“Is that the planned community I’ve been hearing rumors about?”
“Yes, if all goes well, we will close the deal in less than a month. It’s an exciting project and will result in more jobs. I’ll show you the plans, but I have a meeting with the board in a few minutes. Will you have dinner with me tonight? I want to hear all about the sightseeing tour with Carlos.”
“How did you know Carlos drove me through the streets of Barcelona?”
“I called Rennie to check on you and she told me Carlos was showing you the town.”
“You were checking on me?” Brooke said curtly. “What did you think I was doing, Mr. Kincaid?”
“Don’t get upset,” he replied. “I shouldn’t have said I was checking on you. This was your first time traveling out of the country and I am responsible for your welfare.”
“I’m sorry, I’m a little touchy when I think someone doesn’t trust me. I will be happy to meet you for dinner.”
Walking back to her office Brooke remembered thinking Travis had forgotten her while she was gone, and despite being annoyed when he mentioned checking on her, she was happy he called Rennie to make sure she was all right.
Travis arrived early in the conference room, he liked to get his thoughts together before any meeting with the board. He found he couldn’t concentrate on work, his mind was on Brooke Hartley. A voice in his head told him to watch his step with Brooke. His attraction to her was making him careless and he wasn’t a free man. There is no harm in having dinner together, I’ll tell her I have an early morning meeting and cut the evening short.
Brooke thought the afternoon would never end. She’d met with most of the other executives and asked questions about their jobs. They all talked about Rennie and how they would miss her but were glad Brooke would be filling in for her. Brooke wondered if they resented her for her inexperience, but they seemed genuinely pleased she was there. Ms. Rice came to Brooke’s office on the pretense of following-up on Belinda. Brooke knew curiosity was the reason for Ms. Rice’s visit and not Belinda’s performance.
“Hello, Ms. Rice,” said Brooke.
Without preamble, Ms. Rice spoke: “It’s about time Ms. DuBois retired, she acts like she owns the place. Of course, she and Mr. Kincaid senior were very close if you know what I mean?”
“Ms. Rice, I believe Ms. DuBois has been a tremendous asset to Kincaid Enterprises. She has many friends in this building and more in the hotels we visited,” said Brooke, although she didn’t think her friend, Rennie, needed defending.
“She’s popular all right, don’t you wonder why?” Ms. Rice said under her breath.
“I know why,” replied Brooke, “Rennie is a pleasant woman who cares about the feelings of others. By the way, Belinda is doing a superb job. I would like her to be my assistant permanently. I think that is the end of your supervisory control over her.”
“Well, I never!” Ms. Rice said as she stomped out of the office.
“Oh Brooke, are you sure? Do you really want me, you haven’t tested my clerical skills yet?” Belinda said.
“I’m very sure, anyone who put up with that bitch for a year deserves a break. I hope you want the job.”
“Yes, I do, very much.
Chapter Eight
Standing at the window of her office, Brooke gazed at the people walking to their cars after a long day at work. She was feeling unsure of herself and the future and missed her old job at Colby, Lynch, and Sprague. What am I doing here? She thought to herself, I don’t belong in a luxurious office overlooking the city. I’m a girl from a hick town who lived on the wrong side of the tracks. I’ll never come close to replacing René DuBois. I know I should run out the door before it’s too late and Travis fires me for incompetence.
“What’s going on down on the street? You’re not thinking of jumping out that window, I hope?”
“Hello, Travis, I’m not the type to jump out a skyscraper window but I’m thinking of going out the front door. I don’t know why Rennie recommended me for her job, I’ll never measure up to her.”
“Sure, you will, you are feeling the first day jitters, that’s all. Let’s go upstairs to the penthouse, I’ll show you the plans for the new community north of Hillsboro.”
Brooke agreed to have dinner with him but thought it would be in a public restaurant, not his private residence.
Travis saw the look on her face and could read her mind. “Don’t worry, despite my reputation, we will be well chaperoned, and I promise not to lock the door.”
Brooke smiled and reached for her purse. “Take me to your lair, boss,” she said hiding her disappointment that he wasn’t planning to seduce her after all.
Travis spread the blueprints out on the massive dining room table. Brooke noticed the excitement in his eyes when he pointed out the river with homes and business on either side. Brooke could envision the finished product and found it impressive.
“Travis, it will be a beautiful place for the well-off, do you think there are enough people in Hillsboro who will be able to afford it?”
“Brooke, this plan isn’t for the affluent, the homes in the area will be affordable for families of all incomes. The apartments above the restaurants and shops are for singles and young married couples. Family homes will be built in all other areas along with schools, medical facilities, and churches of all denominations.”
Brooke watched as Travis’s eyes glistened with excitement. “This project is special to you, isn’t it, Travis?”
“Yes, I admit I’m excited about the project, I’ve had my fill of opulence and extravagance. I’m planning to live in the area myself.”
“What are you naming it, Kincaidville?” she asked half-joking.
“No, unlike my old man, I don’t like the Kincaid name splashed all over the world. Rennie has some suggestions, I’d like her to run them by you too.
“Travis, you surprise me, you are nothing like your reputation,” said Brooke.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say my mother was given the wrong baby when I was born except she had the entire floor of the hospital for my birth and I was the only baby there. My father gave her anything she asked for when he was alive.”
“He must have loved her very much.”
“No, love never had anything to do with it. He wanted the standing in the community that old money brought with her. She, however, wanted the new money he brought to the relationship.”
“That’s sad, Travis, was your childhood unhappy?”
“I didn’t know any better and it seemed to work for them. I went to boarding school from an early age and didn’t live with them during the school year. Dad liked having me come to the office with him when I was on a break. It was better than hanging around with my mother and her snobby friends. Rennie worked out of Kincaid Towers then. I remember wishing she was my mother. She was a neat lady back then too. There was a drawer in her desk where she kept a collection of those little metal cars. They were cheap, and Mother never let me play with them at home. Every time I walked in the door, she gave me a new one. I still have those cars in a box somewhere. I think Rennie was in love with my dad, although he didn’t know it, he loved her too. Money and power were everything to my father and I don’t believe he ever had enough of either. The older I got, the more I realized he bent the rules and the law to his advantage. Although there were traits about him I found alarming, he remained a hero in my heart.”
Brooke was sad for the young boy who worshiped his flawed father and loved a woman who was kind to him more than his cold, unfeeling mother.
Seeing the pity in Brooke’s eyes, Travis regretted his honesty. “I’m sorry, Brooke, I didn’t mean to spill my gut like that. I’m sure you don’t want to hear a poor little rich kid story.”
“I’m glad you told me about your feelings for Rennie, I know she loves you too. When I was growing up, I envied the kids who lived on the right side of town. Maybe their lives weren’t as perfect as I imagined.”
�
�I would guess you were the envy of all the girls in your school. Brooke, you are beautiful,” Travis said as he caressed her cheek with his hand.
The blueprints were forgotten when he took her in his arms and kissed her inviting lips. Eventually, the kisses weren’t enough for either of them, Travis lifted her from the sofa and carried her to his bed where they made love until Brooke fell asleep in Travis’s arms.
Brooke could see a sliver of sunshine peeking through the curtains in Travis’s bedroom. She remembered the passion of the night before and felt herself blush. The warmth of his body against hers was almost more than she could bear. Travis stirred beside her.
“Good morning,” he said. “I’m sorry about last night, I never meant things to go so far.”
“Please don’t be sorry, Travis, I’m not.”
Brooke had the feeling he wanted to tell her something, instead, he got out of bed and handed her a robe. It was a woman’s robe and suddenly Brooke was ashamed of her behavior the night before.
When Travis was in the shower, Brooke gathered her clothing, dressed quickly, and walked out the door. The tears didn’t come until she was in the doorway of her apartment.
“Brooke, what’s wrong, what did he do to you?” asked a worried Molly. She didn’t sleep well the night before because she hadn’t heard her friend come home from work and she was concerned.
“Molly, I made a terrible fool of myself. I had dinner in Travis’s penthouse and couldn’t resist him when he kissed me. It was the best night of my life and he couldn’t wait to get away from me this morning. He handed me another woman’s robe and dismissed me. I hate him, and I hate myself even more.”
“Brooke, the man seduced you, I knew he was a snake the first time I met him. It breaks my heart that he hurt you.”
“Molly, I felt so close to him, he opened up about his childhood, I actually felt sorry for him. Now I’m beginning to wonder if it wasn’t a trick to get me into bed. Well, it worked like a charm, stupid Brooke fell for it.”
“You’re not stupid, Brooke; the guy’s a sleaze. What are you going to do about work? I’m sure you can get your old job back.”
“I won’t give Travis the satisfaction of quitting, I’ll hold my head up and try to forget what happened last night. It won’t be easy, it was a memorable night.”
Molly wished her friend would cut all ties with Travis Kincaid but knew Brooke would face Travis at the office as though nothing happened.
Carter Moss sensed his boss was out of sorts this morning. “Your mother’s party is tonight; shall I lay out your Armani tuxedo for the occasion?”
“That’s tonight, isn’t it? I suppose I am expected to attend,” Travis answered.
“Afraid so, boss; your mother will never forgive you if you don’t make an appearance.”
“Are you still overseeing Molly Ryan’s work? I don’t want to endure my mother’s wrath if the floral arrangements aren’t perfect.”
“Molly is a perfectionist, sir; there is no need to worry. I have grown fond of the florist, she is easy to get along with, I think you’d like her if you got to know her.”
“Well, she hates me and after last night…”
Carter knew by the expression on his boss’s face that something was troubling him. He suspected it had to do with Brooke Hartley.
Brooke arrived at the Kincaid offices after a quick shower at her apartment. She hoped her extra makeup hid the puffiness under her eyes caused by her tears.
“Good morning, Brooke,” said Belinda. “Mr. Kincaid’s assistant called to say the boss wanted to see you in his office the minute you came in.”
“Thanks, Belinda.” This is it, Travis is firing me. I’m surprised he’s doing it in person, I thought he’d have my belongings in a box at the door.
Brooke felt like a criminal as she walked the distance to Travis’s office. She was greeted with smiles from his staff as the doors opened for her.
“Hello, Brooke,” Travis said in a whisper. “I want to apologize for my behavior last night. I had no right to take advantage of you.”
“You didn’t take advantage of me, Travis. I was a willing participant. There is no need to apologize. Under the circumstances, I realize my continued employment is an embarrassment to you. I’ll clear out my office and turn in my passkey.”
“Brooke, you aren’t an embarrassment to me. I don’t want you to leave but I do understand.”
“I don’t want to leave either but the way you acted this morning, I thought you regretted what happened between us.”
“I regretted my lack of control, but I didn’t regret being with you.”
“I didn’t regret it either, Travis.”
“You forgive me then?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. If I’m not fired, I’d better get back to work.”
“My mother’s shindig is tonight, I asked you some time ago if you would be my date? If I promise to behave myself, do you still want to go with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, this is Molly’s chance to shine.”
Brooke got up to leave and turned her head, “Travis, I wouldn’t mind if you broke your promise to behave yourself.”
Molly was nervous about the evening ahead but hid her unease well. She and Elizabeth carried the arrangements on a wheeled cart upstairs to the banquet room. It took them several trips, but they made it without any mishaps. The catering staff covered the tables with a pale lavender and set matching ivory dinnerware at each place. Molly’s elegant table centerpieces enhanced the beauty of the room.
Molly was pleased when she saw Buds and Blooms name listed on the program. She was glad she had put in the extra hours on the arrangements, especially when orders began pouring in the days after the party.
Brooke opened her door to Travis when he came for her. She inhaled deeply when she saw him standing there in his tuxedo looking more handsome than ever.
Brooke was wearing a designer gown in shimmering pastel blue she had purchased at a consignment store. Although it was second-hand it cost her almost a week’s salary. The look in Travis’s eyes made it worth the price.
Molly warned Brooke that Mrs. Kincaid can be condescending, so she wasn’t offended when Travis’s mother snubbed her.
“Don’t let my mother bother you,” said Travis, “she only tolerates me because I control her spending money.”
“My skin is thick, I can take it,” Brooke replied.
Travis squeezed her hand giving Brooke a thrill she tried to ignore.
After a reasonable amount of time, Travis suggested they sneak out the back door and go grab a cheeseburger.
The customers in the hamburger joint around the corner watched as the two elegantly dressed diners dipped their French fries in ketchup.
Travis laughed and joked and seemed more at ease than he did at the fancy party in Kincaid Towers.
Brooke suggested they have a nightcap at her apartment.
Travis told himself he should decline the invitation; however, it was early, and he didn’t want the evening to end. While sipping wine, he reached over and put his arm around Brooke pulling her close. After several kisses, Travis admitted to himself that Brooke was not easy to resist. He vowed to take care of the matter of his marriage the next day. Tonight, he would concentrate on Brooke and the love he was beginning to feel for her.
Chapter Nine
Travis and Adele
Travis met Adele Markley in college. They were friends before they became lovers. After graduation, Adele moved with her family to Charleston, South Carolina and they lost track of each other until the day she called him last year. Travis guessed from the tone of Adele's voice that she was in trouble.
“Adele, where are you?” he asked.
“I'm at the Hillsboro airport. I remembered you lived in this city when we were together, and I knew Father would never think of looking for me here.”
Travis drove to the airport to pick up his college friend.
Adele was waiting
for him in front of the terminal with two large suitcases and a carry-on bag in her hand.
The skycap carried her luggage to Travis's small sports car and through careful maneuvering managed to force the pieces into the trunk and back seat with enough room for Adele to squeeze in.
“You must think I'm daft, Travis. I'm twenty-nine years old and I'm running away from home.”
“I'm sure you have a good reason, Adele. Tell me, who are you afraid of?”
“It's Father, he has become a tyrant since Mother died.”
“I didn't know your mother died, she was a very nice woman.”
“Yes, I miss her terribly and so does Father. Something changed in him after her death. He is no longer the sweet-natured man I remember. Mother was twenty years younger than Father and I was their only child. From what Mother told me, she had a difficult time when I was born and was unable to have more children.
“After I graduated my parents announced they would be selling the house in New York and moving south. The harsh winters were affecting Father's health. I couldn't bear the thought of living without them and chose to move too.”
“I did hear you left New York but didn't know the reason,” said Travis.
“My life there wasn't exciting, but it was pleasant. I have a few friends and a steady job. Mother's death was a shock and Father needed me to help fill the void she left; my social life is non-existent.
“About two months ago, Father decided I needed a husband and set out to find one for me. I came home from work one evening and Father's friend, George Bennett, was there with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. George is a friend of Father's and sixty-five years old. Every night after that, Father had one of his cronies waiting for me and looking me over like a piece of meat. No matter how many times I told Father to stop the nonsense, he continued to parade suitors in front of me.
Murder in Kincaid Towers Page 6
