Susan Mallery Bundle: The Buchanans

by Susan Mallery

  What had been charming a few seconds ago suddenly became uncomfortable. She regretted allowing Zoe to guilt him into staying for dinner. “Zoe, don’t ask questions like that. Walker has been very good to us and to Mrs. Ford. We’re grateful for that, but we don’t want to keep him too long.”

  Walker felt like shit. He’d been surprised by the manipulated circumstances, but not offended or angry. He hadn’t meant to make Elissa feel bad.

  “It’s okay,” he said, putting down his fork. “Everything is really good.” He glanced at Zoe, who watched him warily. “Yes, Zoe, I do like your mother. She’s a very caring person and she knows how to cook. I’m looking forward to the brownies you frosted.”

  Elissa shook her head. “You don’t have to—”

  “I want to.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Now you’re reading my mind?”

  “Walker.”

  He wasn’t sure why he was doing this. The easiest thing in the world would be to walk away. To take the escape she offered and go back upstairs. Only he hated the darkness he saw in her eyes and he wanted to listen to Zoe chatter about The Lion King or her friends or dogs. He didn’t have much normality in his life and he appreciated the chance to experience it, even from a distance.

  “Let it go,” he told Elissa. “Eat your dinner.”

  She hesitated, then nodded. “All right. Thank you.”

  Walker turned to Zoe. “Tell me more about the play. What did the people wear?”

  TWO HOURS LATER WALKER stood and stretched. “It was a good story,” he said.

  Elissa smiled at him. “I can’t believe you were willing to sit through The Lion King.”

  He glanced at the sleeping child curled up on the sofa. “I’m sorry she didn’t get to see the end.”

  “This was only her four billionth time,” Elissa said, aware of the quiet of the evening and the closeness of the man.

  “Want me to carry her to bed?” he asked.

  “You’ve done enough of that for one day,” she told him. “I can manage.”

  “Okay.”

  She followed him to the door. Once there, she drew in a breath. “I’m sorry about what happened. I shouldn’t have used Zoe to coerce you like that.”

  “Do you really think I’m not strong enough to resist a five-year-old?”

  “She’s pretty adorable.”

  “I agree, but I’m a big, bad Marine. At least I was.”

  He might be big, but there was nothing bad about him. As far as she could tell, he was one of the good guys.

  And she wanted him. Oh, sure, there were a lot of reasons why that was a mistake, but they didn’t erase the truth. Her knees trembled at the thought of his body against hers and she knew that if he didn’t at least kiss her, she wouldn’t be able to sleep for hours. Of course if he did kiss her, she wouldn’t be getting much sleep, either.

  She could feel her body swelling, readying and nothing had happened. What would happen if he ever did touch her?

  Apparently, she wasn’t going to find out anytime soon.

  He smiled, thanked her for dinner and stepped out into the night. She stood by the open door and listened to him climb the stairs.

  “Be careful what you wish for,” she told herself as she closed the door. “You just might get it.”

  THE BEST PART of Elissa’s day was seeing her daughter when she got home from work. A very close second to that was taking off her very sensible shoes and wiggling her bare toes on the area rug in her bedroom.

  It was still warm, so she didn’t bother with shoes. Instead she tossed her uniform into the dirty clothes basket and pulled on shorts and a T-shirt. An especially generous table of eight had given her an extra fifteen dollars for the day. A sensible person would put it into an emergency fund, but Elissa was seriously considering a special splurge on takeout.

  Maybe she and Zoe could go to the mall and wander around for a while. She could get ideas for fall fashions for herself and her daughter and they could eat at the food court. It was Friday. Maybe they could even take in a movie.

  She glanced at her small clock radio. It was nearly three. Zoe was playing at a friend’s house until four, when Elissa was supposed to pick her up. They would go to the mall, she decided. It would be a fun treat.

  That decided, she walked into the kitchen and got a glass of water. Between now and four she could start on her next—

  Someone knocked on the door.

  Elissa’s heart did a little “let it be Walker” shimmy, which was very annoying. He’d made it more than clear he wasn’t interested in her in that way. Maybe he was and he was only doing what she’d asked, which meant she only had herself to blame. Not that there was any way to really find out.

  She crossed to the door and opened it. But instead of Walker, there was a well-dressed older woman standing on her small porch.

  “Elissa Towers?” the woman asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Invite me in, please.”

  Elissa blinked. “I don’t know you.”

  “I’m Gloria Buchanan and you know my grandson. Invite me in.”

  The combination of the woman’s imperious tone and her relationship with Walker caused Elissa to do as she’d ordered. She stepped back and allowed the other woman to enter.

  Gloria Buchanan was about Elissa’s height, very thin and erect. Her tailored dress screamed designer and the cost of her shoes would not only replace all of Elissa’s tires, but probably the transmission, as well.

  Gloria stepped into the living room and slowly looked the place over. Elissa refused to flinch as her gaze lingered on the worn sofa or the mess on the craft table in the alcove. This was Elissa’s home and if the old woman didn’t like it, she could leave.

  “You live here?” Gloria asked, her voice indicating her disbelief that such a thing was possible.

  Right up until that moment, Elissa had been planning to offer her a seat and something to drink, but now she wasn’t so sure.

  “You already know the answer to that question,” she said instead.

  “You’re right. I do. I know many things, but I’m wondering if I can say the same about you. Say, for instance, about my grandson. He is a wealthy and important man. He is going to be taking over the family business very soon.”

  The wealthy and important didn’t surprise her, but the business part did. “He hasn’t mentioned it.”

  “Why would he discuss such a thing with you?” Gloria asked.

  She ignored that. “What’s your point?”

  “You are in over your head, Ms. Towers. Far over your head. Do you know who I am?”

  Elissa suspected she meant more than just being Walker’s grandmother. “You’re dying to tell me, so go ahead. I don’t mind listening.”

  “I am the reason our family is as successful as it is. I have single-handedly grown our four restaurants into—”

  “Restaurants?” Buchanan? Buchanan’s the steak place? She’d heard of it, but never eaten there. She would need the cash value of the old bag’s shoes for that.

  “We have four establishments,” Gloria said smugly. “Walker was born to money. Something you were not.”

  “You’re stating the obvious,” Elissa said, both confused and annoyed. “Would you get to the point of your visit?”

  “I want you out of his life.”

  Elissa hadn’t known what to expect, but it wasn’t that. “Are you crazy? You want me out of his life? This isn’t 1890. You don’t get to dictate who your grandson is friends with. Besides, how did you even know I’m friends with Walker?”

  “That is not important. What does matter is who and what you are. Do you think I want a former drug-using groupie in my family? Does he know, Ms. Towers? Have you told him how you slept around? How you slept with men to get jobs?”

  Elissa held in a gasp of shock. How the hell had Gloria found all that out? “I never used drugs. As for the rest of it, no one cares.”

  “A lot of people
care. A lot of people would be interested in knowing your daughter’s father isn’t dead. He’s alive and as addicted as ever. I understand he gets in touch with you from time to time, asking for money. Wouldn’t your life be awful if he wanted custody of his daughter? The child you stole from him?”

  How had Walker’s grandmother found out Elissa had told everyone, including Zoe, that Neil was dead? How did the old woman know about the money?

  Elissa took a step back. She could handle her past coming back to haunt her, but no one threatened Zoe’s safety. “Get out.”

  “Not yet. I have more to say. You will avoid my grandson at all costs. You will refuse to have contact with him. Do you understand me?”

  This wasn’t happening, Elissa thought grimly. It couldn’t be. Her life was normal, boring even.

  “I have a lot of friends in the community,” Gloria continued. “Good friends. Mr. Frank Church, for example. A very charitable man. He and I serve on several committees together. I believe he owns the restaurant where you work.”

  Elissa felt hollow and more frightened than she’d ever been before. Frank was a big supporter of several local charities. He was on the board of two. He could easily know Gloria.

  “If you don’t get out of Walker’s life, I’ll have Frank fire you,” the old woman said calmly. “I’ll enjoy doing it, as well.” She paused and looked at the craft table. “Tell me, Elissa. Does your landlord know you’re running a business out of your apartment? I’m sure you’re aware it’s a violation of your lease.”

  This wasn’t happening, Elissa told herself. There was no way this woman was threatening her livelihood and where she lived.

  “I don’t believe you,” she said. “Not any of it.”

  Gloria’s gaze turned icy. “Do not stand against me. I will crush you like the bug you are. Walker will be moving soon. Until he does, stay away from him. If you don’t, I will destroy you and I will destroy your child. Do I make myself clear?”

  CHAPTER SIX

  WALKER ARRIVED HOME shortly after five. He saw that Elissa’s car wasn’t parked in the driveway, then cursed himself for noticing.

  He knew better than to get involved with her. He knew it wasn’t right. He’d picked this place because he didn’t know anyone in the neighborhood, but that hadn’t been enough. He’d gone and gotten involved—which still surprised the hell out of him.

  As he climbed the stairs, he found himself wishing she were home, that she would stick her head out and think up an excuse to have him in for dinner. He wanted it to be good enough that he couldn’t say no, even though he knew he was playing a dangerous game.

  He saw something on his front door. An envelope. He didn’t recognize the writing, but he had a feeling he knew who had left it.

  Anticipation in the form of wanting filled him. A need to touch and be touched, to claim, to give and take. He already knew her scent and the way she moved. Now he wanted to know her taste, her sound, her uniqueness.

  He stepped into his apartment, then opened the envelope. Three ten-dollar bills fluttered to the floor. He unfolded the note.

  Thanks for all your help, Walker. Here’s the rest of what I owe you. You’ve been great and I appreciate that, but we both know this isn’t going anywhere. You’re right to worry about Zoe—she’s very impressionable. So let’s part as friends and get back to our lives. Best, Elissa.

  He read the words twice, confident he’d misunderstood. But the message was clear. She wanted him out of her life.

  He accepted her decision. It was the right one—he’d known there would never be anything between them. Somehow she’d figured it out, too. It was better this way—better for everyone.

  And yet…There was a nagging knot of worry in his gut. Something that told him Elissa wasn’t all right. Something that made him want to find her and talk to her.

  Two nights ago, she’d been female temptation incarnate and he’d come damn close to giving in. What had changed?

  He looked out his front window at the empty driveway. Elissa and Zoe were usually home in the late afternoon. Why weren’t they today? And if he couldn’t find her, how could he make things right?

  “I CAN’T BELIEVE the old bitch threatened you,” Mindy said as she poured them both more wine.

  “Me, either.” Elissa curled up in a corner of her friend’s sofa and willed the fear to go away. “I hate how she frightened me. I hate how I believe her.”

  Mindy looked worried. “I think you have to. You saw it,” she said, nodding at the computer where Zoe was currently entranced by a children’s interactive Web site.

  Elissa had seen it. All of it. A quick Google of Gloria Buchanan had given her more information than she’d ever wanted. The old cow had a reputation for being ruthless and determined. There had been dozens of articles about her and very few of them had been flattering. She was a rich, powerful woman who generally got her way. Just as scary, she really was on some big committee with Frank. There had even been a picture of the two of them together.

  “I don’t want to lose my job,” Elissa said, careful to keep her voice low. “I need the money and the benefits. I love the hours.”

  “Frank isn’t going to fire you. Even if Gloria asked him to, he’s not that kind of guy.”

  Elissa wanted to believe that, but she just wasn’t sure. Her once relatively stable little world had tilted off its axis.

  “Thanks for taking us in,” she told her friend. “I need some time to think.”

  Mindy smiled. “Stay as long as you like. You know I love you guys.”

  “We love you, too.”

  Zoe thought this was all a great adventure. Mindy had a second bedroom with a daybed and a trundle. Zoe loved the roll-out bed so close to the ground, and Elissa liked them being in the same room. Right now she wanted to keep her daughter nearby.

  “I have to go home eventually,” she murmured.

  “You could stay here,” Mindy suggested. “Just for a couple of months. Save your rent money until you have enough to get another place.”

  “A generous and tempting offer,” Elissa replied, almost wishing she could take her up on it. “But I have a lease. And who is Gloria Buchanan to scare me out of my home? She doesn’t have the right. I haven’t done anything wrong. It’s not like I’ve been trying to trap her precious grandson. I haven’t even…” She glanced at Zoe and lowered her voice. “You know.”

  Mindy grinned. “But not doing ‘you know’ doesn’t mean you haven’t been thinking about it.”

  She sighed. “I’ll admit it. I was getting to the point where I would have broken all my rules for one night of ‘you know.’”

  “I met the man. I’m not surprised.”

  “I am. I know better. Getting involved isn’t an option.”

  “It isn’t now,” Mindy said.

  Elissa sipped her wine. “I hate being afraid. I hate it. I thought I was done with that.”

  “You’ll feel better in time,” her friend told her. “You have to look at the bright side. Who’d want to get involved with a guy with such a crazy grandmother?”

  “Tell me about it. I found out, it’s over and no one is hurt.”

  Elissa said the words as if she meant them and she was reasonably confident that in time they would be true. But right now, she missed Walker. She wanted to talk to him about what had happened and hear him tell her it would be all right.

  He was gone, she told herself firmly. Gone for good. She’d gotten off cheap and had been taught, yet again, that men were only bad news for her.

  “I’M SORRY,” the woman said as she handed back the picture. “I’m sure your friend was a very nice man, but I didn’t know him.”

  “Thanks for taking the time,” Walker responded as yet another Ashley closed the door in his face.

  He was running out of names. He had never considered that he might not find her, that he might not have someone to deliver the letter to.

  He climbed into his SUV and reminded himself that failure was not
an option. Ben deserved to have someone mourn him. He deserved to be a part of a family. He wasn’t going to give up.

  He had a few more names, a few more chances. She had to be out there. She had to….

  He leaned back in the leather seat and closed his eyes. He missed Elissa. He wasn’t supposed to. He wasn’t going to get involved, but he missed her. Somehow over the past few weeks, she’d found her way inside of him. He was used to hearing her laughter through the open windows, discussing various options for dinner, thinking up ways to make her life easier without her finding out it was him doing it. And now she was gone.

  She hadn’t been back at her apartment in nearly five days. He’d driven to Eggs ’n’ Stuff to check on her. He hadn’t gone in, because if she wanted to talk to him, she knew where to find him. So he’d parked where he could see inside and she’d been at work. On the surface, everything had looked fine. So why was she avoiding both him and her home?

  He was torn between demanding an answer and adhering to her wishes. Wishes that he knew made sense for both of them. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

  If she wasn’t home tonight, he would call and leave a message. Ask her to get in touch with him, just so he could know that she was all right. He would make it clear that he respected her stance and wasn’t trying to change her mind.

  Which was all bullshit, he thought. The longer she was gone, the more he missed her. When had he allowed himself to get so damn soft?

  He pulled into the driveway. His gut tightened when he saw her car still missing, then the tension eased as Zoe opened the front door of her apartment and ran outside.

  “Walker, Walker, we’re back. Did you miss us? We stayed with Mindy, who has this bed on the floor and I got to sleep there.”

  Zoe’s blond ponytail flopped as she ran toward him. He stepped out of his SUV and smiled at her. “You’ve been gone, huh?”

  She put her tiny hands on her skinny hips and pursed her lips. “You know you missed us.”

  Her words hit home.

  “We missed you, too,” she said, before he could think up a reply. “I didn’t have preschool today, so Mommy left me with Mrs. Ford. She’s still at work. And last night at Mindy’s she made me jeans. Come see.”