by Silver James
Like mother, like son.
* * *
Cooper sat on the couch in Cash’s office, his cousin’s huge Newfoundland dog sprawled across his lap. He loved the big goof despite the drool and shedding hair but Lucifer would demand his pound of flesh—literally—for Coop’s species betrayal. His mother and brother sat in two armchairs while Cash propped a hip against the back of the couch. They were there to discuss his latest intel on the Carringtons.
“We have more information about Alex and Colby,” Cash began.
“Tell me what you’ve found out about Trey,” Katherine said.
“Trey?” Cooper repeated.
“Colby. That was our nickname for him in college. I haven’t seen him since then.”
Cooper and Bridger both leaned toward their mother. “Mom? You knew him in college? You wanna explain?”
“No, Bridger, I do not.”
“Aunt Kath—”
“No, Cash. I will not regale you boys with tales of my misspent youth. I will tell you this much. Trey was a young man far more interested in me than I was in him. I was at Radcliffe at the time. He was a Harvard student.” She looked at Cash. “Your father stepped in when Trey wouldn’t take the hint that I was not interested. Cyrus and I may not have seen eye-to-eye on much, but I did appreciate his intervention.” She smiled fondly at her boys. “He especially didn’t appreciate that I appeared to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire when I met your father. Denver—” Her eyes grew misty and her smile was both sad and fond. “Your father was my world.”
The relationship between his mom’s brother and patriarch of the Barron family, Cyrus Barron, and his dad had never been what anyone would call cordial. Cooper glanced up at his cousin. “So why do you think Alex was at the gala, and why did he approach Mom?”
“I don’t know. He’s still in town, though. Nosing around several of the Barron companies.” Cash studied Katherine. “Colby Carrington is the CEO of CCI, Ltd. As near as Chase and I can figure out, it’s a family-held conglomerate. His net worth is in the high seven figures. He inherited his money and the company. Alex is his middle son, with an MBA from Harvard Business School and a reputation as a corporate raider.”
Cooper exchanged a long look with his brother before they both looked at their mother. Coop expressed what they were both thinking. “It could be a coincidence, but I don’t like that he’s poking around in our business.”
“Neither do I.” Cash was always blunt. “I plan to do a deeper dig on the whole family and their company.” He studied the others before continuing. “CCI is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. I don’t buy the fact that either Carrington is interested in investing here.” His expression turned grim. “Aunt Katherine, what exactly did my father do to the senior Carrington?”
She sighed, her hand going to the strand of pearls around her neck, a gesture so familiar to Cooper that it was almost as comforting to him as it obviously was to her.
“Mom? We aren’t dredging up the past for grins and giggles. There had to be a reason for his son to approach you the way he did. You said yourself that he introduced himself like you should know his name and pedigree. You obviously did, and I think it’s smart you played reticent, but we need to figure out what’s going on.”
“I left Radcliffe after two years. Partly because I met your father and partly because the situation with Trey had become untenable. When I didn’t return to school, Trey came out here looking for me. Cyrus had a rather stern talk with him and sent him back to Boston. It didn’t last. He continued to write and to call me. And that spring break, he came back. Cyrus caught him. I don’t know precisely what happened but—” She glanced up at Cash. “Your father’s hands were bruised and battered. I suspect he gave Trey a serious beating, along with the threat that if he ever contacted me again, the authorities would never find his body.”
Cooper was both shocked and impressed that his uncle had that in him. The guy had been ruthless as all get-out and didn’t care who he cut off at the knees—including his own sons—but as far as Cooper knew, he’d never gotten his hands dirty like that.
“Wonder if the old guy has a screw loose?” Bridge added.
“Something to consider,” Cash agreed. “You have your assignment, Bridge. Work with Chase and Tucker. He has contacts he can tap into. And get our IT folks on this.”
“Roger that, boss.”
“In other news...” Cash turned his attention to Cooper.
“In other news,” Katherine interjected. “What are you doing about Britt Owens?”
Cooper stared at his mom. “Excuse me?”
“Britt and your babies. What are you doing about them?”
“I asked her to marry me.” He ignored the shocked intakes of breath coming from his brother and cousin.
“She’s not very happy with you.”
Cooper had a very bad feeling about that statement. He eyed his mother warily. “How would you know?”
“I bought her lunch today. Did you know she likes to eat at Cadie B’s?”
Snapping his mouth shut once he realized it was hanging open, Cooper couldn’t find words. Instead, he rubbed his forehead and squinted against the headache that was building. “Mom...” His tone was a warning.
“I just happened to be there and saw her eating alone. I wanted to get to know my future daughter-in-law. Independent little thing, isn’t she.”
That wasn’t a question and he wasn’t about to answer. He had the right to remain silent and with Katherine Tate for a mother, silence was always the best option.
She arched a brow at him. “I’m aware that she said no. You need to woo her, Cooper.”
“Woo her?” Bridger stage-whispered before snickering. He sobered immediately when his mother turned to stare at him.
“It is unfortunate that she witnessed that little scene at the museum. You have your work cut out for you. Why didn’t you invite her for Christmas?”
Cooper unconsciously rubbed his jaw where he’d been coldcocked at the gala then dropped his hand when he realized he was doing so. “I did.”
“Why didn’t she accept?”
“Why do you think?”
“She had other plans, even if those were sitting alone in her apartment.” His mother pushed out of the chair and headed toward the door, apparently done with them all. She paused and looked back. “Fix this, Cooper.”
Thirteen
Chase stared at him. “You can’t be serious, Coop. This is kind of a big deal—at least to those who are up for the awards. I can get you in. That’s easy, even with short notice, since the event is being held at the Crown Barron.”
Well aware that the ceremony to present regional Emmys was being held in Oklahoma City at the family-owned hotel, Coop shrugged. “That’d be no fun.”
“And crashing her party will be?”
His cousin had a point and he would need assistance to be seated at Channel 2’s table, but he wanted Britt to be surprised and off balance—especially since she hadn’t mentioned she’d been nominated and had been doing her best to avoid him. She and Leo had put together a thirty-minute documentary on storm chasers that showed how what they did as reporters was far more than just going after tornadoes. In fact, Cooper was featured in some of the footage from that November wildfire. He’d been down in the Gulf dealing with a new rig when it had aired. His mother DVR’d it for him to watch.
Britt’s voice-overs and her eye for picking the most dramatic footage were amazing. He just didn’t understand why she fought going in front of the camera as an in-studio personality. He wasn’t an adrenaline junkie, but he got the appeal of her work. Except she was pregnant. The argument over storm chasing in her condition was ongoing.
“Just get me in, Chase. Without Britt finding out I’m going to be there.”
“Black tie, dude. Just sayin’. I know how much you
love dressing up.”
For Britt? He’d wear anything. Heck, he’d walk around the bases at the Bricktown Ballpark buck naked in front of a sellout crowd if she asked. “My tux is cleaned and pressed.”
“Whatever.”
Savannah, Chase’s wife, made a tsking sound. “You realize that we have to vet her, don’t you? Make sure she’s good enough for you?” She flashed both men a cheeky grin. “And personally? I think you surprising her is awesome. Ooh...” Her twinkling eyes landed on her husband. “If we knew for sure that she’s the winner, you could arrange to have Cooper present it to her. How awesome would that be?”
Cooper choked and turned a wide-eyed stare on her. “Don’t. Just...no, Savvie. If the Bee Dubyas get anywhere near her, I swear to heaven I will come hunting all of you and you won’t like the consequences. I’m having enough trouble wrangling her without y’all’s interference.”
“We don’t interfere—”
“The hell you don’t,” Chase muttered under his breath. Louder, he added, “Darlin’, just stay out of this one. It’s way more complicated than y’all think.”
“Well, duh, Chase.” Savvie rolled her eyes this time. “We are aware that she’s carrying his twins. What we want to know is why she thinks she’s too good for him.”
Groaning, Cooper dropped his head into the palm of his hand. “Please, Savannah. If you love Chase, stay out of my life. And keep your sisters-in-law away too.”
“Hey, we help!”
“No!” Cooper and Chase exclaimed at the same time.
She huffed and crinkled her nose. “Fine. You’ll be sorry, and when you come crawling back asking us to get involved to save your sorry tail, we’ll just laugh at you.”
Unsure whether he should be relieved or apprehensive, Cooper dipped his chin in acknowledgment. “Thank you.”
His phone pinged and after reading the message, he headed toward the door of Chase’s office. “Thanks, cuz.”
“Don’t thank me, Coop. I think this is a dumb idea and the fact that my wife thinks it’s a good one? Yeah, I’d be running fast and far if I were you, bud.”
* * *
Britt stepped out of the limo provided by KOCX with help from Leo. Her truck was so much easier to get in and out of, even with the extra frontal protrusion. She patted her belly to remind the babies that she loved them despite her often snarky thoughts concerning them. Looking up, she realized there was a red carpet. A real red carpet with red velvet ropes keeping the photographers and fans away. Granted, it was nothing like Hollywood, but a little zing ran up her spine. She was glad the temperatures had turned mild for January so she didn’t need a coat.
The doors to the historic Barron Crown Hotel swung wide. She, Leo and his wife walked through them. People milled about the lobby, following the trail of the red carpet. Deeper inside, a backdrop had been erected and everyone paused to have their photographs taken. She stood there a little dumbfounded and slightly starstruck. Someone touched the small of her back and urged her forward.
“This way, Ms. Owens.”
Heat licked at her skin. She knew that touch and the voice. Cooper! What was he doing here? She marched forward, quickening her step to draw away from the weight of his hand.
“Easy, Girl Wonder. You’re wearing heels. Wouldn’t want you to get tripped up.”
His voice, like smooth caramel, poured over her. She’d managed to avoid him—mostly—for almost a month. It hadn’t been easy. But she should have realized he’d try to pull a stunt like this. He just wasn’t giving up. She almost had to give the guy props for his stubbornness, and deep down, it made her feel all mushy.
Cooper’s arm slid around her waist, pulling her up short, dead center of the backdrop. He leaned over to whisper into her ear. “Smile for the camera, darlin’.”
“Don’t darlin’ me,” she snarled, right as the flash went off, blinding her for a moment. She closed her eyes to clear the sparkles.
“You are sooo gonna pay for this,” she hissed under her breath. So much for those mushy feelings.
“I can think of all sorts of ways I can do that,” he teased. Her skin flushed, the chemistry between them flaring white-hot. Her memory was far too good, and now that he’d put the thought in her head, her imagination was far too vivid.
She clamped her mouth shut, refusing to give him any more ammunition. Ever since he’d confirmed that she was pregnant, he’d been tracking her like a bloodhound. No. Bloodhounds were cute and cuddly. Cooper Tate was a wolf, pure and simple. A big, bad wolf. Who would use his big teeth and big paws and big everything else on her. She shivered and Cooper put his arm around her shoulders. Like it was the most natural thing in the world, she leaned into his warmth as he led her toward the ballroom where the gala was happening.
“Cold?”
“No.”
She caught his knowing smile from the corner of her eye and let out a silent argh. Why had she ever told him that she was pregnant? And why couldn’t he just be a jerk, offer her child support and stay far away? No, he had to be all gentlemanly and insist on marrying her. He didn’t love her, and they mixed together like baking soda and vinegar with explosive results. They’d be divorced within a year and then where would the babies be?
Babies. Twins. Britt was still getting used to that idea. They didn’t run in her family so it was all Cooper’s fault. And she’d told him that on numerous occasions. The big jerk just puffed out his chest and claimed it was that potent Barron and Tate blood running in his veins.
Still, he was so dang handsome as he stood there beside her in his formal attire. His white tux coat was longer than other men’s, with short lapels, three buttons, and a squared-off lower hem that hit him about midthigh on his black pants. She figured there was some fancy name for the style but she had no clue what it was. She did know that the style fit his broad shoulders and chest, and narrower waist and hips, to perfection. His vest was a slate gray and his tie was metallic silver. The black Stetson with the silver hatband sat atop his head like it had been created just for him. For all she knew, it had. Oil tycoon, she reminded herself. The whole outfit had probably been tailor-made.
They entered the ballroom and she stopped for a moment. The room looked like a set straight out of the glamorous early days of Hollywood—all white and silver art deco decorations and satin tablecloths and chair covers with big bows. Silver stars glittered behind billowing silk suspended along the arched ceiling, lit by gorgeous crystal chandeliers. Each round table held place settings of heavy silver flatware with snowy napkins folded into fantastical shapes with shiny silver chargers. Long stems of creamy calla lilies graced tall clear crystal vases, held by silver stones in the bottom. And it struck her that Cooper fit in perfectly while she felt like a whale out of water.
“Wow,” she breathed.
* * *
Wow indeed, Coop thought. When she’d first stepped out of the limo, his chest ached at the sight of her. First he caught sight of a strappy, high-heeled silver shoe, then a skirt made from something sheer and billowy in a color that rivaled expensive champagne. The long-sleeved top of the dress was covered in silver sequins, and a man’s eyes traveled to the lovely woman wearing it, not her obvious rounded belly. He knew very little about women’s fashions but Britt looked like a dream. She’d pulled her hair back, leaving a few strands loose to curl around her face.
He’d had to grit his teeth as Leo helped her out. Leo was a good guy and Coop had recruited the other man to help out in his pursuit of Britt. He’d waited just inside the door and claimed her as soon as she entered.
Now they were in the ballroom and stars gleamed in her blue eyes. She’d tucked her glasses into the small purse she carried and, after looking around surreptitiously, she fished them out. Settling them on her face, she surveyed the area a second time. Her lips formed a perfect O as she inhaled deeply and let out her breath before surreptitiously s
tuffing her glasses back in her purse.
“Pretty swanky, huh?”
“Amazing.”
A waiter with a tray of champagne flutes approached. Coop grabbed a glass with one hand while leaning close to whisper in the waiter’s ear and slipping a folded bill into the man’s pocket. The waiter promptly disappeared but returned moments later with a refilled tray and one flute in his hand.
“For the lady,” he said holding out the flute. It contained a liquid that was a slightly different color than the champagne in the rest of the glasses.
“Ginger ale,” Coop explained. Britt happily accepted the drink. He nodded toward a table near the small stage set at the far end of the room. “Do you need to sit or would you like to wander around and schmooze.”
She laughed softly. “That’s a word I never thought to hear coming from your mouth.”
He shrugged. “I have rich cousins and a socially conscious mother. I get dragged to a lot of events. I also work for one of the biggest family-held energy companies in the US. Schmoozing was a required class in my family education.”
Britt curled her lips to keep from laughing again. Cooper wanted to kiss her. Well, he really wanted to do all sorts of things to her. She looked different without her glasses and with her hair so prim and styled. He wanted to pull the pins out of the bun and bury his fingers in her blond curls while he kissed her until neither of them could breathe. Britt always turned him on, usually at the most inopportune times. Like now. With people milling about and a lot of his family present. The public would frown on him going all caveman by scooping her up into his arms and making off with her. But the Barrons had a suite in the hotel and he had the security code to get into it. One elevator ride and they’d be on their way to a really good night.
He gazed down at her, the brim of his hat putting both of their faces into deeper shadows. Cooper wanted more than just a few nights with her. He’d known it all along. This was the woman for him. Now and always. All he had to do was convince her.
