“Thank you,” Leah replied hugging her back. “I missed you too.”
“Go on in.” Ellen motioned to her father’s open door. “I’m sure he’s expecting you.”
Patrick Morgan did not look his age. Despite long hours while heading Morgan Investments, one of the largest investment companies in Montana, he remained mostly devoid of gray hair, except for his temples.
At sixty-seven, most would be considering retirement. Although he did take regular vacations mostly to appease her mother, who loved to travel, he didn’t seem to have immediate plans to leave the workforce.
“Settled in for the week?” He met her gaze without smiling. This was the CEO who spoke to her, not her father. “I need to go over some details with you and Zack at nine-thirty.”
His phone rang and he ignored it. “Sit down, need to go over some recent changes to the Lawhead account with you now.”
It was as if nothing had changed. Nothing other than she wasn’t truly a member of the workforce. A part of her felt detached as hurt formed a barrier protecting Leah from hoping she’d be allowed to return permanently.
Half an hour later in the conference room, Leah along with the executives sat at a long table. The discussion went unabated as each person presented their current stats and such. Leah wouldn’t have any input. Other than being there to represent the company to the client, she was devoid of responsibility.
Her gaze moved to the window. The street view of another building across the parking lot was not exactly what one would call picturesque. The views at the ranch were so much better. At the moment, she yearned to be back there, in the security of the empty house.
At the same time, what did she have there? No friends. Any attempts at prospering the ranch were feeble at best. She needed direction, needed to know exactly what she wanted.
For goodness sakes, she was forty-two years old.
What did she want?
“Care to join us Leah?” Her father’s voice brought her out of her revelry.
“Unless it’s about the Lawhead account, we all know my presence or opinion doesn’t really matter at the moment.”
There was an awkward silence as everyone looked anywhere but at her or her father.
“Need you to go over two portfolios sometime after the meeting with Lawhead and his people.”
She nodded and looked across the table at Zack, her father’s right hand man. The guy had the audacity to smile at her. He seemed pale and thinner, or had he always been like that?
He paled in comparison to Luke.
Shit the last thing she needed to think about was Luke Hamilton. The man had proven to be the asshole she thought he was on the first day they’d met.
What seemed like an eternity later, Leah leaned back in her office chair and closed her eyes. It was almost seven in the evening and they’d finally finished for the day. How had she done it for so long? Working twelve to fourteen hour days then slogging home to take out or a sandwich. Most days she’d popped open her laptop and continued working until bedtime.
Yet she’d been happy, or content at least.
“It’s not the same without you here.” Zack stood in the doorway.
“Says the man who has the most to gain by my absence.” Leah couldn’t keep the disdain from her voice. “I doubt you miss me.”
Zack had the decency to look chagrined. Of course he’d tried to convince her father against her being sent away. What better way to gain the trust of the CEO and get her to believe he was the nice guy?
It wasn’t until now, she could see the gleam of shrewdness in his gaze. There had always been something about him that seemed off. At times she’d considered that perhaps she was attracted to him, which could be why a sort of apprehension took over when he was in the room.
The distance, having been gone for several weeks, helped her see clearer. He was not a nice man, not about what was best for others. Zack was a schemer, who was positioning himself for power. The only way to get her father to agree would be if she seemed unfit. Although, she had to admit, he was good at his job. Very good.
Her eyes narrowed. “Why am I really here? Please don’t tell me it was your idea for me to be present.”
He stepped into her office but didn’t sit. Of course not, he preferred to stand over her. “It’s your account after all. You had to be here.” Lowering to place his hands flat on her desk, he leaned closer. “Why do you have such a problem with me all of a sudden? All I’ve done was try to help, when the others asked that you be fired.” He shook his head. “You need to work on your trust issues. I’m not the enemy here.”
Oh it could be her husband screwed around on her, her former lover had screwed her out of a deal and her father was being swayed against her by a schemer, or maybe the fact that the schemer himself was now trying to act like her friend? She had a lot of reasons to not trust the opposite sex.
“Zack, I’m not going to be psychoanalyzed by you. How about we call it a day?”
“How about a celebratory drink? Give me a break, I’m trying to be friends with you.”
If she closed her eyes, maybe when she opened them, he’d be gone. Leah tried and it didn’t work. He remained leaning over her desk with a perfected ‘I’m a nice guy’ expression. Lips curved, eyes hooded and eyebrows lifted, Zack peered down at her.
“Well, it’s nice to see my two favorite people are getting along.” Her father picked the worst moment possible to stroll in. As his gaze moved from Zack to her, his wide smile made Leah want to scream.
“I was just asking your daughter out for a celebratory drink,” Zack, the asshat, announced. “Would you like to join us?”
“Perfect idea,” her father replied and then looked at her. “Your mom is spending the week at your brother’s. She’s watching the kids while they go on a cruise.”
It was hard not to cringe. Her brother could have asked her. But then again, she’d not been to see her nieces in several months. Not wishing to have any family conversation in front of Zack, she stood and grabbed her purse and work tote. “Let’s go have a drink.”
It was almost eleven at night, when Leah finally trudged home. The condo was pristine as always. The lighting was purposely bright in some areas and dimmer in others to create a welcoming environment.
Decorated in shades of pale gray and white, although beautiful, it now seemed sterile. She kicked off her shoes and dropped her bags onto a chair on her way to the bedroom.
In the center of her bed was a box, and she stopped in her tracks looking around. Who could have possibly come into the place? Beside her parents, only Allison had a key.
She tiptoed to the bed, as if the box would come to life and attack her. Gently, she untied the satiny Tiffany blue ribbon, which slipped from her fingers to the bedding, the color adding a touch of brightness to her stark white coverlet.
Inside the box, a small dried flower wreath sat nestled in white tissue. In the center was a note card with the Pollyanna logo.
I know it was a hard day.
Lets do lunch tomorrow.
Hugs, Alli
If she didn’t already love her friend, now she did more. Tears stung as Leah sat on the bed. She lifted the beautiful little wreath and sniffed it. It smelled of lavender, reminding her of Allison’s flower shop.
After a quick text to her friend setting a time and place, she hurried to shower. Within moments she was settled in bed, her eyes barely remaining open.
“Holy cow!” Allison’s wide eyes met hers. “Twice. And wow...”
“Yes, it was stupid.”
Allison leaned closer and whispered even though they were the only ones in the flower shop at the time. “If a man made me come that many times and so hard, I would sleep with him more than twice.”
“He’s trouble. Has issues. Besides, like I said, the asshole outbid me on purpose.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case.”
Leah shook her head. “He was staring at me the entire time.”
; “Maybe because you’re lovers. Hello?” Allison tapped the side of her own head. “Plus, it doesn’t matter, you’ve got it bad for him.”
“No I don’t. The sex was great, but that’s all it was. It’s over.”
“No it’s not.”
Why had she admitted to her friend what happened with Luke? She had to change the topic. The last thing she needed was Luke constantly on the brain. “What’s new with you? Have you had mindblowing sex lately?” Okay how was that changing the topic?
“Not like you apparently,” Allison said, laughing. “The man can cook, is great in bed, and on top of that he’s hot. I can’t imagine him naked. Woo!” She fanned her face. “Hot and a good lover. Girl, do you know how hard it is to find guys our age like that?”
“We’re not that old. Forties is the new thirty.” Leah couldn’t keep from smirking at the cliché.
“For women maybe, but the guys didn’t get the memo. Luke is forty-five and he can go for that long. That alone would make me forget any assholishness.”
A burst of laughter escaped and Leah was so glad she could come and spill her guts to her dear friend. “God, I love you. You always make me forget my troubles.”
Allison took her right hand in both of hers. “Stop it. You don’t have troubles. You are on sabbatical. You are beautiful. Think about it. How many women get a chance to get away to a ranch for six months? No responsibility. Can lie around all day and read. Ride horses, explore, paint or some other stupid hobby. You have money so you don’t have to worry too much. On top of that, you have a hot lover...kinda. If you complain one more time, I’m going to have to bitch-slap you.”
“Holy shit. You just made my life sound amazing.” Leah pretended to be shocked. Shame edged in. “Geez, you’re right. I need to get my head out of my ass.”
“You think?”
The bell over the door jingled and both looked up as a woman bustled in. Cheeks flushed, she returned Allison’s greeting. “Hi I’m picking up flowers for the Clark wedding.”
“Hello Mrs. Stanley.” Allison led the woman to a beautiful upholstered chair. “Have a cup of tea, while I finish boxing the flowers. It won’t take but a second.” She quickly poured tea and placed it in the befuddled woman’s hands. “There’s a choice of honey or raw sugar.” She pointed to a small tray on the side table next to the woman’s elbow. As Allison glided to the back room, a soft harp musical began playing.
Mrs. Stanley lifted the tea to her lips. In less than a minute, the woman’s shoulders fell and she let out a long breath. As if noticing Leah for the first time, she smiled in her direction. “I needed this break. I’m the mother of a very demanding bride.”
Leah smiled in return.
19
“I’m too old for this shit.” Luke let out a huff and dropped into a chair. The kids he’d been chasing continued running circles in the back yard. Family dinners were great, but his younger sister seemed to always have more kids each time he visited and the little buggers were relentless.
His sister was the youngest of the three of them. Currently twenty-eight, she’d gotten married at nineteen to her high school sweetheart after finding out she was pregnant. The couple was well suited and now ten years later had four kids.
Taylor laughed and also collapsed into a chair on the back patio. “Yeah, they’re a handful.” Although his cousin seemed to enjoy the day, Luke knew it had to be hard for him.
After the entire horrible event of his father’s death, Taylor’s in-laws were killed in a tragic accident. In the car with them were both his five-year-old son and toddler-aged daughter.
Although the entire family had mourned the great loss, Luke couldn’t imagine how much harder it was for Taylor. To top it off, Taylor and his wife divorced soon after, the marriage unable to withstand so much loss.
“Thanks for letting me pen my cows with yours.” Luke took a long drink of his lemonade. “I am still figuring out what kind of house to build.”
Taylor laughed. “You’ve got a great piece of land, can build pretty much anything on it.”
“Yeah,” he replied shaking his head. “Dad still takes good care of us.”
“Yep,” Taylor agreed. “I’m not sure what I’d do without them.”
“I’m right there with you,” Luke replied.
His mother walked out. In a long sleeveless dress, with her hair swept up into a twist of some sort, she looked much younger than sixty-two. “How are my boys?” She cupped Taylor’s jaw before turning to Luke. “You look great, relaxed. Montana is doing you good sweetheart.”
He couldn’t help the smile. “You are beautiful as always Mom.”
She chuckled. “You’re sweet.” Her gaze moved to the back yard. “Kids, dinner is ready. Come on.” The children ran to her and she guided them inside. “Come in boys, let’s eat.”
Tobias drove them back from their parents’. Luke leaned back in the front passenger seat, too full to be comfortable.
“So what happened the other day? You said you felt sick.” Tobias glanced toward him.
“I am not sure what the hell that was,” Luke explained to Tobias who studied his face. “Pretty sure it was some kind of panic attack. I’m good now.”
His brother didn’t seem convinced. “I still think we should get you checked out. If it’s your ticker, best to know.”
“I’m good.” The last thing he needed was to spend hours at some doctor’s office. He was already seeing the psychiatrist, which was more than enough.
Tobias grinned. “I’ll tell Mom if you don't go.”
Luke groaned.
In the back seat Taylor snored and jerked awake. “What happened?”
“Looks like Miss Pesky is back,” Tobias said looking toward the Morgan land. “She’s something else. I heard about what happened at the auction. Heard she had a fit.”
“I outbid her and she took it personally. Didn’t even know I was bidding against her, there were others bidding too.” Luke watched the house as they drove past. The lights were on in every room. On the side of the house her small car was parked at an angle.
“She could have talked to the guy and arranged for a separate purchase. Instead, I think she probably scared the crap out of him.” Tobias chuckled.
Luke laughed. “Yeah, she most definitely did.”
“So what’s going on with you two?” Taylor was the one brave enough to ask.
Luke wondered how much he and Tobias suspected to have transpired. He shrugged. “She hates me. That’s about it.”
“Mmm. Hmm,” Tobias said not taking his eyes from the road.
They arrived at the house, which gave him a reprieve from more questions.
“Shit.” Leah ducked into a doorway at spotting Luke standing in front of the hardware store where a man and his wife had dogs in small pens and on leashes. She’d come to town to see about the dogs, which had been on the news the night before. Seemed the couple took it upon themselves to run a no-kill shelter.
He didn’t seem the kind to want or need a dog. They already had two at their house. She peeked out and sure enough, he’d crouched down to the dogs’ level. It was best to give him some time and then come back. She hurried to a coffee shop just a couple of doors down.
“Nice day isn’t it?” the woman behind the counter greeted her. “What can I get for you?”
After ordering a latte and a bagel, she found a table where she could keep an eye out toward where the dogs were. Once Luke left, she’d go over and see the dogs. Although she wanted one, she’d not owned one since leaving home.
Now it seemed would be the perfect time to train a dog and spend time with it before going back to live in Billings. She considered her condo and how hard it would be for an animal to go from a ranch to living in a restricted space.
She glanced out the window toward where the dogs were and Luke wasn’t there. Leah leaned forward and scanned the street. Had he picked out a dog and left already?
“Leah.” His deep voice sunk in and h
er treacherous stomach tumbled. “Saw you outside.”
Damn, had he seen her hiding in the doorway? “Yeah, I saw you too.” She looked up at him with a blank expression. There was no way she was about to start a conversation with him.
“The usual?” the woman called from behind the counter and he turned to give her a nod. “Thank you.”
He had a “usual”?
Thankfully he left and went to get his “usual”. But her relief was short lived when he returned and lowered into the empty seat opposite her. His hazel eyes met hers and she let out a breath. “Why are you sitting here? There are plenty of empty chairs.” She motioned to the otherwise empty café.
Just then a group of four women entered. Chatting loudly, they ordered drinks while maintaining an ongoing conversation. The woman who owned the shop was obviously their mutual friend.
“You’re still mad at me?”
He was playing with her now. Although his expression was hard to read, she wondered if he really gave a shit. “Of course I am. You know that was wrong.”
“You can negotiate with Barrett about more animals. He will work with you.”
“Did you hear what they said? That was the last set he’s offering for a couple years.”
He leaned closer. “They always say things like that to get people to bid.”
From his eyes, she trailed her gaze down to his lips. It took monumental willpower to look away and out the window. “Are you getting a dog?”
“Can I come over tonight?”
“No.”
“I’m not sure about the dog. You?”
Now that she thought about it, perhaps getting a dog was impulsive. “I’m not sure.”
“It would be good protection.”
When he lifted the coffee to his mouth, she was able to look back to him. “I am not staying in Laurel Creek forever. Once I leave, the dog would have to adjust to living in a condo with a microscopic yard.”
Jaded: Luke: Laurel Creek Series Page 11
