Daniel cocked a brow. “You will drive carefully, I trust.”
If he hadn’t been smiling, she might have punched him. “I’m a good driver. It’s the other people on the road who need lessons.”
They were halfway to back to the auto repair shop when he received a call. Criminy. Sometimes she wondered if life wouldn’t be simpler if cell phones never existed. She couldn’t follow the conversation, but words like Pittsburgh, month, and security system were tossed about.
He disconnected. “That was unexpected.”
Her life seemed to be a series of unexpected events. “Nothing bad I hope?”
“No. Actually it’s an amazing opportunity for Callen Security. I went to a conference this past summer in Denver to learn about the newest innovations in security technology. I picked up a lot of new ideas, one being that eye scanner you’ve seen.”
“I heard you say Pittsburgh.”
“Yes. About three months ago, I learned about a government contract. They’re building a new courthouse and wanted it secure. I flew out there and put in a bid.”
“I didn’t know you worked around the country.”
“Not often, but when I do, it’s highly lucrative.”
“Did you win the bid?” While she was thrilled for him, for her sake, she hoped he’d say no.
He laughed. “Seems so.”
“Are you going to accept?” Her stomach rolled.
He rubbed her shoulder. “Sugar, if I could send someone else I would, but I’m the one with the experience.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “How long will you be gone?”
He faced away from her. “About a month, I’m afraid.”
She worked hard not to pout. “You’ll miss Thanksgiving.” And miss working on the spa and helping with the decisions. And making love with me.
He placed a hand on her thigh and squeezed. “That’s not all I’ll miss.”
Her heart partially healed. “I guess I’ll have to be content with Blade.” She then realized how that sounded. “I didn’t mean I don’t want—”
“I get it.”
She still had that damn plug in her ass as a constant reminder about what was to come. “I guess I won’t be needing the plug for a while, huh?”
He laughed. “No.”
“When do you have to leave?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
Just when the day was going so well, it turned bad again. “What about the house sale?” He was the one providing the money.
“I’ll speak with Courtney. If her friend really wants to sell, I’m sure we can figure something out. I can stop by the bank this afternoon and get a cashier’s check. I’m hoping you can cover the closing costs.” They wouldn’t know what they’d be until after the title company did its search.
“I can.”
He brushed her cheek. “We’re going to have a great partnership.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Dare she hope he was talking about something more than a business relationship?
* * * *
The next three weeks were total chaos. The purchase of the property went through without a hitch. Miracles of miracles. Mandy and her men were back from their Hawaiian honeymoon, and according their tales and wonderful photos, they’d had a fabulous time.
Daniel hadn’t called last night, and she’d missed talking to him. He’d had a dinner with the client, but promised to call tonight. It was close to nine when her cell finally rang. She stretched out on the sofa to chat. “Hey. Everything go well out there?”
“Work’s going along well.” She knew he couldn’t go into detail about what he was doing. “How’s the reno work going, sugar? Is Blade behaving himself?”
Candy fluffed the pillow behind her and moved her glass of wine closer. “The place is a mess. It’s all full of plaster and sawdust, but it’s getting there. Blade is a real slave driver. I almost feel sorry for the men.”
Daniel laughed. “That’s Blade. When he wants something he goes after it with a vengeance.”
Kind of like her. “You’re just as ambitious.”
“Oh, yeah?”
He was fishing for a compliment, but she loved telling him how wonderful he was. “Yes, and you know it. How many men turn down the chance to own their own ranch and go into business? You took a big risk and made it all on your own without the help from your family.”
He laughed. “Don’t let what I tell you fool you. I had plenty of help.”
“Advice doesn’t count.”
“It does in my book.”
Both Daniel and Blade were humble. “No one in your family went to classes to become the top security consultant, now did they?”
“You caught me, but you’re just as special.”
No one in her mom’s family had ever been to college and Candy always knew she wanted to make a difference. “Thanks. Not so special that I don’t need help. What are your thoughts about advertising?”
He lived in the town and would have a better idea than she would.
“That’s tough. When I was drumming up business, I put an ad in the paper. I know my cousin Cody owns the paper, but he charged me the same as anyone else.”
“I can do that. I was thinking of making flyers and dropping them off at stores that catered to the wealthier women.”
“That’s good. Devonne, Max and Ian’s wife, owns a dress boutique that’s high end.”
“I don’t think I’ve met her.”
She’d asked Blade to draw her a family tree so she could start memorizing names.
“She was at Mandy’s wedding. She’s your height and at one time was uber thin. She’s now uber pregnant.”
Candy sipped her wine. “I remember her now. Yes, she’s really nice.” Maybe Devonne could suggest some other places for her to distribute her flyers. “We make a good team, you know that?”
“Sugar, when I get back, I promise to show you just how much.”
She wanted to stay on the phone forever, but she understood he had work to do. “Miss you.”
“Miss you more.”
She disconnected and sighed. She couldn’t wait until she saw him again.
The next morning, when she finally got to the spa after ordering her flyers, Blade and five of his men were downstairs working, hammering, sawing, and pounding. She peeked her head in to say hi, but Blade had a reciprocating saw in his hand cutting through the wall, and she didn’t want to disturb him. How all of this would get done in time she had no idea, but Blade assured her it would look bad for only a few more days. Once they sanded and stained the hardwood floors downstairs, she could paint and then decorate. For now, she’d continue working upstairs.
Her pulse raced just thinking about her dream finally coming true.
Tomorrow was Thanksgiving, so all work would be suspended. That meant she had to work extra-long hours today if she was going to open on time.
She went upstairs to one of the future spa’s rooms to give it a second coat of paint. This would become a massage room. Last week, she still hadn’t found a masseuse. That had worried her, so she put an ad in the Intrigue Sun. The next day a woman had called about the job. They were to meet at The Eatery for the interview when the woman called right before the appointment to say she’d accepted another position. Apparently, Donna decided to expand and had offered this woman more hours.
A month ago, Candy might have been devastated, but her experiences in Intrigue had taught her one thing—to survive one needed to be resilient.
So she got on the phone and called many of the former Indulgent employees in Denver. Most had procured other jobs, but four had not. Of those, three were willing to move to Intrigue. Like her, they decided a change of scenery might be nice. Working with old friends would be wonderful.
A knock sounded on the door. Candy looked up. “Courtney! This is a surprise.” Blade’s sister was dressed in her real estate garb. “I’d give you a hug, but I’m kind of messy.” Her shirt was streaked with yellow and beige paint.
> “That’s okay. I stopped by to see Blade and thought I’d come up to see the progress.” She stepped past the doorway and looked around. “I like the color. It’s soothing.”
“Thanks. Will I see you tomorrow at Vince’s mom’s house for Thanksgiving Dinner?” Blade mentioned she’d been invited.
“I’m afraid not. Gretchen is alone now that her grandfather is gone. She decided to have a friends without family celebration and invite all the strays in town.”
She smiled. “That’s a great idea. One year, Mandy, Beth, Lisa, and I did that. I think it was my most fun holiday.”
“I wanted to mention that the house we first put a bid on?”
“Yeah, the old house on route 78.”
“It’s back on the market.”
She set down the brush. “Did you find out why?” At first she thought the person either planned to live in it or flip it. Perhaps the renovations would have cost too much.
“No. We may never know, either.”
Candy shrugged. “In the end, this worked out better. I love being close to town.”
“I agree. Blade and his men have done a wonderful job.” Courtney’s cell rang. She glanced at the screen. “It’s another client. You going to the morning parade in town?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Often she’d stay at home on Thanksgiving and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Getting to see one live would be much more fun.
Courtney smiled, answered her phone, and waved good-bye. The click-clack of her heels sounded down the hallway, and the elevator’s iron gate clanged open.
Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day. She would be spending time with Daniel’s whole family and he wouldn’t even be there.
Chapter Fifteen
The next morning Blade knocked on her apartment door, and Candy let him in. He dragged a sexy gaze up and down her body, causing heat to race through her.
“You look ready for a winter snow storm.”
She had on mittens, a scarf, hat, fur lined boots, and a ski jacket. “We’re going to be outside for a few hours watching the parade. I hate being cold.”
He smiled. “You do realize that even if every person in town was in the parade, it might not be longer than five city blocks?”
She shrugged. “I imagine people will be mingling afterwards, right?”
“That’s true. It’s why Thanksgiving dinner is usually set for late afternoon. The cooks need time to prepare after watching the festivities. Ready?”
She nodded. They took the elevator to the first floor. It was one of her favorite things about the building. Since they lived in downtown, they only had to walk a few blocks to reach the start of the parade route.
A long line formed on the sidewalk. Blade clasped her hand. “The city is sponsoring free hot apple cider. Let’s get a cup then find a viewing spot.”
She couldn’t wait. The day was clear and cold. Her hat covered her ears, so she was protected against the elements. The only negative to her attire was she had on enough long underwear to make her look like a person in a fat suit.
Other than wishing Daniel was here, she couldn’t have been happier. Ever since Blade had shared his secret, he’d been a different man. She never did understand why he thought he was damaged, but a man’s perception was often his reality. In her mind, Blade’s background made him the wonderful, caring man he was today. She looked up at him and smile.
He cocked a brow. “What? Did I forget to shave or something?”
He knew he hadn’t. “No. I’m just happy that I got to meet you.”
“We’re a little past the meet and greet stage.”
“I know, and I’m happy about that.”
When he leaned over and kissed her, she never wanted the kiss to end. Too bad the sidewalk was filled with people. A few whistled and she broke the kiss.
He grinned. “Come on. Let’s get that hot drink.”
While they waited in line for the free cider, she spotted Donna about ten people ahead of her. She was chatting with a woman she didn’t recognize. While Candy had run into Donna a few times, the woman was still an enigma. When they spoke at the restaurant, she was nice—concerned, even. Blade said a scarf resembling one Donna wore was found at the back of the house, but Candy found it hard to believe that Donna would have broken the glass door.
However, the issue of her luring the massage therapist away from Candy didn’t sit well with her. Had Donna found out that Candy wanted to hire the woman and offered her a job? If Donna didn’t really need an extra massage therapist, having an extra staff member would only hurt her bottom line. The frustration bit into her.
Blade nudged her. “There’s Creighton. Didn’t you want to ask him about whether he carries some of the products you need?”
She looped an arm through his. “You have been listening to my rants, haven’t you?”
He smiled, and a piece of her heart fell more in love with him.
A small eek drew her attention back to the crowd. Creighton was standing next to Donna, swaying, as if he was drunk. She jerked her arm out of his grasp. Blade slowly moved out of Candy’s hold, his gaze focused on the couple.
Donna then turned her back on Creighton, who fortunately stalked off. Blade let out an audible breath and returned to Candy’s side.
She looked up at him. “What do you think that was about?”
“Unrequited love?”
His old-fashioned expression made her chuckle. “Have you been reading romance novels?”
He looked down at her. A glimmer of a smile appeared. “Should I be? Do I need to be more romantic? That’s usually Daniel’s role.”
“You’re just as romantic.”
“If you say so. I never thought of myself as being good at expressing myself.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s Thanksgiving. Let’s enjoy the day.”
The change of subject was so typical of him. He was right, though. They were here to enjoy all the town had to offer.
The high school band, which sounded quite good, led the parade. The line for the hot cider shortened and eventually they grabbed their cups and found a spot along the parade route. Blade wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Come here, you. We don’t want you to freeze.”
He might believe that Daniel was the romantic one, but deep in his heart, he was equally so. Three floats followed the marching band. One consisted of two girls sitting on top of bales of hay in the back of a pickup, waving to the crowd. They had on coats, but from the way they kept moving around, they weren’t warm. Next came a larger float pulled by a truck. On it were about ten guys drinking beer. This one was sponsored by the Raging Bull Saloon. Music poured from large speakers, and flashing lights of all colors adorned the side of the float.
“That one is so fancy.”
“That’s because one of the owners does the pyrotechnics and lights for Righteous Warriors.”
“For real?” She listened to the music and found the beat hypnotic. “I like it. It’s sensual and hip at the same time.”
“I agree. The band has played at a few Callen parties.”
“Get out. Really?”
“The owner of the bar is Jenny’s husband, the one who treated Mandy for her leg wound.”
She remembered hearing about how Jenny took care of her friend.
He pulled her close. “Maybe if you’re good, Daniel and I will take you to one of their concerts.”
Excitement raced through her. “I’d really like that. I’ve been to two concerts in my life, and both were at Denver stadium in the nosebleed section. I could hear the music, but unless I looked at the Jumbotron, I couldn’t see the band.”
“I think we can do better than that. Jackson might even be able to arrange for us to get a backstage tour.”
She threaded her arm through his and squeezed. “That would be so cool.”
“Stick with me, babe.”
She laughed.
The third and final float was the most unusual. It was called Pedal
Power, propelled by twelve people sitting at a large bar pedaling stationary bikes. They had drinks in their hands and were shouting, “Happy Thanksgiving.” She loved it.
A bunch of people walked behind the floats. Following them was a clump of people pushing shopping carts dressed in Groucho Marx garb.
“What’s that all about?” she asked.
He grinned. “It’s called tradition. They show up in every parade. I have yet to figure out their purpose.”
In less than ten minutes, the parade had passed and those on the sidewalks filled the streets. A few vendors set up in front of City Hall, and a swarm of people stood in line.
“I’m thinking a lot of people don’t have a big sit-down dinner for Thanksgiving if they’re eating all that stuff,” she said.
“That, or they’ll be dining really late. You want to head over to the Callens’ place? Nicole said people will be showing up around two.”
It was after one now. “Sure.” While she’d met Daniel’s mom and dad briefly at Mandy’s wedding, this interaction might be more awkward. They’d have time to talk.
Daniel mentioned he’d told his mom a little of what had happened to her from being run off the road to Mandy’s car being scratched. Now that they were partners in the spa business, his mom might want more details. Candy just hoped his mom didn’t ask if she was intimately involved with her son.
On the way back to their building, at least five people stopped Blade to chat. Some wanted to thank him for the work he’d done on their homes or buildings and others wanted to request his services. Between the renovations and the new builds, Callen construction did a lot of work in town. She couldn’t be more proud of him. Like herself, he didn’t cut corners.
He was heading toward his truck, when she placed a hand on his arm. “Do you mind if we take my car?” The ride would be more comfortable.
He cocked a brow. “Afraid you’ll have to step on trash?”
She laughed. “You caught me. Actually, your shocks aren’t the best.”
“You saying I need a new vehicle?”
Craving Candy [The Callens 10] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 15
