Do Not Disturb

by Lisa Ballenger

  He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment.

  “We’d better sit. They’re waiting.”

  She settled in one of the folding chairs. Brett sank down next to her, not moving the chair away, his left knee grazing her leg as he relaxed.

  Janet patted her notebook. “We’re ready to hear how you two managed such a great Halloween carnival. What is the secret?”

  “A task plan.” Brett spoke first. “A detailed task plan.”

  Allison’s head swerved to her right and her mouth dropped open. Task plan? The man hated them.

  “Allison’s an expert at outlining everything that needs to be done.” He smiled and nodded in her direction.

  “I think the key is having fun,” Allison said slowly. “Relaxing and not taking it too seriously.”

  She felt his eyes on her as she addressed the group. “If you don’t have someone like Brett who can motivate the group and keep everyone comfortable, the creative ideas will just” she raised her hands in the air, “evaporate.”

  She smiled. “That’s what’s critical. Not taking it too seriously.”

  Brett twisted in his chair and faced her. “But Allison, without goals and objectives and details, no one knows what to do and nothing will get done.”

  She rotated her upper body toward him. “Yes, but flexibility in meeting the goals, that’s important, too. Things don’t always work out the way you plan. Things change. You know, Brett, everything in life can’t be planned and controlled.”

  He placed a hand on his hip. “Well, that’s true, but it’s very important the committee members accept each other’s ideas and talk. Too often people forget that questions and ideas others may have aren’t meant as controlling, they may just approach things differently and are trying to be helpful. Open communication is important.”

  “Wow,” Janet said, clapping her hands. “You two are perfect together. No wonder the carnival was great. It was a perfect balance of complimenting talents.”

  Allison looked back at Janet, her face turning red. She and Brett had been talking only to each other, ignoring the others. What had they been doing?

  “Thanks, Janet,” Allison said, nodding to the chairperson and the group. “I’m sure your committee will be as helpful as ours. We couldn’t have done it without everyone working together.”

  “I think we have what we need, folks.” Janet stood. The group drifted off in a huddle, the noise echoing in the emptying room.

  Brett and Allison sat, staring straight ahead for several agonizing minutes before Brett spoke in a low tone.

  “I was happy to hear the paternity suit got dropped and everything worked out for you.”

  “Thanks.” She turned her eyes his way. His head was bowed, his elbows on his knees. His tan had begun to fade, his hair growing in browner, losing some of the bleaching of the sun. He still looked wonderful. “I wanted to thank you again for getting Michael to handle it.”

  “You’re welcome. He really believed in your case.”

  She raised her brows as he glanced up. “You talked to Michael?”

  “Oh no.” He paused. “My father told me.”

  “So you’ve been talking to your parents?”

  “Yeah.” He sat up and rested against the back of the chair, the metal groaning under the pressure. “They were down here over Christmas.”

  She pointed a finger his way. “You invited them here?”

  He smiled. “About time, don’t you think?”

  “Well...” She dropped her hand back in her lap.

  “Told them about the business. My plans. Even let my father draw up some company papers.”

  “Oh?”

  “He had some great ideas on how to protect myself against lawsuits.”

  She cocked her head to one side. “Could that be a problem?”

  “Almost was.”

  Oh no. Had he been in trouble and she didn’t know?

  “You were sued?” She reached out to touch his arm, moving it back when he glanced down.

  “No.” He raised his head, a strange look on his face. “But I found a mistake in one of my plans I prepared for a client. Stupid mistake.” He laughed, that loud deep sound that echoed through her. She’d missed his laugh. And she was relieved to see a grin replace the pained expression. “A detail I missed in my hurry to get all the paperwork out of the way. Could have ruined me.”

  “Thank goodness you found it.”

  “I hired a part-time assistant.”

  “You what?” What in the world was going on? Was this really Brett?

  “I realized I hated the details and wasn’t going to be able to do my business right if I didn’t have someone to keep me organized and review all the paperwork.” He shook his head. “Mrs. Jones is a retired executive secretary. Drives me crazy, but keeps me from shooting myself in my foot. You were right about details and documentation, Allison.”

  She sighed, rubbing her fingers with the thumb from her other hand. “That was probably the only thing I was right about.”

  “No.” He touched her arm briefly, then removed his warmth. “You were right about my parents, too. They were only worrying about me, not really trying to control me. Once I opened up and explained what I was doing, they were very supportive. Thanks for the advice.”

  “I’m quitting my job,” she blurted out.

  Brett’s eyes popped open.

  “Anybody here?”

  They swiveled at the booming voice. The school’s janitor appeared through the hallway, dragging his cleaning cart behind him.

  “We’re leaving.” Brett stood.

  He shoved open the metal doors to the outside, waiting for Allison to walk ahead of him. At the thump of the door closing he twirled her around.

  “You’re quitting your job?”

  “They gave the promotion to someone else.”

  “Why?” His hand gently squeezed her elbow.

  “I’d like to think he was more qualified, but actually, he was the son of the new president’s best friend.”

  Brett groaned. “Not connections.”

  “Afraid so.” She nodded.

  “But why are you quitting?” He dropped his hand and started walking with her toward the parking lot. “You love the bank and there’ll be other opportunities there.”

  “I know. But, I think it’s time to find something else.” This was better, she thought as they moved away from the lights by the cafeteria door. In the darkness she couldn’t see his face. The concern in his gray eyes combined with the weeks of missing him made her want to throw herself into his arms. Just talking was becoming difficult.

  “I want to spend more time with Kelly. Have more normal hours. I know I’m good at what I do and I have more options now.”

  “Oh?” They stopped by her car door.

  “With the money James left, her college is paid for and the money I’d been saving for her tuition will give me a bit of a cushion if I want to take something that pays less but is more satisfying.”

  Brett leaned his back against the car window, his face now illuminated by the streetlight. What would he do if she just reached out and touched his jaw? She clenched her hands into tight fists at her sides.

  “Any ideas?” he asked.

  “Maybe a small community bank. One where I have more influence. Or a small company. I haven’t decided yet. That’s why I took off this week. To think about it.”

  “You took off a whole week?”

  She smiled at the shock on his face. “Amazing isn’t it?”

  “Yes, but great. If you’re happy that is.”

  “I’m happy with this decision...” she took a deep breath and plunged on, “but I can’t say I’ve been that happy recently.”

  “I know it’s been rough for you,” he said softly. “The lawsuit, the promotion, working on your degree, but things should start falling in place this year. You’ve got a lot going for you.”

  He didn’t understand. It wasn’t about that at all.

&n
bsp; Her fingernails dug into her palms. “You were right, Brett.”

  “About what?”

  “I was too obsessed with my job, planning my life.”

  “Oh.” He crossed one ankle over the other and looked down for only a second, then brought his eyes back to gaze seriously into hers. “I guess we’ve both learned something the last few months.”

  “And both changed.”

  They stood, each waiting for the other one to make the next move. Neither one budged.

  What should she do now? Maybe he was happy without her.

  “Look,” he stood up straight, his voice gruff. “I have to get home to Caroline and I know you probably need to go too, but...will you let me take you to dinner tomorrow night? I’ll arrange a sitter for the girls and we can have some time to talk and be alone for a little while.” He paused. “Please.”

  She smiled at his determination. She’d missed him so much.

  “Well?”

  And it sure sounded like he’d missed her. “Why don’t you cook me breakfast?”

  “Instead of dinner you want me to cook you breakfast Saturday?” He looked confused.

  She placed a hand on his arm. “Not Saturday. Tomorrow morning. I’m on vacation remember?”

  “Ohhh.” He frantically searched through his slacks’ pockets. “Where is that thing?”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “My assistant prints out my calendar of appointments for the week on this piece of paper.” He flipped open his wallet and located a folded, tattered piece of paper. “Finally.” He held out a hand. “Give me your keys.”

  She dropped them in his hands.

  Opening the car door, he held the paper under the light. “Let’s see. I don’t have anything until eleven.” He drew his head out of the car. “If you come by as soon as you drop Kelly off we’ll have a few hours. I won’t need to leave the house until 10:30.” His face looked so hopeful. “I promise a gourmet breakfast.”

  “I’ll be there at 8:30.”

  He stuffed the paper into his shirt, then braced her face with his palms.

  She lay her hands on his waist and closed her eyes as he kissed her softly. This was what she’d remembered all those lonely nights.

  As she opened her mouth, he increased the intensity of his kiss, drawing her closer to his body, his hand moving down her back. His breath ragged, he pressed her head to his chest.

  “Damn, but I’ve missed you, Allison.”

  This is what she needed. She slipped her arms around him, relaxing into the comfort of his embrace. And Brett is who she needed.

  “I wish I didn’t have to go home,” she whispered.

  “Me too, darling. Me too.” He gave her a squeeze, then eased back to look into her eyes. “But the faster this night is over, the sooner we’ll be together again. Alone. No interruptions.”

  She rested her palm on his jaw, the whiskers scraping her skin. How she’d missed this face. “I’ll see you at 8:30.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Marry me, Allison.”

  They were panting, sweaty and naked on their backs in a tangle of sheets.

  “What?”

  He rolled to his side, resting his head in an upturned palm.

  “I know this isn’t the most romantic place to propose. And maybe I should’ve waited until we’ve talked and all, but I don’t want to wait. The last six weeks without you have been awful.”

  He looked so adorable. God how she loved this man.

  “I was lonely without you too, Brett.

  “So we shouldn’t wait.”

  “Well...”

  “Just say yes, baby. We’re great together. And I don’t want to spend the next months or years sneaking around so we can grab a few hours alone. I want us to be a family. You, me, the girls. Don’t you see? It’s perfect.”

  It was cruel to tease him, but he was so cute trying to convince her. ”You just want me so I can organize your life.”

  “Well, we both know I could use some help there.” He shrugged his shoulder toward the baskets of clean clothes on his bedroom floor. “But...” He ran the back of his hand over her cheek. “I love you, Allison. It’s kind of scary how much I love you. And I admit I never thought I’d get married again. But I’m positive we can make it together.”

  She smiled. “I didn’t plan on getting married either.”

  “But you love me.” He moved over her. “Don’t deny it.”

  “My my, but you’re confident.”

  He narrowed his eyes and tried to frown.

  “Don’t pretend to pout you big baby.” She touched his lower lip.

  At the doorbell chime, his head shot up. He glanced over her head to the bedside clock. “Damn, it’s almost ten. That over organized Mrs. Jones must be here to get me ready for my meeting. Why the hell did I hire that woman anyway?”

  Allison tried to roll away when Brett captured her and lay on top of her, his arms balanced on either side of her shoulders.

  “Oh no you don’t. No interruptions this time. You’re not going anywhere until I hear something good from those sexy lips.”

  “But Mrs. Jones is waiting.”

  “Allison,” he warned. “I lay my heart on the line and you’re teasing?”

  Her heart moved into her throat. She was so lucky.

  She hooked her arms around his neck and stared into his eyes. “I love you, Brett Tyler. More than I ever thought possible. I would be honored to become your wife.” She arched up and kissed his lips. “How’s that?”

  “Yes.” He kissed her soundly. “We’re in for one hell of a good life.” He rolled off the bed and snagged his jeans and shirt. “I’ll let Mrs. Jones in my office and be right back.”

  Allison tucked her shirt in her pants as he raced back into the bedroom. Planting a kiss on her forehead, he moved toward the bathroom. “Come talk to me.”

  “But, Brett...”

  “Come on. Our bedroom and bath will probably be the only rooms we can get much privacy after we’re married. May as well get in practice.”

  Sitting on the edge of the tub, Allison watched Brett through the glass shower walls. He scrubbed his body and shampooed in less than five minutes. She decided they would never have anything but glass in their shower. She had waited too long to find Brett and she wasn’t going to deny herself any opportunity to look at his sexy body.

  “I shaved earlier,” he explained as he toweled off. “Didn’t want to scratch up your delicate skin.” He winked. “I like the sight of you in here with me. Feels natural.”

  She smiled. It did feel right. And she liked the thought of a lifetime of him running around naked. “You know we still have a lot to talk about.”

  “Yes. But we’ve already covered the important parts.” He started to toss the towel on the counter, but one glance at her eyes sent him to the towel rack.

  “But we have to decide where we’ll live, when we’ll get married, of course when we’ll tell the girls, and...”

  He left the room, heading for his closet, Allison trailing behind him. She stood at the door observing the jumble of shoes on the floor under his clothes. He shoved hangers down the rack.

  “Are you listening to me?”

  “Sure am, darling.” He smiled as he walked past her with slacks and a shirt. “We can live here or your place or buy something new or wait and build something.” He selected underwear and socks from one of the laundry baskets, leaving the other clothes in a tumble. “We should get married as soon as possible—“ He paused to look at her. “Unless you want a big wedding?”

  “Heavens no. Just something small.” She sat on the edge of the bed, thinking. “But I do want all our family and maybe a small party afterwards.”

  “Great. That’s settled.” He stuffed his shirt into his pants and fastened them, then slipped on a belt. “But I want it soon. And we should go out tonight with the girls to tell them and then tomorrow I want to buy an engagement ring.”

  She shot off th
e bed. “You don’t have to buy me a fancy ring, Brett. I’m not a young bride, I’m—“

  He grabbed her arms and kissed her. “You’re my bride, darling, and unless you object to diamonds, I want to buy you a ring.” He sat down to pull on his socks and shoes.

  Wow. An engagement ring. She’d never dreamed of having an engagement ring.

  “I’ll take it. But maybe we should wait a little while.”

  “Do you love me?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Do you want to marry me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then what are we waiting for? We’re not teenagers.” He grinned. “Although I act like one sometimes, when I can’t wait to get you in bed.”

  She rolled her eyes and ignored his last comment. “I guess I just didn’t expect this. I thought we’d date and then...” she shrugged. “I had no idea you felt the same way about me that I felt about you.”

  He pulled her into a tight hug. “I knew I cared for you even before we broke up. And I was so miserable while we were apart I figured I must love you. Nothing else could make me ache like I did when you were gone.”

  She eased back to look into his serious face. “I was so lonely without you I thought I’d die, Brett.” A tear ran down her cheek. “When I heard the good news about the lawsuit, I wanted to share it with you, but you weren’t there. And when I didn’t get the promotion I needed you. I lay in bed crying, talking to you out loud. I knew you would’ve been able to comfort me.”

  He kissed the tear on her cheek. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

  “But you were, in a way.”

  “Oh?”

  “I knew what you’d say. You’d said it before. This time I just had to say it to myself.”

  “That’s funny. I could hear you talking to me, too. Telling me to call my parents. To work it out.” He chuckled. “And I certainly heard you telling me to get my act together when I messed up that proposal.”

  “I guess we do balance each other out, don’t we?” She asked, her lips trembling.

  “Yes. And now we won’t have to be alone anymore. Talking to ourselves. In fact, maybe you should come to work with me. I could really use you and --”

  She backed out of his arms. “I’m not sure we should carry it that far.”