“Sometimes, I dream it’s you. It’s you hiding, and I’m him. But I’m watching it happen and I can’t stop myself.”
It took her a second to realize he was speaking to her. “Trace, I have never, ever been afraid of you in that way. You are not him. You will never be anything like him.”
“She’s right, Trace.” Claire Ann’s soft voice was heavy. “The only reason I have any faith in men is because of you. Because I saw that there is at least one man who can be trusted, who would protect the people he loved from the Johnny Ray Corbins of the world.”
He shook his head at both of them. “I grabbed you. I grabbed you in Jackson.” The remorse in his eyes sent her on a quick trip back in time. “I had no right to put my hands on you like that. I was angry and I lost control. Just like him.”
Kylie shook her head. “Pretty sure it was just all that built-up sexual tension you were harboring for me.”
The corners of his mouth twitched and finally lifted. “That may be, but still.”
“But nothing, Trace. You’re not him. But if you’re worried, you know there are people you can—”
“I know.” He nodded. “I have a few numbers I got in rehab. People I can talk to, places I can go to get help for the anger.”
“Good. Well, speaking of talking,” Kylie began, aiming a pointed glance at Claire Ann. “I’m going to go grab some muffins and juice if y’all want to maybe clear the air about, oh, I don’t know, any secrets either of you may or may not be keeping.”
To her great surprise, Claire Ann grinned. “You can stay, Kylie. I might need another witness in case Trace maims Pauly.”
“Why would I do anything to Pauly?” Trace eyed both of them warily and Kylie nodded toward Claire Ann. This wasn’t her secret to tell.
“Kylie and I’ve been talking, Trace. And after what I just saw when you thought everyone else was asleep, I owe you both an apology.”
“Huh?”
Kylie just shook her head. The last thing she wanted from anyone was an apology.
“I have been so closed-minded about so many things. And frankly, I don’t give people enough credit sometimes.” Claire Ann cast a long, loving glance at the man sleeping beside her. “I didn’t expect you two to work things out because I figured you’d both get in your own way. And Trace, I didn’t tell you who I was seeing because I didn’t know if you could handle it.”
Trace tilted his head as he looked at her. “Claire Ann, I told you I want to meet him.”
His sister bit her lip. Kylie felt her insides tighten.
“That’s the thing, Trace. You have met him.”
“I have? Well, who is it?”
The tension was so thick that Kylie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The lack of sleep and the heavy emotional climate had her bordering on hysteria.
Claire Ann swung her eyes over to Pauly once more.
“No,” Trace said, his voice and his sky-high eyebrows clearly reflecting his disbelief. “Pauly? You’ve been dating my manager? Seriously? For how long?”
“Since you went to rehab. He checked in on us several times and we just started talking.” Claire Ann shrugged. “He’s a good man, Trace. You know that. Better than most. Kind of like my brother.”
The room was completely silent minus the beeping of Rae’s heart monitor.
As if he could feel the attention on him, Pauly stretched and opened his eyes. “Mornin’, everyone. Any news on Rae?”
“You’re fired,” Trace said evenly.
“Trace.” Kylie dug an elbow into his ribs.
“You told him while I was asleep?” Pauly gaped at Claire Ann. “Were you thinking it was best to do it in a hospital or what?”
“Okay, you’re not fired,” Trace said, getting the man’s attention. “But really? My sister?”
“We didn’t mean for it to happen.” Pauly shrugged. “But it did. And after everything…” He paused to wave a hand around, reminding everyone where they were. “Seeing how much you and Kylie are willing to risk for one another, I’m done hiding it. Done being worried about how it will affect everyone else. So, yeah, Trace. Me and your sister.” He offered Trace a quick sorry-not-sorry shrug. “Fire me all you want. I’ve been dating your sister for the past year and the only regret I have is not shouting to the world what a lucky man I was on day one. I love her.”
Kylie grinned at the tears welling in Claire Ann’s eyes.
“Well, I hate to interrupt this lovely moment, but can someone please get me some water?”