“I never thought you paid any attention to me. I was your assistant, after all.”
Dane stared at her incredulously. “You’ve been more than an assistant, Morgan. You helped make my life easier.”
Morgan smiled at his heartfelt words. “That means a lot, thank you. And to answer your question, I will have a café mocha. Who drinks regular coffee anyway?”
Morgan shared how well the coffee meeting went later that evening on the phone with Jared. They’d stayed at the coffee shop for hours until Fallon and Ayden both commented they had to get home to their kids. Morgan was excited to have a niece and nephew. Dane was headed back to Los Angeles to Iris and Jayden. Seeing her siblings go home to their respective families made Morgan long to have a family of her own.
“That’s wonderful, Morgan,” Jared said. “I’m glad to see you bonding with your siblings. I wish I could do the same.”
“Is Chris still MIA?”
“Yep. I’ve left countless messages for him and he hasn’t answered a single one of them,” Jared responded. “I wish he would just talk to me and tell me what’s going on. Maybe I could help. And I could certainly use his advice when it comes to managing Robinson Holdings.”
“I imagine it’s been a trial by fire.”
“You can say that again.” Jared chuckled. “But I’ll carry on. I don’t have much choice. I’m the only Robinson left standing.”
“True, but don’t you find it rewarding to have your family need you?”
“Yeah, I suppose I do,” Jared said. “They’ve never looked at me as anything other than a screwup, and suddenly I’m their salvation. It’s a bit disconcerting. My grandmother is usually calling me about how I’ve embarrassed the family with my shenanigans, but now she’s talking shop and asking my opinion.”
“You’ve always had it in you, Jared,” Morgan responded. “Perhaps you needed to be put to the test to realize your true potential.”
“When did you become so wise, Morgan Stewart?”
“Maybe because I had to grow up early and take care of myself.” Silence ensued on the other end and Morgan realized he’d meant it to be a rhetorical question.
“You’re not alone now,” Jared murmured softly. “You have your siblings and you have me.”
“For a limited time,” Morgan reminded him. The terms of their arrangement were never far from her mind. If she was honest, she would like to date Jared, for real, to see where their relationship would go, but he’d made it abundantly clear he was not in it for the long haul.
“Um…” Jared cleared his throat. “Yeah…that’s right. So, are you ready for a weekend of fun with the Robinsons?”
“I am. After hearing about your parents, I’m eager to finally meet them.”
“Good, I’ll pick you up at three on Friday afternoon and we’ll get an early jump on traffic. How’s that sound?”
“Great, see you then.” Morgan stared at her phone after he’d hung up. Was it her imagination or had their conversation ended on a sharp note after she’d brought up the short time they had remaining together? She wished it weren’t so, but she had to keep telling herself not to get too attached to Jared before she got hurt.
Morgan inhaled deeply. Who was she kidding? She was already falling for the guy.
Jared rose from the sofa he’d been lounging on while talking to Morgan. She sounded so happy about connecting with her siblings. He was happy because he sensed deep down, she wanted to be part of something bigger. And now, as a Stewart, she would have in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He wanted that for her because it wasn’t something he could give her. He could tell Morgan was growing attached to him. They were spending an awful lot of time together. He too was starting to feel a connection he’d never felt. Jared could talk to her about anything—work, family, it didn’t matter—because Morgan offered good advice and positivity, something sorely missing in his life. She championed him and it was a heady feeling.
But it made Jared wary. He couldn’t be her hero. He wasn’t built that way. He was the lothario who knew how to show a woman a good time and please her in the bedroom. But offer more? He wasn’t capable of it. Or at least he didn’t think he was. He’d never stayed in a relationship long enough to find out.
Having been blessed with good looks, he been pursued by the opposite sex since he was a teenager. He’d relished the attention of the nubile women who’d flocked to him. Many had tried and been unsuccessful in their attempts to get Jared to want more during the affairs, until Morgan. Was it because none of them could hold a candle up to her?
She was the most innocent and guileless of the women he’d dated. Jared didn’t want to hurt Morgan, yet he couldn’t deny he wanted to make love to her. Whenever they were together, Jared felt not only his heart contract and expand, but his trousers get tighter. He was doing his best to keep his distance, but he suspected two days in the country was sure to either drive him crazy or Morgan into his bed. And if it was the latter, Jared wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Eleven
“Your family calls this a compound?” Morgan asked that Friday afternoon. Jared had driven them about thirty minutes outside the city toward Lake Austin and had slid past two private wrought iron gates. The Porsche Cayman GTS was now on a tree-lined street with hundreds of massive oaks.
“My grandpa bought this place because of the view, but he also wanted to be surrounded by nature,” Jared replied. “There’s a lot of white-tailed deer, spring-fed creeks and limestone and granite outcroppings. When we were kids, he used to take Chris and me out kayaking and fishing. But if that’s not your speed there’s some local wineries, boutique shopping and chef-owned restaurants. So there’s plenty to do.”
Morgan absorbed Jared’s words and thought about the weekend ahead. She wasn’t afraid of meeting Jared’s parents or spending time with his grandmother again. She liked Ruth. She was worried, however, about the sleeping arrangements. Morgan was certain everyone assumed they’d want one room and it wasn’t like she could request a separate one. It would raise a red flag. So, she was going to have sleep beside Jared for the next two nights. Given how red-hot their kisses had been, Morgan was afraid of what might happen.
Jared drove past a long white perimeter fence with horses grazing in the field and Morgan had to ask, “You have horses? How many acres is this place?”
Jared shrugged. “I don’t know. A couple hundred.” The car curved around a winding paved driveway and stopped in front of a two-story brick-and-stone veneer mansion with medieval castle-style doors. Across from the house, there was an exceptionally large coy pond.
Morgan didn’t wait for Jared to help her as she opened her door and got out, staring openmouthed at their beautifully serene surroundings.
“Want a tour?” Jared asked.
Morgan beamed with pleasure. “I’d love one.”
Jared grabbed her hand and said, “We’ll start outdoors.”
The compound had not only the main house, but had smaller homes throughout the estate. It came complete with a theater, its own gym with indoor basketball court, game room, an entertaining pavilion, two pools with spas, a boat storage facility, a baseball field, a volleyball court and a chipping and putting green that overlooked the lake.
“I feel like I’m at a resort,” Morgan said after the tour ended at the main house. She helped Jared with the bags and he procured a key and opened the front door.
“Hello!” Jared called out when they entered the foyer with a baby grand piano front and center. When no one answered, he turned to her. “We must be the first arrival.”
“No, you’re not.” Antoine came rushing toward them down the hall. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you. The staff and I are still getting ready for the weekend. We learned your brother, Chris, and his girlfriend are joining us.”
“Chris is coming?” Jared’s voice rose several oct
aves.
Antoine nodded. “Was it as much of a surprise to you as it was to your grandmother? Allow me to show you to your quarters.”
As she walked up the winding staircase behind Jared, Morgan surveyed her surroundings, noting the vaulted ceilings and elaborate chandeliers. Eventually, Antoine stopped in front of a large oak door and swung it open. The room contained a four poster bed covered in a steel-colored velvet duvet with tons of pillows, including one made of Mongolian fur. A beautiful stone fireplace sat across from the bed, giving the space a cozy atmosphere.
“Your en suite bath is to the right and has towels and toiletries,” Antoine said. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Sure thing.” Jared closed the door behind him when he left.
“So.” Morgan looked around the room, There were two accent chairs next to a table, but there was nowhere else for them to sleep but the bed.
“I can sleep on the floor,” Jared offered, sensing her discomfort, “though I have to admit I’m not looking forward to the prospect. It can get pretty cool along the water at night.”
Morgan offered a smile. “I wouldn’t do that to you. This is your family’s home. Plus, it’s just two nights. I’m sure we can share a bed together. It’ll be a piece of cake, right?”
Jared’s pupils flared. “We should go,” he said after several moments. “See who else has arrived.”
“Like Chris?”
“Heck yeah. I have a major bone to pick with him.”
Morgan was glad for the easy out, but she knew it was only a temporary reprieve. It wouldn’t be long before they’d have to share that bed.
Jared was desperate to get out of the bedroom. If he stayed any longer, he wasn’t going to be responsible for his actions. Sleeping beside Morgan night after night was going to be agony, physically. He wanted her badly. But she was like a skittish filly and he couldn’t move fast or she’d run away. This weekend would test every ounce of his patience.
He supposed it was a good thing he had something—or should he say someone—else to focus on. Namely, his brother.
“C’mon.” He led Morgan downstairs and found his grandmother and parents in the family room.
“Jared, darling.” His mother rose and greeted them as they approached. “I’m so glad you’re here. And I assume you must be Morgan.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Morgan answered.
“This is my husband, Clay.” His mother motioned to his father on the couch.
His father stood and came over. “Good to see you, son.” He gave Jared a handshake and rested his eyes on Morgan. He whispered. “She’s a looker.”
Jared grinned. “Yes, she is.”
“We’re so happy you could join us for a little respite,” his mother gushed. “We all love it here.”
“Morgan, come here.” His grandmother patted the seat beside her. “Sit with me.”
Jared frowned as he watched Morgan saunter over to his grandmother’s side. “And what if I wanted her with me?”
“Our time with Morgan is limited, yours isn’t,” Ruth responded. “What do you think of the compound? My husband bought it for the family years ago.”
“It’s a beautiful property, Mrs. Robinson,” Morgan replied. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Please call me Ruth. I still don’t understand how my grandson—” Ruth glanced in his direction “—managed to catch someone as fine as you.”
“Hey, hey,” a deep masculine voice said from beyond the family room. Jared turned to see Chris, all six foot five inches of him, walking toward them with a petite woman with flaming red hair by his side. Jared doubted it was her natural hair color. He stood by the fireplace mantel and waited for the fireworks that were sure to come. He’d been on the receiving end of his family’s discontent many times. This time the shoe was on the other foot.
“Chris! Where the hell have you been?” his father bellowed.
“Hello to you too, Dad.” Chris’s brown eyes rested on their father and swirled around the room. “Mama.” He let go of the woman’s hand long enough to bend down and brush his lips across his mother’s cheek.
“It’s good to see you, Chris.” His mother smile was wan. Suddenly the tension in the room ramped up a notch.
Chris turned to the woman standing meekly in the doorway. She seemed afraid to enter. Had Chris told her she’d have an unwelcome audience? “Everybody? I’d like you to meet Kandi. My fiancée.”
“Your what?” His mother sounded aghast.
“Have you lost your mind?” his father roared, charging at Chris. “You abandon your family and the company you’ve been head of—to what? Go off with and get engaged to this pop tart?”
“Clay, please,” his mother said, clutching his arm. “Don’t get overexcited.”
“Mom’s right,” Chris said. “You need to calm down. We don’t want you to have another heart attack.”
“And who would be the cause?” his grandmother inquired. “You—for the shame you have brought to this family and our good name.”
“Grandmother…” Jared said, a warning in his tone.
“No, let her go on,” Chris responded. “It’s exactly why I left to get away from all of this.” He waved his hands in the air. “Your expectations were stifling. I couldn’t breathe.”
“So instead, you go to a strip club?” his father asked. “Then you get her—” he glanced at Kandi, who now stood teary eyed at Chris’s side “—knocked up. For Christ’s sake. And now you want to marry her?”
“I’m proud to marry Kandi. She’s an incredible woman.”
Ruth sighed wearily. “I had such high hopes for you, Chris. Thought you were destined to do great things. Clearly, I bet on the wrong horse. I mean, have you even looked at your brother, Jared? The one you left behind to clean up your mess.”
For the first time, Chris glanced in Jared’s direction.
“He’s stepped up,” Ruth continued. “Took over leadership at Robinson Holdings. Is dating this beautiful young woman.” She motioned to Morgan at his side, who looked wide-eyed at Jared. He could see her uneasiness at having been caught in the middle of a family squabble. “I’m shocked to say this, but you could learn a thing or two from him. He’s shown great resiliency these last few weeks.”
Chris gave him a half smile. “If something good can come out of this, then I’m glad for it. But listen here, if any of you don’t want to get to know Kandi—” he glanced around the room at their parents and grandmother “—then it’s your loss. My family and I—” he placed his hand over the small swell of Kandi’s stomach “—we can leave.”
Jared quickly moved from the mantle and rushed to his brother’s side. “Don’t leave, Chris. Not like this,” he murmured in his ear. “Tensions are high right now. Sleep on it.”
“I don’t know, bro.”
“For me,” Jared pleaded. “Don’t go until we’ve talked. You owe me that much.” He stared into Chris’s eyes and saw him soften. At the same time, Morgan approached Kandi, and if he could have, Jared would have kissed her in front of everyone. He was so thankful for the gesture.
“Kandi, you have to see this place,” Morgan said, beaming her megawatt smile. “It’s an oasis. C’mon, I’ll show you.” He glanced over at his grandmother and saw the faint hint of a smile. Morgan had scored another goal in her favor.
But Morgan didn’t need to try. She already had him wrapped around her little finger.
After the women departed, Jared wrapped an arm around Chris’s shoulder and said, “Why don’t you and I have a talk.”
“Please,” his father stated gruffly, “perhaps you can talk some sense into him.”
Chris rolled his eyes, but allowed Jared to lead him outside onto the terrace. They were hardly through the double doors when Chris went on a tirade.
“How dare they treat Kandi like that
? They don’t even know her.” Chris began pacing on the travertine deck.
“Does it really surprise you?” Jared inquired, folding his arms across his chest as he faced his brother. “Chris, you’ve been MIA for weeks. We had to learn via the media that you’d gotten some woman pregnant, and now you just show up and announce she’s your fiancée. You didn’t even have the guts to tell us the news in person. Instead, you spring this on us? It’s no wonder everyone’s taken aback. I am too!”
“Are you done?”
“Not nearly,” Jared replied. “You’ve been seeing Kandi for some time. You could have introduced her to the family months ago. You’re the one who chose to keep your relationship a secret as if you’ve got something to hide.”
Chris stared at him dumbfounded. “Since when are you the voice of reason?”
“Since you left, I had no choice but to step up.”
“According to grandmother, you’re doing a bang-up job.”
“Yeah, well, for the record, I didn’t ask for this.”
“Neither did I, but maybe I’ve been a hindrance this whole time, always bailing you out of trouble. Who knew some good old-fashioned hard work was just what the doctor ordered.”
“Don’t patronize me, Chris. I’ve never wanted to be head of the family business. That was always your forte.”
“But did you ever wonder if I wanted any of it?” Chris asked. “Perhaps all their lofty expectations were thrust upon me like they were on you.”
Jared looked at his brother. He’d always assumed Chris enjoyed what he did. “No, I guess I never did. Dad and Grandmother were always grooming you as the chosen one. I got a free pass.”
“Lucky you,” Chris said, scrubbing his jaw. “You got to enjoy life and have fun. It wasn’t until I met Kandi that I finally allowed myself to let loose.”
“Considering Kandi’s condition, seems you let loose a bit too much,” Jared responded with a chuckle.
“Hey.” Chris glared at him. “Although fatherhood wasn’t necessarily on my radar, I’m happy about it. Kandi’s a wonderful woman and I love her.”
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