Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family #2) -Carly Phillips Page 0,16

talking. First thing that came up was her non-wedding and being dumped at the altar by her ex. The article in the society page that came up first mentioned her age. Now tell me how you know she’s nothing like her brother and why you’d bring a Kingston into your life after what Linc did to you?” Drew finished, sounding concerned.

As the older brother, Drew had always been protective of his younger siblings, and though Beck appreciated his concern, he knew what he was doing. “I trust my instincts and you should, too.”

After all the years that had passed since Linc’s betrayal, Beck had come to accept that Linc had still been drunk the morning he’d found him in bed with Jenna. Over the ensuing time at school, Beck had also seen his ex-girlfriend in action with other guys and learned she was no saint.

Beck wasn’t about to renew his friendship with Linc or play nice, but he wasn’t as blinded by anger and hurt as he once was. He just wanted to keep him at a distance.

“I’m coming over,” Drew said.

“No–”

But Drew had disconnected the call, and Beck braced for a visit soon, considering his brothers both lived in a building Beck owned that was nearby. No doubt Drew wanted to meet Chloe and judge her for himself. Beck didn’t appreciate his sibling getting into his business, but that’s how his family rolled.

Sure enough, not long after the call, Drew arrived with Tripp in tow. Chloe had been in her room for almost an hour, and instead of checking on her, he gave her the time and space she probably needed.

“Don’t you two have something better to do than check up on me?” Beck asked as they stepped inside.

“Not when you do something stupid like let a woman you barely know move in,” Tripp said.

“One whose last name is Kingston.” Drew shut the door behind them.

“Did I hear my name?” Chloe walked into the entryway, coming in from the hall, and his brothers turned her way. “Or my last name, anyway.”

Beck frowned and glared at his brothers. “Chloe, these are my brothers.” Asshole One and Asshole Two, he thought. “Tripp and Drew. Guys, meet Chloe.”

“Hi,” she said, treating them to a wave and a smile.

“Hi,” Tripp said. “We met last night.”

Chloe blushed and Beck shot his brother an annoyed glance.

“Yes, umm, last night I wasn’t at my best. I’m sure you put the whole story together by now. Or read it somewhere,” she said beneath her breath.

“It’s not your fault,” Beck said, irritated with his siblings.

“What do you have to eat? I’m hungry.” Drew headed for the kitchen and they all followed.

Chloe stood by the refrigerator. “I know I’m a guest, but I’d like to be useful and not take advantage of Beck’s hospitality. Can I get you something to eat or drink?” she asked Drew. “Let’s see what we have.” She opened the door and glanced inside.

“Chloe doesn’t have to serve you,” Beck said.

“I don’t mind.” She turned to face him and he shook his head.

“My brothers can get their own food or drink, but they didn’t come here to eat. Now that you’ve met my new houseguest, maybe you can head home?” Beck suggested.

Tripp stepped up beside Chloe and glanced into the fridge, pulling out a can of Diet Coke and popping the top. “Actually, I spoke to Mom and Dad this morning, and I wanted to fill you guys in. So when Drew said he was coming by, I wanted to join him.”

Chloe glanced at each of them. “I’m going to go back to my room and give you all some privacy. I just came out to tell you that I ordered clothes to be delivered here later today. Everything in my suitcase is for a honeymoon.” She folded her arms across her chest and her cheeks flushed pink. “It was nice to meet you both. Today. When I’m not drunk. Never mind.” She spun on her heel and walked out fast.

“Well. I hope you’re happy. You’ve embarrassed her.” Beck scowled, knowing he was going to have to apologize to her later.

But Tripp had said he was here about their parents, and Beck’s gut had been telling him something was wrong. “Now what’s going on with Mom and Dad?” Beck asked, gesturing for them to follow him into the more comfortable family room.

They settled in and Drew spoke first. “Sorry I jumped to conclusions about Chloe. I just wanted to make sure this wasn’t some kind