by Joanna Wayne
He made a quick call to Effie, hoping she hadn’t heard the news. He’d prefer to tell her about the case in person, but hearing it from him over the phone was better than hearing the hype via a TV reporter.
The jubilant tone of her voice assured him that murder was the furthest thing from her mind. As soon as they’d exchanged hellos, she jumped into tales of her latest achievements.
“I made pie crust and the best peach pies in the world.”
“Great. I can’t wait to give them the taste test. I was sorry we didn’t get to talk more this morning.”
“You were on the phone. Business, no doubt. I’m used to that.”
Accusation chipped the syllables in the last sentence.
“I was talking to your mother.”
“Oh.” Her voice dropped to a murmur.
No “sorry for lying.” No mention that her mother was getting married and she was moving to London to live with her and the new husband. But Leif had no intentions of letting her skirt the issues forever. And now that he’d had a minute to think about it, he decided that he should wait and tell her in person about the victim being a former client of his.
“We’ll talk about it later,” he said
“Sure.”
“I should be back early afternoon. Maybe the two of us can go horseback riding.”
“Why? You don’t even like horses.”
“I like horses. I just don’t have time to ride often.”
“I know. You’re busy.”
At least she hadn’t nixed the invitation. Once the connection was broken, he looked around the parking lot and spotted Joni standing next to her truck, talking to a young mechanic. He walked over and joined them.
The mechanic frowned at Leif and then quickly turned his attention back to Joni. “If you have any trouble at all, give me a call. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks, Joey. I’m sure I’ll be calling. My truck will see to that.”
He grinned. “Anytime for any reason.”
Another young man clearly enamored of Joni. Not that Leif blamed him. It wasn’t just her looks or the fact that she could hold an intelligent conversation, though both fascinated him more by the minute. She was just so damn easy to be around.
He followed her back to her house and spent the next half hour checking out her locks. Like he’d suspected, they were old and flimsy and all needed replacing. He wasn’t the handiest guy in the world with a hammer and screwdriver, but he could handle a job this simple.
“I wish you wouldn’t bother with this, Leif. Your time would be much better spent with Effie. I can easily find someone else to change out the locks.”
“One of your many admirers?” he teased.
“Sure. I have them by the hundreds.”
“You gotta quit smiling at all the cowboys and mechanics in town. You’re liable to have a riot on your hands.”
“Jealous?”
“Yeah.” Sadly, he wasn’t altogether teasing. “So what are you doing the rest of the day?”
“I don’t have anything planned.”
“Then why not drive into Dallas with me? We’ll make it a quick trip. Stop by my condo, pick up Effie’s things, stop off at the hardware store and then head back to Oak Grove.”
She hesitated.
“If you don’t want to be seen with a notorious defense attorney, I’ll understand.”
“And miss a chance to see how the rich and famous live? I’ll take my chances.”
Only he was the one taking chances. The more time he spent with Joni, the more likely he was going to kiss her again. Who knew where that would lead?
Actually, he did. Nowhere but trouble. Falling for a woman who lived practically in R.J.’s backyard would be a disaster.
His phone vibrated on the way back to the car. This time it was Serena. So much for her promise that everything was over. But it was over. He’d deal with her and her mood swings later, when he had a dozen fewer emergencies claiming his attention.
* * *
JONI HADN’T REALIZED how appropriate her comment about Leif’s living the life of the rich and famous was until they entered the building where his high-rise condo was located. The complex’s spacious foyer was more luxurious and impressive than any five-star hotel she’d ever been in.
The carpet was a deep gray color and so thick and plush her feet sank in it as if it were quicksand. The furnishings included gleaming mahogany tables and overstuffed chairs in a muted plaid of magenta and black.
A bouquet of fresh flowers gracing a huge round table in the middle of the room was at least four feet tall, a mix of exotic flowers and shiny greenery. The fragrance was practically intoxicating. Original oil paintings added finishing touches to the pale gray walls.
“You should have told me we were visiting the Taj Mahal. I would have dressed for the occasion.”
“It’s Texas. Boots and jeans are always in fashion.”
“Maybe if the jeans were made by Gucci.”
“It’s okay. They’ll think you’re with the cleaning crew.”
She made a face.
He laughed and linked his arm with hers. “I realize the amenities are a bit over the top, but it’s all about location. I don’t have to face Dallas traffic twice a day or worry about being hounded by unhappy clients and nosy reporters.”
“Nosy reporters,” Joni repeated. “Isn’t that redundant?”
“Right. Kind of like crooked politicians.” He took out a card key and passed it in front of the security box at the elevator.
“No wonder you don’t have to worry. Your condo is harder to get in than a bank vault,” Joni said.
“Now you’re exaggerating. All you need are the right keys. Effie didn’t even need that.”
He explained Effie surprising him Monday night as they took the elevator to his penthouse condo.
“Thankfully the local media sharks are apparently not as good at scooting by security as Effie was,” he said. “Otherwise mikes and flashbulbs would have greeted us.”
“Would it really be that bad?”
“Very likely. Anything they can twist into ammunition for their ratings war. Hopefully, they won’t learn that I’ll be spending Thanksgiving Day at the Dry Gulch.”
“I don’t know,” Joni said. “That might make for some interesting fireworks. R.J. could probably give them a run for their money.”
“You could be right.”
By the time they reached the door to Leif’s condo, her uneasiness with the surroundings had been replaced by a strange, titillating sensation in her stomach.
There was no rational explanation for her attraction to Leif. But they had clicked in some mysterious and sensual way that made just being with him a dizzying experience.
She didn’t believe in love at first sight—or first kiss. But no man had ever affected her quite like this before. Perhaps because Leif’s world was so far removed from hers that they might as well have come from alternate universes.
He opened the door, and she stepped inside. And Joni came face-to-face with the most striking woman she’d ever seen. She was standing at a built-in mirrored bar, stirring a drink. Wearing nothing but black thong panties, a scrap of lacy bra and a pair of gold, nosebleed stilettos.
Their alternate universes had just collided with a heart-shattering crash.
Chapter Ten
Leif swallowed his shock along with a string of curses, mostly directed at himself. Would he never learn not to give out keys?
“Serena. What are you doing here? I thought—”
“I wanted to surprise you, of course,” she interrupted.
“You did.”
Clearly not deterred by her state of undress, she turned to Joni, who was standing with her back against the
open door, looking as if she’d like to drop through the floor.
“I don’t think we’ve met,” Serena cooed in a voice as soft as silk.
“No, I don’t think we have.”
Joni was neither cooing nor smiling. He’d be lucky if she didn’t bolt before he could explain—as if he could explain this.
“This is Dr. Griffin,” Leif said. “And I’m sure we’d all be more comfortable if you’d put on your clothes.”
“Dr. Griffin.” Serena smiled. “You must be one of Leif’s expert witnesses for an upcoming trial. I should have known he’d be taking care of business if he were able to escape his daughter. He’s an absolute workaholic. Now, do excuse me while I grab a robe.”
“Joni’s not a witness,” Leif corrected as Serena walked away. “She’s a friend. And I didn’t escape Effie—she escaped me.”
Leif could barely control his anger as he watched Serena strut away, her hips swaying. The thong enabled a full back view of her perfect body. For once the sight had zero effect on his libido.
Why in the hell had Serena assumed he’d be alone when she knew his daughter was in town? And what the devil was she doing there after yesterday’s outburst and announcement that it was over between them?
“So much for security,” Joni said.
“I’m sorry about this. Serena’s a swimsuit model and not big into modesty. But, believe me, I had no idea she’d be here today.”
“It’s not a problem,” Joni assured him, though he could have frozen from the icy chill her eyes and voice emoted.
“It’s a problem,” he said. “But if you’ll excuse me a minute, I’ll take care of it.”
“There’s nothing to take care of,” Joni said, her back still against the door. “The two of you are obviously very close, and, like you said, we’re just friends.”
“I hope you know that I wouldn’t have brought you into this situation if I’d had any idea Serena would be here and half-dressed.”
“Which half exactly did you think was dressed?”
“Point made, but this isn’t what it looks like.”
“Whatever it is, it’s none of my business, Leif. Thanks for the help yesterday and good luck with your daughter.” She reached for the doorknob.
Leif grabbed her arm. “Would you just give me a minute and we’ll both go back to Oak Grove as planned?”
“I’m sure I can find a way back to Oak Grove.”
He was sure she could, too. Corky, Joey, Ruby’s dad, Latham. They’d all be delighted to rush to her rescue.
“I’m not going to lie to you, Joni. Serena and I were dating, but we both knew it wasn’t working. She called the relationship off yesterday. I thought that’s where it stood.”
“Apparently Serena had a change of heart. But for the record, you don’t owe me any explanations about your love life.”
“I realize that, but while we’re setting the record straight, I’m not some kind of playboy who has women at my fingertips like hot and cold running water. I’m a workaholic, just like Serena said.”
She pulled away from his grasp. “You still have complications here, Leif. My being here isn’t helping.”
“How about letting me be the judge of that? Give me five minutes to get things straight with Serena and pick up what I need to drive back to the ranch.”
“There’s really no reason for you to rush back.”
“There is. There’s Effie, and right now she’s the most urgent problem in my life. I need your help reaching her, Joni. This is my last chance to have time with her. If you won’t help me for my sake, do it for Effie’s. Please.”
Finally, Joni met his gaze. “Okay, but if I stay, it’s for Effie. And for R.J. I know what it means for him to have time with his granddaughter.”
For R.J. Great. As if Leif gave a damn what mattered to his sorry father. But he did need Joni’s help with Effie. And he wasn’t anywhere near ready to end things with Joni. “Five minutes,” he said as he turned to walk away.
“Four now,” Joni reminded him. “And counting.”
Joni walked to Leif’s well-stocked bar, took a highball glass from the hanging shelf and picked up a bottle of what was probably a much pricier whiskey than what she’d poured him last night.
Not that she’d liked the taste last night. And definitely not that she needed her judgment affected by alcohol. She sat the liquor bottle back down and opened a bottle of sparkling water.
What an idiot she’d been for daring to fantasize about a romantic relationship with Leif Dalton. Naturally, he hadn’t pushed himself on her last night. He was used to cavorting with beautiful models who paraded around his house in the nude.
Flirting with Joni probably came as naturally to him as drinking her whiskey had. It meant nothing. Well, she’d learned her lesson. It was the last night he’d spend in her house and the last time she’d let her heart rate spiral out of control because of some incidental touch.
If he wanted advice on dealing with Effie, he’d better get it on the way home. After that, she had no intention of ever seeing him again.
R.J. and dear, sweet Mattie Mae would be upset that she canceled plans to have Thanksgiving dinner with them. Hadley would understand, but she’d have questions, especially since Joni had already confessed to her about Leif’s spending the night at her house and the sparks of arousal that had ignited between them.
Hadley had told Joni to trust her gut feelings and go with them, but that was because Hadley had fallen head over heels for Adam the first time they’d met. Love at first sight had worked for them, but that was rare. From now on, Joni would rely strictly on her brain.
She downed the entire glass of water and poured another. She was taking her first sip when a string of words that would probably still get her mouth washed out with soap in her mother’s house hammered the silence. The shrill female voice left no doubt who was slinging the curses.
A second later, Serena and the heavy scent of her perfume made an appearance. No sexy, runway walk this time. Serena darted through the room like an angry blue jay, her short black skirt and a cerulean silk blouse with a plunging neckline little more than a blur.
She didn’t glance Joni’s way as she jerked the door open and bolted through it, slamming it behind her.
Leif stepped into the living area a few seconds later. “Sorry to subject you to the vile language. Guess I didn’t handle that too well.”
“I’m just glad Effie wasn’t here.”
“Definitely, but in fairness to Serena, she had tried to call me earlier,” Leif admitted. “I didn’t want to get into a confrontation with her, so I didn’t take the call. After that, she called the Dry Gulch and apparently talked to Mattie, who told her that Effie was at the ranch but that I had driven home.”
“So she expected you to be alone?”
“Yes. Now, what do you say we drop the subject of Serena and start over as if she hadn’t been here?”
Joni was as likely to do that as she was to stop wearing her faded jeans. But she did want to get things between her and Leif on firmer ground.
“Why did you ask me to ride into town with you?”
“I thought that was evident.” He reached across the space between then and casually tucked a lock of hair behind her left ear. “I wanted to be with you.”
The strumming of awareness swept through her again, riding each nerve and then settling in every erogenous zone in her body. But this time she would ignore the heated, traitorous passion if it took every ounce of determination she could muster.
“Would you like to see the rest of the house while you’re here?” Leif asked.
The rest of the house—like his bedroom. No reason to put her resolve to that kind of test. She took her glass of water to the nearest chair. “I’ve seen enough. I’ll wait here while you ga
ther Effie’s belongings.”
“I won’t be but a minute.” He turned and left her alone.
Too restless to sit, she walked over and began to peruse the silver-framed photos on the intricately ornate metal-and-stone table behind the sofa.
There were several of Leif, Effie and a woman who must be Effie’s mother, all likely taken before the divorce. They looked like a typical happy family.
Leif had been incredibly handsome even then, his dark hair untamed, his body lean. But then he’d lacked the rugged edges to his face that made him appear so virile and seductive now.
Effie’s mother hadn’t been as drop-dead gorgeous as Serena, but she was very attractive. Effie had her mouth and her heart-shaped face. But she had Leif’s caramel-colored eyes and his mischievous smile.
In one photograph, Effie held Leif’s hand and smiled up at him like he was a superhero. In another, she was perched on his shoulder as they watched a parade. In yet another, they were playing in the surf, both laughing.
From the pictures, one would think them a perfect family. But somehow Leif had ended up divorced and living thousands of miles away from his daughter. Now their relationship was tense and stressful. His little girl had not only grown up; she’d grown away from him.
Joni’s mind was still on Effie when Leif returned with two pieces of luggage and two computer bags. He set them down by the front door.
“Looks like Effie was quite a daddy’s girl when she was younger,” Joni said as she returned a photograph to the table.
“That’s what her mother used to say.”
“What happened between you and her mother?”
“It’s hard to pinpoint any one thing, but if I had to, I’d say we were both too set on pursuing our individual careers to foster the relationship.”
“But you must have loved each other at one time.”
“I guess so. I’m not much of an expert on love.”
“How did you meet?”
“We were in graduate school together at Stanford. We shared a common dislike for one of our professors that resulted in our spending lots of late nights studying together. We hit it off, and once we’d graduated, marriage seemed the next logical step.”
