Page 72 of Forbidden Desires

“Why did he marry her last summer? That’s what makes no sense to me. And who’s the boy who looks like you?”

“My guess the M.H. Caldwell who was paid the larger amounts?”

“If that kid grew up in this town, one of us would have to know who they are. I wonder how old that photo is.” She stares through the window, squinting to get a better look.

My blood runs cold as it dawns on me. “I know who it is. Mason.”

She stares back at me, wide-eyed. “No!”

I nod, knowing it has to be. “Since I’ve been home, I’ve had two separate people mistake me for him. And there was that guy back at the hotel who called me Caldwell. I didn’t piece it together before all of this, but now it makes perfect sense.”

I see the second she realizes I’m right. “I can see it now. He’s our half-brother. It’s him, for sure. Why hasn’t anyone told us?”

My phone rings, Noah’s name lighting up the screen. “Noah,” I tell Em so she knows why I have to take the call.

“We have a security issue. Jim’s just informed me the fourth-floor security cameras have been short-circuited.” He talks quietly, and I wonder where he is.

“Because of the building updates?” I ask, hoping to God that’s all it is.

“Parker’s building crew isn’t working today. Something’s not right. I’m heading up to check it out, but I think you better get back here.”

“Do you know where Gisele is?” I ask, feeling suddenly panicked. I know she was at work today.

“Down in the conference room setting up a wedding. I just talked to her.”

“Em and I are on our way back now, but keep me posted.” I hang up the call and immediately call Gisele to check on her. I know she must be crazy busy, but I just need to hear her voice. The phone rings and rings, but she doesn’t answer. I’m sure it’s because she’s working and has it on silent, but I won’t feel better until I check in with her.

Today has me questioning everything. It feels like everything that’s happened since I moved back to Deception Bay is all coming back to Mason. I don’t trust him, and I’m sure that’s him in the image we just saw with our father. He has to be our father’s kid. I know exactly who can give the answers I need. This time he’s not wrestling his way out of it.

Chapter 35

Gisele

Istare at the table settings, wondering if the napkins are the color the bride was imagining. She said cinnamon, but are these more a mustard color? They coordinate perfectly withthe pastel tulips, freesias, and chrysanthemums Paisley has arranged in vases on the tables. So, if it were me, I would be happy that everything all works together. Our bride Amy is in the bridal suite, and I know she’s seen the bouquets already. Paisley texted earlier to say she loved them, so I have to assume this is all going to be okay.

“Deep in thought, thinking that you picked the wrong guy,” someone whispers over my shoulder, making me jump. Mason laughs light-heartedly, coming around the other side. “It’s okay, I’m still available.” He smiles, all charming, and my skin crawls.

I smile warmly, trying to keep it friendly. “Sorry, Mason, I’m not,” I say point blank. His flirting when he knows I’m with Brody now is getting out of hand. I have seen him around the place a lot over the last month. I try to be polite, tell him I’m busy with work, but he lingers longer than he should.

He clutches his chest. “Completely broken.”

“I’m sure you have plenty of others ready to heal you.” I laugh, playing along. Despite him still pestering me, Paisley tells me he’s made fast work of dating every girl in sight, so I know this is more the player act. Maybe he wants me because I’m the one girl who didn’t give in to his charm. I don’t know, but today after the stress of the last week, I’ve had quite enough of it. All I need is for Brody to see him talking to me and get all jealous again.

“None quite as special as you, but that’s not what I’m here to talk to you about. Parker needs you upstairs. He wants your opinion on tiles for the renovation.”

I look back at him, confused. “Oh, really, me? Wouldn’t Emerson be a better person to give her opinion?” I ask. She’s been Parker’s stylist when it comes to opinions on most of the build. She has a keen eye for interior design, and I think the two of them are working on her house renovations next.

He smiles and offers a shrug. “Normally, but she’s out, and he needs to make a decision now, some demanding supplier.”

I glance around the conference room. It’s all set up, and the rest of our staff are starting to arrive to take over. “I probably have five minutes before I’m needed again. Lead the way.”

I follow him through the hotel and take the elevator to level four, the floor that is closed for renovation. It’s quiet up here today. I was up here with Emerson and Parker last week and the place was a hub of noise and movement, with builders sawing and drilling. But it’s eerily quiet today. Mason looks back at me with a warm smile. “Where are the rest of your crew today,” I ask, starting to feel uneasy.

“All done for the day. Parker lets us do a half day on a Saturday.”

“Is he a good boss?” I ask, trying to make small talk to ease the churning in my stomach.

“The best,” he agrees.

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