Accidentally Hers (Sterling Canyon #1) (25 page)

Andy grimaced. “Probably.”

Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath and then forced a smile, mostly for her mother’s sake.

“Welcome home, Mom.” Avery hugged her mother until she heard Andy clear his throat as their father
stormed
into the room.

She never knew what to expect from her dad. While she didn’t think he intended to blow through their lives like a hurricane, it often played out that way. “Dad.”

Their dad had never been particularly talkative.

“Avery,” he said in response to her tremulous smile.

“How was the drive?” she asked as he gave her a stiff hug and peck on the head. A hint of cigar smoke tainted his skin. Thank God her mother had always managed to keep him from smoking inside the house. But he’d never fully given up the bad habit.

“Uneventful.” It was then Avery noticed the folder in his hand.

Avery’s mom immediately began busying herself, fluffing the sofa pillows and refolding the throw blankets. Her reddening cheeks sent Avery a warning.
Uh oh.

Avery craned her neck to peek at the file. “Whatcha got there, Dad?”

He opened the manila folder and pulled out two documents. “These little beauties will protect us all from that Grey Lowell.”

She rolled her shoulders and sighed. “
That Grey Lowell
is not an enemy combatant.”

“Avery, he’s playing Mickey-Mouse games with our finances and now he’s probably stringing you along, too.” He waved his big hand in the air. “Don’t start denying it. I’ve heard you’ve been dating the man.”

Avery glared at Andy. He bowed his head, and her stomach fell to the floor.

She’d been hoping for an opportunity to feel her parents out before dropping the bombshell about her relationship with Grey at their feet. Thanks to Andy, her dad was now staring at her as if he’d been told she’d quit the clinic to become a porn star.

Avery slid another disappointed look at Andy before returning her attention to the papers in her father’s hand. Deciding she didn’t owe her parents an explanation about her love life, she refocused on the documents. “What exactly are those papers?”

“A promissory note and mortgage.” He shook them in the air. “First thing tomorrow, we’re going to the town clerk’s office so you and your brother can sign these documents in front of a notary and then we can file them there with the deed. After that, we’ll all breathe a little easier at night.”

“What?” Avery stepped closer.

“We’re going to formalize our loan arrangement so, if Lowell gets a judgment against Andy and you two are forced to sell this house, your mom and I will get paid back first.”

Avery took the papers from her dad and looked at Andy, who merely shrugged. “
I don
’t understand.” She quickly scanned the first page of the note. “Did you contact a lawyer to draw these up?”

“No.” For once, her dad looked a little uncomfortable—almost apologetic. He cleared his throat. “Matt’s sister sent them over.”

Surely she’d heard wrong.

It took Avery thirty seconds or so to remember Matt’s sister, who lived in Denver, was a paralegal. He must’ve called her for advice. Why the hell was he still inserting himself in her business?

“Avery, I haven’t forgotten how Matt broke all our trust last year, but I can’t let that stand in the way of protecting my family. He’s come back and has been a real friend to your brother. He’s been watching out for our family’s interests, unlike your new boyfriend.” Her dad must’ve noted Avery’s dismayed expression. “This protects both of you, too, missy. It makes it much less attractive for Lowell to force a sale, because the money left on the table will be a lot less than what he expects.”

Avery’s mind—typically sharp—slogged through swampy emotions, unable to fit the pieces of this puzzle together. “I’m sorry. Not following. Can you explain how these will keep Grey from suing Andy?”

“It doesn’t stop him from suing, just makes it fruitless. Without them, if he gets a hundred-thousand-dollar judgment against Andy, he could file that lien against the house and then collect his money after forcing a sale. But if this mortgage is filed first, it will have priority over his judgment lien. So after the house is sold, there won’t even be a hundred grand left on Andy’s side of the table. In fact, Andy will probably be able to declare bankruptcy, which also means he’ll get to keep some equity under another law. Basically these papers mean Lowell will be no better off going after this house than he will if he settles for Andy’s insurance offer.” Her dad nodded proudly.

“This all seems unfair or fraudulent or something,” she sputtered. “I mean, Grey has a legitimate claim, Dad.”

“It’s not my fault he hasn’t filed a lawsuit.”

“He hasn’t filed because his doctor hasn’t made a final determination of his long-term condition, so they can’t estimate his damages. Besides, he’s been pursuing solutions that won’t affect us, like the thing with the OS. He’s also been diligently attending therapy to minimize his losses.” Avery slammed the papers on the kitchen island, her voice rising. “He stands to lose everything if he can’t ski and climb again . . . all because of Andy! This move feels like we’re taking advantage of his good will and delay.”

Her dad
’s face turned as red as a Santa suit. He spoke in a lethally controlled voice. “I’m not taking advantage of anything. I’m simply formalizing the loan that
already
exists. I’m doing what I should’ve done from the start—protecting my family.
You
should be worrying about all of us instead of him, young lady.”

Avery glanced around the room, hiding the tears clouding her vision. She loved her home. All her memories—old and new—lived there with her. Her dreams for her future had always been played out in these rooms. Being forced to sell the house to strangers so Andy could pay Grey would hurt, but she didn’t want to see Grey lose his business either.

Her mother continued to avoid eye contact, while Andy suddenly looked relieved for the first time in a long while. A sense of betrayal twisted through her lungs, but she’d deal with him later. First she had to get her head together.

Was her father right? If he’d paid a lawyer when they’d made the transfer, loan documents would have been signed and recorded long ago. The debt was real, not phony or newly trumped up. Following her father’s orders enabled her to keep all her equity after a sale without feeling guilty about her parents being shortchanged, which set her up better for finding a new place. In fact, as a debtor, she probably couldn’t ignore her father’s demands anyway.

Bottom line, she owed him his money.

Would this feel so wrong if Grey were a stranger? Did that matter? Morals were supposed to be static, not something tied to personal feelings. Yet she couldn’t untangle the doubts clouding her reasoning.

How could she, when she’d just left Grey knowing how hard he was working to find a solution that wouldn’t hurt her? When, every time she thought of him, she envisioned his smiling face beholding her like she was some kind of superwoman. When he’d been honest, unselfish, and full of good will since the day they met.
We’re in this together.

“Fine. I can’t argue with you, and I do owe you the money, but I want to talk to Grey first, as a courtesy.”

“No, Avery. We’re doing this tomorrow, and I don’t want to risk him finding some kind of eleventh-hour loophole that will trump my move.”

“What could he possibly do between now and tomorrow morning?”

“What if his lawyer can file something to stop us? I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. It’s not worth the risk.”

“Maybe not to you, but what about me? Dad, I want to be the one to tell him . . .
before
it happens. Otherwise, I look like I’m sneaking around stabbing him in the back.” She cast a pleading look at her mom. “He deserves better from me.”

“What about what
I
deserve from you?” her dad asked, his hurt tone burying her in guilt. “Didn’t I sell you this house at a discount when I could’ve easily gotten more money—and been paid in full—on the open market? Weren’t you the one who wanted to hold on to this house for sentimental reasons? Don’t you owe me,
your father
, more consideration than you owe Grey Lowell? Don’t your mom and I deserve to retire in peace, without financial worry?” He shook his head, sighing. “Please don’t argue with me. Not now, when we still have so much going on with your brother’s trial. What I want—what I expect—from you tonight is your loyalty to your family, not to Grey Lowell. He’s not your husband. He’s not even your fiancé. For all you know, he’ll be out of your life a year from now. Don’t put our whole family’s future in jeopardy because of your infatuation.”

Trapped!
If she forewarned Grey and he did find a loophole, her family would never forgive her. If she didn’t, Grey might never forgive her, either. A lose-lose situation.

“How will I face Grey with this latest maneuver?” she mused aloud.

“Head held high, like I’ve always taught you,” came her dad’
s quick reply.

Chapter Twenty-One

The next morning Grey licked the remains of two chocolate-glazed donuts with sprinkles off his fingers before opening the door to the town hall. He squinted at the directory in the lobby, searching for the location of the town clerk’s office. Adler had told him he could search the public land records to find maps of the property in question. If any easements or rights-of-way existed, they’d be noted in surveys or land descriptions. Of course, Grey’s disability meant reading those maps could very well turn into mission: impossible.

Grey strode down the musty hall thinking about what he had at stake. Matt’s smug face and remarks had run through his head all night and morning. He’d tried to ignore the idiot, but his gut warned him to prepare for bad news. When he’d called Avery last night, the call went straight to voice mail and she hadn’t returned the call—a first since they’d starting dating a month ago.

He shook his head, needing to focus on the task at hand. A middle-aged woman behind the counter smiled as he approached.

“Good morning,” he began, reaching into his pocket to retrieve the paper with the property information Trip had finagled from Kelsey. “I’m hoping to take a look at any surveys and subdivision plans filed in connection with this property. Can you pull them for me, or show me how to find them?”

The kindly-looking woman took the paper from him and studied it. “Give me a minute.” She disappeared behind a few rows of books. Moments later, she returned carrying a large book with Grey’s notepaper stuffed in its pages like a bookmark. “You can sit over there and take a look.” She pointed to a metal table pushed up against the wall.

“Thanks, ma’am.” Grey plunked the book down and opened it to the page the woman had marked for him. It took him a few minutes to orient himself with the creek and road they parked along last winter. Then he used the legend to try to map out the general outline of Wade’s proposed purchase, which did look like it would include the access point they’d been using. Unfortunately, Grey didn’t see any kind of easement or other right-of-way denoted on the survey.

After ten minutes of chasing his tail, he closed the book, sat back, and scrubbed his hands through his hair. Another dead end. Wade’s development would cost them a third of the best runs they’d found. Just as he pulled out his phone to call his partner, it rang. Grey didn’t recognize the number.

“Grey Lowell.”

“Mr. Lowell, this is Brad Michaels, the prosecutor in the State’s case against Andy Randall.”

Oh shit.
“Good morning.” Grey straightened up in his chair. “What can I do for you?”

“I’d like to talk to you before the hearing. I don’t need you to testify because we’ve got solid evidence without you, but I’d like to get a victim impact statement. It can be helpful with sentencing. Do you have some time this morning?”

Grey glanced at his watch. A favorable statement would help put Avery’s family at ease. At least he could do one positive, productive thing today. “I can stop by now.”

“Great. We’re located on the third floor of the courthouse. Just come to the DA’s offices and ask for me. See you soon.”

Grey sighed before standing and returning the book to the clerk. “Thanks.”

“
No problem,
” she said.

He turned to go, dialing Avery to let her know about the latest development in his morning, when she and her entire family walked into the clerk’s office.

“Hey, I was just calling you.” He put his phone away and nodded at Andy. “Andy.”

Then he waited to be introduced to her parents. Only then did he notice Avery’s pasty complexion and panicked expression.

“Grey, what are you doing here?” she asked.

“Looking for a solution to our problem.” He tilted his head, peering at her. “What are you all doing here?”

She tugged at her ponytail and cleared her throat. “Mom, Dad, this is Grey Lowell.”

Grey reached out his hand toward Mr. Randall, who shook it without making direct eye contact. “Sir,” he said, then smiled at Avery’s mother, who remained standing behind her husband. “Ma’am, it’s nice to meet you.”

“
Hello.
” Mr. Randall gave Avery a quick look before saying, “We’re here to file papers to formalize some old business.”

“Well, then, don’t let me hold you up.” Grey smiled, but it didn’t ease their obvious tension. “Avery, can I talk to you for a second privately?”

“We need her to sign some papers first, then she can step into the hall with you.” Her father’s unreadable expression raised the hairs on Grey’s neck.

“Okay, I’ll sit tight outside while you take care of your business.”

She nodded at him and, two minutes later, came into the hallway.

“Well, that was awkward, but at least it’s out of the way.” Grey leaned in for a kiss hello, his lips brushing her cheek when she glanced at her feet.

Avery forced a lame-ass grin. “Yep.”

Grey tipped her chin up to look in her eyes. “What’s the matter, Bambi? You’re acting way too distant for my taste right now.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve called you last night.” She squeezed his arm, but her hunched posture made him uneasy. “I wanted to speak with you in person.”

“I’m listening now.” Everything about her demeanor made his chest tighten. “Is your family pissed at me for something new?”

She splayed her palm on her forehead and squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened her eyes to speak, her voice raised in pitch and tone, her eyes were pleading. “Just so you know, I’m very upset about this entire situation. I can’t figure out what’s right and wrong. I can’t find solutions that benefit everyone. And now . . . now I’ve done something that makes it harder for you to recover money from Andy.”

Grey’s spine stiffened as he withdrew his chin and scowled. “You what?”

“Andy and I executed loan documents formalizing the arrangement my dad and mom made with us when we bought the house. My dad’s recording the mortgage now, which will give him priority over any other creditors who come next, including you, assuming you get a judgment lien in a lawsuit against Andy.”

Grey couldn’t understand all her legal mumbo jumbo, but he could read guilt and dread all over her face. “Slow down. What are you trying to tell me?”

“Basically, whatever remains of Andy’s equity in the house probably won’t be much more than the insurance settlement you were offered.”

Despite her palpable anguish, his muscles went rigid from his forehead to his feet, and two words escaped his throat in a whisper. “Fuck me.”

“Grey!”

He stared at her with defiance. “Don’t ask me to apologize for swearing right now, Bambi. I’ve had my fill of bad news for a lifetime this week.”

“It hasn’t been a cakewalk for me either, you know.”

“And yet you and your family have managed to come out on top, haven’t you?”

“I’m sorry, Grey.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t have a choice. I owe my parents the money. I had to sign the documents.”

“All this time I’ve been running down rabbit holes looking for options that wouldn’t hurt you, then you go and take away the only option that saves me from disaster.” He rubbed his temples. “Why didn’t you tell me first? Too busy conspiring? I was sick about hurting you yesterday. Barely slept last night. You could’ve spared me all kinds of upset if you’d have simply told me your precious house would be protected.”

“I didn’t know about it until I got home. Apparently Matt gave Andy the idea.”

“Well now I know why he was so cocky yesterday.” Grey spat out, planting his hands on his hips. “I can’t believe you didn’t call me, Avery. I would never have done something like this without warning you.”

“I’m sorry.” She began retreating into herself, putting on a stiff upper lip and relying on that backbone he’d previously admired. “My dad demanded my loyalty.”

“Did I get
any
consideration? For God’s sake, I’ve turned myself inside out these past months to keep this nightmare from touching you. I’ve changed therapists; I lived broke until last week. I refrained from going full force after your brother because of you. This is how you repay me?
This
is how little my feelings matter to you?”

“Grey.” She reached for his arm, but he shrugged away from her. Her family spilled into the hallway in time to see and hear his anger.

“What’s going on here?”
Mr. Randall
’s brusque voice cut through the air.

“Nothing. Nothing at all, it seems.” Grey’s voice was thick with disdain, disappointment, and anger.

“According to my daughter, you weren’t planning to sue Andy and take the house, so nothing done here today should make a difference, unless you were lying to her.” His gall only fueled Grey’s disgust.

A joyless laugh escaped Grey’s throat as he looked at Avery. “I just love how this keeps getting turned around on me when I’m the victim.” He turned toward her dad, practically bellowing, “I’m the damned victim!”

He watched Avery’s mom’s eyes widen, but he wouldn’t apologize. His head hurt, seething with betrayal and disillusionment. He raked his gaze over her family, letting it rest on Andy. “Speaking of which, I’m late for an appointment with the prosecutor.”

A little zing of vengeful thrill rippled through him as he watched Mr. Randall’s superior expression fade and his face go pale.

“You promised you weren’t going to do that, Grey.” Avery’s dismayed voice drifted through the hallway.

He whirled around to face her. “I was calling you to tell you I’d just been asked to give a victim impact statement, but you weren’t answering my calls. Seeing how you didn’t feel the need to give me a heads up on this little plan,” he said, “you’re in no position to judge.” He still couldn’t believe she’d undercut him that way—working against him instead of with him—knowing he had no fallback position. Closing his eyes briefly, he tried to figure out how to scrape his heart off the floor. “At least you won’t have to worry about avoiding my calls in the future.”

When he turned to walk away, she cried out. “Grey!”

He stopped, hoping she’d apologize or ask him to forgive her for how she’d basically spit on everything he’d been trying to build between them.

She came around to face him. Her splotchy cheeks and perspiration started to soften his attitude, until she spoke. “What are you going to tell the prosecutor?”

His breath caught as an avalanche of bruised pride, heartache, and humiliation crashed over him and carried him away. She didn’t care about him or their relationship. She only cared about her family and her house. Well, he hoped she’d be happy without him, because he’d had enough of being her fool.

“
Good-bye, Avery.
”

“
Good-bye?
” Her face crumpled as she clutched his forearm. “
Wait! Don
’t go. I’m sorry!”

He shook free and strode away. A pained sob erupted behind him, but then her father’s sharp voice silenced her with a single command. “Avery!”

Grey barreled down the hall and out the front door of the town hall without glancing back.

Avery hugged her body, only vaguely aware of her parents and Andy standing behind her. She watched Grey storm down the hallway and out of her life. The memory of his repulsed expression replayed in her mind, making her dizzy. She closed her eyes and squeezed her waist tighter, bending over slightly to avoid fainting.

When a hand touched her shoulder, she sprung away and turned to face her family. Her mother’s stunned expression stopped her from yelling. Avery looked at her dad and Andy, and shook her head. “Are you happy now? Do you feel good?”

Andy looked as white as the plaster walls. If Avery weren’t so devastated by Grey’s obvious hatred, she might feel sorry for her brother. “This is your fault, Dad! If you would’ve let me talk to Grey last night, he wouldn’t be making a beeline to the prosecutor’s office to throw Andy under the bus. He wouldn’t hate me, either. You’ve just ruined Andy’s last hope regarding a light sentence, and you’ve blown up my relationship. I should’ve listened to my heart.”

“If Grey Lowell were the man you thought he was, then he would’ve understood what we did here. He wouldn’t be blaming you or expecting you to side with him over your family.”

Avery straightened up. “He’s not furious because I signed those papers. He’s upset that I didn’t warn him. That I didn’t discuss it with him first. That we didn’t all sit down together to look for a fair solution, like he’d asked. Instead of working with him, we’ve stolen all the cards without so much as a hint.” Avery strained to control her breath, remembering how Grey had described his perfect relationship with Juliette: one of absolute honesty and trust, of having each other’s backs. No secrets.

In one fell swoop, Avery had just proven to herself and Grey that she wasn’t worthy of the love he’d shared with Juliette.

She grabbed her waist and bent over, breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth.

“I’m sorry, Avery.” Andy’s quiet voice echoed in the hallway. “I should’ve talked to you before going to Dad. I’ve just been feeling so guilty about putting the house and everything at risk, I charged ahead without thinking about how it would affect you and Grey. I didn’t realize he meant so much to you. You never said anything.”