It looked as if Nick flinched. He watched her pace, and when she got close to him, he stepped in front of her.
“You mean that.”
His eyes had thawed, and now looked puzzled. She clenched her fists to keep from shoving him through the door and out of her life. “Of course I mean it. Why would you think I didn’t?”
“When Walker called, I assumed you’d put him up to it.”
“You thought I was playing some kind of game? Have I ever been less than straight with you? Have I ever tried to go behind your back? If I wanted to get in touch with you, Nick, I would have.” She sucked in a breath and tried to steady her breathing. “Now that I know you’re not interested in us, I don’t want to see you again.”
“You said you wanted me to get involved.”
He appeared uncertain, and she ignored the sympathy trying to gain a foothold. She didn’t want to feel sorry for Nick.
She threw open the door, and the wind caught it and pinned it against the side of the trailer. “You chose not to when you walked away, told me you would call, and didn’t. Now get out of my trailer and take yourself back to Chicago.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Sure you can. You just slide into that little toy of yours—” she jerked her head in the direction of his sports car “—and turn it around. I’ll bet you have a navigation system in that baby that will take you straight home.”
Without removing his eyes from her, he pulled the door closed. “If I leave, he’s going to fire you.”
“Why would you care? It doesn’t affect your bottom line. You’re not getting paid for this project.”
He did flinch at that. “You’re pregnant with…” He stopped, then continued, “I couldn’t let him do that.”
Nick couldn’t even say that she was pregnant with his baby. “Not your problem, Nick. I’m not your problem. Or your responsibility.”
She sat down at her desk and centered the stack of papers on her calendar. The sentences and words on the top sheet blurred together, but she pretended she was reading them. She picked up a pencil and a legal pad and scribbled some notes. Turned the sheet over and read the next one.
He pulled the stack out of her hands. “We need to talk.”
She snatched it back. “I’m done talking.”
He dropped into the chair across the desk from her. “I didn’t set this up. If you didn’t, either, who did?”
Instead of throwing something at his head, she took a deep breath. Tried to clear the buzz of anger from her brain. Rage and emotion would get her nowhere. Walker had created a dilemma for them, and Nick was right. They had to think this through. “Walker. And Jen. He said it was what she wanted.”
“Jen wanted him to hire me?”
“She’s in a hurry to get into a new house.” It was none of his business why.
“There are a hundred other architects they could hire, a lot of them closer than Chicago. So why me?”
“How would I know? I barely know Jen.” But Sierra’s brain nudged her with the memory of the way Jen had watched her and Nick at the house, and then again at the Harp that night. How Jen had walked in on her and Mark when he was standing too close. A horrible suspicion arose. “I’ll talk to her, though. I’ll find out.”
“I’ll go with you.”
The hell he would. She wasn’t going to question Jen about her motives in front of Nick. “No. I’ll do it myself. You can head back to Chicago.”
“What are you going to do after they fire you?”
“As I said, not your concern.” Sierra was proud of how cool she sounded. She opened a file drawer and pulled out a folder at random. “Be careful when you leave. The ruts are deeper than they look. You don’t want to get stuck.”
She put her head down and pretended to study the top paper in the folder. Nick didn’t move. Finally, he said, “As long as I’m here, why don’t you fill me in on what’s been going on?”
She raised her eyebrows. “No, thanks. As you pointed out, I’m perfectly capable of dealing with the problem.” Back when she worked for him, she would have gone to him immediately. They’d brainstorm together and come up with a creative solution to problems.
She missed that. They had gotten to the point where they used a kind of shorthand when working out a problem. Sometimes, she’d thought they could look at a drawing or a design idea and know what the other was thinking before saying a word.
Occasionally, on this project, she’d felt as if she was thrashing around in a vacuum. That was only because she was working alone. It was a different process and she was still getting used to it. Eventually she’d be fine.
“I know you’re capable.” He scowled. “That’s what I told Barnes. But I drove a hell of a long way to get here. Give Barnes his money’s worth for today, at least.”
“Walker gets his money’s worth every day,” she said coolly. She worked damn hard on this house. “Since we had the second incident, I’m here before anyone else and I’m the last person to leave.”
“You’re here by yourself?” he asked sharply.
“Again, none of your business.” When she saw actual concern in his expression, she sighed. “I’m not stupid. Mark has been here, too.”
“Good. That’s good,” Nick muttered. He glanced out the window and stilled. After a moment, she saw Mark walking toward the trailer. “Get rid of him. We’re not done here.”
“You’re no longer my boss and I won’t take orders from you.” She gathered the papers she needed to work on tonight. She’d work from home, where she could lock herself in her apartment and not have to think about Nick.
“Goodbye, Nick.” She held open the door. He stared at her for a moment, as if debating whether or not to leave. Then Mark started up the stairs, and Nick brushed past both of them, hurried to his car and climbed in.
“What was that about?” Mark asked as they both watched him drive away.
“Walker got a bug in his ear that I needed help. I’m going to straighten him out.”
“Your old boss is interested in you.” Mark looked away from the rooster tail of dust trailing Nick’s car. “Is it mutual? Is that why you brushed me off?”
She’d taken enough crap from the men in her life this afternoon. She wasn’t going to deal with this, too. “I’m not interested in Nick Boone. I brushed you off because there’s no chemistry.” She softened her voice. “I’m trying to be professional here, Mark. I like you and I like working with you. Okay?”
As if he hadn’t heard a word she said, Mark nodded at her abdomen. “He have anything to do with that?”
Her hand clenched the papers she held, so hard they crumpled along one edge. “Leave, Mark. Now.”
He opened his mouth, and she raised her hand. “Don’t. Not a word. Just go.”
He hesitated for a long moment, then nodded once, spun on his heel and hurried down the stairs.
She stood at the door until his pickup disappeared, then closed the door and sank into her chair. She swiveled to face the bulletin board, which was covered with reports, letters, contracts, estimates and schedules. Two months of work, hundreds of hours of labor. A labor of love.
She swung around and stared blindly out the window. The house was still all bones, just plywood flooring and partially finished frame. But it would be lovely when it was done. She’d designed Jen and Walker’s house to take maximum advantage of this view. Birch and maple trees, fully leafed out, framed the small strip of beach. Jumbled rocks formed a natural barrier at each end and would keep trespassers away. The lake was gray today, with whitecaps rolling a hundred yards from shore. When it calmed, it would be a deep blue-green. If she stepped outside, she’d hear birds singing and leaves rustling in the wind.
She knew this piece of land. Knew what Jen and Walker wanted. She saw their vision, and her design had reflected it. The theft was a problem, but it wasn’t going to delay them for more than another day or so.
She and Mark would figure out who was responsible. They
just had to do more digging.
This house was going to be the perfect blend of form and function. She ached to work on it. Yearned to finish the job, to look at it when it was done and know that she had brought it to life.
On top of that, it would be an impressive addition to her portfolio. It would show prospective clients what she was capable of. It would ease the way for more commissions.
And she could have all that, but only if she agreed to work with Nick for the next few months. If she agreed, essentially, to let him supervise her.
She stared out the window for a long time, until the shadows of the trees reached across the sandy soil and covered the trailer. Finally, knowing what she had to do, she stood up, stuffed the papers she needed into her briefcase, and walked out of the trailer.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
SHE WAS PRETTY CERTAIN Jen would be here. On a busy Wednesday night at the supper hour where else would she be but her restaurant?
When Sierra walked in, a group of six was waiting to be seated and an attractive, dark-haired woman stood at the podium. She smiled at Sierra. “Hi, and welcome. How many in your party?”
“I’m not here to eat,” Sierra said. “I need to talk to Jen.”
The woman’s smile was unwavering. “She isn’t available right now. May I help you?”
Sierra had eaten here several times already and thought she’d recognize all the hostesses. “I’m sorry, but who are you?”
The woman stepped from behind the podium. She wore a dark suit and a white silk shirt and looked very professional. Few of the people who ate at The Summer House dressed this well. “I’m Kerry Clare-Piantek, her new assistant. And you are…?”
“I’m Sierra Clark. Her architect. There’s a problem with the house I’m building for her, and I need to see her.”
“I’ll be happy to give her a message.”
“Never mind. I need to see her myself.”
Sierra stepped away from the podium, dodged the woman and headed for the kitchen. Kerry followed, saying, “She hired me to handle problems for her. I can’t let you go back there.”
“Are you going to tackle me and take me down in front of everyone? Because that’s the only way you’re going to stop me. Of course, that would give you a problem to handle.”
A ripple of laughter swept the room as Sierra pushed through the swinging doors into the kitchen. A quick glance told her that Jen wasn’t on the floor, so she headed for the office.
The door was closed, but Sierra shoved it open. Kerry was right on her heels. Jen looked up and stilled when she saw them.
“I tried to stop her, Jen,” Kerry said. “She didn’t pay any attention.”
“No,” Jen answered, watching Sierra. “I’m sure she didn’t.” She transferred her gaze to her assistant. “It’s okay, Kerry. Close the door behind you, please.”
Sierra waited to hear the click, then said, “I quit. I’ll clean my stuff out of the trailer tomorrow, and I’ll be out of the apartment the next day. If you’re interested in the plans for the house, I’m willing to discuss selling them to you.”
She turned to leave, and heard Jen’s chair scrape against the floor. “Sierra, wait.”
Sierra opened the door, but Jen pushed past her to nudge it closed. “Wait a damn minute. You can’t march in here and say you’re quitting, then leave without an explanation.”
Sierra whirled to face her. “Do you really need an explanation? You’re a smart woman, Jen. Why do you think I’m quitting?”
Jen was still wearing her chef’s whites, and she sank onto the edge of her desk. Guilt flickered across her face. “Nick showed up today.”
“See, I knew you could figure it out.” She turned to leave.
“Wait, Sierra.” Jen put a hand on her arm, and she shook it off. “Please. I don’t want you to quit.”
Sierra swung around to face her. “Then why did you do such a dumb-ass thing?”
“I thought you two were… I thought you’d be happy to see him.”
“No. I was not happy to see him. And I’m not working with him.”
“Is he the father of your baby?”
Sierra sucked in a breath as humiliation washed over her. Had she been that obvious? Had everyone else seen it, too? “That’s not relevant.”
The sound of a dish splintering on the floor, followed by shouts in a foreign language, came from the kitchen. Metal clashed, as if someone had thrown a pan onto the stove. More yelling.
She didn’t understand the language, but she had no trouble comprehending the message in the blur of sounds from the other side of the door.
Anger. Turmoil. Chaos.
Just like her life.
“You’re really angry,” Jen said slowly. “You’re not just trying to make a point.”
“Of course I am. Wouldn’t you be? You told me Walker didn’t want you to work while you’re pregnant. What if he hired another chef, and said you could only keep cooking if you agreed to have him here? And oh, by the way, he’s in charge. What would you do?”
“Walker wouldn’t do that. He knows he doesn’t have that right.”
“You have the right to hire any damn architect you please to work on your house. Just like I can quit. But being my employer doesn’t give you the right to manipulate me and Nick.”
“I miscalculated,” Jen said.
“Really.” She held Jen’s gaze while fury pumped through her. Part of her realized Jen was only trying to help. But the rest of her was enraged.
“I think Nick is your baby’s father. I thought you wanted him around. I thought this was the perfect way to get the two of you together so you could work things out.”
Sierra closed her eyes as Jen’s words pierced her like an arrow. “There’s nothing to work out. I don’t want him around, and he doesn’t want to be here. But you’re welcome to hire him in my place.”
She opened the door, but before she could step into the noisy kitchen, Jen said, “I’m sorry, Sierra. I’d tell him to go, but we’ve signed a contract with him. I want you to stay. Will you at least sleep on it?”
“Yes. But my answer isn’t going to change tomorrow.” Her throat swelled. “Goodbye, Jen.”
NICK EASED OUT OF HIS CAR and glanced at the windows of the apartment above Jen’s restaurant. The blinds were closed, but light leaked out around the edges and at the bottom. Sierra was probably home.
He’d just gotten off the phone with Walker, who’d told him Sierra had quit. Barnes had tried to apologize, but Nick had brushed him off. Now he had to figure out a way to fix this.
He crossed the street, squeezed into the tiny vestibule and rang Sierra’s doorbell. He listened for movement above him, but didn’t hear a thing. He was just about to leave when the door at the top of the stairs opened and Sierra looked down at him.
She wore a pair of gray sweatpants and a green sweatshirt with the sleeves pushed up, and her hair was pulled into a ponytail. The combination made her look impossibly young and defenseless.
Her clothes were so loose that her rounded belly was hidden. For a moment, it looked as if she wasn’t pregnant, as if it had all been a horrible dream.
Then she reached into her apartment, and in silhouette, the curve of her abdomen was clearly visible. He thought she was going to disappear inside and ignore him, but instead the door buzzed to unlock.
She waited at the top of the stairs, blocking the entrance to her home. He stopped two steps below her. “May I come in?”
She studied him for a moment, as if trying to decide, then vanished inside. He followed her and closed the door behind him.
There was a bucket with water and a sponge sitting on the floor near the blinds, and an assortment of cleaning supplies in another bucket close by. “What are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m cleaning the apartment before I leave,” she said, sinking into the chair. Not the couch, which would have allowed him to sit next to her.
“You’re not really quitting, are you?”
&n
bsp; Her gaze was steady on him. “Did Jen call you? Did she expect you to sweet-talk me out of it?”
“Sweet-talk you?” He shifted on the couch, feeling uncomfortable. “Trust me, Sierra. If there’s anyone who can do that, which I doubt, I know it’s not me. I called Walker to chew him out, and he told me this whole thing was his wife’s idea. I could hear him yelling at her, and she was yelling back.” It had made him uncomfortable to witness their fight.
“Jen and Walker? Fighting?” She frowned. “You must be exaggerating. They’re crazy about one another.”
“Doesn’t mean they can’t fight.” Janet got loud when she was upset, and Nick had heard her side of a few fights with Frank. They were the happiest couple he knew.
“Makes it unlikely,” Sierra retorted. “But if Jen doesn’t expect you to talk me into staying, what are you doing here?” She gave him a quizzical look, and shame scalded him.
She was genuinely surprised he’d come. Surprised he cared enough to try and fix things.
Of course she was. The last time she’d seen him, he’d torn out of Otter Tail as if the devil were after him. He’d made it plain he wasn’t interested in what she wanted. This morning, he’d accused her of trying to force him to come back to town.
She hadn’t expected anything from him. And why would she? He hadn’t given her any indication that he wanted to help her.
He’d assumed she was playing games, like most of the women he dated. She wasn’t. She was nothing like those women. She had quit her job, even though she was pregnant, without having another one lined up. It told him exactly how serious she was about wanting nothing to do with him.
“I underestimated you,” he said quietly.
“Other than at work, I doubt you’ve ever really listened to a woman in your life.” She levered herself out of the chair and bent to pick up the sponge from the bucket. She squeezed soapy water out of it, then began washing the top of the radiator. “You can see yourself out. I want to finish this tonight.”
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