It's About Time (Blossom Peak #4)(103)

“I am in awe of her, Tori. She’s the kind of woman I’ve always been looking for and she’s been right under my nose this entire time.”

“Then I guess I’m happy for you.”

“You know, you were a bitch back then to Dilynne too, Tori, and I defended you. Tried to get my friends to give you a chance because we all make mistakes. But you need help,” I say, letting out a year’s worth of thoughts at once. “Besides paying off your debt, I think you need to take a hard look at yourself and learn how to be a decent human being. Maybe if you fix that part of yourself first, the rest will work itself out.”

Her brows lift. “Jesus, Elliot. Tell me how you really feel, why don’t you?”

“Oh, I can keep going if you’d like me to.”

“No, I think that’s enough. But just so you know, your father is the one who brought me back. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but he was adamant you would forgive me and I figured leaving Nashville was probably for the best.”

“The only reason he thought that is because my dad has cheated on my mom several times and she’s always looked the other way. But I am not my father, Tori.”

“I know you aren’t, Elliot.”

“ In fact, I think it might be best if you quit the practice this week while I’m in California with Dilynne.”

“I can’t quit, Elliot…”

“Oh, yes, you can. In fact, if you don’t, then I’ll make sure to report you to the authorities for conspiracy to commit fraud.”

Her eyes widen. “Elliot…”

“This is the option I’m giving you to avoid jail, Tori. I suggest that you take it.”

Her bottom lip trembles but she nods reluctantly. “Fine. I mean, I should be grateful, but what do I tell your dad?”

“Tell him that you realized you and I had no chance at a future and you’re ready to move on with your life.”

She nods. “Okay, but I hope you figure out just exactly what he’s up to because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about him in the past year and a half, it’s that he can be quite manipulative in order to get what he wants.”

Yeah, no shit, Tori. Fortunately for me, I already know what he wants and need to figure out a way to put a stop to it, stat.





Chapter 29





Dilynne



It All Comes Down to This


“Well, we can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions to the Porsche tomorrow, Miss Clark,” the reporter says, reaching out to shake my hand. “Best of luck to you.”

I stand from my chair and nod at him. “I appreciate that. Thanks.” Hopping down from the stage, I head right over to Elliot standing off to the side, his smirk in full effect.

“You’re a natural,” he says before pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. I decided to wear it down for the interviews today, but also maybe I wanted to show my appreciation for him in that small way.

God, I’m wearing my hair down for a man. My, how the tides have turned.

“Yeah, well once you’ve done a few of these, they become pretty routine.”

“ Are you hungry?” Elliot asks as his own stomach growls.

I dip my eyes down his torso and back up. “Not as hungry as you, apparently.”

He laughs, takes my hand in his, and leads me to the exit of the exhibit hall room where all the press conference interviews were conducted today. “My stomach has been talking to me for about the last hour.”

“Sorry the interviews ran behind. They always do.”

He glances back at me while holding the door open for me to step through. “It’s not your fault. Don’t apologize. This entire week is about you anyway, not my stomach.”

“Good to know I take precedence over your appetite.”

He smirks at me over his shoulder before opening the passenger door of our rental SUV and helping me inside.

We arrived in Monterey, California late last night since I wanted to get some rest before the event kicked off today. Elliot let me sleep as late as we could before he fucked me this morning to ease my nerves, and then we drove over to the Monterey Jet Center where the entire Motorlux event will take place this week.

My nerves were on high alert this morning, but once I got through my first interview, I slid right into my role as the expert, eager to show off my car and all of the work I poured into Betty over the past year.

Elliot pulls up to a sports bar and leads me inside. “This was the only place nearby that has onion rings.”

“And how do you know that?” I ask, peering up at him.

“I did some research while you were doing your interviews.”

“You—you found a place that serves onion rings just in case I wanted some?”

Cupping the side of my face, he leans down and softly kisses my lips. “Yes. Now, let’s eat.”

Sti ll stunned by his gesture, I trail after him as he speaks to the hostess and then follow them through the restaurant to a round booth. Once we’re settled and our waitress drops off our beers, Elliot lifts his to me, offering a toast.

“To you and the culmination of your hard work.”

“Thank you.”

We clink glasses, take a drink, and then look back at each other. “So, how are you feeling after today?”