Page 43 of Just One More Affair
“What doesthatmean? Are you clean?”
Refusing to meet her gaze, he swung his head back and forth. “No. But that’s not it. It’s the guys I’ve been hanging out with. They did something… bad. And because of that, they got me into trouble.”
Typical Dan, never taking responsibility himself. “God, Danny.”
His eyes filled with tears, his expression tight but also wide with fear. She couldn’t imagine what kind of trouble he was in to have such an extreme reaction.
Finally, he let out a pained sigh. “Never mind. I’ll figure something else out,” he muttered. “Just worry about your own life. I’ll be fine.”
She hated the guilt trip but she’d bailed him out too often. At some point, he had to stand on his own. This was the time. She couldn’t have anything to do with the kind of problems he was having.
“I’ll always worry about you. You’re my brother. But you need to get clean, face the consequences of your actions, and start to fix your life.”
Knowing she shouldn’t, she opened her bag and found the few twenties she had left, shoving them into his hand.
“Thanks, Charlie. I know I need to fix things. I just don’t know how.”
She squeezed his shoulder. “Figure it out.”
Taking her by surprise, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, sis.”
She watched as he limped away and slowly headed up to her apartment to get ready for her evening. Though how she’d enjoy it now, she had no idea.
***
Jared sat inthe back of the limo with the most gorgeous woman he’d ever laid eyes on. His sister’s stylist had outdone herself with the silver gown and Charlotte had added to the look by having her hair and makeup professionally done.
He appreciated both the everyday woman and this more elegant one and he was touched she’d went to the effort again. But instead of her sparkling eyes matching her glowing skin, she had a distant look, as if she were somewhere else, not here with him.
He slid his hand over hers. “Charlotte?” When she didn’t answer right away, he repeated her name, tapping the top of her hand with his fingertips.
She startled then turned toward him. “Oh! Sorry. What did you say?”
“I was trying to get your attention. Where are you?” he asked.
She sighed. “I had a visit from my brother. He was waiting in the lobby when I got home this afternoon and he’d been beaten up.” Her eyes shimmered with tears.
She pulled a tissue from her purse and dabbed at them. “Dan told me that he and the guys he hangs out with are in trouble. I sensed it was beyond owing someone money, though that’s his usual MO.”
Jared frowned, and opened his mouth to lecture her about her brother and his so-calledfriends, but caught himself in time. Charlotte was upset. She didn’t need him adding to things by scolding her about having anything to do with her sibling. Especially when he couldn’t imagine turning his back on his brothers or sister. The fact that her brother triggered his worst fears wasn’t her issue; it was his.
“I’m sorry,” he said, the words lame but the best he could offer. “Was he high?”
She nodded.
He drew a deep breath and let it out again. “You know, if he ever wants to get clean, I can get him into a good treatment center. I’d be happy to pay for it and with the connections through tonight’s charity, it would be one of the best in the country.”
“Jared. That’s beyond generous. I wish he’d take you up on it.” She shook her head as if no was a definite answer.
“Well, the offer is always open.”
She met his gaze, her first smile of the night lighting up her face. “Thank you. And thank you again for this.” She waved her hand up and down the glittering silver gown.
“My pleasure. Especially since I get to look at you in it all night.” He reached into his pocket and came out with a long box. “This is for you.”
Her eyes, surrounded by thick, black lashes, opened wide.
“You didn’t have to get me anything. In fact, you shouldn’t have.”
