Outside The Lines (Love Beyond Reason Book 2)

by Rhodes, Beth

  She was dying to touch him again. It was a secret she kept close to heart, because it was there that she wondered if it was just lust or truly love. She bit her lip, clenching her hands in her lap as the plane cruised along.

  She was a nurse, so it shouldn’t seem so silly, but he’d cared for her, sat with her, and put cool damp washcloths on her forehead. Who did that?

  Her mom when she was five, maybe.

  At the funny twinge in her back, Maria shifted, took a deep breath, and reclined her seat. She fiddled with the ring on her finger. It really was the prettiest thing she’d ever seen. Where had it come from? She’d meant to ask, but hadn’t gotten around to it.

  David called her last night, too. Said he had one short meeting this morning then he’d be flying north. Home by ten o’clock. A look at her watch showed an agonizing seven hours before she got to see him. Seven!

  But she grinned, nerves—the good kind—making her feel giddy as the plane smoothly descended to earth. She wondered who would meet her. David had arranged something.

  The plane landed and came to a halt. She got up, and a gentleman behind her helped lift her bag out of the overhead compartment. “Thank you, sir.”

  And she was off towards baggage claim, a definite lightness to her step.

  But she came to swift and sudden stop where the terminal ended and the lobby began. Mr. March stood in front of her, checking his watch and tapping his toe.

  “Oh.” There was no help for it, though. He was her father-in-law.

  He saw her then and came toward her, without even a hint of kindness in his eyes, and took her bag from her. “Do you have any luggage checked?”

  “No, sir.” She shook her head, her insides quaking. “I was able to mail a few things before I left. They’ll come next week.”

  “Well, come along then.” The man turned and walked.

  So she followed and felt a little ridiculous. It was too obvious that Mr. March had decided not to like her, period.

  They drove in silence—long, drawn-out, awkward silence.

  But, once again, Maria found herself charmed by the east coast winter, the thick layer of snow that covered everything, and today the sun was out. Everything glittered, shining in the brightness. When they pulled into the March estate driveway, and she saw Mrs. Kraus standing at the front window, some of her doubts faded.

  This was her home now.

  And if she was lucky, Mr. March would stay as absent as he’d been so far.

  Mr. March pulled into the garage, which didn’t bode well for her luck. She got out and retrieved her bag from the back seat. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. March.”

  He hesitated, studying her, and then nodded. “You can call me Greg.”

  “Okay.” Not that he’d warmed up exactly, but it was something. “Thank you, Greg.”

  “You’re welcome.” He opened the door for her. “Why don’t you get settled in? Mrs. Kraus will make you something to eat. And then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to see you in my office.”

  She froze, swallowed against the lump in her throat and the nerves that flared to life in her stomach. But this wasn’t middle school and he was no principal, she reminded herself.

  “We should talk.”

  “Okay,” she answered, pretty sure it wasn’t going to be okay.

  Mrs. Kraus greeted her warmly when she entered the kitchen. The woman took Maria’s shoulders in her hands and eyed her closely. “I was a mite worried. You’ve lost weight.”

  “Not much,” Maria argued.

  “Now that you’re home, we’ll get you back on track.” Then she pulled her into an embrace so unexpectedly Maria had to chuckle. “Probably that rotten California air.”

  Maria did laugh then. “Well, California might have its flaws, but I don’t think the air is one of them.”

  Mrs. Kraus sniffed and lifted a brow. “Sit down. I’ll get you something to eat.”

  “I’m starving.”

  “Mmmhm. Just as I thought.”

  Maria grinned, glad to be back. “Let me help.”

  And they worked together putting food on the table. Maria promised to make a batch of cookies later, for David’s return.

  “He always did like chocolate chip cookies. His dad would call him the Cookie Monster.”

  “That’s enough, Edith.”

  Maria jumped at the loud arrival of Mr. March.

  “Maria? If you have a minute?” He was stern, unbending.

  And Mrs. Kraus scowled at him from her spot by the stove. “Be nice.”

  His eyes, unlike David’s, were ice blue and cold.

  She thought he would take her to the office she’d seen last week, but he bypassed it and took her down another hallway and through a set of doors. His office sat at the back of the house. Its row of tall windows looked out onto the backyard and the line of trees that made a half circle. Like David’s office, a large desk sat facing the door and book shelves lined one wall. But unlike the other office, Mr. March’s had a sitting area and a small bar.

  “Can I get you a drink? Maybe a little brandy?”

  “Uh,” she faltered. Was he an idiot?! “No, thank you.”

  “Oh, right. A baby.” His gaze went to her waist, where she still didn’t show very much. Then he poured himself a scotch—like father, like son.

  Lifting her chin, she gathered every bit of courage she could muster. “Yes, a baby. Your grandchild.”

  “I’d like to offer you a deal, Ms. Rodriguez.”

  She supposed it would be a cold day in hell before he thought of her as a March. It would probably be a cold day in hell before she thought of herself as a March. But a March she was. And the sinking feeling in her gut hit rock bottom. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” she insisted, backing up toward the door. “I’m sure you mean well. Your concern for your son is admirable, but it’s misplaced.”

  “Now, see here—”

  “No. I’m sorry, but you need to work whatever issues you have out with David. I can’t—” She shook her head vigorously. “No—won’t get between you two on this.”

  She found the knob and swung the door open.

  But Mr. March’s eyes narrowed. “My dear, you already have. My son is in Florida making a deal that will bring him another two million in revenue a year. And he isn’t alone. Do you really think you’re the first woman to look his way? I don’t know how you managed your condition, but believe me. David will never settle for a gold-digging tramp like you.”

  Anger cut through the shock as her world tilted.

  “Eventually, he’ll see through you…and then he’ll drop you so fast you won’t know what hit you. No one messes with a March.”

  “Oh, yeah? Well, no one messes with a Rodriguez either.” She wanted to run but turned slowly, with her chin held high, and walked away. When she rounded the first corner, her feet swiftly took her back the way she’d come and she cut across the den and escaped to her room upstairs.

  She took a seat at the small desk in the corner of the guest room, resting her hands flat on the surface. She blew out a breath—one and another. Her hands shook. Then she lifted the lid of her laptop.

  But she had no one to talk to…

  Her phone chimed then, and she picked it up to find a text from David.

  How are you feeling? Everything okay?

  I’m all better. Can’t wait to see you. Everything’s fine here.

  If only. A growl escaped, and she tossed her phone to the bed. A little white lie so he wouldn’t worry. And why was she worried about him worrying?

  Mr. March’s blatant allegation crept into her head. Was David with someone down there? Or was he merely back to avoiding her? No. She had to trust him. He’d promised her, and he’d made a deal. Wasn’t he a deal maker by trade? And he kept his word.

  A door downstairs slammed closed.

  Maria rose and looked out the window. A few seconds later, Mr. March’s car backed down the drive and headed toward town. Sinking back into the chair
at the desk, she blew out a sigh of relief. Thank God.

  What she needed now was a distraction to get her through the hours until he got home. She needed to get back into that kitchen. Churro, sweet, decadent, familiar. “Or, no…” she muttered as she opened the drawer to look for a piece of paper to make a list. Tres Leche. “O ambos.”

  “No paper anywhere,” she muttered, shuffling through old folders, pencils, and odds and ends. Her hand hit the bottom and a hollow thump resounded from the tap. She lifted the box of pencils and found a shoebox.

  Curiosity got the best of her and she took it out. Setting the lid aside, she found a bunch of letters. Stamped in the corner of the pretty yellow envelope was the name Colleen March, MD. His mother. Flipping through the stack, she found some open, some not. All looked crisp, almost new.

  The one in her hand was open. The address on it was Middletown, Connecticut.

  She pulled the small piece of paper from its confines and smoothed it out on the desk. Maybe she should feel bad about being nosy. But she didn’t. He obviously wasn’t going to share his life with her. She was here, now, with a father-in-law who thought paying her off was an acceptable answer to David’s unplanned pregnancy.

  She was just done with worrying about other people’s feelings.

  Dear David,

  Please reconsider your decision to stay in Connecticut. Perhaps I have no right to ask as I did the same all those years ago, leaving to find a different path. I want you to have the same freedom, to find your own way. On the other hand, second only to you, your grandfather is the most important March in Lynnbrook…to me. He is a kind soul who never judged me for going my way. He has given his whole life for his family, for you.

  I fear he needs you more now than he ever has before. Think about it. With this new position as Director of Investments, you won’t be under your father’s thumb. You’ll get to work with Grandpa, instead. Someday, at the helm of this company, you’ll still get to make your own way. Make decisions that will take the business where you want it to go.

  Hey, do you remember those trips we used to take cross country every year? I remember them with fondness, and I hope you do to.

  All my love,

  Mom

  He’d done as his mother asked and come home… She rubbed the date in the corner of the letter. Two thousand and seven. More than eight years ago. He’d also continued to take the mentioned yearly trips. She had Colleen to thank for him showing up in her town.

  Maria tapped the envelope against her lip and wondered if he knew how much he’d gained from his absent mother’s words. And there was a whole box here. She dug to the bottom. All the way back to the year she left.

  Colleen obviously loved her son. How could she leave?

  Stretching, she placed a hand on her abdomen.

  It seemed unthinkable. But then, there was the man who’d handed her a check so she would walk away from his son. And somehow, she knew there was more to the story.

  No wonder David refused to admit he loved her. He was scared, to love…to be left again.

  “Dios,” she whispered. “Stop reading metida. You are too nosy for your own good.”

  And she wanted to trust him.

  Carefully, she placed the envelope back in the desk drawer. The unexpected glimpse into his life wrenched her heart, made her love him even more. The warm, funny guy she’d met in California was in there—somewhere, and she wanted to find him.

  She had a feeling that David only came out once in a great while.

  ***

  On her way downstairs after a quick shower and change, the front door chimes sounded, and Maria veered off course to answer. She pulled the massive door open, laughing at the absurdity of it. The place was old, no doubt, and the door was its greatest tell.

  She grinned at the image that ran through her head of princesses and castles.

  And found Colleen, grinning back. “Well, that’s a wonderful welcome. And so unexpected at this particular residence.”

  “Hello,” Maria stepped aside. “I was just thinking about this ridiculously fabulous, impractical door.”

  Colleen ran a hand down the wood then pushed it shut. “It’s a good door.”

  There was an unexpected ache in her voice.

  “You have fond memories still.”

  “Of course,” she answered, straightening her spine. “This place will always hold my favorite memories.”

  They didn’t know each other well. So that left Maria shy of stepping on toes or making any mistakes, offending anyone, especially her husband. “Can I get you something to drink? Are you here to see Mrs. Kraus?”

  Colleen hummed. “I thought I’d come say hello to you. See how you were doing.”

  Maria nodded down the hallway. “I was just on my way to the kitchen. Come on. We’ll go together.”

  “You look good.”

  She shrugged. “I feel good. Had a bit of something in California. The flu. Really took me out of the game for a few days.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better.” She paused before they went into the kitchen. “How was it, being at home?”

  With a smile, Maria thought about her time in Red Bluff. “It was…different. The time with my family felt more like a standoff half the time, and honestly? I was ready to leave. It was nice to have David there, while he was there. I’d forgotten about his easy-going side, and seeing it in action, seeing him with my family and friends—” She broke off. “I’m talking too much.”

  “No, it’s nice.” Colleen headed to the fridge and pulled out two water bottles, handing one to Maria. “I don’t get to hear the little things very often. The only time the March men will talk to me is if there is a to-do of some sort.” She blew out a breath. “Well, maybe I deserve that. I didn’t fight for my right to be here, all those years ago.”

  “I’m sure David appreciates your efforts now.”

  “That’s nice of you.”

  “I think it’s true.” Maria frowned. “He’s just working through a lot of stuff right now. The baby—”

  Colleen smiled at that.

  “Work.”

  “Work. Yes, there is something always going on at work. Greg and I had some long, painful years over the bank. But the March men are determined, if nothing else. But, you know that, I guess.”

  “Right,” Maria took another sip of the water and screwed the cap on. “Anyway, I can’t speak for him. But, I can speak for myself. And I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Well, I’m looking forward to this new phase in life. The grandbaby coming.” Colleen picked at the label on her bottle. “The possibility of reconnecting has never been a reality before now. I feel like I owe that to you.”

  “Wow. That’s a lot of pressure.”

  “Maybe, but it’s the truth. I hope he can make you very happy, Maria.” She set the bottle firmly on the counter and looked Maria in the eye. “Please, give him some leeway, give him a break if he needs a break. Don’t judge him too harshly. He’s had a tough time with family. No good examples.”

  There was guilt between the lines, but it was that mother-bear defense that tweaked Maria’s heart. Colleen worried about her son. Of course she did. Because she wasn’t a cruel, heartless bitch.

  Oh, to hear the real story.

  “I would never intentionally hurt your son, Colleen.” And it was funny, because David with his isolated existence had two parents who went to bat for him. They both loved him and wanted what was best for him, in their own way.

  She liked Colleen’s way better than Greg’s.

  “Would you like to go to town with me? I have a few things to get at the grocery store and need to stop at the bank. I might even—possibly—do some window shopping.”

  Surprise broke on her mother-in-law’s face. “Sure. That would be great.”

  “Okay.” Relief filled Maria. She didn’t know why she’d invited Colleen. It just happened, but it felt right. And they were…related now. They were family. “You want to k
now the truth?”

  “Sure.”

  “I need to get out for a bit.”

  “Perfectly understandable.” Colleen concurred. “You know, if you ever need anything, you can always call me. If you’re worried about the baby or have a question, I’m always here for you…and my son’s baby.”

  Maria grabbed her coat off the hook near the garage door, wrapped a scarf around her neck, and turned. “Thank you. I appreciate it. And I will need a doctor, eventually. Right now? I’m enjoying the freedom of not having my family hovering around, taking care of me.” She added air quotes for good measure.

  “Point taken. You can take care of yourself,” Colleen answered with a nod as she slipped a slim pair of gloves over her long fingers.

  Mrs. Kraus hurried through the kitchen, calling to them. “I’ve got a short list for dinner tonight. Would you mind picking a few things up?”

  “Not at all.” Maria took the list Mrs. Kraus waved in her direction.

  “Drive safely, dear.” Mrs. Kraus gasped when a timer went off behind her. “The cake!” And she ran, leaving Maria at the door to the breezeway and garage.

  David had left the keys for the Mercedes GL, because they’d taken her rental back to the airport when they left for California. She had to admit, this was more fun to drive than that little Ford Escort. It had all the luxuries. Like hell if she’d feel guilty about using his vehicle or driving a car so out of her budget, it made her feel like a poser.

  With February in full-swing, all the blue wreaths had been replaced by red, heart-shaped wreaths. The garland strung through town was a glittering red and pink. It was pretty, quaint, and welcoming.

  She pulled into town and parked in the bank parking lot. “Well, here we are. Do you want to meet somewhere? I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “Why don’t you give me the grocery list? I can do that while you do this, and then we’ll meet at Henry’s for coffee before we move on to the shopping part.”