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“Jesus, Greer.” He doesn’t have to say more.
I swallow down the emotions bubbling to the surface. This is no time for my hormonal instability. The best thing to do would be to discourage him from staying, insist he go home and promise to call him when I return. But instead, I lean further into him, laying my head on his shoulder and keeping my hand on his face. We sit like this for a while with only the crackling of the fire and the whipping of the wind outside.
So many thoughts run through my mind, but I allow myself this sense of peace, knowing the obstacles ahead of us. My body relaxes into his, and I inhale, the scent of him luring me further into his comfort.
My eyes drift closed, and I start to fall asleep, not registering when his hand glides from my hip to my stomach. The last thing I remember is him whispering, “I love you.”
Chapter 24
Lawson
“I’ll find some time to get back into town today and see what I can do.”
“This is important, Lawson. Rob and Clive look like they could collapse any minute from stress. We were prepared for this weather, but with the influx of storms, my contract crews are having a hard time getting to the site. I’ve pulled all the employees I can from existing projects to the point that other jobs are starting to suffer. We need you here physically,” Dad tells me.
“What the hell is my presence going to do? I can’t change the weather. It’s only been a week since you broke ground. No one expects a miracle.”
“You of all people know the expectations. While you may not think your ‘presence’ will do anything, you are wrong. Taking off and disappearing the day we started didn’t set a good example. It’s been five days, and your absence hasn’t gone unnoticed. People are starting to talk. In a few months, you’re slated to become a top executive in this company, which carries a huge responsibility. When I say Rob and Clive look like they’re going to collapse, it’s not an exaggeration. Rob’s the worst. You’ve put him through the wringer lately with your bi-polar shifts. First, you announce you’re leaving, forgoing the promotion, and ready to help search for a viable candidate. This thing with Greer explodes and he learns your antics, which put everything in jeopardy. But in the end, you’re his nephew. He worries about you. Then you send him a text on your way out of town to hold off on the search and you’ll talk to him after the holidays. This isn’t right. It’s time you get your head straight.”
I resist lashing out at him, rubbing my hand through my hair and taking a few deep breaths. “First of all, I didn’t disappear. You, Clay, Janice, and a handful of others know where I am. I’ve had my phone charged at all times and answered all of your emails. The hotspot isn’t full service out here. Secondly, I’ll call Uncle Rob and smooth things over. Why he’s using you as a messenger is fucking ridiculous.”
“He’s terrified you’ve lost your mind. His last comment was questioning your mental stability.”
“My mental stability is excellent. As for getting my head together, I have more clarity than I have in weeks.”
“Then come home. Give us a few days in the office. Help us figure out labor numbers and lend a hand with restructuring projects. Maybe even attend the annual Christmas brunch and boost employee morale.”
“Jesus, now you sound like Clay.” I roll my eyes, imagining those exact words coming from my brother’s mouth.
“Hey, I take offense to that.” Clay’s voice bursts through the line.
“You have me on fucking speakerphone?”
“I just walked in and wanted to hear if you caught frostbite yet?” His humor breaks the tension building in my shoulders.
“No, asshole, I’m making out fine. Kevin Palmer has a soft spot for me.” I chuckle. “He built a structure out here.”
“What kind of structure?”
“The kind with four walls and a roof.”
“He built you a cabin? We’re over here worried as hell that we’re going to have to bail you out of jail for trespassing and stalking, and you’re living the life of Riley?” Clay grumbles.
“Don’t know where you got this was a cabin. It’s a room with two electrical outlets, a fireplace, a bed, and a sink with running water. Not exactly luxurious living.”
“You’re not in a tent,” he points out unnecessarily.
“Obviously.”
“Why the hell did he make it easy for you? I thought he said he wanted to kill you?”
“This place was here when I arrived. I assume it was all part of a plan. He knows his daughter and that when Greer realized I was here, she’d worry. This is really for her peace of mind.”
“Hmm, good call.”
“As great as it is to know you aren’t going to get eaten by a bear, can we get back to the point of this call? Are you going to come home for a few days?” Dad cuts in, sounding less than amused.
“Dad, I can’t do that right now. I’m fighting like hell to prove to Greer that she’s the most important thing in my world. She’s finally within reach. I can’t run back to the city and give her a reason to doubt everything I’ve been building. This is going a lot slower than I’d like, but she finally doesn’t look like she’s going to bolt. I won’t get into details, but these few days have been essential. We’re having lunch today. There’s no way I’m fucking it up.”
