Fidelity (Infidelity #5)

“I think it’s kind of cool that he and Chelsea finally realized there was something between them.”

Nox reached out to my stomach. “It’s about time since their little one is due in three months.”

I laughed. “I know. I was so looking forward to seeing Chelsea. She wasn’t showing the last time we were all together.” I smiled, recalling their wedding.

“Well, not all brides look as beautiful as you did with a baby bump.”

“Speaking of brides… Uncle Preston seems to be doing well with Cy.”

Nox sighed. “I’m so glad they’re out of Infidelity and now married.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I am too, but what’s going on?”

“Why would you think something is going on?”

“The way you said that. I know you hate the company.”

Nox shrugged. “Demetri pulled out.”

“I hate when that happens.”

His blue eyes shone. “Oh, princess. We can rectify that right now. You, me, upstairs.”

I laughed. “That’s almost as tempting as a trek to the gas station restroom.”

He leaned close, his warm breath near my ear and whispered, “We’ll do it in the bathroom, you can hold the vanity, and I’ll watch your golden eyes in the mirror as you scream about my cock.”

I shook my head. “Dick. You’re avoiding the subject.”

“I’m not. You want it. Just admit it.”

“I want to know what’s happening with Infidelity.”

“It dodged a bullet, a big one, with the Melissa murder. It’s not worth the risk. We’re no longer involved, not Demetri Enterprises, not you, or Chelsea, or Pat and Cy.”

“But, Nox, hundreds or thousands of people are, from everyday people to movie and sports stars. I wouldn’t want it made public for any of them.”

“Princess, I’m not exposing it. Deloris was a huge asset for the company. But we’re out. She has more important things to do than watch their firewalls. I’m not saying it’ll happen, but if it does, we’re clear. Even their…” He nodded toward Pat and Cy. “…records were deleted.”

“Chelsea’s?”

“Yes, that happened before asshole’s trial.”

I knew it had. It was just good to hear it.

“Lennox,” Oren called. “Angi and I have a proposition for you and Alex.”

Nox’s smile grew. “Do you know how much trouble we’re in if she learns her negotiating skills from him?”





“SOMETHING SMELLS WONDERFUL,” Oren said as we made our way down the stairs and toward the kitchen.

“I have your coffee poured, and the calzones are almost ready,” Silvia said.

“Silvia,” I said, taking in the counter filled with sweets. “You always outdo yourself.”

She grinned. “I like having people around again. This place was too quiet for too long.”

A squeal came from the way of the corridor to the pool house.

We all laughed. “It’s not too quiet now.” I nodded toward the hallway. “I’m guessing Angelina is already awake?”

“That girl’s been up for hours. It’s taking every bit of her parents’ persuasion to stop her from opening the presents or passing them out. Lennox told her she could as soon as everyone was there.”

“Just imagine what it will be like when there are two of them,” I said.

“Oh, Lordy, Miss Adelaide,” Jane said, coming from the direction of the excitement. “I think I’m getting too old for this.”

“Nonsense, Jane,” Oren said. “You’re young at heart where it counts.”

Silvia carried a tray of coffee mugs toward the pool house. “Most everyone is already there. Come on and enjoy the fun.”

Oren reached for a tray filled with delicious-looking pastries. “I’ll take this out there. If you’ll bring my coffee?” he asked with a kiss to my cheek.

My lips rose. “We’ll be right there.”

Jane shook her head. “This, all of this, is a dream come true. I always prayed that one day I’d see you and Miss Alex happy, really and truly happy.” Tears filled her eyes. “It’s a blessing.”

I knew exactly what she meant as small lines formed near my eyes, my cheeks rose, and my voice became lyrical. “It is. I mean, look outside.”

We both turned toward the window. The scene beyond the glass was of a winter wonderland. Familiar shrubbery had been transformed into glistening white mounds and the pool and lawn were all one snow-covered plain.

“Look at us,” I said. “Two fine Georgia women in the middle of a frozen tundra with smiles on our faces. Who would have ever predicted?”

“Me,” Jane said. “I didn’t know how, but like I said, I prayed. I believed.”

I reached for her hand. “Thank you for praying. I never thought it would happen. I never imagined…”

“Can’t never give up hope,” she said, her shoulders growing straighter. “Nope.”

A scene from years ago came back to mind. A glass filled with small white pills and the decision to wash them down with fine Montague Private Label. I lowered my chin. “I almost did. I was mighty close to giving up.” I swallowed and looked into Jane’s beautiful brown eyes. “I never properly thanked you for what you did that night.”