Blue Roses (Reunited Series)

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Again, thank you for your hard work and commitment to the firm.” Everyone stood and exited the room.

  William followed David back to his office and shut the door. “Dave, I’m not comfortable with letting people go at this point. I need more information about why you feel we have to make these changes.”

  “Bill, years ago we agreed I would oversee employees and managers. So I would think after thirty years you would trust my judgment,” David said, with a dangerous calm in his eyes. “I have given my all to this company. And yes, I’m just as disappointed, but so that we don’t get any deeper into debt, I feel we need to make these cuts.”

  William stood in front of David’s desk with his hands in his pockets. “I definitely respect your opinion and your recommendations. All I’m saying is I don’t want to be too hasty in letting people go. Even if it’s temporary, I don’t like the idea of disrupting these folks’ lives if we don’t have to. Besides, if we let them go, how will all of the accounts be covered?”

  David stood and walked over to his file cabinet. “I have that all worked out. Just until we get back on our feet, I have divided up the work load among our investment managers.”

  David handed the folder to his partner, and William leafed through the thin file. “At first glance this looks fine, but I’m concerned about piling more work on Dallas,” he said, removing a sheet from the file. “She already has a full load, and with her accident, I’m just not comfortable adding more to her plate.”

  “Yeah, that did cross my mind. But knowing Dallas, I’m sure she’ll be able to handle it. Besides, she knows she’s in line to make partner, so this is a good opportunity for her to show us her commitment.”

  William dropped the file on David’s desk. “She should’ve made partner years ago. We both know she’s more committed to this firm than anyone. Why keep stalling? She has proven her abilities over and over again. I have no doubt she’d make an amazing partner.”

  “Well, I disagree.” A shadow of irritation crossed David’s face. “I think she still has some growing to do. Once I see how well she handles these additional accounts, then I’ll be able to determine if I’m ready to cast my vote.”

  ****

  Dallas closed her laptop and threw her pen across the room, watching it ricochet off the far wall. How many more hoops am I going to have to jump through? She’d been killing herself to prove her worthiness and David was still holding out in giving her the partnership. And he had the nerve to add ten additional clients to her already full load.

  She’d just met with the partners virtually via video, hoping that they’d say something about the pending partnership. William had been hinting around about it for weeks, but Dallas had a feeling David was the hold up. In the past three days she’d gone back to working long hours, be it remotely, she was still at the top of her game. But, was it worth it?

  She released a long sigh and laid her head against the back of the chair. A glance around the intimate sitting area, attached to her bedroom, brought a slight smile to her face. It was perfectly decorated in blues and browns, with formal curtains tied back separating it from the sleeping area. Two high-back upholstered chairs, divided by a small table and lamp faced the fireplace, with a flat screened television hanging above it. She wasn’t much of a TV watcher, but it added to the look and feel of the cozy space.

  Dallas closed her eyes to the dull ache in her head as she thought back on when Tyler first purchased the five bedroom five bathroom house. This was the room she’d immediately fell in love with, which was probably the reason he had put her in it, verses one of the bedrooms on the first floor. The thought brought with it guilt that they hadn’t been able to see eye to eye regarding her hectic work schedule. Some days, like today, she felt he might’ve been right. It might’ve been too soon to go back to work.

  “It’s nice to see you relaxing,” she heard Tyler say from behind her.

  She opened her eyes and turned to him. “Hey.”

  “Hey, yourself.” He strolled into the sitting area and handed her one of two bottled waters he carried. He sat in the other overstuffed chair, separated from her by a round, wood table. “So, how did your meeting go?” He took a swig of his water and placed it on a coaster near the reading lamp.

  His deep-timbered voice caressed her like a gentle feather against her skin. Aware of the attraction between them, she willed her mind to focus on anything but him. She was a woman facing the harsh possibility of not making partner this year – or maybe never. She should be concentrating on how to attain her dream, not on the sexy way Tyler’s lip moved or how he ignited sexual feelings she hadn’t felt in a long time.

  “It went all right. Not exactly what I expected though,” she said looking down at her hands, folded in her lap.

  “What did you expect?”

  Considering making partner was all she had talked about while they were dating, she knew he didn’t want to hear anything else about it. She chanced a glance at him. “They’ve made some cuts and asked managers to take on more accounts.”

  Tyler leaned forward. “Dallas, you’re still recovering. What’s wrong with those people? I hope you said no.”

  “I’ve decided I’m going to show them I can handle whatever they give me.”

  “Sweetheart.” His large hands clenched the arms of the chair. “The doctor told you to take it easy. You’re making decisions that are detrimental to your health. These folks apparently don’t care.”

  “I know what’s best for me and how much I can handle. I take care of myself just fine. I don’t need you trying to control what I do.” She folded her arms across her stomach, but winced when they made contact with her ribs. Tyler’s angry gaze would’ve caused a weaker woman to wither, but not Dallas. She enjoyed some of their verbal battles. They awarded her the opportunity to see him fired up, his dark, piercing eyes even sexier than usual.

  “Look at you. You can’t even go a couple of minutes without pain, yet you’re willing to take on more work. When are you going to stop putting all your energies into your career?” He stood and grabbed his water bottle.

  “When I accomplish my number one goal.”

  “Despite what you think, there is more to life than making partner at a firm that clearly doesn’t care anything about you. What about family, your health and … and love, Dallas? When are you going to start putting those things first and stop being so obsessed with this stupid job?”

  “Stupid job?” She pushed forward and sat on the edge of her seat. Her mood swerved sharply to anger. “Why do you even care, Tyler? Why do you care anything about me or my stupid job?”

  His jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed, but he didn’t respond.

  “And as for having love in my life, who says I don’t have love in my life? Just because I’m not getting it on with you doesn’t mean I’m not getting any. So before you start telling me what I need, or need to be doing, get your facts straight. ‘Cause I got this.” She tapped her hand against her chest. “I can take care of myself!”

  “You know what? Since you got this, take care of yourself. I don’t need this drama.” He walked out and slammed the door behind him.

  “And my job is not stupid!” she yelled.

  ****

  Tyler stopped midway down the staircase when he saw his sister near the bottom step. He continued down, with all intentions of ignoring her.

  “Sounded like another passionate conversation going on up there.”

  Tyler glared at her. “Not now Sky,” he said going to the kitchen with her hot on his heels. He snatched his keys from the top of the refrigerator and opened the door.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Out.”

  Two hours later Tyler had done everything from playing basketball to running on the track at the gym. Nothing eased his anger.

  Sure, maybe he had crossed the line calling Dallas’s job stupid, but did she have to throw her love life in his face? The thought of another man’s hands on her made hi
m want to punch something. He hadn’t expected her to live as a nun, but he didn’t want to hear about her getting it on with someone else.

  Already breathing heavy, he dropped down on the mat and did fifty more push-ups. So much for showing concern for her health. To her, he was being controlling. She was right about one thing. Why should he be concerned? It was her life.

  “Hey, handsome. Where you been hidin’?”

  Tyler lifted his head to the sultry voice. Desiree Thomas sat on the weight bench next to him, looking as if she’d just stepped off the cover of Shape magazine. Her fire engine red sports bra showed off the flattest abs he’d ever seen on a woman. She stretched her finely-toned legs out in front of her and crossed them at the ankles.

  “What’s up, Desiree?” He rose to his knees and wiped his face and neck with his towel. “I’m surprised you’re here so late.” He threw the towel across his left shoulder and stood.

  “Yeah, you know, I have to make sure I keep my girlish figure in check,” she said, standing and drawing more attention to her short shorts and skimpy top.

  Tyler gave her a quick once over. “Yep, and I see you’re doing a fine job.” There was no denying it. Desiree had a body that other women would kill for. Had that body been attached to another woman, he would’ve made a play for her years ago. Too bad for Desiree he wanted more than a pretty face in his life. He needed someone who could also stimulate him intellectually and Dallas immediately came to mind.

  He grabbed his water bottle from the floor. “Well, I’m done here. I’ll check you later.”

  “Wait.” Desiree hustled to catch up to him. “I’ve been planning to call you. I want to know if you’ll be my date at an awards banquet in a couple of weeks. I’m being honored for my charity work.”

  “Congratulations,” he said and continued to the locker room.

  “Thanks. So, will you go with me?” She grabbed his arm and jumped in front of him, forcing him to stop. She was one of few women who came close to matching his height, therefore able to look him in the eyes.

  He shook his head. “Desiree, I don’t—”

  “Ty, don’t say no. Think about it,” she whined. “We go way back, and we’ll be going as friends. Nothing else, I promise.”

  He swiped at the beads of sweat on his forehead. He wasn’t sure if he was wiping away perspiration brought on by his rigorous workout, or if it was from Desiree being close enough for him to smell her minty fresh breath. “Uh, give me a call with the details, and I’ll check my schedule.”

  “Great! I’ll be in touch.” She made a move to turn and walk away, but dropped her towel. Before Tyler could pick it up for her, she did a slow bend over move that would’ve put a professional stripper to shame. He wasn’t the only brother who had noticed. Every man within ten feet slowed to watch the show. She gave them an eye full of well-rounded hips attached to long shapely legs. With little or no effort, she straightened with the poise of a dancer, looked over her shoulder at him and said, “Okay then. I’ll talk to you soon.” Seduction dripped from every word as she sashayed to the women’s locker room.

  Damn. Its women like her who make it hard for a brother to stay focused. Tyler shook his head and continued into the men’s locker room.

  ****

  Dallas glanced at the clock on the bedside table. One o’clock in the morning. Where is he? She wanted to apologize.

  She’d been downright nasty to him. He’d called her job stupid, but she’d overreacted and said things she didn’t mean. Most women would’ve been flattered that he cared enough to voice his concerns, but no, instead she verbally attacked him, rubbing her so-called love life in his face.

  Why did most of their conversations have to end in an argument? She knew why. Sexual tension. She felt it every time he came within two feet of her, and she’d bet all the money in her bank account he felt it too. Whenever he looked at her with those gorgeous eyes, her stomach tightened and her heart did somersaults.

  “Now he’s probably at some woman’s house licking his wounds,” she mumbled as her tired eyes drifted closed and she fell into a deep sleep.

  Dallas didn’t wake up until ten o’clock the next morning when Skylar came into her room with a breakfast tray and to inform her that Tyler had left town for a couple of days.

  How could he leave without saying goodbye? He must be really mad. Dallas couldn’t believe she hadn’t heard him come home, and if it weren’t for Skylar, she wouldn’t have known he had gone.

  Fine. If he wants to have an attitude, so be it. I have enough work to keep me busy for weeks. She pulled the documents from the box her assistant, Bianca, had sent. Times like this, she wished she was in the office, because having Bianca send everything made extra work for both of them.

  For the next hour, she took notes and divided her attention between the data on her computer screen with the paperwork in front of her. Throughout the morning she called Bianca to discuss information over the telephone.

  What’s this? She read over a form she hadn’t seen before, then several pages with figures and various notations. Hmm … some type of ledger. I never made these investments. Dallas picked up her cell phone to call Bianca, but it rang before she started dialing.

  “Dallas Marcel.”

  “What’s up girlfriend? Seems like I haven’t talked to you all week,” Simone said.

  Dallas laughed and put the documents back into the file. “Yeah, it’s been three days. I’m sitting here all broken while you’re probably walking along one of those beautiful beaches there in San Diego.”

  Simone chuckled. “I wish. Girl, life has been crazy busy. I’ve barely had a chance to breathe. I have a meeting at work this evening, so figured I’d dash home for a couple hours and try to scratch a few things off my ‘To Do’ list.”

  “Oh, so I’m one of the things on your list.”

  “Weelll ….” They both laughed. “No, but seriously, how are you doing?”

  “I’m okay. I’m tired of being cooped up in the house, but I’m not too keen on walking around in public with crutches.”

  “Yeah, I can understand that. How are things going with you and Ty living under the same roof?”

  Seconds passed before Dallas answered. “I don’t know, Simone. I can’t take much more of this.”

  “Why, what has he done?”

  Dallas bit her bottom lip, debating on how much to tell her best friend. Simone knew the history between her and Tyler and wouldn’t be surprised about anything.

  “Based on your silence, I guess I should be asking what did you do. Please don’t tell me your smart mouth started some mess.”

  “Something like that.”

  “Aw, Dallas, why do you always do that?”

  “Hold up. Why do I always do what? You’re acting like I always start arguments or something.”

  “You do when it comes to Tyler. At some point you’re going to have to stop pushing him away and face the fact that you’re still in love with him.”

  “He and I are just friends, and that’s all we’ll ever be.”

  “Tell it to someone who doesn’t know you both. You start arguments to keep him from getting close. Dallas he’s not—”

  “Please don’t say the name I think you were about to say.” Mark Darley had made Dallas’s life a living hell, and thinking about him made her skin crawl.

  “That’s what I’m talking about. You’re making Tyler suffer because of your ex. At some point you’re going to have to leave the past in the past and grab hold of your future.”

  “My future is about making partner at the most prestigious investment firm in Chicago. I don’t have time for Tyler or a relationship with anyone for that matter. Just because you found happily-ever-after, doesn’t mean it’s in the cards for me,” Dallas said, frustration rising in her chest.

  Silence stretched between them. “Dallas, honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t call to upset you or to bring up bad memories. You’re such an amazing woman and I want to see you with someone w
ho can love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

  Ten years ago, Mark had practically destroyed her financially and emotionally. Dallas couldn’t do the love thing again. With a lot of hard work and some serious sacrifices, she’d climbed higher in the investment world than most people could dream of. She was almost where she wanted to be in her life, and would never let a man put her in a vulnerable position again.

  ****

  Mark Darley sat at his drafting table looking over the plans for the current project he was working on. He jotted down notes as he thumbed through several pages. Kevin Philips, the previous engineer, was out on medical leave for an indefinite amount of time, but his boss didn’t want the project on hold. Mark knew he’d enjoy the assignment since it involved a condo rehab in one of the areas he wanted to live. Top floors overlooked Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and a botanical park. If things worked out, maybe the owner would give him a good deal on one of the units.

  He went to his desk and looked through the file his secretary had left containing some of Kevin’s notes. The project ideas were impressive. The four penthouse units needed the least amount of work, but the owner had given some good input on changes he wanted for the unit he’d occupy. It appeared Kevin had only met with the owner twice regarding this project, but over the years, they’d worked on numerous other projects together.

  “Names, names, I need names here.” Mark rummaged through several other documents in search of the client’s name. “Okay, here we go,” he said, finding the page he’d been looking for.

  Hollister. He closed his eyes and shook his head as if he were seeing things. Tyler Hollister. No way! Could I be this lucky?

  Mark picked up the packet of paper his private investigator had dropped off earlier. He placed both sets of documents on his desk and leaned back in his office chair; his hands formed a steeple under his chin. A menacing grin spread across his face as a plan unfolded in his mind. If Hollister was involved in this project, he’d finally get to meet the man who had stolen Dallas’s heart.