by JoAnn Durgin
Caty turned her head and did a double take. Did Lauren say love? Before she could respond, Lauren asked for her jacket.
“I’ll keep it with me for now if that’s all right.”
“Certainly. Follow me, please, Miss Lewis. Your table is waiting.” She giggled and motioned for Caty to follow as they walked past the living room and formal dining room.
Although elegant and tastefully furnished in muted earth tones, the house wasn’t yet fully decorated. Caty would never say as much to Caleb, but the rooms could use a woman’s touch to lend more warmth and personality, not to mention some much needed splashes of color.
“We decided to be informal tonight,” Lauren explained. “We haven’t used the dining room yet, but it’s stuffy and formal, anyway. Dad figured we’d eat in the kitchen, like a family.”
Caty swallowed her surprise. “I see.” Not that the mentions of love and family intimidated her, but they were unexpected. “Where’s Max tonight?”
Hearing a noise behind her, the next moment, Caty was flat on her back on the hardwood floor, somewhere between the dining room and what she assumed was the kitchen at the back of the house. Dizzy, she brought one hand to her forehead. “What just happened?”
“You met Max.” Caleb leaned over her, concern in his eyes. “I’m afraid my bodyguard dog knocked the wind out of you. I’m sorry, Caty. If it helps, I think he likes you. I had Lauren take him to the backyard.”
Caty struggled to sit up and propped herself on her elbow. She had to take this in stages. Being knocked out was a brand new sensation she’d never experienced before. “Are you…wearing a tuxedo or am I imagining this entire thing?”
“Rest for a minute.” Caleb shrugged out of his jacket and then rolled it into a ball. “Here. Put this under your head.” With gentle care, he lifted her head and slid the makeshift pillow beneath her.
“Thank you, kind sir. How do you figure Max likes me?”
“Well, for one thing, you’re still intact and have all your original working body parts.” His cheeks colored. “At least I think—”
“One hundred percent natural girl here, Cowboy Abe, but you’ll have to take my word for it.” Maybe Helena had undergone plastic surgery? A lot of wealthy women in Texas with money had enhancements.
Trying to focus, Caty squeezed her eyes closed. How had this conversation even started?
Opening her eyes again a few seconds later, she avoided looking at him. “How long do you figure I’ll need to stay here supine on the floor?”
He chuckled. “You must be okay if you’re using a word like supine. I thought it was prone or prostrate.”
“No, no,” she said. “Prone is lying face down. Supine is lying with your face in an upward position.”
Caleb shook his head with an irresistible smile. “You’ve got me beat.”
“Not really. You see, supine is the word that broke my perfect record with vocabulary tests in fifth grade. I’m weird. Things like that stick in my mind.”
With a start, Caty’s eyes grew wide. She fumbled for the hem of her skirt. Of all nights to wear a shorter skirt! She’d smack her forehead if that wouldn’t lift her skirt higher again. Had she left herself open to humiliation? The hem of her skirt seemed to be where it should be, and she blew out a sigh of relief.
“No worries. Your modesty is intact. I already knew you had great legs.”
“Please, Caleb,” she groaned. “I’m embarrassed enough as it is. This floor will open up and swallow me whole now, right?”
He raised his hands. “I’m only stating fact. I like your outfit. You know I really like your red boots, and the—”
“Stop right there!” Holding up one hand, Caty mock glared at him. “Don’t you dare say I look cute or like I’m ready for a hoedown, hootenanny, barn dance, or a shindig.”
“I wouldn’t dare. Spectacular as your suits are, it’s a nice change to see you in something else. For instance, your dress on Sunday singlehandedly changed my opinion of the color brown.”
She laughed. “That’s quite enough compliments, but thank you. I appreciate them.”
When she tried to sit up, Caleb planted a firm hand on her shoulder. “I’ll help you get up in just a minute. For now, humor me and take another minute to catch your breath.”
Little could Caleb know it wasn’t only Max jumping on her that knocked the breath out of her. The master of the house had every bit as much to do with it.
Lowering to the floor, Caleb stretched out beside her, resting on his side, propped on one elbow—crisp white dress shirt, black bow tie, cuff links. Her gaze traveled the length of him down to his feet. Barefoot?
“You seem to have forgotten your socks and shoes.”
“Lauren thought it would be fun for me to dress like this and play the role of your server during dinner. And I wholeheartedly embraced the idea.” Leaning across her, Caleb planted his hand on the other side of her. She couldn’t escape if she wanted, but why would she want to?
“That still doesn’t explain the bare feet.”
Caleb’s lips curled. “Are you complaining?”
“No, but your cowboy boots might be a nice touch.” Why were they talking about footwear or lack thereof? Her pulse spun out of control. “You seem to like pinning me down. Should I worry about your intentions?”
“Quiet, please. You’re obviously delirious.”
“I think I might just be.”
“Shhh.” He brushed his lips over hers. Gentle. Completely in control yet enough to drive her out-of-her-mind crazy. “Welcome to our home. I’m glad you could come.”
“Me, too. I’m glad to be here, but if this is the way you greet all your guests, I might have cause to worry.”
“Only a beautiful, honored guest named Catherine Grace Lewis.”
Oh, my. She enjoyed Caleb’s playful side and adored flirting with him. With a smile, she patted one hand on his cheek. “Enough with the flattery. Now that the handsome prince has given me a kiss, it’s time for me to get up now. Apparently, the floor in your home can be dangerous.”
Chuckling, he helped her to her feet. “Better me kissing you than Max.”
“Agreed,” she said. “You don’t drool nearly as much, either.”
Taking her by the hand, Caleb led her into the kitchen and pulled out a chair. Caty glanced around the large room, admiring the stone floor and beamed ceilings, and its state-of-the art fixtures and countertops. The dinner table was covered in a white linen tablecloth, set with fine china and silver, and a single candle was lit beside a vase with fresh peach-colored roses.
“This is beautiful. I’m getting special treatment tonight.” Caleb pulled out a chair, and she took a seat. “How’s Lettie doing?”
“Improving,” Caleb said. “She’s being stubborn as usual and is insisting on coming back sooner than later. Lauren and I are flying to Dallas late tomorrow and staying the night.”
A frown creased Caty’s brow. “I hate to bring it up, but do you think there’s a connection between what happened—”
“I do, but what good is worrying about it? Lettie’s sister is right. I’m going to insist she stay in Dallas until we know what’s happening.”
Caty turned more serious. “Steve Robison spoke with me in the breakroom yesterday morning, Caleb. He had a few choice words. If I didn’t know it before, I know now that the man doesn’t trust me.” When Caleb didn’t answer immediately, she glanced up at him. “You knew?”
He tipped his head. “Steve shared his suspicions with me. Then I called Eliot. He’s in Europe on an assignment, but he talked with me for a few minutes.”
“Did he have any helpful suggestions?”
“He believes Steve might be involved or else he really doesn’t like you, I’m sorry to say.”
Caty’s mouth went dry. “Do you mind getting me a glass of water?”
“Where are my manners? I’m sorry.” Caleb quickly grabbed a glass, and then he filled it with ice and water from the most impressive
refrigerator she’d ever seen.
“Thanks.” Caty took a long drink. “I was going to say that, in all fairness, it could be that Steve is fiercely loyal and believes he’s protecting you. I mean, if you look at the facts on paper, I am the most likely suspect. After all, that’s the reason I came to you in the first place. I suppose Steve interpreted that meeting as my way of trying to deflect you…or to sway you with my feminine charm or something.”
“I had a meeting with Miles yesterday,” Caleb said. “He has some decent ideas, and I’m going to take a few of them into consideration. One of the things that came to light from his list was unexpected.” Caleb planted both hands on the back of a chair and appeared to be weighing his words carefully. “Seems Steve has been sending gifts to various women in the company through interoffice mail.”
“What?” Caty set down the glass. “How odd. I assumed he’s married since, as I recall, he wears a wedding band.”
“He’s been married to a lovely woman named Barbara for over thirty years. They have four children and a handful of grandchildren.”
“Hmm.” Caty took another sip of her water. “Do you know what kinds of gifts?”
“Jewelry, according to Miles. I guess one was a pearl necklace. It came out of the pouch it was in, and was loose in the interoffice envelope. Since those envelopes have holes in them, Miles could see what it was. He was afraid he’d get in trouble by telling me, but I forced it out of him. I assured him he wasn’t in trouble. I needed to know.”
Caty frowned. “If he wanted to send gifts like that, why would he send them through interoffice mail? Is he sending them anonymously or is his name on them?”
“Anonymously. Miles picks up Steve’s mail, so he knows the envelopes are coming from his office.”
“That’s just…”
“Sloppy and highly inappropriate,” Caleb finished for her. “I’m beginning to believe my second-in-command needs to be put out to pasture, as insensitive as that might sound.”
“Have you talked with him about it?”
“I haven’t had a chance, no. Depending on my mood, I might address it with Steve after the board meeting on Thursday morning.” The meeting where Caleb would announce his plans to discontinue the cigarette and tobacco sales. Caty was glad he’d shared that news with her before the public announcement.
“By sending the envelopes anonymously, I’m assuming he doesn’t really know these women.” Caty glanced up at Caleb as he tugged on elbow-length mitts and opened the oven door. Whatever was baking smelled delicious. “Did Miles give you the names of the women?”
“He told me there’ve been five women, although he can’t be sure how many times Steve’s sent something to each one. Suma’s one of them. And Quinn.”
“Attractive single women,” Caty said.
After removing a large, oval ceramic bowl from the oven and sliding a tray of rolls inside, Caleb closed the door and carefully set the piping hot dish on the dishtowel-covered counter. “I’m not suggesting it has anything to do with the accounting discrepancies, but I suppose I shouldn’t discount anything. I’m also not assuming the women have anything to do with them.”
Lauren scurried into the kitchen. She’d changed into her new black leggings and colorful tunic. “No serious talk, you two. Time for your romantic dinner!” She clapped her hands. “First off, some music for ambiance to get you in the mood.”
“Lauren! Keep it up, and I’m going to ask Cordelia to get me a list of boarding schools.” Caleb shook his head with a deep frown.
“You’d miss me too much, Dad.” Lauren scooted over to a control box of some kind in the corner of the kitchen. “Caty, do you like jazz?”
“I’m sure Louisiana has plenty of decent boarding schools,” Caleb called to her. “That’s not so far away.” Caty glimpsed the beginnings of a grin teasing the corners of his mouth. She couldn’t help but smile as soft jazz began to play.
Caleb ordered her to remain seated while he and Lauren finished their dinner preparations. They both seemed relaxed and happy, teasing one another with an easy rapport as they worked together.
After he prayed for their meal, Caleb served Caty a tossed salad on a separate plate with Italian dressing on the side. Father and daughter sat side-by-side on the opposite side of the table. As they ate, Lauren made sure Caty’s water glass was filled and that she had everything she needed.
Caty found it cute how Lauren fussed over both her and Caleb. Then Lauren told her about the drug test at the academy. “I’m looking at it as an educational experience,” she said. Based on his frown, Caleb didn’t share that opinion, but he remained silent.
“I asked Sam if he has any upcoming TeamWork projects that Belac could plug into,” Caty said as they finished their salads. “If you’d like, I could give you a list of upcoming events in the Houston area. There are a few in the next few months that sound promising.”
Caleb nodded and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Give me your personal recommendation, and we’ll go with it. Unless you specifically need my input, I trust your judgment. Cordelia can help. If you want, put Miles in charge of the event. I think with the support of a few others, he could handle getting it set up.”
“That’s commendable,” Caty said. “I know Miles will do his best. The vote of support from you will mean a lot to him.”
“We all have to start somewhere, and I’d like to see him have more responsibility at the corporation. To some extent, he reminds me of myself.” Pushing back from the table, Caleb gathered their empty salad plates and took them to the sink. “Now, for our next course. Fettucine with fresh cream sauce, mushrooms, and snow peas.” He lowered the bowl into a warming dish on the table.
Lauren jumped up and gingerly transferred the hot rolls from the tray to a basket before bringing them to the table. Next, she pulled a butter dish from the refrigerator and put it beside the rolls along with a knife. “Am I forgetting anything, Dad?”
“I think you’ve got it all. Thanks.” After making sure Lauren was seated, Caleb returned to his chair.
“You are my kind of people.” Caty smiled. “Fettucine is one of my favorites.”
Lauren grinned. “Dad knows.”
Caty lifted her brows. “Been spying on me, Mr. Reid?”
“I asked Marta.” He shot her a grin as he wrapped pasta around his spoon.
“I suppose you’ve been to Italy, and they taught you how to do that?” Mimicking his actions, Caty had little success.
He chuckled. “I’ll show you.” Caleb moved around the table to stand behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he placed his hands over hers and proceeded to wrap pasta around the spoon. He had her practice a couple of times then whispered against her cheek, “Got it?”
“I think so, thank you.” Surely he could feel how fast her heart was beating. He seemed to like showing her how to eat things. How oddly romantic.
“And that’s my cue. You two lovebirds are on your own.” Giggling, Lauren put her empty plate in the sink. “I’m going to grab a bowl of sorbet, and then I’m out of here. I’ll be up in my room.”
“Where’s Max?” Caleb moved back to the other side of the table and took his chair.
“Outside. I’ll bring him in, but can he sleep in my room tonight, Dad? Pretty please?”
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.”
The girl rolled her eyes. “Dad thinks it’ll make him soft, and Max won’t be an effective guard dog if I pamper him.”
Caleb’s gaze implored hers. “I’m open to any suggestions.”
“I think it’d be okay for Max to sleep in your room, Lauren. It’ll make him feel like part of the family. What I wouldn’t advise is having him sleep on your bed.”
Caleb burst out laughing. “Definitely not on the bed. Off with you. I’ll be up later to say good night.”
“Is Caty staying the night?”
“Go now,” Caleb growled. As Lauren scampered out of the kitchen, Caleb shook his head. “See wha
t I have to deal with? I think she needs an intervention.”
~~♥~~
“Let me help you.” Caty gathered their sorbet dishes and took them to the sink.
“Leave them. It won’t take but a few seconds to put them in the dishwasher later,” he said. He had things on his mind besides washing dishes.
“Let’s do them by hand. My parents always said that washing dishes together can be very romantic.” Slipping out of her jacket, Caty draped it around the back of a chair.
“Is that right? I’m willing to test that theory.” Sounded promising, and he was willing to try it.
After locating a bottle of dishwashing liquid beneath the sink, Caty positioned the stopper and began to run water into the sink. As they worked, she admired the view of his backyard, and they talked a bit about their childhoods. She’d run track and played softball in school, and he’d played basketball and baseball. She told him what it was like being one of six kids, and he shared his perspective on being an only child.
“There were a lot of times where I wished for an older brother,” he said. “I don’t mind saying I envy the relationship you share with Sam. I can tell how special it is for you.”
“You know,” he said after she’d picked up the last pan and submerged it in the water, “with your hands in the dishwater like that, you’re very vulnerable to me. I could take advantage of this situation if I’m so inclined.”
Caty laughed. “I wouldn’t advise it unless you want a water fight on your hands.”
“Maybe I do. Let’s see if you’re ticklish.” Sidling over to her, Caleb planted his hands on her waist and turned her to face him. And then he began to tickle her. The feel of her in his arms was irresistible.
Biting her lower lip, Caty tried not to laugh. The more she squirmed and laughed, the more he increased his efforts. He was relentless, and he adored the sound of her laughter. Loved her native Texas drawl as she begged him to stop. Seemed her drawl was more pronounced when she was riled, either in a good way or a not-so-good way.
“Okay, you asked for it.” Grabbing the sprayer, Caty aimed it at him.
“Oh no, you don’t!” He lunged for her too late as she pressed the lever long enough to douse him. At least the water was lukewarm. “Now, see what you’ve done,” he accused in a mock-threatening tone, advancing on her. “You shall pay.”
