Payne, Lillith - His Unconventional Woman (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lillith Payne

  Clay was right, something had changed. Dana had. Her time away, the photos Gavin had taken, her missing Clay in a way she never had before. This was where she belonged. As a wave of independence washed over her, she knew her decisions were made. Whatever Linda Cole had in mind, Dana was going to override. Whatever it takes, she thought, I want this chance with Clay. Lisa and Adam ran through her mind, making her mad and angry at the thought they might be used as pawns to get to her. “I’ll put a stop to all this before it goes any further.” Dana said aloud, dropping her bag inside the door of the guesthouse.

  Standing in the dimly lit space, now she knew why she felt so strongly about taking the space. It was temporary. This was temporary. Whether she found her home with Clay or not, she would find her space. Coming home had its benefits, but this was Jeff and Lisa’s home now. She was a guest. It was Adam who would grow up here, learning to ride horses, love the land, and with a little help later on, learn the ability to slide down the main staircase banister without falling off. With a smile, Dana knew that was one thing she could teach him.

  Hours later, she’d thought through her plan of attack. She’d decided she’d fight for what she wanted, which was Clay, and everything their joining might bring.

  Standing before the open refrigerator, nothing appealed. It was too late to call the house. The phone would wake up Adam. Instead, she kicked off her shoes and wandered over to the big house.

  Turning to check the time on the digital clock beside his bed, Jeff listened for the baby. He wasn’t sure what woke him. He left Lisa sleeping soundly, her blonde hair mussed from their earlier lovemaking. Standing beside his sleeping son, he realized someone was in the kitchen. Two steps further down he saw the back half of the house was ablaze with lights. Ruth wouldn’t be back until tomorrow morning, he knew. Figuring to himself that a thief wouldn’t turn on every light in the house, he took the steps downward until he reached the center hall.

  Jeff stood in the doorway to the old family kitchen, watching Dana slice into the pound cake that was left over from supper. “There are peaches in the refrigerator,” he said. He wasn’t surprised when she didn’t jump at his voice.

  “Actually, no, there aren’t.” She laughed, holding up the container sitting beside the cake plate. “Want some?”

  “I’ll just get some milk. How was the trip?” Leaning across the center island from each other, brother and sister picked the sliced peaches from the bowl one by one, dipping them into another dish holding whipped cream. He listened while she gave him the condensed version, ending with the fact that her paycheck would help the renovation.

  “Dana, you don’t have to personally finance the project. We can talk to the bank, and what about all this fundraising you and Lisa have been planning? Wasn’t there talk of a grant or something?”

  “Yes, yes, and yes. Except I figure if these people realize I’m willing to put my personal money into it, they might not hesitate to add some of their own.”

  “Got it all worked out, Dana.”

  “Something like that. What happened while I was away?”

  Jeff debated if he should tell her about the enlightening meal she had missed, then decided to let it go. Before he could make the decision she broke in.

  “Jeff, if for some strange reason you got a call tomorrow and I needed you to bail me out, would you come for me?”

  “Dana! What kind of a test is this?” Studying her face carefully, he didn’t like what he saw, mainly because he couldn’t recognize the look. “Why, are you planning on being arrested tomorrow?”

  “I’m not really,” she told him. “I’m going to have a meeting with Linda Cole in the morning.”

  “And you picture the end result of this meeting landing you in jail?”

  “It’s one possibility, probably not the best one, but still a possibility.”

  “Dana?”

  “I’m teasing you, Jeff. Where has your sense of humor gone to?”

  “When did you set up this meeting?”

  “I didn’t, actually. It’s going to be a surprise attack.” Dana laughed at the face he made. “I’m simply going to lay my cards on the table, explain she can’t use people to manipulate other people, and if she doesn’t clear my application at tomorrow night’s meeting, I plan on bringing her up before the ethics board.” With that, she bit into another slice of peach.

  “It would be your word against hers.”

  “Yes, it would, and think about all the publicity it would garner for the mansion. This town would talk about it long after we’re all dead and buried.”

  “You sounded like Dad, just then.”

  “Thank you, Jeff. That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in ages.”

  “All right, how about that I love you, and I want you to be happy.”

  “I love you too, Jeff.”

  “Be careful tomorrow, Dana.” He waited and then continued, “Did Clay talk to you about her today?”

  “Yes, I’ll handle her.” She gave him one of her public smiles. He could never read what was behind that particular look. Pausing in the doorway to leave, he had to ask. “Why aren’t you raiding your own refrigerator?”

  “Because I’ve been away for a week and nothing looked good to me. Besides, you wouldn’t have come down to talk to me if I’d stayed there.”

  “Oh.” Shaking his head, he left the room, calling back, “Dana, use the cell if you need me tomorrow.” A few moments later he appeared in the doorway again. “Use it even if you don’t, okay?”

  “I’ll let you know what happens. Jeff, I’m sorry if my coming home has upset the household.”

  “We’re not upset, Dana. We just want you to be safe.”

  “As well as Lisa and Adam?”

  “I’ll take care of them, don’t worry about it. I wish you’d let me help you take care of this.”

  “I know, Jeffy. But this one I have to do on my own. It will be all right.” She went to him, kissing his cheek. As she disappeared through the kitchen door he realized she’d left him the mess to clean up. Shaking his head, he figured tomorrow would be an interesting day.

  Clay came awake instantly when the phone rang. He looked at the clock beside his bed and realized it was after one in the morning. “Yeah?”

  “Clay, relax, nothing’s wrong.”

  “Dana, what is it?”

  “I needed to tell you something, Clay. For some reason when you’re standing in front of me, I can’t get the words out.”

  “Tell me now, then.” Clay shifted the pillows behind him, dread coursing through his veins. His temples ached slightly while he waited for her to continue.

  “Clay, I’m in love with you.”

  Of all the things she might have said, he wasn’t prepared for that. Shifting lower in the bed, he finally spoke. “And it took you all this time to figure it out?”

  “No, actually, I’ve known it for a long time.”

  “How long?”

  “Probably, oh, hell, definitely, since I was home for Jeff’s wedding. Somehow I saw you differently than I ever had before, as a sexual man, not just a friend.”

  “Thank you, Dana.”

  “Thank you. Are you crazy, don’t you understand what this means?”

  “Yes, I do. You’re the only one who’s afraid. I’m not. I love you, Dana. I have since that day in the chapel when Jeff and Lisa got married.”

  “Clay…”

  “Yes, that far back. Standing there in that blue dress, the flowers holding your hair back, suddenly you weren’t the little brat I was used to seeing. You had become this beautiful woman. I knew then, Dana.” He paused then went on. “I even knew the night of the storm. I just refused to let myself acknowledge it. Along with the memory of what we did that night of the storm. Truthfully, I so wanted to finish the act, to feel myself buried inside you.”

  “Why didn’t you? I was trying to make it clear it was what I wanted, too.”

  “You were younger then, just twenty, and had all t
hose years of school and work ahead. I was afraid I’d interfere with all that for you.”

  “What a waste of time.”

  “Not really. What would you have done if I approached you then?”

  “What would you have done if I approached you?” The laughter in her voice warmed him.

  “Dana, we still on for supper tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, definitely. But, Clay, I don’t know if you really understand what you’re getting into. Loving me and making love to me isn’t going to be easy.”

  “I’ve always loved a challenge.” His laugh flowed easier than it had in years. All his pent-up angst dissipated. “Sweetheart, nothing good in this life is easy. I love you anyway, and we will work it out. I promise, and you know I don’t promise lightly.”

  “Good night, Clay.”

  “Dana. Thank you for sharing the photographs with me.”

  “How could I not? Gavin’s right. It shows. I was just too afraid to look. When I did, I was afraid of what I saw. Now, I’m not. The camera doesn’t lie, Clay.”

  “Tell you what, when they come to visit, let them stay in your guesthouse, and you come stay with me.”

  “It’s an option.”

  “Dana, I want you with me.”

  “I want to be with you, too, Clay. Let me take care of business tomorrow, and then we’ll talk.”

  “Okay, tomorrow. Call me if you need any help.”

  “Good night.”

  “Night, love.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dana sat in the chair opposite Linda Cole’s desk just after eight the following morning. She had brought a cup of coffee with her, as well as the morning newspaper and a dozen fresh muffins for the staff. Waiting until she saw Linda’s secretary Mavis enter the building, she arrived with her offering, explaining she didn’t have an appointment, but would only keep Linda a few minutes. Having known Dana all her life, the older woman allowed Dana to wait in the office.

  “Good morning, Linda, how was your weekend?”

  “Fine, Mavis, and yours?”

  Dana heard their words, reaching into the small purse tucked next to her on the seat. She knew Linda hadn’t waited for her secretary’s answer.

  “You have company. Dana Britton’s waiting to see you.” Wishing she could have seen the look on Linda’s face, Dana continued to stare at the paper in front of her.

  Knowing she was being studied from the doorway, Dana was glad she had chosen the navy linen pantsuit. Crisp and professional, the vest-like, hip-length jacket elongated her already tall appearance. Her hair was pulled up and pinned back, makeup was minimal. A very professional appearance, she had concluded before leaving home that morning.

  “Dana? We didn’t have an appointment. I’m very busy today.”

  “Good morning. I know how busy you are. I’ll only take a minute of your time, Linda. You always show up without an appointment or invitation, for that matter. I thought I would mimic you.” She didn’t rise from her seat, choosing to refold the newspaper instead.

  “Make it quick. What do you want?” Linda busied herself sorting through a short stack of messages on small slips of pink paper, avoiding eye contact with Dana.

  Slowly, Dana rose, walking the short distance and closing the office door. When she sat back in her seat, she waited until Linda gave her the attention she was looking for. Tossing the papers onto the desk, Linda sat, a weary expression on her face.

  “First, about my application,”

  “That meeting is scheduled for seven tonight. I’ll be glad to discuss it with you then. If that’s all, I have work to do.” Dana didn’t stiffen at Linda’s attitude. She had been prepared for it.

  “Second, let’s talk about Clay Hollister.” Linda’s eyes finally met Dana’s. “Last month you made it clear to me that I would get no permit for the mansion until I gave you Clay. I’m here to tell you that will never happen. Clay and I are together and very much in love. I will not hand him over to you without a fight. I won’t allow you to have any claims on him, ever.” Taking a cleansing breath, she continued. “It’s very simple, Linda. Tonight, my permits will be issued with full cooperation of the board. You will be very enthusiastic about the project, especially the good it will do for the town.”

  “And why would I do that, Dana? I told you we needed feasibility studies.”

  “Cut the crap, Linda, you and I both know the only reason my permit wasn’t issued last month was your little power play for Clay. You are professionally out of line here by using him to block the project. You just don’t get it. The project means a lot to me and so does Clay. I won’t walk away from the mansion or Clay. I will have them both, perhaps at your expense, along with the tax revenue it would produce for the county.” Dana let her statement sink in.

  “Is that all you have to say? I have work to do.”

  “No. Just know that if for any reason my permit isn’t issued, I plan on taking you before the ethics board.” Dana eyed Linda, waiting for her to strike.

  Instead, she chose to push back in her leather chair, a pencil tapping between her fingers. “You don’t have a case. No one heard our conversation in the parking lot. It would be your word against mine.” Thinking for a moment, a cruel smile came to Linda’s lips. “Go ahead. You’ll make a fool of yourself.”

  “Unless I happened to have had a recorder in my pocket that day.”

  Linda sat forward, her eyes narrowed to slits. “It wouldn’t be admissible,” she said dismissively.

  “Maybe not in court, but I can think of a few ladies’ clubs that would pay dearly to listen to that tape.”

  “You’re bluffing.”

  “Am I? Think of all the gossip, all the publicity it would garner for the mansion project. Local girl fighting to keep the man she loves and her dream of restoring her old family home for the town’s use. A jealous, vindictive woman trying to stop her. I can see the headlines now, Britton heir fights town official for project and love.”

  “Is that a threat, Dana?”

  “It’s whatever you want it to be. You see, all I have to do is mention to a few well-chosen people in town the problems I’m having getting approval from the board, and the loss of potential jobs and tax revenue it would produce. When asked my opinion why, I’d have to be honest and tell them it’s because Clay and I are together and in love, not because of the project itself.” Dana let it sink in, gave Linda time to digest her words.

  “I’ll believe that when I see it. Clay won’t keep you long. He needs a hot-blooded woman beside him, not a fluff piece more worried about her hair and makeup than satisfying him. A man like Clay needs…he’ll take what he wants from you and then toss you aside. I’ll be waiting to console him over his unfortunate choice of girlfriends. And Dana, I’ll know how to please him in ways you could never begin to imagine.” Thinking she had the upper hand, Linda relaxed in her chair.

  Dana had a fleeting thought that she must have found Walker. But it still could be a bluff, especially since Walker knew she had the tape of their special night together. Better not to bring it up.

  “Anything else, Dana?”

  “Just this.” Slowly Dana stood up, tossing the newspaper onto the desk. She reached into her purse, pulling a small recorder from it. “I know it’s not legal, but it’s proof. Leave Clay and me alone, Linda. We won’t play your sick game. Clay and I are in love and going to stay that way. My permits will be granted with much appreciation for all the revenue it will bring, not to mention the jobs it will create.”

  “Dana, no one will care about your little tapes. I’m the assistant DA in this county. I can make trouble for you and Clay. And don’t forget your brother’s farm. I wonder if the EPA needs to make a spot check of his farming practices.”

  “Do what you will, Linda. We’re not intimidated by you. Consider this a courtesy call. If I have to, I will go above your head. I have an appointment with Uncle Charlie for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Charlie?”

  “Yes, didn’
t you know, Charlie Steffens, your boss? He’s my Uncle Leo’s brother. But of course, they had different fathers, so they have different last names. No one ever told you that story before? You’re slipping then. Actually, it’s quite interesting, quite a love story.” Dana stood still, knowing the only thing that kept her from strangling this bitch was the wooden expanse between them. “Oh, one more thing, next time—” Dana watched across the desk, hoping she would give her just a small reason to cross the line. Linda stood up before Dana could finish her thought.

  “You little bitch.” With her weight leaning on her desk, Linda’s face was a few inches from Dana’s. It was then Dana saw the cruelness she had always felt from this woman. “You may have won round one, but I’m a patient woman. Round two will hit you when you least expect it. And I’ll be there, watching it unfold. It will be the best day of my life.”

  “More threats for the recorder, Linda? I’d have thought you smarter. Even if I can’t make charges stick with the ethics board, you’ve just given me enough to ask any judge for an order of protection, should I ever feel I need one.” With the relief of a laugh, Dana stood her ground. “No wonder you graduated in the bottom quarter of your class. I’m surprised you finished at all, unless, of course, your basic mode of operation has always been blackmail and threats.” She surveyed her counterpart, satisfied with her performance.

  Leaving, she turned back to say, “You underestimated me, Linda, that was your first mistake. The second was not realizing I was a fighter and that I want it all. I will have my museum and the mansion, and I will keep Clay. You just don’t have what it takes to compete with me. See you at the meeting, Linda.” Hesitating just before she walked out the door, Dana turned back to Linda. “By the way, I’ll tolerate no more trouble from you, whether it be flat tires or visits to Clay’s home early mornings. You never know who will answer the door.” Linda’s eyes flamed. “Actually, Clay and I had quite a laugh waiting to see how long you’d stay. I won’t tell you the things he did to me with you just downstairs pacing on his porch. I will say we had an amazing morning together.”