by Nan Dixon
“I heard your grandfather is getting rid of some of his holdings.” Gray threw his ball to his caddy.
Nathaniel laughed. “I was wondering how long it would take for you to ask.”
“I wanted to concentrate on the game. I haven’t played this season.” His caddy threw the clean ball back and handed him a tee. Gray selected a five iron from his bag. “If your grandfather is selling the Whaler, I’m interested.”
“You and half the developers in Boston.”
“It’s a fine location.” Gray took a practice swing and then lined up his shot. He caught the edge of the green. It would be a long putt, but at least he’d made the green.
“I’ve been telling him to get rid of the property. The warehouse has been unoccupied for too long.”
“I heard you succeeded in convincing him to sell.”
“Sure would like to know the source of the rumors.” Nathaniel lined up and hit his ball within fifteen feet of the pin.
“Nice shot.”
“I’ve heard some rumors, too.” Nathaniel handed his club to his caddy and took his putter. “Heard you were living in Georgia.”
“I’ve got a warehouse I’m turning into condos.” And soon he might own Carleton House.
What would he do with a crumbling Savannah mansion if Abby wouldn’t let him finance the restoration? She’d just have to see things his way.
“So you’re living there?” Nathaniel asked as they headed up the fairway.
“I’ll be back midsummer.” He exhaled. Abby couldn’t evict him from Fitzgerald House; he had a contract. The Fitzgeralds needed the income off his suite. At least he hoped she wouldn’t kick him out.
“When you called yesterday, I asked Granddad if I could talk to you.”
“And...?”
“Line up your funding. Bids are due June 20 and we’ll determine the best offer by the end of the month. We want the deal closed in thirty days.”
“That’s a quick closing.” One month between receiving a bid and closing a multimillion-dollar deal. No wonder Nathaniel suggested he get his funding lined up. He’d just committed his liquidity and more to a Savannah mansion. Damn. He’d need investors on the Whaler.
Nathaniel shot him a quick grin. “I don’t want Granddad to change his mind.”
“Can we get in the building?” Gray asked, lining up his putt.
“I’ll take you by tomorrow morning.”
Gray was so far from the hole, his caddy had to hold the flag. He adjusted for the break and stroked the ball. It headed right where he wanted, caught the edge of the cup, circled and dropped with a hollow rattle.
“Great putt,” Nathaniel called out.
“Lucky.” Or a sign? It didn’t matter. He was meant to get the Whaler.
What would he do with Carleton House, then?
* * *
BESS RUSHED INTO the kitchen. The screen door banged shut, and Abby winced at the noise. She’d been home for four days and still couldn’t sleep.
At least Gray had stayed in Boston. Maybe he would ask them to send his things back. Maybe she’d never have to see him again. She rubbed at the ache in her chest, a pain that hadn’t disappeared since Boston.
“You were right,” Bess said, a little out of breath.
“About what?” It must have been something big; Bess never moved this fast.
Bess sucked in a deep breath. “Mrs. C. says Gray made an offer on Carleton House.”
“Is she accepting?”
Bess shook her head. “She didn’t say. Her attorney is helping with the negotiations.”
Something inside Abby shriveled. She’d actually hoped Gray would rescind his offer. So much for wishing things could be different.
Bess paced along the counter. “Did you know he was going to do this?”
“I saw the offer by mistake while I was in Boston.”
“I don’t get it.” Bess stopped next to her and rubbed Abby’s shoulder. “Why would he do this?”
“Maybe he thought it was a good investment.” Wasn’t that what everything came down to for Gray? Dollars and cents? She shrugged, continuing to work on the teatime tarts. “We’ll just have to focus on Fitzgerald House. We’ll be fine.”
What would Gray do with Carleton House? Would he restore it the way she’d imagined? Or would he modernize it and turn the beautiful old home into condos?
He could do anything he wanted. The place would be his.
Bess was already on the phone with Dolley. “Meeting tonight. Seven o’clock.” She looked over at Abby, who nodded.
Abby got through the afternoon tea, survived the evening wine tasting. She moved through the day because she had no choice. All the joy she’d experienced over the past few months had evaporated. She should never have trusted Gray. She knew better.
She had another five minutes before her sisters descended. She checked the mail and found an envelope from First Mercantile.
She ripped it open, skimming through the greetings. If they could get the loan, they could bid against Gray.
“At this time, the bank cannot lend the requested funds for the Carleton House project.”
Her shoulders slumped. Had Gray had something to do with this rejection?
She went through the motions, set up cheese, smoked salmon, crackers and a seafood salad she’d made for dinner.
Her sisters wandered in, snacking and pouring glasses of wine. Abby could barely breathe.
Dolley put salmon on a cracker. “Where is that bastard hiding?”
“I assume in Boston,” Abby said. She took a sip of her wine to hide the quiver of her lips.
“I can’t believe he fooled us all.” Dolley slapped her hand on the table. “And I insisted he look at our financial information. I’m to blame, Abby, not you.”
Abby shook her head. It was her fault. She’d talked about her dreams endlessly.
“Do you think he planned this all along?” Bess frowned.
“I don’t know.” Abby bit her lip. Had he? “He asked to tour Carleton House with Samuel and me.”
Bess clasped her hand. “Gray’s pretty sophisticated.”
Abby’s actions had brought a viper into their midst. She took a swallow of her wine but hardly tasted the Shiraz.
Dolley leaned over the table, her hands clenched into fists. “The paperwork’s pretty clear. Next month our mortgage payment goes to Gray’s bank.” She gritted her teeth. “We will never, never miss a payment.” All the sisters nodded their heads. “If I have to sell my car, my cameras, my computers—we will not give the bastard the satisfaction.”
“Is this a takeover? Is that why his parents were down for St. Patrick’s Day?” Bess looked puzzled. “I find that hard to believe. Gray seemed...nice.”
Abby swallowed. “I should never have gotten involved with a guest.” She rubbed her arms, trying to wake up her body. The numbness wouldn’t go away. “We’ll have to make do.”
“He may own the mortgage, but we’re current. The bastard can’t take us over,” Dolley said.
“Is there any chance we can bid on Carleton House, too?” Bess asked.
Abby pulled out the letter from the bank. “They turned us down. We’d have to find another bank.” They were out of time. They couldn’t compete with Gray’s offer.
“I’m shocked,” Bess confessed. “He didn’t seem like the kind of man who would do this. He didn’t come across as that ruthless.” She paused as if thinking. “I really thought he’d fallen in love with you, Abs. He watched out for you, tried to take care of you, to get you to rest. I thought he loved you.” She shrugged. “I thought you loved him.”
Abby closed her eyes. “I...” She laid her head on the table and Bess rubbed her shoulders. Was that why she hurt so much? Had she fallen in lo
ve? She pushed up from the table. Oh, God, she’d fallen in love with Gray. Her stomach turned. Stupid, stupid, stupid. “I can’t love someone who would do this to us.”
Thank goodness she’d never said anything to Gray. He’d never know what a fool she had been.
She rested her head against Bess’s shoulder. “If Gray hadn’t known our plans, he wouldn’t have taken an interest in Carleton House.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Bess insisted.
“It was.” Pain seared her chest as hot as splattering oil. “I’m sorry. I’ll make things right.”
“We should kick him out,” Dolley said.
“We can’t. We have a contract. And I don’t want the staff to know there’s any...problem.” Abby took a deep breath. “We won’t break our word. If he comes back, he’s our guest.”
Nothing more.
* * *
THE HEAT SLAPPED at Gray as he pulled his suitcase from the car. Two in the afternoon, and it must have been near a hundred degrees with almost that much humidity. He was definitely back in Georgia. The air carried the scent of the river and rotting vegetation.
He looked at Fitzgerald House. What kind of reception would he get? He thought about going through the kitchen, but was afraid Abby would come after him with one of her knives.
Tossing his laptop bag over his shoulder, he locked his car.
In the five days he’d stayed in Boston after she’d left, he’d gone from anger to worry and back to anger.
Abby should be ecstatic that he was helping her out. She had money problems, he had money. Most of his acquaintances would jump at the chance to use his money for their ventures. What was wrong with her?
And what about them? Their relationship? It couldn’t be over. He’d told her he was in love with her. And she’d walked out on him.
Abby hadn’t answered his phone calls or his texts. She’d made it back to Fitzgerald House, but he’d only known that because of the notification from the car he’d hired to pick her up.
He lifted his roller bag up the front steps. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into Fitzgerald House.
“Welcome back, Mr.—” Cheryl corrected herself “—Gray. How was Boston?”
“Okay.” At least Abby hadn’t poisoned the staff against him. “How’s Josh?”
“He’s great. Just started a nature day camp yesterday.” She checked her watch. “Shoot. I need to get back to the apartment. The bus drops him off there.” She looked around as though she had more to do and chewed her thumbnail.
“I can run down to the condo for you.” Maybe he was being a coward, but he needed to catch his breath before he talked to Abby. “I’ll bring Josh back here.”
Cheryl’s mouth dropped open. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“Not a problem.” He set his bags down by the reception desk. “Could you keep your eye on my bags?”
“Of course. I’ll take them up to your room.” Her hands twisted the dust mop handle. “I...I could do the same. Run down and then bring Josh here.”
“No. I’m good.” He checked his pocket for the condo keys. “What time does the bus drop him off?”
“Around three. I should go.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re good.” He set his bags together. He was avoiding Abby. “Is it okay if we tour the workspace? I’ll keep my eyes on Josh.”
“Umm, sure.” Cheryl looked a little lost.
He waved and headed outside. The heat met him at the door. He would have slowed down, but he didn’t want the five-year-old to wait.
He hurried across the square and over to Bay, then took the stairs two at a time down to River Street. Even in the heat, people crowded the sidewalks.
Where did the bus drop off Josh? He waited right at the door. He didn’t want the boy to be worried when he didn’t see his mother.
Daniel’s truck was parked in the lot with a couple of other trucks. While Gray had been away, bright red awnings had been added to the first-floor windows. They looked good.
People wandered the street, window-shopping, going in and out of the pub and the candy store. A paddleboat was docked upriver. The outdoor dining area next door was empty. The heat had probably driven any late lunchers into the air-conditioned restaurant. He wished he’d put on shorts, but it had been cool when he’d left Boston this morning.
He nodded at another man who was sweating worse than he was. “Hot one today.”
The man nodded. Big circles of sweat stained under the man’s armpits. The shirt clung to the guy’s beer belly. He must be too hot to even speak.
Gray checked his phone. He watched more people. And he wondered what Abby was doing. When he closed his eyes, all he saw was her face.
A diesel engine rumbled nearby. Not many vehicles negotiated the narrow street, so he hoped this was Josh’s bus.
Sure enough, it stopped across from him. The door gasped open, and he heard the clatter of footsteps. Josh came around the front of the bus, waving at the driver.
“Hey, Josh!” Gray called.
The kid’s smile broke across his face. “Gray!”
Josh dropped his backpack on the sidewalk. He jumped up and smacked Gray’s hand, then spun around and wiggled his hand behind him. Gray slapped his hand. They were both grinning by the time Josh turned around. Being around the kid made him forget his worries, at least for a moment.
“Your mom’s still working, so I’m picking you up,” Gray explained. “But first I want to check out the condos.”
The kid nodded and picked up his bag.
Gray’s neck itched. He glanced around. The sweaty man who’d been standing next to him had moved under the awning and was staring at Josh.
Gray set a hand on the boy’s shoulder as he unlocked the condo door. Then he pulled it closed. The guy was creepy. He’d have to warn Cheryl to keep her eyes open.
In the week he’d been gone, the drywall crew had finished hanging the walls. Some of it was taped. But he wondered how long it would take the mud to dry in this humidity.
“What kind of camp are you going to?” he asked Josh.
“Nature camp. It’s cool. We get to use kayaks and swim and learn about all the plants and birds. I spotted a great blue heron before anyone else.”
The boy’s chatter kept him company as he toured the building. Progress hadn’t slowed just because he’d been in Boston.
Gray waved at Daniel but didn’t stop. He didn’t want to talk to his friend before he had a chance to talk to Abby.
The kid was dragging a little.
“Do you want me to carry your backpack?” Gray asked as they climbed the steps and moved away from River Street.
“Yeah.”
Maybe they should have taken the elevator.
“Tell you what.” Gray knelt down. “Why don’t I give you a piggyback ride?”
“Really?” His eyes opened wide. “My daddy used to give me those before he went to heaven.”
The words seemed to smack Gray upside the head. Cheryl hadn’t breathed a word about being a widow. He knelt, and Josh clambered on his back.
By the time he climbed the B and B’s steps, sweat was running like a stream down his back. Josh didn’t mind; he just chattered about his day.
Gray wanted a kid. He wanted a kid with Abby’s eyes and hair. The longing drilled through his chest like a power tool.
“Here we are.” Gray squeezed the words out.
He opened the door and Josh jumped over the threshold. Gray guessed he’d gotten his second wind.
“How was camp?” Abby asked as Josh ran in ahead. Gray lingered outside the door, not wanting to intrude just yet.
Her voice churned up another brand of longing. One that had him wanting to hug her until she gave up this foolish insistence on not lett
ing him help her when she needed it.
“Camp was great. I saw gobs of birds and they let me paddle.” He made a muscle with his arm. “’Cuz I’m strong.”
“You sure are.”
Gray stepped inside and let the door close behind him. “Abby.”
* * *
ABBY FROZE. SHE looked up, looked into those blue eyes that haunted her nights. “Gray.”
He walked toward her. “Can we talk?”
She shook her head. There was nothing more to say. “No.”
The door opened again. She, Josh and Gray all turned. A heavy man wearing a sweaty T-shirt pushed into the foyer. Gray frowned.
The man pointed a finger at Josh. “Where’s your ma?”
Josh cowered behind Gray’s legs, shaking. “Don’t know.”
Abby moved next to Gray. She didn’t know why Josh was so scared, but she would protect him. She and Gray formed a wall between the man and Josh. “Can I help you?”
“Where’s Cheryl?” the man asked. “We got some business, family business.”
Family? She reached back, trying to soothe Josh. Gray was doing the same. “I don’t know where she is,” Abby said, her voice cold and formal. “If you leave me your name, I can tell her you stopped by.”
“Levi. I want to see her right now.” He lunged, grabbing Josh’s arm and twisting it. “You come here to your uncle.”
“Stop!” Abby clawed at the man’s arms, pulling Josh away from him. “Leave him alone.”
“Mommy. Mommy!” Josh wailed.
“Give me my nephew.” The man grabbed for the boy.
“No,” she screamed. She would not let this disgusting man take Cheryl’s son.
“He’s coming with me,” the man growled.
Gray blocked his grab. Then he pushed Abby behind him. Thank God Gray was here. Levi was so big, and Abby wouldn’t have been able to fight him off on her own.
Josh sobbed. “I don’t have to go with you. Mommy said. You can’t hurt me anymore.”
Abby scooped Josh up. His little arms clung to her neck. “Levi, it’s time you left.”
“Now,” Gray growled, getting in the guy’s face.
Abby swallowed. The man outweighed Gray by fifty pounds. The guy shoved Gray’s chest, but Gray didn’t move. He was like a rock, protecting her and Josh.