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Sue Brady sucked in a breath, giving him a layered look from top to bottom. “All right. I hope you won’t hurt her. I’ll keep my eyes on you.”
“I appreciate your concern.”
“And I, your scotch.” She stood and, with the help of the cane, walked to exit his office. He surged to his feet and with a couple of strides, beat her to it and opened the door for her. She flashed him a smile a bit warmer than before, and he hoped he hadn’t completely blown any chance of a good impression.
He closed the door, and an invisible weight sat on his chest. Why did he need to make a good impression? That lady had probably seen a lot in her lifetime, and she really cared for Nikki. Despite whatever he and Nikki had agreed on weeks earlier, now, things were about to change. Once he either confirmed the relocation to Dafield or changed to the last site they visited, his work would be done. He wouldn’t be needed as much on site and could focus on other dealings. He’d leave her.
Perhaps they’d be better off if he finished things now. It would hurt, but a clean break would make them both focus on the task at hand and keep emotions at bay. If the board found out he was sleeping with the woman who had proposed the relocation
, how would that bode for him? It’d be a disaster. Not only for his relationship with his father, but some of these other people would think twice before working with him in the future on different projects. He could lose his position at Myler and his father would never sell him his stocks. After his father’s death, strangers would hold control of the company. Not him.
Yes. He’d do what had to be done.
He popped his knuckles, pacing around his office. Then, his phone buzzed. He grabbed it, and read the text message.
Called Luke and he said he’ll have the boys for the weekend. I’d love to go to L.A. with you.
He hit reply. Uninviting her over the phone would be in bad form. He had to do it in person, but the thought of making her hurt in any way… his gut clenched, a knot making waves around his organs. Each time, tighter. His temples throbbed, and he took a sharp breath only to release it soon after.
He tossed the phone on the chair. He was a selfish bastard. He knew what the right thing to do was—he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.
* * *
“This is where you live?” Nikki said, her eyes darting from the huge living area to the French doors leading to a pristine pool and the terrace showcasing the ocean. “Like, for real?” she added. When she’d seen him in Tulip’s best hotel, she imagined he had money to spare, but this kind of lavish lifestyle was a different thing altogether.
He gave her a shy smile, almost embarrassed about his wealth. “When I’m in town, yes.”
“Wow. I need to take pictures to send the girls,” she said. They’d flip out.
He held her from behind, and warmth sifted through her clothes. “If I knew you’d be so impressed, I’d have brought you here the second after I met you.”
“I don’t think you wanted to have sex with me the second after we met,” she said, chuckling. “Did you?”
He kissed her shoulder. “Yes.”
She disengaged from his embrace, knowing full well if they kept going at that rate, she wouldn’t make past the living room. She opened the glass French doors leading to the pool. It was an enormous affair, with enough outdoor furniture around it and colorful flowers in vases to host the best summer parties.
So pretty in fact, it stole her attention from the pristine sand and the ocean view.
“I wish I had brought a bikini. This pool is amazing.”
“We can buy you one if you’d like. I can take you to the beach.” He cleared his throat. “I haven’t used this pool yet.”
Had he moved in recently? Curiosity pinched her. Why wouldn’t anyone take advantage of that glorious pool? “Yet? How long have you lived here?”
“Four years.”
“Four years!” Was he the type of workaholic who didn’t enjoy the little things? He’d made time for her in Tulip, and heck, even for hanging out with her boys. She didn’t peg him for the heartless work-only type, but maybe in his own environment he functioned differently.
“I haven’t swum in a pool ever since Keith’s death,” he said, looking away.
Keith’s death. Of course. Moisture evaporated from her throat, and her knees wobbled. Realization dawned on her, quick like angry waves on the shore. She slapped her forehead. God, she was an idiot. “I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“It’s okay.” He waved her off, his voice casual. “No big deal.”
“Why did you buy a house with a pool then?” Did he want to torture himself with that gorgeous manmade body of water on his property and deny himself the pleasure of enjoying it? Anger brewed in her chest at his father. She hadn’t met the man and already hated him—and knew he had to be behind this trauma. If only Cole saw it too.
“It was hard to buy one in my price range without all the add-ons. Besides, I’ve had properties I bought and sold in the past.”
