“How am I being stupid?”
“This is your life now. The sooner you realize it, the better for everyone. It isn’t like you to let things go, and you can’t keep juggling two lives for a year. It’s time to grow up and face facts.”
“What do I need to face? I’m dealing with it,” She gripped the two phones in her hands.
“You haven’t accepted it.”
“Accepted what, for God’s sake?” She wasn’t being as gentle with her mother as she should.
“Whether you like it or not, you are a Winslow. It’s time to start acting like it.” Her mother still didn’t look at her. Beverly said nothing. Her mother was right. She sighed heavily as she walked into the hallway to make her calls. Her phone began to vibrate again.
“Hello?”
“Hi, it’s me.”
“I can’t talk. Joe was mugged and he’s in the hospital.”
“Jesus! I’m coming down there.”
“No, we’re all fine. His prognosis is good, and he should be discharged tomorrow night. I’m having him transferred up to Maine.” She wiped her eye of the tear that broke free. She couldn’t collapse right now. “Thanks, though.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Call Tracy. I want to know if the FBI thinks this has anything to do with the threats against me.”
“Of course. What’s your plan now?”
“I’m going to make arrangements for Joe, then I’m going to find someone to keep Atlantic Charters running. I have a few friends at the marina who know the business. I’ve got to concentrate on other things right now.”
“I’ll call Tracy and get that rolling.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime. Just promise me something?”
“Sure.”
“Be careful.”
She clicked off the call. Immediately, her phone began to vibrate again. “Beverly Winslow.”
A mechanical-sounding voice echoed on the line. “I have a message for you.”
Her stomach dropped. She glanced at the caller ID, but it showed Unknown Caller. “Who is this? What do you want?”
“Your association with Finn Callahan needs to end unless you want another person you care about hurt.”
“What does that mean?” Her heart hammered in her chest. She couldn’t catch her breath.
“It means we went easy on Joe Stanly. We won’t be so nice when we get our hands on your mother.”
****
She sat on the floor in the hallway, her breath coming in short, ragged gulps. The line went dead after the threat, and Bev could only brace herself against the wall before sliding to the floor, gown and all. It was as if the world had stopped turning for the past few minutes. Then a horrible realization hit her.
Joe had been hurt because of her. Now she could sit here, paralyzed with panic, or she could take control, like her mother had said. First thing she had to do was get Joe and her mother to safety. She looked at her phone, dialed.
“Ms. Garrett, it’s Beverly Winslow. I’m sorry to bother you on a Sunday, but it’s an emergency.”
After explaining what had happened, she wasn’t surprised when Irene Garrett answered with, “What can I do to help?”
“Thank you. I need you to arrange medical transport for Joe Stanly from Salem General to the house in Maine. He may not be discharged until tomorrow night, but I’d like to see if we can put a rush on it. If it takes having a trauma doctor fly with him, I want him out of this hospital in two hours. He can be evaluated in Maine.
“All right, next?”
“Please call Conroy and notify him Joe and my mother will be arriving today in a helicopter. He’ll need to make arrangements. Then can you please find the best twenty-four-hour medical care available and bring them to the big house? They’ll need to prep a room. Joe’s doctor here is Dr. Sherman. I’ll sign the release and leave the rest to you.”
She took a breath, swallowed. “Finally, please call Liam Gallagher.” Bev listened to Ms. Garrett and then answered her question. “Yes, the probate attorney. Tell him Finn Callahan recommended him. Tell him to be in my office tomorrow morning if he wants the job. I’m firing Finn Callahan.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Jules,” Finn shouted. “Get in here!”
It was five o’clock on Monday evening. Between Saturday night at the charity ball and this moment, he had heard from Bev only the one time when she told him about Joe. He made the call to Tracy at the FBI immediately. She promised to get back to him as soon as they looked into it. No one was comfortable with the coincidence.
And now this. He stared at the document in his hands. Joe’s attack wasn’t a coincidence. He just wished she’d told him herself. He wanted answers. Jules appeared in the doorway to his office. “Yeah, boss?”
“Who delivered this?”
“Courier. From Winslow Holdings’ offices. Why are you asking?”
He sucked in a much-needed breath. Fury made his hands shake, and he couldn’t afford to lose control. Yet.
“Effective immediately, I am no longer employed by Beverly Winslow or Winslow Holdings, Nor am I the director of the probate for Reginald’s will.”
“She fired you?” Jules’s shout perfectly matched his feeling on the subject.
“It appears so.”
“Why?”
“Hell if I know, but I intend to find out.”
****
She’d behaved like an ass.
But she couldn’t figure out any other way to fix it. It was done. Finn Callahan had been fired. Her mother and Joe were safely hidden away in Maine, and her personal security was increased both at home—including the house in Maine—and at the offices. No one but those on a very short pre-approved list would be allowed access to her.
Contrary to her mother’s statement yesterday, she wasn’t stupid. She’d taken every precaution she could think of. Firing Finn sucked, but she’d needed to act fast. Now things were taken care of as much as she could control, she settled herself on the new red couch in her freshly painted apartment.
Warm taupe paint with bright splashes of colorful artwork graced the walls. Geometric-patterned fabric for pillows and curtains complemented the simplicity of it. Her office had undergone a similar transformation.
Five days to redecorate. Less than four hours to hire additional security and transfer Joe and her mother to the mansion. Money made things happen fast. In this case, it was worth it. Joe was in terrible pain, but awake and yelling.
The yelling relieved her more than any doctor could. Wanting to see for herself he was fine, she left the house in Maine at four this morning. He wasn’t at the level of fine yet, but he would be.
She’d make certain those she loved stayed safe from now on.
She rose at the knock on her door. She knew it wasn’t anyone dangerous. Len was clearing all guests. She hoped it was Megan. She could use a friend.
Her mouth dropped when she opened the door. Finn. He was on the short list of acceptable guests. She hadn’t wanted to cut all ties. He strode in past her. His hair was damp from the rain. His blue button-down was open at the collar, and he wore a charcoal-gray jacket. He looked amazing…and furious. She swallowed the nervous knot in her throat.
“Do come in,” she said dryly, trying and failing to keep a quiver out of her voice.
He spun around as she locked the door behind him. “Don’t start. I’m not in the mood.”
“In the mood for what?”
“Your sarcasm. I deserved a phone call.” The muscle in his lower jaw twitched. “God-dammit, I deserve an explanation.”
The tension in her shoulders ratcheted up a notch. This is exactly what she had been worried about. “You’re right.”
He crossed his arms. “Start talking.”
“That’s one thing I’m going to miss about you as my lawyer. You don’t kick a person when they’re down or when they’re wrong. It was wrong not to tell you in person. I’m sorry.” She crossed to the liv
ing room and nodded to a chair. “Why don’t you sit down? Do you want a glass of wine?”
His full lips tightened. He was impatient for an explanation, but he’d give her a minute to collect her thoughts. Professional as ever.
“I’ll have whatever you’re drinking.” He came farther into the apartment but didn’t sit. His long strides reminded her of a panther. She poured the wine. He followed her into the living room, sat next to her on the new red couch.
He smelled like spring—the rain and fresh leaves. It was heady, and her core warmed. She tried to ignore it and found it kept getting more difficult as the minutes clicked by. She sipped and then explained about the threat.
When she’d finished, he didn’t speak for long minutes. She gave him the time to digest. He put his glass on the coffee table. “This sucks.”
Bev couldn’t help the laugh bursting from her chest. “That’s my line.”
“I’m borrowing it,” he said. “How’s Joe? Reggie must be a mess.”
“He’s better, actually. Out of commission for a bit, which works with my plan, but he’ll heal, and that’s all that matters. My mother will make sure of it.”
He pushed at the hair falling on his forehead. Frustration vibrated from him.
“I get you’re frustrated, but I didn’t know what else to do. I had to move fast. I am truly sorry,” she said again.
“I don’t blame you. And I’m not angry. Anymore. I’m glad they are okay.” He stroked her knee. “You’ve bought yourself some time. But what are you doing next? What’s the plan?”
“I called Tracy. Between my office blowing up, the threatening letter, Joe’s attack, and the phone call, there’s grounds to put some unfortunate people under surveillance.”
“How did you manage that? When I asked for an investigation, they said nothing could be done.”
“You actually came up with the idea.”
“How’s that?”
“Tracy told me it was you who reminded her the marina is on federally owned land, so the FBI could investigate the office explosion and anything having to do with it. She pushed through some paperwork.”
He blew out a breath. “Thank God something I said worked. I feel like I’ve been spinning my wheels.” He glanced around the apartment. “It looks good. It looks like you.”
“I hadn’t realized you’d been here before.”
“I was Reginald’s attorney for a few years. We met here sometimes.” Without warning, he stood.
She rose. Why is he leaving? “I’ll try to keep you in the loop, but it’s dangerous for you to be around me. They told me to fire you for a reason.”
“Why do they want me gone?” He still hadn’t moved. “Whoever wants this money isn’t afraid to make a point.”
She shoved her hands in her pockets. “I’m glad you understand why I did what I did.”
“I do. It pissed me off, but I get it.”
“I appreciate you hearing me out. I didn’t want to leave things weird between us.” Why wasn’t he moving toward the door? He just stood there, staring at her with those dark eyes. She wished she could read his mind. Maybe he expected her to lead him out. She checked her watch. “So…I’ll call you when I hear something…You still have time to get across town before the dinner rush…” She offered him a smile she didn’t quite feel and stepped toward the door.
He snagged her arm and spun her around toward him. He pressed her body against his. He lowered his head until his lips were a whisper away from hers.
“I’m not your lawyer anymore. And I’m not going anywhere tonight.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
He hesitated for the briefest moment, waited for her to say something. She smelled like the sea—lively, fresh, and warm. She intoxicated him. The green of her eyes darkened with desire, drew him in until he claimed her mouth. His hands found their way into her glorious tumble of auburn hair and then lowered to grab a fistful of her shirt at the small of her back. He pressed closer still and felt her luscious body against his own.
He nearly lost his footing when she pushed against him and kissed him back, hungrily. Hot need spread like wildfire through his blood. Balancing both of them before they fell onto the couch, he demanded, and she matched his need with her own. She astounded him. He couldn’t get close enough. He wanted everything she offered.
He tore his lips from hers and kissed a path to her neck, reveled in her sharp intake of breath. He scraped his teeth along her jawline and had to rein himself in when she moaned softly against his cheek. He tried to clear his head, found he couldn’t with her so close. He ordered himself to step back, to take a breath. She looked at him, her eyes wide pools of uncertainty. That look nearly did him in. But as suddenly as the look appeared, it was gone, replaced with a grin.
“Are we going to need to talk about this?” She stroked his chest. “Hash it over?”
“No.” He couldn’t return the good humor. He wanted her too badly, had waited for too long.
“Why did you stop?” she asked, and he nearly threw her on the couch to have his way with her. He dropped his hands to his sides.
“I have two questions.”
“Okay, shoot.”
He regarded her—her face flush and her breathing uneven—and saw she wasn’t nearly as unaffected as she sounded. It was a gratifying realization. He stepped closer to her, caught her scent again. He asked his first question.
“Do you want this?” He wanted it to be her choice. He waited, and the seconds creeped by.
Finally, she swallowed. “Yes, Finn, I want this. I want you.”
They reached for each other at the same time. She clung to him. He grasped at the last bit of his control and swung her into his arms, sweeping her off her feet.
Wide eyed, she stared at him, saying nothing.
“What?” he asked.
“It’s nothing. You said you had another question?”
He carried her away from the living room. “Yes. Where is your bed?”
She swallowed, nodded toward a hall past the kitchen. “Down the hall. Last door.”
****
In his arms, she didn’t anticipate that jittery feeling like there was a storm building in the distance. She appreciated the thrill but didn’t expect the nerves. He literally swept her off her feet. It was unnerving how romantic it was. Bev shook away the uncertainty and focused on what she felt. Need. There would be time for answers later.
At the foot of her bed, he lowered her to the floor, let her body slowly slide down the length of his. The frisson of power between them electrified her. She sat up to meet his lips, searing heat consuming her as his tongue took possession. His hands roamed her body, and she explored him as well.
Hard muscle beneath his shirt lured her to his chest. She began to slip his shirt’s buttons apart and felt his skin, hot and firm beneath hers. She lowered her head and kissed the hollow by his throat. He growled as her lips and tongue explored the muscles along his shoulders and chest. She pulled away his shirt, threw it on the floor.
He whispered, “My turn.”
She nodded, suddenly feeling nervous again. She wished she put on sexy underwear. He peeled off her T-shirt, unbuttoned her jeans. His eyes never left her gaze. His body still only inches from hers, he sensed her concern. His tawny eyes appraised her body, heating her from within. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted this, how much I’ve thought of you. My fantasies weren’t even close to the real thing.”
Something set free within her at his words. She circled her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. She kissed him greedily, hands wandering until she found the button of his pants. She freed him, and finally they were skin to skin.
She pulled him down again until they both landed on the bed in a tangle of limbs. He pushed himself onto his arms. She relished the feel of him against her, his toned body insistent.
He lowered his head to her breast and took possession of her nipple.
His tongue flicked across the tip as he lowered a hand to cup her breast. Stars exploded as she bucked against him; the orgasm surprised them both. He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. She saw hot need in his. His voice sounded strained.
“I want to savor this, but you’re driving me crazy, Beverly. I want you. Now.”
She reached for him. “Go slow later. Come to me, please,” she demanded. He thrust into her, and thoughts ceased. She could only feel the explosion of heat he roused in her.
“Yes,” she whispered and savored for a moment the feeling of him inside her, filling her. They rode the rhythm together, waves building and crashing.
He gripped her hips. “Open your eyes. I need to see you.”
Her eyes met his and her heart pounded in time with his. What she saw in his eyes when he looked into hers catapulted her over the edge. Mindless to anything but the swirling flood of pleasure, she let the tide rush over her as they came together.
****
The first thing he thought of when he woke was Beverly. Her breathing even and light beside him. They’d fallen asleep. No surprise there. She slayed him, but he liked to think he gave as good as he got. He smiled as he remembered their lovemaking. She was not a half-measure kind of woman. Was it any wonder he was falling for her?
Turning slowly so as not to disturb her, he watched her sleep. A soft glow from a bedside lamp cast her in golden light. Her hair fanned across her pillow. She simply stunned him. He wasn’t given to grand, romantic feelings. Or so he thought. But seeing her lying next to him stirred heavy emotions. She looked vulnerable and trusting.
He hoped she did trust him. That was important to him. He also hoped he could navigate these waters without scaring her off. His former client wasn’t going to be easy to convince into a relationship.
As he normally did, he formulated a plan in his head, thought about potential outcomes. His thoughts darkened at the possibility of losing her. He discovered Jules had been right about one thing when they’d discussed relationships: He’d never been in love before, and if this thing with Beverly ended badly, he wouldn’t come out of it unscathed. She stirred next to him; he pushed dark thoughts aside and grinned down at her.
Spring Tides Page 15
