by Tanya Stowe
What in the world did they want him to do?
Her mind whirled with possibilities. Then she remembered the missing checks in Brett’s ledger and suddenly, all her whirling, spinning thoughts settled in the pit of her stomach.
Were these men pressuring Troy to take money from Fallon Enterprises to cover his debts? It seemed plausible. He had the means. With his office right next to Brett’s, Troy was in and out every day.
No one, not even Brett, would question Troy if he lingered over Brett’s desk…just long enough to remove the checks. It seemed plausible, even possible. But Troy had resisted the pressure. He’d just told those men in no uncertain terms he would not do as they asked. So, who had taken the checks?
Lara covered her face with her hands. It was too much to comprehend, too difficult not to trust her friends and family. She felt as if she were drowning. Spinning, she headed back the way she had come, and soon found her way to her car, managing to avoid the crowd in the plaza. Sliding into the back seat, she huddled into the corner.
The driver stopped in front of the guesthouse. Lights in the living room indicated Brett was home, probably waiting to talk to her.
Lara flopped back against the seat, wishing she could tell the driver to get back on the road and drive. She didn’t have the strength to face Brett tonight. But she didn’t act quickly enough and the driver opened her car door. She stepped out, thanked him, buttoned her jacket, and then stood just outside the door, hesitating.
The driver waited. He wouldn’t leave until she went inside.
Sighing, she trudged up the sidewalk and inside.
Brett stood across the room, facing the patio doors. The small balcony looked down the canyon toward town and offered an angled view of the town’s lights. One hand in his pocket, Brett stared out at the lights, cradling a bottle of water in his other hand. “Hello,” he said in a subdued voice.
“Hi.”
He gestured to the phone with the glass. “Your father’s been trying to talk to me all day so I decided to come back here and wait for his call.”
She nodded, pulling her coat tighter, even though it was buttoned.
“I thought it might be a good time for us to clear the air.”
She nodded again, wishing she could just slip into her room. But she didn’t trust her voice.
Brett must have felt the same way because the silence stretched on. He sighed once and turned back toward the city lights. “Do you know what my major was in school, Lara?”
Puzzled, she said, “Business. My father only recruits business majors.”
“Yes, but I had a specialty. My thesis was on non-profit organizations and fundraising for charities. At twenty-two, I knew more about sponsorship for non-profits than many men twice my age.”
Lara was stunned. Her father had no need for someone with those unique skills. “So why did my father recruit you? I remember he was determined to hire you.”
Brett shrugged. “I was bright, created a lot of waves in college and he liked my integrity. He believed that was one of my best attributes.”
It all made sense, but Brett had had little opportunity to use his skills until now.
“But then…” she started to say.
Brett interrupted her. “But then I should have been the perfect choice to open your mother’s school. I should have seen the pitfalls, anticipated the objections, seen to it there were enough sponsorships. I know, Lara. Believe me, I know. It’s very apparent how badly I’ve failed.” He took a long sip of water.
Lara stood silent.
The water bottle crackled as he turned to the window. “I don’t know what happened. Nothing has been right since I got here. Maybe even for a long time before I left New York. I can’t seem to see my way clear. I’m not sure I even know what’s right and wrong anymore.” His tone was forlorn.
Lara ached. “Brett,” she hesitated. He turned to face her and the pain on his handsome face caused a new wash of pity. “What’s causing your confusion?” she asked. “You’ve always been the most focused, dedicated person I know.”
“Yes, I have. But what have I been dedicated to? Climbing your father’s corporate latter and currying his favor? Do you know what an impossible task that is? It’s hard to even meet his expectations, let alone please him. I never quite knew where I stood.”
Lara was silent. A chill began to replace the guilt inside her. Was Alex right about Brett? Had he used her to gain favor with her father? Had ambition been the driving force in his life? Any minute he was going to make an admission she didn’t want to hear.
“You, on the other hand, were easy to read,” he said, turning to meet her gaze. A slight smile played over his lips. “When I walked into a room, your face lit up. You looked at me as if I were the best thing to ever happen to you. No matter how many mistakes I made or how small I looked in your father’s eyes, you made me feel like something special every time I was with you.”
Lara struggled to understand.
In the silence he said, “You don’t look at me like that anymore.”
The weight in her stomach dropped again, deeper and deeper as he stared at her across the space, his expression wounded and hurt. She hadn’t expected him to say this…and she wished he hadn’t. Guilt washed over her in tidal waves.
This man had stood by her side through the worst possible trauma.
“You were terribly young and very vulnerable,” he continued. “You needed a friend so badly, Lara. I was only too glad to step in and fill the role of knight in shining armor. I desperately needed the ego boost after dealing with my not-so-spectacular entry into the corporate world. But now you’re healthier, better, a little wiser, and I’ve become a tarnished knight.”
“Brett,” she murmured. “You’re not a tarnished knight. What you did was wonderful. Admirable. I shouldn’t have allowed your kindness to turn into a trap.”
He turned a startled gaze on her.
“If I’ve made you feel tarnished, Brett, then I owe you much more than apology. You were my friend. A good friend. Let’s just leave it there.”
“No, Lara. I have to say this. If I were really a good friend, I would never have let you think this was something more. But I let our relationship develop too far, too fast. You wanted it, so I wanted to make it happen. It’s the story of my life. I’ve tried to keep everyone happy instead of following my instincts. As a result, I’ve let the school’s finances get out of hand. All of this is happening because I’m not the man I once was.” His words were stricken. The pain in his tone and his brutal honesty were raw and aching.
Had he taken the checks from his own ledger? But what would be the purpose…unless he was trying to cover his actions.
She stumbled through her words. “Brett, how can I help?”
He shook his head. “You can’t. If I let you dig me out of this then I’ll never be able to get back to where I need to be. I won’t respect myself and no one else will, either.”
Slowly, she nodded. “I understand.” Still she had questions.
Was he taking responsibility for more than their relationship, perhaps for the problems surrounding the school? If they were friends, why couldn’t he confide in her? Did he still think of her as child, a helpless invalid? Or maybe someone he could control.
Her blood ran cold.
“Thanks. I knew I could count on you.” His tone of voice made her feel predictable, an easily controlled and manipulated child.
The phone rang.
“That’s your father. This is probably going to be a long call.” Brett moved to answer.
Lara waited, hoping he would tell her father everything.
But he was all business and updates. Apparently, he didn’t plan to confess his misuse of funds tonight.
Spinning, Lara headed for her room. She scrubbed her face, slid into a nightgown and climbed into bed, exhausted. The day had been a roller coaster ride of emotion. She tossed and turned.
Had Brett’s whole conversation tonight been
orchestrated to make her feel sorry for him so he could guilt her into silence? It was an unpleasant possibility.
She’d known Brett for five years, and found it hard to believe he would steal from her father.
But people changed.
No one who knew Lara would have believed she would confront her father’s friends and face down Rupert Townsend.
She wanted…needed a sounding board, someone to talk to. Brett was that person, but she couldn’t talk to him about Troy’s strange behavior or tell him she didn’t trust him. So whom could she talk to?
A dark-haired man with a velvet voice strolled through her mind. She believed she could trust Alex. But Lara didn’t know if she could trust herself with Alex.
The bed suddenly seemed too confining. She flung back the covers and strode to the window. Tugging the chord, she opened the shades, allowing silvery moonlight to spill into the room. The bright crescent peeked over the mountain, filling the canyon with gentle light. Behind it, stars glowed. The trees were silent, strong, and ever present.
Lara eased down, clasped her hands, focused on the peaceful land outside, and prayed.
~*~
When Lara arrived at the main house the next morning, Christy was waiting, a big smile pasted on her face. The girl threw her arms around Lara.
“What was that for?” Lara laughed as she rocked back on her heels.
“I’m glad to see you. I wasn’t sure you would come this morning.”
“Why?”
“Mom’s taking all of the visitors down to Jerome for a tour. It’s an Old West town turned into kind of an artist’s colony. She said you would like it and I shouldn’t be disappointed if you didn’t come today.”
“She’s right. I would like it.” Lara cupped Christy’s chin and tilted her face up. “But you and I have a deal, and I don’t disappoint my friends.”
Christy’s hug nearly broke her in two. “I can’t wait to do this. Let’s get started.”
“Aren’t you sore today?”
“A little. But nothing like I thought I would be. I feel great…like my body’s glad to be moving. I’m ready to go, and I can’t wait to hear Alex’s song again.”
Lara hesitated as she pulled the floor mats out of her bag. She hoped Alex had made the trip to Jerome. After more sensual, gypsy-fire dreams, she didn’t feel confident about her ability to keep her resolution. Alex was a temptation she didn’t need. All she wanted was to stretch her body and lose herself in the slow, controlled dance movements.
Silently, she laid out the mats, popped a CD in the player and launched into her workout routine.
Christy followed along. When they came to an exercise she didn’t remember she mimicked Lara’s moves. Halfway through their routine, Christy’s smile had faded and turned into a frowning look of concentration.
Alex breezed into the room.
Lara’s heart jumped and sank at the same time. She should have known keeping her course would not be easy.
“Good morning, ladies.” His smile was for Christy. He barely even glanced at Lara. Crossing the room in strong, purposeful strides, he took his chair from the corner and sat at the window. “Don’t let me interrupt your workout,” he said, as he tuned his guitar. Without another word, he launched into a run of ascending and descending chords, each more difficult than the first. He didn’t play the repetitive song he’d worked on the day before until some time had passed.
Her student flashed Lara a secretive smile. Christy was imbued with a new enthusiasm. They worked until sweat beaded on both their faces and fatigue sat like a live thing on Christy’s small frame.
“I think maybe we overdid it,” Lara said in a subdued voice.
Christy shook her head. “I’ll be fine after I relax in the spa. You are coming today, aren’t you?”
Lara glanced back at Alex. “I…” The look on Christy’s face broke Lara’s resolve. “I said I would, didn’t I?”
“Great. Let’s go. I think I need it.” Turning to the man in the corner, Christy raised her voice. “Excuse me, Alex. I’m sorry to interrupt your song, but we’re heading down to the spa. Wanna come with us?”
Lara held her breath.
“I need to work a little longer. Maybe I’ll join you after a while.”
Relief swept through Lara and she rolled her mat quickly, hoping to make an escape.
“Don’t forget, OK?” Christy smiled at Alex, and crossed to the door, where she turned to Lara. “You won’t be long, will you? Ten minutes?”
“Ten.”
Christy looked back at Alex. “It won’t be half as much fun without you. Please say you’ll come.”
“I’m sure you two can have much more fun without me. You can talk about things without me around.”
“No, we won’t. We’re a threesome. We want you to come,” Christy replied.
Alex plucked at his guitar, purposely looking away. “Maybe Lara would feel better if I were not there.”
Christy turned to Lara, her expression questioning.
Lara remembered her dream, how imaginary Luisa felt beautiful and perfect. Lara could not boast of any perfection. Her legs were scarred and damaged. She didn’t want Alex to see.
Then again, he would see all her imperfections and be turned off. This mystical, midnight attraction would die in the face of reality. Maybe it was just the solution she needed.
“I’d like you to come with us,” she said, now anxious for the opportunity.
He searched her face for the truth. After a moment, he rose from his seat at the window. “I’ll join you shortly.”
Lara hurried to the guesthouse, wondering if she’d done the right thing. When she opened the door, the phone was ringing. She hurried to pick it up.
Her father was on the other end. They talked for a long while, but after a time, his questions became pointed. He probed, searching for answers. How was Brett? Did she find him different? What was he doing? How was the event going?
“It’d be going much better if you were here.” She spoke without thinking.
A sudden, dead silence at the other end indicated her father wasn’t pleased. “Are you saying Brett is mishandling things?”
So, he suspected something was not right. Why didn’t he come right out and ask Brett? Her father’s actions irritated her.
“No, that’s not it at all. I’m saying all of this would have been much easier on everyone if you’d been here. This is Mother’s project. Brett and Troy are trying their best to make it happen, but it’s been difficult. I think it deserved more of your attention.”
This time the silence at the other end sizzled. After a few moments he said, “Well, it’s apparent something has happened.”
“If it’s so apparent, why aren’t you here?”
“You sound like a child, Lara, whining for attention.”
Resentment flared. “You’re making me feel like one, Dad. And besides, I deserve more attention. This project deserves attention! Do you know how many incredibly talented children are out there and how much help they need?”
“When did you decide to become my social conscience?” It was meant to be sarcastic, to jolt her back into her place. All it really did was infuriate her.
“When you decided to stop listening to yours.”
“I made a difficult business decision. Next time, I’ll be sure to consult you,” he snapped back.
“Please, Dad,” sarcasm dripped from her tone. “This wasn’t about business. This was about Mom. This was her dream and you couldn’t even spare a week to make it work.” She didn’t need to see him to know how much she’d hurt him. The silence stretched. Lara wondered how she’d managed to be so cruel.
When her father finally spoke, she heard cold control in his voice. “If I’d known this was going to be my reception, I wouldn’t have wasted my time or money calling all the way from London.”
Anger flamed to life again, effectively burning away any residue of guilt. “I’m sorry for your wasted effort, too. Next t
ime I’ll let Brett pick up the phone and you’ll get all the ‘yes sirs’ you were obviously looking for. Good-bye, Dad.” She hung up and stalked toward her bedroom. Tossing her dance bag to the corner, she threw herself on the bed.
Exactly what had just happened? She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had an argument with her father. Certainly, it was before the accident in her slightly rebellious teen years. Since then, they’d always managed to discuss issues and to talk things out. So how did this conversation go so wrong?
Did her father manipulate her and Brett against one another to find out what he needed to know, to keep them both in line?
Her father really had pushed them together. He had always been concerned that she would be a target for fortune hunters. But he liked and trusted Brett. An attachment between the two of them certainly lessened her father’s concerns.
The realization made her angry.
How simple it had been for him to put two needy, nubile young people together and let nature take its course. Rather than letting Lara step out into the shark-infested waters of the real world, his way was less risky.
Alex was right.
She’d been controlled to make her parents’ lives easy. The revelation stung.
Her father, not wanting to face the loss of his wife, had invested little emotion into the school and sent Brett to take his place.
Lara’s hurt was sharp and poignant, like it had been in the days after her mother’s death. Tears burned and she fell back, burying her face in the pillows. Grief was an old enemy, but she refused to succumb to its emptiness this time. She rolled to her side and glimpsed the clock. Thirty minutes had passed.
Alex and Christy were waiting for her in the spa.
Jumping out of bed, she pulled on a swimsuit and wrapped a dance skirt around her. Grabbing a towel from the bathroom, she headed for the spa.
Christy was laughing at something Alex said, her back to the walkway. Alex looked up when he saw Lara.
