The nurse shrugged. “He asked me if I was going in to see Dallas Marcel. I said, yes. And then he said, ‘Can you give this to her?’”
“It’s probably someone from the Boys and Girls Club. Some of the other volunteers have sent cards and well wishes.” Dallas said. A wave of nausea caused her to slump against the pillows. Though the doctors had cut back on her medication, the pills still wreaked havoc on her system.
“What’s wrong?” Tyler stooped in front her. Brushing hair away from her face, he let the back of his hand graze her cheek. Dallas wanted to lean into his caressing touch, but she stopped herself. No matter how sweet he was, they were no longer a couple. She needed to remember that.
“My stomach’s a little queasy.”
“Do you feel like you have to throw up?” The nurse inquired.
Dallas closed her eyes, only to reopen them again to see Tyler’s brows knitted together with worry.
“I’m okay. Give me a minute.”
“I don’t know. Maybe we should have them check you out one last time before we leave.”
“I’m fine. Besides, it’s time for me to get out of here.” She lifted herself up, but didn’t feel a whole lot better.
“Well, if you’re sure you’re okay.” He studied her a minute longer. Then he did something that caught her totally off guard. With the lightest touch, he lifted her chin and his soft lips covered hers. At first the kiss was sweet and gentle but soon there was a possessive hunger behind it that sent shock waves surging through her body. When his tongue found hers and they tangled to a familiar beat, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with uncontrolled abandon. She groaned and didn’t care who heard her. She hadn’t been kissed this thoroughly since the last time he kissed her, months ago. But seconds later, Tyler pulled back leaving her panting and her lips longing for more.
“I’ll meet you guys at the entrance,” he said and walked away.
Dallas’s eyes followed him out the door, and then locked on the smiling nurse before she looked away. Damn, this living arrangement is going to be harder than I thought.
****
Chicago, Illinois
Large windows were the first thing Mark Darley noticed when he stepped into his new office on the 50th floor. He knew the building would offer some spectacular views, but he had no idea he’d experience them first hand from his new corner office.
With his hands in his tailored pants pocket, he ambled over to the windows and exhaled a long sigh. It had taken fifteen long years for his vision to become a reality. He had finally made it. He wanted to live someplace fast paced and prestigious, like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. So when the top engineering firm in the country made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, he went for it. Now here he was, in downtown Chicago, prepared to start living the life he’d always dreamed of.
“Mr. Darley, I put your schedule for this week on your desk,” his new assistant said. “The first few days are full of meetings to get you acclimated to the projects that you’ll be responsible for, and the people you’ll be working with.”
So caught up in his thoughts he had forgotten she was in the room. “Okay. Thanks, Liz. I’ll take a look at it. Oh, and please call me, Mark.”
She smiled and walked to the door. “Okay, Mark. I’ll leave you to get settled. If you have questions or need me for anything else, press one on your telephone.”
“Thanks.” Mark returned her smile. “I’ll do that.”
His cell phone rang after the door closed behind his secretary. “Hello.”
“Hey, Mark, I’ve made contact. She was released from the hospital. Did you know she was married?”
“Married?” Nah, I didn’t know.” He walked over to his large desk and leaned against it. “This definitely puts a wrench in my plans.”
Chapter Four
Stupid, stupid, stupid, I can’t believe I kissed her. What was I thinking? The moment his lips touched hers, he knew he was in trouble. That brief contact made him want more, but he’d promised himself he wouldn’t travel down that road again. Flirting with her was one thing, and helping her at the hospital was another, but anything more than that would be suicidal.
He stood over Dallas and watched her sleep. Having her in his home, he couldn’t help but remember what they once shared. How could something so right, go so wrong? They were made for one another. Both were ambitious, they enjoyed the same things, sex was off the charts, and when they weren’t arguing, life was great. He never loved a woman the way he had once loved her. Months after they’d parted, he had held out hope that she’d be back. He’d longed to hear her say she’d made a mistake and that they belonged together, but nothing. She never called.
Tyler exhaled an exhausted sigh and left the room. It would be hard as hell to stay away from her while living together, but whatever it took.... Aw hell, I shouldn’t have let Simone and Tim talk me into this setup.
He walked downstairs to his office and took a seat at his desk. Now really wasn’t a good time for a houseguest, especially since he’d let his live-in housekeeper have the next two months off to spend time in Florida with her new grandchild. He needed a plan. Not only did he need someone who could keep Dallas company while he was working or traveling, he also needed a voice of reason nearby. Dallas in his home was a temptation he planned to fight.
Tyler grabbed his phone and dialed. He knew the perfect person for the job, his twin sister, Skylar. A month ago her husband, Hadrian, was deployed to Afghanistan, prompting her and their daughter to move back to Milwaukee to be closer to family. Since their daughter was spending the summer with her husband’s parents in Tennessee, Skylar was the perfect person for what Tyler had in mind.
After several rings her voice mail picked up. “Sky, I need a favor.”
****
Dallas opened her eyes slowly to the irritating sounds of a bird chirping just outside the window. God, please make it stop. Her body ached, and her head throbbed. The last thing she needed was a chipper bird singing at the top of its lungs. I’d give up a month’s salary to have something to throw at that damn window.
A hint of daylight filtered in through the blinds, alerting her that it was morning. It had been three days since she’d left the hospital, and though she felt better, she was anxious to get back to feeling like her old self. She didn’t know what she would’ve done without Tyler and Skylar catering to her every need - especially Skylar. Thanks to her, Dallas and Tyler rarely had a moment alone, which was fine with Dallas. She wanted nothing more than to stay clear of the one man who’d been the reoccurring star of her nightly dreams.
Dallas struggled to get off of the bed, grunting with every move thanks to sore ribs and a stupid cast on her leg. It wasn’t until she reached for her crutches that she screamed out in pain. She grabbed her side willing herself not to cry. The sting from her ribs shot through the rest of her body causing her to collapse back onto the bed. Okay, don’t cry. Don’t cry.
The bedroom door swung opened, and her body jolted in surprise, causing more pain.
“Girl, are you okay?” Skylar rushed in, pulling the belt on her long satin robe tighter.
Tyler’s twin looked wide awake considering it was fairly early; and in spite of her tousled hair, and disheveled appearance. Dallas still marveled at how Skylar’s oval-shaped face with cocoa-brown skin, dark intense eyes and full lips were identical to Tyler’s.
“What’s going on? I heard you scream.”
Dallas held her side and tried to bare the discomfort. She was glad to see Skylar, but right now she needed to get to the bathroom. “I moved too quickly and my body reminded me that I’m not healed yet. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“No problem. I wasn’t asleep. What can I do to help?”
“Can you hand me my crutches? I need to get to the bathroom, like now.”
“Mother Nature calls, huh?” Skylar grabbed the crutches and helped Dallas to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. “I’m going down to the
kitchen. Do you want anything?”
“No thanks.”
“Okay, be right back.”
A short while later Dallas exited the bathroom, surprised to see a tray of breakfast items at the foot of the bed. “Skylar, you didn’t have to do this.”
“Yes I did. I was starving.” She smirked and bit into a slice of toast smeared with grape jelly. “There’s enough here for both of us. I’m sure you’re hungry since you slept most of the day yesterday.”
“No, I’m okay. A little thirsty, but I ... don’t feel like eating.” Winded from moving around, Dallas realized her breathing wasn’t back to normal. This whole laid up and barely able to move around mess was driving her nuts.
Skylar helped her onto the bed and handed her a glass of orange juice. With her hands on her hips, she stood back and smiled. “Even under these circumstances, it’s really good to see you again.”
“Yeah, you too. I’ve missed our talks and our laughs. Are you still crazy?”
Skylar laughed out loud. “Only when I have to be.” She winked and moved the breakfast tray closer to Dallas. “Maybe you should eat something, especially since that bossy brother of mine will be in here soon and wonder why you haven’t eaten.”
Dallas knew she spoke the truth. Tyler practically force fed her at the hospital, telling her that it was the only way she’d regain some of her strength. “So where is that brother of yours?”
“Downstairs in his office where he’s been practically all night working.” She handed Dallas a bowl of fruit from the tray, grabbed the other for herself, and sat on the edge of the bed. “He said he’d be up before he leaves.”
“Okay.” They talked and caught up with one another while eating their light breakfast. Where Tyler was more serious, Skylar was the opposite. Dallas found herself laughing and holding her side throughout the conversation.
“Do you mind handing me my laptop? Tyler put it over there in the sitting area.”
“Is it a good idea for you to start back working so soon?” Skylar asked. She put their empty bowls on the tray, before getting the computer case and handing it to Dallas. “You still look a little tired.”
“I am, but I’ve been out of commission long enough.”
Skylar grabbed the prescription bottles sitting on top of the nightstand.
“Is it time for you to take any of these?”
“Probably, but that stuff puts me to sleep, and at this rate I’ll never get any work done,” Dallas said as her fingers flew across the keys on her laptop. It would take her forever to get through all of her emails.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Tyler’s deep voice roared from the doorway.
Dallas jerked her head toward the door, and took a deep breath. It should be against the law for anyone to look that good this early in the morning. Tyler dressed in a dark blue suit, looked like the successful businessman he was. And those eyes, his dark sexy eyes were as clear and brilliant as usual. He didn’t look like he’d been up all night.
She returned her attention back to the computer screen. “Working. What are you doing this morning?” Man he smells good, she thought when he walked farther into the room.
“Dallas, it’s too soon. You’ve only been out of the hospital a few days. Your body is still trying to get back to normal.”
“I’m okay,” she said, not looking up from her screen.
“I’m sure for the past six months you’ve deprived yourself of sleep and food. All I’m asking is that you take care of yourself first for a change.”
“Tyler, I appreciate your concern,” she finally looked at him, “but I have to get some work done.”
“It’s too soon.”
“Shouldn’t I be the one to decide that?” she asked, anger lacing each word. This was one of those times when his take-charge attitude got on her nerves.
“Oh, here we go. I’m outta here.” Skylar stood, grabbed the tray and hurried toward the door, but said over her shoulder, “I guess some things haven’t changed between you two.”
“I thought one of the partners, William, was overseeing your accounts while you’re recuperating.”
“He’s not me,” she said. “I have clients counting on me, and though I might not be able to get around well, I can still think.” She stifled a yawn, and was sure Tyler noticed. Damn these drugs.
He shook his head and probably would’ve said more, but her cell phone rang.
“I have to take this,” she said glancing at her cell phone screen. “It’s Bianca.” Tyler glared at her for a second, and then walked out without saying another word.
“Hello.”
“Hey Dallas, I’m so sorry to call you when you’re still recovering”
“It’s okay, Bianca. What’s going on?” Dallas knew her assistant wouldn’t call unless it was important.
“David is requesting that the presentation for the Nervona Group be ready by Monday.”
“What?” She sat up straighter in bed, still leaning against the headboard. “We’re not scheduled to meet with them for another month. What’s the hurry?”
“I’m not sure, but Lydia and Carol met with David this morning and he told them to have everything ready by Monday.”
Darnit, David Weisman, one of the partners and a pain in Dallas’s ass, was good at demanding things despite their already hectic workload. She had just been in contact with the potential client a couple of weeks ago, and they were the ones who had requested the presentation be done next month. Her team had started pulling information together, but four days wasn’t much time to get everything done.
“This is definitely going to be tight, but I should be able to pull my portion together in the next day or so. There are a few files that I’m going to need you to overnight me. Also, set up a conference call so that I can meet with the team tomorrow evening.”
“No problem.”
“And Bianca - thanks for the heads up. I don’t know what David is up to, but I’ll be calling William soon. I’ll keep you posted on anything else I need.”
Dallas disconnected and before she could get back to work, her cell phone rang again. Seeing that the screen read “unknown” she answered, “Dallas Marcel.”
There was no response, but Dallas heard someone breathing. After several hellos, she started to hang up, but then they finally spoke.
“Keep your nose out of business that doesn’t concern you.”
She placed the laptop on the side of her. “What? Who is this?”
“Someone who will stop at nothing to protect what’s his.”
****
Tyler swiveled in his office chair and stared out the bay window behind his desk, still thinking about his conversation with Dallas. The multi-million dollar real estate deals he handled were nothing compared to dealing with her and her independence. But if he didn’t look out for her wellbeing, who would? Her health sure didn’t seem to be a top priority for her.
“Oh good, I’m glad you’re still here,” Skylar rushed into his office, interrupting his moment of peace.
He turned and looked at her.
“I forgot to tell you. Quinn called about twenty minutes ago and said he’s in Milwaukee and for you to sit tight. Instead of meeting you at the Bradley site, he’ll meet you here. Something about you guys needing to revisit the plans for the Chicago project.”
“Okay thanks. I’m glad you told me I was getting ready to head out.” He stood and removed his suit jacket. “What do you have planned for today?”
“Not too much. Since you’re going to be here awhile, you can keep an ear out for Dallas. I’m going to run to the store.” Skylar moved to the door but stopped and turned. “Ty, don’t you and Dallas get sick of arguing about everything?”
He chuckled. “We don’t argue about everything.”
Skylar lifted an eyebrow. “Then what would you call screaming at each other at the top of your lungs all the time?”
“Communication. We’re passionate people who raise our voi
ces occasionally.”
Tyler smiled when she walked out of the room shaking her head. Unfortunately, she was right. He needed to find a way to communicate with Dallas without the conversation always ending in a shouting match, especially while she recuperated.
****
“Hey Dallas, I’m on my way to the store. Do...” Skylar started, but stopped when she walked into the room. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”
“I just had the strangest call.” She tossed her cell phone to the other side of the bed and ran her hands down her face. “Someone just threatened me.”
“What?” Skylar moved closer and sat on the side of the bed. “What did they say?”
Dallas told her about the call, wondering if someone was just playing around. Now that she thought about it, she’d received a couple of hang-ups over the past few weeks.
“I think you should tell Tyler, or better yet, contact the police.”
Dallas waved her off. “It’s probably nothing, just some kids playing around. And the last thing I want to do is give your brother any more reasons to hover over me.”
Chapter Five
Chicago, Illinois
“Thank you for coming on such short notice. I’m sure you’re all wondering what this meeting is about, especially since we just met on Friday.” David Weisman paced across the front of the large board room, running his fingers through his dark thinning hair.
“First, let me say that here at the Weisman and Cohen Group, we couldn’t ask for a better team. We appreciate all the long hours and work you’ve put in, as well as your commitment to our clients. With that said, it makes it even harder to tell you about the upcoming changes. As you know, the investment industry has taken a few hits over the last couple of years. After numerous meetings and very careful consideration, we have determined that cutbacks are needed. This afternoon, we’ll meet with each of you, individually, to discuss our plans for the future and the role we see you playing.”
William Cohen, senior partner, looked on as managers and staff exchanged confused looks, and murmurs floated around the room. He, too, had been surprised when David suggested cutbacks, and decided then that he needed to be more involved in the day-to-day operations. On paper, their company seemed solid. Apparently, that wasn’t the case since David recommended cuts.
Blue Roses (Reunited Series) Page 3
