“Three things—drink lots of orange juice, take a hot shower, and go to bed,” Caly replied, stifling a chuckle. “Oh, and don’t drink coffee or anything with caffeine. Juices and water, or a virgin Bloody Mary with a stick of celery. Have you taken any pain killers?”
“Yes, but they don’t seem to be helping.” Selena pressed the palms of her hands against her eyes, hoping the pressure would relieve the pain. “I’m going to get in the shower. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Get some rest because I’m coming over tonight and you’re going to tell me everything that happened last night.”
Selena groaned. It would be a short conversation. She had no idea what she’d done last night or with whom she’d done it.
Finishing two glasses of orange juice, she stepped into the shower and let the hot water sluice down her neck and back, feeling much of the tension ease away, even though it did little for the thundering in her head. Wrapping herself in a full body towel, she pulled a comb through her hair before her energy gave out. She lowered herself onto the bed, thinking of the man she’d shared a bed with…and maybe more.
In sleep, except for the dark stubble on his jaw and chin, he looked to be in his mid-twenties. She recalled his features seemed somewhat familiar. If she’d taken more time, perhaps her memory would have returned, helping her remember his name, or at least something about him.
She turned onto her back, covering her face with both hands, embarrassment causing a flush to creep up her neck and cheeks. Maybe sleep would help, although she doubted it. The truth was she’d gotten drunk, allowed herself to be picked up by some stranger, and ended up in his bed. She would’ve considered that more, except the heaviness of her eyelids won out over thought and she drifted into a deep sleep.
Chapter Three
“I still think turning off most of the security for your party was a bad decision.” Matt Tarantino, Linc’s best friend, partner, and Vice President of Operations at Templar Security & Rescue, downed his second cup of coffee as the sun rose over the mountains to the east.
The company was comprised of two divisions. One offered high-level security for wealthy individuals and high-profile clients. The second offered rescue and extraction services for adventurers or those working in high-risk locations. Attracting type-A personalities, adventure travel had become a booming business for vacationers choosing to spend their off-time participating in dangerous activities.
The daily meetings included Linc, Matt, and Shane Gardner, his other close friend and Vice President of Client Acquisition, a fancy name for sales, for both divisions. Linc founded the company and held the majority share of stock. Matt and Shane owned minority interests, although Linc considered them partners in all ways that mattered.
They began at six each morning, discussing extraction operations and security issues, such as today when Matt wanted to discuss the last minute decision to curtail much of the security that protected Linc at his home. Linc had overridden Matt’s recommendation to keep all security operational.
“Is this about my decision to minimize security last night, or did something happen during the party?”
Matt shook his head. “Except for the woman who left your bed at dawn, there were no breaches.”
“Ran from my bed is more accurate.” Linc chuckled, thinking of the sandals sitting on the dresser in his bedroom.
Matt and Shane shared a look. They’d never known Linc to have women stay over at his house. He’d always had a firm policy of staying at their place, never opening his bedroom to any female, no matter how long they’d been together.
“So what’s the issue?” Linc directed his question to Matt.
“The party was by open invitation. Anyone could attend, including those who have an ax to grind with either you or TSR. We had no one stationed at the gate or front door to check for weapons or identification. Anyone with basic security knowledge could have used the party as an opportunity to scope out your system, figuring out how to disable it.”
“We’ve gone over this before, Matt. I know you’re concerned about any breach to my system becoming a public relations nightmare.”
“I am concerned. Competition is fierce and getting tougher all the time. Anyone with military experience believes they can open a security firm, using any situation to their advantage, including disabling the personal residence of TSR’s president.” Matt sat forward, resting his arms on the table. “I think we need to go about it in a different way for any future parties.”
Linc narrowed his gaze at Matt. Perhaps he had gone too far in trying to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. He shifted toward Shane. “What are your thoughts?”
“I agree with Matt. We shouldn’t have disabled the systems. What was the point? I assume you had one, and I’d like to hear what it was.” Shane crossed his arms and leaned back, his face impassive.
Shane was right. Linc did have a reason for deactivating the security for one night.
He stood, walking to the counter to fill his coffee cup, then topping off Matt’s and Shane’s.
“I held the party for one reason only—to give our neighbors a chance to get to know the three of us and other members of TSR. We’ve lived in secrecy too long, causing rumors to circulate that can be damaging to our expansion plans. By opening the doors without heightened security, which might have discouraged attendance, guests got to see we are no different from them. Three men working hard to grow a company while offering the finest security and rescue services available. I believe it was a good decision.” He shot a knowing look at Matt. “I noticed you got pretty close to one of the guests.”
“Yeah, my good fortune.” Matt grinned. “She was in the group when we discussed real estate prices and your somewhat intoxicated bedmate joined us.”
“Hell, the woman was drunk on her ass. She passed out cold as soon as she hit my bed.”
“Guess you got to play babysitter, and in your own bedroom, too. A new role for you, huh?” Shane snorted.
Linc glared at his friends. “If we’re finished discussing the party, let’s focus on the main subject of the meeting—a new security system for the arts center in Peregrine Bay.”
“We’re on the short list with three other firms.” Shane pulled out some papers, handing copies to both men. “This is their final criteria for making a decision.”
“Tell us about the competition.” Linc scanned the information, then looked at Shane.
Shane ticked off the names of one headquartered in Seattle, another in Portland, and one in Salt Lake City, all run by ex-military. “Simondson Security, the Portland firm, is the most aggressive. They’re planning to open an office in Boise.”
“And their tactics?” Linc asked, warming to the subject.
“As tough as you’d expect,” Shane answered. “Last Wednesday, I fired the salesman we hired three weeks ago. Found out he was a mole for Simondson. He kept criticizing our techniques and systems, questioning everything. Our people became suspicious, so I put Brut on his tail. It took a few days, but we found out he’s the cousin of Simondson himself. The good news is he completed a fraction of his training, not getting to the real high-level stuff.”
Linc nodded, sitting back and crossing his arms. “Nothing I didn’t expect at some point. What do we need to do to win the contract?”
“Word has it the Seattle firm will probably pass on providing a bid. They just received an award for work in Bellingham and are tapped out. Salt Lake will need to scramble to find enough qualified techs to complete the work on time, which indicates they’ll probably bid up to cover the costs. I believe Simondson is our major competition on this. I’ll work the numbers so they get our best equipment at the lowest price. You’ll need to pull out the famous Caldwell charm and focus it on three key people—Mayor Timmons, Councilman Tom Harten, who heads the search committee, and the chamber president, Julia Kerrigan Monroe.”
Linc’s head shot up. “Chief Monroe’s wife?”
“That’s the one. Do
n’t you know him?”
“I do. Met Adam when he was a detective in Spokane handling a murder investigation involving one of our clients.”
“The one where the perp said he broke through our security?” Matt asked.
“That’s the one. Turned out he was already in the house, banging our client’s wife. When the husband returned home, the whole situation got out of hand. When it was over, the wife’s lover was dead. Monroe was in charge of the investigation. Good man.”
“We installed the security system at Monroe’s house,” Matt added. “So I guess you’ll be getting together with them.”
“And the mayor. Not sure about Harten. From what I hear, the man’s a loose cannon with a big mouth. His attitude pisses off a lot of people. I’m surprised he’s on the award committee.” Linc made notes as he talked, deciding he had some other business with Adam Monroe.
“His daddy is the one who donated the land for the arts center. Money talks…” Shane’s voice drifted off as he slid the folder into his case and stood. “If there’s nothing else, I have a meeting in thirty minutes. Let me know how you do with the people in Peregrine Bay.”
******
“All right. I’ve waited two days. I expect you to cough up details. Now.” Calypso walked straight to the cabinet in Selena’s kitchen, grabbed a wine glass, and filled it with her favorite Malbec before glancing at her sister. “Aren’t you drinking?” She raised an eyebrow.
Selena groaned, placing a hand over her stomach. “Probably never again. I don’t know why people continue to drink when all they get is a hangover. Anyway, I have my cranberry juice.” She tilted her glass toward Caly.
“Most people learn how much they can drink and stop before they get there. Your only problem was you didn’t know your limit. Now you know.”
“Yeah. None…zero.” She settled onto a barstool. “And I’m not talking about the party, with you or anyone else. All I want to do is forget the entire night.”
“I don’t know why. You seemed to be having a great time until we got separated. Devlin looked everywhere for you. We both thought you’d left early.” Caly placed a hand on Selena’s shoulder. “I won’t bug you to tell me anything. Whatever happened is your secret.”
Selena nodded, wanting nothing more than to hide in her bedroom, pull the covers over her head, and let time pass until the nightmare went away. She didn’t want to admit to anyone she had no memory of what happened, other than waking up almost naked in a stranger’s bed. As much as she wanted to deny it, she had to assume they’d slept together. She buried her head in her hands and groaned.
“You all right?” Caly asked. She’d never seen Selena act like this, but she’d never seen her drunk or with a two-day hangover, either. Selena also never missed work, yet she had today.
“Other than this constant headache, I’m fine.” She slid off the stool, heading for her bedroom. “Let yourself out whenever you’re ready. I’m going back to bed.”
Selena closed her door, then leaned against it, closing her eyes. Humiliation mixed with confusion had consumed her since waking up. Priding herself on being sensible and always in control, the feeling of vulnerability grated on her. The idea someone knew more about their night together than she did terrified her.
Grabbing a bottle from her dresser, she popped an over-the-counter sleep aid in her mouth, washing it down with a full glass of water. She’d sleep the rest of the day and all night. Tomorrow, she’d be her old self and vowed to forget she’d ever attended the party.
******
“Thanks for meeting with me, Adam. We missed you at the party.” Linc shook his outstretched hand, taking a seat.
“Sorry about that. Julia and I had a failure of communication.” Adam shoved papers aside. As the police chief of Peregrine Bay, he never seemed to have enough desk or file space for the mounds of paperwork. “I’m guessing you’re not here to admire my pretty face.”
Linc chuckled. “Not hardly. You probably know my company is bidding on providing the security system for the new arts center in town.” He set the bid specs on Adam’s desk.
“You know I’m not allow—”
Linc held up his hand. “I’m not looking for the inside track. What I am interested in is learning more about Councilman Tom Harten. He’s one of the three individuals involved in making the final decision.”
“Along with Julia and the mayor.” Adam cocked his brow.
“I know they’ll make the right decision for the town, and I can live with that. My concern lies with Harten. To be honest, I haven’t heard anything good about the man.”
Adam stood and closed the door, turning to face Linc. “He’s a piece of work. I’d be interested to learn what you’ve heard.”
“It’s all hearsay. I don’t know if it will do you much good.”
“Let me decide if it’s worthwhile or not.” Returning to his desk, Adam took a seat, leaning forward.
“I trust this won’t go beyond this room.”
Adam nodded at Linc’s request.
“Word is he’s been the recipient of kickbacks, bribes, anything that will line his pockets. An honest bid process seems to be beyond him.” Linc sat back, narrowing his gaze. “Tell me you haven’t heard the same.”
Adam’s face remained impassive as he pondered Linc’s accusations. It was nothing he hadn’t heard before about their illustrious councilman.
“You’ve heard this from more than one source?”
Steepling his fingers under his chin, Linc nodded. “More than one. All reliable.”
“My office is looking into similar allegations. I can’t tell you specifics, but they’ve been building since before I took office. The problem is he’s from a wealthy family with deep roots in Peregrine Bay.”
“And his daddy has a lot of land to donate for city projects.”
Adam’s brows shot up. “How’d you hear that?”
“As I said, I’ve got very reliable sources.”
“You know, they’ve added a couple people to the selection committee.”
“When?” Linc asked.
“Yesterday. The leader of the arts council and Herman Jost, a businessman and supporter of the arts.”
“Jost…the name sounds familiar.”
“He owns a jewelry store.” Adam smiled, remembering the conversations he’d had with the man since high school. “Getting on in years, but sharp as anyone, and honest. He’s no fan of Tom Harten.”
Linc stood, grabbing his file off the desk. “I’m just looking for an honest bid system. At least now I have a better sense of what I’m up against.”
“You worried?”
“Hell no. We don’t lose often and I don’t intend to this time. Let me know if you’re ever up my way. I’ll meet you for a beer.”
“Done.”
Linc reached for the doorknob, then turned back. “Another question. Do you happen to know a woman with wheat-colored hair, warm brown eyes, slender…” His voice trailed off when Adam chuckled. “What?”
“That could describe several women in town. Do you have a name?”
“Just a first name. Selena. I think she might be involved in real estate.”
Adam’s smile faded at the mention of his sister-in-law. “Selena Kerrigan.”
“Julia’s sister?”
“The same.” Adam took a few steps closer. “Why?”
Linc didn’t miss the warning on Adam’s face. “She was a guest at my party. Left something behind I’d like to return to her. Does she work at Kerrigan Real Estate?”
“She does. Why don’t you give it to me? I’ll see that she gets it.”
“It’s no problem. Besides, it’s in the car. I’ll drop it off on my way north. Thanks again.”
Adam shook his head. He had nothing but respect for Linc and his accomplishments. At least the ones involving business. Although they’d known each other for years, he knew almost nothing about the man’s personal life, other than being ex-military and single. As with most ac
tive and former Navy SEALs, Adam had always suspected Linc had no problem finding female companionship. He just hoped Selena wasn’t his next target.
Chapter Four
“Glad to see you’re feeling better, Selena. We were worried about you.” Tricia, their office manager and mother hen, walked up, taking a good look at her. “You are feeling better, right?”
“Much better than yesterday.” Selena glanced at her overflowing mail slot. “Guess I have some catching up to do.”
“Can you imagine what it would be like if you ever took a vacation?” Tricia meant it as a joke, but the look on Selena’s face told her she’d failed. “You know, it might be good for you to take some time off. You’re here at least six days a week, sometimes seven. It’s not healthy to work so much without taking a break to play.”
“I have fun.”
“When? Where? With whom?” Tricia had known all the Kerrigan girls since they were young, and met all three of Joshua Kerrigan’s wives. It had torn the family apart when Julia and Selena’s mother discovered Joshua’s affair with Breeze, who’d become his second wife and Calypso’s mother. When Breeze died, he raised the three girls alone until falling in love with Joannie, the twin’s mother. Of all the daughters, Selena had always been the most serious, only attending social affairs as required by her family, dating little, and working much too hard.
“I, um…went to a party this past weekend. So, you see, I can have fun. Guess it’s time for me to get to work.”
“You know, the offer still stands to use our cabin up in the mountains if you ever want to get away,” Tricia called after her. “Think about it.”
Selena waved a hand in the air in acknowledgment, grateful for Tricia’s friendship, then closed her office door. She needed to get to work, catch up on what she’d missed during her day in bed, and purge the party from her mind. It would be tougher to rid her thoughts of the man who’d slept beside her.
Our Kind of Love Page 3
