by Ciana Stone
“You too, Ms. Walker.”
Cici got out of the car and for a moment she and Kalvin just stared at one another. Finally, she walked over to him. “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you.”
“I don't have anything to say to you.”
“Don't you?”
It annoyed the holy hell out of her that the mere sight of him brought a rush of desire. He'd said no to her. While she was naked. She didn't know if she could overcome that. To make things worse, it appeared that Kal just might be responsible for poisoning the water supply that ran onto Heritage Land.
All of her investigators had come back with the same report. There was no evidence that could be definitively used against him, but barring new evidence being found, all roads still led to Kal. If he did turn out to be the enemy, she couldn't allow herself to have lusty thoughts about someone she could well be out to destroy.
“No. Go home, Kal.”
She started to brush by him, but he took hold of her arm. “Why haven't you taken my calls?”
“Why would I want to?”
“Are you seriously going to stand there and tell me that you're pissed that I'm interested in you for more than a quick fuck?”
“Screw you, Kal.”
“Screw me? What the hell's wrong with you, Cici?”
“Not a damn thing. Now let go of me.”
“Fine.” He released her and stepped back.
Cici tossed her head and marched inside the building, making damn sure she never cast another glance in his direction. Once safely inside the elevator, she leaned back against the wall. That was a lot harder than she'd imagined and she wasn't sure if she was more mad than hurt, but she definitely felt the sting of his words.
What the hell's wrong with you, Cici?
“Fuck you, Kal,” she muttered as she let herself into the penthouse. Cici kicked off her shoes and headed for the bar. After pouring herself a drink, she grabbed her phone and walked out onto the balcony, thinking she'd call her sister, Delaney, about getting together for drinks and a late dinner.
That's when it dawned on her that Delaney told her she had an assignment in New Orleans and wasn't returning to San Antonio until Monday. Cici was about to let loose with a curse when it dawned on her that Delaney didn't have to be in the same room for them to drink and talk together. They could do it the way they had when Cici was in law school.
Feeling buoyed by the prospect of a good long talk, Cici settled onto a chaise lounge and placed a video call to Delaney.
“Hey you,” Delaney answered. “What's up?”
“Just out of sorts. I need to vent.”
“Do I need a drink for this?”
“Probably.”
“Okay, hold on. I'm leaving my phone.”
A couple of minutes passed in which Cici watched the scene displayed on Delaney's phone. It was a view of a hotel room. French doors stood open and it looked like the bed was covered with material samples.
That wasn’t a shock. Delaney delighted in what she did and was quite in demand for her interior design skills. Not as simply a decorator, but as an architect, too. Cici remembered the first time Delaney left to go do a job out of state.
She returned to talk about how huge the Kentucky estate was where she’d worked, and how beautiful it was there. She told Cici to never settle for staying home the way Mace and Nash did. Get out and explore the world.
At the time, Cici thought Heritage was the entire world. “How big is Heritage, Daddy?” she asked one day as she rode her pony alongside her father on his big horse, Whitefoot. She was ten years old at the time.
“As far as you can see in any direction and then some.”
To Cici, it seemed that her home was as big as the whole world. For a while it had been. Then she grew up. The funny thing was, once she was grown and realized the actual size of Heritage and all its holdings, she marveled even more. Her family had amassed a true fortune in land to become the largest single family owned ranch in the country.
Delaney reappeared with a glass in one hand and a bottle of their father's favorite brand bourbon in the other.
“Living on the edge, eh?” Cici asked
Delaney smiled. “I'll risk it.” She poured a glass, set the bottle aside and sipped. “Okay, little sister, spill. What has you looking like you just bit a particularly sour lemon?”
“It's this thing with Kalvin Burton.”
“The land thing? Why should that bother you? You chew people like him up every day.”
“This is different.” Cici paused. Maybe she should just keep her mouth shut about Kal.
“Cici? What's going on? What aren't you telling me? Oh my god, are you involved with Kalvin Burton?”
Cici took a drink from her glass to stall for time. How like Delaney to recognize that Cici was holding back. “I went out with him. Once to Vegas and it was amazing. And I went to his hotel in Burton City and had dinner and a rooftop swim.”
“And?”
This was the part Cici wasn't keen on sharing. But she needed to talk to someone and there was no one she trusted more than Delaney. That thought spawned another and one that was a surprise. She might trust her sister, but Delaney didn't have any experience being involved with an older man. Cici needed to talk with someone who understood what she was going through.
There were only two women she knew. Her grandmother, GiGi or Naomie Taylor. Since Cici was loathe to discuss her sex life with GiGi, Naomie would be a better choice. But right now, she had to answer Delaney.
“And nothing. We ate, drank and then I went home. Both times he was a perfect gentleman.”
“I'm guessing you wish he hadn't been?”
“Maybe. I don't know. I just know that I told Dad in the spirit of transparency, and he was pretty set against me seeing Kal socially. He thinks Kal's too old for me.”
“Well, he is.”
That surprised Cici. “Do you really believe that?”
“Yes. Cici, you're not even thirty yet. The last thing you should do is hook up with a man old enough to be your father. It's doomed. You have to know that. You might like it for a little while, but at some point you'll look at him and think damn he's old and then it will be over and everyone walks away hurt.”
Delaney's answer told Cici one thing very clearly. She was not the person to go to for understanding or clarity about her situation with Kal.
“Maybe you're right,” she said. It was easier to agree and let the subject die than to argue.
“I know I am. Trust me on this.”
“Okay. Thanks Del. I can always count on you.”
“What are sisters for?”
Cici smiled. “Amen to that. Okay, listen I'm beat and I have an ass kicking week ahead so I better go. Thanks for taking time for me.”
“I'm always here for you, Cici. You know that.”
“I do. Have a good night. Love you.”
“Love you more. Talk soon.”
“You bet.”
Cici ended the video session and stared out over the city as she sipped her drink. She couldn't get Kal out of her mind. Him and what he'd said. What the hell's wrong with you, Cici?
What was wrong with her? Why did it bug her that he wanted more than to just fuck? She snorted in disgust as she asked herself that question. She knew damn well why it bugged her. Because he got to her and she was scared that if she let her guard down, he'd march right into her heart and take up residence.
And she'd be vulnerable to being hurt.
Cici didn't know about being hurt and didn't want to find out. She'd watched others around her lose at love and she didn't want to join those ranks.
Without considering the time, she placed another video call, this one to Naomie. It rang four times before the screen lit with a view of Naomie's face, bathed in light that made her look ghostly or drained of blood.
“Where the hell are you?”
Naomie smiled. “Cici, hi. In my lab.”
“T
his late?”
“I had to run those tests again, just to make sure.”
“And?”
“And they're right. Someone's poisoned the water.”
It didn't take a psychic to know that Naomie was mad. It was clear in her expression. “Do you think it was Kalvin Burton?”
“Who?”
That took Cici aback. She'd assumed her father would have told Naomie. “The man who just bought fifty thousand acres adjacent to Heritage.”
“Fifty-thousand? Good god, what is he planning on doing with it?”
“Building a resort city.”
“A what?”
“Haven't you read about the resort cities in California, Florida, New York and Nevada?”
Naomie's eyebrows scrunched together for a moment then rose. “Yes! Yes, I have. That's the man who bought the property next to Heritage?”
“Yes.”
Another frown came onto Naomie's face. “I’m sorry, but it doesn't make any sense that he'd poison the stream.”
“No, it doesn't and I honestly don't think he did.”
Naomie leaned back in her chair and regarded Cici. “Okay, so why would you think that and more importantly why did you say it with that tone of voice?”
“What tone?”
“The one that sounds like you're talking about someone you like.”
“Is that how I sounded?”
“Girl, please. I thought we were beyond games. What's going on?”
It secretly pleased Cici that Naomie saw through her act. “I had a couple of dates with Kal not long ago.”
“And?”
There it was, the question that would open the Pandora's box of her emotions, a situation that Cici wasn't well versed in handling. “Before I answer, can I ask you something?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Are you in love with my dad?”
It wasn't hard to see that the question had an effect. Naomie's expression changed to something that reminded Cici of being a child who'd just gotten caught eating candy before dinner.
“I told you when we first met that I have a strict rule about being involved with someone I work for and it's a rule I've never broken.”
“Naomie, I know what you said and I know you'll stick to it, but I see how you look at him and how he looks at you. I know how his voice changes when he talks about you and just the mention of him brings an expression to your face that makes me think you genuinely care about him. So, can we be completely honest?”
There was a momentary pause before Naomie spoke again and when she did, Cici could hear the emotion in her voice. “Of course, but first, do you have a PayPal account?”
“PayPal? Why would I have a PayPal account?”
“Okay, do you have a bank transfer app?”
“Yes.”
“Then text me the information.”
“Now?”
“Yes, please.”
“Fine.” Cici thought it strange but did as requested. “Okay, texting now.”
A moment later Naomie nodded. “Thanks. Hold on.”
In less than ten seconds Cici's phone chimed. A transfer had been made to her account for one dollar.
“Why did you send me a dollar?”
“It's your retainer.”
Cici laughed. “I usually charge a bit more.”
“I imagine, but this will suffice for my purpose.”
“Which is?”
“To secure confidentiality.”
“Like my word wouldn't work?”
“It probably would, but like you, I tend to hedge my bets.”
“Fine. So, back to the question. Are you in love with my father?”
“Yes.”
“And what do you intend to do about that?”
“Be his partner in the quarter horse breeding program and his friend. I'll work hard to make this venture a success, and I'll always have his back and always be honest with him and if the need arises, I'll take a bullet for him.”
“And what about love?”
Naomie looked away for a moment. “Your dad made it clear that he doesn't intend to ever become emotionally involved with anyone again, and I don't do unemotional relationships. I'm not a woman who sleeps around and I have to care about someone to be his or her lover. Since he doesn't want the same thing, then I'll settle for what we can have, which is friendship.”
“I don't believe that.”
“Pardon?”
“That he doesn't want it. I think it's exactly what he wants.”
“No.”
“Yes. I know him, Naomie. He's scared to fall for you.”
“How in the world could that scare him?”
“Because of the same reason he doesn't want me to be involved with Kal. Age.”
“What a load of crap.” Naomie scowled.
“Exactly! That's what I said when I talked to him about it. Who cares about the age?”
“Apparently he does.”
“Yeah, I know. He says the age difference will eventually be an insurmountable obstacle. That the woman will one day realize she's wasting her youth on an old man, and will walk away, leaving the man broken behind her.
“And that people will ridicule him – make him out to be nothing more than an old man with a young trophy wife who only wants him for his money or power.”
“More crap. But exactly who were you talking about?”
“Me and Kal. You and Dad.”
Naomie nodded and for a few seconds neither of them spoke. “So, what do you think?” Cici asked.
“I think you haven't told me about you and Kal, at least not all of it.”
Cici hadn't intended to blurt out the whole story, but that's exactly what she did. When she finished, Naomie blew out a breath. “Damn girl, that was intense, and don't be pissed, but I'd be flattered like mad to have a man say that to me. I mean, he obviously has the where-with-all to score with just about any woman, so it's not like he's some old codger who can only buy a date. And it seems like he genuinely likes you. So, what's the deal? Why do you want to make it just about a fuck?”
She could feel heat rise on her face, partly out of anger but also out of shame. It was the shame that prompted her to be honest. “I'm scared he might be the one who really sees me, Naomie.”
“And if he is…”
“Then he could hurt me.”
Naomie nodded. “I get it.”
“Do you?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then what do we do?”
“We? Well, you have an opportunity to see if you and Kal are, in fact, a match and if it's a match that's meant to last.”
“And if it doesn't?”
“Then you'll hurt, Cici. You'll hurt and you'll be angry and you'll want to crawl into a hole for a while, but one day the hurt will ease and you'll get back on your feet and face life and go on. But it's a chance worth taking, don't you think?”
“I don't know. What about you? Is it a chance worth taking?”
“Honey, if Russell Walker gave me half a chance, I'd say yes so fast it would break a speed record.”
“Even though it might not work out?”
“He'd be worth the risk.”
Cici considered it. “Dad won't like it if I get involved with Kal.”
“It's not his decision, or his life.”
“But what if Kal is responsible for poisoning the water?”
“Do you think he's that kind of man?”
“No.”
“Then find out and once you know, you'll then know what to do about you and him.”
“If he is, you know I'll destroy him.”
“I’ve heard that you're a real legal ninja, but don't be too quick to judge, Cici. Go on the facts. Just the facts, okay?”
“Okay. And what if he's innocent? What do I do about Dad?”
“He loves you. You know that. He might not like it, but he'll learn to live with it. His family means everything to him. Trust in that.”
“I see w
hy he's so crazy about you.”
“Do you now? Well, thank you. And listen, if you ever need an ear, I'm here.”
“Same here. But I'm on retainer.”
Naomie laughed. “Damn Skippy.”
Cici laughed as well. “Thanks, Naomie. Sorry to bother you.”
“Friends are never a bother. Get some rest, Cici.”
“I will. Talk soon.”
“Okay. Bye.”
Naomie stared at the blank screen of the phone for a moment, then pushed her chair back from the desk. Talking about her feelings for Russell was difficult, even in situations where she knew her words would not be shared.[PS(1]
Just as she stood, she heard a noise and turned quickly toward the door. Robert Walker stood framed in the doorway. For a split second, she’d forgotten that he and DeLyn had arrived late in the afternoon. Rusty was competing in a county rodeo and the family was all going to support and cheer him on.
“I'm sorry,” Robert said. “I should’ve knocked.”
“Robert. What are you doing up so late?”
“I don't sleep as much as I once did. And I had this situation with the poisoned water on my mind. Among other things. I went out for a walk and this is where I ended up.”
“Is something bothering you?”
“Yep.”
“So. Talk to me.”
“Well, I might be old, but I haven't lost my eyesight or my brain yet, and it'd take someone dim in sight and faculties to not be able to see that you and my son are about as crazy about one another as two people can be.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Tell me I’m full of shit, crazy or just to keep my nose out of your business if I’m wrong. Or tell me straight up if I’m right.”
“What you ask requires me to ask for complete confidence.”
“You know I’d never betray your trust.”
“Thank you. And no, you’re not wrong. But what you heard me talking about, it wasn’t just about me and your son. It was also about Cici.”
“I know.”
“And?”
“That girl has always marched to her own beat and this won't be any different. Between you and me–and in confidence–I think you provided her good counsel.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. You said you were concerned about the pesticide showing up in the stream?”
“Yes, I wanted to hear straight from you about it.”