by McCoy, SJ
Missy thought about it. She didn't want to leave Ben in the lurch again, but taking a couple of weeks off did sound good. “How about I talk to him myself? I'll finish out this week, give him chance to find someone to cover for next week?”
Dan shook his head. “Please, Miss, let me sort it tonight?” He closed his hand around the back of her neck, making her close her eyes and relax. She was close to giving in.
He smiled. “I can do whatever I want with you now, right little kitten?” He gently squeezed her neck. “Wouldn't you rather spend the next couple of days hanging out by the pool, playing in your herb garden, and getting ready for your party, than scrubbing floors and toilets?”
She smiled. “Well, when you put it like that....”
They both knew he'd won.
“Good. I'll go get dinner and talk to Ben. You put your feet up, I'll be back.”
She watched him walk down to the boat-shed. She did trust him, and Chance was right, she would be stupid to refuse his help. It was his way of loving her.
Chapter Nineteen
Dan looked out of the window while he listened to Smoke talking to ATC. He'd seen Scot to the bus stop this morning and left Missy sitting in her robe at the kitchen table, ready for her first day relaxing at home. His chat with Ben had worked out better than he'd hoped last night. Tourist season was winding down and Ben was happy to have more work to divide among the cleaning crew. There was never enough to go around over the quiet season. Dan knew that would help in him trying to convince Missy to give up the cleaning completely. If she kept at it, she'd be taking work away from people who genuinely did need the money, when she didn't, not any more.
Smoke looked across at him. “Thanks for this, Dan.”
“No problem at all. It works out great for everyone.”
In a few minutes they'd be landing in San Jose. Dan had a busy day ahead, he was meeting with Leanne later. Hopefully he'd get to talk to Ryan, too. He was going to load the Jeep with more of his clothes and gear, and drive back to Summer Lake. He hated to spend the night away from Missy and Scot, but this way, Smoke would get some time with Laura, Missy would get some time with her son and her brother, and Dan would get some time alone. It surprised him that he hadn't missed the solitude he used to crave. He was curious how it would feel to sleep alone. There had only been a handful of times in the last few weeks when there had been too many emotions floating around for him to process. He'd been able to walk away for a while, get straight with himself. Missy had understood.
This weekend would be a long and busy one, with Missy's birthday, and the party. As much as he looked forward to everyone coming to their house, as they no doubt would, he figured that getting some alone time in advance would help see him through a people-filled and important weekend.
“Would you ask Laura to call me, when she gets chance?”
Smoke grinned at him. “Are you doing what I think you are?”
Dan bit his lip, and nodded. “Did she tell you?”
“God, no! I just remember her talking about making Emma's ring for Jack. I figured when you got around to asking Missy, you'd do the same.”
Dan nodded. “I still haven't figured out how I'm going to do the asking part, but at least with Laura's help, I know the ring will be perfect.”
Smoke nodded as ATC came over the radio and handed them over to the tower for their approach into San Jose.
***
Missy sat out by the pool, enjoying the morning sunshine. It wasn't warm enough to swim, but she didn't have the energy anyway. She was simply making the most of the peace and quiet, of not having to do anything—anything at all. It was a strange feeling, but it wasn't as bad as she'd expected. She heard a car door slam. Chance appeared around the side of the house. He came out to the pool and sat beside her. He was still handsome, but he did look older. Touches of gray flecked his dark unruly hair. His face was rugged. He looked weather-worn, but then who wouldn't, spending all their time outdoors in Montana? He didn't speak, just sat staring out at the lake. She waited, knowing he'd talk if he wanted to. He'd been here almost a week now. He hadn't talked about himself at all. He had gone to see their dad, but hadn't spoken about it. Eventually he turned to look at her. His smile reminded her of the old Chance, of the kid he'd been, always laughing and joking. He'd been captain of the football team, the most popular guy in school. That was before, though.
“I like him, Miss.”
She smiled back. She already knew it, but was relieved to hear him say it out loud. “I like him too, Chance.”
“He's good for you, and for Scot. I'm happy for you.”
“Thanks. And thanks for telling me I was being stupid!”
“Anytime.” He grinned.
“You are going to come to my party on Saturday?” She hoped he would. He'd lain low all week, but all her friends, and many of his knew he was here, and hoped to see him.
He nodded. “I'll be there. I gave Dan my word.”
She looked at him, surprised.
“That's different from a promise, Miss.”
“If you say so.”
His face had shut down.
“Are you going to tell me what's going on with you?” she asked.
He stared back out at the lake, seeming to think it over. “I'm doing better.”
“I can see that.”
“Nah, let's not go there today, huh?”
She nodded. He'd talk when he was ready, there was no point pushing. He really did seem to be doing better though.
“Maybe Dan could bring the two of you up to see me some time?”
Wow! “Really?”
“Yeah, it's about time you saw the place, and now you've got Dan, I won't need to worry about keeping all the guys away from you.”
“Chance, I'd love to!” She knew he managed a big cattle ranch somewhere near Yellowstone, but she'd never visited him up there. Whenever she'd asked, he'd made excuses about why she couldn't come. “When?”
“We'll see.”
A we'll see from Chance usually meant never.
Seeing her face, he shook his head. “We will see. We'll talk to Dan, huh?”
That bothered her. “I know you like him, but don't you dare start treating me like the little lady, while you men folk go making all the decisions!”
He laughed. “I'm not. I just want to include him, and you'd better get used to it. If you two are going to become a team, you need to stop defending your independence so hard and think about including him in your decisions too.”
“Oh!”
Chance laughed again. “Yeah, you might well say, oh. Let him in, Miss. Don't push him out.”
“And when did you get into couples counseling?”
“When I saw my little sister in danger of screwing up the best thing that's ever happened to her. And don't tell me to butt out again, cos I'm not going to. Not ’til you relax and accept what he's offering you, okay?”
She sighed. “I am trying! Look, I'm here, at home, not at work. Is that not enough?”
“It's a start. I'll give you that.”
“That's big of you! Thanks!”
“Look, Miss, you pride yourself on being able to handle anything life throws at you, right?”
She nodded. She did.
“Well, remember life can throw good stuff at you as well as the tough shit. You need to learn how to handle the good stuff. You haven't had much practice at that, you've been too busy dealing with tough shit.”
“Thanks, Chance.” He was right.
***
“What did you ever see in that woman?” Leanne pushed her long blonde hair out of her eyes and shook her head at Dan. “She's such a bitch!”
Dan laughed. “Calm down, Lee. You've been telling me that for years. I finally get it. Just tell me how to get out of it all. That's all I care about now.”
They sat in a restaurant around the corner from his apartment. As usual, Leanne drew the attention of every man in the place. Round glasses framed her big bl
ue eyes . Her pale gray suit fit her figure perfectly, emphasizing large breasts and a tiny waist. The split in her skirt showed off shapely legs underneath. Dan had always been aware that she was beautiful, but for some reason she just didn't appeal to him in that way. He admired her mind. They'd been friends since the first lecture they'd shared at Berkeley, but he'd never been attracted to her. She felt the same way about him. They'd often laughed at the way they left a trail of men and women drooling in their wake, while neither of them got what it was all about.
“It's getting interesting,” she said. “Steven's been stalling me. I told him if he doesn't get back to me by tomorrow, I'll advise you to sell direct to Systech. That should get him off his ass.”
“I don't think it's him sitting on his ass that's the problem, it's his being under Olivia's thumb.”
“Maybe so, but in the meantime, Corey called me, and he's interested in buying your shares himself.”
“Really?” That puzzled Dan. “Did he say why?”
“No, but think about it. If you sell to him, then he'd win either way. He could go into Systech in a very strong position, or he could even decide to put a stop to the merger completely, since he'd be the majority shareholder.”
“Jesus! That would really piss Olivia off.”
“So, what do you want to do?”
Dan cocked his head. “I don't know. I just want out. I want the best price I can get, obviously. But I don't want to screw Steven over.”
Leanne tutted. “He didn't give a shit about screwing you over!”
“It's not his fault, Lee. Olivia and their parents push him around, they always have.”
“Well, if he refuses to grow a pair, that's his problem—not yours.”
Dan laughed. For all Leanne looked so soft and pretty, she was a real tough cookie. “What do you recommend?”
“As your attorney, I'd suggest you create a bidding war, pit Corey against Olivia, and then bring in Systech.”
Dan frowned.
“As your friend, I know you're not going to do that. So, I'd say we wait and talk to Steven. If he can't or won't make a fair offer himself, then we get you the best price we can from Corey and leave them to battle it out. You can't do anything for Steven while he's under Olivia's control.”
Dan thought about it. “I'm going to call Steven one last time. I'd like to sell to him and let him decide. We started Prometheus together, I hate to see it torn away from him.”
“You're too soft, Dan. It's not being torn away. He held his hands up and surrendered when his sister came in to take it. So did you, for that matter.”
Dan nodded. He couldn't deny that. “Yeah, I did, but I don't want it anymore. She set me free to go live the life I do want, Lee.”
Leanne's smile transformed her face. “I know! That's why I can't hate Olivia as much as I want to. Her plan to snare you and Prometheus has backfired in her face. She lost you, and I have to say, I hope she loses out on the company, too. That you end up selling to Corey. But, Dan, I've never seen you like this. Never thought I would. You, my friend, are a man in love. It's written all over your face!”
“It is?”
“Oh, yeah, buddy! I need to meet the lady who can do this to you. When are you going to bring her to town?”
“I don't know. You'll like her though, Lee. She's amazing.”
“She must be.”
“Oh. I know. If nothing else, I'm going to bring her to the Phoenix fundraiser this year.”
“She must be truly amazing! You just said you're going to come to the fundraiser and you said it with a smile on your face! Normally you run for cover at the mention of it.” She sighed. “I guess that means the days of my representing your ass are over.”
“No, way. That's what I'm saying, you'll definitely meet her then, if we don't manage anything before.”
“But I'm guessing I have to buy my own ticket, right?”
Dan shook his head. “Nope. I'll still get it for you. In fact, I'll even snag you an escort, as well as a ticket.”
“An escort?!” she laughed.
Dan joined her laughter. “Not a paid one, idiot. I mean a date.”
“And why would I want one of those?”
“Cos he's a great guy. He's a friend of Jack and Pete's from Summer Lake. Sounds like he usually goes with them, but since their table is turning into a couples table, he was going to give it a miss this year. I said I'd ask if you wanted an escort.”
“Leanne's eyebrows knit together. “He usually sits with Jack and Pete?”
“Yup.”
“What's he look like?”
“A bit taller than me. Dark blond hair.”
“Ooh!” Leanne's face lit up. “His hair's a bit long, green eyes, big shoulders, big hands?”
Dan laughed. “I can verify longish hair and big shoulders. Can't say I've noticed his eyes or his hands.”
“I guess I shouldn't have admitted that either, but if he's the one I think he is, then yes, please! I'd like him as an escort.” She gave him a raunchy grin. “In any sense of the word!”
“Jesus, Lee! Down, girl!”
“Whatever,” she laughed.
Dan hoped he was doing the right thing with Leanne and Ben. He had to check. He studied her face closely as he asked. “Did you know Ryan is in town?”
She covered it well, but he saw her pupils dilate and a tiny crease appear in her forehead in the second before she smiled. “I didn't. How's he doing these days?” Her hand trembled slightly, making the ice-cubes tinkle as she sipped her water.
“He's great. I'm going to be working with him, by the looks of it.”
“Oh. So, are you all set to close on the house?”
Dan cocked his head. “You're not even going to try for a subtle change of subject?”
Leanne shook her head vigorously. “I spent years putting that man behind me, Dan. I can't go there. Don't make me?” Her big blue eyes pleaded with him.
“Okay, but don't you think it would help to talk about it?”
“There's nothing left to talk about. He's the past. Now tell me about this house of yours. Is everything set to close?”
“Yep.” Dan let it go. “The appraisal was fine. It's all straightforward. A clean, easy deal.”
“Good. I hope you're going to invite me up there soon? Not only do I want to meet Missy, but I also want to see the place. I can't believe you got so much house for so little money!”
Dan smiled. “It's a different world up there Lee. We'll have to figure out when we can get you up.”
Leanne's phone rang. “What is it, Karen?.... Okay...tell them I'll be there in twenty.” She hung up and stood up. “I've got to go. Are you going to talk to Steven, or am I?”
Dan thought about it. “I'll call him and let you know what he says. Either way, I'm going to turn it all over to you after that.”
Leanne smiled. “Wise move. I'll see you soon.” She bent down to peck his cheek.
Dan laughed. “Weren't you supposed to be taking me out to lunch?”
She rolled her eyes. “I'll get it next time.”
“You always say that.”
She laughed as she walked away. “Yeah, and you always fall for it!”
Dan shook his head at her as she turned back to blow him a kiss from the door.
***
Missy went to open the front door. She couldn't get used to the ridiculous chime that played when someone pressed the doorbell. She'd have to go to the hardware store to see if she could pick up a straightforward bell. She smiled to herself, or maybe she'd ask Dan if he would.
She was thrilled to see Ben standing there. “Hey, you! Come on in.”
“Hey, Miss. I hope it's okay to invite myself over, but it's quiet at the restaurant and I wanted to check in with you about the party.”
“Of course it's okay. I've been wanting to talk to you too. It's just that....” She looked over her shoulder. It was that Chance was there and he still didn't seem to want to see anyone.
> Ben seemed to understand. He'd no doubt seen Chance's truck in the driveway. “I know. I don't have to stay.”
Chance poked his head out of the kitchen. “Ben Walton! How you doing?”
Ben grinned. “I'm good, Chance. How about you?”
Chance nodded. “Happy to see our Miss doing so well. Don't leave cos of me, will you? I don't bite.”
“I just needed to talk to Miss a minute.”
Missy decided to risk it. “Come on through. Have you got time for a beer?” Chance could make himself scarce if he wanted to, but she hoped he would stick around. He'd always liked Ben.
“Yeah, come on in. Be good to catch up.”
Missy grinned and led Ben through to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and smiled at the way Dan had the beers arranged. They were lined up in alphabetical order, all the labels turned to the front. It was just another of his quirks that she loved. He left clothes wherever he stepped out of them—or threw them! She'd ventured into his bathroom once, and had no intention of returning any time soon. But the beers were neatly ordered and displayed. To her surprise and amusement, he'd done the same thing with her jewelry box one evening while they'd sat talking. She didn't have much in there, but he'd organized it systematically and logically—and beautifully!
She handed beers to Ben and Chance, and took one herself. It was Friday night after all, why not?
“I wanted to check if you want anything special for tomorrow night.”
“I'm fine with whatever you want to do, Ben. I really appreciate it.”
“It's your birthday, Miss. And you deserve a party. I've moved the band upstairs and we're doing the food up there too.”
“Oh, hon. You don't need to do all that!”
“I want to. It's your birthday present.” He grinned. “And besides, I'm looking forward to it, too. It'll be like old times.” He looked at Chance. “Are you going to come over?”
Chance nodded. “Yeah, can't miss her birthday, can I?”
“I hoped not, but I wasn't sure,” said Ben. “I didn't know how much of a low profile you were keeping. I've had people in the bar asking after you all week.”
Missy hoped Ben would shut up. She didn't want Chance to change his mind, and his face was hard now, eyes narrowed.
