by Carrie Carr
“Lexington Walters, but you can call me Lex. I’m a friend of Amanda’s.” Lex gave the dark haired man’s hand a firm shake. “You say you’re in charge of the Southwest? Where are you based?” I didn’t know that. I thought that Cauble only had the one office here in Los Angeles. That is interesting.
“Santa Fe, New Mexico. For the moment, at least. But I’ve been trying to talk Mr. Cauble into moving the office to Dallas. The weather’s a little milder there.” Mark lowered his voice. “You’d think that since he has family in Texas, that he’d be thrilled to have an office nearby.”
Lex nodded. “Have you worked for Mr. Cauble very long?” It was nice to have a friendly face at the dinner table tonight. Glancing back at her partner, Lex could see that Amanda was engrossed in a conversation with her sister.
“About six years. I’m hoping to open my own office someday. I’ve been offered a job here in Los Angeles, but if I’m going to relocate, it will have to be someplace without smog or crime.”
“I don’t blame you a bit, Mark. I can’t wait to get back home myself.” Lex pushed her food around on her plate. “What is this stuff, anyway? Looks like it isn’t quite dead yet.”
Amanda noticed that her partner had “fenced off” the main course with her vegetables. “Lex, quit playing with your food.”
Lex put her fork down. “It still looks alive, Amanda. I just didn’t want it to get away.”
“At least try to eat some of it. We’ll raid the refrigerator later, I promise.” Glancing around the table, she was somewhat relieved to see that Lex wasn’t the only one not eating the dinner. I hate when Mother decides to experiment with the menu. The last time she did that, I broke out in hives. Yuck!
Missing the entire conversation over the food, Mark politely asked. “Lex, are you in the real estate business too?”
She almost choked on her water. “Uh, no. What made you think that I was?”
“Well, you said you were a friend of Amanda’s, and you seem too ‘normal’ to have come from the same social circles Mrs. Cauble usually frequents. I just assumed you had met her through the real estate office, that’s all.”
Lex returned his smile with a somewhat mischievous one of her own. “As a matter of fact, we did sort of meet that way. She came out to try and put my ranch on the market.” Pausing to let that sink in, she then continued, “It was just a shame that I didn’t know I was supposed to be selling it at the time.”
Mark admired Amanda’s profile, before turning his attention back to Lex. “Tenacious, is she?”
“Yeah, she is. But it wasn’t her idea. Her manager sent her on a wild goose chase.”
“Really? So, you’re a rancher? No offense, Lex, but I was under the impression that most ranches today are run by corporations because there’s not enough money in it for the average person to make any kind of profit from it.” The icy glare he received caused Mark to try and back pedal his position. “No, wait.” He held up a hand to placate her rising temper. “I honestly didn’t mean anything by it. I was just curious. My mouth tends to overrun my mind, most of the time.”
“No, that’s okay. It’s just that I’m a little…sensitive…on that subject right now.” Feeling a gentle touch on her leg, Lex turned back to face Amanda.
“What’s up?” Amanda had felt Lex tense up and could tell that the conversation with Mark upset her.
“Nothing. Mark and I were just discussing the ranching business.” She reached under the table and covered Amanda’s hand with her own. “Are you doing okay?” Glancing around, Lex noticed that most of the people had finished eating, or at least finished pushing the food around on their plates. “Is this all there is to their damn dinner? You had to fly all the way across the country for half-cooked—” she looked down at her plate, “—whatever the hell this is supposed to be, and a few insults?”
“I think it was more of an excuse to get me home than anything else. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t already planned to come and pack my stuff up, especially with the way they’ve been treating you.” Amanda squeezed the hand that she held. “I’m really sorry about all of that.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you didn’t have to face them alone.” Lex felt her lover lean up against her. She enjoyed the contact since she had been feeling quite out of sorts since this entire evening began.
CLINK, CLINK, CLINK!
All heads turned toward the front of the table where Michael Cauble stood tapping his wineglass with a knife to get everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, once again I would like to thank all of you for attending our dinner this evening and for making this another very successful quarter.” He held up his glass of wine. “I’d like to propose a toast to each and every one of you for a job well done.” Waiting until everyone raised his or her glass, he took a sip, then lifted the wine into the air once again. “And I would also like to express my gratitude to my wonderful family because without their love and support I would not be the man I am today.” He gave Elizabeth an insincere smile. “To my beautiful wife, and my two lovely daughters,” he nodded to Jeannie and Amanda, “who are the greatest blessings a man can have.”
Lex covered her mouth with her napkin, stifling a chuckle. He’s spreading more fertilizer than we have in the entire south pasture. Flinching at the elbow in her ribs, she coughed, then gave Amanda an innocent look.
“Behave.”
Finishing his little speech, Michael stepped away from the table. “If you will all excuse me, I have some unfinished business to attend to. Feel free to have coffee or brandy in the sitting room.” Once he left the room, everyone at the table breathed a sigh of relief. For some, conversations began in earnest, while many other guests prepared to leave for the evening.
Lex leaned over to whisper into Amanda’s ear, then kissed it discreetly. “I’ll see you in a bit, okay? I want to have a word or two with your father.”
“Okay, but if you’re not out of there in ten minutes, I’m coming in after you. Remember, we need to leave pretty early in the morning, so you have to be in bed at a decent hour.”
Lex’s allowed her gaze to roam over Amanda, head to toe, as she smiled longingly at her. Then, in her most sultry voice she said, “I certainly plan to. See you in a little bit, okay?” Amanda blushed under the appreciative eye. Then Lex left the room before Amanda could say anything else.
MICHAEL SAT AT his desk, studying the latest fax from his private investigator. Bank statements. Now we’re getting somewhere. He thought he had finally got his hands on the proof he had been waiting for. But before he could examine the numbers, a loud knock came at the door.
“Who is it?” he snarled, angry at the interruption. Stupid servants. When will they learn ‘not to be disturbed’ means to leave me the hell alone!
The door opened, and Lex walked into the room. “There you are. I think we have some things that need to be cleared up.” She strode over to one of the chairs in front of his desk and sat down.
“Make yourself comfortable, Walters,” he snapped sarcastically, hiding the papers he had been trying to study. “What is it that you want? I’m a very busy man, you know.”
Lex smirked, then stretched her legs out in front of her, crossing her booted feet at the ankles. “I think it’s about time we come to an understanding, Michael.” She enjoyed the way he flushed with anger.
“Really? And just how to you propose that we do that? Are you planning on leaving my daughter alone?” Michael tore off his glasses and tossed them onto the desk. He felt a sudden surge of fear as she jumped suddenly to her feet, then leaned forward with her hands braced on the desk.
“Let’s quit playing stupid little games, Mike. Just what in the hell is your problem with me?” Lex continued to lean forward until she was just inches away from Michael’s face. “Is it because I’m a woman? Or is it the fact that I actually work for a living? What is it about me that bothers you so damn much?”
Michael stood and stepped around the desk, trying t
o distance himself from the imposing figure. “Because you’re a woman? No.” He went to the bar and poured himself a shot, gulping down the amber liquid with a single swallow. “Unlike Elizabeth, I have resigned myself to the fact that my youngest daughter is unnatural. There’s not much I can do about that. But,” he pointed the empty glass in Lex’s direction, “I can try to make her see reason when it comes to dirt-poor farmers trying to sink their claws into her bank account.” He filled the glass again, then drained it quickly.
Lex leaned back against the desk and crossed her arms over her chest. “Dirt-poor farmer?” The terminology he used was more amusing than insulting, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Number one, I’m a rancher. Second, I have no designs on Amanda’s money.” She stood up straight and walked over to him, standing only a step away from the shorter man. “Third, I have more than enough money of my own, and I certainly have no need of yours.” She got right into his face and added, “Last, but not least, I love her with everything that I am and nothing can change that.” Hands grabbing her shirt took Lex by surprise, and she felt Michael pull her even closer.
AMANDA STOOD AT the door to the office, trying to listen to the sounds within. Not hearing anything, she opened it just in time to see her father grab Lex by the shirt and slam her into the bar. Before she could say anything, Michael punched her lover in the face. “Stop it!”
Amanda scrambled across the room and grabbed her livid father to pull him off Lex. “Daddy Let her go, now,” she begged, tugging at his sleeve and collar.
Michael shook his head to clear it, and then pushed Lex back again. Her lower lip was bleeding, and he smirked, obviously happy to see he’d done some damage before his daughter interfered. “You damned arrogant piece of trash.” He stuck out his jaw and looked like he was hoping the rancher would try and retaliate. “Go ahead,” he whispered. “Let Amanda see you as I do.”
Lex stepped back and wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her green shirt. The blood left a dark smear. Her eyes bored into him, but she didn’t say a word.
“Get out of my office,” he muttered. “You’re not welcome here. And you get the hell out of my house by tomorrow.”
“Gladly.” Lex pushed by him, again wiping her bloody mouth and chin with the back of her hand. She started for the door, doing all she could to control her anger. Narrow-minded bastard. If he wasn’t Amanda’s father, I would…her thoughts ended there as she felt a hand touch her arm.
Amanda was able to stop Lex before she got to the door.
“Oh, honey.” She took a firm grip on her partner’s arm and led her from the office, not bothering to acknowledge her still-seething father’s presence. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs and get you cleaned up.”
Lex allowed Amanda to lead her up the back stairs, away from prying eyes, and to the guestroom, not even realizing it when she was pushed down onto the bed. That son of a bitch. He’s more worried about his damn money than he is his own daughter! I should have throttled him when I had the chance. No, he is her father. I can’t do that to her. Lex’s mind whirled as her partner stepped into the bathroom, then returned with a damp washcloth which she placed against her bleeding mouth. After a moment, Lex realized where they were, and she could see the concern etched on the face above her. “Amanda?”
“I’m here, love.” Amanda dabbed at the oozing cut, wincing at the swelling and redness that indicated it was going to bruise. “Are you okay?”
Lex took stock of her body. “I think so.” She was still shaking from the effort it had taken not to strangle the obnoxious man. I have got to get this under control. “How about you?”
Amanda sat down on the bed, pulling Lex close to her. “I’m fine. But why did my father attack you like that?” She leaned back against the headboard of the bed and brought Lex into her arms, allowing her lover’s head to rest on her chest. “I’ve never seen him so angry. He’s never been the violent type before.”
Lex sighed, allowing the anger to seep slowly away, leaving behind a sad weariness. “I guess I pushed him a little too far. I just wanted to find out why he hated seeing us together.” She relaxed as she felt a gentle stroking of her hair. It’s taking every ounce of control I have not to go back in there and toss him on his ass, after that arrogant bastard called his own daughter ‘unnatural.’
“What did he say?” Amanda whispered gently, continuing her stroking as she felt the body lying partially on her tense up again. “It’s okay, Lex. Nothing he said could change what I feel for you.” She leaned over and kissed the top of Lex’s head. “Or what you mean to me.”
Closing her eyes, Lex allowed herself to absorb the love emanating from Amanda, then she moved the washcloth away from her face. “He’s bound and determined that I’m after your money. I guess the only way I can change his mind about that is to send him my bank statements or something.” She took a deep breath, then released it slowly. “I’m sorry about this, sweetheart. I wish you didn’t have to be a witness to that little scene.”
“Lex. Look at me, please.” Amanda stayed silent until their eyes met. “What would you have done if I hadn’t pulled my father away?” She searched Lex’s sad eyes, trying to find a clue as to what she was thinking. “Would you have fought back?”
“I don’t know.” Lex saw the quiet look of love and determination in the face above her and then looked back down. “God knows I wanted to toss him across the room for what he said about you, and for the way they’ve treated you.” She felt the hand on her head stop moving, then tug her closer to Amanda’s body.
“What did he say? Although I probably don't want to know.”
“No, you don’t. It was the same ol’ crap. I don’t know how you have survived this all these years.”
Tears trailed down Amanda’s face as she realized just how much Lex had figured out about her early home life. They say it’s the quiet ones you have to worry about the most, because they usually notice all the little things. Her voice was hoarse with emotion, and Amanda felt her defenses shatter completely. “It doesn’t matter, anymore. I don’t care what they say, or do, as long as we’re together. It just doesn’t matter.” She began to cry in earnest, then felt their positions reverse, before she was lifted and cradled in Lex’s strong arms.
SITTING AT HIS desk after his daughter and “that woman” had left, Michael shook his head. I’ve lost. That damn bitch has my daughter, and I’ll never make the girl see reason about her. He angrily shuffled through the papers on his desk. Guess there’s no real sense in keeping these, now. Michael was about to throw the entire mess in the garbage, when he stopped. “What the hell. I paid good money to see this, might as well look at it.” Letting his eyes scan the pages, he suddenly felt lightheaded. “This can’t be right.”
The door creaked, and he looked up to see his wife framed in the low light. “Michael, you simply must come out of this office and tell our guests goodnight.” Elizabeth stood, arms crossed tightly in front of her, with a pained look on her face. “They’ve finished up all the good brandy and Scotch, and are getting quite tipsy.” She saw the expression on his face and moved further into the room. “What is it?”
The pale businessman looked up at his wife. “We were wrong, Elizabeth.”
“Wrong? What in heaven’s name are you babbling about?” She walked over to the desk and stood next to him. “Quit sounding like an idiot and tell me.” Elizabeth accepted the papers he handed her. “What?”
“Read that.” Michael rubbed his eyes with one hand. Dear
God. That ridiculous hick could ruin me.
Elizabeth looked over the papers, and the more she read, the more her hands began to shake as reality slammed her hard. “You mean to tell me that uncouth farmer actually owns major stock in one of your subsidiaries? How is this possible?” She felt her legs weaken, as her husband stood and guided her to the loveseat nearby.
“From what I’ve read, it seems that her mother was a very wealthy woman before she married. When she died, her holdings we
re divided between her three children. After the youngest child died, his portion was split up between the two remaining offspring. It appears that Walters,” he still choked on the name, “turned the majority of her money over to an investment broker, and he made several wise plays on the stock market. Just happens that one of the investments is in my business.” Michael shook his head. “If she finds out about this and cashes in her investments, I could go under.”
“If this is true, I wouldn’t be able to show my face again. Imagine the humiliation!” Elizabeth glared at her husband. “What are you going to do about it?” She glanced down and noticed a red stain and scrape on his knuckles. “That looks like blood.” Her eyes narrowed. “What happened to your hand?” His guilty look and the speed with which he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe at his hand was all she needed to put the equation together. “Oh, no. You didn’t.”
Michael stood, paced to the bar, and poured two glasses of Scotch. Silently he walked back to the loveseat and sat down, handing his wife a glass. “I’m afraid I did. The damned woman made me so angry, I didn’t even think about it.” He tipped the glass up and drained it. “But I have to admit it felt really good, punching that smirk off her face.”
Elizabeth took a sip of her drink, then let out a heavy breath. “Damage control, that’s what we need now.” Her eyes shot a murderous gaze in his direction. “You should apologize immediately.”
“No. That would probably make her realize that something’s up. We need to be subtle about all of this. ” He chewed his lip in concentration, looking much like his youngest daughter. “I found out from the upstairs maid that they’re planning to leave first thing in the morning. We’ll just let them go and hope to God that she doesn’t realize the power she holds.” Michael nodded to himself, believing his plan would work. “If worse comes to worst, we’ll get Amanda to keep her in line. For some reason, that clod seems to listen to our daughter.”
