by Robyn Grady
Jacob slid his hands into his front jeans’ pockets. “There’s definitely something wrong.”
“I’m a little tired. Long trip.”
“You want to skip dinner?”
“After flying across the country?” She walked over to the other end of the room, which housed two couches, the TV and a bookshelf. “I’m having a second helping, thank you. Possibly even a third.”
Looking out the window at the sunset draping the hills, she nodded to herself and then turned to face him.
“Your family is very special, Jacob.”
It took a moment to smile. So she did like the Rawsons. Well, of course she did. Just for a minute there... But she’d said she was tired. Well, he could promise a relaxing weekend ahead.
“Every time I see Hux, I get that same now I’m safe feeling.”
Teagan’s smile deepened. “I get that feeling, too.”
He joined her by the window, close enough for her to lean in if she wanted. But she only clasped her hands and returned her gaze to the rising moon.
“When was the last time you came to visit?” she asked.
“A couple of months back.”
“You’d think it’d been years. They’re so happy to see you.” She caught his gaze. “Particularly Lanie.”
He chuckled. “Over the top, right?”
“A little.”
“Believe it or not, when she was young, Lanie was a wallflower with braces, skin problems, next to no meat on her bones. Back then she was waiting to grow into her nose and feet.”
“She came out of the awkward stage pretty well.”
“Oh, she’s beyond confident now.”
“And beautiful. Mesmerizing, in fact.”
“Like watching a comet about to strike.”
He laughed while Teagan’s lips curved with an overly polite smile. But she must have come across full-on types before. Hell, her own family had a surplus of fireballs. Researching for that lawsuit, he had learned that Wynn Hunter, for example, was an intense character—the kind of person everyone noticed and listened to.
Before flying to Seattle to take that gamble, Jacob had looked into Teagan’s family some more. Dex, the middle brother who looked after the movie studio side of Hunter Enterprises in LA, had a playboy reputation, although he was engaged to be married now. The media had painted Cole, the oldest sibling and head of the Australian broadcasting arm, as a domineering hothead, which sounded very much like Guthrie Hunter, the father, back in the day. Recently the Hunter patriarch had retreated from the front lines, handing over the reins to his boys.
There had been some speculation over assassination attempts, too, which had been confirmed when a bomb had exploded at the Hunter family’s estate in Sydney during the eldest son’s recent wedding.
Jacob had stopped his research there. If Teagan wanted to open up about any of it, that was her choice. Her business. Right now they were discussing his family. Lanie in particular.
Yes indeed, that girl had changed.
“When Lanie was a teen, before I went to college, we would sit together by the main dam and talk about what the future might hold. I wanted to be a kick-ass lawyer, bringing down the bad guys one by one. She only wanted to ride horses and have a family.”
Teagan leaned a shoulder against the window frame. “Your sister can certainly ride.”
“In a saddle, she’s fearless.”
“And having a family of her own? Does she have a partner?”
Jacob thought back. Surely there’d been boyfriends, but now he couldn’t put his finger on even one.
“I guess she hasn’t found the right guy.” He grinned as the memories came back. “When she was fifteen, sixteen, she used to joke around and say that one day, if no one else wanted us, we could marry each other.”
“Really? And what did you say?”
“I punched her arm and said, ‘Gross.’ Then she laughed and said it back.”
Gross.
“And what about you?”
“What about me?”
“Having a family of your own.”
Jacob was caught between wanting to grin and giving her a look that said, Seriously? “You mean marriage? Kids?”
Wow. He was coming up with a blank there. Outside of the Rawsons, Jacob’s career was his driving force, his focus.
“I’ve been busy building the firm. I mean, I haven’t given it a lot of thought. It’s a huge responsibility.”
“The biggest.”
“I had the worst kinds of role models.” He could think of far better things to do than pass those genes on. In fact, he’d rather not have kids. “I don’t want to screw anything up.”
Like he didn’t want to screw up with Teagan again. He had developed feelings for her in a very short span of time. But he wasn’t anywhere near ready to think about exchanging vows. And, despite the conversation they were having now, he was sure Teagan wasn’t, either.
She had everything going for her, most important, knowing who she was. She might want children of her own one day—he wouldn’t be surprised—but she certainly didn’t need to chase any guy down an aisle.
Taking her hands in his, he looked into her eyes and smiled. “I’m glad I took the chance and flew to Seattle.”
Her gaze softened. “I am, too.”
“You look amazing in that dress.”
“Who needs an evening gown, right?”
He came near enough for the tips of their noses to touch. Then he slipped one arm around her back and tugged her that bit closer. “I wish there was some music.”
“And a dance floor?”
“We could always make our own music.”
She cringe-laughed. “Cliché alert!”
“It’s not original?” He slowly tasted her lips. “I’m sure I hear violins.”
Before his mouth could claim hers, something nudged the back of his knee. He swung around, saw the culprit and pretended to growl.
“Chester? How’d you get in here?”
While the retriever plonked down on his rear end, Jacob checked out the partly opened bedroom door—he must not have closed it properly—while Teagan squatted to the dog’s height.
“We didn’t get introduced, did we, fella?” When Chester put out his paw for a shake, Teagan turned to marshmallow. “You’re not only gorgeous, you’re polite.”
Jacob hunkered down, too. “He could either be telling us that dinner’s on the table or that he wants to camp out here for the night.”
“I won’t say no.”
Teagan was running both hands over Chester’s ears and jowls. Chester’s expression said, Love me and I promise to love you back.
Jacob knew when he was licked.
He pushed to his feet. “While you and Casanova get better acquainted, please excuse me. I’m going to wash up.”
He was about to enter the attached bathroom when Teagan called after him.
“Jacob, I really am glad I came.”
Good. And when they retired later this evening, he would be locking the door. No interruptions—four-legged or any other type.
* * *
Teagan grew up understanding the power of money. She also knew good taste when she saw it. As she and Jacob entered the Rawsons’ large dining room, she was impressed by the nineteenth-century Eastlake chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling and the sparkling vintage plates laid out upon a stunning raw-edge maple table.
At the same time Hux and Ajax waved them over to a matching maple wet bar, a set of swing doors on an adjacent wall pushed open and a woman appeared. She wore no makeup or jewelry. Her deep auburn hair was cut so that it swayed like a neat curtain an inch above her shoulders as she walked. Wearing a simple, dark blue linen dress, she exuded a sense of familiarity—or more accurately, a sense of family—particularly when she mad
e a beeline for Teagan.
“I’m Susan Copeland.” As she smiled, two dimples hijacked her cheeks. “I take care of the house.”
“Our Susan does a lot more than that. She takes care of us all,” Hux explained.
Susan’s smile softened. “And they take care of me.”
Teagan didn’t miss the look the pair shared, or the way their fingers brushed as they stood side by side. Mrs. Rawson had passed away years ago. Teagan guessed that Susan had come onto the scene sometime after that and had found an ideal haven here, too.
Jacob dropped a kiss on Susan’s cheek. “You look beautiful, as always.”
Susan smiled at Jacob like a mother should smile at her son, with love and unbridled affection. “For that, you get a second helping of grape pie.”
He smacked his lips. “I can smell it baking.”
Teagan could, too. The aroma was sweet and delicious. Earlier Jacob had mentioned the district’s best-known dessert. She couldn’t wait to try it.
“Can I help with anything?” she asked Susan.
“Table’s all set.” Susan studied the silverware glinting in the chandelier’s light. “And Hux just finished carving the roast. So the dishes are ready to be brought out, if you’d like to lend a hand with that.”
The men were already in a discussion about a multiprizewinning mare due to give birth that weekend. As Teagan followed Susan back through the doors to the kitchen, she heard Ajax mention an in-house veterinarian who was examining the expectant mother now.
The kitchen was very large, very clean—all polished, honeyed timber and high-quality stainless steel. And suddenly Teagan felt so hungry. The combined aromas of family dinner at the Rawsons were literally mouthwatering.
“Roast vegetables there,” Susan said, crossing to the counter. “Pie’s resting, ready to be sliced.”
Beyond an expansive window, the rising moon had laced the hills with trails of silver. “What an amazing view,” Teagan said, looking out over the land.
“It’s a special time of day. So quiet and peaceful, like God himself is getting ready to tuck us all in.” Susan joined her by the window. “I’d be happy never to leave this place. What more could a person wish for?”
“I don’t think anyone here would let you leave.”
Susan sighed. “Those boys are like my own. And Huxley is a wonderful father. So patient. Always willing to listen.”
“He certainly listened to Jacob when he needed help.”
When Susan tucked some hair behind her ear, one of two diamond earrings was revealed—a sizable yet elegant teardrop stud. A gift from Hux? Lucky woman.
“I remember the day we received that letter from young Jacob,” Susan said, “asking if he could come back. Huxley knew the boy was telling the truth, that he wasn’t involved in that robbery. And he had faith Jacob could turn his life around.”
“Jacob still feels lucky to have you all behind him.”
“I know exactly how he feels. When I arrived here, my life was in tatters.” She hesitated before opening up more. “I’d been married to a man who treated me like most people wouldn’t treat a dog. I stayed because I thought I loved him. Because I thought I could fix him. The abuse only got worse. While he was out fishing one day, I packed a single bag and never looked back. When I heard about a job tending house on a quiet estate, I applied and came clean to Huxley about my story. He didn’t judge. He never does.”
Susan brought herself back from the memory and returned to the expansive center counter. “Have you known Jacob long?”
“We met last weekend.”
Rather than look surprised, Susan gave her a bigger smile. “It must have been some weekend.”
“It was...” Incredible. Magical. “Unexpected.”
“Well, although it doesn’t need to be said, you are both welcome here anytime, for as long as you’d like to stay. There’s nothing better than the sound of family coming together, catching up.” As if on cue, laughter seeped through under the doors and Susan sighed. “That has to be the best medicine in the world.” She blinked and seemed to catch herself before that easy smile returned. “We’d better get this food out while it’s hot.”
They each collected a platter. When they rejoined the others, Lanie was there, too. As soon as Teagan laid eyes on Jacob’s sister, all the warm feelings from her conversation with Susan iced over. And then she realized... Susan had said the boys were like her own but she hadn’t mentioned Hux’s daughter.
While Teagan and Susan set down the platters, Lanie didn’t once look their way. She was too busy hanging off Jacob’s every word, arm looped through his as if she wanted to yank him away. He was simply too wonderful to share.
Hux came straight over to pull out a chair. “Teagan, let’s sit you here between Jacob and Lanie.”
Lanie broke from her conversation with Jacob to breeze over.
“Dad, I’m sure our guest would like to sit next to you at the head of the table.”
Hux looked pleased. “Well, fine by me.”
Wearing a white dress with a halter neckline, open back and a billowing ruffled skirt that danced around her ankles—a thousand times different from her breeches and boots earlier—Lanie found her spot on the other side of Jacob while Susan took a chair next to Hux and Ajax.
After Hux said grace and people began serving themselves, Teagan joined in the discussion; they were still talking about the pregnant mare. Ajax was going to check on her as soon as dessert was cleared. Lanie didn’t deliver a single word Teagan’s way. In fact, she focused her full attention on Jacob.
Then pie was served and Lanie’s MO not only changed, it ramped up, like a guillotine blade getting ready to fall.
* * *
This visit was back on track.
Jacob had sensed that something wasn’t quite right with Teagan after she’d met his family. She’d seemed reserved. Almost irritated. Then Chester, in all his doggy glory, had wriggled onto the scene and Tea had reclaimed her spark. Over dinner, she’d been her usual self-assured self, enjoying the conversations and fitting in like Jacob had known she would.
Although he had felt a little awkward at times, it had nothing to do with his date for the weekend.
Seated on his other side, Lanie was eager to catch up. These days his adoptive sister was full-on, particularly when they hadn’t seen each other for a while. Last time he’d visited, she’d been at the World Cup Dressage finals. So now she had plenty to say. And he really wanted to listen. Except he had a special guest to take care of.
He was neglecting Teagan.
The others were discussing two yearlings going up for sale at Saratoga in August while Lanie was still filling him in on how well her current ride was performing.
“At the start of passage work,” she was saying, “you don’t want high cadence. You want to confirm the regularity. No uneven steps. Always regularity behind.”
“Teagan had riding lessons,” he replied, looking at Teagan, wanting to include her.
“Well, we should get you in a saddle while you’re here, Teagan,” Hux chimed in. “Over the years, Jacob’s become quite the master.”
“Hux means I haven’t fallen off for a while,” Jacob clarified.
“I don’t have a lot of experience riding,” Teagan said, “so maybe nothing too strenuous.”
Ajax set down his beer. “Horse riding will give your muscles a good workout. Muscles you never knew you had.”
“Teagan owns a gym in Seattle.” Jacob added, “She’s probably the fittest person here.”
Lanie looked around him to study Teagan.
“How long have you owned the gym?” Susan asked, slicing the pie she’d set on the table. “I love Pilates classes.”
“A few years now.” Teagan leaned in and inhaled. “That smells so good.”
“Teagan, you’re originally f
rom Australia?” Lanie asked.
Teagan looked around Jacob. “From Sydney. That’s right.”
“It’s supposed to be a pretty little corner of the world.” Lanie sighed. “Imagine growing up on an island in the middle of nowhere.”
Teagan accepted a dessert plate. “Australia is an island. The biggest in the world. Actually, it’s almost the size of the States, if you leave out Alaska.”
“I didn’t know that.” Lanie waved away the plate Susan was offering. “I’ve always wanted to go down and visit.”
“There are some amazing beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, of course. The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge—”
“And kangaroos.” Lanie fell back in her chair. “They’re so funny looking. Like a cross between a cow and a T. rex. They come across as so...”
“Cute?” Susan supplied.
Lanie exhaled. “Docile,” she said.
Teagan cocked a brow. “Don’t get too close to a big red. You’re likely to get your ears boxed in.”
“He can try,” Lanie replied, slinging a fall of brunette hair over her shoulder. “I don’t go down easily.”
Jacob’s hand tightened around his dessert spoon. His sister had her opinions. She wasn’t shy about speaking up—or she wasn’t shy anymore. But she wasn’t normally defensive. So had he imagined that tone in her voice? What did Lanie have to be gripey about? She’d seemed okay a minute ago.
And then...
Well, it got bad.
Teagan and Susan had finished discussing a recipe for a sweet cherry-almond smoothie and Ajax asked for another slab of pie when Lanie leaned forward and set her elbows on the table.
“Your surname,” she said while everyone else was scraping their pie plates. “Hunter, isn’t it? Dad mentioned it.”
“Nice strong name,” Hux said, looking at his bowl like he wanted to run a finger around the edge.
“Hunter.” Teagan nodded. “That’s right.”
“Any relation to Guthrie Hunter?”
“He’s my father.”