* * *
Climbing into Conrad’s truck, Felicity wondered if she needed her head examined. As if things weren’t complicated enough between them, now she had the meeting with Breanna to consider, too. Did Conrad know she would be sitting in? Still, she couldn’t bring herself to ask him. She was enjoying this.
It was just a simple cup of coffee, she reminded herself. Except nothing about this man or her feelings for him were simple.
She was making just one reckless decision after another when it came to him. First, climbing on the horse—her body still tingled from the proximity. Then, agreeing to sit here in the close confines of the king cab, heater blasting and carrying the spicy scent of him.
But reason had left her right about the time she’d sat in front of him in the saddle, her body coming alive in a way that made her question her decision for distance. His effect on her was potent. Intoxicating. And damn near irresistible.
The truck wasn’t the luxury SUV he usually drove. No, this was a working vehicle. While it appeared to be only a couple of years old, the truck had been used often and hard. The leather seats wore the look of many cleanings. Snow and ranch life had taken a toll.
His gaze landed on her toying with her lanyard. “That’s a really pretty piece.”
“Thank you. Lanyards are my weakness.” She tried not to be aware of his eyes on her hand, which happened to be right at breast level. His look wasn’t of the ogling sort or disrespectful, but it was...aware. “I have a collection of them.”
He passed her a travel mug of coffee.
She let go of her necklace and took the drink, inhaling the java scent. “Heavenly. Thank you. I really needed this.”
“Long day?”
She nodded, touched by his insight. “I was called in before breakfast for an emergency.”
There had been an influx of eleven children admitted for signs of neglect after child services pulled them from a commune. The children would be placed in foster care. The intake had been emotional for all the staff, who had worked to reduce the stress for the already traumatized youths. Every time she thought she’d seen it all, she learned otherwise.
Conrad reached behind him to the backseat. “I have some power bars in my emergency kit.”
“I snagged some fruit from the cafeteria. Thanks, though.”
He dropped the bag back to the floorboards. “You’re a tough lady to pamper.”
“Or incredibly easy to pamper. Keep bringing me coffee like this.” This wasn’t hospital coffee. This was the good stuff.
And now she realized why she’d joined him. She needed this time away from the office and the strain of a rough day. Maybe it was unwise to indulge, but she wanted this momentary escape.
She searched for a way to extend their time together awhile longer. “Tell me what it was like growing up here.”
Draping an arm along the back of the seat, he angled to face her. “Our dad and mom were busy building the business, so Jack and I didn’t have a lot of supervision. Jack was expected to look out for me. Which he did. He took me horseback riding, fishing, hiking, kayaking. Wherever he went, he let me tag along.”
“You two are close,” she said, more to keep the conversation going than anything. She already knew how much his brother meant to him. His sense of family was one of the things that made him all the more tempting.
“We are. Although once he and Mary got married, because my parents were getting older, I was left to my own devices more.”
“How so?” she asked, curious about Conrad as a little boy. She recalled there being about fifteen years between the brothers, so Conrad would have still been quite young then.
“Unlimited computer time. That’s when I started playing the stock market.”
“As a kid?” she asked in surprise.
A wry smile crossed his lips that she noticed more than she should.
“I used my father’s profile.”
“He didn’t notice?” She wondered just how much he’d been left on his own. No wonder he’d reached out to his brother’s family.
“Oh, Dad noticed...eventually. He saw the profit margins increase at a much higher rate.” He shrugged. “So he set me up an account of my own and began loading it up with allowance money to invest—as long as I would give him tips.”
“And that was the start of your company.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He truly was a self-made man. She was impressed. Surprised.
“I seem to recall reading that you got a master’s degree in engineering. But how did this young entrepreneurial side of you never make it into the press?” She swirled the hot coffee in the mug, tendrils of steam carrying a light scent of cinnamon and nutmeg.
“I prefer to keep a lower profile than my brother.” He tapped her forehead. “What are you thinking?”
Her stomach fluttered at his touch, reminding her to proceed with caution despite the electricity he ignited in her skin. “I’m trying to decide if you’re being honest or just trying to tell me what I want to hear.”
His smile faded. “I’m always truthful. Always.”
She realized she’d insulted him. He took his honor seriously. That...tempted her.
While she might have wanted to escape from the stress of work, this conversation was bringing a whole new host of problems. She was playing with fire.
Felicity drained her coffee and passed him the cup. “I should get back to work.”
He took the mug, his fingers sliding around her wrist, holding her. “Felicity?”
The connection between them grew stronger, making her ache for more. Just a taste of him. Unable to resist, she swayed toward him, just a hint. But it was enough.
His head dipped and his mouth met hers, fully, firmly. He tasted of coffee and winter, of passion and confidence. And he set her senses on fire with a simple stroke of his tongue. As much as she tried to tell herself it was just a kiss...that her reaction was because of abstinence...this kiss, this man, moved her in a way she’d never felt before.
She gripped his coat and pulled him closer, the heat of him reaching even through his clothes, her gloves, into her veins. The world outside faded away, the truck cab a warm haven of isolation and temptation. Much longer and she would be begging him to take her home, and more.
Then a gust of warm air whispered between them and she realized he’d pulled away. She opened her eyes to find him studying her from the driver’s seat. Unmistakable desire flamed in his gaze, but he was pulling away.
Giving her the space he’d promised?
That made her want him all the more.
He stepped out of the truck, walked around the hood to her side and opened her door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
His words were a promise.
One she couldn’t bring herself to deny.
* * *
Walking away from kissing Felicity had been tough as hell.
But Conrad knew it was the right move. Aside from being in a public parking lot, he could sense she still wasn’t ready to take things to the next level. He’d made too much progress to risk a setback by pushing too fast.
He was a patient man.
Patient, and frustrated.
Thank goodness he had the distraction of a family card game at his house. He’d rather play pool on his vintage table. There was something calming about the angles. Like riding, sizing up shots calmed him to his core. But today, he and his brother, Jack, opted to gather the Mikkelson and Steele men for cards. Chuck and his wife had moved to North Dakota, but they made use of the family’s private jet for trips back to Alaska.
Playing games together was a carryover from Conrad’s childhood when his brother taught him to play.
Jack Steele stood in front of the wet bar, whiskey glass in hand, talking on the cell phone to Jeannie.
Conrad moved to t
he high counter that separated Jack from him. The housekeeping staff had left an array of snack food on the tan-and-brown-flecked granite countertop. Grabbing a plate, Conrad shoveled some fresh Parmesan fries onto his plate, along with two Reuben sliders. He swiped a bottle of beer and made his way back to the table. He scooped fries into his mouth and chewed, trying to push the memory of Felicity’s lips from his mind.
An unsuccessful venture.
Chuck filled his plate, pouring nuts and fries sky high. Opting for the sparkling seltzer water, he returned to the table.
Conrad sat in silence for a moment, listening to the cadence of his brother’s laugh. It was good to hear that sound given the events of the last year and the strange reemergence of Brea. Conrad was grateful Felicity had agreed to sit in when Brea met with the family. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what time apart from her birth family could do to a child who’d disappeared at her age.
A creak from the door to the game room cut through his thoughts. He cranked his head to the side to see a man in the door frame. Conrad did a double take as Royce entered.
Naomi’s husband, a renowned, brilliant scientist who worked for the company, Royce was...eccentric and reclusive. He had proved a great father to the twins, but he tended to spend his downtime on solo activities rather than hanging out with the extended family.
His near-midnight-colored hair was slightly disheveled. Looked like he had come from hours of working out a formula. Knowing Royce’s dedication to his work, Conrad’s assessment was probably correct.
Conrad swiped the surprise from his face over the scientist’s unexpected attendance. “You’re joining us?”
Royce shrugged, dressed in a plain black sweater, opting for understatement always. “It’s too cold for fishing.” He looked at the spread, then moved for the fries and popped one into his mouth. “Hope you don’t mind that I let myself in.”
With Royce’s showing up, all the men in the extended family were present. It would make for an interesting poker game. And a welcome distraction. “We rank better than freezing your ass off. Nice to know.”
“I came for the beer.” Royce nodded to Jack as he tucked away his cell phone and stepped behind the bar. “How’s Aiden doing?”
“Haven’t heard from him,” Jack said tightly, pulling the tap handle down and filling the frosted glass.
Aiden had dropped out of college. The teen said he wanted to learn the family business from the ground up. His father had suggested working summers, then. Aiden had declined.
Conrad could see both sides.
Their dad had booted him and Jack out when they’d each turned eighteen. It had been tougher for Jack since he’d already been in love with Mary, ready to tie the knot. They’d started a family right away. Jack’s education had taken long, hard hours.
Things had been easier for Conrad since he’d been on his own, using every free minute to study for higher scores, grateful his investment savvy could pay the bills. And he hadn’t been providing for a family or reading bedtime stories to kids then.
Jack shot a glance Conrad’s way. “Don’t send him money.”
Conrad held up his hands. “I have no intention of doing any such thing.” He took a swig of his beer, savoring the hoppy notes from the seasonal brew. “I may take him out to dinner next time I’m on-site, but my wallet will stay otherwise closed.”
As much as he’d filled his wish for kids with Jack’s children, Conrad was 100 percent clear on who their father was.
At the poker table, Chuck began shuffling decks.
Conrad tipped his beer to Chuck. “How did the house hunting go?”
“We’re going to build. We found the land we want, and now we’re having an architect draw up plans. If all goes well, it should be done by the time our name comes up on the adoption list.”
“That’s great.” Jack placed a plate of sliders and nuts on the table, his piercing eyes fixed on Chuck as he sat. “I hope you have a suite there for Jeannie, because once there’s a grandchild, there’ll be no prying her away.”
Chuck smiled. “We’re counting on it.” He turned to his brother, Trystan, offering him the deck to cut. “How’s Isabeau?”
“The doctor says she’s doing well, but I gotta confess, her diabetes scares me.” His hand shook as he stacked the cards again for Chuck to deal.
Conrad toyed with his chips in front of him as the cards were dealt. “If you need anything, just ask.”
Trystan scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “Keep an eye on her during the meetings. Make sure she isn’t overdoing.”
“Consider me on it,” Conrad said without hesitation.
Trystan smiled his thanks. “If there’s anything I can do in return, let me know.”
“I believe Marshall already beat you to the punch.” Sliding his cards from the table, Conrad leaned back in his chair.
“What do you mean?” Trystan fanned the hand he’d been dealt.
“Sending me to the hospital to ride a horse during story time.” Conrad slid a card to the center, while the others at the table looked on with undisguised interest.
Marshall tossed chips into the middle of the table. “I figured Felicity would either see or hear about it, which would bode well for you. Did it work?”
“She was impressed,” Conrad admitted, memories of that kiss filling his mind.
Grinning, Marshall sipped the seltzer water. “I’ve always thought you two would make a nice couple.”
Broderick leveled a shocked look at his brother. “Tally has certainly made a change in you.”
Marshall swapped out two of his cards. “Uncle Conrad has always been there for us. He deserves a family of his own.”
“Hey,” Conrad interjected. “We’re talking about me dating Felicity. Neither of us is marriage material. We’re married to our jobs, which makes us a good match for a relationship.”
Marshall cocked an eyebrow. “Funny, but I always thought you were more self-aware than that.”
Conrad scratched along the logo on the beer bottle. “I invited you all here for cards, not a gossip circle.”
And in fast order, he won the hand. If only wiping the knowing looks off their faces could be that simple. Unlikely, since if he had his way, they would all be seeing a lot more of him with Felicity on his arm.
Five
Felicity fidgeted with her phone as she sat in the waiting area outside the Alaska Oil Barons Inc. conference room, the meeting with Breanna Steele still a half hour away. This confrontation had the potential for healing—but she feared that it was more likely to tear open old wounds. She’d arrived early to gather her thoughts, and be on hand to get a read off everyone as they arrived.
Nerves fluttered in her stomach over seeing Conrad, but she was determined not to let them distract her from helping this family. She still hoped to steer them to another counselor, but they’d reached out to her. The sound of footsteps drew her attention from her phone, unable to quell the leap of excitement over seeing Conrad today... Except it wasn’t him.
Disappointment stung, too much. She’d definitely made the right choice in limiting her help to today’s meeting. Objectivity was difficult around Conrad.
She forced a smile of welcome for Isabeau Mikkelson...and her friend Tally, who also happened to be Marshall Steele’s fiancée.
The redheads could have been sisters. Certainly they’d formed a bond as future in-laws in the sprawling family. Did the Steeles and Mikkelsons know how lucky they were to have so much support not just from each other, but from their extended family? Hopefully Breanna would see that, too.
The weight of today’s meeting returned to the forefront of Felicity’s mind. While she had been trained to navigate difficult spaces such as this, her stomach knotted as she tried to imagine Breanna’s position. Tried to unpack all the ways warring emotions probably tore at her.
&n
bsp; All would be revealed soon enough.
Tally smiled with relief as she drew closer to Felicity. “Thank you for coming. It’s reassuring to have you here.”
Standing, Felicity tucked away her phone. “I’m glad to help however I can. There’s no way anyone could be prepared for a situation like this.”
Isabeau glanced over her shoulder as staff passed in the hallway. Pregnancy elevated her beauty, giving her the glow of a Madonna painting by one of the old masters. She sighed in her flowing maternity dress, her ruffled cap sleeves dipping down as her shoulders relaxed. She looked from Tally to Felicity, and said in a low voice, “The family is all so stalwart it worries me. They even scheduled a business meeting right after this to continue negotiations with the final candidate for the CEO position.”
“It’s not unusual for people to cling to the familiar when they feel other things are out of their control.” Although Felicity had to question the wisdom of holding such an important business negotiation after what would undoubtedly be an emotionally draining meeting with Breanna Steele.
Isabeau eased down to sit in an overstuffed leather chair, one gentle hand atop her baby bump. Leaning into the plush leather with her other elbow, she rubbed her temple as she stretched her shapely legs. “We’ll all feel better once the new CEO is in place. If our families can lock in a deal with Ward Benally, he’s just the sort of take-charge guy who’s needed right now. No one will need to ‘babysit’ him through the transition.”
“I think he’s got Marshall’s vote, too. Although, speaking of take-charge guys...” Tally’s mouth pulled up into a wily smile as she turned toward Felicity. Tally rested a hip against the reception table, her sleeve brushing against the arrangement of wildflowers. “What’s up with you and Conrad? You can tell me to mind my own business and I won’t be offended.”
Felicity weighed her words and opted for simple and succinct, hoping to quell any matchmaking. “He wants a relationship. I need to focus on my career. There’s nothing up.”
Tally scrunched her nose and tapped Felicity’s arm. “You know what they say about all work and no play...”
The Billionaire Renegade Page 6