Just One Night, Carly Phillips [read me like a book txt] 📗

“My decision. Let’s say our goodbyes. Everyone will understand.”

Because she knew she couldn’t win, she gave in. They made their rounds of thank-yous and goodbyes. Aurora promised to text pictures of the presents she hadn’t yet opened and share them later.

And though, when they reached her apartment, Linc wanted to come upstairs and make sure she was okay, she insisted she wanted to fall into bed and go to sleep. Despite his concern, he gave in.

But he didn’t look happy about it.

*     *     *

Back in his apartment after the party, Linc poured himself a glass of Macallan 18 and settled into a chair in the living room, kicking his feet up on the leather ottoman in front of him. He lifted his glass, studying the amber-colored liquid. Today had been … interesting. A baby shower wasn’t an event he’d like to repeat, but watching Aurora’s face as she took in the room, the stack of presents, and the number of people who’d come was worth sitting through the torture.

He didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life, but it was way too soon to ask or pressure her in any way. The conversation would come in time.

His thoughts turned to Jordan and today’s mess, courtesy of Angelica. It wasn’t like Chloe hadn’t warned him about the women at the club and in their family’s world, but it had been hard for him to comprehend. Until Jordan had been exposed to Angelica’s venom firsthand. Linc had no idea what his ex had said, but Jordan had obviously been shaken, and Aurora hadn’t liked it either. He wanted to know but Jordan wouldn’t talk. Hell, she hadn’t even wanted him around. Giving her space seemed like a good idea, but if she didn’t eventually tell him, he wasn’t above asking Aurora for details.

With that settled, he turned his thoughts to the business. Despite how much the company was currently leveraged, Linc had borrowed the money to pay Beck from a trusted lender. Next week, Linc would meet with the man to hand him a check and have the satisfaction of seeing his face when Linc informed him he wouldn’t get his hands on any part of Kingston Enterprises. Linc would have no choice but to be a partner in this deal, but he’d keep Beck away from the family business.

Based on his calculations, Linc could fix things over the next five years, and he took solace in knowing he had a plan. His father’s surprise investments kept coming to light, but he thought they’d uncovered them all now. Linc would set things right. But he still needed to find Wallace and find out exactly how his father had gotten them into this situation and why. His dementia was only part of the story, of that Linc was certain.

His phone buzzed, and he pulled his cell from his pocket to see Dash had texted. “We’re downstairs and coming up.”

We obviously meant Dash and Xander. And because they were on the permanent list downstairs, Linc was lucky they’d given him warning before descending on him and his well-stocked bar.

He rose from his seat and pulled out extra glasses from the cabinet above the counter in the corner of the living room before heading to the door. He opened it just as Dash and Xander exited the elevator.

They strode past him with muttered hellos and entered, heading straight to the bar.

“Make yourselves at home,” he said, shutting the door, as they took their bottle of choice and poured themselves a drink.

“Jesus, I need one after the day we endured.” Xander slugged back the contents of his glass, and Dash did the same, adding more before settling on the sofa.

Linc refilled his glass and joined them, sitting back in the chair.

“Who the hell came up with the idea of filling diapers with candies that look like shit?” Dash leaned an elbow on the arm of the couch.

Linc shook his head. “Beats me. But Aurora enjoyed it and I’m glad it’s over.”

His brothers nodded in agreement.

“How are you both doing with Aurora?” Linc asked, wondering if they were getting close with her.

“She’s a good kid,” Dash said. “But I haven’t had much time to get to know her. I’m hoping when I get out of the studio before any touring we’ll get together.”

Xander nodded. “I’ve been to the house a few times and we’re getting to know each other. I really like her. Life dealt her a shitty hand but she’s not bitter. And she’s not money hungry despite having access. She impresses me.”

Linc leaned back in his seat, comfortable and chilled now that his brothers were here. “How are the songs coming?”

“Depends on the day.” Dash shrugged. “It’ll come together. It always does.”

Linc was so proud of his brothers. Despite their father’s lack of interest, they’d both grown up to pursue their dreams. In Xander’s case, writing had come after the military, a time Xander didn’t like to talk about.

“So what about you? You mentioned you’re gearing up for your next movie?” Linc asked him, then lifted his glass and took a sip.

“They’re going through casting now. It’s been hard to find the right fit for the part of the wife. They’ve been screen-testing a shit ton of actresses, but I have faith my producer and director will come through with the perfect woman.” Xander sounded certain, so Linc doubted there’d be problems.

“And meanwhile you’re writing your next novel?” Dash asked. “Ever consider a rock star as the hero?” He grinned and tossed back the last of his drink.

Xander raised an eyebrow. “No way. My guy is loyal and doesn’t fuck his way through every woman he meets. Unlike the rock stars I know.”

Dash smirked and let out a laugh. “It’s a good life if you can get it. Okay, enough about us. What’s going on with you?” He zeroed in on Linc with his penetrating stare.

Knowing he couldn’t avoid this forever, he filled his brothers in on what their