“You do your thing, Con. Develop the program, let them handle the rest. I’ll invest,” Jerry declared, nodding as if it were a done deal.
“What if we can’t make it work?” Connor asked, looking at each of them before continuing. “You’ll lose your money.”
“That’s the risk of business,” Jerry explained as if that meant nothing. On that pronouncement, he pushed the footrest down and sat upright in the seat. “Honestly, every new startup business has a good chance of failing, but I don’t think you will with this team behind you.”
“You’re not gonna fail, because I refuse to. De-escalation is a brilliant niche. You decide your training technique. I’ll handle the rest,” Reed said in his usual confident yet bored tone as he extended his hand in Connor’s direction. “Bray’s on the phone.”
Reed’s no-nonsense approach still took a second for Connor to digest. The air of condescension hung between them as Connor stared down at his buddy’s outstretched hand. He liked Reed. Loved him like a brother, but he wasn’t going to do well with that attitude every day.
Jerry chuckled, looking first at Reed then Connor before he stretched back in the recliner again. “It’ll take time to adjust to a business relationship, but it’ll happen—especially if you use your own de-escalation tactics to deal with Reed. Hell, your first client could be the current members of his board…” Jerry started chuckling about halfway through his sentence and barely got the words out for being so tickled with his own joke. Connor found the humor in Jerry’s words, but Reed didn’t. He rolled his eyes and sat back on the sofa, tossing the phone Connor’s way.
“Yuk it up, old man,” Reed said condescendingly. “I’m sure you’ll find a use for all that money you’ll make.”
“Take the call outside, Con, so I can watch the rest of the game,” Jerry said, lifting a hand to shoo him away.
Connor rolled the tight muscles in his shoulder as he reached for the phone and headed for the kitchen. “Hello.”
“Hey, man, I’ve been calling you all day.”
Yeah, so he’d heard. He went through the kitchen and stepped out on to the back deck. “It’s complicated,” he finally answered.
“I’m just checking to see if you need me. You sound like you got a lot going on?” Bray said in the form of a question, his voice turning compassionate. He also figured that was how Bray managed to do his job so well. His buddy truly cared and, like Connor, totally believed he could make a difference in the world. He hadn’t lost any of his idealism and much like his sister, Candace, did with their healthcare, he coordinated all their legal, no matter the situation.
“Yeah, I do need you. Come back right now,” Connor teased, trying to lighten his mood.
“Or a better answer, I’ll get someone who specializes in your particular problem.”
With a deep breath, Connor reached the railing. He bent, resting his elbow on the ledge, staring out over the pasture. “I’m fine. I got my commander involved and secured the security video before it was ever called in. I’m off the hook as of right now.”
“Where’s that video now?”
“Cops have it, but my commander has a copy.”
“Good. I’ll get us a copy. What about this company everyone’s talking about?”
That had him growing silent for even longer this time. “Yeah. I just mentioned it out loud and everyone jumped in. I hadn’t really thought through most of it.”
“Don’t let them push you into something you aren’t comfortable with. If you need time, take it,” Bray said firmly.
“There’s a lot going on right now. I’m not real sure where to start,” Connor answered honestly.
“And you’re certain you’re leaving the military?”
“Yeah, I am. It seems the best course,” he said, watching Cole’s herd move slowly into view.
“Candace wants to talk to you. She’s itching to. I told her I’d see what you think about that. She thought the guys were crowding you.”
Connor remained silent. He didn’t answer that at all. He’d been pretty open, but he hadn’t talked about the spot on his brain. With Candace, he’d have to let her dig into that mess. He wasn’t ready. Not yet.
“I’ll tell her to hang tight,” Bray finally said.
“Thank you. When I’m ready, I’ll call her. I promise. I trust her in this more than anyone.”
“That’s what I told her. I think she believes it too. It’s why she waited to call.”
Desperation more than anything else had him changing the subject. He had too much bullshit to deal with. Civilian life was hard as fucking hell. “You’re in Brazil with those stepbrothers you were talking about?” Connor asked, smiling at the memory of how excited Bray had been on their camping trip.
“No, that’s Christmas. This is a Republican’s closeted son. They’re the best. Absolutely no commitment, which… I’ve also heard you’re all committed now. For thirty years you didn’t ever have drama. It seems like you’re making up for that in spades right now.”
Connor laughed out loud. No shit on that account. The drama of his life weighed heavily on his shoulders.
“It’s new. We’ll see.”
“Mom sent me pictures in an email. It looks pretty serious. She’s really pretty, Con. Mom says she’s very nice. She helped clean up after the baby shower. Mom found that amazing,” Bray said, giving his own round of laughter.
“She’s way out of my league,” he said honestly, letting out a jaw-cracking yawn. Man, he was so freakin’ tired.
“I don’t think she is at all. She seems to fit you well,” Bray said, turning serious. “She’s very down to earth, grounded. Much like you. You’re pretty together. I saw that in the tabloid article Mom sent. You both have that connected look when you look at each other.”
“I don’t know what to say to that except I always thought you were the most reasonable of us all,” Connor answered, laughing again, letting the gentle sway of the grass blowing in the breeze soothe his battered mind. He wasn’t entirely sure what Bray’s point was, but he did think Julie tried hard for a normal life. Now that all the secrets were exposed, it was one of the things he respected most about her.
“Ha! Now you’re cracking jokes. Look, thanks for taking the minute to talk to me. I feel better about where your head’s at. Ty said he got you a new phone. I’m assuming this is it. I’ll save the number. Call me if you need me. I’m always here for you, buddy.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“Yup. I’ll get a copy of that video to have as a backup. See ya.” The call disconnected, and Connor stayed leaning against the railing, staring out at nothing but land and cattle before him for as far as the eye could see. He’d always envisioned himself coming back home when he retired from the military. Funny, the allure of west Texas didn’t seem to hold near the draw anymore. After a minute of letting that acknowledgement settle in his gut, he looked at the new phone in his hand and pressed the button to light the screen. His first number to add was Julie’s. It seemed ridiculous that he knew her telephone number by heart, but he did. He pushed the number in, added her as a contact, then sent her a text message.
“It’s me, Connor. Ty got me a new number. My phone’s going nuts.”
He pushed send and stood to stretch out the tight muscles of his back. Less than a minute later, the phone rang. He looked down to see Julie’s name. “You’re already home?” he asked instead of the standard hello.
“At home, unpacked with the smell of dinner in the air. I miss you.” Her voice had that same calming effect on him as always, easing all the worry that had accumulated since she’d left. His smile grew broad.
“I miss you, too,” he confessed. “I didn’t expect you to be home yet.”
“They don’t play. I was brought straight home after we landed. I’ve been here a little while. It’s way faster when I don’t have to deal with airports,” she said a little breathily. “Hang on. I’m heading upstairs to my room. Tina and Bruno are downstairs.
I want some privacy.”
He waited and listened to the sounds of a door opening and closing before Julie asked, “Did you go eat that delicious dinner Mrs. Bryant and Mrs. Stanton prepared? Man, I’m sorry I missed that home cooking.”
“Nah, I stayed home and cleaned up, then I came over to Cole’s place. I figured if they’d gotten my number, they might get the house address, and I didn’t want to deal with that, so I headed here,” he said, turning a full circle before he spotted a patio chair and headed that way.
“Smart thinking. Did you think about coming to my house soon?” she asked, her voice hopeful.
“I did.” A moment of insecurity about his decision spiked as he took his seat, but he pushed that down. More than anything, he just couldn’t figure out how to stay away from her.
“Connor, please come. Please. I have a large house. Plenty of room. If you need your own space, you’ll have it. I won’t be able to move around so freely for a while. I can’t come to you like before, and we won’t be able to date like normal people until this dies down.”
“Whoa, I planned on heading out tomorrow. I need to get the window fixed, but I should be able to get on the road right after that,” he explained. He’d even considered just heading out tonight, driving straight through, but that was risky with his lack of sleep. Plus, the cardboard covering his passenger window would be a beacon to any thieves he met along the way. He didn’t need any more of that kind of attention. That was what had started his current predicament in the first place.
“You’re coming?”
“Yeah. I miss you,” Connor admitted, resting his elbows on his knees as he bent to study the slate deck with his phone stuck to his ear. “Julie, I’m just laying it all out to you. I’m honestly not sure how well I’ll do there, but you’re all I can think about. I like being with you.”
“You won’t be sorry. I promise!” She couldn’t contain her excitement. Connor smiled and lifted his head as he heard the living room door open then close. Reed stood directly across the pool from him.
“We’re about to take off,” Reed called out.
“Julie, I’ll call you tonight,” he said, lifting out of the chair.
“Don’t change your mind!” she said loudly, making his smile turn to a chuckle. God, he had it bad for her. Even her laugh did magical things for his heart.
“I won’t. Bye,” Connor said and started to lower the phone until he heard her yell and quickly lifted it to his ear again. “What?”
“I love you! You’ve made me happy.”
“Me too. Bye.” This time he did follow through and end the call as he rounded the pool, meeting Reed halfway. He stuck out a hand, Reed took it and held on, drawing Connor’s attention to that unforgivingly penetrating gaze.
“What’s your plan?” Reed asked.
“I’m leaving in the morning. I don’t know how I’ll do there, but I love her. I need to try,” Connor explained. When Reed let go, Connor tucked his phone in his back pocket then tucked his fingers in the front pockets of his jeans.
“Are you driving?” Reed asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Yeah.”
“So I’ll give you a few days to get settled, then I’ll have a guy named Clancy give you a call. He’s in my new-business development team. He’ll be like a coach who can help you get your thoughts together on the business, then he’ll help us know what kind of capital we need to bring to the table. There’s no real pressure. He’ll put everything together for us to decide how to continue,” Reed explained.
“All right. I appreciate that,” Connor said, looking over Reed’s shoulder as the back door opened again with Jerry standing in the doorframe, lifting a hand in his direction.
“You take care. Take things one day at a time,” Jerry called out. Connor went around Reed, heading for Jerry who took a step back inside the living room. He had a moment of adjusting his eyes from bright sun before he saw Jerry’s outstretched hand. Connor took it as Jerry drew him in for a fatherly hug.
“I’ll be back in Hollywood in a week or so. I’ll check in,” Ty said, from the open front door.
“I appreciate that,” Connor said, walking closer as all three men went out the front door. “Tell Candace I’ll be in touch.”
“Will do,” Jerry said, already out the door, almost to Reed’s car. He and Cole were left standing on the front porch, waving until the guys pulled away.
They stayed on the porch so long the dust had completely settled before Connor spoke. “You going to have dinner at your restaurant.”
“I was thinking about it,” Cole said, his gaze trained on the road. Connor slapped him on the shoulder and turned to go back inside.
“You need to make a move.”
“I’m playing my cards,” Cole said absently, following behind then shutting the front door.
“Do you mind if I hang out here? I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep.” He looked around the living room and decided on Jerry’s spot—the overly comfortable looking recliner right in front of the ball game playing on TV. Connor stretched out in the seat and reached for the remote. Yep, this would do nicely.
“That’s usually my seat. Want me to stay here tonight?” Cole asked, now standing directly in front of him.
“Nah, I’m crashing early. I haven’t slept much lately. I’m pretty tired.” He had to crane his neck to check the score and an unexpected yawn tore free. He imagined it wouldn’t take much to fall asleep in this chair. He extended the footrest, forcing Cole to move back a step. “I need to get me one of these.”
“It’s the first chair people gravitate too. Your room’s ready. I’m going to dress,” Cole said and finally moved enough for Connor to stretch all the way out.
When he woke, his bag was on the sofa, it was pitch black outside, and he could smell food in the kitchen, probably something Cole brought back for him. He’d slept so hard, he hadn’t heard Cole leave. His stomach let out a solid growl already approving of whatever Cole had left out for him.
Chapter 15
Julia took the stairwell down with a little bounce in her step. She hit the first floor with excited energy, causing her to hop and clap her hands as Bruno and Tina sat at the dining room table, eating lunch. They both looked over at her as she bounded forward. “He’s almost here.”
“You know you’re acting ridiculous,” Tina teased. Bruno gave his grunt of approval at Tina’s words before lowering his head, refocusing on his lunch.
“I don’t care what you think. He’s almost here. Do I look all right?” Julia had painstakingly chosen her clothes for today. She’d tried for casual, deciding on a pair of almost seafoam-green jeans and coordinating midriff top, hoping with everything in her that she wouldn’t be wearing either of them very long. Connor had to be exhausted. He’d driven straight through, talking to her on the phone for much of last night. She’d only hung up the phone to take a quick shower and dress before he arrived.
Neither of her housemates had time to respond to her question as the intercom sounded, drawing their attention to a small monitor attached to her telephone line. Julia immediately picked up the phone and lifted it to her ear. “We have a Connor McDaniel wanting entrance.”
“I called last night and added him to the list.”
“We require two authorizations, ma’am.”
Her gaze turned to Bruno as she asked her question. “When did we require two authorizations?”
“Since I first got the job here,” Bruno answered before the guy on the other end of the phone. He rose, rounded the table, and took the phone out of her hand.
“Have you checked his ID?” Bruno asked and turned to the monitor. Julia followed his gaze. Connor sat inside his truck, parked at the gate. His window down, elbow hanging out the side, and his neck craning to look out the front window, taking in the house. She didn’t live too extravagantly, but if body language could be read, Connor looked a little overwhelmed. “Let him in.”
“He should have been let in.” Juli
a pointed a finger at Bruno. “We need to add him as a regular immediately. He needs to come and go freely.”
Bruno ignored her completely, turning to head back to his lunch.
Julia didn’t wait to scold him any further. The last few days had been the longest of her life. She bolted through the house, going out the front door as Connor parked his truck in the circle driveway. She bounded off the steps with a huge grin, jumping straight into his arms when he stepped out of the truck. He barely had time to get the sunglasses pushed back on his head and his arms wrapped around her, hoisting her firmly against his body before she bent her head forward, her tongue thrusting inside his mouth. Julia wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and delved deeper, sliding across his tongue like she’d been doing this same thing for years.
“You know he’s never been here. He doesn’t know the way around,” Tina said, barely penetrating the desire sweeping through Julia. Dammit, why didn’t she think to get Tina and Bruno out of the house before now? With her breath heavy and her heart pounding, she tore free of the kiss, her gaze locking on Connor’s. The same desire reflected back at her.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said quietly, leaning forward to kiss his slightly parted, pouty lips.
“Me too,” he whispered hoarsely. Never losing eye contact.
Bruno grunted, causing Julia to finally turn her head and acknowledge their presence. Somehow, lost in the moment, she hadn’t realized Connor had moved them fully inside the house. Good. Connor was just spectacular like that. He’d gotten them inside the privacy of the house. Bruno stood just off the entry, holding his plate of food, and then turned away, heading toward the kitchen. Tina had leaned her shoulder against a partial wall and stood there smiling at them. When Connor bent to put her down, she locked her ankles at his waist, hanging on tighter. His grin grew broader.
“Tina meet Connor. The stairs are to the right. My bedroom’s to the left.”
Connor, considerately, turned his head toward her sister and nodded her way as he started for the stairs. Halfway to them, he busted an unexpected move and swung her around to a better angle. He hooked one arm behind her back and the other under her knees. She heard Tina laugh at her yelp as she loosened her hold around his neck to adjust her body to his new hold.
Mission Happy (A Texas Desires Novel Book 3) Page 27
