Blue Roses (Reunited Series)

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Hey, handsome. Second time in four days, must be a heck of a week for you,” one of the bartenders said, bringing him his usual.

  “Yeah, something like that,” Mark said. He wrapped his hands around the bottle she placed in front of him. “I could say the same for you. Do you ever get a day off?”

  She cast a toothy smile at him and leaned over, giving him a good view of the assets hiding behind her low cut shirt. “I only take off when necessary. Besides, if I don’t show up I might miss seeing your good-looking face.”

  Mark grinned but didn’t comment. He didn’t want to encourage her to keep flirting, which she did every time he came in. He took a swig of his beer, placed the bottle down, and glanced around the bar. Besides a few of the regulars, there weren’t many people there tonight. When he turned to his left, his gaze landed on a woman who reminded him of Dallas.

  He rubbed his tired eyes as frustration mounted at the thought of how he’d botched his encounter with her. He definitely hadn’t set out to scare her, but when she threatened to call him out on things from his past, he lost it.

  What made him think he could walk back into her life and pick up where they’d left off? He wanted to make amends for how he had abandoned her, but not even the fact that she was rich, thanks to him, could fix what he’d done. He never had the chance to tell her about the investments he’d made with the money he had taken from their joint account years ago. Now he might never get a chance to make things right with her.

  Yesterday he had received a visit from the cops, asking him questions regarding his whereabouts months ago. They wanted to know about his face to face contact with Dallas, and whether or not he’d been making threatening calls. Somehow they’d found out that he had her investigated and wanted to know if he knew anything about a break-in at her house. He had no idea she’d been going through so much craziness, otherwise he would’ve found a different way to approach her once he arrived in town.

  “I’ll have what he’s having,” the familiar voice said to his right.

  Mark looked over only to find David Weisman taking the seat next to him. “David,” Mark said simply. Seeing him reminded Mark that he hadn’t gotten back in touch with David after their meeting. Originally when Ray, his old college friend, had told him about an unbeatable investment opportunity, his interest was sparked. Especially since he found out it was with Dallas’s company. But after his run-in with Dallas and Tyler, he knew there was no chance for reconciliation, and he was no longer interested in anything David had to offer.

  “So this is where the rich and powerful hang out.” David slurred, taking a swig of the drink that sat in front of him.

  Mark shook his head. He hated being around people who couldn’t hold their liquor, and it looked as if David had already had a few. “I wouldn’t know.” He wasn’t in the mood for David, or anyone else for that matter. The whole point of being there was to unwind, watch a baseball game, and not think.

  “Haven’t heard back from you since we talked. You still interested in investing in my project?”

  “Nah, I think I’ll pass.”

  David leaned toward him and Mark could smell the liquor on his breath. “Too bad. You gon’ miss out.”

  Tuning his unwanted guest out, Mark faced forward looking at the mirror behind the bar, surprised at how quickly the bar and grill had filled up. He enjoyed the exhilaration that always surrounded him whenever he was there. Several TVs showed different games, while guys cheered for their favorite teams. He couldn’t think of a better place to forget about his problems.

  “I see you ain’t got much to say. I wish your wife was more like that, but no, she always got something to say.”

  Mark heard the bitterness in his tone when he mentioned Dallas. If David was like most drunks, he’d keep talking without prompting, and Mark waited for him to step out of line.

  “I see why you kicked her to the curb. She’s a pain. Been a thorn in my side since the day William hired her. But that’s going to change soon.”

  Mark put his drink down. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He and Dallas might not be on good terms, but he didn’t want anything bad to happen to her.

  “I can’t stand that bi—”

  “Hey, watch yourself. Drunk or not, I won’t have you disrespecting her. If she’s anything like she used to be, I’m sure she’s brought more money into your firm than your sorry butt deserves.”

  David stumbled to stand up. “Oh, so you’re defending that tramp? Well, go ahead, ‘cause when I get done with her, she’s going to need—”

  Before he realized what he was doing, Mark sent a left hook to David’s jaw. “Say somethin’ else.”

  The manager walked over holding a baseball bat. “All right you two. If you’re going to fight, take it outside.”

  Mark emptied his drink, grabbed his jacket and left David standing there holding his face.

  ****

  “What do you think about us finding a nice cozy restaurant to eat at before going home?” Dallas asked. Tyler hadn’t said much since they left her office and she couldn’t stand the tension between them.

  “Where’d you have in mind?”

  “How about Liza’s? It’s been a long time since we’ve been there.”

  “Sounds good.”

  After their meal, they talked over coffee. Tyler told her about an opportunity he and Quinn had to purchase some land near Schaumburg, Illinois that would be perfect for a strip mall. She was glad he was loosening up. She wanted to keep him talking, but his cell phone vibrated for the second time in ten minutes.

  “Are you going to answer that?”

  “No.”

  When it vibrated again five minutes later, he said, “I’m sorry, baby. I’m not sure who this is, but let me take it real quick. Tyler Hollister.”

  Several minutes into the telephone conversation, Tyler grew quiet. Dallas wasn’t sure who he was talking to, but it must’ve been someone he didn’t like, or they were telling him something he didn’t want to hear. His eyes narrowed, his lips thinned, and his words were few. He didn’t look happy.

  When he finally ended the call, Dallas couldn’t help but ask, “What was that all about?”

  Without looking at her, he said, “Nothing much. Just something I need to take care of tomorrow.” He moved his empty plate off to the side and reached for her hand. “Thanks for suggesting we stop for dinner. I’ve been so caught up in getting these condos done and—”

  “Looking after me,” Dallas said. “I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to spend much quality time together since you’ve been in town.”

  Tyler shrugged. “It’s okay, I’m sure we’ll make up for it. My main concern now is figuring out what’s going on at your firm and keeping you safe in the process.”

  “I appreciate that. I’m going to make it easier for you.”

  “How so?”

  “For starters, I’m working from the penthouse for the next couple of days. My encounter with David this evening kinda shook me up.” The moment David’s name came out of her mouth, she regretted it. Tyler immediately tensed and a swift shadow of anger swept across his face. She squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry I brought that up, but I want you to know I’m cutting back my work hours.”

  His eyebrows arched. “Now that’s something I thought I’d never live to hear you say.”

  She smiled. “My priorities have changed.”

  “Oh, really?” He leaned forward in his seat and smiled for the first time that evening. “Tell me about this change of priorities.”

  “Well, you might find this hard to believe, but my quest to make partner is no longer my main concern. Thanks to you, I finally realize there is so much more to life than making partner.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like you. Like us. Like spending more time with you and less time at work.” Dallas stopped talking when the waitress approached their table with their bill.

  “I’m glad you’re willing to invest in us,” he sa
id after the waitress walked away. “I promise - you won’t regret it.” He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it.

  The touch of his warm lips against her skin sent a smoldering sensation through her, and it was going to take a miracle for her to restrain herself from ripping off his clothes before they arrived home.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  You have no idea.

  ****

  Mark drummed his fingers against the tabletop. He glanced at his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time, only to find that it was a mere ten minutes since the last time he had checked. He’d give Tyler another five minutes, and then he was leaving. Mark was beginning to think that calling him yesterday evening might not have been such a good idea. Of course Tyler wasn’t happy to hear from him, but reluctantly agreed to meet after the mention of David’s name.

  Mark released a frustrated sigh and then spotted Tyler making his way through the small cafe. He put his coffee cup down, wiped his mouth, and stood to greet him.

  “Hey, how you doin’? Thanks for meeting me,” he said stretching out his hand.

  “This ain’t a social visit, Darley. Just tell me why it was so important that we meet.” Tyler took the seat across from him.

  “I think Dallas might be in danger.”

  ****

  Dallas grabbed a bag of chips, went into the living room, and sat on the sofa next to Tyler. He had come in shortly after lunch, but hadn’t said much. “Want some?” She offered.

  “No thanks,” he said without taking his eyes off the TV.

  “So are you home for the rest of the day, or do you have to go back out?”

  “I’ll be here for awhile, but Quinn and I have a meeting in about an hour. Why? Do you need something?” He glanced at her, but quickly returned his attention to the television.

  “I was just wondering how long I’ll have you all to myself.” She leaned against him and played with the buttons on his shirt. When she undid the top few buttons, and he didn’t respond, she snatched the remote and turned the TV off. “What’s wrong with you? You haven’t said much of anything since you got here. What’s going on?”

  He leaned back against the sofa. “I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Like what?”

  After a long pause he said, “You. I’m worried about you.”

  She moved her hands up and down his thigh and felt his muscles tighten under her touch. “Tyler, I’m fine. The cops are on the case, and you, Quinn and Hank have been watching me like a hawk. Why are you worried?”

  He sat up and turned to look at her, his eyebrows knitted together. “Because of all of this mess that’s been going on! How can you even ask me that, especially after your run-in with David last night? He better hope the SEC get to him before I do because … damn, Dallas. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.”

  Dallas wrapped her arms around his neck and climbed onto his lap. “You fellas have been taking good care of me. I’m not worried because I’m not going to put myself in any unnecessary danger, and I’m definitely staying clear of David.”

  He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. She couldn’t read his expression, but his brilliant dark eyes studied her. “I met with Mark today.”

  Her body stiffened and she leaned back. “Mark who? ‘Cause I know we’re not talking about Mark Darley, my ex.”

  “Actually, we are. He was the call I received when we were at dinner last night. He wanted to meet.”

  Dallas pushed away from Tyler and stood. It didn’t make sense for her boyfriend to meet with her ex-husband. “What could you two possibly have to talk about? There is nothing between he and I, and I already know you can’t stand him. So what was there to talk about?”

  She grabbed the bag of chips and stormed into the kitchen. “What were you doing, comparing notes or something?” Angry, but still hungry, she grabbed an apple from the refrigerator and a knife from the drawer to slice it.

  Tyler walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist and nuzzled her ear. He placed a kiss on her temple and slowly removed the knife from her hand.

  “Hear me out before you start jumping to conclusions. Mark called because the other night he ran into David Weisman.”

  Dallas turned in his arms to face him, and he held her tighter.

  “Seems your boss made some not so nice comments about you and Mark popped him. That’s probably the only thing I like about your ex-husband.”

  She pulled back to look at him. “How does he even know David?”

  “A few weeks ago David contacted him about investing in a special project. Unfortunately, Mark doesn’t know any details about it because once he realized you didn’t want anything to do with him, he was no longer interested in investing with David.”

  “So what did David say to Mark to make him want to call you?”

  “David told him you were a thorn in his side, but that was going to end soon. At any rate, Mark said it sounded like a threat. He wanted to call you directly, but didn’t think you would give him the time of day.”

  “And he thought you would?”

  Tyler shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m glad he called. I’m not sure what David’s plan is, but at least we know to be careful, especially where he’s concerned.”

  Dallas rested her forehead against Tyler’s chest. Maybe I can come up with a plan to get David to confess what he’s doing. She quickly shot the idea down since she’d told Tyler she wouldn’t put herself in harm’s way.

  “I’ll go ahead and contact the police about this latest incident with David. I guess I was holding off because I want the SEC to find out what he’s doing and put a stop to it. If the police start sniffing around, they might screw it all up.”

  Tyler kissed her cheek. “I get what you were trying to do, baby, but this is too dangerous. I’m already not comfortable with you being at the office with David. At least if the cops know what’s going on, if something should happen, you’re covered as far as not withholding any information. Oh, and one more thing,” he said pulling a white envelope out of his pocket and handing it to her.

  “What’s this?”

  “The money Mark used from your joint account was invested. That’s your half of the proceeds. He assured me that though he’d hope to rekindle some type of relationship with you, he understands that’s impossible.”

  ****

  “Where you going?” Harmony asked when Dallas walked past her in the living room.

  Dallas grabbed her jacket from the coat rack near the door. “Hank is taking me by my house to pick up some more of my things. It shouldn’t take too long.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Quinn said Tyler didn’t want you going out without one of them.”

  “Hank will be with me. Besides, it’s only going to take a few minutes. I’ll be back before you know it. Do you need anything while we’re out?”

  “Nope. I’m cool,” she said, but then stood up. “On second thought, maybe I’ll go with you. At least I’ll get out the house. Who knows, maybe I’ll even be able to talk Hank into taking us to Garrett’s. I can go for some of their world famous popcorn right about now.”

  “Mmm…that does sound good. We can stop there first. Grab your coat, I told Hank I’ll meet him downstairs.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  As big and tall as Quinn, Hank had a gentleness about him that made Dallas think that he grew up with some younger sisters. His ruggedly handsome face was bronzed as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun and his toned body, from his thick neck to his tree trunk thighs made the average man look like a chump. But despite his intimidating presence, he had the patience of a saint and Harmony had tested it for the past hour having him to make several additional stops before they finally arrived at Dallas’s place.

  After he checked the house and put his gun away, Hank gave Dallas and Harmony the okay to go in. Dallas walked through the front door of her home with trepidation. She stopped in the hallway, and g
lanced into the living room. True to his word, Tyler had the space looking like new. Same with the dining room, everything was back in its place and the items that had been broken were replaced. But it didn’t feel like home.

  When Dallas left the house days ago she hadn’t thought about what it would be like returning, and now she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to stay there again. Someone had invaded her privacy, gone through her things and destroyed the comfort that she’d created.

  “I’ll stay here in the living room while you do your thing,” Harmony said grabbing the remote from one of the end tables and turning on the television.

  Hank double checked the front door to make sure it was locked, and then he shadowed Dallas as she moved from room to room. Hank didn’t say anything, as if he understood her need to take it all in and deal with the empty feeling lying dormant in her gut. Her peace of mind had been stripped and she would never be able to regain the serenity she always felt when arriving home after a long day of work.

  Apprehension raced through her veins when she stopped in front of her semi-opened bedroom door, keeping her from walking across the threshold.

  “It’s okay,” Hank said from beside her, and pushed the door open.

  “Do you need some privacy?” he asked from the doorway.

  “No, it’ll only take me a minute to grab a few things.”

  She went about pulling dress pants, blouses, and business suits from the closet and filled a few pieces of luggage. It was at that moment she decided she wouldn’t return. She couldn’t sleep in her bed, or use her shower without wondering if someone had planted a video recorder, or worse, returned to the scene of the crime.

  Besides Jerome being a person of interest, the police still didn’t have any major leads. The question she had though, was why? If Jerome was behind the break-in, what was he looking for? Tyler started his own investigation citing that the cops were taking too long. She agreed.

  Hank grabbed her bags, and she took one last look around her bedroom. There had been some wonderful years in her house, and though she’d miss it, she was looking forward to the next chapter in her life.