelry clasped. Then he glances back and forth between my wrist and neck. “Perfect. I love how your dress matches them. We’re on the same wavelength.” He points from my head to his and grins.

  I force a smile but can’t help thinking how our thoughts are so far apart they’re actually on different planets. Different solar systems.

  “Are you ready?” He holds out his hand again.

  “Of course.”

  Dayton laces his fingers through mine and squeezes. His skin is soft, and his grip firm.

  My heart rate speeds up. I don’t know why I react to him like this. The last thing either of us wants is a relationship. He’s a busy CEO, and I’m raising a teenager. Not to mention our height difference—it’s ridiculous. Even with my highest heels, I don’t reach his shoulders.

  But those dark eyes and matching black hair along with that accent …

  No. I have more than enough to worry about. He lives in Cali, and I’m up in Washington. Not to mention things are progressing nicely with Graham. Nice and slow.

  Neither Ember nor I are in a place for more change in our lives, and the last thing I want to do is throw in a wrench like that—with either one of these hot guys.

  What is wrong with me? The house has to be getting to me. Memories of Billa and the facility my parents forced me into because of her. Daydreaming about a never-going-to-happen relationship with either of two gorgeous male specimens is my mind’s way of escaping the past I can no longer run from.

  That’s the only explanation.

  Dayton opens the door for me, and that’s all it takes for me to push aside all my other thoughts. I’m on a job. It’s time to get into character.

  Once we find the banquet hall, I recognize a handful of people from the engagement party. Dayton’s mom and aunt rush toward us from one direction, and his sister and grandma come at us from another. In a flurry of conversation, they ask how I’m doing after losing my sister and gush over the new bracelet.

  I loop my arm around Dayton’s waist after giving the women in his life hugs, and because they asked about my real life, I fall out of character and answer them honestly about where I’m living now—locally and not in LA.

  My heart sinks and I throw Dayton a wide-eyed apologetic glance. What have I done? I’m supposed to be playing the love of his life.

  He kisses my cheek and beams. “Yes, we’re doing the long-distance relationship thing for a time while she settles her sister’s accounts.”

  Relief rushes through me. I should’ve been able to think of something like that on the fly. What’s wrong with me?

  His mom beams. “Well, that’s perfect.”

  “Why’s that?” I ask.

  She glances at Dayton before speaking to me. �
�Because Marcel has been trying to convince our Dayton to expand and start a branch of his business out here.”

  I have to think fast. I’m going to ruin this for Dayton. His business in LA is everything to him. “Oh, I’m staying up here. My sister has a lot of things to wrap up, and only I can do it. Then back to California for me.”

  “Marcel would be thrilled to work with Dayton,” his aunt chimes in. “They haven’t spent time together since they were boys.”

  I put both my hands on my date’s arms and lean close. “Isn’t that your brother over there? Let’s go say hi.”

  We excuse ourselves and cross the banquet hall.

  Then I turn to Dayton. “I’m so sorry. I fell out of character, and now I’ve messed everything up for you.”

  He takes my hand in his and gives me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. They’ve already been bugging me about making the move—it’s nothing new. I won’t make any decisions that aren’t good for my business. And I’m certainly not going to succumb to my family’s pressure to do anything.”

  “Still, that was really unprofessional of me. I’ve never done that before.”

  “I don’t blame you. They all know about your real life, about your sister’s death.” He gestures toward his brother who is talking with his fiancée. “Let’s see how my twin is enjoying life as an engaged man.”

  I’m glad Dayton isn’t upset with me, but I can’t stop being irritated with myself. However, there’s no time to mentally beat myself up. We greet his brother and his future wife, and I play the perfect part, not slipping up even once.

  Hopefully I can keep it up throughout the meal and not give his family the fuel to pressure him all the more to make a business decision he doesn’t want.

  15

  Ember

  Someone shakes me, pulling me from a dream. I pull the covers over my head and ignore them. They continue with the shaking.

  “Ember!” Gretchen says. “Wake up!”

  “Go away.”

  “Your phone keeps ringing. It’s your aunt.”

  “Then tell her I’m sleeping.” I pull the pillow over my face, determined to get back to my dream and stay there for hours.

  My best friend yanks the pillow from my hand. “It’s noon. Isn’t she supposed to pick you up now?”

  I sit up. “It’s already noon? It feels so early.”

  She grins devilishly. “Well, we did stay at the party until almost four.”

  “Then we made sundaes.” I groan.

  “And watched a movie.” She sighs and fans herself. “I swear, Adam Dankworth gets hotter with every new movie.”

  “Where’s my phone?”

  Gretchen hands it to me.

  Three missed calls, five texts, and two voice messages.

  I moan. “I should’ve said no to the movie.”

  “Never say no to Adam Dankworth.”

  Still in a sleep fog, I call Kenzi back.

  “There you are!” she answers. “I was about to worry.”

  “I was sleeping.” I yawn, as if that proves it.

  “So, I take it you aren’t ready?”

  “That depends. Are we just going home? If so, sure. But if we’re going somewhere, then no. I’m not even close to being ready.”

  “I thought we could stop by the retirement home and see how your grandma is doing.”

  “Oh.” I climb out of Gretchen’s bed and look in the mirror. My hair is sticking out in every direction imaginable. I could pull it into a bun. I’ll have to wash my face to get rid of the smeared makeup. “I guess I can get presentable enough for that. It’s not like I’m going to run into someone I know from school.”

  “Great. I’ll be there in five to ten minutes.”

  We say goodbye, then I hurry into the bathroom to make myself look as human as possible.

  Gretchen joins me and washes her face in the sink next to me. “That party was so much fun. And I loved seeing you finally come out of your shell.”

  I turn to her, water dripping onto my shirt. “What do you mean?”

  “You know.”

  “No. What do you mean?”

  She gives me a knowing look. “You haven’t been yourself since your mom died. I mean, I get it. Everything sucks for you. It’s just fun to act like teenagers with my bestie again. That’s all.”

  I frown.

  “Hey, I don’t mean anything bad by it. You know I’m here for you no matter what.”

  Ding-dong!

  Kenzi’s here. I finish washing my face and pull my hair back. No matter how hard I try, I can’t even get a decent messy bun. I look like a wreck, and that’s it.

  “Don’t be mad,” Gretchen says.

  “I’m not.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes.” My tone comes out sharp. “I mean it. I’m just tired. Really tired.”

  “And you had fun last night. You can’t deny that.”

  Images from the night before run through my mind. We danced with kids from school until midnight when the birthday party officially ended, then we went to another friend’s house for an after party which was a little crazy. Gretchen and I didn’t do anything illegal, but we had fun watching kids who did. They made total fools of themselves.

  “See? Can’t deny it.” She gives me a smug grin.

  “It was nice to forget everything for a few hours, but now I have to get back to life.”

  I can hear my aunt talking with Gretchen’s mom downstairs.

  “Is your grandma still being a psycho?”

  “Don’t call her that. But I have no idea. We’ve been giving her space to chill.”

  “Have you started looking for your dad yet?”

  “Not so loud!” I glance toward the stairs to make sure Kenzi’s still talking, and she is. They’re discussing interior paint. I turn back to my friend. “I don’t want my aunt to know I’ve been thinking about it.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’ve already explained all of that to you—too many unknowns. This isn’t the time.”

  She holds my gaze. “When is the right time?”

  “I don’t know, but it isn’t now. And I’m done talking about it.” I pass her, grab my things from her room, and go downstairs before she can push the subject any more.

  Kenzi turns to me. “Ready?”

  “Yep.”

  Gretchen comes downstairs and arches a brow at me. “Call me later.”

  “Sure.”

  Her mom turns to her. “You aren’t dressed? We’re going to be late for your sister’s recital.”

  “And that would be the end of the world.” She spins around and marches back upstairs.

  My aunt and I say goodbye to Mrs. Ross before heading out into the bright sunshine.

  “Did you have fun at the party?” Kenzi asks as she remote-unlocks the car.

  “Yeah.” I climb in and yawn, really wishing I’d said no to the movie. What had I been thinking?

  “You sure you’re up to seeing her?” She starts the engine.

  “Why not? I’m just tired.”

  My aunt chuckles. “I remember those days. I’m glad you’re getting back to your normal life.”

  Have I really been that boring lately that both my best friend and aunt are glad I’m going out to a party?

  “Want to stop by a coffee stand?” Kenzi asks.

  “Yes. That sounds like Heaven.”

  She laughs.

  Ten minutes later, I’m sipping a salted caramel latte and starting to feel human again. Thank goodness for caffeine and copious amounts of sugar.

  “Did you give that necklace back to the British dude last night?” I nurse my drink some more.

  A beat of silence passes between us.

  “Is that a no?” I ask.

  “I might have gained a matching bracelet.”

  “What? You were so determined.”

  She stops at a light and shrugs. “I can’t say no to that accent.”

  “Let me get this straight. H
e’s tall, dark, handsome, rich, and has a sexy accent, and yet you aren’t trying to date him for real?”

  “Neither one of us is looking for a relationship.”

  “I guess why not, since you’re getting paid to go on dates with him.”

  “Yes, he’s a client.”

  “Bummer.”

  The rest of the ride is silent other than the music playing in the background. When we pull into the parking lot, I finish my super-sweet coffee then we go inside.

  The receptionist stops what she’s doing when we enter. “Nurse Nancy wants to talk to you before you see Regina.”

  Kenzi’s face pales. “Is something the matter?”

  “I’m not at liberty to say.”

  “Is Nurse Nancy available at the moment?”

  The receptionist nods. “I’ll let her know you’re here. Feel free to have a seat in the waiting room. We just got new magazines.”

  “Awesome.” My aunt’s expression tightens.

  I follow her to the waiting area and watch her pace. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  “Nothing? It’s never nothing with my mother.”

  “Can’t argue with that.”

  I pick up a fashion magazine. It’s over six months old. So much for the new magazines. But I flip through it, anyway. It’s more interesting than watching Kenzi pace and mutter to herself.

  Just as I’m getting into an article about mixing florals with stripes, one of the nurses enters the waiting room. She stands tall with a tight bun and an icy stare. “Mackenzie?”

  Kenzi turns around. “Nurse Nancy?”

  She nods. “Yes, I’m your mother’s head nurse for the weekend. I’m glad you’re here. I was actually just about to call you.”

  “This keeps getting better and better. What happened?”

  “Would you like to talk in my office?” The nurse steps out of the waiting room.

  “I’d rather you tell me what’s going on.”

  “My office.” She gestures for us to follow her.

  “Then why ask if that’s where I want to talk?”

  “People generally just go with it.”

  My aunt mutters under her breath again.

  We pass my grandma’s room. I try to peek inside, but the door is only cracked open.