“In Baltimore.”
“That’s close enough for you to get them on some weekends.”
“But they’re involved in things. Sports and school activities.”
“Tell you what. Call your ex. Tell her you want to see them at least once a month. It’s not going to hurt them to miss one game. Or you can spend a weekend in Baltimore and have them stay with you there.”
He seemed to perk up at the thought of seeing his children. “I’ll try it.”
Noelle could relate. She felt the same about seeing Colin tonight. Especially since she’d got a good glimpse of his body in swim trunks yesterday. Her heart still tripped when she thought of his hard, lean and gorgeous form.
Chapter 7
Colin found himself reaching for his phone. It seemed only a few hours had gone by without him thinking of calling Noelle, hearing her sweet voice. She got under his skin in the worst possible way. He should hang up the phone and tend to his work.
He failed to listen to his own lecture because he pressed the button to dial her number ten minutes later. You are so whipped, he berated himself. From the moment he’d met Noelle he’d stopped acting like the old Colin who had a string of women, but none who’d captured his attention enough for him to focus on her exclusively.
“Your brother get off okay?” he asked when she answered the phone.
“Yes,” Noelle replied. “He should be home soon. He has to pack so Dad can take him back to school tomorrow.” She gripped the phone tighter. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah.” He tried to lighten his voice.
“You sound angry. Are the horses okay? Maggie Girl?”
Colin took a deep breath. It wasn’t her fault he’d lost his mind. On second thought, it was exactly her fault.
“So what are you doing today?” she asked in that soothing, sweet voice.
“Got a couple of horses coming. A boatload of paperwork is waiting for me. How’s Carp working out?”
She sighed. “He had a little setback this morning, but he’s working now.”
“He’s been drinking?”
“He’s worried about his children, poor man. I fixed him breakfast and we talked. I think he’s going to try to resolve visitation rights with his wife. That should help.”
“You have a soft heart.” His anger quickly dissipated in the face of her concern. “No wonder I knew working for you would be good for him. But you’re going to have to keep an eye on him. Maybe it would have been a good idea to get a more reliable carpenter.”
“I’m glad you recommended him. He’ll work out okay. So, how is Mr. Avery?”
“I don’t know.” Other women he’d dated asked about George, but only because they thought it was the thing to do. He knew Noelle was genuinely concerned. She had heart. It was one of the things that appealed to him. “He doesn’t take much interest in work anymore. He used to do a lot of the paperwork. Now it’s kind of backing up. I’m playing catch-up.”
“How sad. If there’s anything I can do, let me know. If you want me to attend grief sessions with him, I’ll go.”
“I’ll talk to him. Thanks for the offer. So what are you doing?”
“I’m writing a thank-you note to Leila. It was so nice of her to send the soup, and the tea yesterday was wonderful.”
“Next time I hope she makes some man-size sandwiches. It took a thousand of those little things to fill me up.” Leila had packed some for Noelle to take home and enough for Greg’s trip home on the plane.
“They were perfect. I’m going to eat some of them for lunch.”
“Well, she wants you to stop by if you’re out. I think she’s trying to fatten you up, or she wants to make sure I settle on you.”
Noelle chuckled.
“I’ve already told her you’re my one and only. So watch out. She’s never liked any of my other girlfriends. She was always criticizing them, but she never criticizes you.”
“Umm.”
“I’ve got to go. Can’t wait for tonight, baby.”
Colin headed for the barn, but stopped in his tracks when he noticed his father’s car approaching. Colin blew out a long breath. He’d been feeling pretty good till now. He waited outside for Leander to approach him.
“Surprised to see you here in the middle of the day,” Colin said as his father exited the car.
Leander frowned. “We need to talk.”
“Okay,” Colin said slowly, frowning himself. “Why don’t we go to the office?”
As they trooped to the office Colin wondered what brought his father out here this time.
He opened the office door and let Leander enter before him. They passed George’s closed door on the way to Colin’s office.
“Have a seat,” he said, but his father took long strides to the window and watched the activity outside the barn.
Colin liked his office. It was a huge space, big enough for a sitting area with a couch and a couple of chairs. From behind his expansive desk he had a view of the stables and the mountains behind. When he had to work indoors it gave him pleasure to be able to watch what was going on. The space had belonged to his grandfather, but the older man had turned it over to Colin a year before he’d died.
Leila had chosen the Persian rug. She’d also chosen some of the paintings on the wall and put a few plants in there that Colin often forgot to water. He didn’t worry about it because Leila used the excuse of the plants to come to the office once a week. Usually she brought lunch with her.
His father still gazed out of the window and Colin wondered if he was thinking of his own father.
Leander was never still. Often Colin thought he got his energy from him, because he often caught himself pacing. But their tastes were 180 degrees apart. Everything Colin liked, his father disliked.
“What’s going on?” Colin asked.
“I got a call from one of your creditors this morning. This is the loan Dad talked me into securing for the farm. You have a huge outstanding debt that should have been paid a month ago. They waited as long as they could, but finally called me.”
Damn. Colin ran a hand over his head. “It must have been misplaced. I’ll check on it and take care of it right away.” George had told him he’d handled the bills, but George’s mind wasn’t really on his work. Colin tried to give him something to do so he wouldn’t dwell on his son’s death. He should have kept closer tabs on him, but his hands had been full with the farm.
His father frowned. “Are you sure the problem doesn’t have more to do with the lack of funds?”
“We have enough money to take care of the bills.”
“I should have sold my half of the farm right after Dad died.”
“You know he didn’t want that,” Colin protested. “His dream was to make this a successful thoroughbred farm, the way it was years ago.”
“And he spent the better part of his life throwing good money after bad to make that happen.”
“That’s not true. It’s finally paying off. Yes, it took time. And it’s part of a decision Grandpa made before he died. He wanted to build this farm up so it could sustain the lean years, and with Diamond Spirit we finally have a chance. Grandpa would want us to give him a chance to pull us into the black. I know he can do it.”
“This entire farm is contingent on one horse. If something happens to Diamond Spirit tomorrow, you’ll be up a creek.”
“That’s not true. We have horses that are racing in the money. We’re getting good stud fees from several of our stallions, just not the draw of Diamond Spirit. You just have to give Maggie Girl a chance.”
“By getting calls that the bills aren’t being paid on time?”
“This is one that slipped though the cracks. I’ll find it and pay it. I’ll personally deliver the check to D.C. today.”
“It’s embarrassing. I have always paid my bills on time, and although this business has just about run itself into the ground, Dad always paid his, too.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m not about to let that
tradition go down the drain on my watch.”
“See to it that you don’t. I’ve told them to inform me if there are any more late payments.”
Colin gritted his teeth. He was already putting in fourteen-to sixteen-hour days, barely giving him any time to stoke his relationship with Noelle. With his reputation, if he showed up any less, she’d think he was seeing other women. What she didn’t know was that because of the grief his father was giving him about settling down, he’d cut back on women the last few months. Colin stifled a sigh. He’d either have to hire another employee or increase his hours.
“I can take care of my business, Dad.”
“Then do it.”
After his father left, Colin went to George’s office. The older man had finally put in an appearance. He was sitting behind his desk staring into space. If his father sold his share of the farm, what would become of George? How would the new owner treat him? He wouldn’t necessarily look out for George’s welfare. George needed this place. This was the only home he’d known. His son had been born here, spent most of his life here. His wife had lived here.
Colin conjured up a smile he didn’t feel. “How’s it going?”
The older man jumped. “Fine, just fine. Was that Leander’s car I saw outside?”
“Yes.”
“Is he going to spend the night? Maybe I need to let Leila know to expect company.”
“No, he has to get back to work.”
George nodded.
“I’m looking for a bill.” Colin named the company. “Have you seen it?”
A stack of papers was piled high on George’s desk. He patted the stack. “I think it’s in here somewhere. I haven’t gotten to them yet.”
“I think Leila mentioned lunch was ready. Why don’t you go ahead? I’ll be there as soon as I find this bill.”
George motioned to the stack. “I need to take care of this before I leave town.” He was heading to Florida for an important race.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of the stash,” Colin said. “Go on and have your lunch. I’ll try to join you in a few minutes.”
“You sure?”
Colin nodded and got the man moving. George put his coat and hat on, wrapping his scarf around his neck. Leila had scolded him so much about that scarf, he now performed the duty by rote.
Colin sat in George’s vacated chair and searched for the bill. It took him about five minutes to find it. He put it to the side and fingered through the rest of the papers. There were a lot of things that weren’t being done. He’d have to go through them tomorrow.
He found the checkbook and wrote out a check. Then he slipped it with the bill into an envelope. He hated that hour-long drive to D.C., but there was no other option. He headed to his secretary’s desk.
“I need you to go through the stack of bills on George’s desk and get them ready for payment. Check on the ones that have and haven’t been paid and leave the ones that haven’t on my desk. I’ll make out checks later on tonight.”
“All right,” the secretary said.
He dialed Noelle’s number. “Hey, I have to run into D.C. Care to go with me? We could play tourists this afternoon, have dinner there tonight. How does a Moroccan restaurant sound?”
“Sounds great.”
“Can you get away?”
“Sure.”
“Pick you up in an hour. I’m going to have lunch with George first.” Colin glanced at his watch. Just enough time for a quick shower, too. He needed it.
Noelle changed clothes and dabbed on a light-scented perfume before she drove to the camp.
She found Carp in one of the rooms. A kerosene lantern warmed the space as he worked. She leaned against the doorjamb, watching him for several minutes before he noticed her.
“Don’t worry,” he said, turning off his power saw. “I’m not drinking.”
“I’m not checking up on you,” she said. He seemed to have recovered form his hangover. “I’m going into D.C. Will you be okay by yourself?”
“Sure. Listen, I’m really sorry about this morning. Won’t happen again.”
Noelle nodded. “Do you want me to take you home now? It’ll be late before I return.”
“No, I can get a ride. Don’t worry about that. Have fun. Don’t stay out too late, though. It’s supposed to snow tonight.”
“They’ve been talking about that for a while. I’m ready for it. Looking forward to it, actually. My first snow in a long time.” She’d grown up in L.A., where it didn’t snow, and had lived in Memphis, where it rarely snowed.
Carp chuckled. “Before winter’s over you’ll be tired of the slipping and sliding.”
“It’s half over already.”
“Got to get through February. Don’t eat that snow, now. Not like it was when I was a boy. There’s all kinds of junk in the atmosphere. My mama used to make snow cream. It was delicious. Can’t do that anymore.”
“My mom used to tell me about that. She said her mother mixed vanilla and sugar in it.”
“I don’t know how Mama made it, but we always looked forward to the second snow. Couldn’t eat the first snow. Mama said it cleaned the atmosphere.” With a smile on his face, Carp picked up the power saw. “Gotta get back to work. You have fun now.”
“I will.”
As Noelle drove back home, she hoped she and Colin could watch the snow together. Maybe they could roast marshmallows and cuddle before a fire.
That sounded like a perfect way to spend an evening.
Traffic flowed steadily toward D.C. Colin turned the radio to an R&B station.
“I didn’t see George,” Noelle said.
“He’s going to Florida to a race. I thought it’d do him good to get out of town for a few days. Brent’s going, too. He’ll pick him up from the airport and keep an eye on him.”
It was interesting watching the change of terrain as they drew closer to D.C. There were more shopping areas and fewer trees.
In D.C. it only took Colin a few moments to deliver the check, and then he drove to the Mall and circled the block a few times before he found a parking space.
“I’ve made reservations for eight at Marrakesh,” he said.
“I’ve heard of it.”
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy the belly dancer. Do you know how to belly dance?” he teased.
“No. Where are we going now?”
“Trying to change the subject?” he asked with a mischievous grin.
“Is it working?”
His mouth curved with tenderness. “They have a new exhibit on display at the Smithsonian I thought you’d like to see.”
“Oh, yes.”
They walked the Mall. Busloads of children were inside the museums. The wind had increased and Noelle pulled her coat tighter around her. Colin looped his arm around her drawing her close to his body heat.
Although Colin’s mother had dragged him and his siblings to museums each year, he’d taken the experiences for granted as another thing they had to do for educational purposes. How many times had he heard her say how blessed they were to be so close to so much culture? It would be criminal not to take advantage of it, she’d remind them when they balked. But now he derived joy from Noelle’s enthusiasm with the museums, and they didn’t seem such a drag.
He took note of her as she talked to scientists in the Natural History Museum—even learned a thing or two. He and Noelle were able to tour two museums before closing time.
An attendant parked the car as they entered the Marrakesh restaurant. They were seated on comfortable cushions.
“This is like sitting around a cocktail table in the dining room,” Noelle said.
Colin nodded as they brought out the first serving. The traditional manner of eating was with one’s fingers.
“Are you going to feed me?” Colin asked.
“You trust my fingers?” she asked as she tore off a bit of the egg-filled pastry dusted with powdered sugar and gently pressed it into his mouth. He caressed her f
ingers lightly with his teeth. Then he tore off a portion and fed it to her.
He rubbed the powered sugar off her lips with his thumb and kissed her gently. Her tongue ran lightly over her lips and his stomach clenched. He forcibly contained a moan. Powerful sexual need was roaring through him.
Making it through dinner was going to be tough, especially given the fact that he’d wanted her for what seemed like forever.
Alternately, throughout the meal, seated side by side, they fed themselves and each other.
“Did your brother get home okay?” He had to do something, say something to break the sexual stronghold strangling him.
“Yes, he called me after he arrived home. He was packing and my mom was in the background grilling him about me—especially about you.” She laughed. Her whole face seemed to light up. “I can expect a visit from my father again soon.” She sighed. “He’s heard about your slam, bam, thank you ma’am reputation, by the way.”
“You know me better, don’t you?”
“I’ve known you two weeks. That doesn’t cover a lifetime by any stretch of imagination.”
“So does that mean you’re still having second thoughts?”
“It means I’m going to go with the flow for a change. I don’t expect you to give me more than you’re capable of.”
Her statement twisted a knife in Colin’s gut. Yes, in the past it was true he hadn’t taken women seriously. But he thought Noelle believed that he’d changed. He needed her to believe him.
Colin pulled back and leaned against the cushion. “Look, the fact that I haven’t found a woman I could be serious with in the past has no reflection on you.”
“Colin, you don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to make promises. I’m willing to accept what you’re willing to give. You don’t have to commit yourself to me for life. The only promise I want is that you don’t see other women when you’re dating me. When you’ve had enough, you can leave with no tears, no recriminations. My eyes are wide open.”
As if he couldn’t be trusted to be responsible. As if he was still operating like a kid and not as an adult. Her lack of trust hurt. But he wouldn’t reveal his feelings.
His Tempest Page 9