She came to stand in front of the double doors leading to the first floor master suite that was her parents’ bedroom, took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts of losing her mother from her mind. This was no time to give in to the loss of not only her mother but also her best friend. She had to be brave. With her emotions in check, she knocked lightly on the door and pushed it open. “Mom.”
“Come sit with me.” Her mother, Amy, patted the bed next to her.
“Mom.” Her voice cracked before she pulled a tight rein on her emotions again.
“I’m fine, sweetie. Now I want to talk to you about these new clients.”
She came to sit next to her mother and took her hand in hers. “You three shouldn’t be worrying about the company, London and I have everything under control.”
“I’m not worried about it. I know you’re a perfectionist and won’t give up until everything is just right. Child, you work too hard.” She squeezed Paris’s hand. “I heard you’re working with Aiden Dalton, and I just want you to know that if he’s too…grabby or anything, I want you to turn it down. We don’t need clients like that. I don’t care what your fathers say about what it will do for the business, I won’t have you working with people like that.”
“Oh, Mom, he’s not like that at all.” She couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across her face. “He’s so sweet, and nothing like what the media made him out to be. He’s kind and attentive. Kain and Cody are just as great.”
“Child, is there something you want to tell me?”
She had planned to keep her attraction to Aiden, Kain, and Cody a secret, but she wanted the intimate moment with her mother. “With every question they answered, I felt drawn to them. They were answering just as I’d want the man…men…I spend my life with to answer.”
“Then why are you here? You should be there, getting to know them. Maybe you’re the right person for them.”
“Mom—”
“Paris, don’t you sit there and tell me you’re here because of my treatments. I’m going to be fine, I don’t give a shit what the doctor said.” Paris stilled under her mother’s hand. “Don’t think I don’t know what they said.”
“What are you talking about?” She tried to act as if she didn’t know. Maybe her mother was talking about something other than the timeframe the doctor mentioned to Paul.
“Daughter of mine, we’re too much alike. You can’t lie very well. I know the doctor said I wouldn’t live through winter if this treatment doesn’t work.”
“But how?”
“Doctor Vander stood in this very house and said it. Paul thought I was resting and Mathew was working, but I was hungry and went to get something to eat. They were standing in the foyer when Doctor Vander stopped by to pick up the dish his wife used to bring food over when she heard my cancer had returned.” Amy moved farther up in bed so she was sitting and leaned against the pillows. “I’m not stupid, I knew the cancer was worse this time, but I’m not going to let it beat me.”
“Oh, Mom, why didn’t you tell us you knew?”
“I’ve tried to approach the subject with Paul but he shuts me down before I can tell him, and Mathew’s got his mind on the case. When I see him, I want to just be with him, I don’t want to discuss my health. Someday you’ll understand what that’s like.” She patted Paris’s hand. “Now, does London know?”
“I told him this morning before he flew to Florida.”
“I bet it took some convincing to get him to leave.” She shook her head. “I hope that son of mine won’t be worried so much about me that he can’t have a good time while he’s there. He needs to enjoy the sun and beach for all of us stuck here in this freezing cold. It’s supposed to snow tonight.”
Paris couldn’t suppress the laugh. Her mother always bitched about the snow and cold but when anyone suggested they move, she flat out refused. She might not like to be out in the snow, but her mother loved to watch it from the windows, to see the mountains with their white peaks.
“What’s so funny?” Her mother raised an eyebrow at her.
“You…you know you love the snow as much as the rest of us.” She shook her head before getting serious. “Mom, what am I going to do about Aiden and the other two men?”
“Go to Wyoming and see them.”
“Aiden called to invite me there this weekend. He wants me to attend an informal barbeque with their parents so I can understand another aspect of their lives. But Mom, I can’t. With London gone, I need to be here.”
“When is this barbeque? London is due home on Friday but even if you’re both gone things will be fine. Dottie is handling things for London while he’s working away from the office. I’m sure she’ll handle anything you need done here. Paul can pick up anything as well.”
“It’s Saturday, but this isn’t a good time. I’m not just worried about work. You know I can manage that. I want to be here for you.”
“Well, I’m putting my foot down. I want you to go. There’s nothing more important in this world than finding the person or people you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with. I’ll be fine and I’ll be waiting to hear all about it. I want you to go and see if things can happen between you and these men. You’ve got to remember there’s life outside the company.”
“I agree,” Paul said from the doorway.
“You were listening—” Amy started but Paul came up beside the bed and leaned down to kiss his wife, stopping her.
“Not the whole time, but I came back in from outside to tell you it was snowing and I heard the last bit.” He stood by the bed, facing them. “Paris, you should have told me you felt drawn to them.”
“Dad, you’ve told me from the beginning I need to be professional and not get attached to my clients. We both know London isn’t the one to deal with Aiden and you need to be here with Mom. Why is this different?”
“You’ve never gotten bothered by clients no matter how attractive they are or what they say. It’s different because your destiny is pulling you toward them. You’re meant to be with them. You said it yourself, they’re everything you’ve been looking for.”
She looked from each of her parents before settling on her mother. “I want what you and Dads have.”
“That’s why you’re going on Saturday because you deserve everything you want in life. Don’t let those men slip through your fingers.”
Her father laid his hand on her shoulder. “You’ll go and claim your men just like your mother did with Mathew and me. Trust me, if those guys have a brain between them they’ll be falling at your feet. Go call him and tell him you’re coming. I’ll make arrangements for Jake to fly you there. He can get a room in the area if things run late and you stay.”
“Sweetie.” Her mom squeezed her hand as she started to rise off the bed. “Go there as a woman, not as a matchmaker. A woman on a mission.”
“Thanks, Mom and Dad. I love you guys.” She leaned in and gave her mom a hug before standing to do the same with her father. When she stepped back, she eyed Dad. “You’ll call me if anything changes, right?”
He glared at her, and her mother reached up and took Paul’s hand. “Don’t, hon. I know what Doctor Vander said and she didn’t tell me.”
“How?” He turned to Amy. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I’ll let you two sort this out and I’ll get back to work. Dad, seriously, I want you to call me if anything changes.” She didn’t wait for an answer. London should be back as well, and she knew he’d tell her. Right now, her parents needed to work this out and she had work she needed to complete.
“Don’t forget to call him,” Mom called to her as she shut the door.
She wasn’t going to call him right away, since she remembered he said he’d call her that evening. Making her way back through the house to her own quarters, her heart fluttered. Could she finally claim her destiny? After matching hundreds of people, was it her time to have the same happiness she created for others? I hope so…
What should have been a busy day of work passed with unnerving slowness until Aiden thought he was going to go crazy before it got late enough to call Paris. The time might have gone by quicker if the others had been around but Cody had work to do with the horses and Kain was dealing with one of the clients he represented, trying to nail down a contract. That left Aiden to his own business matters.
Throughout the day he’d found himself lost in thoughts about her, instead of actually getting any work done. Now that he could finally call her, he hesitated. What if she said no? What was their game plan if she turned them down? He wasn’t sure, but the three of them would be back to square one when it came to courting her. Maybe we’ll make a trip to see her. I’m not letting her go without a fight, no matter how much she tries to avoid us.
He plucked his cell phone from the desk and pulled up her number before bringing it to his ear. After three rings, his stomach sank as he started to think she wasn’t going to answer.
“Hello.” She sounded as if she were out of breath.
“Did I interrupt you in the middle of something?” He kept his tone steady and tried not to let his thoughts go in the direction they were. Was she seeing someone? Did they have competition? He wasn’t sure how he’d feel if she had been busy with a gentleman friend.
“I just finished my evening run. I didn’t hear my cell phone with my ear phones on.”
Thinking of her hot and sweaty had his shaft hardening. “A woman who enjoys a good run, just my type.” He pictured her plopping down on the sofa, cold water bottle in her hand, as she listened to him.
“Did you call for a reason, Mr. Dalton, or just to find out what my evening activities were?”
“You know why I called. Have you given more thought to my invitation?” Needing something to do with his hand, he rolled the pen on his desk.
“Actually…” She paused, sending his nerves spiraling out of control. “I’ll come. Jake will fly me there Saturday morning, and will be on standby for when I’m ready to return. Is there anything I can bring?”
“Just your beautiful self.” He gave her a moment to let his comment sink in before adding, “Cody’s a pilot, he can come for you so Jake doesn’t have to stand around waiting.”
“Thank you, but you’ll be busy with family.”
“How about Cody takes you home then? There’s really no reason to have Jake waiting around for you, when he can take you home whenever you’re ready.” He hoped she’d agree so they weren’t on a time table to get her back to the airfield.
“Won’t Cody be busy with his family as well?”
“No, only Kain and my parents will be here. Before you ask, you’ll need to get the answer from Cody. That’s his secret to share, not mine. Now, what do you say?” He’d tell her almost anything to get her here, but he wasn’t willing to explain Cody’s family. Even with the three of them being as close as they were, he had only found out the drama surrounding Cody’s mother a few years before.
“Very well. You’re right, it’s crazy to have Jake waiting for me if Cody’s a pilot. But…”
“But what?”
“If something comes up, and I might need to head out quickly, would Cody be willing to leave in the middle of things?”
“He’ll leave whenever you’re ready. We’ll make sure the plane is gassed and ready to go in case there are any emergencies.” He caught the fear that lingered in her voice. Even though she hadn’t said as much, he was beginning to suspect the rumors of Amy Nelson’s illness were true. He decided to approach it a different way to give her the opportunity to tell him. “Though I’m sure that the company will be fine for a day without you.”
“No doubt, but things can come up.”
She tip-toed around it, leaving him without a definite answer. He wouldn’t pry; when she was ready, she’d tell them. “I’d suggest packing an overnight bag in case things go late. There’s plenty of guest rooms, and you can stay here.”
“I’m hoping to come home the same day. After all, you’re not my only client.”
“I have no doubt about that.” He chuckled, thinking about how popular Beyond Monogamy’s services must be now that their lifestyle was legal. “I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.”
“Me too.” For the first time since they began the call, there was a hint of excitement in her voice.
They spoke for a few more minutes before hanging up. Now that he had her answer, he felt like a weight had lifted off his shoulders. All he had to do was busy himself over the next few days before she arrived. Then they’d show her they were interested in her.
Paris Nelson, you’re our destiny, and you’re about to see that.
Chapter Eight
The week had gone by slower than a snail’s pace. Everything seemed to take twice as long, the simple things Paris had once taken joy in suddenly seemed like a task. She had packed an overnight bag against her better judgment, along with files, and other work to keep her busy if she felt uncomfortable. Now that she was on the way to Wyoming her nerves were getting the best of her and she almost told Jake to turn the plane around.
She tried to calm her rolling stomach, but when she closed her eyes, images of her men filled her thoughts. Oh, how she wanted things to go smoothly this weekend. She’d never been this nervous before and she wasn’t sure how to calm down.
“Miss Nelson, we’ve landed.” Jake stood in the cockpit doorway. “Are you okay? It’s so unlike you to pace the whole trip.”
“I’m fine.” How he knew she was pacing the jet was beyond her. Maybe he could feel the movements as he flew the plane. She’d hoped moving around and remembering her mother’s reassuring words would relax her. She was making this journey to see if the four of them were as compatible as she thought, and if so she was there to claim her men. My men.
“I don’t have anything planned if you’d like me to stay until you’re ready. Even if you do end up staying the night, I don’t mind.”
She felt her stomach drop further as she remembered one of them was waiting for her just outside. “It’s fine. Mr. Knight is a licensed pilot and can fly me home when I’m ready. There’s no reason for you to wait here.”
“Very well. Speaking of waiting, there’s a black SUV and a gentleman outside.” He unlocked and pushed open the door, lowering the steps for her. “Have a good time, Miss Nelson. You deserve this.”
She grabbed her overnight and laptop bags and made her way up the aisle. “Thank you. Have a safe return trip.” She stepped past him and headed down the step to the SUV that was waiting for her. Just as her heels hit the asphalt, Aiden came around the SUV and strolled toward her.
“It’s good to see you again, Paris.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek before taking her bags. “The others are back at the house setting up for this afternoon.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting your family.”
He placed the bags in the backseat before he opened the passenger door for her. “It’s going to be a nice party, but the best part is that you’ll be there.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his comment as she wondered if there was a second meaning. She told herself she was just over-thinking things because of her own desires. Damn, she craved for him to want her as much as she wanted them.
Once inside the SUV Aiden nodded toward the plane at the end of the runway. “Cody came down this morning to get the plane ready for whenever you’re ready. Though we’d like to have you stay the night, maybe we could have a peaceful brunch tomorrow and discuss things.”
“We’ll see how it goes.” She didn’t want to commit to anything but the idea of staying the night was appealing because it would give her more time with them. “The sky looks threatening.”
“We’re expecting a storm but it’s not supposed to be that bad. Though it will be perfect for those who like to ski. Do you like to ski or snowboard?”
“It’s been so long since I’ve been on the mountain, but I used to. Now it seems like all I do is watch it from the wind
ows.” She glanced at the mountains as he drove away from the landing strip. “What about you? Well, I guess not with your knee.”
“Not anymore, I’m worried I’ll blow my knee again. But Kain does.”
“What about Cody?”
“Not much, he prefers sledging. He does carriage rides through the snow for people in town. Our Cody is a true romantic.”
“Sounds like it.” She nodded. The thought of taking a carriage ride through the snow with the men was truly enchanting; a romantic setting like that was sure to help her win their hearts. She debated briefly how she might go about getting Cody to take her and the others on one if she stayed.
She forced her thoughts away from the romantic notions and back to things that mattered. She needed to get to know them better, and not as prospective clients. “Kain and Cody told me about their work but you’ve been pretty quiet about it. What does your business entail?”
He looked at her for a moment before returning his gaze to the road. “It’s not as exciting as working with horses, or having the clients Kain does.”
“It’s a part of you and that’s what’s important. You must enjoy doing it and keeping busy or you wouldn’t still do it. Tell me about it.”
“I’m an investor. I give loans to start-up businesses for a portion of their profit. If at the end of the loan period all investment and interest has been paid, they are free of any contractual obligations. If it hasn’t, I come in and take over the business, sell, or we can extend the loan. If the business fails, they still have to pay the loan back, so I lose nothing. However, I’m selective on who and what business I’m willing to take a risk on.”
“I don’t know why you said it isn’t interesting. Business has always been my thing and to me that’s more interesting that any high profile client Kain has. Why haven’t I heard your name tied to any company?”
Theirs to Treasure (Beyond Monogamy Book 1) Page 7
