“Good God, woman, you’re going to kill me,” he declared to break the silence.
She opened her eyes and blinked at him as if unsure where she was. He kissed her once more and rolled off her. After a quick trip to the bathroom, he lay beside her and brushed errant strands of hair out of her face.
“Are you okay, honey?”
“I…I think so.” She still appeared dazed.
“You look like you’ve been bulldozed or something.”
“I think I have. Did you really ask me to marry you?”
“Uh-huh. Don’t you remember?”
“I thought maybe I’d dreamt it. Did I really accept your proposal?”
“Well, you shouted ‘yes!’ several times, but I’m not sure if you were answering me or screaming because you were coming.”
“Ask me again.”
He reached for her hand. “I love you, Tara, and I want to drift off to sleep with you in my arms every night and wake up wanting you every morning.”
“Every morning? You really are angling for death by sex, aren’t you?”
“Don’t be so literal. I’m trying to be romantic here.”
“Sorry. Continue, please.”
“I want to be the love of your life, and you mine. I want to make babies with you and help them grow into adults as beautiful—if they’re girls—and as brilliant and wonderful as their mother. I want to be your husband. Say you want all those things, too.”
Moments ticked by as Flipper’s stomach clenched. Please don’t say no. Please don’t say no.
She regarded him with such a serious expression that he thought he might be sick. But then she smiled and lit up his world.
“I absolutely do,” she replied. “I want all those things, and more, with you.”
He laughed for the sheer joy of it and covered her mouth with a kiss that left them both panting.
“We’re going to be so happy.” He already wanted her again, and she must’ve felt the same because her eyes heated when he playfully poked her with a certain body part that stood at attention.
“I’m holding you to that promise.” And then she framed his face with her hands and sealed the deal with another sizzling kiss.
* * * *
Flipper’s ebullient mood lasted only until the next morning when he had to sit in a conference room and listen to Wesley’s latest misguided grand plan. The trainer closed his eyes and counted to ten, but it didn’t do any good. He still wanted to throttle the man. And Kenshin wasn’t much help, either.
“You need to listen to what Kelsey’s telling you,” Flipper urged his bosses. “You can’t ask her to change her assessment just because you don’t like it. She’s worked hard to build her reputation for professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment. So has this aquarium. And you want to squander that? For what? To pack more butts into the grandstands at Dolphin Inlet?
“I know you’re still looking for the next best thing, Wesley, especially after the 4-D theater project fell through. But lying about the releasability of those pilot whales is your worst idea yet. And that includes your brainstorm about buying exotic venomous snakes.”
“Enough with the damned snakes!” Kenshin ordered. “I’ve told you Wesley wasn’t serious about that. You lamebrains needed motivation to think outside the box for once. And don’t be so sanctimonious about boosting attendance. Putting those extra rear ends in the seats helps pay your wages, Flipper, and you’d do well to remember that.”
While they argued, Wesley watched with a slightly bemused expression. Often, it was difficult to tell what he was thinking. He didn’t wear his emotions like a sandwich board sign as Kenshin and Flipper did. The aquarium director gave Kelsey a measured look and gestured toward the two men as they continued their war of words.
“Are you going to let those two blowhards fight your battles for you?” Wesley asked.
She shrugged. “Like anybody could get a word in edgewise.”
“Are you as upset with me as Flipper is?”
“Yes. I’m dying to scream and stomp and punch a hole in the wall.” Kelsey paused for a deep breath. “I know how much you want to exhibit whales here, but I never imagined you’d resort to compromising our principles to get them. Those pilots are healthy now, and they belong back in the Gulf. I won’t bend the truth to help you justify keeping them. And I know Sitara won’t, either.”
“I bet I can find other people who would.”
She sat up straighter in her chair. “Probably so. Money talks louder to some than others.”
The room suddenly fell quiet as Flipper tuned in to their conversation. Wesley’s eyelids twitched, the only noticeable evidence of his irritation, and he spoke in the same calm voice as before.
“Are you forgetting about your very generous salary or the fact we hired you despite your less-than-impressive résumé?”
Kelsey’s lip curled up in disgust, but she somehow kept her cool.
“I realize I studied at one of the less prestigious schools and that most of my previous experience was with manatees and seals, not dolphins. But I’ve learned so much here, and my performance reviews have been exemplary. While I’m grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me, if you’re threatening my job, I—”
“Nobody’s threatening anyone,” Kenshin cut in. “Right, Wes?” When he didn’t answer, Kenshin repeated, “Right?”
Wesley’s smirk said it all. Seemingly unfazed by Kelsey’s defiance, Kenshin’s puzzlement, and the hostility pouring off Flipper in waves, the director abruptly stood and moved toward the door.
“I’ll let you people mull this matter for a while. I trust you’ll come up with a workable solution. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
As his footsteps receded down the hall, Flipper thumped the tabletop with his fist and immediately grimaced.
“Feel better?” Kenshin’s smugness rankled.
“No! It hurts like a bitch.” Flipper rubbed his hand. “But what pains me more is Wesley’s attitude. What the hell?”
“Don’t ask me. I had no idea he’d go to that extreme to keep those whales. His old man must be putting the screws to him. I’ve heard Daddy Deep Pockets refuses to invest any more of his billions in this place until it shows a better profit margin. And he’s hinted about replacing Wes with a bean counter who only cares about the bottom line.”
Wesley Coffey, Sr. had made a fortune in the computer software field and built Gulf Shore Aquarium for his namesake to run.
Kelsey frowned. “I thought we were in the black.”
“We are, but Senior never lets his son forget this is a business first and foremost,” Kenshin explained. “I know you think Junior’s too driven by money, but what else do you expect from someone who was raised by a barracuda? And his mother’s even more mercenary. Her picture’s in the dictionary under ‘trophy wife.’ Senior bends over backward to keep her happy so she doesn’t hose him in divorce court.”
As Flipper considered that, he drummed his fingers on the table until Kelsey pressed her hand atop his to still it.
“My nerves are shot as it is,” she chided.
“Do you really think Wesley has a chance in hell of pulling off this scheme of his?” Flipper asked her.
“No. For one thing, Sitara will pitch a fit when she finds out. It’s very telling that Wesley’s pulling his shenanigans while she’s out of state at that conference. For another, it’s not just our opinion that will be taken into account. There’s a ton of documentation on the whales’ conditions and treatment. And the feds could even send someone here to evaluate them.”
“Well, another thing he won’t get away with is bullying you, Kels. If he expects me to sit here and scratch my ass while he—ow!”
She’d squeezed the trainer’s hand so hard he almost saw stars.
“I’m prepared to lose my job over this, Flipper, but that doesn’t mean you should, too.”
“Nobody’s asking either of you to be a martyr,” Kenshin snapped. “So stop your ranting.”
Flipper popped out of his seat and leaned as far forward over the table as he could without lying on top of it.
“And what about you, Kawasaki?”
His boss’ eyes sparked at the deliberate mutilation of his surname, as Flipper knew they would.
“Apparently, you won’t stand up to Wesley and risk your own ass. A good boss at least tries to protect his people. Can Kelsey depend on you to do that?”
“She’s not one of my people,” Kenshin replied.
No doubt worried Flipper would lunge across the table, Kelsey tugged him back into his chair by his belt. And then she wagged a finger in his face and ordered him to behave.
“It’s sweet of you to defend me, but I can speak up for myself. And you!” She glared at Kenshin. “You may not be my supervisor, but we’re supposed to be a team. I’m appalled by your behavior lately. The way you’ve handled Flipper’s relationship with Tara? Abysmal. And now you’re willing to throw me under the bus, too? I thought we were friends, but I guess I was mistaken.”
“Kelsey, I’m—”
“Save it, Ken,” Flipper cut in. “It’s obvious you don’t know the meaning of friendship or loyalty anymore, but I do. If Kelsey goes, I go.”
“No, Flipper. That’s—”
“Hold on, Kels, I’m not finished. I wanted to announce this over a pitcher and a plate of wings at Barb’s, but now’s as good a time as any since you brought up Tara. I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.”
Kelsey squealed and launched herself at Flipper, while Kenshin couldn’t have looked more enraged if he had steam billowing out of his ears.
“Are you out of your ever-loving mind?” he shouted. “It’s one thing to sleep with that woman. But to marry her? I hope she’s good enough between the sheets to compensate for the fact you’re ruining your career.”
If Kelsey hadn’t been wrapped around him, Flipper might’ve charged around the table and bulldozed his boss into the wall.
“Say one more word about Tara and you’ll be drinking your dinner through a straw,” the trainer warned.
“If you think you’re man enough, come on over here.”
Kelsey untangled herself from Flipper and stood with her arms crossed and a miffed expression on her face.
“I’ve had all the testosterone I can stand for one morning. Don’t make me call security to separate you two.”
“He started it,” Flipper accused.
“Oh my God! Grow up, both of you.”
With that, she swept from the room. The two men shared a chagrined look, but then Flipper remembered their dispute and glared. Kenshin glared back. Finally, he blinked first.
“I don’t agree with what Wesley’s doing, and I certainly don’t want to see anyone quit or be fired,” Kenshin admitted. “But I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and this just isn’t a hill I plan to die on.”
“Nobody would confuse you for a hero, like Teddy Roosevelt charging with the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill.”
“I’ll bet you won’t be such a smartass when you’re filing for unemployment.”
“Maybe not,” Flipper tossed out as he headed for the door, “but at least my conscience will be clear.”
Chapter 35
When Flipper returned home from work that evening, Tara knew as soon as he walked in the door that something serious had upset him. He strode by her without a hello, let alone a kiss, and yanked off his GSA polo as though he couldn’t stand to wear it a moment longer. He wadded it into a ball and whipped it into the bedroom closet so hard he knocked over the hamper. Rather than pick up the dirty clothes basket, he gave it a swift kick.
“I’m listening if you’d like to talk.” She leaned on the doorframe and waited.
He grunted and pulled on a clean T-shirt.
“Does that mean no?”
He looked at her as if he’d just announced it on a billboard and she’d been too dense to comprehend.
“You know, it’s customary to reply when someone asks you a direct question. Especially if that person is only trying to help.”
He’d been about to brush past her when he stopped and looked her in the eye.
“I wish I could discuss it, honey, because I’d like nothing more than to get it off my chest and forget this day ever happened. But I can’t.”
“Can’t? Or won’t?”
“Both.”
In an instant, sympathy morphed into disbelief. “You don’t trust me.”
“It’s internal aquarium business and you’re an out—” He stopped himself. “Never mind.” He’d almost made it back into the bedroom when she grabbed his arm and tugged him around to face her again.
“An outsider. That’s what you were going to say, wasn’t it?”
Ready to lambaste him if he lied, Tara had to change tactics when he apologized.
“Look, I don’t care about the reason as much as I care about you being so agitated,” she said. “Let me help you feel better.”
“Okay. Strip and hop in bed.”
“That’s just insulting.”
He winced. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “But there’s nothing you can do, sweetheart. Just so you know, though, I might be out of work soon if things go down the way they’re headed. I guess I can bag groceries, stock shelves, or mow lawns until I find something better.”
“They’re firing you? Those sons of—”
His eyes widened. “Tara Langley, were you just about to curse? I’d better mark this day on the calendar.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
“No, I’m not being fired. But Kelsey might lose her job, and I won’t stand for that.”
“Wait a minute. Why is her job in jeopardy?”
“I can’t tell you. In fact, I’ve said too much already.”
Tara followed him into the kitchen and watched as he rattled around in the cupboards and the silverware drawer and then clunked a cereal box, a bowl, and a spoon on the counter. She frowned at the cartoon leprechaun but refrained from commenting on his adolescent food preferences.
“I have all the fixings for chef salads in the fridge. I’ve already boiled the eggs, in fact. Wouldn’t you rather have a nutritious meal instead of…that?”
His reaction was equal parts amusement and irritation. “I realize this is a step below that horrendous high-fiber, all-organic, vitamin-infused, low-calorie cardboard substitute you prefer, but I happen to like Lucky Charms. And I’m not in the mood to eat anything else.”
“Fine. Enjoy your pathetic excuse for a dinner.” She left him standing at the counter, hunched over and slurping from the bowl. Flopping onto the couch, she grabbed the remote and hit play on a recorded episode of Animal Planet’s Whale Wars. But she barely paid attention as the Sea Shepherd crew planned a dangerous nighttime attack on a Japanese harpoon vessel.
All the reality show drama over saving whales led her to a sudden realization, and she barged back into the kitchen to confront Flipper.
“This has to do with those rescued pilot whales, doesn’t it?”
He stopped eating for a moment and then shoveled in another spoonful.
“Wesley’s trying to keep them, isn’t he?”
“Tara, don’t go there. Please,” he urged around a mouthful of frosted oats and a marshmallow moon and balloon.
“What is it you think I’ll do about it if you tell me?”
“Seriously? You don’t remember threatening to launch a public relations campaign against us?”
“So I was right. This is about the whales.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“If you love me you’ll stay out of this.”
“That’s emotional blackmail, Paul O’Riley!”
“When the going gets tough, I’m suddenly Paul again.”
“Ooooh. You are the most impossible man.” She grabbed her purse off the table and fished around inside for her car keys.
“Where ar
e you going?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“Damn it, Tara.” He abandoned his now-soggy supper and followed her to the front door. “It’s not safe for you to drive around out there by yourself.”
“Chase is in custody, Larry’s in Orlando, and I need some fresh air to clear my head.”
“Then I’m going with you.”
“You most certainly are not.” She flung open the door, shrugged off the hand on her shoulder, and stepped out onto the porch. “And don’t wait up for me.”
* * * *
Tara waved at Scott, still keeping watch outside in his Hummer, as she backed out of the driveway and then stomped on the gas and squealed her tires. Driving across town, she kept expecting to see Flipper’s Jeep in her rearview mirror and, truth be told, she was disappointed that she didn’t.
The GPS guided her to a two-bedroom, sandstone-colored townhouse with black trim. She waved at the bodyguard stationed in the driveway, and her knock on the door sent the dog inside into a barking frenzy. She heard him scratching and then a muffled voice ordering, “Kirby, sit.” The door swung open and Kelsey stood there holding an adorable, squirming Maltese who seemed beside himself with excitement. Tara held out a tentative hand, and a little pink tongue lapped at her fingers.
“This is a surprise. Come in,” Kelsey invited. “Flipper told me about your engagement. Congratulations.” She caught Tara in an awkward hug. “Where is he?”
“At home. Are you alone?”
“Yes. Jo’s stuck at the station plowing through phone records for one of her cases.”
“I’m sorry to drop by unannounced, but I really need to speak with you.”
“Sounds serious.”
“It is.”
“Then you’d better tell me all about it. Would you like something to drink? Eat?”
Tara glanced over at the breakfast bar and saw a wrapped sub sandwich and a bottled sports drink.
“I’m interrupting your dinner, aren’t I? I’m so sorry. I’ll leave and let you finish.”
She turned toward the exit, but Kelsey blocked her way. “It’ll keep. Now, sit.” Her tone wasn’t as commanding as the one she’d used on her dog, but Tara didn’t argue further. She took one end of the couch while Kelsey settled with Kirby into a nearby chair.
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