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I inhaled and huffed a soft breath. "There's nothing to tell. Honestly, I don't know what Christian and I are. I'm still trying to figure that out…"

I was surprised when Christian showed up but I was also relieved. The minute I opened my door and saw him standing there, I realized he was exactly what I wanted and needed.

I would have never asked him to come, but the fact that I didn't have to twisted something in me. I wouldn't dare read too deeply into it but inside I knew what neither of us were saying. The contract was no longer driving our intentions. Feelings were involved. Christian and I had a connection that didn't make sense and probably never would but needed to be addressed because the feelings were very relevant.

We needed to have that conversation but now wasn't the time. Right now, I was simply allowing him to be here for me because I needed him and he was willing to be what I needed.

"If you have to figure it out then maybe now's not the best time for this, Scot. You can't even define what you are."

"We don't need to be defined. I know that may not make sense to you but I need what he's offering. He's here and that's enough."

"That shit doesn't sound right."

"I don't expect you to understand but will you at least trust that I know what I'm doing?"

He laughed dryly. "No, I can't do that shit either. But when your mind's made up about something, there's not a damn thing anyone can do to change it. Not even me so I'm going to fall back but promise me you're okay."

"I'm okay, Alex. I promise. Even if I don't know how to explain what Christian and I are, I do know you can trust me with him."

"Yeah, same shit he said."

I smiled softly. "You two are a lot alike. Hopefully that will help you relax some."

"Nah, it really doesn't, but I'm going to trust that you know what you need. And if that's him, then like I said, I'll fall back, but I'm here. Don't you dare hesitate to tell me if you need me."

"I won't."

"Aight, I have a meeting with the board at seven to discuss what statement we're going to make. I assume you don't care one way or another."

This was about business. Our father was the head of Whitney. We had a lot of money tied up in business ventures and there needed to be a formal statement.

"No, I don't. Honestly, that's why I called."

I wanted to leave last night. Christian asked me to give it until morning to decide. I still felt the same. I refused to give my father anything else. Even the respect of a public show of support by way of a grieving daughter for the media to capture and comment about.

"What's up?"

"Would you be mad if I didn't stay? The only reason I considered it is because of you and Val and if you need me to…"

"No, I don't and I'm sure Val doesn't either. I won't be surprised if she makes the same decision."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, Scot. It's more important to me that you're okay."

"Thank you."

"Love you, Scot, and you damn sure better call me if you need me."

"I will. Love you too."

After I ended the call with Alex, I called Tezni.

"You know I was ten minutes from pulling up on you. Are you okay?"

I grinned. "Yes, I'm okay."

"Truth?"