Off Limits Lovers

by Reese Ryan

  “Actually, this is a plan that we’ve both agreed to, regardless of which one of us becomes president.”

  “You talked to Ryder about this?”

  “Indirectly.” His father was being squirrelly with his answers.

  The water in the shower stopped running, drawing his attention to the source of the sound. Suddenly, his father’s odd venture into humanitarianism made sense.

  “Let me guess, you had a talk with his daughter Annabel. She’s the brainchild behind this plan to what...bring me back to Houston?”

  Sterling didn’t answer right away. “It’s what you enjoy doing, Roarke. Does it matter where you practice law as long as you get to help the people who need it? I assure you, there are just as many clients in need of your services here as there are in Dallas. Perhaps more.”

  “It matters if the three of you are conspiring behind my back to make it happen. Not a single one of you thought that maybe you should ask if I have any interest in returning to Houston?”

  “Annabel certainly seems convinced,” Sterling said. “And for the record, son, I like her. Seems to me that a man would be pretty damn lucky to have a woman go to this kind of trouble on his behalf.”

  “You don’t get it, do you, Dad? No one wants to be manipulated. Not even if the person doing it has the purest intentions.”

  “Roarke—”

  “I don’t need your charity, Sterling. If I ever choose to return to Houston, it’ll be on my own terms. Not because the three of you thought it would be fun to play puppet master.”

  “Then there’s another option I’d urge you to consider, son. I’d like you to rethink coming to work for Perry Holdings. I know the company has taken a hit. But the fraud charges have been dropped and we’ve been working the PR angle. It’s only a matter of time before the company’s valuation rises again.”

  “We’ve been through this before, Dad. I’m not interested in working for Perry Holdings. Not as long as you treat rules and ethics as an inconvenient suggestion.”

  “I thought after the talk we had at the ranch that you and I would get a fresh start.”

  “I want that, too. But that doesn’t change the fact that we have diametrically opposed business philosophies.”

  “If you believe that things should be cleaned up at Perry Holdings, who better to do it than a man with high character and a vested interest in this family’s legacy?”

  Roarke didn’t respond. Was Sterling actually offering him carte blanche to ensure everything at the company was aboveboard?

  He rubbed at the tension building in his temple. “I have to go, Dad. We’ll talk later.”

  He ended the call. Roarke’s pulse raced and the band of tension tightened around his head, as if it were trapped in a vise.

  It was time that he and Annabel talk.

  * * *

  Annabel knocked lightly on the partially closed door to Roarke’s office. She’d spent most evenings at his condo over the past week. Yet, she tried to be respectful of his privacy, especially when he was working.

  There was no answer.

  She tapped lightly again. She didn’t want to disturb Roarke in the event that he was dictating notes to his assistant, Marietta, back in Dallas.

  “Come in.” Roarke’s voice was strained. Nothing like the playful, sexy tone with which he greeted her most mornings.

  Annabel approached Roarke with a tentative smile, hoping that there hadn’t been more bad news in the pending murder case or in one of his client’s cases.

  She slid onto his lap, as she often did, and pressed a kiss to his mouth.

  He allowed her to kiss him, but he didn’t kiss her back. Nor did he wrap his arms around her the way he usually did.

  Something is very wrong.

  “I need to put my attorney–client hat on. So if you wouldn’t mind?” He motioned for her to take the guest chair on the other side of the desk.

  She complied, smoothing her skirt. “Okay, what’s this about? Did Mason finally reply to our letter?”

  “He did. Surprisingly, he’s agreed to compensate you for all monies lost. Including the wedding dress.” Roarke moved his mouse, presumably opening Mason’s email.

  “That is surprising, but that’s good news, isn’t it?” They should be celebrating, preferably in bed. Or the shower. Or the sofa. Or...

  “It is good news. I’m just reluctant to take Harrison’s offer at face value. Especially since he’s making it contingent upon providing you with a full apology in person.”

  “Why doesn’t he just pick up the phone? Or email? Send a text even? I don’t need to see him.”

  Roarke was slow to respond. “Are you afraid that if you do see him... Do you still have feelings for him, Annabel?”

  “I do. But none that I can articulate without filling an entire cuss jar.” She shifted in her chair and tugged her hair over one shoulder. “When and where does he want to meet?”

  “He didn’t indicate either in his email. So don’t be surprised if he contacts you directly to work out a time and place. If you’re uncomfortable negotiating the terms—”

  “No, I’m not.” She shrugged. “He’s a jerk, but he’s not dangerous.” She sat forward. “You seem stressed. Bad news on one of your other cases?”

  “No.” His brows furrowed in an expression that looked very much like disappointment. “But I did get some disturbing news this morning.”

  “What’s wrong? Is your family okay?” Now she was worried, too.

  “I spoke with my father this morning. It seems he and Ryder have decided that the Houston chapter of the Texas Cattleman’s Club should have an ongoing outreach program to provide legal aid.” He watched her carefully.

  “That’s sounds like a terrific program. And it’s an excellent fit for you, Roarke.” Annabel smiled tentatively. He didn’t seem excited or even surprised by the news from his father. Instead, he regarded her suspiciously.

  “It is, Annabel. Almost as if it was tailor-made for me.” He rubbed his chin as he assessed her. His glare had the effect of hot lights in an interrogation room. She could only imagine how intimidating he must be in the courtroom.

  “So what if it was tailored for you, Roarke?” Annabel asked, her eyes searching his. “It’s still a much-needed program here in Houston. And can you think of a better person to run it?”

  “Except I already have my own practice doing just that in Dallas.” Roarke’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes were the color of a stormy sea. He stood, his hands pressed to the desk as he leaned forward. “So what would possibly give my father or yours the idea that I’m interested in trading my practice in Dallas for one here?”

  His words hit her with the impact of a two-ton wrecking ball.

  Annabel’s eyes stung with tears and a knot tightened in her belly. The first time Roarke had really kissed her, she felt a shock of electricity and a fluttering in her chest. She’d known, in that instant, how deeply she’d been attracted to him. That she didn’t just want some casual fling with him.

  She’d been falling for Roarke little by little, since their first encounter. The night they’d made love for the first time, she thought he felt the same.

  But as he assessed her now with his chilly stare, none of the affection she’d been so sure he felt for her was evident.

  “You’ve obviously already determined that this was my idea. I just thought that with everything that’s happened between us and with your family...” Annabel’s courage withered beneath Roarke’s unyielding glare. She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, her gaze not meeting his.

  “You didn’t even bother to ask me, Annabel. Instead, you went behind my back and talked to your father and mine. You know my history with Sterling. That he’s been trying to manipulate me my entire life.” Roarke’s voice was strained.

  “It’s not like your father c
ame up with a plan to make you do something you don’t want to do, Roarke.”

  “No, he didn’t. You did.” He pointed an accusatory finger in her direction. “You actually managed to flip the script on Sterling. Got him to do your bidding. If I wasn’t so pissed right now, I might actually be impressed.”

  Annabel’s cheeks burned beneath his stare, a mixture of anger and disappointment. She’d realized she was taking a risk with this plan. But she hoped Roarke would see it as proof of just how much he meant to her.

  “I’m sorry. I obviously misread the situation.”

  “Look, Annabel, I’ve been honest with you from the beginning about all of the obstacles we faced. I thought you’d accepted that.”

  “You’re right. You were adamant that we should never have gotten involved. I’m the one who pursued you. And I’m the one who made the mistake of thinking that maybe you had reason to come home.” Her voice quivered slightly.

  “Dallas is my home, Annabel.” He narrowed his gaze at her. “And I’ve never made you believe otherwise.”

  A fresh round of tears stung her eyes. “But that isn’t the problem, is it? You’re afraid.”

  “And what is it you think I’m afraid of?” He tipped his chin.

  “This. Us. You’re afraid of how you feel. That this could be something real and worth making sacrifices for.”

  “You shouldn’t have gone to my father behind my back. All you had to do was roll over in bed and ask me what I wanted.”

  “I’ve tried. You always change the subject.” Her eyes stung and her throat felt dry and tight. “I guess that was my answer all along. I just didn’t expect to fall in love with you.”

  Annabel stood, drawing in a shaky breath. “And for the record, I’m scared, too. But I’d rather take a risk than miss out on something incredible because I was too afraid to try. Wouldn’t you?”

  She stared at him through watery eyes.

  “I can’t do this right now.” He shifted his gaze from hers and returned to his chair. “I only have forty-eight hours to put together an important court brief. I can’t afford any distractions. Happy or otherwise.”

  He’d used the phrase she’d uttered the night they had drove out to Galveston. When she’d said that meeting him had been a happy distraction.

  That night seemed like a lifetime ago.

  “So then nothing has changed for you? That’s all we are? Just a distraction from everything else going on in our lives?” She swallowed back tears and the hurt pride that squeezed her chest. “Well, don’t let me distract you any further.”

  Annabel slipped out of Roarke’s office and gathered her things, leaving his spare key on the counter. She got on the elevator and made her way down to the garage.

  She’d told Roarke she was in love with him and he hadn’t even acknowledged her words.

  Her heart ached and hot tears ran down her cheeks. But it was better to find out now that she’d been wrong about Roarke.

  He could never love her the way she already loved him.

  Nineteen

  Angela strolled hand in hand with Ryder after a night of seeing Hamilton on tour at Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center. It was a beautiful night, so they walked the half mile to Spindletop, a revolving glass-walled restaurant that provided 360-degree views of the city, for a lovely meal.

  Ryder looked particularly handsome tonight. He’d ditched his customary dark brown Stetson and had allowed his dark blond hair to grow out a little longer because she loved running her fingers through it.

  Ryder wasn’t a fan of suits, but he looked handsome in a gray vest, crisp white shirt with French cuffs and a black tie with gray and white diagonal stripes.

  Ryder ran his fingers through his hair, flipping back a few strands that had fallen across his eye.

  After they’d finished their meal, he reached across the table and took her hands in his.

  “I know I’ve already told you this, but you look stunning in that blue dress.” He squeezed her hands. “It’s been such a perfect night.”

  “It has,” she agreed. “The show was fabulous. The food was delicious. And the company was outstanding. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect night.”

  “I don’t know about that. The night’s not over.” He winked. “I ordered dessert.”

  “When?”

  “When I stepped away from the table.” He grinned.

  “That’s sweet of you.” Angela placed a hand on her belly. It was already filled to capacity. They’d shared barbecue bourbon shrimp and smoked salmon carpaccio appetizers. Then they had an entrée of a seafood pot for two. “But I honestly don’t think I can eat another bite.”

  “Good thing I just got one slice to share.” He released her hands and sat back as their server approached.

  The woman practically beamed as she set the slice of cheesecake on the table, then walked away.

  Angela glanced down at the dessert and noticed a brilliant shimmer coming from it.

  What...

  “Oh, my God, is that—I mean, are you—” Her heart raced and she couldn’t get the words out.

  “Yes and yes.” He took her hands in his again, bringing one to his mouth and kissing the back of it. “These past few months that we’ve spent together have been incredible. I didn’t think I’d ever find love again. Nor was I looking for it. But you shook things up. Awakened this dormant heart. You made me believe that love was possible again.” He grazed the back of her hand with his thumb. “Experience has taught me that when you find love, you shouldn’t hesitate. You never know what tomorrow’ll bring. And I don’t want to miss out on another precious moment with you.” He removed the ring from its perch atop the cheesecake. Its large-carat, round-cut center diamond and ribbons of pavé diamonds set in a platinum band gleamed. Then he got down on one knee before her. “Angela, darlin’, will you marry me?”

  “Yes. Of course, I will, Ryder.” Angela nodded wildly, tears streaming down her face. “I had started to think my cowboy would never come along. But there you were. The man I’d been waiting for my whole life. You’re everything I dreamed of and more. And I am so very much in love with you.”

  Ryder slipped the ring on her finger. When she leaned down and kissed him, the nearby patrons and staff cheered and applauded.

  She and Ryder Currin were going to get married.

  Angela could barely contain her joy.

  But how would their families react?

  She only hoped that their families would be half as happy for them as the restaurant filled with strangers seemed to be.

  * * *

  It’d been two days since Annabel had walked out of Roarke’s condo, and he hadn’t called.

  She’d overplayed her hand when she’d come up with her plan to get Roarke to move back to Houston. Her motive certainly hadn’t been diabolical. She just wanted him in her life, there in Houston, surrounded by their families.

  She hadn’t realized that he’d have such a harsh reaction to her meddling.

  So she’d thrown herself into her work and tried to pretend that it didn’t feel as if the entire world had crashed down around her. She’d honestly felt a sense of relief when Mason had broken off their engagement. But with Roarke gone from her life, it felt as if she was missing an essential organ.

  Her life just wasn’t the same without him.

  She stood in the center of the kitchen at their family ranch when sounds of laughter rung throughout the house. It was her father and Angela.

  “Hey there, darlin’.” Her father kissed her cheek as he entered the kitchen, still holding Angela’s hand in his.

  “Sounds like you two had a great night.” She forced a smile. They’d gone to the theater and then out to dinner. The way the two of them were giggling, she was guessing they’d hit the wine particularly hard.

  “It was amazing.” Angela st
ared dreamily into her father’s eyes. As much as Annabel liked the woman, there was a moment of envy that made her want to puke. Angela extended the hand that her father wasn’t holding. “We got engaged!”

  “You two are getting married? Wow, that’s awesome.” Fat tears burned Annabel’s eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She forced a big smile as she hugged them both, joy and envy battling in her chest. “I’m really happy for the two of you.”

  “Thank you, Annabel.” Angela squeezed her hand as she embraced her new fiancé. “Your support and acceptance right from the very beginning has meant so much to us.”

  More tears slid down Annabel’s cheeks. She could only imagine the kind of pushback Angela had gotten about the relationship from Sterling and probably from her sisters and brother. But unlike Roarke, Angela had been willing to fight for what she wanted.

  “I’m glad you were here. You’ve been spending so much time with Roarke, I didn’t know if we’d get to tell you in person.” Her father pulled a bottle of champagne out of the fridge.

  “I’m glad I was here, too.” Annabel forced an even bigger smile, determined not to rain on their parade. She hadn’t told her father about the argument between her and Roarke. And she wouldn’t let them know just how much her heart was breaking now.

  “We should all go out to celebrate.” Her father squeezed Angela’s hand. “Once we tell Sterling, we should invite him, too. Whether or not he accepts is up to him.”

  Angela nodded, looking hopeful. “It’s late. I’ll tell my family tomorrow night.”

  “Are you sure you we shouldn’t do this together? Maybe we should build a wall of solidarity right from the start, so Sterling won’t think he can divide and conquer.”

  “No, I think I should talk to him alone first. But I promise, there will be no dividing and conquering. We’re in this together.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

  Annabel suddenly felt like a third wheel.