Meadowlarks 3 : Endless

by Ashley Christine

  Well, she may not be with me, but these damn shoes will be. I’ll drop them right on his desk. Demanding they start looking deeper into this. I’ll even give him Sara’s name, I don’t care. No more bullshit. I’m not going to go crazy trying to figure out how to stop this lunatic and keep Leah safe at the same time. There needs distance between them. As long as Sara is in Wyoming, I can keep Leah away from her.

  I riffled through my bag that I had dropped in the doorway when I first arrived. Shit, I didn’t even think to bring a suit. I was in such a rush to come back here and be with her, I only packed some jeans, t-shirts and underwear. I’m going to have to go to get one before heading to Montedesco.

  “Hello?” I answered my ringing cellphone.

  “Hey, Weston. It’s Riley…”

  “Hi, Riley. What’s up?” I ask, unzipping my jeans and kicking them off. “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, it’s fine. I just wanted to check in regarding the hiring.”

  Shit, I completely forgot about everything back home. “How is that going?”

  “Good!” She said happily. “I’ve hired a receptionist, and today I’ve got three interviews set up with potential agents. Bob recommended two of them.”

  “Great. Good job, Riley. I knew I could count on you. Whoever Bob recommends will be good, I bet.”

  “Pete also said all the furniture will be moved in today. It’s so exciting.”

  I smile. “Awesome. Can’t wait to see the place.”

  “How’s Leah?” she asks.

  “Good. Great, actually.” I don’t mention the shoe incident to Riley. “She’s going to the studio today. I’ve got a meeting with Josh.”

  “Weston, thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Showing us the real you. The one what I knew had to be in there this whole time. I’ve never seen Leah so happy…not even with Joel. Anyway, have a good meeting. Tell Josh I said hello.”

  Laughing, I reply. “Yeah, he’ll love that. And thanks for the compliment, even though I don’t quite see what you’re seeing. I’m working on it though. Let me know how the interviews go. I’ll have to call Bob and tell him I appreciate him looking out for us.”

  “Sounds good. Goodbye, Mr. Casey.”

  “Goodbye, Mrs. Cole.” I smile as I say her name, and hang up the phone.

  Who the hell is Joel?

  Leah’s never mentioned a Joel. I push the thought out and finish dressing before heading out the door to head to the 105 precinct.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Weston

  Detective Soloman’s face resembled Leah’s as he looked down into the bag I set on his desk. “And they were left at the hotel? You should have called—”

  “Umm, I did call, remember? Anyway, whatever, they’re here now. Do your CSI thing and find out who did this.” I cross my arms on my chest and inhale deeply through my nose. Calming myself.

  “Where is Leah now?”

  “With her band at the studio. She’s safe.”

  “Fuck, this is crazy. I’m gonna be honest here, we’re at a wall. I can’t figure out who would have taken her, and why. Especially why they would drop her off at the hospital. It just doesn’t seem like it makes sense.”

  “Sara Sutherland,” I whisper. “Look into her.”

  “Who is she?”

  I clench my jaw. “An ex-employee of mine in Sheridan, Wyoming.”

  “Wyoming? Why the hell would someone from there do this to Miss Marshall?”

  “Because of me. I think so, anyway. Look, just check Sara out. She’s been acting fucking weird lately and it doesn’t sit well with me.”

  Soloman nods. “Okay, thanks.” He picks up the bag. “This is so fucked up…”

  “You’re telling me.”

  “I’ll let you know what we find, Mr. Casey.”

  I nod and turn on my heel to leave the station. Next, suit and tie, and Montedesco Properties.

  ***

  Leah

  Tears began to trickle down my cheeks as I sang. I was singing this for him—for Weston. A new song that Jett and Aaron had written while we were on our brief break after the club fire. The song moved me so much, that I couldn’t hold back.

  “Leah?” Lucas asked over the mic from the other side of the glass. “You okay?”

  I nod. “I am. It’s just such a sweet song…”

  “You sound beautiful, girl. Keep doin’ your thang,” he drawled. “We’re ready to restart whenever you are.”

  Sitting up straight on the stool, I clear my throat and close my eyes, ready to sing “Unbroken Butterfly” once more. The words began to flow out, even though I had only read over them today, they were burned into my mind and I sung with all the might I could muster.

  “A thousand butterflies whisper;

  they fly as I lift up my arms,

  flying under me, lifting me.

  A thousand butterflies carry me,

  over the broken glass, over the

  shards of my shattered heart.

  They carried me to you, baby.

  They flew and held me as I was

  falling. They carried me to you,

  baby. And you fixed me, you

  pieced me back together.

  For you I fly. On my own two wings,

  without the fear of falling. Without

  the fear of losing.

  For you I fly. Your unbroken butterfly.”

  I was having a hard time dealing with everything. I wanted to be that strong woman again. I hated feeling this way…feeling defeated.

  “Beautiful, Leah. Simply, beautiful.” Lucas’ voice flowed through my headphones. “Ready for a break?”

  “Yes, I’m starving.” I smile just as Neil wraps his arms around me from behind.

  “Mr. Real Estate would have loved that. I know I did.” Neil squeezed me tight.

  I grinned. I hope so. I can’t wait to sing it for him. I just can’t wait to see him again.

  We went out for lunch. As much as I just wanted to plow deep into a big ass burger and gravy-smothered fries…we went out to eat a swanky Manhattan restaurant. Lucas’ treat.

  I ordered a steak. I needed meat in the worst way. Ha. I smirk…I could use another kind of meat, too. Damn, just thinking about him is making me question if I’m able to sit through a meal with four other men and not give away my clearly turned-on state. I’m positively buzzing right now…

  As soon as the plate is set down in front of me, I begin to drool. Cutting through the steak and closing my eyes as I put a piece into my mouth.

  “Damn, I should have ordered the steak,” Neil said, staring at me. “You gonna be okay?”

  I grinned and giggled. “Shut up! It’s good…that’s all.” I can’t hide it. They know.

  “So…” Jett rasped. “How is the steak? Juicy? Tell us.”

  They aren’t talking about the steak. They’re talking about Weston. I blush forty shades of crimson. “It’s good.”

  “You’re a bad liar. We’ve been through this.” Neil teased. “Besides, I saw him in all his glory yesterday. That man is pretty. I mean…mouth-watering.”

  “Neil!” I almost shrieked. Embarrassed.

  “I don’t wanna know…” Lucas chimed in. “Leave her alone, boys.”

  “Awe.” Neil pouted.

  I winked. I’ll tell him later. He’ll get it…the rest of them won’t.

  ***

  Weston

  Josh won’t shut up. He’s sitting across the table from me, jabbering on about some deal at Montedesco, and I really couldn’t care less. His back is turned, so he hasn’t seen her walk in. As if she’s here right now. I thought she was at the studio. She hasn’t noticed me yet, and I love it. I can watch her, without her knowing. I can see her with other people, and it makes me smile. She’s laughing, and blushing…I wonder what they’ve said to her.

  Fuck, I could watch her eat all day long. She chews in such a way, it’s almost elegant. Daintily wiping her perfect plump lips with he
r napkin before speaking to her manager Lucas. He’s the only one who looks like he’s meant to be here. Wearing a suit like everyone else in the room. Leah’s wearing jeans that hug her body…damn, in such a way that I’m jealous of the denim. The rest of her band are in jeans too, wearing country-boy button up shirts. Except for Neil, he’s got on one of their t-shirts. Leah’s pictured right up front, standing with her legs spread out, her hair wiping back in the wind, with her hands on her hips. They’re standing on either side of her, arms crossed, like they’re her body guards.

  “You’re the biggest dick, you know that?” Josh says, halting me from my gazing.

  “Sorry.”

  “Well, shit. You’re not even with it right now…you better get your shit together before the meeting. These big dogs aren’t into dealing with guys like us. They’re old and gray and hard asses.”

  “I’m preoccupied.” I grin and nod my head across the room toward Leah’s table.

  Josh turns in his chair. “Ahh, the lovely Leah. How is she?”

  “Amazing.”

  Josh smiles. “You haven’t gone over there and crawled under the table yet…”

  I chuckle. “I’m trying to behave.”

  Josh laughs so loud heads turn. Eyes shoot to our table. Including Leah’s. I wink at her, with a small smile curled into my lips. Hello, beautiful.

  Seeing her eyes widen, and her lip go right in between her teeth, I’m getting hard already…not that I wasn’t beginning to when I saw her walk in.

  She slowly resumes eating. Teasing me. Tantalizing me. Slowly pulling the food from her fork into her mouth. Chewing. Licking her lips.

  “We have the meeting in an hour…” Josh says, clearing his throat.

  Damn.

  I can do a lot in an hour. However, it’s not enough time with her. There will never be enough time when it comes to Leah.

  “I’ll be right back,” I tell Josh just as Leah gets up from her seat and gingerly walks toward the restrooms. Part of me is hesitant. Remembering Elsa.

  Oh, screw it.

  Just as I turn the corner, behind the wall dividing the bathrooms from the rest of the restaurant, I see Leah standing there. She’s waiting for me.

  “Hi,” she says, too sweetly while twirling a lock of hair between her fingers.

  I stand there, just for a moment, taking her in. How can she be real? How can she be this sweet…and shit—how can she be mine?

  “Hi.”

  One word. Hands to faces, fingers in hair, lips on lips, opening for tongues wildly searing with heated desperation. Leah pants, breathlessly, as I push her up against the wall and press my hard body against her soft warmth. Her hands leave my hair and rest on my chest. Mine stay on her face, cupping her cheeks, holding her lips in place. Against mine. Where they belong. I could kiss her all day long.

  Leah lets out a small gasp as my mouth leaves her and kisses her jaw and neck. I press against her—hard. As much as I am dying to unzip and thrust deep and hard into her, I can’t. I don’t want to share that intimacy with anyone else. I know a wall divides us. But it’s too risky. I never want anyone to see the faces she makes or hear the sounds she releases when I’m pleasuring her. Those are for me. Only for me.

  “Weston…” Leah whispers into my ear. “You’re killing me here.”

  “Baby,” I breathe the words into her mouth.

  A small and soft peck on her lips, while running the back of my fingers on her cheek. Leah closes her eyes and I step away.

  Walking back to the table to tell Josh I’m ready to leave. “Let’s go.”

  Josh walks ahead of me as we leave the restaurant. We casually pass Leah’s table where she’s now sitting again, her cheeks pink and her lips full and red from my assault. I wink. She closes her eyes and she hitches her breath.

  Her text chimes in just as I climb into Josh’s car.

  Leah: You, sir. Are the meanest man in New York.

  I smile. Me: Oh, baby. I can be so much meaner.

  Leah: I hope so…xo

  Me: ;)

  ***

  Josh wasn’t wrong. These board members are painfully boring. The one who does most of the talking is actually Josh’s uncle, Walter Montedesco. He owns the thirty percent of the shares in Montedesco Properties and is probably the scariest fucker in New York. He sounds like James Earl Jones and looks eerily similar to John Gotti.

  I’ve joked about his probable mafia connections in the past, and Josh has always just laughed it off. But damn, that man just looks the part. Plus, he’s always seen around with his “associates”. Or cronies. Take your pick.

  “Mr. Casey, am I boring you?” Walter asks.

  Shit. “No, sir.”

  “Good. Since this effects your financial position, I would appreciate your full attention. A lot has changed in New York since you left, and I don’t know how they did it in Cowboy Country—but…” Walter says, but doesn’t finish.

  Josh smirks and leans back in his chair. I chance a “fuck you, Josh” glare at him when Walter looks back down at his paperwork on the table in front of him.

  “We’re happy to have you on board, Weston. I’ve always admired your tenacity.” Walter throws a curveball, surprising me.

  Is this a test?

  “Thank you, Mr. Montedesco. I’m happy to be here.”

  The meeting ends, thank God, about five minutes after Josh’s speech on a possible takeover of a smaller real estate business. Smaller in New York is still huge. The pitch is a possible purchase for the tiny amount of six million dollars.

  “Weston, I want you to take the big step. Make contact with the CEO, Jack Ellerton, and see if he’ll move at four. Maybe 4.2. If we get Ellerton Estates, we’ll have Manhattan in our pocket.”

  I nod. I got this.

  I’m introduced to my new secretary. Her name is Jo.

  “Mr. Casey, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Mr. Montedesco has told me so much about you. I look forward to working with you.” Jo stands almost eye level with me. At six foot four, I’m just taller than her. Her short blond hair is cut just above her shoulders and she’s wearing an expensive pants suit.

  “Jo, it’s nice to meet you as well. You can call me Weston though. Mr. Casey is too formal.” I smile, and she nods with a grin.

  “Can I get you anything? Coffee, perhaps?”

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  “Okay, well. I’ll leave you to it then. My extension is number two on your phone. Mr. Montedesco is number one. I’m right out here if you need anything.”

  After thanking Jo I head into my new office.

  Sitting down in the large leather office chair, I’m starting to feel back in my element. I’ve been away from actual work for what seems like forever. I started fading during the last few months at Pine Ridge, and once Riley started working there, I almost gave up all together. I didn’t want to go into the office because Elsa was there, and when I was so attracted to Riley, it didn’t help my situation at all.

  The thought of Riley sparks in my mind. I need to call her. To see how her interviews have gone. I’m a shitty boss. Maybe I’ve gotten too much on my plate right now. I forgot all about the new agency, I’m not into working at Montedesco today, and all I can think about is Leah.

  “Casey Realty, this is Jillian, how may I help you?” the perky voice on the phone answers.

  “Riley Cole, please.”

  “One moment, sir.”

  A pause before Riley answers. “This is Riley Cole.”

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  “Well, hello stranger. I was wondering when I was going to hear from you. How’s it going?”

  “Oh, just sitting about eighty-three stories high. On a big, cushy chair…you know.”

  Riley lets out a small sigh. “Well, I’m sure the view is lovely. I’m a little jealous. But, not really. This place is gorgeous. I can’t wait until you see it. Pete did an unbelievable job.”

  “Take pictures and send them to me.”

 
; “Better yet, turn on your iPad. I’ll FaceTime you.”

  We end the call and I accept Riley’s incoming FaceTime connection. I smile when I see her face. I still think she’s gorgeous. I probably always will. But now, my feelings aren’t all animalistic and perverted. I genuinely care about Riley. Like, in a protective way, actually. “Did you cut your hair?” I ask, noticing it’s a little shorter.

  “Yeah, you like?”

  I smile and nod.

  “Alex doesn’t, but it was time for a change. Anyway, let’s take a tour, kay?” Riley flips the camera and takes me in a virtual tour of our new office.

  “Hey!” I say, noticing right away that she’s come out of the biggest office. “I thought that was my office.”

  “Well, the boss should be in there. And since you’re not here…it’s all mine.” Riley teases. “Don’t be a crybaby.”

  “Keep walking,” I growl.

  She turns the camera into an office. “Keri, wave to Mr. Casey!”

  The older woman behind the desk blushes and waves her hand. “Hello?” she says.

  “Sorry, Keri.” Riley turns the iPad and I smile into the camera. “This is Weston, he wanted to see the office.”

  “Hello, Mr. Casey. It’s nice to finally meet you…well, sort of.”

  “Hi, Keri. You as well. Welcome.”

  The office tour is just about to conclude when Riley turns to face the door as someone walks in. The iPad is still turned with the camera outwardly.

  “Hey, Hunter! You’re back just in time to meet the boss!”

  I pale, and end the connection.

  “Hey, why did you shut it off?” Riley asks when I call her cellphone.

  “Why the fuck is that kid there?” I ask, angrily.

  “Who? Hunter? He works here, Weston.”

  “Like fuck he does. He’s Elsa’s new plaything.”

  I hear a door close and Riley starts to whisper. “What? No way…he said he just moved to town.”