He put the ring back in its box and kept the lid open, leaving it on top of his dresser. His phone chirped. A flicker of hope buoyed Trev. Maybe Leah wanted to see how things were going with the APS investigation? It’d be nice to visit with her around the interview. He chided himself. Would she ever leave his thoughts? Talking to Leah about APS was a terrible idea.
Glancing at the number on his phone, guilt pressed in on Trev, and he answered immediately. His brother. With everything going on with the family, Trev hadn’t returned Austin’s text with a phone call as promised. “Austin. How are things?”
“Actually, I think I need to be asking you that question.” Austin’s irritation came through. “I’ve tried to reach you for the last six days, and I can’t even get you to return a text. You promised to call about the Colorado property, and I haven’t heard a word. What’s up with you? Are you spending all of your time with Leah?”
Trev let out a small puff of a laugh, trying to cover the hurt that came with the mention of Leah’s name. “I haven’t seen her in over a week.”
Austin’s tone turned curious. “What do you mean? Last time we talked, things were looking so good. What happened?”
“More than you can imagine,” Trev stated.
“I don’t know. I can imagine quite a bit. What’s going on, Trev?”
Trev didn’t want to talk about Leah. “To answer your question about the Colorado property, I’ve spoken to the lawyers. I took Dad with me for the trip down to Little Rock. We’ve been in touch, and they’ve got the situation well in hand.” Trev went into the details of how the lawyers were moving forward with the outlined plan.
Austin breathed an audible sigh of relief. “I’m glad things are moving along.” He paused. “I’m surprised that you took Dad, though. I didn’t know he was capable of making that kind of a trip. How did it go?”
That day seemed like another lifetime. “It exhausted him, but I’m glad he came along. He made for good company. His business mind isn’t as sharp as it needs to be, but with some patience, I think he could probably re-establish himself in the business with the two of us.”
“That’s great! Is it because of Leah’s work with him?” Austin’s enthusiasm spilled through the line. “It sounds like there’s been so much progress.”
Trev tried to keep the heartache out of his voice. “Yeah. She created just the right program to help him move forward without a lot of downtime or frustration. You should see Mom, too.” Trev considered his mother. In spite of everything that had happened with Allison, she’d recovered quickly. In fact, it had emboldened her. “Both of them are much better.”
“I’m so glad to hear it. It sounds as if Leah is taking good care of the folks.”
“That needs to be in past tense, actually. Leah doesn’t work with us anymore.” Despair hit Trev like a physical blow.
“What? She sounds perfect. It’s not because of Allison, is it? I know she can be a snob.”
Trev hesitated, letting out a long sigh. Telling this story was the last thing he wanted to do, but his brother had every right to know. “How much time do you have, Austin? Because this is going to take a while.”
Silence hung on the line.
Austin spoke next. “I just got to the office. Let me shut the door.”
Trev’s brother left the phone, giving him a minute to scramble for the right words and settle his crazy thoughts. What should he tell his brother? What needed to be hidden and what needed to be shared? Dismayed, Trev stopped. Impatiently, he decided he was finished with secrets. Keeping them only ruined relationships. He needed to tell Austin everything.
When Austin returned to the phone, Trev slowly began to unravel his story. He talked about Desiree’s death and the code of silence he and Allison had lived by. He spoke of the APS visit and how Leah had instigated all of it with a report. Trev’s voice turned hard as he tried to raise the effort at being angry. “She didn’t need to do that, you know. She could’ve just come to me with the problem and let me handle it. I would’ve put Allison in her place. APS didn’t need to get involved.” He tried to believe his own words, but they rang false and his earlier anger no longer stung.
“I don’t know, Trev.” Austin sounded doubtful. “Isn’t she required to report these kinds of things?”
Trev tried to hang on to his position. If Austin agreed with him, then it might be easier to leave Leah behind. “Yes, but this is different.”
“How is it different?”
“She knew everything, Austin. I’d told her all about Desiree. She knew about our breakup before anybody else, and I’d told her about the police investigation and Desiree’s parents. Her actions exposed our family to another investigation when she knew how hard it would be.” He paused. “Besides, I could’ve taken care of it.”
“Look, Trev. I hate investigations as much as you, and I don’t mean any offense, but you’ve wanted to handle Allison for the last year. All of us have been concerned. But in all honesty, even though we’ve talked about it, none of us have done anything. As a family, we let this escalate out of control. You can’t blame Leah for that.”
“I’m not blaming her for that, but for her to act like her job came first threw me. She needed to quit thinking as an employee and more like a member of the family. I’m saying she should’ve given me a chance to figure this out.” His voice rose with the conviction.
“You mean she should’ve kept it a secret?”
Shock staggered Trev. Was that what he’d expected? Had secrets become so hardwired into the fabric of his life that he considered Leah disloyal for refusing to keep one?
Austin continued, “Don’t you see? I know this is difficult, but because Leah blew this thing wide open, it’s worked out exactly as it needed to.” Austin paused. “I can understand why you wouldn’t want to go through an APS investigation. But from what you’re telling me, things are better because of it. You and Allison had to sit down with Mom and Dad and tell your stories. Allison is starting therapy in a couple of days. It’s the very thing we’ve all hoped for. Mom and Dad are in better shape, both physically and mentally. Can you imagine Mom sitting down with an APS investigator before Leah showed up? And make no mistake, things between Allison and Mom would’ve escalated, and you’d be faced with the decision of keeping another secret or reaching out for help sooner or later. Instead, you’ve started to heal because Leah was brave enough to do what needed to be done.”
Having Austin validate his tender gratitude for Leah was the last thing Trev wanted. He grumbled. “I was hoping for a different answer from you.”
“Why?” Austin asked.
“Because it would’ve made giving Leah up a little easier.”
Austin lowered his voice. “Well, then, you’re not going to like what I have to say next. For you to play the employee card is a bad call, Trev. Didn’t she want to work with you at all? Did she just leave you to figure it out by yourself?”
Trev replayed the heated conversation between him and Leah with mounting regret. “We were both pretty angry, but the following morning, she told me that I didn’t need to tell APS anything about Desiree if I didn’t want to.” The morning vision of Leah standing on his front porch unfolded before Trev. The sweet look in her large gray eyes and the warmth of her skin when their fingers touched filled him with anguished longing. Everything about her was so real, he could almost smell crushed roses.
“So, even after everything, she tried to help.”
The picture of Leah in Trev’s mind snapped shut. Trev leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. “Yeah. I think so.” He paused. “So, the short story to all of this is that I was a jerk.” His voice took on his annoyance. “I was trying to avoid that outcome.”
“A jerk with a reason,” Austin said. “You had reasons for the way you behaved. I get it, but yeah, you were kind of a jerk.” Austin’s voice softened. “Do you miss her?”
Despair made Trev’s voice raspy. “Yeah. I miss her a lot. All through this t
hing, I kept wishing for her steady presence. I kept thinking Leah would know what to do or how to handle this or what to say. I wished for her to be with me, so I didn’t feel so alone in all of this. But more than that, I just missed her.”
“It’s not too late, you know,” Austin said.
Fatigue mingled with anguished resignation. “Oh yes, it is. She won’t want to have anything to do with me.” He stared at the ring, sitting in its box on the dresser.
“I wouldn’t be so sure. She reached out with information, didn’t she? Look, I’ll advise you in family matters, but I won’t tell you how to handle this thing with Leah.” Austin paused. “Who am I kidding? I’m going to tell you to call her. Better yet, go to her place with some flowers and an honest, heartfelt apology. Women love flowers and apologies.”
A tight bud of hope loosened within Trev. “Maybe. Possibly.” Could he do it? Put everything on the line, including his heart with an apology?
“Just think about it. And don’t ever make me wait six days again.” Austin chastised him. “I’m way over here in London, and it’s hard not to hear from you. I had no idea what was going on over there. I got a few texts from Mom, so I knew everybody was alive, but I could tell something was going on. I know I’m not there to help, but I’d come home in a moment’s notice, and you need to keep me in the loop.”
“You’re right,” Trev said. “I’m sorry.”
Austin laughed. “See? You can form the words of an apology. Now just practice half a dozen times and head over to Leah’s.”
Trev laughed. “It’s past midnight over here.”
“Well, first thing in the morning, then. Just think about it.”
“I’ll think about it,” Trev promised.
The two brothers said a quick goodbye, leaving Trev alone. In spite of the growing weariness, a new rejuvenation took hold. Even though it was difficult to hear Austin’s confirmation of what he already believed around Leah’s choices, it gave him confidence. What Leah chose to do was something to hold in high esteem. She was conscientious about her job, and her diligence had led to his family’s healing. In spite of the hardship brought upon his family, things were better now than they had been in years.
He walked back out onto the deck and listened to the water of the lake lapping against the shore. A night breeze stirred around him, bringing with it the smell of a summer squall. The storm brewed on the horizon. Dark clouds gathered, glowing purple and white in the sharp lightning. Distant thunder rumbled.
He settled in the lounge chair and looked up at the sky directly above him. In spite of the threat, the stars overhead shone full and bright. The words he and his brother had shared wandered in his head. He appreciated Austin’s pep talk, but it didn’t completely dispel his doubts.
Would flowers and a heartfelt apology soften Leah’s hurt feelings? Probably not. He’d snarled at her in a way that appalled him. What if he offered her his heart once again? Would it be enough?
Trev leaned against the railing. His heart wasn’t the only thing he had to offer. Even if she decided she never wanted to see him again, he still wished to express his love in a way that would be lasting and meaningful for her. They may never share another tender word, but he could show her how much he loved her. After all, Austin was right. She’d given him the gift of his family, and he wanted to give her something in return.
When he’d given Leah the ring the first time, everything felt right, but she wouldn’t accept it now. He’d have to come up with another way to entice her to consider his effort to help. For the next fifteen minutes he considered his options. Finally, he smiled in excitement. He knew exactly what he was going to do, but what really thrilled him was the hope of seeing Leah first thing in the morning.
Chapter 29
Trev stood just outside Leah’s door, his hands full of a large bouquet of pink peonies, red roses, and white daisies along with a surprise only Leah would understand. He’d told his parents he was going to see Leah. The conversation had proven difficult in the beginning.
Trev’s first inclination was to keep his feelings for Leah hidden from his family, but if his conversation with Austin taught him anything it was that he wanted to be finished with secrets. When he approached his folks about his hopes around Leah, his father embraced bringing her back into the fold. His mother warmed up to the idea after some consideration.
“We really do love that girl. I just wish things had turned out differently,” his mother lamented.
Trev shared Austin’s words with his family, and his parents listened attentively.
Trev continued, “He’s right, you know. She blew this thing wide open, and I’m learning to be grateful for that.”
Allison proved more resistant. “I’m afraid she’s seen me at my worst. I’m not sure I’m interested in revisiting all of that.”
Trev tried to keep his voice even. Allison wouldn’t stop him from pursuing Leah. “I doubt she’ll want to hash any of this out with you, Allison. If she does come back, I’m the one who has to do the most apologizing.”
Allison gave him a furtive look before looking away, saying nothing.
Trev continued, “If by some far-off chance Leah and I do get back together, we’ll work it out as a family.”
“Fair enough,” Allison agreed.
But something in her tone and the way she squirmed in her seat caught Trev’s attention. His thoughts didn’t stay with Allison for long. He was too busy trying to figure out the best way to reach Leah.
Now, he stood at Leah’s door with his heart in his throat. He knocked quietly. No one answered, bringing Trev a niggling relief. It’d be easier if she wasn’t home. He could leave the flowers wrapped in their ribbon and burlap and walk away, waiting to see if she’d get back in touch with him.
He was bending down to leave the flowers when the door opened. Hurriedly, he stood, his eyes locking into Leah’s, her unexpected presence making him speechless. He took a shaky breath. “Hi.”
She blinked at him, shock registering in her expression. “Hey.”
They stood awkwardly for several seconds. Heat prickled up Trev’s neck. He wasn’t sure if it was the warming late August day or seeing Leah after so long an absence. Every inch of her looked familiar, soft, and desirable. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Um … well, I—can I come in?” Trev asked.
“Oh, sure. Sorry. I’m just surprised to see you here, that’s all. I didn’t mean to be rude. How did you know where I live?”
“It’s on your application.”
Leah laughed. “Of course. Yes.” She bit her lip and stood aside as she opened the door wide.
With dread, Trev noticed the phone in her hand. Was his timing wrong? Had he given this visit so much thought just to be thwarted by a phone call? “I didn’t mean to interrupt. Are you on the phone?”
“Not anymore. It was just Paige. It’s okay. Come on in.”
Trev breathed relief as he followed Leah into her home. Everything was neat and clean, albeit a bit sparse. Several boxes were stacked in the corner. “This is a cute place.”
“Thanks.” Leah folded and rubbed her arms. “I probably won’t be staying here since I’m no longer working, and it’ll be hard to get a job just for a month, but I’ve enjoyed my time here. That’s what Paige and I were discussing.”
Alarm rose in Trev. “Where will you go?”
Leah looked up at him. “Home.”
Trev blinked, his hope for a reconciliation with Leah dying on the vine. If her father had anything to say about Leah’s immediate future, it wouldn’t involve him. He put his disappointment away. The chance for him and Leah had been slim, but it didn’t change his reason for being here. “These are for you.” With trembling hands, he thrust the bouquet of flowers toward her. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this nervous in front of a girl.
Leah gasped as her lips curved into a lovely smile. “They’re beautiful.” She took the flowers from him. “Where did you get these?”
“I picked them up at the Lily and Rose here in town. The little shop is owned by Meredith O’Brien. I know her through my neighbor, Sawyer McCall. Take a look in the middle of the flowers.” Trev relaxed as her fingers brushed against his. Their brief touch sparked familiarity and a sense of goodness about his presence here.
Leah cracked a smile before parting the bouquet. After a quick search, she pulled out a pair of athletic socks rolled tight. Leah laughed deeply. “Only you would know to buy me socks.”
Her laughter pleased him beyond his wildest hopes. “They had quite a time getting them in there, but it was worth the effort.”
“Socks are always a welcome gift and the flowers are gorgeous.” She buried her nose in the blooms. “I love peonies, and I haven’t seen any in the longest time. Thank you.”
Trev congratulated himself. Austin was right. He and Leah needed this time together, and flowers were just the ticket. Now for the apology. “Leah, I’m really sorry for how I treated you on the day you told me about what happened between Mom and Allison and the APS report. I didn’t handle any of it very well.”
Leah’s eyes cooled. “I’m sorry I had to do it.”
Trev nodded. “I know.”
“Would you like to sit down?” Leah asked. “I’m going to put these in water.”
This visit was going better than he’d hoped, but he still needed to be cautious and stick to the plan. Trev made his way to the couch as Leah hurried to the kitchen. He watched as she pulled a large vase from underneath the sink, filled it with water, and arranged the flowers. Her movements were easy and graceful, and the desire to have her back in his arms rushed through him. He looked away and realigned his thoughts as she placed the flowers on the small dinette before moving to the only chair in the living room, opposite the couch.
The Billionaire's Family Secret (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 15) Page 21
