Page 25 of It's Always Been You

“There was no wedding—”

“What? You eloped? That’s not—”

“Damn it, Beatrice. Shut up for one second and let me speak,” Travis snapped.

The redhead bit down on her lip, visibly struggling to follow Travis’s order.

“Caitlin is Sarah. My wife. Sarah’s not dead.”

Beatrice’s mouth hung open, and she was about to say something when Travis glared at her.

“Caitlin has amnesia and couldn’t remember the events that took her from me. The DNA and autopsy reports were obviously fabricated, which tells me the whole thing was a cover-up. I’d rather not get you involved, Beatrice. Your father is aware of the situation, and if he has not shared or mentioned anything to you about it, he has his reasons.”

“The reasons being it’s dangerous.” Beatrice turned her curious eyes on Caitlin. “Who exactly are you, Caitlin Kincaid?”

“I wish I knew.”

“That was rhetorical—”

Caitlin smiled. She liked Beatrice’s snarkiness, but wasn’t too keen on her closeness to her husband.

Shit.

Husband. When did she get comfortable with that word in reference to this annoyingly handsome man before her? It would have been easier to keep a logical perspective if Travis didn’t send her female hormones into a tailspin by merely standing beside her.

Beatrice’s gaze turned critical. Caitlin tensed.

“Are you sure she has amnesia?”

“And you’re done,” Travis said, firmly clasping Beatrice’s upper arm and escorting her—not quite gently—to the door.

“Wait a minute,” Beatrice snapped. “Don’t for a minute think you’ve sidetracked me from my purpose here.”

“You sidetracked yourself.”

“Well, yeah,” Beatrice said sheepishly. Then her face turned serious. “The Kennedy contract is due for presentation tomorrow. We’re two people short, and Emily tells me you’re handing the reins to Shephard. I put my ass on the line for this gig, Travis. All eyes are on the Kennedy delegation to Ukraine. I have every faith in Shephard, but your disappearance over the past few days threw me for a loop and made me nervous.” She looked at Caitlin before fixing her gaze on Travis. “Now I understand why. I’ve known you for over two years, and you’ve lived for your job. That’s why you’re at the top of the game now. Is this about to change?”

The two friends eyed each other challengingly.

“I won’t have you questioning how I run my company, Beatrice,” Travis said after a tense beat. “Your job is to find me clients—”

“Exactly,” Beatrice fired back. “I’m putting my reputation as a security consultant at stake here.”

“Your concern is legitimate. So, in answer to your question, are things going to change? Fuck, yes. BSI is important to me, and I’m not about to let it implode. I’ve got capablepeople working for me. I’m just too bullheaded to delegate. But not anymore. Make no mistake, Bee. The Kennedys will get what they’ve paid for, but it’s only fair to let you know, Caitlin comes first.” Travis speared Caitlin with an intense stare. “My marriage is my priority.”

Emily was grinning from ear to ear, and if Caitlin was speechless before, she could pass for a mute right now. Her whole body tingled with warmth. Travis didn’t mince words when it came to his commitment to her. It was exhilarating and frightening at the same time.

Beatrice’s face was expressionless as she considered Travis’s words. And then suddenly, it cracked with a tender look as she whispered, “So happy for you, Trav.”

“Shit. You’re not going to cry, are you?” Travis asked warily.

Caitlin snickered inwardly.Men.

“No, you jerk.” Beatrice punched Travis on the arm fondly. “I’ll leave you guys to discuss business. Nice to meet you, Caitlin. I see Emily has everything under control. I’ll see you both at the meeting tomorrow.” She glanced back at Travis. “You better be there, Blake.”

“I will.”

Travis shook his head and closed the door as the redhead sashayed out.

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