by Jane Drager
She flopped into one of the two big leather chairs in front of his desk, dropped her purse to the floor with a thud, and curled onto the seat, legs tucked close to her chest.
At a guess, she wanted to blend in with the leather. Impossible with her flowery clothes. He’d swear on a stack of bibles she wore pajamas as her everyday garments. He leaned back and studied his sister. “What’s bothering you, Jan?”
While toying with her pant leg, she sighed. “I wondered if you’ve seen Lauren.”
She’d said the words so softly he actually wondered if Eric was right all along about Jan missing Lauren. His eyebrow ticked. “I have. Why?”
Shooting him a quick glance, she hugged her knees. “Lauren and I talked about a lot of things, Deems. You know, sister stuff. I miss her.” Smirking, she shrugged. “I guess I want to know if she’s okay.”
“She’s fine.” After I secured her safety from Eric, found her a decent place to live, and assured money for her to eat. Oh, how he wanted to tell Jan what a douche bag Eric was and the trouble he caused, but he’d waste his breath. She wouldn’t hear a word. While gazing carefully at his sister, Deems rocked in his chair. “Do I detect a hint of regret?”
Waving aside his question, she met his steady gaze. “Are you dating her?”
“I can’t call us dating.” Picking up his pen, he tapped the tip on his desk pad. “I’ve seen her a few times, more to check on her than anything else.”
Jan fussed with a string of beads dangling around her neck. “I’ll never forgive her, Deems.”
So ended the question of whether Jan wanted Lauren back. He again dropped the pen and studied her. “Lauren’s story is substantially different from Eric’s, and quite frankly, I believe hers.” He leaned forward to point a finger. “Lauren hit him with a solid right hook for a reason, and she has the bruised knuckles as proof.”
She shook her head. “Eric said the bruise came from the car.”
A classic case of blind love. How could he possibly convince his young and naïve sister about a man like Eric? She had picked the worst kind of opportunist—a man who took whatever he pleased without guilt or remorse. And right now, the man had everything. He screwed Jan while feeding her lies about false love, and then secretly pursued Lauren while Jan attended class. Without a doubt, Jan needed some sense slapped into her small brain.
Again, Deems sat back. “Lauren is very beautiful, Jan. She has no need to chase men, especially one dating her friend. You know yourself she doesn’t want any involvement with a man, and she’s already told me that very thing more than once.” He cocked his head. “Deep down, you believe her, don’t you?”
She stretched out her legs and slumped into the chair. “I don’t know what to believe.”
If Jan wasn’t careful, she’d slide right off the leather cushion and look like a bouquet of flowers hitting the floor. But this visit was more than her feigned concern for Lauren. He let a gentle smile slip onto his lips. “Why don’t you tell me what’s really bothering you.”
Jan shuffled her sandals on the rug. “Eric’s done some things that have me wondering.”
Well, this revelation was a welcomed opening. Not like he had any expertise on the inner processes of a woman’s mind, but he understood men like Eric. And to have his sister associating with his type was enough to make a brother’s blood boil. Deems reclined his chair and lifted his feet onto the corner of the desk. “What’s Eric doing?” Besides stalking Lauren.
She shot him a sideways glance. “I never told anyone—not even Lauren, but while we were in the Bahamas, he disappeared for an entire day. I almost contacted the police, but then, he strolled through the door and never even apologized. The time was close to midnight, and he refused to talk about where he’d been.”
A man who disappeared while on vacation with a girlfriend almost always created one scenario. Deems cringed. “Another woman?”
“I can’t be certain.” Lips pursed, she drummed her fingers on the armrests. “He talked me into a trip to the Bahamas, because he said I studied too much. Then, he turned around and said we’re leaving, because I’m missing too many classes.” She sighed heavily and straightened in the chair. “We paid for six days but left in three with no chance for refund.” She met his gaze. “I thought he’d gone bonkers, you know, like too many hours in the sun. He knows we’re not rolling in dough.”
His gut tightened. “You paid for the trip?”
She grimaced. “Actually, you did since you pay all my bills.”
With his blood about to boil out his veins, Deems toyed with the crease in his trousers while mentally counting to ten. Jan’s spending options necessitated serious reconsideration with Eric in the picture. He’d already warned her about the rent. Maybe his next action was to cancel the credit card he gave her, but such an action left him with a tricky situation. He wanted Jan to have anything she desired, and to cut her off would break his heart. Yet, in the same breath, he refused to allow her to support her slug of a fiancé.
“And another point.” Jan swung her legs over the chair’s armrest, brows creased together. “When we arrived at the Bahamas airport, Eric turned into a bundle of nerves. He couldn’t sit still. Once home, he relaxed completely but then got real bad after Lauren left. He’s snapping at me for the oddest reasons, disappears for hours, and paces like he’s some caged animal.” She frowned at the floor.
Should he tell Jan how Eric found Lauren, all under the pretense of returning her to the apartment? Somehow, Jan’s naïve mind would twist the story and make Eric the hero. He pursed his lips. “What do you expect me to do?”
Shrugging, she forced a smile. “Be my sounding board. I’ve no one else to talk to—except Mom, but she’ll tell me to abide by your decision.” She scratched her head then shot him a quick glance. “Lauren won’t let you beyond the friendship part?”
He often marveled at how his sister’s mind worked. She inquired about Lauren’s well-being then switched to Eric’s odd behavior before circling back to Lauren. He shook his head. “She hates New York, and yes, she told me about her fiancé. I can’t blame her for being leery.” His desk intercom buzzed.
Dropping his feet to the floor, he leaned forward and flipped the switch. “Yes, Betty?”
“Excuse the interruption, Mr. Lambert, but Bill Stewart is on the line and wants to know if the check arrangement for Lauren Howell is okay.”
“Tell him it’s perfect.” He’d have a great reason to see Lauren at least once a week, whether she wanted to see him or not. Inwardly, he smiled at the thought.
Jan’s eyebrows rose halfway into her hairline. “Is Lauren working for Carol and Bill?”
Shit. He should have forewarned Betty about a call from Bill. Propping his elbows on the desk and shooting Jan a sharp glare, he wagged a finger. “Lauren’s condo sitting, and don’t you dare mention anything to Eric.”
“Oh. Well…good for her. Look—” She slid to the edge of the seat, straightened her shoulders, and placed her feet flat to the floor. “I’m thinking of getting a summer job at the end of the semester. Any objections?”
They were words he never expected to hear. She’d probably acquire a job faster than Eric. “Great idea, Jan. You’ll feel a sense of control with your life and maybe meet new friends.” And hopefully, a better boyfriend. “Just don’t pull an irrational stunt like run off and marry Eric when he’s filled you with so much doubt.”
She waved aside the comment. “He suggested that already, but I want a big wedding, and planning one takes time.”
Thank God for small favors. “Then don’t let him talk you out of your dreams.”
The intercom buzzed again. Betty’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Mark Jordan is here.”
He flipped the switch. “One second.” Meeting Jan’s gaze, he raised a questioning brow.
Jan jumped to her feet. “No problem. I’ve grocery shopping to do.” She grabbed her canvas purse.
“Send him in, Betty.”
A man in his early thirties strolled through the door, showing a healthy set of white teeth inside a broad smile. With blond hair, brown eyes, and his skin an impressive tan, he displayed every ounce a confident man. He wore a business suit and tie, impeccably tailored to fit a small frame. Hand outstretched, he walked toward the desk.
Deems stood to take the hand. “Glad you arrived okay. My sister, Jan.”
Turning to Jan, Mark flashed a smile more brilliant than ever. His gaze scanned her from head to toe and gave no indication of displeasure at her flowery appearance. He took Jan’s offered hand. “Mark Jordan. Nice to meet you.”
Jan acknowledged Mark with a tilt of her head, her gaze equally taking him in. Her mouth opened to speak, but she slapped her lips shut.
Dare I play matchmaker? Mark had a future with High-Rise International and was by far a better catch than Eric. But convincing Jan to break her engagement and try another man would be a lesson in futility.
Jan cleared her throat. “I was just leaving.” She headed for the door but not without a quick glance over her shoulder at the newcomer.
Hope surged within Deems’ chest. She was definitely interested. If he could somehow arrange a date without seeming too obvious…
Once the door closed, Deems waved Mark to a chair before sinking into his own. “Dan Williams sent an impressive evaluation of your work. He tells me you speak Spanish so fluently he can’t follow.” Leaning back, he rested his elbows on the armrests and steepled his fingers. “Dan also mentioned you have a knack for dialects, and he wants to put you in charge of the western side of South America. How do you feel about the responsibility?”
Sitting, Mark beamed. “I can’t complain about a promotion, Mr. Lambert. Chile and Peru have some nice properties available, and I’d like to approach the owners.”
Deems extended a finger. “As long as you ascertain that the structures meet our building codes. I don’t want a collapse five years down the road.” He gestured toward the world map hanging on the wall above the leather sofa. “Also, be aware of the fault line traveling along the coast. I’d like to see some sort of earthquake prevention built into the foundations.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll follow all the company codes.”
“Good. You’ll receive a substantial pay raise, of course.” He sat forward. “I want you to spend some time with our accounting manager. He’ll help you organize the office in Peru. Your next stop will be to meet with our legal department. They’ve already done a ton of research on South America.” He paused to smile. “While you’re here, you might like to see your family.”
Nodding, Mark returned the smile. “Already arranged, sir. My mom and sister are driving here to meet me. We’ll spend a few days together before they head home.”
“Excellent. Accounting will give you your own credit card. Treat your family to New York at the company’s expense.” He stood and extended a hand. “We’ll have dinner together before you leave.” He shook Mark’s hand. “Head to accounting. They have an advance in salary waiting.”
“Thanks, Mr. Lambert.” He turned toward the door then quickly turned back, an eyebrow cocked. “Is your sister…single?”
Well, well, he’s interested. Studying Mark, Deems chewed on his inner lip. “She’s engaged to a jackass.” His own words twisted his gut into a knot.
Mark grimaced. “Sorry, she wasn’t wearing a ring.”
“He can’t afford a ring or anything else.” He mustn’t say too much. Otherwise, he’d make his sister look like an idiot. Sighing, he rubbed his forehead. “I don’t approve of the match, Mark. Even if I urged her to join us for dinner, she’d probably drag along the jerk.”
Mark’s blond brows creased into a frown. “That’s a shame. She’s cute.”
And just your size. He shook his head. “Mark, I’d like nothing more than to see you two hook up, but I don’t think she’ll leave the slug. You have my blessing to try.”
He flashed a grin. “Wow, thank you, Mr. Lambert, but my time in New York is limited. I won’t have the opportunity to pursue a relationship.”
A noble man. Don’t that beat all. Mark Jordan was the best recruit he’d seen in a long time. According to Dan’s report, the man could sell a motorcycle to a blind man.
Over the next two hours, the pile of paperwork on his desk slowly diminished. As the clock struck five, a soft tap sounded on his door. He glanced up to see Lou Zane step in.
“I’m about to leave to collect Ms. Howell. Do you want me to swing back to drive you home?”
“No, thanks, Lou. I’ll take a cab.” He threw his pen on the desk then leaned back and clamped his hands behind his head. “Did you do a little covert activity?”
Lou approached the desk. “Yes, sir. After I dropped Mr. Jordan at his hotel, I swung by the studio. Eric Drummer slumped in his car a half-block away, watching the place. He looked like he’d been in a barroom brawl with cuts and bruises all over his face. Pretty obvious, even with my quick drive-by.” He tugged on his ear, his face thoughtful. “Someone worked him over real good.”
Jan hadn’t mentioned Eric being in a fight. In all probability, Eric told her he fell onto his face, and naïve Jan believed him. He gritted his teeth. “I’d like to know what the hell my sister sees in that man.”
Stroking a hand across his bald head, he sighed. “If she’s anything like my oldest daughter, she’ll wise up too late.”
“Yeah, precisely what I’m afraid of.” Chest tight, he swiveled in his chair and stood to face the large picture window behind his desk. Here on the eighteenth floor, he had a bird’s eye view of Manhattan and the Hudson River, but the floors above had the best views and, of course, the higher rent. Stuffing his hands into his trouser pockets, he turned back to Lou. “All right. Follow my original order and don’t let Lauren out of your sight until you safely deliver her to the condo building. She’ll protest, so don’t let her win.”
Smiling, Lou nodded. “I’ll do my best.” He headed for the door.
“And Lou—”
Lou glanced over his shoulder.
“Be careful, will you? I smell a bad fish.”
Chapter Thirteen
At five thirty, Lauren exited the studio to see Lou waiting alongside the limo.
With a big smile, he opened the rear door and waved her in.
Dear Lord. She’d be the talk of the class tomorrow. A limo twice in one day. And she with hardly a dime to her name. She eyed Lou warily. “I don’t need such fanfare, you know. Can I sit in the front with you?”
“Sorry, miss. I must follow proper procedure. If you like, I can keep the window open between us.” He cocked his head. “Shall we go?”
She removed her backpack and slipped onto the seat. Once again, the giddiness threatened to overtake her. The rich smell of leather combined with the plushness of the upholstery was a luxury far beyond her wildest dreams. After spending several months in New York, she understood the need for a limo and driver. People parked their cars and left them, only daring to move the vehicle when public transportation just wouldn’t do. Like when they ventured out of the city. Or had a special function to attend. And in Deems’ case, when he visited his many properties.
Lou slipped behind the steering wheel, opened the connecting window, and glanced over his shoulder. “Seatbelt, miss. And so you know, Mr. Lambert gave me specific instructions to stay glued to your side until we reach the condo building.”
She inwardly smiled. Deems would win her heart yet, and if truth be told, she was damn close. “Thank you, Lou. I won’t mind.” Not with Eric hanging around. After buckling her belt, she rested her head on the seat cushion and closed her eyes.
For the first time since leaving Jan’s apartment, she breathed a sigh of relief. Everything would be all right and mainly because of one caring man. He had lifted her from a living hell and returned peace to her soul. How could she ever thank him? Maybe he’d like a fresh apple pie. She lifted her head. “Deems won’t get in trouble, right?”
Lou glanced in the rearview mirror, his dark eyes twinkling. “He’ll be fine, miss.”
True to his word, Lou stayed by her side, even as she packed her belongings and turned in the key. By six forty-five, he escorted her into the lobby of her new home as Robert emerged from the elevator with a cart full of suitcases.
Facing her, Lou gave a brief salute. “I will leave you, miss, unless you want me to accompany you upstairs.”
She took her suitcase from his hand. “I can manage. Thank you so much, Lou, for everything.”
“Anytime, miss.” He bowed slightly, waved to Robert, and left.
Robert eased the loaded cart toward the door. “I think the Stewarts packed enough for a year.” Smiling, he turned to Lauren. “Nice to see you again, miss.” He pointed to the lone suitcase in her hand. “You want me to carry your luggage?”
Panic gripped her. Dear Lord, he’ll expect a tip! Smiling, she shrugged. “I’m good, Robert, but will you—”
Before waiting for the rest of her sentence, he whirled toward the elevators while stretching a key ring from a retractable device on his belt. “Happy to oblige, miss.” He inserted the key into the fourth floor slot then stepped out with a quick salute. “Welcome to the building, Miss Howell.”
The whole scene had a surreal effect on her psyche. First, Lou with the limo and his personal escort, and then, Robert in his perfectly pressed uniform of blue shirt and black pants. Both treated her as if she possessed a wad of dough. If they only knew.
Reaching the fourth floor, the elevator doors opened. Throat tight, Lauren squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and stepped onto the hall carpet. Her stomach jumped around inside her gut, causing a queasiness to increase with every tread. She couldn’t shake the feeling of walking within a dream, and at any moment, she’d awaken and find herself back at the boardinghouse.
Ever since the budget crisis hit Pennsylvania, nothing but bad luck had come her way. Consolidated schools meant limited need for teachers, crowded classrooms, and decreased time for one-on-one tutoring. Her fiancé left her flat broke and disappeared without explanation. Jan kicked her out of her apartment and wouldn’t listen to reason, and now, Eric wanted to climb into her pants despite her lack of interest.
