by Sandy Loyd
An hour later when Dev got caught up in a discussion with one of his builders, James spied Judith heading for the door.
He made a beeline toward her. “Our mission tonight was successful. How about getting together one evening to plan our next attack?”
He spoke in jest and Judith responded in kind, her voice teasing, “Well, my dance card is full right now, but give me a call and maybe I can squeeze you in somewhere.”
James had been deadly serious. He went back inside strategizing a way to get Judith to go out with him. He wasn’t above using anything at his disposal to achieve his goal, even taking advantage of the current situation.
Over the next few weeks, James made headway with Judith. In addition to the social obligations they had agreed on, she went out with him several times. True, those had been spontaneous lunch dates because James started stopping by the site on the pretext of business, planning it so that he could take her to lunch.
During these impromptu dates, James got to know Judith a little better, which only made him increase his efforts. She was always friendly but aloof, and her natural reserve was a potent draw, too much of a challenge for him to ignore. He couldn’t resist breaking through the barrier she erected around herself, because once through her cool reserve, a warm, vibrant woman always emerged.
She wasn’t a pushover. He respected her business sense, but most of all, he truly liked her and had full intentions of delving deeper.
James pushed for more, knowing full well Judith only regarded him as a friend.
When she finally agreed to an actual dinner date, he was ecstatic, forgetting all about the problem he was supposed to be helping her with. He simply wanted to be with her. She had an easy way about her; he could relax and be himself. She laughed at his jokes, listened with interest while he talked about his day, and then would share her day with him.
On the night of their dinner date, James knew he was in serious trouble when he walked her to her doorstep. After a wonderful meal and great company, all he could think about was taking their relationship to the next level.
He wiped sweaty palms on his pants, feeling as nervous as a high school kid on his first date, an interesting experience. He couldn’t remember any time in his life when he was nervous around a woman.
Slow down, his mind screamed. Judith doesn’t see you as anything but an older brother.
He disregarded all signals but one.
He grinned when she turned to him with an outstretched hand. He glanced at it, and ignoring it, he placed his hands on her shoulders, bringing her closer while bending his head.
Then, he kissed her.
The kiss was gentle, loving, sweet…full of promise, speaking of what was beginning to burst inside his heart, yet when he tried to deepen it, she pulled away.
He let her go and looked down into remorseful green eyes that conveyed so much emotion.
His bubble of anticipation deflated instantly. Judith had been nothing but honest and open from the start. He couldn’t fault her for his stupidity of allowing his feelings to get out of hand so quickly.
James’ phone buzzed. “Mr. Morrison, Mr. McAllister is here to see you,” a voice said, yanking him back to more pressing matters. Yep, he thought, as his hand moved over the intercom. He’d rushed Judith and only had himself to blame. “Send him in, Susan, and hold my calls.”
He could still hear her brutally honest voice in his head telling him she liked him but she had to sort out whatever was going on with Dev first.
He understood, but it didn’t stop his disappointment.
James smiled wistfully. At least he’d accomplished one goal that night. Judith no longer thought of him as brotherly. Lousy compensation, but it was something.
~
Dev walked into the office just as James swiveled his chair around and nodded.
“Hey, Mac, you’re looking well. What brings you into my neck of the woods?”
He heard the name and cringed. That James continued using the college nickname, even after repeated requests to use his true name, always irritated him. Dev figured it also played a big part as to why the habit never died. His irritation increased a notch and, because he was already annoyed, his reply was caustic.
“You know why.”
“No hi back? No social niceties?” Motioning to a plush chair in front of the desk he said, “Sit down, can I get you something to drink?”
“No, I don’t want a drink,” Dev shot back, practically growling. “Like I said, you know why I’m here.”
“To warn me off, right?”
“I didn’t expect such an outright admission of your meddling,” Dev said, his voice and face registering surprise.
“Well, here’s another kicker. It started out as a lark to aggravate you.”
“Okay, you’ve achieved your goal and aggravated me. Now back off.”
“No.” James lounged back in his chair and grinned.
“I’m warning you. Drop it.”
“And I said no. I know Judith means something to you and I know you are playing some kind of game where she’s concerned. All I need to do is figure out what it is.”
“Just leave it alone! It’s none of your affair.”
“I’m changing the rules and making it my affair,” James said, bringing his chair forward.
“Why?” Dev’s eyes narrowed. Curiosity over his friend’s involvement rose. “What’s it to you?”
“Judith doesn’t deserve to be treated that way.”
“What are you, her guardian angel?” Dev asked, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. “God save me from meddling avenging angels.”
“Look, Mac, you’ve never told me what happened ten years ago, and quite frankly, after so long the memory’s a bit hazy. But come on. Ten years is a long time. Most people learn to forget and move on.” James peered into his eyes, searching. “Why is this important?”
“You wouldn’t understand,” Dev whispered, shaking his head.
“Try me.” When Dev remained silent, he persisted. “How can you expect me to sit by while you callously rip her to shreds?”
“Why are you so interested in Judith?” Dev’s gaze narrowed, suddenly suspicious. “I thought you didn’t like her. You’ve never been interested in my affairs before.”
“I don’t like to see you hurt women.”
“You’re a fine one to talk,” he scoffed. “I’ve watched you go through your fair share without being concerned before. So I’ll ask again, why Judith, and why now?”
“We’ve become friends and I don’t like to see my friends treated in such a manner.”
“Now that’s a laugh! You friends with Judith.”
After a long pause, James finally said, “She’s special, Mac, can’t you see that?”
Something in James’ tone alerted Dev and he could only stare at his friend. “My God,” he said under his breath, as realization sunk in. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
“No! Maybe—hell, I don’t know. All I know is she doesn’t deserve you and your games, and I am asking you as a friend to leave her alone.”
Jealousy roared up in Dev. Deep, dark, green jealousy. No one was going to take Judith away from him, not when he was so close to victory. She was his right now, and would be until he was finished with her. With an iron will, he clamped down the urge to pound James into the ground. How dare he attempt to stop him?
“I can’t do that, James,” he said, once he achieved a bit of control. “Not even for you.”
“How can you act so callously toward her?” James asked, his tone pleading. “She doesn’t deserve you and your treatment.”
Still staring, Dev slowly shook his head, not changing his mind. “You don’t understand.”
“No, but I understand you’re a ruthless bastard, Mac.” James’ voice held controlled fury. He paused as if to give his next words more effect. “Listen and listen well so there’ll be no misunderstanding between us. I haven’t figured out what you’re doing
, but I do know that you personally, not your company, bought the building. For one purpose…to bring Judith into your path.” When Dev’s eyebrows shot up, he added, “I’ve seen the returned invoices. They were paid with your personal checks, not company checks. And don’t think I can’t see through all those missed occasions over the years where you might’ve run into her. Your absences were planned. You couldn’t risk seeing her or you’d lose your opportunity to lure her into your net.” He broke off, shaking his head. “I know you as no one else does. I can only speculate that whatever is in that cold heart of yours, it’s not good. You’ll probably shatter Judith’s heart to pieces. But you know something?”
After James’ painful speech, Dev was done listening and barely holding on to his temper. He growled out through clenched teeth, “What?”
“I’ll be there to pick them up.” James came out of his chair and leaned toward him, gripping the desk. His face contorted in anger. “Even though I know I’m second choice, I’d grab on to Judith any way I can. You’ll just throw her away like you would a piece of trash.” He gave a disgusted snort. “I’ve always admired you and thought of you as a brother, but right now I think you’re one goddammed fool. Be warned, Mac, I plan to do everything in my power to keep you from hurting her because she doesn’t deserve that. Now, get the hell out of my office before I say or do something we’ll both regret.”
This wasn’t supposed to happen. James, the brother he never had, was beyond angry, but Dev was in no mood to placate. He prayed their friendship could survive this. Not once in fifteen years had they ever fought over a woman.
Dev started for the door. Before he left, he turned and said in a voice full of agony, “For what it’s worth, I am sorry. She’s an obsession and has been for ten years. I have to exorcize her from my brain in the only way I know how. I never thought it would affect us, though.”
~
James sat back down and took deep breaths, working to get his anger under control while staring into the empty space his friend had just occupied. Mac had always treated women as objects, never letting any get close to him. Lately, it seemed he viewed women with more scorn and it was clear this scorn was now directed at Judith.
A slight smile worked its way across his face. No, not scorn. Obsession…or love. Yeah, love. Mac was in love with her. Stupid bastard didn’t even realize it.
Leaning back in his chair, James’ smile grew. Maybe the earth would shift on its axis and Mac would be the one with the broken heart. If anyone could break through that hard wall he put up, Judith could. Of course, if successful, it meant his own dream of having her would go up in smoke.
But what the hell. His track record with women was shitty. Beyond shitty.
His thoughts strayed to his one and only long-term relationship with Kate, Paul’s wife, and his smile stretched into an all-out grin. He had to admit he made a better friend and brother-in-law than committed lover. He’d probably screw it up with Judith too, if he got the chance, so maybe this was better.
James rubbed his hands together. He’d stay in the game a little longer if only to agitate Mac, because agitating Mac was always entertaining.
Chapter 6
Dev’s thoughts were not cheerful as his limo sped back to the city. He told Mike to take the long route so he could use the extra time to think and regroup.
Damn. Jealousy ate at him. The foreign emotion had taken him completely by surprise. The cold rage that had swept through him over James’ confession to feeling something for his Judith still left him shaken.
What had transpired between them to spur James’ uncharacteristic protectiveness? While he wasn’t cruel, he never got emotionally involved enough with a woman to become her champion. He’d had numerous affairs over the years, but no one held his attention for long, except Kate, Paul’s wife. He’d dated her for eight years without committing before Paul fell in love with her.
So where had that protective streak toward Judith come from? Why hadn’t Dev seen it coming?
He shook his head, disgusted at the answer.
He’d become a little too sure of himself and his abilities where Judith was concerned.
He shouldn’t have kissed her in the car that afternoon. A cocky stunt, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d wanted to stir the Judith pot just a bit…rile her. Besides, she’d been too hard to resist.
Now he had a lot of ground to make up, thanks to his meddling friends who’d aided and abetted the enemy. What a hilarious predicament. Usually he could laugh at himself and enjoy the irony, but not today. The longer he took to win his ultimate prize, the riskier it became, especially since he was beginning to see Judith as more than a conquest.
She should’ve been his by now, or at least well on her way. Instead, she was as elusive as a Dow Jones average over fourteen thousand. She was good. Too damned good. No one else could have breached his loyal friends in such a way.
A surge of pride burst through him when he thought of her ploys to thwart him.
Where to go from here and how best to proceed to gain back his lost advantage?
Good questions.
Mike stopped the limo in front of the site and ran around to open his door.
“Wait here,” Dev said, after climbing out. “I’m not sure what my plans are.”
He then walked up to the building’s entrance, pulled out a card from his wallet, and slid it through the slot near the door handle on the right side. The door unlatched and Dev pushed inside.
A state-of-the-art security system had been installed early on to prevent vandalism and keep out unwanted visitors. Other improvements were now in full swing.
Evidence of that work was more noticeable as he stepped inside. Workmen pounded and drilled everywhere. Despite the fact that the floor looked like an empty shell with building debris strewn about, he saw at a glance how quickly the job had progressed, pressing on him even more that the clock ticked.
He walked over to one of the workmen he recognized, sidestepping a couple of big boards, and said, “Have you seen Ms. Reid?”
Halting his hammer in midair, the burly guy turned and nodded. “She’s working with the electrician and lighting contractor, Mr. McAllister. Third floor.”
“Thanks.” Dev headed for the stairs. While walking up to the second floor, he glanced down at his feet and noticed his Gucci loafers, as well as the cuffs of his Armani suit pants, were covered in sawdust. He’d left his jacket in the limo. Even with rolled-up shirtsleeves, he wasn’t dressed for the site. His business attire would provide an edge when he confronted Judith and he needed every advantage he could get.
He landed on the third floor only to find she was up one more flight.
He finally spotted her with the lighting contractor, bent over blueprints and deep in conversation. He heard snippets of her voice discussing the gauge of the electrical wire running through the ceiling.
When she called the man Jack in a familiar tone, Dev’s ears and eyes went on full alert.
Standing back and watching, Dev noted frank admiration in the contractor’s stance as his gaze kept going to her breasts and legs. All of a sudden, Judith’s head came up in a laugh, and the man’s satisfied smile told Dev he’d achieved his goal.
Irritation rose up. How dare she flirt with these guys and try to avoid him at the same time? Patience fled. She was his, and he was going to make damned sure she realized it.
Eventually, one of the workmen grabbed the contractor’s attention and Judith refocused on the blueprint, unaware of Dev’s presence.
Dev sneaked up, put his hands on her shoulder, and gently turned her around. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to avoid me. Are you, Judith?”
The look of surprise on her face was almost comical. For an instant, he’d cut through her calm reserve as she blinked, totally stunned.
“Dev, what are you doing here?” she finally managed to toss out.
“Now, that’s a funny question. Imagine my surprise when I discovere
d my trusted assistant aiding and abetting the opposition. How do you suppose that happened?”
He watched the change of facial expressions. Oh yeah! He’d caught her off guard as she stared at him in silence, her mind clearly spinning.
“I haven’t the slightest idea what you are talking about,” she said lamely a moment later.
He leaned closer. “Tsk…tsk…tsk. Judith, you’ve been a very naughty girl evading me.” He saw goose bumps on her arms and smiled, having no doubt his sultry whisper in her ear was the cause. “And I can’t let your insolence go unpunished. Your sentence is to spend the rest of the day making it up to me.”
She laughed nervously and stepped out of his reach. “Surely you’re joking, I can’t leave here. I have a job to do.”
With that she turned and started in the direction the contractor had taken, but his firm hand on her arm stopped her. When she looked up into his eyes, he let her see the seriousness in his stare. No wasn’t an option. He held the contact.
When Judith averted her gaze, he said, “I’m beginning to think you don’t like me and my feelings are hurt.”
She snorted. “That’s impossible…you have the hide of a rhinoceros. I think it takes a lot more than my barbs to pierce through it.”
“Ouch.” He offered his most charming smile. “So, how about it? I promise you’ll enjoy it.” His smile deepened when he saw indecision in her bright green eyes. “Come on, your chariot awaits. We’re off.”
His grip on her arm tightened and he turned to go.
“Dev, really, I can’t leave just yet,” she said, trying to pull free. “I still need to finish—”
“Lover boy Jack can wait or, better yet, let him work without you,” he said, cutting her off and dragging her along. “He has your plans and you’ve already gone through most of the floors. They’re all similar. If he has questions, he can wait until you’re here again.” By then, Dev would have had a little time to work his magic and Jack’s flirting would amount to nothing.
“All right, I guess I can take an hour for an early lunch,” she finally agreed. “So, where are we going?”
