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Booted footfalls resonated from the stable’s bricked aisle, and Slade hastened to right his clothing. “If you’re sure, I’ll take you back to get your car. Maybe I can change your mind on the way.”
Chapter Ten
Chicago
“What were you thinking?” Michael tossed Natalie’s phone back to her.
Picking it up off the white velvet sofa, she scowled at her pain-in-the-ass oldest brother. “I made it clear I won’t let her get away with killing Tony.” She should have known he would discover the threatening texts she’d been sending Nicole. “Douglas found her and her new number.” She cut her glare over to Douglas who leaned with negligent insolence against the marble fireplace. The traitor had remained silent during Michael’s tirade.
He shrugged with as much unconcern as he’d shown since Michael started laying into her the minute she stepped through the door. “I don’t see the problem with a little harassment. It’s fun to picture her reaction reading them.”
Michael slammed his glass on the bar countertop. He seemed to do that a lot lately. “There’s nothing amusing about those threats. They could result in charges.”
“With our money? Not likely.” If that was the only argument he could come up with, that wouldn’t stop her. The bitchwouldpay. She would see to it.
“Relax, Michael. Wells lives out in the boonies, from what I can figure of her location. I doubt there’s anyone around who will give a fig about her problems back home. Let sis have her fun.”
Douglas smiled at her, daring her to mention his involvement. Natalie wouldn’t because she needed him, but he should remember she was good at getting revenge. “It’s not fun. It’s retribution.”
“I don’t care what you call it. Stop. Now,” Michael ordered.
“No.” She rose and stormed toward the door, tossing over her shoulder, “Cut my allowance. Hell, fire me if you choose. It won’t stop me. Nothing will.”
Natalie slammed out of the house before she gave in to the tears. She had adored Tony and their special bond. She’d told Nicole over and over she wanted to be there for him, especially during his last weeks. He died in her arms, by her hand, and she didn’t have it in her to let that go.
***
SLADE FAILED TO PERSUADENicole to join them for Sunday dinner, so to distract him from that disappointment, he brought Chace to play with Brandy. And with luck, their antics would distract Lily and Allie from mentioning his outing with Nicole. His mother would appreciate it if Chace wore out her high-energy goldendoodle, but would love as much to hear he’d taken a serious interest in a woman. How serious depended on whether Nicole kept an open mind going forward. At least she’d agreed to think about it when he’d dropped her off.
He took his time driving to Eagle’s Nest, contemplating whether he should even bother, but there it was, that little twinge whenever he considered backing off. She’d taken the first move earlier in extending her apology, an encouraging sign even though she’d turned down his invite. He understood the confusion of their mutual attraction and her reluctance to enter into another full-fledged relationship.
“However,” he stated aloud, glancing at Chace as he parked at his parents’ house. “If I can risk that leap, so can she. It’s not as if she isn’t interested.” Chace barked and pawed the door. “Mind out of the gutter, buddy. Brandy’s been fixed.”
Slade held the door open for him and they went straight into the back yard. Willow came barreling out the dog door when she saw Chace, and he took advantage of their romping to slip inside the house through the slider.
“The dogs are tearing up your yard.” He kissed his mother’s cheek after hanging up his hat and jacket. “They love the cooler weather.” As he’d hoped, Lily and Allie’s attention went from chopping vegetables at the kitchen counter to looking out the window above the sink and laughing.
