Until We Say Goodbye

by Jane Drager

  “Nothing was missing, just everything turned on end. Eric claims his buddies were playing a joke and refused to call the police.”

  Somehow, the comment about Eric and the police came as no surprise. The man probably had a rap sheet well hidden from Jan. The poor girl was so dense. “What was Jan’s response about Eric?”

  His arms slipped down her sides, and he sighed. “Jan took his side, of course. Since I’ve known her to be a stubborn little mule, I had no other option but to stop paying her rent. If she wants to live with a man, then she needs to take responsibility for her actions. I’ll continue paying her tuition and allowance, but—”

  Lauren’s eyelid twitched. Perhaps she’d misheard. “Hold on a minute. What do you mean you paid her rent? Since when?”

  “Oops.” He grimaced and looked away. “Sorry. Cat’s out of the bag. I’ve been supporting my sister since she arrived in Manhattan.”

  “But I paid half the rent—eleven hundred dollars a month.” She gripped his suit jacket lapels and narrowed her gaze. “Did I pay the full rent?” Truthfully, she shouldn’t complain. The amount was still cheaper than a room at the YWCA.

  A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You paid less than half, Lauren.” He yanked her into his arms until she stood flush against his chest. “I don’t want to talk about Eric and Jan. I’ve spent two days in Dallas, and all I thought about was you.” He lifted her chin and captured her mouth.

  All her worries disappeared as the warmth of his kiss shattered her thoughts like leaves blowing in the wind. His musk cologne swirled around her head, and she sucked in his scent with relish. She missed him so much. In such a short time, he’d become the most extraordinary man to enter her life.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she deepened the kiss. How can I possibly let this man go? Deems made her body come alive. He weakened her bones and forced her to question her own sanity. Most of all, the fullness he caused in her chest was enough to explode her heart. Plain and simple, she loved Deems and would never get enough of him. Whenever they were together, she felt safe and whole. To think I almost married a man who was nothing more than a roommate.

  But upon her return home, she still had to contend with her limited finances and basically restart her life from the day she’d left for college. She couldn’t take the easy route and sponge off Deems.

  Deems slid his lips from hers and bit her earlobe. “I’m contemplating a position change at the company.” He took her hand and guided her to the sofa. Sitting, he urged her onto his lap. “I’ll allow someone else to have a shot at the North American territory.”

  She traced a finger along his lower lip, enjoying the feel of the softness. “What will you do?”

  “I have other options.” He kissed her finger.

  Every touch had her reeling, even the soft, gentle ones. With her gaze on his lips, she tilted her head to the side. “Not because of me, right?” She met his gaze. “You obviously have a good-paying job. And you have Jan to support.”

  Pulling back slightly, he pursed his lips. “Is the money important?”

  “I’m saying don’t quit a job you like for a woman who is temporarily in your life.” Damn, those words were hard to say. The fullness in her chest turned to an ache. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t shake away the sadness surrounding her heart. Avoiding his gaze, she toyed with the buttons on his shirt. “I’m not sure I can take this city full-time, Deems, and I will never ask you to leave.”

  With a gentle nudge to push her off his lap, he stood and extended a hand.

  She slipped her fingers into his and followed him to the picture window where a nighttime view of city lights greeted them. Even at this height, she wasn’t impressed.

  He waved an arm. “This world is mine, Lauren. I can’t leave.”

  His voice sounded like a prisoner locked in a cell. She cocked her head. “You can’t leave, or you won’t?”

  Facing her, he gave her a tired smile. “I won’t.”

  Could her heart sink any lower? Well, what did you expect? Gaze cast downward, she nodded. “I understand, Deems, but you have to consider my point of view, too. I love to lie in an open pasture and stare at the stars.” She pointed out the window. “All I see now is the church steeple reflecting light off its copper sheeting. The city’s light pollution hides everything in the sky except for the moon.” Turning, she patted his chest and gave him a light peck on the cheek before breaking away. “If you’re hungry, I’ve some leftover chicken. Then, maybe we can relax in front of the TV.”

  Lowering his head, he gazed with a one-eyed glare. “You’ve been on my mind for two days straight. TV is not uppermost on my agenda.”

  “The suggestion was in case you were exhausted.” She flashed a wry grin. “TV is not uppermost on my mind either.” She hooked her arm through his and led him to the bedroom.

  ****

  Deems jostled through the crowded cocktail lounge toward the curve in the bar where available standing room eased the sardine effect. Ordinarily, he’d avoid a Friday night date at Billy’s Bar and Grill, but he promised Lauren a dinner. Come hell or high water, he’d give her one—provided Antonio stopped being so hard-nosed.

  The bartender, who looked no older than the legal age limit, gave him a nod. “What will you have?”

  “Scotch on the rocks.” He wanted to swing by the studio to save her time, but the art students were coming down to the wire, and Antonio spent every minute cramming his knowledge into their brains for fear of missing a crucial point. Lauren’s classes stretched into the evening hours and delayed her arrival home, effectively curtailing any together-time because of exhaustion.

  The bartender placed a napkin then his drink onto the bar.

  Slipping onto the only empty stool, Deems tossed him a twenty dollar bill and sipped, his gaze scanning the crowd. He should level with Lauren and explain about his business and career. So what if he made good money and supported his sister? Why not tell Lauren the whole story? She displayed a sensibility far beyond any woman in his past. Like now. He suspected her late-class excuses were a rational need to place a wedge into their relationship, which made sense. Neither wanted to say goodbye, yet the outcome of a successful union slapped their faces every time they slept together. Nowhere was their inevitable separation more apparent than the countdown of her time left in New York.

  Tonight, he would, once again, raise the subject of her staying. Maybe persistence would wear her down. Somehow, the idea caused a chuckle to reverberate in his throat. Lauren was, if anything, a strong-willed woman. If she agreed to stay, she’d stay on her terms, not his.

  “Are you alone?” said a sultry voice.

  He rotated his head to see a woman with too much cleavage leaning toward him. Since they were packed against the bar with no place for a quick escape, he smiled politely. “I’m waiting for someone.”

  “I can keep you company while you wait.”

  Her breath smelled like gin as she looped her arm through his. Feeling as if ants crawled beneath his shirt, he used a two-finger hold to lift her arm from his jacket. The last thing he wanted was for Lauren to see another woman hanging on his arm. He scowled. “I’m meeting someone. Move on.”

  She huffed then turned to the man behind her.

  Thank the Lord for small favors.

  No matter where in Manhattan, on a Friday night, crowds packed every bar, restaurant, and nightclub as people sought relief from a hectic work week. This particular bar and grill offered a casual atmosphere with no particular dress code, and Lauren should feel perfectly comfortable. He, of course, donned his usual suit and tie since he felt undressed in anything less.

  As he surveyed the entrance for the woman of his dreams, he spotted a familiar face holding the door for two women—one elderly, the other in her twenties—both hurried toward the ladies’ room.

  Mark Jordan caught his wave and made his way to the bar, hand outstretched. “You’re the last person I expected to see, Mr. Lambert.” />
  Taking Mark’s hand, Deems nodded in the direction of the ladies’ room. “Were the two women your mom and sister?”

  “Yeah, two deer caught in the headlights.” He chuckled. “I’ve been showing them the sights. They come from a small town, so I don’t think they’re impressed. More in awe of so many people.”

  A typical reaction for anyone’s first visit to New York City. Deems recalled Lauren’s look of confusion when she stepped into the deli restaurant on their first date. Wait ’til she gets a load of this place. He sipped his drink to hide his spreading grin. “Big city life isn’t for everyone. I’m seeing a woman who’s from a small town. She can’t wait to leave.”

  Mark’s mouth quirked to the side. “Sorry, boss, I can’t believe any woman would leave you. You’re a great catch.” His gaze wandered over the crowd before drifting back. “By the way, I’d like to meet your sister again. She’s cute.”

  The best news he’d heard all day. “Nothing I’d like more, Mark, but her fiancé is a foot taller than you, and he won’t think too highly of your interference.”

  Squaring his shoulders, Mark smirked. “I can defend myself. How about we meet in your office?” He waved away the bartender. “You come up with some excuse for her to visit, and then, I’ll pop in like before.” He grinned. “I’ll throw on the charm.”

  Deems almost laughed. With Mark’s good looks and easy smile, he might be the man to draw Jan from her loser fiancé or, at least, put some doubt into his sister’s brain. His gaze scanned Mark. A nice dresser. Suit but no tie. Open-collar white shirt. He wore his clothes well. “My sister is thickheaded and probably more trouble than she’s worth, but you know what, Mark? Let’s give the plan a try.” He slapped the man on the back. “I can extend your time in New York with the pretense of learning new accounting procedures, invite Jan to lunch, and then have you unexpectedly arrive.”

  Chuckling, Mark nodded. “That should work.”

  The entrance door opened. Deems locked his gaze onto the familiar head of dark hair as Lauren walked through followed by two men. All three were smiling, and a surge of jealousy collided with pride. The woman had a way of exciting his nerve endings, and an erection erupted as proof.

  Like a miracle from the heavens above—or just his wild imagination, the crowd separated, and his breath hitched. She looked stunning in a sleek black dress perfectly contoured to show her beautiful curves. Her hair fell loosely onto her shoulders with several strands drawing a man’s gaze toward the soft mounds of her breasts. With high heels and plenty of legs, she exemplified a man’s fantasy of a healthy woman capable of a night of vigorous sex. Every male in the establishment turned to gawk, but she hardly noticed. Face glowing, she met his gaze and smiled.

  As her gaze shifted to Mark Jordan, the smile faded, and her pace slowed. Green eyes wide, she lost all color in her complexion.

  Mark’s color turned to ash. His posture stiffened, and he gave every indication of preparing to bolt. What the hell is going on here? Deems stood and stepped away from the bar.

  Lauren approached, and her gaze drifted to Deems. Frowning, she pointed to Mark. “A friend of yours?”

  The chill in her voice sent a shiver along his spine. He eyed her warily. “Colleague.”

  Without a second’s hesitation, she slapped Mark hard, snapping the man’s head like a volleyball.

  “Lauren, Lauren!”

  Mark’s sister and mother worked their way through the crowd, waving to grab her attention. But Lauren, with chin high and nostrils flaring, locked her gaze onto Deems. That quickly, her head lowered, and she bit a trembling lip before turning on her heel and running for the exit.

  The two women struggled to cut off Lauren at the door, but Lauren hurried through the entrance and onto the street.

  Shock froze Deems from reacting. He had no idea what happened, and only when the two women turned toward the bar did his brain finally click into gear. Gut wrenching, he gripped Mark’s arm. “You’re Lauren’s ex-fiancé!”

  Beads of sweat accumulated on Mark’s forehead. “I never expected to see her again.” He avoided eye contact.

  Deems tightened his grip and struggled with every ounce of self-control not to wring the man’s neck. “You stole her money and left her high and dry. What kind of a man are you?”

  Hell, Deems answered his own question. Mark Jordan wasn’t worth his weight in salt. No wonder the damn man wanted to meet his sister. Easy money for the taking. Deems dropped his hand as the two women approached.

  Holding a quivering palm outright, Mark stopped them by gesturing toward the restaurant area. “See if our table is ready. I’ll be over in a minute.”

  The younger woman glanced toward the entrance. “But, Jo-Jo, that was Lauren!”

  “Yes, please, go sit. This man is my boss, Mr. Lambert, and I need to explain a few things.”

  With raised brows, the women started off, glancing over their shoulders at Mark.

  Palms outward, Mark turned to Deems. “Look, Mr. Lambert, I made some bad choices, and I panicked. I knew Lauren would be all right.”

  His blood boiled. “Well, she wasn’t all right, Jordan. She’s flat broke and had to borrow money to survive.”

  “But she met you, and I know how generous you are with your money.” He shot Deems a weak smile.

  Clenching his fists, Deems deliberately kept them at his side. Otherwise, he’d be too tempted to swing. “Lauren won’t take money from me, you idiot. She’s too proud.” He scowled. “For a man engaged to such a strong-willed woman, you should know that simple fact.” Another friggin’, self-centered opportunist. While studying Mark, he released a long breath through tight teeth. “How did we hire you? The company has strict background checks, and Lauren tells me the police hold warrants for your arrest.”

  Mark ran a shaky hand through his blond hair. “You hired me before those warrants were issued, sir.” Wincing, he shot Deems a pained look. “Lauren had no idea I traveled to New York for a job interview. After I got hired, I figured a clean break was my best move.”

  “But you took everything she owned.”

  Mark held up a finger. “Technically, the movers did. I told them they had two hours to clean out the apartment.”

  “Then, what about the hundred grand from the car dealership?”

  Fidgeting, he pulled his shirt collar away from his neck, his gaze focused on the bar stool behind Deems. “I had creditors to pay off.” Swallowing hard, he faced Deems. “I truly intended to refund the money, but my boss questioned some of the entries in the books. When I heard he engaged an auditor, I had to leave, and being hired by High-Rise International was my lucky break.”

  Deems sneered. “Except at present, we have an embezzler and a thief with active arrest warrants on payroll. Not only that, you made your family accessories. All this time, they hid your location.”

  Casting a quick glance around, he grimaced. “Yeah, they promised to keep my secret, even from Lauren.” He forced a smile. “You must admit, sir, I’ve done a great job for the company. Dan Williams and I work well together, and we’ve succeeded with the acquisition of three expensive properties, substantially adding to your bankroll.”

  Like I give a shit. Money was not uppermost on his mind. He witnessed the pain on Lauren’s face, along with a fleeting glimpse of anger and disappointment. At him. Because Mark stood nearby. What she must think. He eyed Mark through narrowed slits. “Aren’t you on an airport watch list?”

  “Probably.” After crossing his arms over his chest, he widened his stance and smirked. “I flew into Canada then took a train to Grand Central Station. A quick cab ride to the airport was all I needed to meet Lou. Look, Mr. Lambert—” Dropping his arms, Mark gripped Deems’ jacket sleeve in his fist, his gaze pained. “I need this job. I’ve no other way to repay Lauren and the car dealership.”

  The man was a friggin’ genius at deception, and he pretty much screwed his probation period. Lips tight, Deems shook free of Mark’s grip and jab
bed a finger onto the man’s chest. “You do what’s right by Lauren and the authorities first, and we’ll discuss your future with the company. As of this moment, you’re suspended.”

  Sucking in a quick breath, Mark nodded. “I’ll do everything you say, Mr. Lambert. I’ll repay Lauren with interest and return to Pennsylvania to face the warrants. All I’m asking is a chance to prove myself.”

  Deems only half-listened to Mark’s last words. He worked his way through the thick crowd with one thought on his mind…Lauren.

  Chapter Twenty

  With tears threatening to gush, Lauren staggered more than walked. She ignored the wide-eyed stares from passing people and the loud wolf whistles from men out on the prowl in their fancy cars. Lack of clear vision contributed to poor balance, and she looked every part the intoxicated woman about to fall off her heels. Since darkness descended on New York and Friday being a prime dating night, people and cars crowded every street. So what if she was dressed to the nines and staggering? Heaven help any man who approached. She might seriously kill him.

  For the second time in six months, her world crashed. Jo-Jo re-entered her life in the worst way—as a friend of Deems. She felt so betrayed. Deems knew what her ex had done. Jo-Jo was a wanted man, maybe not on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list, but certainly Arendtsville’s and definitely Harrisburg’s. The cops searched everywhere, followed every lead, and even accused her of being in cahoots. All this time, Jo-Jo hid in New York and probably under the protection of Deems Lambert. She choked on a sob.

  Her cell phone rang. Deems, of course. She assigned him a special ringtone but debated answering. The painful tightness in her throat convinced her to let the message go to voicemail.

  Jo-Jo’s mother and sister denied knowing his whereabouts, but being here with him became proof positive they lied to the authorities and her. Neither one gave a damn about her bleak financial situation.

  Again, Deems called. This time, the ringtone jarred her senses. A strange feeling of time standing still enveloped her, as if she created the only movement while the rest of the world remained stationary. Since her arrival in Manhattan, she’d never been out alone after dark, and the phone snapped her to a reality that instantly put her on the alert. Staggering, teary-eyed, and surrounded by strangers…hell, her vulnerability smacked her in the face. She stopped to inspect the area.