Chapter 2

We weaved our way through the dining room until we were led onto the terrace. I had to admit, West’s parents had style. They also had money. A shit ton of it. Even though they were wealthy, they didn’t let it get completely to their heads. For example, they still treated me exactly the same as they did before they had all that money.

I saw West’s parents wave at us from the table. As we approached them, West gave his mother a hug as his father embraced me. After a quick moment, West and I switched and I greeted his mother.

“I’m glad you guys could make it,” his mother, Lynette, said with a happy smile. We were worried you would cancel.”

“Of course not,” I answered and looked at the empty seat at the table. “Where’s Wren?”

“He called and said he was running a few minutes late,” West’s dad, Dean, answered. “Actually, he should be here any minute.”

Any minute? ANY MINUTE? I felt like I was going to throw up. “I’m going to go to the restroom real quick,” I said to them before I hauled ass. I felt like I couldn’t breathe right now. I didn’t even go to the restroom. I went straight out the front doors and walked over towards a dark area.

I leaned against a tree and tried to not hyperventilate. Why did I think I could do this? I thought that, since I was with West now, I could accept Wren coming back home. It was different when he just came to visit for the holidays. I knew he wasn’t going to stay. But now? He was going to be home. Which meant I was going to see him quite frequently. I didn’t know if I could do this. The fact that I had anxiety in public places didn’t help.

“Cath?”

Oh, God. My eyes immediately went in the direction of that famiCathr voice. There he was. “Wren.” He looked even better than I remembered. His dark hair has grown out a little. At six feet tall, he had a semi muscular build. He must have started working out recently.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked with that classic Wren smile.

That smile…”Oh, you know me and public places. It’s just…”

“A lot,” he finished for me. Just like old times. “You going to come over here and give me a hug or what?”

I stepped out of the shadows and his eyes immediately went to the little black dress I was wearing. Was it a little short? Yes. Did it have a thigh slit? Yes. Did it show a little cleavage? Yes.

“Wow,” he said as his eyes met mine again. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” My heart did that stupid flutter thing as the distance between us closed and he pulled me in for a hug. I could smell the cologne I bought him for Christmas. That combined with this just being Wren…

You smell the same, I thought.

I must have said that out loud, because I felt Wren nuzzle my neck a little before he whispered, “So do you.”

“There you are!”

We pulled apart as West came over to us. He pulled Wren into a hug and clapped his brother on the back. “Man, I’m glad you’re back.”

Wren chuckled as he hugged his brother. “Me too. It’s good to be home again.”

They pulled apart and West looked around the parking lot. “Where’s your new girlfriend? Catherine and I have been talking about how much we want to meet her.”

Wren glanced at me and there was something different about his eyes. He looked back to West. “Didn’t work out. She’s back in California.”

“Damn,” West frowned. “I’m sorry, bro. I guess Catherine was right.”

Oh, shit. “Let’s get inside,” I said quickly, “your parents are waiting for us.” I didn’t need West running his mouth right now.

“Yeah, you’re right,” West said and started walking towards the entrance.

I started following behind him towards the entrance when I realized Wren was still back there. Turning around I asked, “Coming?”

He had a surprised and questioning look on his face. “Yeah. Coming.”

As the three of us walked to the entrance, I wanted to run. I wanted to run from West, his parents, and from Wren. I wanted to run away from this night. As much as I wanted to be ready for this…I wasn’t.

“We are so glad you’re finally back home, Wren,” Lynette said as we got comfortable around the dinner table. “Your father and I were just talking about how much we missed you.”

“Yeah,” West teased, “it’s pretty annoying, actually.”

“West…” Lynette warned. Don’t start this petty sibling rivalry. He’s back. Our family is back together.”

“Cheers to that,” I said as I held up my wine glass. I glanced to Wren who was sitting on the left side of me. He smiled as he tapped his glass against mine. Our eyes connected for a moment before the entire table tapped there glasses together. Everyone went back to looking at the menus and I downed the last of my wine.

Wren chuckled and I looked at him with a raised brow. “What’s funny?”

“Nothing,” he shrugged and pretended to concentrate on the menu. “It’s just good to see you.”

“Yeah,” I laughed and looked back to my own menu, “at least now we can get back to our old routines. It sucked with you being away.” I leaned closer to whisper, “Don’t listen to West. He’s been whining the most about missing his brother.”

Wren scoffed. “I bet. I was always the cool brother.”

I shook my head and tried to decide what I wanted to eat. As I looked over the menu, it became harder and harder to think. Being this close to Wren again was not something I was prepared for. Maybe I should excuse myself and go home. I told West I wasn’t feeling well earlier. Maybe I could—

“Hey,” Wren whispered. “You okay?”

No. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked without looking at him.

“You’re shaking.”