by Jan Freed
Brenda Lee shooed off the assessment with a wave. “Your eyes are unusual, not weird. Actually, exotic is a better word. But I agree your mouth is too wide.” She held up a palm. “I didn’t say you were a conventional beauty, Laura. Alec would be bored to tears with that, anyway.” Her gaze swept Laura from head to toe and gleamed. “What I could do with such raw material boggles the mind. We’ll have to do something about this.”
Alec again. Was she so transparent? Laura opened her mouth to protest, gasping when the front door flew open and banged against the inner wall. Brenda Lee yelped.
A tall man stood frowning in the doorway, his black Stetson, jeans, boots and white Western shirt setting off his rangy body to advantage.
“Damn it, Laura. Haven’t you put that dead bolt in yet?”
“Scott!” With a joyful smile, Laura catapulted from the couch and into her brother’s arms.
* * *
ALEC KILLED the Chevy’s engine, cutting off Reba’s sassy twang in midsong. The chopped notes echoed in the silent parking garage.
Pretty damn sad when a man spent Sunday at the office, instead of with his son. He rubbed his neck, remembering his flippant thought about following in Bill Cosby’s fatherly footsteps.
Determined to become more involved with Jason, Alec had learned six-year-old boys were a unique life form. They fed on activity, growing cranky and bored without a steady stream of stimulation. Steady, as in constant.
Alec had played video games, answered endless questions, visited the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, filled three coloring books, visited the zoo, erected an entire Lego city and almost lost his temper more times than he could count during the past few weeks.
He’d fallen asleep in the middle of reading The Berenstain Bears’ Too Much Junk Food last night. Saturday night, for cryin’ out loud. Now there was a picture for Forbes magazine.
Waking up next to Jason’s curled body this morning had filled Alec with tenderness—and dread. His son knew just which buttons to push when it came to testing his patience. So he’d called Mrs. Polk and made up an excuse about needing to work a few hours today. Pretty damn sad.
Alec closed his eyes as Pop’s voice rang in his head.
You wanna hit me, don’t you, boy? It’s in your blood. Go on, do it. See what it feels like to be a man.
God, what was happening to him? Buried memories were unearthing right and left, foul and decayed after years of festering.
He scrubbed his face with both palms and opened bleary eyes. Everything would be okay, he assured himself. The control he’d spent years shoring up would withstand the stress. Laura’s kiss two weeks ago had registered off the Richter scale. If he could make it through that without cracking...
Alec stopped rationalizing and admitted the truth. He wanted Laura Hayes. Wanted her so much his teeth ached. If he hadn’t heard the cleaning cart that night, he would have taken her right there against the wall. His temporary business partner, for God’s sake. Talk about shooting himself in the foot.
Underneath that independent spirit lurked a passion most men only fantasized about. Now that he’d kissed her, it would be damn near impossible to resist another taste. But he’d do it.
His iron control had already sustained severe damage. Spending more time with Jason would weaken it even more. Laura’s passion could very well be the quake that blasted his restraint straight to hell.
He’d already been there, thank you. He wasn’t going back.
Resolved, Alec locked the truck and headed for his office. Five minutes later, he stretched out his key toward suite 1700 and paused. The door, which should have been locked, stood ajar. Probably just a maid mopping those endless tile floors. Just the same, with computer equipment a prime theft target these days, he’d better make sure.
Pushing the door open, he crept across the floor, grateful he’d worn his running shoes. The murmur of voices drew him toward the hallway. A woman’s rich contralto escalated his heart rate. An answering deep rumble raised his blood pressure to match. What was Laura doing at the office on Sunday afternoon?
And who the hell was she doing it with?
CHAPTER NINE
CLENCHING HIS FISTS, Alec headed toward the voices.
“I’m so glad you came. You always seem to know when I need you. I...I’ve really missed you.” Laura’s admission drifted down the hall.
Alec froze in midstep.
“I’ve missed you, too, Laura. It wouldn’t hurt you to visit me, you know.”
“Oh, Scott, you know how Dad is.”
Scott. Laura’s brother. The air flowed back into Alec’s lungs.
“He’d try and talk me into staying,” Laura continued. “We’d only end up fighting.”
“I know. That’s why I didn’t call you right away. The doctors agreed stress of any kind should be avoided. Laura...” He paused, as if struggling for words.
“Oh, my God!”
“Calm down, he’s doing just fine. It was a mild heart attack, nothing life-threatening. You can call him at the hospital and hear for yourself. Pete’s there now. Dad’s being released tomorrow.”
“When...? Where did...?”
“Last night in the barn. I’d made his favorite dinner—spaghetti. When he didn’t come in, I got nervous. He’d been stacking bales, stubborn fool. I told him I’d get around to it when I could.” Air hissed through teeth. “You remember how it is, Laura. There’s always a fence down, or a pump that goes out, or a calf tangled in wire. I can’t be everywhere at once.”
“It wasn’t your fault. You’re doing the work of three men, as it is, plus the cooking. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me!”
Her anguish reached into the hallway and pulled Alec forward. He stopped at the sound of a chair scraping and the rustle of clothing. For the life of him, he couldn’t back away.
“Hey, hey...it’s okay, runt. Don’t tear yourself up over this. You’re doing your share. Those checks you’ve been sending have really helped.”
Laura snorted. “A spit in the ocean, and you know it. I wish I could send more. Can you hire another hand while Dad’s laid up?” Her voice sounded distorted, as if muffled by a chest.
“I... We had to let Bill and Hank go two weeks ago. Pete won’t leave of course, but God knows when he’ll see his wages.” Weariness and frustration vibrated in each word.
Laura moaned. “Are things that bad?”
Scott’s silence spoke volumes.
“You haven’t... Oh, Scott, you haven’t sold Twister?”
“No, I haven’t sold him.”
“Promise?”
“I’ve never lied to you, runt.”
“Liar,” she said, a smile in her voice.
Alec relaxed and inched backward.
“But unless a miracle happens by mid-June, I may have to sell him,” Scott added.
“So soon?”
“The bank has given us two extensions already. The loan committee won’t approve a third—can’t even say I blame them.”
“I’m coming home,” Laura stated. “I’ve been selfish to stay away this long.”
“No! Absolutely not.” His voice gentled. “I’m impressed as hell with this place, Laura. You’ve got a good thing going here. A chance to build a solid future doing something you love. And you really do love it, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
If he hadn’t been straining to hear, Alec might have missed her quiet reply.
“Then don’t be a martyr. Your coming home wouldn’t change the company’s profit-and-loss statement. But it would screw up a dream you’ve had since undergraduate school.”
“But, Scott—”
“No buts. There’s only one thing I want you to do for me.”
“What? Anything.”
“Put this agency on the map, runt. Show the world everything is bigger and better in Texas.”
Alec could almost see Scott grinning. He sounded like a man worth knowing. A man who probably wouldn’t be caught dead eavesdropping
.
Giving brother and sister the privacy they deserved, Alec turned and crept back down the hall. He’d known about H & H Cattle Company, but just general stuff. Certainly nothing about its financial difficulties. With this new knowledge, his buy-out offer to Laura took on a whole new meaning.
Easing out the front door, he left it cracked open and headed for the elevators. It would be just like Laura to take personal responsibility for her family’s problems. She was obviously filled with guilt for not helping more. Much as he’d like to dismiss his sudden compassion, he couldn’t. If there was one thing he understood, it was guilt.
Maybe Jason would like to go out for pizza later. Suddenly Alec couldn’t wait to get home.
* * *
JASON WAS PERCHED on the edge of his bottom-bunk bed, one high-top sneaker resting on Alec’s thigh.
“But why can’t we ask her, Dad?”
Alec tensed at the underlying whine—a sure signal of trouble ahead. He finished tying a neon orange shoelace and sat back on his heels.
“Because most people like to rest on Sunday evening, and Chuck E Cheese’s is not exactly a restful place.”
“It is so res’ful. All she has to do is sit at a table and watch the show. How tired can she get doin’ that?”
“I think Laura’s brother is visiting her this weekend. Let’s wait and ask her another time. Have you combed your hair today, son?” At Jason’s guilty flush, Alec dug a comb from his pocket and set to work.
“Her brother can come, too. I don’t mind. Please, Dad, can we call her?”
“I said no, Jason. We’ll ask her another time, I promise.”
The bright blond head jerked back, leaving Alec’s hand suspended in air.
“You promise. You promise,” Jason mimicked bitterly. “All you do is make promises, but you never keep ‘em!” He pulled up his legs and scrambled deep into the bunk-bed shadows like a wounded animal.
Alec counted to ten. Every time he was alone with the boy, there was a major confrontation. He half rose, intending to go read the Sunday paper and the hell with it. Jason’s accusing eyes glinted from the shadows.
Sighing, Alec ducked his head and sat on the mattress. “What promises have I broken?”
“Lots.”
“Name one.”
The child thrust out his lower lip in a startlingly familiar gesture. His resemblance to Susan was uncanny sometimes. And why not? She’d had the mannerisms and maturity of a six-year-old.
Alec cocked an eyebrow. “Well?”
“You...you promised to read me a bedtime story the night Mrs. Polk stayed late, and you didn’t.” He lowered his chin and picked at the rubber tread of one sneaker. “I knew you wouldn’t.”
That damned night again. The night Alec had kissed Laura. It seemed destined to haunt him in more ways than one.
“You were asleep in front of the TV when I came home, Jason. I carried you into your room and tucked you into bed.”
Jason’s fingers stilled. “I thought Mrs. Polk carried me.”
Alec hadn’t let her. He’d savored the excuse to cradle the sleeping child against his heart.
“No, I did.”
A pleased little smile crossed Jason’s face before he looked up. “You could’ve woke me.”
“Mmm. Let’s see now.” Alec rubbed his jaw. “You wanted me to wake you up so I could read you a story so you could fall asleep. Is that right?”
Jason thought a moment, then grinned sheepishly.
Alec reached out and tousled the hair he’d just combed, his palm sliding down to cuddle the boy’s cheek. Oh, the luxury, the soul-deep joy, of simply touching his son.
Jason leaned into the caress. “I guess we can call Laura another time, Dad.”
His throat working, Alec looked into solemn blue eyes wise beyond their years. “You win, buddy. Let’s look up Laura’s number and give her a call,” he heard himself say.
As Jason let out a war whoop, Alec mentally shrugged. No sense punishing his son because he didn’t trust himself with Laura. Chuck E Cheese’s was hardly conducive to a romantic interlude. Chances were, she’d bring her brother along, anyway. Surely he could keep his hands off her under those conditions.
He’d have to play dumb about Scott’s visit, Alec reminded himself on the way to the phone. Laura’s pride would suffer if she knew he’d overheard about H & H Cattle Company’s financial troubles.
By the time Alec dialed her number, he’d convinced himself an outing was just what she needed to take her mind off problems for a while. If his heart sped up as the phone rang...well, he just hoped she wouldn’t disappoint Jason, that was all.
* * *
LAURA’S HEART RACED as Scott parked in front of the popular family pizza parlor and cut the engine of his battered pickup. Before he could unlatch the door, she placed a hand on his arm. Tawny eyes, so like her own, questioned her from under a curving black felt brim. Scott only removed his Stetson for weddings and funerals.
“Yeah, runt?”
Laura hesitated, unsure how to start. “Be extra nice to Jason now. He’s had a rough time of it and deserves a little spoiling.”
“Guess I’ll leave my switch in the truck then.” He threw her a disgusted look. “Since when have I ever been mean to a kid, Laura? What’s the deal?”
“Nothing,” she said too quickly. “I think he’s pretty special, that’s all. And...and when you meet Alec, lay off giving him the third degree, okay?” Her skittering gaze glanced off Scott and quickly returned. “Get that smirk off your face, Scott Hayes, before I scratch it off!”
“Oh-ho. So that’s how the wind blows. I gather Jason isn’t the only guy you think is special.”
Laura dug her nails into the worn vinyl seat. “Alec is my business partner, Scott, and a damn good one, too. When you leave tomorrow, I have to stick around and face him at the office. I’ll thank you to remember that.”
Scott swept off his hat and clutched it against his heart, revealing thick brown hair burnished with gold. “I’m crushed. My own sister is afraid I’ll embarrass her.”
“I’m afraid you’ll get all macho and protective on me and embarrass yourself. I haven’t forgotten what you did to Greg Taylor for insulting me at the Dairy Queen.”
Laura had walked into the crowded teen hangout searching for a friendly face. Fate had sent Scott walking out of the rest room just as Greg called out, “Hey, everybody, it’s Butch.”
Her brother tilted his head back, a cocky reminiscent grin on his lean face.
Laura punched him in the arm. “I thought Mary Beth was gonna faint in her french fries when Greg’s nose bled like a stuck pig’s. You started the biggest brawl in Luling’s history.”
Scott’s grin widened. “I did, didn’t I?” He eyed Laura with interest. “Ol’ Greg would shit a brick if he could see you now. Mary Beth’s big as a heifer, and you’re, well, damned if you’re not just like Mama.”
Laura blinked rapidly, unable to speak for a moment. She only knew their tall striking mother from family photographs. But Scott had been twelve when Patricia Hayes had succumbed to cancer, and he’d clearly adored her.
Straightening, Scott plunked on his hat, tugged the brim down and chucked her under the chin. “Don’t worry, runt. I’ll behave. Now let’s go meet these paragons of manhood before I change my mind.”
Laura slid out of the cab and smoothed her jeans. She hadn’t wanted to alert Scott by changing clothes after Alec had called, but now she wished she had.
After countless washings, her jeans were old, worn and very tight. And her faded T-shirt clung much more snugly than the shirts she usually wore. She hadn’t braided her unruly hair, either, but had simply clipped it back in a low ponytail.
Disgusted with herself, Laura tossed her head. Why should she care what Alec thought, anyway? She was here to see Jason.
“Earth to Laura. Come in, please, Laura,” Scott called from where he stood, holding the restaurant door open. Grant Hayes believed in old-fashion
ed courtly manners and had taught his son well.
Laura jogged toward him, tugging Scott’s hat brim over his knowing grin as she passed through. Five steps inside the door she stopped. And stared.
Mechanical and computerized games of every kind lined the cavernous space, each one glowing or blinking garishly in the dim light. Bells, whistles, clangs, pops and simulated warfare noises competed with dozens of laughing shrieking children bouncing from game to game like human pinballs. The noise was deafening.
Dazed, Laura looked over her shoulder at Scott and shared a wide-eyed look of amazement.
“Do you see them anywhere?” he shouted.
She frowned and shook her head, searching the room for a blond child. Boys seemed to be the dominant sex here, ranging in age from one to twelve. Even though there were countless parents shepherding their children, she saw no sign of Alec.
Laura was turning to consult Scott when a flash of orange caught her eye. She pinpointed the source and smiled in delight.
Jason barreled straight toward her, dodging moving children and a stationary space rocket with the agility of a Heisman Trophy winner. He launched into a bear hug at full speed, sending Laura staggering backward a few steps.
“Hi, Laura! Where’ve you been? I’ve been waitin’ and waitin’.”
Laura looked down into the upturned face glowing with happiness and felt her insides go buttery. What woman could resist a welcome like that?
“Sorry, honey, we were running a little late. Where’s your dad?”
“He’s orderin’ a pizza. The line’s real long.”
She squeezed him briefly, then pulled back and spun him around. “I want you to meet someone special. Jason, this is my brother, Scott.”
Scott stepped forward and extended his hand with grave politeness. “Hello, Jason. Any boy who can climb a thirty-foot tree is someone I want to meet.”
Jason puffed out his chest as he shook her brother’s hand.
Thank you, Scott.
“I got a cowboy hat like yours,” Jason said, gazing at Scott’s Stetson with an awed expression. “I wore it to the rodeo with my dad. He’s got a hat, too, only he doesn’t wear it much ‘cause it makes his head itch.”