“Laird, down!”
Jeremy just laughed. “Hey, Laird. I missed you too, boy.”
My commands had no effect on Laird, but smelling Jeremy must have. Slowly, he dropped back to all fours. I realized what had happened, and Jeremy said it before I could. “He thought I was Jace.” Jeremy crouched down. “Sorry, boy. I know you miss him.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Come on in and get comfortable. I’ll go make up the guest room.” Reluctantly, I headed to the spare bedroom to pile boxes in the corner and put sheets on the bed. I had thought my dad would be my first real houseguest, but apparently it was going to be Jeremy.
I didn’t like leaving Jeremy and William alone, but I didn’t have much choice. I could hear them speaking but couldn’t make out what they were saying. The conversation was stilted with long pauses and short bursts of sound. It was awful, truly awful. I couldn’t have imagined a worse scenario and I hoped and prayed that Jeremy would keep his fucking mouth shut and not let anything slip. The worst part wasn’t even the awkwardness or the fact that I was so nervous I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling; it was the incredible disappointment. Tonight had been so amazing—the conversations with William I’d wished for so many times had finally happened. It was like this giant weight on my shoulders had just vanished. After Abigail’s surprising revelations and then being with William in the coach house, I was done with holding back. I was ready and I was absolutely all in. I’d wanted to make love with William tonight, slowly and tenderly, and show him with my body everything I was feeling.
I halfheartedly stuffed a pillow into a case and threw it on the bed. I’d never made a bed so quickly in my entire life, and it was obvious Martha Stewart didn’t live here.
“Okay, all done!” I said, rushing out of the guest room and finding them both seated in my living room. Jeremy was sprawled on the couch, Laird sitting at his knee, as though he belonged there. William sat stiffly in the armchair. Neither was speaking, and William looked up at me, his face stoic and impassive. Laird was the only one thrilled Jeremy had stopped by, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for William, since Laird had never showed him much favor.
“Thanks, Cat,” Jeremy said. “I thought I’d be crashing on the couch.”
“We’re too old for that now.” I moved to stand beside William, not certain what to say or do. “Um, do you want to watch some TV? Unless you’re tired. You have an early day tomorrow probably.”
“Nah. I’m on California time. It’s early.”
“Can I get you a drink? Something to eat?”
“That would be great.”
I looked at William. I assumed he’d be going home, leaving me to handle my unexpected guest on my own. Now would be the time for him to say goodbye, but instead he settled back in the chair, resting his ankle on top of one knee. “Would you like a glass of wine, William?” I asked.
“Thank you.”
I headed to the kitchen, glad for something to do to get me out of that room. I could have choked on the testosterone. I pulled out some crackers and cheese, laid them on a platter, and poured three glasses of red wine. I drank half of mine, then filled it again. “Okay, Cat, you can do this.” I felt as though I needed a pep talk and maybe a shot of vodka. The pep talk would have to suffice for now.
William was staying. Jeremy was staying. We’d all be together under one roof tonight. It was a disaster, but it was only one night. I could get through one night. I carried the wine and snacks to the living room, then settled on the arm of William’s chair. There wasn’t really room for me, but I couldn’t stand or choose to sit with Jeremy over William. I was desperate to make some connection with him, but he didn’t touch me.
“Great wine,” Jeremy said.
“Thank you,” William answered.
Jeremy cocked his head, looking at me. I filled him in. “It’s from William’s vineyard in Napa.”
“Oh, so that’s why you were in California. When you said you were seeing a friend, I didn’t realize it was your boyfriend.”
This was getting worse and worse. “I thought I mentioned William.”
“Nope. Hey, why don’t you come sit on the couch? There’s plenty of room.”
Seriously? Why couldn’t I wake up and realize this was nothing but a bad dream?
“Okay.” I stood and crossed to Jeremy. The atmosphere was tense enough without me making it worse by refusing to sit beside my guest.
“So you own a vineyard?” Jeremy asked William.
“Among other things,” he answered.