Page 124 of Wilde Ride

“It has everything to do with her. She’s a part of my life; therefore, she’s part of Rhett’s life.”

Caroline rolled her eyes again.

This was my chance. I had to know if she was the one sending the pictures to the paper.

“Why did you send those pictures to Janet?”

Levi’s head swiveled, and he gaped at me. Before he could say anything, Caroline spoke.

“How did you know it was me?”

Now he was staring at Caroline. “Wait—you sent the pictures?”

I cleared my throat. “I didn’t know it was you until I saw your car. I remembered seeing it on two of the occasions the pictures were snapped.”

“Fucking hell, Caroline. What is wrong with you?” Levi asked.

She shrugged. “I thought if I kept you both in the papers, you’d eventually realize that being with someone so much younger than you wasn’t worth it. It would be that much easier for me to come back.”

Levi removed his hand from mine and wrapped his arm around my waist. “You need to leave now.”

She shrugged again. “I had to at least try before I left.”

A part of me felt sorry for the woman standing before me. She’d lied to get Levi to marry her, lost her daughter in an accident, and was now going to cut her only living child out of her life. And for what reason?

Moving her gaze from Levi to me, Caroline lifted her chin. “Have fun with my sloppy seconds.”

I didn’t even bother acknowledging that comment. Just smiled contentedly.

When Caroline realized I wasn’t going to engage, she started her car and drove slowly down the driveway. I’d half expected her to peel out.

I watched until I could no longer see the red taillights.

Levi turned and scrubbed both hands over his face and let out a frustrated growl. “I cannot believe she’s going to just walk away from Rhett. What the fuck is wrong with her? I thought she just needed some time to work things out in her head.”

My heart hurt for both Levi and Rhett.

Looking back down the driveway, he said, “But this is good. It’s better that she just leaves and Rhett never sees her again.”

I placed my hand on his arm and gave it a light squeeze. “I’m sorry, Levi.”

He looked at me, and his somber expression slowly eased, a soft smile appearing. “Thank you.”

“For what?” I asked.

“Standing by my side just now. You could have taken one look at Caroline and left, or…I don’t know. You didn’t. And I appreciate that more than you know.”

I reached up and kissed him. “I know you’re acting like you’re glad she’s gone, and I’m sure a part of you is. I also know another part of you is hurting for Rhett…and for Brooke and all that you have lost.”

He closed his eyes and nodded. “Thank God Rhett wasn’t here tonight.”

“I’m glad he wasn’t as well. He would have been very confused.”

Levi exhaled.

“Let’s go inside—we have ice cream sundaes to make.”

He took my hand, and we headed through the garage and into the house. He shut both doors and locked up.