Letting out a breath, she pulled her chair closer to the desk and began to check email. After a while, the routine of being in the office, getting back to what she knew, began to pull her mind from her alcohol-induced bad judgment. Her muscles relaxed and her mood lightened as she searched for the perfect home for a new client. Before she knew it, two hours had passed without a thought of Saturday night. Sitting back, Selena checked the time, deciding lunch sounded good a moment before Tricia buzzed her.
“There’s a potential client in the waiting area. Do you have time for a meeting or would you like me to schedule something?”
Considering it for a brief moment, she decided a new client took precedence over her stomach. “Now is fine.” It took mere seconds before she heard a knock on her door. She stood.
“Come in.”
Linc stepped into her office, dangling a pair of sandals from his fingers. “Cinderella, I presume.” He shot her a wry smile, his gaze boring into hers, as Selena’s face turned from curiosity to horror.
******
Stepping forward, taking a certain amount of enjoyment at watching her jaw drop, Linc extended his hand.
“Lincoln Caldwell. I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.”
Staring at the outstretched hand, her gaze wandered to the sandals dangling by his side, feeling her face heat. Clearing her throat, she stepped around the desk, taking his hand in hers.
“Mr. Caldwell.” She wished for a witty retort, something to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Instead, she plastered a smile on her face. “I’m Selena Kerrigan, but I guess you already know that.” Noticing his eyes crinkle in amusement, she felt his grip tighten on hers, triggering a spark of awareness. “I, uh…see you found my missing shoes.” Dropping her hand, she took a step back, needing to calm her reaction to the man.
The image of him fast asleep in the large bed came rushing back. He’d looked boyishly handsome in the rumpled bed, his hair tousled, his face relaxed. The person standing before her was all man without a trace of the gentle image she’d seen in sleep.
He chuckled, seeing Selena gripping her hands together, trying to stop the slight tremor he’d noticed earlier. “It was hard to miss them, Ms. Kerrigan.”
“Oh?”
“They were lying by my bed.” He held the bright turquoise sandals aloft. “A little hard to overlook, don’t you think?”
A low groan escaped before she reached out, snatching the shoes from his hand.
Touching the back of the chair, he nodded toward it. “Mind if I sit down?”
“Um…no. Please, take a seat. Can I get you water, coffee, a soda?” Her voice squeaked, signaling the uneasiness churning through her.
“Actually, if you haven’t eaten, I’d like to take you to lunch. After all, we seem to have quite a bit in common.”
She didn’t need to look in a mirror to know her face had turned bright red.
“I don’t think we need to discuss anything, Mr. Caldwell.”
“Please. Call me Linc. I believe we know each other well enough for first names, don’t you?”
Linc. The name brought back a vague recollection of the party, a group of people, and someone offering her help when the alcohol clouded her brain. Linc, the man she’d woken up next to.
She’d just begun to feel like herself when his comment triggered a blush starting at her toes and spreading through her body. Touching her forehead, she dropped her arm, taking a step toward him.
“Mr. Caldwell—”
“Linc.”
“Fine. Linc. I’m not sure what you are referring to, but I do thank you for locating my property and returning it. Although, I’m not clear on how you figured out they were mine.”
“You told me your name Saturday night. I happened to have a meeting with the police chief—”
“Adam?” She groaned, her hand reaching out to the edge of her desk to steady herself.
“Your brother-in-law, I believe. I figured if anyone knew someone named Selena who worked in real estate, Adam would. Saved me a lot of time. Now, let me take you to lunch. You look like you could use a drink.”
One hand flew to her mouth as the other grasped her stomach. Shaking her head, she dashed past him, running down the hall.
******
“Are you certain I can’t get you a glass of wine?” Linc studied her, already figuring out Selena wasn’t much of a drinker.
“No. Tea is fine. Thank you.” Her hands grasped the glass in front of her as if it could shield her from the man sitting across the table. Hiding in the bathroom felt so silly, yet the moment he’d mentioned a drink, her stomach roiled and a cold sweat spread across her forehead. Splashing water on her face, she’d gained enough control to return to the office, hoping Linc had given up and left. He hadn’t.
Instead, he’d picked up her purse, cupped her elbow, and escorted her outside without a backward glance at a slack-jawed Tricia. Selena knew she’d have a lot of explaining to do when she returned.
Shifting uncomfortably under his gaze, she picked up her glass, taking a long swallow before setting it on the table with a shaky hand. Looking around the room, several people nodded at her or waved. All she could muster was an uneasy smile. By afternoon, the entire town would know she had lunch with a handsome man. Some may even know his name.
Clenching a fork, she pushed her salad around on the plate, taking a small bite.
“Hello, Linc. I thought that was you sitting with Selena.” Mayor Timmons grasped Linc’s hand, then leaned down to place a kiss on Selena’s cheek. “I didn’t know you knew the Kerrigans.”
“I can’t say as I know any of them except Selena and Julia.”
Selena’s gaze shot to Linc’s, her spine stiffening. This was worse than she thought. He’d spoken to Adam, who’d speak to his wife, and before she had a chance to form a response, Julia would be in her office, asking questions.
Linc looked back at her. “I had business in town and thought it a good time to catch up with her. Right, Selena?”
Her face took on a green tinge as she worked to maintain a weak smile. “Um…right.”
“Well, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to say hello. I’ll see you at supper this weekend, Selena.” The mayor turned toward the door, Linc following his exit. He then looked back at Selena.
“Supper?”
“He’s a distant uncle by marriage. I’ve known him my entire life. He usually joins us at my father’s home on Sunday afternoons.” She stopped, realizing her rambling did nothing to bring their lunch to a swift end. Fixing her gaze on him, Selena leaned forward. “Is there a reason you wanted to have lunch with me?”
“How much do you remember about Saturday night?”
Her face paled as she sat back in her seat. Licking her lips, she struggled for a good answer, settling for the truth. Resting her hands on the table, she took a deep breath.
“Not much.”
“I didn’t think so.” Reaching across the table, he settled his hand on hers. “You don’t drink much, do you?”
“Was it so obvious?” Her face fell, but she didn’t pull her hand away.
He would’ve chuckled if she didn’t look so utterly miserable. Linc had always been good at figuring people out. Few women could get past his excellent instincts, although many had tried to play games or portray themselves as someone they weren’t. Across the table sat a woman who seemed to have little experience being coy or concealing her feelings. Her apparent naiveté was intriguing and refreshing compared to the constant stream of women throwing themselves at him.
He lowered his voice, glancing around to make certain no one heard. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Selena. I’m not here to make you believe anything happened between us.”
Her eyes flashed in relief. “It didn’t?”
“No.” He leaned closer. “Not because I didn’t want it to, but I make it a point never to take advantage of a woman who won’t remember me the following day.” His smile warmed he
r.
“That’s good. Very good.” Her brows drew together. “Wait. You wanted something to happen between us?”
He chuckled, squeezing her hand before letting go, feeling the loss of her touch in an instant. “I do try to be a gentleman, but I’m not dead. You’re beautiful and genuine, from what I’ve seen, which is a rare quality. If you hadn’t had your fill of martinis, I would’ve been tempted to see where the night would lead.”
“Instead, I collapsed in your bed.”
“Well, I think you collapsed several yards before that.” Linc’s eyes flickered as his mouth tilted up.
“This keeps getting worse and worse. I should’ve said no, never followed my sister to your place, and never ordered a martini. I don’t know what got into me.”
Tilting his head, he felt an unaccustomed surge of sympathy. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had elicited such compassion. He’d come from a hard-edged military family and had only one goal in mind—secure a slot at the Naval Academy. Graduating near the top of his class allowed him the opportunity to become a SEAL.
At the time, the BUD/S training had been the most grueling period in his life. Quitting, however, had never been an option. He’d made it through, including the advanced training, and thrived, loving every minute. Being forced to accept a medical discharge had changed his life. It had taken a long time to find pleasure as a civilian and his work. If not for the ongoing support of his SEAL team, plus his close friendship with Matt and Shane, he might still be rolling around in the hole he’d dug for himself.
“I take it you’re not a partier.”
Selena slapped a hand over her mouth at the unintended snort. “Not even close. If it hadn’t been for a stupid bet I made with one of my sisters, I never would’ve been there. And you would never have had to track me down.”
“Do you honestly believe I mind seeing you again?”
Her eyes widened, lips parting. “Don’t you feel hunting for a woman who misplaced her shoes is a waste of time?” She wondered why he’d taken the time to track her down, doubting her appeal to a man who so obviously had no trouble with women.
Without answering, he glanced at the bill, tossed money on the table, then stood, walking to her chair and pulling it out.
“Come on. It’s time to get out of here.” Placing a hand on the small of her back, Linc guided her outside, turning the opposite direction of her office.
“Wait. My office is that way.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the other end of town.
“I know.”
Loving the feel of his hand on her back, she fought the urge to lean into him. Instead, she forced her attention straight ahead, nodding at a few people, smiling at others.
“Where are we going?” she asked as they crossed the street, moving away from the commercial district.
He glanced down at her, not slowing his pace. “I don’t know Peregrine Bay well, but as I recall, there’s a park up here with a great view of the water. I thought we’d continue our talk away from the prying ears of your friends.”
Selena swallowed, hoping he expected a tour of downtown, or maybe directions to his next meeting. Continuing their talk didn’t even rank as something she wanted to do. Squaring her shoulders, she continued to let him lead until he stopped at a bench not more than ten feet from the water’s edge.
“This will work.” Linc waited until she settled on the bench, then sat next to her, leaving mere inches between them.
“So, what is it you want to talk about?”
Chapter Five
Portland, Oregon
“Get me as much information as you can on TSR and the owner, Lincoln Caldwell. I want to know how the company started, his background, extracurricular activities, including who he’s sleeping with, and anything else you can dig up on the guy.” Greg Nelson looked up from the folder he’d been reviewing.
“Sure thing, boss.” The company security officer walked toward the door.
“Also, find out what you can on Matt Tarantino and Shane Gardner. Same criteria as for Caldwell. One of them will have something in their past we can use as leverage.” Greg scribbled a couple notes, then closed the folder as the man nodded and left the office. Winning the bid for the art center in Peregrine Bay would be a solid start for their new office in Idaho. They already had two projects for commercial work in his hometown of Boise. A third would identify them throughout the state as a major competitor.
Greg had left Boise after college, enlisting in the Army, becoming a member of the elite Special Forces. Retiring after twenty years, he’d accepted an offer with Simondson Security in Portland, taking over as president a few years later when the founder elevated himself to chairman. Greg had worked hard, almost losing a marriage in his quest to make it to the top in the crowded security field. He believed knowing more about his competitors than they knew about Simondson would increase the chances for success, even if you never used the information against anyone.
“Greg, Ephraim called. He’s on his way in and wants to meet with you.” The office manager shrugged, closing the door after her announcement.
Setting down his pen, Greg grabbed his cup and an additional one for the chairman of the company. Ephraim Simondson always had black coffee within easy reach when he held a meeting, especially an unannounced one. In his late sixties, the founder came to the office for a few hours three or four times a week, spending the rest of his time on business development or in board meetings for the many charitable organizations he supported. Greg figured Ephraim’s reason for driving to the office a second time in one day must be important.
“Greg.” Ephraim burst into the room, taking the cup Greg offered and sitting down. Short and wiry, he sported a trim physique honed from years of faithful workouts and the occasional marathon. He kept his graying hair cut short, military style, and he pulsed with energy at all times. “I have another meeting across town, but need to discuss an idea with you.” He took a sip of coffee, then sat back. “My stepson is moving up to Boise. That’s where he’s from. He graduated from the state college. Now he’s looking to break out of what he’s doing and get a fresh start. I’d like you to find him a position.”
Greg stifled a groan. He’d heard little about the stepson, although he knew Ephraim put up with him to please his wife, a woman twenty years younger. High-maintenance came to mind whenever Greg saw her.
“What type of position?” He didn’t need any unqualified employees taking up space.
“Hell, I don’t know. Errands, filing, meeting with potential clients. Yes, that might work. He’s a good-looking kid and makes a decent impression.”
Greg knew Ephraim used the word “kid” loosely, as his stepson had to be close to thirty. “Does he have sales experience, any background relevant to security?”
“No, but you’re an excellent mentor. I’m certain you’ll find the right spot for him.” Standing, he set his cup down. “I’ll get you more information tonight. He’s due in Portland in a few days, then he’ll fly to Boise by the end of the week. I’d appreciate it if you could set something up with him before he leaves.” Without waiting for a response, Ephraim left in much the same fashion as he entered. Greg wondered if the man ever did anything at a normal speed.
Slapping his hands on the desk, Greg stood, deciding he’d talk to the man selected to run the Boise office. Between the two of them, they’d figure something out so Ephraim’s stepson could be productive without negatively impacting the bottom line. After all, hiring him wasn’t a request. It was an order.
******
Peregrine Bay
Of all the requests Linc could have made as they watched the water lap up on shore, his desire for her to accompany him to an out-of-town high-profile fundraising event took Selena by surprise. She didn’t know what to expect—an introduction to someone in local politics, a break on the commission for a future real estate deal, even a meeting with her father, a well-known developer—but definitely not a date. Well, not an actual d
ate. She would act as a placeholder so he could attend the event in peace without being bombarded by single women with expectations.
“Why me? You must have many other choices with more to offer.” She didn’t care if her reaction sounded defensive. Anyone who knew her understood she wasn’t the social person in the family. Calypso Kerrigan took the honor of being the preferred date of any man looking for a combination of beauty, brains, and bull without strings. Flashy, yet classy, she could stroll into a room, dance every dance, never buy a drink, and walk out with several requests for her phone number. Requests she turned down on a regular basis.
They’d walked to the edge of the lake, looking over the water as a hawk circled above, a group of ducks swimming near the pier. She loved this time of day and this part of the lake. Today, she hadn’t been able to enjoy either.
“You’re perfect. The fundraiser is in Spokane, not here. It’s put on by the building association and local realtors. You’ll have no problem feeling comfortable and conversing intelligently. And my most important criteria, you’ll expect nothing from me.”
“And you know that how?” Even though the day had turned warm, she crossed her arms, rubbing her hands up and down to fend off the chill.
He chuckled as he removed his jacket, draping it around her shoulders.
“You already had the perfect opportunity when you crashed in my bed. When you woke, you couldn’t get away from me fast enough. I can’t think of another woman who’s shared my bed and not wanted to make more of it than what it was.”
Her brows shot up at his arrogance. She might not date much, and had little experience with men compared to his experience with women, but she could recognize a man with an overinflated belief in his attraction to the opposite sex. Except for one thing. Linc Caldwell had a presence few men could match.
At over six feet tall with piercing blue eyes that telegraphed nothing and deep brown hair with a hint of red, he made a striking figure. His erect stance indicated a man comfortable with himself and his abilities, someone who accepted no excuses and took no prisoners. He expected, and got, what he wanted, going after his goals with an intensity beyond most men. From what she’d heard, he worked hard to get to this point. She couldn’t find fault with that.
Our Kind of Love Page 4