by Cher Carson
Bidding War
Cher Carson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, including photocopying, graphic, electronic, mechanical, taping, recording, sharing, or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the author and / or publisher. Exceptions include brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Persons, places, and other entities represented in this book are deemed fictitious. They are not intended to represent actual places or entities currently or previously in existence or any person living or dead. This work is the product of the author’s imagination.
Any and all inquiries to the author of this book should be directed to:
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Bidding War Copyright © 2012 Cher Carson
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
About the Author
More Books
Chapter One
“Hey, man,” Jason Stafford said, claiming the seat across the desk from his older brother, Shane. “Have you seen the George Street place since Lacy started working her magic on it? It looks amazing.”
Shane glanced up from his computer monitor, trying to quash his mounting frustration with his kid brother. Not only was Jason interrupting his workday, but he was intentionally baiting him by mentioning the one bone of contention between them: Lacy Watson. They’d both wanted her since the first time they laid eyes on her six months ago, but she’d shut them down repeatedly. Shane planned to convince her he was the man she needed, but he wasn’t about to share that information.
“When did you have time to go over there? You were supposed to oversee the kitchen install on Temperance. We’ve already got buyers lined up for that place, man. We can’t afford to screw this up because you can’t keep your head in the game.”
When they started their real estate business seven years ago, both men were struggling contractors living paycheck to paycheck and working twelve grueling hours a day for a boss who made their lives miserable. One rehab project at a time, they managed to build a successful business that afforded them the opportunity to call the shots, set their own hours, and take home six-figure paychecks every year.
Shane wasn’t about to let his brother forget where they’d come from or where they were going. If they played their cards right, they would enjoy an early retirement on a tropical beach while their real estate investment portfolio ensured they didn’t have to worry about money another day in their lives.
Their business had also given them the financial resources to ensure their mother was well taken care of after their father died and left her with a mountain of debt. In Shane’s mind, her welfare was his top priority at the moment, that and nudging his brother aside so he could finally seal the deal with Lacy.
Jason was a good guy, but he was a womanizer who didn’t appreciate the fact that a woman like Lacy came along once in a lifetime, if you were lucky. He was fixated on adding another notch to his carved up bedpost, but Shane recognized the real deal when he saw it, and she was it.
“Relax, I just came from the Temperance project, and the kitchen is looking great.”
Shane kicked his feet up on the desk, leaning back in the swivel chair with his hands laced behind his head. “Have the appliances arrived yet?”
“Later today,” Jason said, twisting the cap off his water bottle. “Anyways, I passed by George on my way to Temperance this morning and Lacy was there with her crew.” Jason grinned, tipping the bottle to his lips. “I asked her to go to the Blues game with me tonight.”
Gripping the armrests on his chair, Shane leaned forward, scowling at his brother. “And? What did she say?” If she accepted a date with his brother, he was going to go over there and shake some sense into her. The sexual tension between them was palpable. It drove him crazy that she tried so hard to deny it, instead of just giving into it, so they could get on with their lives, preferably together.
Shrugging, Jason said, “She said she has to work late, but I could tell I’m wearing her down.” He tipped the bottle to his lips, taking a sip. “It’s only a matter of time before she comes around.”
“Over my dead body,” Shane muttered. They had never come to blows over a woman before, but if his brother thought he would let him claim the empty spot in Lacy’s bed without a fight, he was delusional.
“Have it your way,” Jason said, getting to his feet.
“Listen, you need to back off before I kick your ass, kid. You and I both know there’s only one reason you want her.”
Jason laughed. “Yeah, the same reason you do. She’s hotter than hell.”
Shane couldn’t deny he was right about that, but in the past few months, he’d taken the time to get to know the woman behind that gorgeous face and stellar body. She was smart and sweet, kind and sensitive. Lacy was everything he’d ever wanted and never thought he’d find. “Listen to me,” he said, pointing his finger at Jason. “You don’t know shit about me and Lacy.”
Jason laughed and said, “I know she won’t go out with you, so whatever you think you two have goin’ on is all in your head.”
He would love to dispute his words, but he was right. Both he and his brother had pulled out all the stops to wear down her defenses and she shut them both down, time and again. “That doesn’t mean it won’t happen for us. Unlike you, little brother, I don’t have the attention span of a gnat. I’m willing to wait for her to come around, no matter how long it takes.” It’s not like dating other women was an option. Every time he went out with someone else, he wasted the night thinking about Lacy.
“Ever consider the fact that she’s just not interested?” Jason asked, tossing his car keys up in the air. “Could be you’re not her type.”
“Oh, but you are, right? Get over yourself, asshole.” Shane pointed to the door. “Get out of here. I’ve got work to do.” He had to admit Jason’s words hit a nerve. He’d never had to work for a woman’s attention before, and Lacy’s apparent lack of interest was definitely a blow to his ego.
“Okay, but I’ll say it again,” Jason said, walking toward the door. “I’m in this thing to win it, so don’t expect me to back down just ‘cause you want me to.”
Shane muttered a curse as he tossed his pen at the closing door.
Lacy directed the movers to position the leather sofa under the oil painting she’d borrowed from her friend’s art gallery. “Shift it just a little to the left,” she said, standing back to the check the placement. “Okay, perfect.” She pointed to the upholstered club chairs crowding the entrance. “Now, let’s place those chairs here, facing each other.”
As the movers positioned the chairs, she carefully set the lamps on the glass end tables.
“Wow, this place is really starting to come together,” her assistant, Melanie, said from the doorway. Grinning, she handed her boss a tall take-out cup from the corner coffee shop. “I knew it was almost time for your fix.”
“Bless you,” Lacy whispered, removing the plastic lid to inhale the strong brew. She enjoyed the aroma almost as much as the taste.
Melanie rolled her eyes. “I swear caffeine is your only pleasure in life.”
Lacy had to admit it was sad but true. “Hey, I’ve got my work and you.”
“Yeah, not that you ever spend any time with me anymore. I wouldn’t even see you if we didn’t work together.”
Taking a long sip of
the steaming brew, she tried to ignore the sharp stab of regret. She would give anything to go back to the way her life used to be, but since that wasn’t an option, she chose not to dwell on her circumstances. “You know I’m doing what I have to do,” she said quietly, stepping out into the hallway so she wouldn’t broadcast her personal problems to the rest of her crew.
“I understand you’re in an impossible position, Lacy, but when are you going to take a little time for yourself? Between working and driving twelve hours every weekend, you must be fried.”
It’s true some weekends she woke up at 6:00 a.m. wishing she could hit the snooze button and fall back to sleep, but then she would remember her brother lying in that hospital bed, waiting to see her, and it would motivate her to face the long drive ahead.
“I’m doing what I have to do, Mel. You know that.”
Melanie rubbed Lacy’s arm as she shook her head. “I know. Still, not many sisters would give up their entire lives for a brother who doesn’t even recognize them anymore.”
Lacy wrapped her hands around the steaming cup. “My brother doesn’t have anyone else. I need to do what I can for him.”
“I know, honey,” Melanie said, putting her arm around her shoulders. “I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but you’re living in that tiny studio apartment, driving that wind-up car, and eating salad twice a day just so you can cover the cost of his care.”
It’s not like she had a choice. Her brother required constant supervision, and she couldn’t provide it. She had to work full-time, and still she barely earned enough money to cover her expenses. That’s why she’d decided to move to St. Louis a year ago, hoping the larger market would provide more opportunities for her to grow her business. Fortunately, it was the right call. Thanks to the Stafford brothers, she was having her best quarter to date.
“Hey, did I see Jason pulling out of the driveway as I was pulling in this morning?” Melanie asked.
“Yeah, he just stopped by for a progress report.”
Melanie laughed. “I have a feeling it was more than that.”
They had this conversation about Jason and his brother before, and Lacy didn’t relish the thought of traveling that road again. After turning to face the living room, she said, “I definitely think the smaller scale furniture was the way to go, don’t you? It really makes the room feel larger.” Without waiting for a response, she pointed to the mantle above the gas fireplace. “And I’m thinking a mirror would look great right there. The reflection would open the room up a lot. Not that it’s a small space, but it can’t hurt to…”
Melanie tried, unsuccessfully, to hide her smile behind her take-out cup.
“What’s so funny?” As if she didn’t know.
“Every time I mention Jason or Shane, you try and change the subject.”
“I do not,” she said, loud enough to draw the attention of her moving men. Grimacing, she turned her back. “As usual, you see what you want to see.”
Melanie propped one hip against the doorframe. “Are you trying to tell me that you’re not interested in either of them?”
If only that were true. She’d lost precious sleep fantasizing about one of the sexy Stafford brothers for months. Both were a sight to behold, tall with broad shoulders and narrow hips, dark hair, and intense green eyes, but only one man was able to stoke her fire with a heated glance. Shane. If not for her business and her brother’s precarious condition, she would have taken the time to get to know him better, but it wasn’t fair to burden someone else with her personal problems.
“I didn’t say I wasn’t interested, but like you said, I barely have time for you anymore. How am I going to find time for a relationship?”
“I’m sure you could find the time. Say between eleven and seven?” Melanie winked. “There’s no sense curling up all alone at night when you could be cozying up with Shane.”
Lacy nearly choked on her coffee. Blinking back the tears as she pounded on her chest, she asked, “Who said anything about Shane?”
“Oh please,” Melanie said, tucking a strand of long dark hair behind her ear. “The sparks that fly between you two could burn this house to the ground.”
After dipping her head to hide the color staining her cheeks, Lacy mumbled, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hey,” Melanie said, drawing her attention. “You can lie to me, but don’t lie to yourself, hon. That man’s a keeper, and I know from experience they don’t come around all that often, if ever.”
Chapter Two
Shane stood on the porch of the George Street house balancing a pizza box and paper sack, feeling like the awkward kid who was afraid to ring the doorbell on prom night. Taking a deep breath, he gave himself a verbal lashing. This was his house, he had every right to be here, and bringing Lacy dinner was simply a kind gesture. As her employer, he just wanted to thank her for another job well done. And if she bought that, he needed to start selling swamp land for a living.
He turned around and looked for work trucks. Her little electric car was the only one still parked on the street. God, he hated that car. It looked like it would fold up like a paper airplane if she ever got into an accident. When they started dating, his first order of business would be to ensure she got a new car, maybe a truck. A sport utility vehicle would be good because—
“Shane? What are you doing here?”
He whirled around, almost dropping the pizza box.
Lacy reached out to grab it, laughing. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
He cursed his stupidity and cleared his throat, hoping to make a quick recovery. “Jason mentioned you were working late tonight. I had to check on the house, so I thought I’d bring dinner. That is, if you haven’t eaten?”
She closed her eyes, inhaling the pungent scent wafting through the air. “No, I haven’t. This smells amazing. I can’t tell you the last time I had take-out food. I usually brown bag it. I save my money for coffee; that’s my real weakness.”
He frowned as he followed her into the house. She made it sound as though she was sacrificing food, but for what? Her car wasn’t extravagant. She usually wore jeans and t-shirts or tank tops at work, which led him to believe she didn’t spend a lot of money on clothes. Her house, perhaps? “Do you live nearby, Lacy?” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought to ask that question before. Perhaps it was because she’d worked so hard to keep their conversations professional, rarely veering off course to discuss anything personal.
She led the way into the kitchen. “I’m about twenty minutes from here,” she said over her shoulder. “It’s not bad as long as I don’t run into traffic. I’m usually heading into work before rush hour starts and leaving by the time it’s ended, so it’s rarely a problem.”
He knew she worked long hours, but not fourteen-hour days. “Doesn’t leave a lot of time for sleep, does it?” he asked, setting the paper bag on the granite countertop.
She laughed, opening the box. “Not really, but I’m one of those people who can get by on a few hours of sleep a night.” Shrugging, she said, “It’s no big deal.”
Maybe not to her, but he hated to think they were working her too hard. “Has business been good? I mean, aside from our houses, do you have a lot of new clients?”
Biting into a slice of pizza, her cheeks colored as he waited for her response. After putting her hand in front of her mouth, she said, “Sorry, I guess I didn’t realize how hungry I was.” She slid the box toward him. “Here, have a piece.”
Even watching her eat turned him on. God help him, he had it bad for this woman. “That’s okay. I’m going to open this wine first.” Pulling the wine out of the paper bag, he held it up for her perusal. “I hope you like red?”
She shrugged. “I’m not much of a drinker. Besides, I have to drive home.”
“I don’t think one drink will hurt,” he said, smiling.
“I don’t drink and drive, period,” she said, setting the half-eaten slice in the lid of the box.
He didn’t know why what he’d said set her off, but the mood in the room went from friendly to hostile in a matter of seconds. “I’m sorry, did I—”
She held her hand up, silencing him. “Don’t apologize, Shane. It’s not you.” She curled her hand over the edge of the countertop. “It’s just that my mom was killed by a drunk driver. Let’s just say coming to terms with it hasn’t been easy.”
Setting the wine bottle down, he ached to reach out and pull her into his arms, but he had no idea if she would welcome his support, so he claimed the stool next to her instead. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
She shook her head. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago, but it still bothers me when people take drinking and driving so lightly. One drink leads to another, and before you know it, you lose the ability to make good choices. Getting behind the wheel in that state could cost someone their life.”
He didn’t know what to say to that. She was right, and instead of bridging the gap between them, as he’d intended, he’d alienated her by leading her to believe he was irresponsible and callous.
She reached out to cover his hand with hers and smiled. “I’m sorry I overreacted. I know you weren’t suggesting we get drunk and get behind the wheel.”
“No, of course not,” he said quickly. He hadn’t been thinking that far ahead, but this seemed like an opportunity, if she was willing to take it. “We could have a couple of drinks and spend the night here, you know, if we need to.”
She brushed her long blonde hair over her shoulder, frowning. “I’m sorry. Did I miss something? You want to spend the night? Here? With me?”
He knew it was now or never, and he couldn’t make it through one more day pretending that his feelings for her weren’t starting to dominate his life. Even if she rejected him again, at least he would have his answer and be able to move on with his life. Hopefully. “I wasn’t suggesting we sleep together, Lacy. Not that I wouldn’t like to…”
