Chasing Happy (Texas Desires #1)

by Rylie Roberts

  “Finally, we meet.” He took her hand and clasped it between his two palms. “I’m Braden, my friends call me Bray.”

  The nervousness eased slightly, and her smile spread during the brief reprieve. Reed’s adoptive brother and best friend. She beamed, reaching up to give him a hug. “I’ve heard so much about you. You’re as handsome as Candy said you were.”

  “Let her go,” Reed said dryly, and Braden laughed, never taking his eyes or hands off Lara.

  “Come sit by me,” Braden offered. He began to pull her around the table to where he’d come from.

  “No, she’ll sit here where she was designated.” That spot happened to be next to Reed. Braden waggled his brows at Lara and went for his seat. Reed held hers out and pushed the chair in as she sat.

  “I don’t think it’s a big surprise your position will be phased out,” Reed started after taking his seat. The breath she didn’t know she held slowly escaped. She hated hearing those words. Lara clasped her hands together and schooled her facial features as she stared down at the table, dread filling her heart. She’d just been terminated…by her boyfriend. Great day.

  “We’re changing things up,” Reed said as someone shoved a folder in front of her. She stared down at the file, almost unseeing, as Reed continued talking. Lara dug a fingernail in her palm, trying to force herself not to cry. “We have some legalities to deal with, but preliminarily we’ll need you to take a few days off—maybe as much as a couple of weeks, depending on how quickly Braden can move things along with Jiang while we reorganize. But, bottom line, we’d like to offer you a new position,” Reed finished.

  Her head popped up. Surely, it wouldn’t be an honorary position with all these people involved. Right?

  “Our foundation needs some new life. We’ve had goals to open a global initiative. For many reasons, you fit the criteria of what we’ve been looking for. You’ll have an uphill battle, but we’d like you to be the lead,” Reed said. That was unexpected. Lara looked around the room. Every eye at the table focused on her. Thoughts quickly raced through her mind until only one seemed to matter.

  “I don’t have a non-profit background. I’m certainly not opposed to learning, I just don’t want to be a hindrance to the program,” she said.

  “It’s a simple learn. Kelly here”—Reed pointed to the only other woman in the room, who smiled by way of greeting—“agreed to get you caught up. Whatever training you need will be provided. Our complications with expanding this program have always been in dealing with the foreign markets. I saw for myself—you’re very well received internationally. We need someone smart, quick on their feet, yet kind. A softer image to help overhaul not only Press, Inc.’s reputation, but every company under its umbrella. It fits you, so the non-profit learning curve seems easy enough to fix,” Reed explained. His words had her heart soaring. This was so not a made-up job!

  “Do I have time to think about it?” she asked reasonably, remembering the rules of not acting overeager at this stage of the interviewing game. Reed’s confused gaze landed on her. His face gave an odd expression and Braden laughed.

  “What’s there think about?” he asked honestly, solely focused on her. “Your office will be here with me. We’ll begin a quick renovation. You can have help from Margaret’s people. I told you about the training. Is it salary? That’s listed in the folder, but it’s double what you’re currently making. I can’t see what there’s to think about.” Reed looked at her like she might be the dumbest person on the planet.

  “Reed, I need to review this. I don’t want to do a poor job…” Lara started, but he cut her off.

  “You won’t,” he declared. At least, per him, he’d solved that problem.

  “All right. I’ll give a tentative yes.” She frowned down at the folder and turned the pages, quickly scanning the documents. She then saw the salary offer. It was three times what she was making downstairs. Maybe Reed was right; she should just dive in and make this work. “I’d like to try the job. It seems challenging and exciting. Thank you for the opportunity.”

  “All right then. The written offer’s located in the front of the folder. Sign and return to Human Resources. Braden, even though she’ll be off, she’s agreed to facilitate the communications with Jiang. They like her, so use her. It’ll make the process smoother. Lara, we have a consulting fee offer in this folder.” He shoved another one toward her. “Please sign and return to Margaret before you leave. We need to rush that one through. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

  She hadn’t even had time to open the folder before Reed dismissed her. Happy, Lara mashed her lips together to hold back the smile as she rose, gathering both folders together. She first nodded in Cooper’s direction, then over at Braden who winked at her.

  “Bryant, if you could stop flirting with Lara for a minute, we have work to do.” Reed’s tone was hard and unyielding. Braden burst out laughing as Lara quickly left the room, shutting the door softly behind her. She took a deep breath and rested back against the door. The relief was almost staggering. She couldn’t contain her smile. As she pushed away from the door, Lara turned to see Margaret’s face changing from one of concern to one of happiness as she saw the look on Lara’s face. Moving fast, Lara walked over to the woman and lifted her hand, giving Margaret a solid high five before hurrying off in search of Kade. They needed to celebrate.

  Chapter 27

  Four weeks later

  Stretched out on a floating raft, Lara lazed away in the swimming pool at the campgrounds of the Bryant family reunion. The little, strappy two-piece bathing suit Reed bought before she came was perfect for the suntan already forming. She tried hard to gauge the time without actually lifting her head to look at the large clock on the cabana wall. Maintaining minimal energy expenditure was a pressing goal at the moment. She’d sun bathed for fifteen minutes on the front, only to then flip over to the back and start all over again. Deciding she had probably hit it close to time, Lara deftly turned to her back, letting the cool pool water soak her skin as she pushed her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose. At this rate, she thought she might be able to keep this up forever, as the relentless, hot Texas July sun beat down on her, soaking into her soul.

  Her fingers trailed in the water as she kept her eyes closed, drifting wherever the raft took her. Today was the third day of the big family gathering. Her honey had taken home the top prize in the day-two obstacle course competition only because he practically carried Mr. Bryant across the finish line. Apparently the senior Mr. Bryant hadn’t laid off the ice cream as he’d promised. It had been quite a sore spot over dinner last night.

  They’d all gone down to the chili cook-off at the state park a little earlier, but she stayed behind, not really feeling very well. But, apparently, the sun and the swimming pool were natural healers, because she felt marvelous right now.

  “Baby.” A hand clasped hers in the water. Only briefly startled, she tried to open her eyes, but even in the dark sunglasses, the sun’s glare forced her to lift her other hand to her brow for shade. Reed stood over her, bent at the knee, close to the side of the pool. Like always, he was such a handsome vision.

  With all the outside sports and competitions he’d participated in since they’d arrived, Reed had developed a fast, deep, dark tan. His now blonder hair accentuated his wonderful blue eyes and made the color pop. He wore a polo and walking shorts—very casual for Reed Prescott—and Lara licked her lips as he spoke. “I came to check on you.”

  “I feel better and you’re right on time. Spread suntan lotion on my back?” She started to turn over, but stopped at the sound of other voices.

  “Damn, you were fuckin’ right,” an unknown voice said. Lara lifted, balancing herself on the flotation device to see two men she’d never seen before standing by Bray several feet behind Reed.

  “Ignore him, that’s Cole, my douche bag buddy.” Reed never turned his gaze away. Instead, he reached for the sunscreen and flipped open the lid.

  “His sin
gle douche bag buddy,” Cole called out, getting a hearty laugh from the other two.

  “Watch this.” Braden came to the side of the pool and bent down beside Reed. “You sure look pretty lying there like that. I’m not sure I would’ve left you alone all day like this. My cousin Dennis keeps asking about you. He owns a nice size lawn care business, very lucrative.”

  “Do you have that new Samsung 5?” Reed asked. Usually her guy got testy when Bray did things like that. They both gave him an odd look at such a weird question. Bray may have even looked disappointed.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty cool. You finally upgrade?” Braden asked, going along with Reed’s odd change in subject.

  “Good. I hear it’s waterproof.” Reed didn’t hesitate. He pushed Braden straight into the water, head first.

  “Reed!” she called out, getting soaked as Braden’s big body hit the water. Reed stood, unamused at the roar of laughter as the two other men came to the side.

  “Dammit to hell,” Braden yelled when he surfaced. He struck the water with his palm, slapping a wave at Reed who merely took a step backward, not getting wet at all.

  “Meet Cole and Connor. I’ve told you about them,” Reed said, not acknowledging anything Braden did or said.

  “Hi,” she said as her eyes darted between the men and an angry Braden who trudged through the shallow end of the pool toward the steps. The guys seemed to be enjoying this show immensely. She smiled at each one. All four men were strikingly good-looking, all in different ways, but Reed stood out from the group.

  “We’re heading down to help get ready for the bonfire and cookout this evening. I’ll be back later to get you if you’re up to going down there tonight,” Reed said, coming back to the side of the pool, blocking whatever response his friends might have.

  “I feel better,” she reassured as he bent down, back on one knee close to where she floated.

  “Fucking ass, I was just kidding around,” Braden mumbled as he climbed out of the pool. He pulled his wallet, keys, and phone from his pocket. That had Cole and Connor laughing again.

  “Kiss me. I’m sorry we interrupted you.” He reached for her, grabbing the end of her raft, pulling her back to the side.

  “You didn’t.” She rose, extending forward but still couldn’t reach. He scooped an arm around her waist, slightly lifting her closer. Reed kissed her swiftly before looking into her eyes. The worry showing in his gaze warmed her heart. He was so good at making her feel loved.

  “You sure you’re feeling better?” he asked seriously. He was such a sweet man.

  “I am, completely,” she said, smiling brightly.

  “Good. I’ll be back to get you in a couple of hours. I love you.” He didn’t lower his voice or hide the sentiment.

  “Oh my God. You weren’t fucking kidding.” The guys were farther away, Braden heading toward their cabin, probably to change, and the other two following behind.

  “I told you,” Braden called out loud enough for Reed to hear.

  “Ignore them. Say it back. I like hearing it,” Reed said, still on a bent knee.

  “I love you.” He acted as if he’d just won the grand prize. He kissed her again, this time a little more tenderly.

  “Let me slather on some lotion. I don’t want you to burn.” Reed had the suntan lotion in his hand, already squirting some in his palm. She turned, lifting any strands of hair that had worked loose. Her only thought was what a lucky girl she was to have found him.

  ~~~

  Lara stood over the commode, trying to get a hold of her stomach. She took several deep breaths, willing herself to stop heaving. There was no way any food remained in her stomach. She’d thrown up everything she could have possibly eaten for the last week and absolutely regretted that ham and cheese sandwich she’d consumed after her long afternoon in the swimming pool. Why had she thought she felt better?

  “Lara? Where are you?” Candace called out.

  “In here.” She forced herself to the sink to rinse her mouth before splashing cold water on her warm face.

  “You okay?” Candace asked at the open bathroom door.

  “No, I’m not at all.” She looked up in the mirror at Candace and resisted the urge to whine. Whatever word meant worse than terrible, she needed that to apply right this minute. She reached for a hand towel and dried her face, praying the heaving had stopped.

  “Reed asked me to come check on you. He said you haven’t been feeling well. What’s going on?” Candace asked.

  “Just a small fever. My stomach’s very upset. I don’t feel good. Is there a virus going around?” she asked, hanging the towel back on the rack.

  “There’s always something going on. Come sit down. Let me take a look.” Reluctantly Lara followed Candace to the living room, a little nervous to be too far from the bathroom. She held a hand over her stomach and concentrated on breathing as she first sat, then decided better of it, and stretched out across the sofa. “How long have you been feeling bad?”

  “Just today really.”

  Candace sat on the coffee table with her bag beside her. She checked her temperature and blood pressure before listening to her heart. She looked down her throat, in her eyes, and felt around on Lara’s stomach.

  “Is there a chance you could be pregnant?” Candace dug through her bag while asking a series of questions.

  “I’m on the pill.”

  “Are you on any other prescription drugs?”

  “No.”

  “No smoking, drinking, recreational drug use?” Candace asked, her head still turned away.

  “Of course not,” Lara said.

  “Here. Do you know how these work?’ Lara lifted and stared down at a cup and strip of paper. “I have this one left over after a colleague had a concern last week. Let’s rule this out before we dig any further.”

  “What do I have to do?” Lara had no idea what Candace wanted from her. Candace held up the small cup and several packets of wipes. “Get me a sample and these are sanitation wipes. When you’re done, leave the cup on the counter. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  Lara took the cup and quickly did what she was told. When done, she gave a giant yawn. The momentary illness was passing, but now all she wanted to do was sleep. Maybe she could get a quick nap in before the party tonight. She’d bailed on the day’s events; no way would she blow off tonight too. She threw the wipes away and washed her hands before going back to the sofa. Candace still sat on the table, waiting for her.

  “I’m gonna lie down here. Is that okay?” she asked, closing her eyes as her head hit the cushion.

  “You tired?” Candace asked, heading toward the bathroom.

  “Very. I’m feeling better. Just tired.” Another long yawn slipped out, and she was asleep pretty quickly. She had no idea how long she’d slept, but Candace’s voice woke her. She was back at the table, her face concerned.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked. She couldn’t have slept long with as tired as she still was.

  “When was your last menstrual cycle?”

  She sat up, thinking. “I had a small one at the end of my pill packet, like three weeks ago?” she guessed.

  “And you got on the pill right after we met, right?” Candace asked, looking very concerned.

  “Yes, why?” She couldn’t take Candace’s tension.

  “I have a positive pregnancy test, Lara.”

  “What?” She stood, not sure she’d heard those words correctly. The back door opened, but her entire focus was on Candace.

  “We need to do a blood test, but this is a solid positive, Lara,” Candace said and began closing her case.

  “What’s wrong? I thought you were feeling better.” Reed came into the room at the same moment Lara burst into tears. “What happened?” Reed came straight to Lara. Candace headed to the kitchen while Reed gathered her in his arms. “What’s happened, baby?”

  Desperation made her drop her head to his shoulder with the tears following freely. She gripped the back of hi
s shirt tightly, using him as an anchor as she whispered rambled words of apology. Candace’s hand pushed several napkins toward her.

  “What’s going on?” Reed asked more sternly.

  “It’s not mine to tell,” Candace said. Less than a minute later, Lara heard the door shutting again as Candace left.

  “There’s nothing this bad.” Reed petted her hair, trying to soothe her. She could feel his tension at her breakdown, but she was inconsolable. Several minutes passed before she could move out of his arms and attempt to pull herself together. She took the napkins that were clenched in her hand and rubbed her nose and wiped her leaking eyes. She blew her nose loudly. Walking a few feet away, she decided she needed distance to say this, but when she turned, a helplessness settled over her. All she could do was stare at him.

  Reed came to her, gathering her hands in his. He kissed her knuckles. “You ugly-cry.” She only nodded, not able to bring herself to laugh at his attempt at levity. She heard him sigh before he encouraged her again. “Tell me.”

  He was patient and kind. She pulled her hands from his hold and ran them over her face. What they shared was so good. She’d spent every single night with Reed since they met, but this changed the game. She let the words fall hopelessly from her mouth.

  “Candace says I’m pregnant.” Reed stared down at her. As a trained communicator, she knew she should stop right there and wait for a response. She should absolutely not say one more word until he gave her some idea of his thoughts, but verbal diarrhea was a hard thing to overcome. “It’s not a hundred percent, Reed. All she did was a strip test. Whatever virus I have could be elevating my hormones.” Even to her that sounded so insane the tears came again, and she scrubbed her hand over her face before whirling on her heels. She left Reed there and escaped to the bathroom. Through every word she said, Reed had just stood there, staring at her. His response or lack thereof crushed her soul.