"Penance, apparently," Karina said. "He's been telling his shameful mistake to everyone that will listen and asking advice on how to get you back."
I almost smiled. "Well, that's kind of sweet."
"Everyone's eating it up, Jessa. There's a running bet on your wedding date floating around." Karina sighed. "What I put down is worth a dream honeymoon."
"You bet on me?" I laughed. "So, tell me my fate."
Karina giggled. "Over wine."
I jogged up the marina steps and stopped cold. "Karina? I might have to meet you at Jojo's later."
"Why? What's the matter?"
I smiled as a familiar figure slipped out of the shining sports car and stood up. "Robert's here."
"Damn, Jessa. Let me tell you—"
It was too late. I hung up the phone and slipped it into my pocket, trying to act casual as I looked over the hood of his sleek car.
"Have you seen my driver anywhere around?" I asked Robert.
Robert smiled. "At least you're talking to me. I was afraid you wouldn't say a word to me."
I blinked, surprised at his soft charm. "Why?" I asked.
"I came here hoping I'd run into you. I've been so worried," Robert said.
"Have you spoken to my father?" I asked.
Robert shrugged. "I'm worried about you, Jessa. This whole thing has to be pulling you in too many directions. How are you holding up?"
I felt one tiny knot of stress loosen in my shoulders. "Did you come all the way here to check on me?"
"I did." Robert flashed a heart-melting smile. "I know I should have given you your space, but I just needed to see you. I'll go now if you want."
"No, wait." The words were out of my mouth before I was sure what I was saying. "It's, ah, um, it's nice to see a friendly face."
Robert shocked me by rushing over and grabbing both my hands. "Oh, Jessa! I got so out of hand. I'm so sorry."
I staggered back then caught myself. "Out of hand? More like you bruised me with your hands."
His touch on my fingertips was gentle, and he looked down at our hands with a frown. "I let all the stress of the corporate spy hunt get to me. Your father told me everything, entrusted me. He didn't want you to worry."
"Wait. Are you saying you knew about the possibility of a spy before the theft of the software?" I tugged my hands free.
"It was a concern of your father's, and when it all started to happen, I felt so helpless. You saw the worst of me," Robert confessed.
I wanted to believe him. It made sense. Stress and keeping secrets caused people to do things they wouldn't normally. And Robert seemed sincere.
"I've known you a long time, Robert. I want to trust you, but I will never let you treat me like that again," I said, with a firm tone.
Robert caught my fingertips up again and kissed them softly. "All I want is for you to forgive me."
One little act of kindness and I fell apart. The tears overflowed, and I couldn't stifle the first soft sob. Robert caught me close in his arms as the wave of stress and sorrow washed over me. He smoothed my hair back, careful not to crush my chignon.
Dayton would never have been so careful with me.
The comparison only made me cry harder. Robert felt it and held me tighter, whispering soothing things in my ear. I leaned against him and listened to silly gossip, sudden shared memories from our childhood, and slowly my tears subsided.
"There now," Robert whispered. "All better?"
I shook my head against his solid chest. "Everything's ruined. I don't know what to do."
"What if I told you I have an idea for saving Lauren Corp and making it stronger than ever?" Robert asked.
I looked up into Robert's light blue eyes and felt a sudden ray of hope. If anyone knew how to create and maintain an image, it was Robert. I knew that if he cared, he could turn the now-ruined reputation of Lauren Corp completely around.
"I'm listening," I said. I let Robert take my hand and lead me to his sports car.
Despite the newly dedicated man in front of me, Dayton's words kept ringing in my ear. He had been so adamant that I stay away from Robert. He'd warned me not to go back to him.
I didn't go back to Robert. Robert sought me out. He cared enough to track me down and check on how I was doing. And that was a lot more than Dayton had done for me.
I slipped into Robert's car and told myself I was just letting him drive me to my family home.
Still, the memory of Dayton's worried eyes flashed in my mind. He'd been fine with me declaring we'd never see each other again. As long as I didn't go near Robert. As if I needed Dayton to protect me.
"What would you say if I asked you to dinner? I've got a great idea, but I need you to help me fill in the blanks and make it complete," Robert said.
I smiled. Robert asked for my input. Something I couldn't imagine Dayton doing. He was so used to ordering everyone around on the renovation site.
I nodded. "Dinner sounds fine. As long as we keep the talk focused on Lauren Corp."
"And your family," Robert replied. "I can't pretend I don't know how much this business means to both your father and your mother."
Tears pricked my eyes. Robert really did understand. Dayton clearly thought people like my family didn't have feelings otherwise he wouldn't have turned his back on all of his peers.
"I'm not discussing anything personal between us. Not tonight," I declared.
Robert nodded and spun the wheels of his sleek sports car as we rushed out of the marina and onto the main road. He picked up speed until I swatted at his knee, then he caught my hand and gave it a quick squeeze before slowing down.
"You know, I have to confess that I knew Dayton Miller before he went to prison," Robert said.
I stiffened. "You did? Was he a snake back then too?"
My bitter comparison surprised both Robert and me but Robert laughed. I remembered how much he liked hearing me disparage others in our set, and, for a moment, I felt like indulging him. A good long rant would have made me feel better, but Robert still wanted to talk about Dayton.
"He was a really snotty kid. Kind of a bully too. He always wanted in on everything." Robert smiled at that; then he shook his head. "Then suddenly we were bad people, and he hated us all."
"So you really did know him?" I asked.
Robert nodded. "I just didn't put two and two together fast enough. I failed your family, Jessa, and I am so sorry."
My breath caught in my throat as I realized something terrible. "I broke up with you before you could figure it out."
Robert laid a hand on my knee. "I was so distraught that I didn't even think he could be the possible spy. I practically paved the way for him taking the software."
A wave of guilt washed over me. Robert didn't know that I had slept with Dayton. He didn't know that Dayton was innocent or that I was his alibi, so he was blaming himself.
I put my hand over his and pressed it to my skin. "It's not your fault, Robert. I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt my family."
"They're practically—I mean, they were practically my family too," Robert said.
I didn't let go of his hand. "Did I overreact?" I asked.
It seemed so plausible. I was so distracted by Dayton and the idea of escaping my own life. What a selfish thing to do! With my head turned by those ideas, I had turned on Robert. I had only let myself see the worst in him. It was possible I had been completely unfair to him as a reaction to getting engaged.
"You've done nothing that I can't forgive. If you can forgive me for acting like a stressed out monster, then I see the past as the past." Robert squeezed my thigh. "Where should we have dinner?"
I lifted my hand and dropped my head into my palms. "I'm not sure I'm good for polite society right now," I said.
Robert smiled and patted my knee. "I think what you might need is a little escape. Somewhere no one will judge you, and you can relax completely."
I leaned back in my seat. "Sounds heavenly. Where's that?"
>
"My place. The cook will have dinner for us, and I have an extensive wine cellar. Lady's choice."
My gut twisted a little at the thought of going home with Robert, but I at least owed him my friendship.
"Fine. Just friends having dinner," I said.
Robert revved up his sports car. "Then come on, friend. Let me take you home."
Chapter 16
Dayton
"Don't go! You haven't even had one cup of coffee," Mrs. Upton called.
I groaned but couldn't find a decent excuse for walking out on my loyal housekeeper. "Fine. One cup but then I have to get to work."
She lured me onto my favorite stool at the kitchen island and poured me a fresh cup. "I could whip up some pancakes really quick. You used to love pancakes."
"Gerald would kill you if he found out you made me breakfast. Let’s just stick with the banana nut muffins he left." I snagged one, took a slug of coffee, and tried to head for the door.
My housekeeper rushed to get in front of me. "I don't see why your crew can't get by without you for one more day. You don't want to give those awful police detectives any more chances."
I gently moved Mrs. Upton aside. "You forget. I'm innocent," I reminded her.
"I know you are, but those two crude men are working under the opposite belief. They're just trying to find one little thing to pin on you." She wrung her hands.
"And they won't because I haven't done anything wrong. Besides, the more I show I'm willing to cooperate, the better things will go for me," I said in a stern voice.
"You can't go. There's a big problem in the wine cellar. You have to help me." Mrs. Upton chased me down the hallway.
"Are you trying to lock me downstairs to keep me safe?" I laughed. "I appreciate the sentiment but don't you think those detectives would find it strange to see my crawling out a basement window?"
Mrs. Upton finally relented, but she still glared down the front steps at the unmarked squad car. "I could offer them some coffee and slash their tires." She smirked.
"Settle down, Mrs. Upton. Everything's going to be fine." I waved goodbye and wished I could believe myself even for one second.
The truth was that I floated along in a complete fog. It was my fault. If I had been honest with Jessa from the get-go, she and I would have been working together to save her family's company. As it was now, I was branded Jessa's enemy, and there was nothing I could do to help her.
That helpless feeling on top of guilt made me feel like a cornered dog. I wanted to snarl at everyone I saw, and the only place I knew that would be acceptable was at work.
The men on my crew didn't mind orders. They liked the steady work, the cohesive plan, and the fact that they could always point their finger at me when questioned. I couldn't leave them at the mercy of Maxwell Lauren's interrogations any longer. Even the accusations against me hadn't stopped them from harassing my men.
"Thought we were on hiatus," Mike called out the office trailer door as soon as I bumped my truck onto the sidewalk and parked.
"Then what are you doing here?" I asked.
Mike glared at me. "Skeleton crew, mostly maintenance of the reno site. Don't want any of these blue bloods getting hurt on top of everything."
"Great." There was nowhere for my anger to go except inward.
"You shouldn't be here," Mike said. "Mr. Lauren's looking for any reason he can to have you arrested. He's determined to pin this whole thing on you no matter what the truth is."
"Looks like you're right." I nodded towards the approaching police officers.
One looked like top brass, and he walked a few steps behind with Maxwell Lauren himself. I cracked my knuckles and got ready for a fight. Facing off in front of the police was just the kind of confrontation I had been hoping for.
Then all the fight drained out of me. A little silver sports car squealed up to the curb, and Jessa stepped out. Robert joined her with a snakeskin smile, and they proceeded to join the posse heading my way.
All I had wanted was a good yelling match. Maybe a little shoving and some profanity. I hadn't counted on Jessa being there. I couldn't very well profess my innocence in front of the one person I had lied to from the start.
Then I noticed Robert's arm, possessive around her waist. She had the decency to catch my disgusted glance and duck her head. One strand of silky hair escaped Jessa's tight topknot and slipped across her face. She reached up to brush it back into place, and the sunlight caught the ring on her finger.
A diamond the size of an acorn winked at me, and I felt the bottom of my world drop out.
My short, passionate time with Jessa had not meant anything. I had just been some unfortunate detour on her way. Now only that, but the man she had chosen over me had deceived her so completely that she didn't even realize she'd been tricked.
I wondered how many days it would be until Robert's cruelty resurfaced. The thought wounded me more than the united front they formed against me.
Mike bristled. "What's going on here?" he asked Mr. Lauren.
"We're putting an end to this sordid business," Jessa's father said. "You're under arrest, Dayton Miller."
"On what charges?" I asked.
"Trespassing for one," Robert spat. "Weren't you told to stay clear of this place?"
"You seem to forget that I own the building," I retorted.
Jessa looked up, shocked that I was claiming my family identity. "Oh, so now it's your building?" she asked.
I bit my lip but could not stop my angry words. "It is my building, and I have to say this whole situation has made me very uncomfortable. I don't think it's wise for us to continue our connections. You can consider this your notice."
"Notice?" Maxwell sputtered. "You're going to try to kick us out?"
"I can't house corporations that try to pin all their problems on me just because they thought I was a convenient scapegoat," I pointed out. "Read your lease. I can revoke it at any time."
Mike stepped forward to make sure the confused police officers didn't get any closer. "Unless you have formal charges, I suggest you move along," he snarled.
That might have been it if Mike hadn't spotted the enormous engagement ring on Jessa's finger. I felt him tense up the second he saw it.
One of the officers cleared his throat. "We have enough to hold you for questioning, Mr. Miller. You will have to come with us."
"Whoa there. You can ask Dayton any questions you need to right here and right now." Mike folded his thick arms over his chest and refused to move.
"They may be of a, um, delicate nature," the other officer said.
"Like what?" Mike asked. "Like who he was spending the night with when these whiners got robbed? Has it never occurred to you that he might be protecting the identity of his alibi? Perhaps he or she doesn't want to admit to having relations with him."
I caught Mike by the arm and dragged him around. "What are you doing?" I hissed.
"I'm done pussy-footing around all of this, Dayton. These questions are bullshit. This whole thing is bullshit." Mike snarled at Mr. Lauren. "He doesn't want to face up to the fact that he let his extra-curricular activities distract him from work. It could be his inattention allowed all of this to happen and now he just needs someone to blame."
Jessa's face had gone pale white. Luckily her father and Robert were so intent on the confrontation that they hardly noticed her.
I did.
And what I saw was not the face of a happily engaged woman. She seemed to look at the heavy diamond ring as some kind of alien appendage that had suddenly appeared.
Then she looked at me.
She looked sorry, scared, and desperate all at the same time. I recognized it because that's exactly how I felt. I had to apologize to her for lying; I had to face up to who I really was, and I was desperate to be able to do both before Jessa, and I never saw each other again.
Mike, always quick to catch the undercurrents, whirled on me again. "What do you want to do, boss? Stay or go?"
>
The police looked on, pained and nervous that Mike would be able to enforce whatever decision I made.
I took a deep breath. "I'm heading down to the station with these two patient police officers," I said.
Jessa's eyes flew wide open. Her lips parted, but luckily no sound came out. She was on the verge of confessing she was my alibi, and I couldn't have her pouring fuel on the fire.
"No arguments. Someone told me they wanted to get down to the truth, so let's do it," I spat.
Mike flexed and balled his huge hands into fists, but I shoved him aside.
"You don't owe them anything, Dayton. Not even if they try to call you their peer," Mike snarled.
That hit that target. I winced. Mike was right. I'd spent my whole adult life trying to distance myself from people like Maxwell Lauren and Robert. Men who carelessly took advantage of their wealth and status to follow whatever whims they might have.
I grabbed my friend and leaned in for a quick counsel. "The old man has extra-curricular activities?" I asked Mike.
"You know me. I'm never one to miss a budding romance," Mike winked.
"Don't say anything else," I warned him.
Even after seeing her re-engaged to Robert, I didn't want Jessa to suffer any other indignities. Her two-faced fiancé was enough; I didn't need to heap on her father's infidelities as well.
Jessa wanted to say something. She ran forward a few steps as the police officers lead me away but Robert yanked her back. I watched as she twisted her arm from his grip and felt the waves of helplessness again.
I couldn't stop Jessa from making her own decisions. The best I could do was find out who had stolen her father's software and started all the drama in the first place. I went with the officers knowing they were my best bet for a solid lead.
My shark of a lawyer met us on the sidewalk outside the precinct, and he had the officers shaking in their boots before they were even out of the squad car.
"I agreed to cooperate," I reminded my attorney.
He scoffed. "There's no need for that. They know this is a waste of time."
Still, I allowed the police officers to escort us to an interrogation room. The detectives I recognized from outside my house joined us, and we all sat down.
Billionaire's Match Page 10
