Our Kind of Love

by Shirleen Davies

  Tom swallowed the ball of fire in his throat, feeling the sweat build on his brow. He wished he’d never connected with Ephraim or reconnected with his stepson, Chad. In college, Tom’s brother and Chad had been close friends, traveling to California after graduation and finding an apartment. Although the three had hung out together a few times, Tom had never been close to Chad.

  “Threaten me all you want, Ephraim. It doesn’t change the fact that if I go down, so will you and your entire company,” Tom hissed, tired of feeling bullied. “You didn’t pay me enough to take the fall alone.” He hung up. Ephraim would either send him more data on TSR or he wouldn’t. Tom didn’t care. He’d deposited the large amount of cash in an account no one could trace, which meant they could never prove he took a cent. A self-satisfied grin crossed his face as he thought of how he’d spend all that money.

  ******

  Selena woke early Sunday morning. She’d had a rough night, falling asleep well after midnight, then tossing and turning until sunrise. Day five and still no word from Linc since his brief text saying he’d call her. He never did.

  Rolling out of bed, her shoulders slumped as she walked to the kitchen for coffee. While the cup filled, she checked her messages. Nothing. Letting out a deep sigh, Selena stirred creamer into her coffee, tossing the spoon into the sink. Settling on the sofa, she absently surfed through various television channels, then turned it off in frustration.

  She refused to mourn what appeared to be the end of the brief relationship. No matter how much he’d meant to her, it had become obvious she couldn’t be further from his mind. If he were hurt or sick, either Matt or Shane would call to let her know. There could be just one reason he’d fallen out of touch, and the thought brought a sharp pain to her chest. For the first time, she began to understand how Julia must have felt all those years ago when Adam walked away after years as a couple. At least Selena only had to deal with the pain of weeks.

  Pushing off the sofa, she scrambled to grab her ringing phone, checking the caller ID. Disappointment surrounded her when she saw Caly’s name.

  “Good morning, Caly. Thanks for dinner last night.” Selena worked to put a happy tone in her voice.

  “Still no word from your boy, huh?”

  “I didn’t say that,” Selena snapped.

  “You didn’t have to, sweetie. What are you doing today, besides going to Father’s for dinner?”

  “Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it. Linc usually plans our Sundays.” She paused, realizing how much she’d come to depend on him in such a short period of time. Fishing, hiking, kayaking, or car trips ending in a picnic in some remote spot.

  “He could still call. You know that hostage situation in Indonesia last week?”

  Selena’s brows drew together. “Vaguely. What does that have to do with Linc?”

  “Caro Systems is one of his clients. I’ll bet he was up for a couple days and nights dealing with that mess. At least he never had to take over the rescue operation. Seems the police messed it up all on their own.”

  “How do you know all this?”

  “Because I keep up with online reports, unlike some of us who hunker down when she walks through the front door.”

  “Funny,” Selena countered, although the comment didn’t strike her as humorous. “I mean, how do you know TSR was involved?”

  “I have my sources. Truthfully, I’d planned to ask you about it last night, but between your foul temper and my canceled date, neither of us were in the mood for much conversation. Anyway, how about going with me to Pine Cove? There are a couple boutiques I’ve wanted to visit. We could shop, grab lunch, then take a trip around the east side of the lake. We’ll get to Father’s in plenty of time for dinner.”

  Selena’s mind still worked to process the fact TSR and Linc may have been involved in the executive kidnapping. If so, perhaps he’d simply been too busy to call…or text.

  Who was she kidding? The man could talk, text, and prepare a client presentation all at the same time. If he had the slightest inclination, sending her one small text would’ve taken him ten seconds.

  “Selena? You still there?” Caly’s voice carried through the phone, shaking Selena from her depressing thoughts.

  “Yes, I’m here.”

  “So what about it?”

  “Can we stop by Linc’s house? I’d like to drop some things off for him.”

  “Are you sure you want to do that? It’s been less than a week, and from what I’ve heard, he must have been consumed with resolving the client issue. You may want to give him a few more days.” Caly’s voice had grown serious and thick with concern.

  Selena let out a deep sigh. “I know you mean well, and it could be great advice. The thing is, I need to protect myself. Even returning the few items he’s left here doesn’t have to signal the end.”

  “I’m pretty certain that’s exactly what he’ll believe.”

  Selena ignored Caly, focusing on what she believed to be right. “And he’ll probably be relieved I got the hint without him having to spell it out. I’ll go with you, but only if you stop at his place.”

  “Fine. It’s your life. Be ready at ten.”

  Selena set her phone on the counter, then looked around the house she’d fixed up on a meager budget. It still showed its age, even though huge improvements had been made. She shook her head, making her way to a bookcase where two of Linc’s books sat.

  He’d never hesitated to answer when asked about the women in his life. Before her, he’d dated mostly well-known, sophisticated women with wealth and homes so large, three of hers could fit inside. Even though her father had money, he’d always encouraged his daughters to make it on their own. She, along with Julia and Caly, had succeeded, and Selena had no doubt their two younger sisters, Danielle and Lillian, would do the same. Even so, her accomplishments were no match for the women who flitted in and out of Linc’s life for years.

  Grabbing a box from the garage, she put the two books in it, then continued through the house, adding a pullover sweater, a pair of jeans, two t-shirts, a toothbrush, and a comb. The nightstand on the side of the bed where he usually slept held a few coins and one of his pens. She swept them into the box, then took one more turn around the room, seeing nothing else.

  Setting the box on her bed, she pulled a pair of pants and a blouse from the closet, then stepped into the shower. Letting the hot water slide over her body, she felt a sharp pang of regret. She hoped Caly wasn’t right about her reacting too quickly to his lack of communication. Being truthful with herself, Selena knew her fear of being the last one to know he’d moved on pushed her to close the loop with Linc. She absolutely did not want to walk into a restaurant one night to see him with someone else. Better to be proactive than reactive. She snickered, remembering the times Linc had said the same to her. They hadn’t been together long, yet she felt she’d learned so much from him. Most of all, she’d reclaimed her confidence and belief in her ability to attract a man. As much as she ached at the thought of never being with him again, she couldn’t help but thank him for the most amazing few weeks of her life.

  Chapter Eleven

  “I love this shop, Caly.” Selena picked up another handmade scarf, wrapping it around her neck. “This goes perfect with this blouse. And these earrings are gorgeous.”

  “So buy them. You can wear them tonight at dinner.” Caly held up a short silk dress with bright colors and an outrageous design. “What do you think?”

  “It’s definitely you,” Selena responded, acknowledging the extreme differences between Caly and her. Outspoken and free-spirited, their father told them she was much like her mother, Breeze, who’d died shortly after Calypso’s birth. “Where do you plan to wear it?”

  “Anywhere. Everywhere,” she laughed, snatching up a bright orange purse to match the most prominent color in the dress.

  Waiting for the clerk to ring up and bag their purchases, Selena turned toward Caly. “I’m so glad you convinced me to come to Pine
Cove before stopping by Linc’s. I needed a little boost before dropping off his things.”

  Caly placed a hand on Selena’s arm. “Are you certain you want to do this? I’m no expert on relationships, but I swear that man is crazy about you. Is it too much to take a step back and wait a few more days?”

  She’d been thinking the same, but after checking her phone four times over the last two hours and seeing nothing, she’d realized accepting he’d moved on was her only choice.

  “I’m certain. If he’s home, I’ll do it in a way that leaves the door open. If he’s not, I’ll just leave the box and let it speak for itself.” Picking up her items, she walked toward the door. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

  ******

  “Last chance to turn around and head home,” Caly said as she pulled to a stop outside Linc’s gated entry.

  “Nope. I’ve made up my mind.” Selena got out, punched in the security code, then slipped back into the car as the gate opened. “Park over there.” She pointed to an open area not far from the front doors. Retrieving the box from the trunk, she straightened her blouse and her shoulders, determined to do this in as gracious a manner as possible.

  Although she had the code for the gate, she’d never asked for the code to the front door—and he’d never offered. Which made sense since he didn’t have a key to her place. Pushing down the last vestiges of fear, feeling her heart squeeze, she knocked. One massive door opened almost instantly, a large man with broad shoulders and huge muscles staring at her. From Linc’s description, she thought this must be Brut.

  “Can I help you?” He stuck his head out the door and looked around.

  “I’m Selena Kerrigan. You must be Brut.”

  “Yes, ma’am. What can I do for you?” Neither the fact she knew his name nor the mention of hers had any impact on him.

  “I, um…wanted to drop this off for Linc. Is he here?”

  “Yes, ma’am. He’s out by the lake, entertaining someone. Do you want to wait on the patio?” He gestured through the house. She glanced around him to see a woman standing on the patio, then taking the steps to the backyard. Slim and tall with a stunning figure, the woman’s long black hair cascaded down her back.

  Sucking in an agonized breath, Selena braced herself, accepting he did have a new woman in his life. He’d moved on without giving her a thought. The fact her instincts had been right provided no comfort.

  Looking at the box in her hand, logical thought fled as her heart sank. “If it’s all right, I’ll leave this with you.” She held out the box, feeling a sense of loss when Brut took it from her hands.

  He looked at it, then glanced behind him. “You sure you don’t want to give it to the boss yourself?”

  “Quite certain. Thank you, Brut.” She quickly turned, dashing for the car before the full impact of her action hit her. Jumping inside, she glanced at Caly, tears blurring her vision. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “Oh, honey, are you all right?”

  “No, I’m not all right. Please, let’s just go.” Selena buried her face in her hands, sobs marring her normally serene face.

  Caly drove through the gate and up the winding road toward the main highway. Pulling over into a large vacant lot, she killed the engine and reached over to wrap her arms around Selena. Saying nothing, she held tight, letting her sister cry until there were no more tears. Pulling back, she reached behind her, grabbing a tissue from a box on the floor.

  “Here. Take this.”

  Selena snatched it from her hand. “I’ll need more than one.”

  Caly handed her a few more, then sat back. “What did he say?”

  “He didn’t say anything. A man named Brut opened the door. He told me Linc was in the back yard, entertaining someone. I saw her, Caly…the woman he’s now seeing.” Tears threatened again. This time, she closed her eyes tight, refusing to let them fall. “I suspected as much when I didn’t hear from him.” She sniffed a few more times, then dried her eyes. “We can go now. I’ll be fine.” Although she tried to sound confident, Selena knew she would not be fine for a long time.

  ******

  “Daddy, stop. I can’t breathe.” Caid rolled on the grass, his giggles spreading across the massive backyard. Linc stopped tickling him and sat back.

  “Next time, think about who you shoot your squirt gun at.” Linc smiled at his son, warmth wrapping around him from the little boy who’d already claimed his heart.

  Caid jumped up, ran behind Linc, and grabbed the small red plastic toy he’d been given. He started squirting his father again, then ran, his short legs carrying him to the back patio, where he hid behind a large potted plant. “Got you. Got you.” He peeked around the plant, but didn’t see Linc. A cold blast of water soaked his back and had him squealing before he took off down the steps to the lawn.

  Linc laughed, holding his stomach. The last few days had been a whirlwind. He’d applied for legal guardianship, flown with Caid to Douglas’s house to pack the rest of his son’s belongings, visited his parents and introduced them to their grandson, then flown home. He’d already hired a nanny, knowing he’d need help, and enrolled Caid in school. In between all of that, he’d talked with Matt or Shane a few times about minor business issues, spending as much time as possible getting to know his son.

  “Thought you might want this, boss.”

  Linc turned to grab the two towels Brut held out. “Thanks.”

  “Some lady came by about half an hour ago and left a box for you.”

  He stopped wiping his face and looked up. “Did she leave her name?”

  “Selma? No, that’s not it.”

  “Selena?” Linc asked, turning to look through the windows toward the front doors.

  “Yeah, that’s it. Selena.”

  Linc turned toward the nanny, who’d started the day before. “Nina, please watch Caid for me.”

  “Of course, Mr. Caldwell.”

  Dropping the towels, he dashed through the house to pick up the box. Tearing off the tape, his breath caught when he saw the contents. Mumbling a curse, he glanced through the items, then dropped the box to pull his phone from his pocket.

  “Come on, Selena. Pick up,” he whispered to himself as the call went to voicemail. “Selena, it’s Linc. I just got the box. What the h…” He heard little footsteps running up behind him, “heck is going on? Call me.” He set the phone aside as Caid stopped beside him.

  “Can we go fishing now?” His face brightened as he jumped up and down.

  Linc looked down at his son, placing a hand on his head and ruffling the silky brown hair. “Sure, son. Just give me a few minutes. Brut, would you mind getting the fishing gear together?”

  “No problem, boss. Come on, squirt. You can help me.” Brut headed for a large storage building around back, Caid running at his side.

  “I’ll pack a lunch for you and Caid, Mr. Caldwell,” Nina offered, turning toward the kitchen.

  “Thanks, Nina.” He watched her walk from the room, mentally thanking Matt for suggesting her. She’d responded right away, fitting seamlessly into the routine with little effort.

  Linc and Caid had taken to each other immediately, almost as if they’d been together the last six years. He’d been so busy, consumed with getting everything right with his son, he’d pushed everything else aside, including Selena.

  “Ah, hell.” He pushed fingers through his damp hair. It had been almost a week since he’d last seen her. He’d meant to call several times, but it had been close to midnight by the time he fell into bed each night, then Caid would wake him at five each morning, clamoring for his attention. The days had been so full, he hardly had time to take a deep breath. Thank goodness Matt and Shane knew the situation and told him to get lost for a couple weeks.

  He glanced at the box as a slow ache tightened his chest, wondering what he had been thinking. She should have been one of the first people he called about Caid. Instead, he’d immersed himself into learning to be a father, preparing
for life with his son. Now he had to deal with the possible loss of the woman he suspected had already captured his heart.

  Adam had been right. He should’ve told Selena about Valerie when he had the chance. If he had, the news about Caid wouldn’t be so hard to explain.

  Picking up the box, Linc headed for his bedroom, dumping the contents on the bed. Not much, but he wanted them right where they were—in her house. A sense of peace washed over him when he thought of Selena’s inviting, comfortable home. Relaxing there had been the best part of each day they were together. Looking around his massive bedroom, he felt a chill pass through him. It was just a place to live, not a home.

  His gaze moved to his dresser, landing on a hair brush, one of those stretchy bands next to it. No woman had ever left anything at his house. He didn’t allow it. Until Selena. Feeling a ball of ice grow in his gut, he walked to the entry and picked up his phone. No message and no voicemail. Cursing again at his sheer stupidity, he called once more, leaving an almost identical message to his previous one, adding how sorry he was he hadn’t called before. All he could do now was wait and hope she responded. If she didn’t, he’d go after her. There was no way he’d let her walk away so easily.

  ******

  Selena followed Caly into the Kerrigan home, not wanting to face her family—especially Julia and Adam. She wanted to plaster on a brave face, the same as other women who had brief affairs that ended too soon, but found the task too much of an effort. They’d been together a few short weeks, yet it seemed as if she’d known him forever. Her heart certainly felt like it.

  “There you two are.” Julia came to an abrupt stop when she focused on her sisters’ faces. “What’s wrong?”

  “She and Linc split up.” Caly glanced behind Julia toward the kitchen. “I need a glass of wine. Selena, do you want anything?”

  Shaking her head, Selena started to move past Julia, only to have her sister grasp her arm.