When I Say Yes

by Lisa Renee Jones

  Dash’s jaw sets hard and he eyes Neil. Neil says, “I know his last name. It’s Wilson. He’s on Allison’s call logs and not during work hours. I’m already looking into him.” He glances at me. “Stay away from him.”

  “Believe me, I will.” I give Dash a nod and say, “I will.”

  He doesn’t look convinced. His lips are tight as he asks Neil, “What else?”

  “The last actual phone call she had was with Tyler. He’s tried to call her since more than a few times. I don’t believe he knows where she is. I also have a frequent caller that can’t be identified. Almost as if the phone is a burner phone.”

  “That doesn’t sound good,” I say.

  “No,” Dash replies. “It doesn’t. You’re right, Allie. She’s in trouble. I’d bet my book deal on it.”

  “So what do we do? Go to the police?”

  “No,” Neil replies. “They’re going to make it way too obvious that you’re behind this. And they aren’t likely to do much without pressure. I need to find her or she may never be found. And I need to do it in a way that keeps you out of it, Allie, and off the radar of anyone that might have hurt her. I have some ideas.” He sticks the file in a leather bag on the side of his chair. “I’ll read the journal tonight and see if it connects any dots.”

  “Tyler—”

  “I don’t believe he hurt her. I got the code to her voicemail. His messages do not sound like a man who thinks she’s dead.”

  Dead.

  The word makes my stomach roll.

  Neil slides on his jacket. “Anything else?”

  I shake my head. Dash stands and says, “Keep us posted.”

  “I will,” Neil replies and then he’s walking away.

  Adrianna appears with my lunch and sets it on the table. “Lunch has arrived. I didn’t want to interrupt or I’d have brought it sooner. I could tell you were in deep conversation.”

  “Thank you,” I say. “I’m starving.”

  She looks between us. “You look like you need me to leave. If you want coffee and a cupcake—”

  “I do,” I say. “To go though, please.”

  “You got it,” she says and quickly backs away.

  Dash angles toward me, his hand settling on my knee. “Can you finish the auction prep in New York? We’ll get a second home there.”

  “Because of this Allison thing?”

  “Yes. I don’t appreciate Tyler’s bullshit, but if we can’t weather that storm, we shouldn’t be together. Your safety is my concern.”

  “Dash, this is our home. I said my goodbyes to New York. I want to enjoy the holiday season here, with you and my mom. And Bella. And my stepfather. I don’t mean to downplay him. He’s family. I do love him, too.”

  “Your safety comes first.”

  “I’m fine. I’m careful. You’re close. Bella is close. I’ll be careful.”

  “Can you at least work from home halftime?”

  “Yes. I can. I’ll make arrangements this afternoon. I don’t really think Tyler can say much at this point. He needs me to finish out the auction. He knows I’ll do it because you’re involved and because I care about the outcome.”

  “Exactly my thoughts.”

  “I don’t know what to do about my job after this year. I really don’t want to leave Riptide, but I want to be here.”

  “My advice. Call Mark Compton.”

  “I think you’re right. I need to just call him. And I need to call his mom. I really love her.”

  “Allie. What Tyler said—”

  I press my hand to his face. “Means nothing. But you do.”

  “I walked away from you. Family doesn’t walk away from family. If I could turn back time-”

  “You won’t do it again. And now you know I won’t let you.” I manage to keep a straight face as I add, “Now you know who’s in control.”

  He laughs, but there’s anger there beneath the deep rumble. And not at me. He’s angry at himself. I think that’s a problem for us. He’s always angry at himself. This talented, amazing man just can’t let go of the past.

  And as for Allison, I pray that’s exactly what she did: let go of her past, and by choice.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  The minute I’m in the Hawk Legal elevator headed to my floor, anger percolates in that part of my belly that cannot hold onto things. I’ve learned that when my emotions find that destination they’re going to find a path out. Tyler is playing games with my life and I’ve had it to the rooftop with men who try to control me. By the time the doors open and I step out into the foyer, I turn left toward Tyler’s office, not right toward the lobby and my own office.

  His secretary Debbie is behind the desk and when she greets me, I say, “I’m here to see Tyler.”

  “I’ll buzz his office.”

  There’s no waiting for me. I storm down the hallway and when I reach his door, there’s no tender footing about for me this time. I’m no newbie at interrupting Tyler and I’m still in charge mode and charge I do. I step inside his office and say, “Tyler, you need to know—” I halt and gape as I realize that he’s standing behind his desk, and another man is on his feet across from him.

  My heart thunders when that man turns to face me and I realize it’s his father. Oh my God. I’ve really done it now.

  “Do continue, Allie,” Jack Hawk instructs, his eyes alight with what appears to be amusement. “What does Tyler need to know?”

  Considering we’ve had the conversation about Tyler’s formality, he’s clearly pointing out my informal address of his son. “Sorry for intruding,” I quickly offer. “I pulled together the list of auction items and I was excited about how fabulously the event is coming together. Which is all I wanted to say.”

  “Is that right?” Hawk Senior asks. His eyes are bright gray, intelligent, and calculating, and again I’m struck by how powerful an impact Hawk Senior’s presence creates.

  “Yes. Again, sorry for the intrusion.”

  “No apology needed,” Hawk Senior assures me. “Good news is always welcomed with as much excitement as its delivery. And I’m glad to see you’ve managed to be on first name terms with my son when so few have.”

  “Ms. Wright tends to take liberties,” Tyler replies. “She forgets herself.”

  Hawk Senior is another story. He laughs. “Is that right?” He gives me a tilt of his chin. “Feel free to take all the liberties you like with me. I prefer everyone here feel I’m an open book. It’s Jack, in case you don’t remember.”

  There is something about the “take all the liberties you like with me” that stirs an uneasy feeling, though I’m fairly certain that’s me transferring my feelings toward Tyler onto him right now. “Of course, I remember,” I assure him. “And thank you. Sometimes my excitement does get the best of me.”

  “Tell us more,” he urges. “How do you define a successful event?”

  “Yes, Ms. Wright,” Tyler chimes in. “Tell us more.” His tone says the last thing he wants is “more” of me right now. Or his father, I suspect, but he’s a brick wall, so practiced at schooling his emotions, he has none to read.

  I give them both more anyway. “At present,” I say. “I believe we’ll have at least three hundred thousand in final donations. There are a few prime items that could take that to five hundred thousand.”

  “Well then, let’s shoot for seven-fifty,” Jack suggests, rubbing his well-manicured hands together. “Let me call on a few of my big players.”

  “That’s very generous of you,” I say. “Thank you. I should get back to work. Sorry again for interrupting.” My eyes meet Tyler’s and his irritation appears to be more amusement. He’s enjoying watching me squirm. Asshole.

  “More from me soon, Allie,” Jack promises.

  “And me,” Tyler adds, a smirk on his face.

  I back away and give them a stupid wave. Am I really back to that wave? “Bye, thank you.” I whirl around and exit the office and want to crawl under the floor—yes, the floor, that�
�s how embarrassed I feel in this moment. But even as embarrassed as I am, somehow, I’m motivated to drive this auction to even bigger success. That’s the way I operate. I like and need to please. It’s both a flaw and an asset in some cases. I do believe that’s how I ended up with Brandon. He pleased my father. He did not please me.

  Tyler wants me to choose Hawk to please him. Part of me wants to give him what he’s demanding. Even as I walk past his secretary without a word, I decide that’s part of my connection to Tyler. He reminds me of the men I’ve tried to please in my life. In fact, I remember a psychology book I edited once and the lessons I learned. People are creatures of habit. We repeat what is familiar, and therefore safe, and that includes the bad things. A daughter of an alcoholic father often gravitates to a husband with the same issues. We repeat, to our own peril.

  In that moment, I appreciate the fact that Dash didn’t ask me to leave New York or my job to please him. He said he’d pick up and leave Nashville for me. And I’m not making him go to New York to please me. But I’m not going to be blackmailed by Tyler Hawk, either.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  It’s midafternoon when Bella steps into my office and shuts the door. “You didn’t tell me he was fighting again. I know that black eye was from a fight, too.”

  She looks like the business version of Cinderella in a pink silk blouse and black skirt, with her long blonde hair draped over her shoulders while I feel like the bad, ugly stepsister who did her wrong.

  “I know. I’m sorry. He—”

  “Didn’t want to freak me out,” she supplies, sitting down in the chair in front of my desk. “I know. And I get it. You didn’t either.”

  “No, but you have no idea how much I wanted to come to you, Bella. Tyler pushed his buttons by telling Dash he wasn’t good for me in front of me. It didn’t end well.”

  “Dash told me what happened. And I know Tyler was pissed when Dash told him not to drive drunk in front of Allison. But he knows—” She stops herself. “I mean—”

  “I know about the accident. His father made sure I knew and not gently.”

  Her lips purse. “That man knows how to hurt him, but Dash’s stepmother is no better. She never liked Dash. He was competition for his father’s affection and money. It was easy for her to blame Dash for her son’s death. Like Dash could control him. They were in college. They were old enough to vote and enlist in the army.”

  “Believe me, I know. I agree. And I saw the hate firsthand.”

  “Dash told me you went and got him in a fight club.”

  “Twice,” I say. “Once here and once in New York.”

  Her brows furrow. “Here? How did you know where to go?”

  “Tyler, of course. After he confronted Dash. Dash and I had a fight, and I went home. You know where Dash went.”

  “To fight. Thank you, Tyler. God. That bastard.”

  “Yes, but I think he regretted pushing Dash the way he did. He knew he went too far. For all his faults, I don’t think Tyler got me involved in the fight club to embarrass Dash or break us up. He just felt I could stop him from fighting. Unfortunately, I was too late that first night. Honestly, it’s a godsend I found out because I knew what to expect after his dad confronted him.”

  “Dash told me he pushed you away and you came after him anyway. He said you were brave and stubborn and that he doesn’t deserve you but he can’t let you go. Allie, he loves you or he would never have named you in that article today. He also wouldn’t have outed himself. He could have found another way to beat Brandon. By doing this the way he did it, he made sure he can’t go fight again, he can’t hide in that world.”

  “And I love him,” I say softly, emotion welling in my throat. “I love him very much.”

  She squeezes my hand. “Thank you for taking care of my brother.” She releases my hand and smiles. “And for the invite to Thanksgiving. I can’t wait.”

  “I’m so glad you’re coming. And I want to hear all about your father.”

  She stands up and rounds the desk. I’m on my feet when she gets to me and we hug before she looks at me. “I have a feeling we’re going to get to know each other very well, Allie. And now, I have to get back to work.” She heads to the door and pauses, “I have one of my most arrogant, pompous clients in contract negotiations. He’s nice to me, but good grief, I have to reel him in with that mouth of his or he’ll shoot himself in the foot and his wallet.”

  I laugh and she exits the office. I decide the universe just sent me another sign that this is home.

  Nashville is where I belong.

  I sit down and think of the journal in my purse and the words on the pages, Allison’s words. Many times, I’ve felt like our lives shadowed one another, and I still want to believe that to be true. I want to believe that Tyler was her Brandon and she left Nashville with her true love. Tyler is many things, but he is no Brandon. And if Allie left Nashville, her cellphone did not. I shiver and hug myself.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  I finally get a moment to myself, so I shut my door and make a call I’ve been wanting to make. I dial Queen Compton. She answers on the first ring. “Allie, honey. Can I just say I adore your mother as much as I do you?”

  She sounds stronger than I expect and this pleases me. “I’m not surprised,” I say. “You’re both fighters. Strong independent women.”

  “I hope you remember that lesson for the entirety of your life. I hear you’re opening new doors for Riptide. I’m pleased.”

  This comment pleases me, but it also punches me in the gut. I mean, how do I leave Riptide when she has been so kind to me?

  “Tell me about it.”

  We chat a bit about what I’m doing and she offers ideas. When we’re about to hang up, she says, “My message to you: take control of your life.”

  I frown, remembering those words from a book, maybe? “Isn’t that a quote from—I can’t quite remember who, but it’s a quote, I think?”

  “It is,” she confirms. “The great basketball player Charles Barkley. Everything smart doesn’t have to come from a book. It usually comes from experience that we don’t always have ourselves. We have but one life to live, and those around us have much to offer. I’m going to go lay down because apparently beating cancer’s ass means sleeping way too much. I really hate being in bed.”

  “You’ll be roaring through the halls of Riptide soon.”

  “Yes, I will. You’d be good to also remember those three words. Bye for now, Allie.”

  “Bye, Queen Compton.”

  She laughs. “Queen Compton?”

  “Oops. Did I say that out loud?”

  “Yes, you did, my dear.”

  “Well, now you know how I think of you. As the queen.”

  She laughs. “Bye, Allie.” This time she disconnects.

  “My message to you: take control of your life,” I whisper.

  In other words, I can allow myself to be boxed in or I can take control. I choose the latter. Instead of waiting for life to shape me, perhaps for the first time since I dared to move to New York City, I decide to take things into my own hands. I punch in Mark’s number.

  He answers on the first ring. “Ms. Wright. I do believe I’ve talked to you more since you moved to Nashville than I ever did when you were in New York.”

  “I know. That is true.” I draw and breath and blurt out, “What if I want to stay here, work for Riptide, but not for Hawk?”

  “You can contract scout for us. What else?”

  “That’s it? Yes?”

  “Yes. That’s one lesson my mother clearly hasn’t taught you well. You get nothing you don’t ask for. Consider this your job interview. You passed.”

  My eyes water a bit, and I don’t know why. Joy, I think. “I might stay with Hawk. He’s trying to get me to quit Riptide. And I promised you loyalty.”

  “And now you’ve given it. Loyalty is rewarded. Anything else?”

  “Thank you. And that’s all.”

  “Goo
dbye, Ms. Wright.” He disconnects.

  My lips slowly curve. The queen has spoken and for once, I think she’s me.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  I’m behind my desk at almost six o’clock when Dash calls. “How soon are you getting out of there, baby?”

  “Quickly, I hope.”

  “What about the work-from-home situation we talked about?”

  “I’m going to deal with it tomorrow. I’ve truly had way too much of the Hawk family today.”

  “The Hawk family?”

  “Hawk Senior was in Tyler’s office when I went to talk to him about the half-day thing and just in general wanted to tell him no to a lot of things.”

  “The word no when directed at Tyler sounds beautiful.”

  I laugh. “Beautiful?”

  “It’s pretty damn near.”

  I laugh again. “I’ll leave in the next half hour. You want me to just come home or go to the bookstore?”

  “I’ll come to you.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “See you soon, cupcake.”

  “See you soon.”

  We disconnect and I smile over the “cupcake” endearment. If anyone told me I’d love being called cupcake before I met Dash, I’d have laughed. But it’s our thing. It’s reminiscent of how we met. And I love it. So much.

  Eager to get out of here, I send Katie home, organize my desk, make some notes and damn it, the journal is sitting in my drawer. I just can’t help myself. I open it to a random page.

  Tonight, he seduced me. The funny thing is that yes, we had crazy, wild, intense sex—more on that later—but it was also romantic. He took me to dinner. We talked and talked. He opened up to me in a way he has never opened up. He told me how his father has controlled his life. He told me why he’s so against marriage. His own parents don’t exactly have a stellar relationship. His father controls him. His mother controls his father. He controls everything around him but his parents. I can’t pretend to know what that’s like, but what I care about is what it’s like for him. And my doorbell just rang. More later…