Page 20 of Three Reckless Words

“He seemed concerned. He wanted to know where you were. It sounded rather urgent.”

Well, obviously.

Dad makes everything sound urgent. Pretty easy when you’re used to snapping your fingers and people go running like obedient dogs.

He’ll want me to come home as soon as possible with my heart in my hands.

As far as he’s concerned, I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life.

That’s why my phone is off.

I don’t have to face the train wreck yet if I don’t hear the violent crash.

Dad calling, demanding my return in that high-and-mighty way he has.

Mom, too, pleading with me to grow up and beg Holden to take me back. Does she ever do anything besides echo my father?

Dad’s the big dominant personality. Mom is a willow blown around in a storm. Beautiful, graceful, but ultimately forever bent to his will.

God, maybe Holden himself tried calling, still trying to persuade me to come back instead of giving up on a ‘good partnership.’

What he really means is a profitable one, and Dad strongly endorses his view.

Sighing slowly, I fold my arms and look at Archer, who’s still waiting for a reply. I’m sure he wants me to spill the truth so he knows he isn’t dealing with a total wacko.

Tough luck, big guy.

“Did you tell him where I am?” I ask quietly.

He frowns like he’s annoyed by the question. “No. It’s not our company policy to give customer details to anyone else without adamn good reason. This doesn’t qualify as a medical emergency or an official missing person case. Not yet anyway.”

“Thank God.” I heave out another sigh. “I mean, cool. If he calls back, don’t tell him where I am. Pretty please?”

“Winnie.”

Holy hell.

This man shouldnotbe able to say my name like an entire thunderstorm condensed into one word.

“Yes, Archer?”

“Be straight with me. What’s really going on with you?”

At least he’s asking me directly this time. “It’s fine. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Are you in some kind of trouble with your family?”

“Trouble? What?” I wrinkle my nose, laughing painfully. “I mean, it depends how you define trouble, I guess, but—”

But he’s absolutely right and he knows it.

His face hardens. I raise my hands defensively.

“Not legal trouble. Nothing like that. I haven’t broken any laws. Feel free to do a background check if you want.”

“Then what kind of trouble are we talking? I deserve to know if I’ve got your dad calling my office, damn near demanding we give up your location.”

Awkward silence.

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