Tempted by a Carrington

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  Until he’d come into her life, men wanting her to be who she was had been nonexistent. She wanted to do something extremely special for him. Buying him presents wasn’t something she’d consider. Lanier wanted to give him something he didn’t have or couldn’t run out and buy. The only thing he really wanted was for her to find true happiness. It was a tall order, but she was on her way.

  How can I prove to him that any changes in me are permanent? That might be impossible when I’m not perfectly sure myself. How can I manage to keep from reverting to my old self? How do I become everything Dallas wants in a woman, the kind of woman he’d love enough to take as his wife? Am I that woman?

  Lanier had often asked herself the same questions. Dallas loved her and he didn’t have a problem showing it. He loved her enough to make her his wife, because he’d talked to her about marriage before he’d proposed. The problem was that he’d brought it up at times when she wouldn’t think of marrying.

  Please help me to be ready to be his wife if he asks to marry me again. Mrs. Dallas Carrington is the name I want for the rest of my life. With him, I don’t have to compromise who Lanier Watson is.

  Just like Dallas, Lanier fell asleep pondering their future.

  Bright sunlight shining into the room woke Lanier and she sat up in bed. Nearly blinded by the glowing rays, she rubbed her eyes. Dallas was already up. She was glad she’d slept so well, but she hadn’t intended on sleeping this late. It was a few minutes after ten. She’d admit to lying in bed a bit longer now that the girls were away, but never this late.

  Slowly, Lanier slipped out of bed. As she looked up, she saw the red vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand. She removed a small card planted among the bright blooms.

  Good morning, Sunshine. If you wake up and I’m not there, I’ll be right back. I’m picking up shirts at the cleaners. Stay in bed as long as you want. My mattress loves your beautiful body, and I love having it entwined with mine.

  Love, Dallas

  Chapter 8

  The next day, Lanier zipped from her bathroom, where she’d just showered. While grabbing the receiver, she nearly dropped it. “Hello.”

  “Good morning, Lanier. It’s Casey. Sorry we haven’t talked in a while. I’ve got great news—your loan is approved. There are lots of papers to fill out. Please bring in the cashier’s check we discussed to open escrow. Can you stop by today?”

  Lanier’s heart was beating way too fast from the excitement. Dropping down on the bed, she laid her head against a pillow. “I can meet today.” She glanced at the clock. It was early.

  “How about ten o’clock?”

  “Perfect. I’ll see you then. The paperwork will be in order. Where is it best to reach you?”

  “I’ll be home until nine-thirty. Thanks, Casey.” Lanier’s demeanor was kind of cool.

  “You’re welcome, Lanier.”

  Lanier hung up the phone. She buried her face into the pillow and tears flowed. Her feelings weren’t all joyous. She also felt fear over what she was undertaking. Ashleigh wasn’t in on this real estate deal. Once the paperwork was signed, the town house was her sole responsibility. I’m a loner in this. “Don’t start second-guessing yourself. You’ve cleared higher hurdles than this,” she told herself.

  The personal questions Casey had asked about her and Dallas had come to Lanier’s mind during the phone conversation. It was a sticky situation, and she didn’t want it to get any stickier.

  Do I want to purchase a town house from someone who pried into the private affairs of others, especially from the same someone who worked for the complex where I would reside? Lanier also suspected that the woman had designs on the man she loved.

  Lanier’s next thought was to call Dallas. Then she decided against it, wanting to wait to tell him in person. If she phoned him, she wouldn’t be able to hold back the news. He’d be happy for her. Everything he’d ever told her was for her own good. Seeing her fail at anything would sadden Dallas. The man was in her corner, and he worked hard to get her to be confident in herself. That had been his message to her during the family dinner at Houston’s ten days ago.

  The phone rang, crashing into her thoughts. Rolling over, she picked it up. “Morning.”

  “Lanier, this is Patricia Wright, Department of Social Services. I’d like to stop by and see you and Ashleigh. Is today a possibility?”

  Lanier looked worried. “Ashleigh isn’t in yet. It’s still early.”

  “Okay. I’d just like to talk to both of you about emergency placements, since you’re considering putting Haven House on our temporary listing. I want to go over important details.”

  “As soon as Ash gets here, I’ll call you back.”

  “That’s fine with me. I look forward to hearing back from you. Have a great morning.”

  “You, too, Ms. Wright. You’ll hear from us.”

  The ten o’clock appointment with Casey came to mind. As she wondered if she should call her and cancel, she heard door chimes. Ashleigh is here. Maybe she wouldn’t have to cancel after all.

  Lanier made a mad dash for the staircase. They’d talked about emergency placement before but had yet to make a final decision.

  Lanier headed for the office. Spotting Ashleigh in the kitchen making coffee, she popped into the room. “Morning!”

  Ashleigh smiled. “Same to you. I’m surprised you’re not dressed yet.”

  Lanier laughed. “I’ve been kind of a slacker ever since our girls went off to camp.” Both women laughed.

  Lanier took a seat at the table. “I just got a call from Patricia Wright at Social Services.” She shared with Ashleigh what had been said.

  Ashleigh appeared thoughtful. “Even though emergency placements are rarely for more than a couple of days, I think we need to get renovations done before we list Haven House. We need to operate without being cramped for space. And we still plan to take in teenage girls eventually, so there has to be enough room for emergency placements.”

  “I agree,” Lanier said.

  “We need to start renovations sooner rather than later. Plenty of funds are socked away.”

  “I have something to tell you, Ash.” Lanier shared her good news.

  Ashleigh gave Lanier a warm hug. “Congratulations! Have you told Dallas yet?”

  “I want to see his reaction. I have an appointment with Casey at ten.” Lanier frowned. “I scheduled it before talking to Patricia.”

  Ashleigh shrugged. “I’ll be here all day. We can see her later this afternoon. Sometimes you forget we’re in this together. Just because I don’t live here anymore doesn’t mean I’m not directly involved, ’cause I am. Don’t ever feel like I’m not at your disposal. Haven House is our baby. We’ll continue raising it together.”

  Lanier looked relieved. “Thanks, Ash. I feel better. I’ve entertained the idea of canceling my appointment at the complex for personal reasons. Casey has rubbed me the wrong way, and I don’t know if I want to live at a place where she works.”

  “I can understand that. She shouldn’t have asked about your personal relationship with Dallas. It is none of her business. You put her in her place, and I’m glad you stood up to her.”

  Lanier nodded. “I’m proud of how I handled it. It was actually easy.”

  “If you decide to keep the appointment, do you want a cup of coffee before you leave? I can bring it upstairs.”

  “I’ll throw my clothes on first and come back and drink a cup with you.”

  “I’d love the company. Want a slice or two of toast?”

  “One slice is fine to help absorb the coffee.” Lanier blew Ashleigh a kiss. “Be back in a few.” Lanier left the kitchen and quickly headed for the steps.

  Dallas came back to Lanier’s mind as she entered the bedroom. She really wanted to hear
his voice. Seeing his reaction to the news was more to her liking. She didn’t know if she was taking the town house or not, so it was best not to say anything yet.

  Lanier slid down over her head a bright yellow silk top. She slipped on navy blue slacks, and then neatly tucked her top into the waistband. Stepping into the bathroom, she put on her makeup and styled her hair.

  Satisfied with how she looked, Lanier returned to the bedroom and retrieved a navy blazer and then looped it through the straps on her navy Coach bag.

  Lanier came back into the kitchen and Ashleigh went over to the counter and poured her a cup of hot coffee. Buttered toast had been placed on the table only seconds before Lanier came into the room.

  Lanier sat down. Picking up a slice of toast, she began eating fast.

  “Slow down, girl.” Ashleigh laughed. “If you’re in that big of a hurry, take it with you. I’ll pour your coffee into a travel cup.”

  “Thanks, Ash. I don’t want to be late. Once I own the place, I won’t have to deal with Casey. The final walk-through will be conducted by a building contractor.”

  “Same process we went through for Haven House.” Standing at the sink, Ashleigh transferred coffee from a mug to a travel cup. When she turned around, she noticed Lanier looked troubled. “What’s going on? You have an odd look on your face.”

  Lanier sighed hard. “I don’t want to cancel my appointment, but I do want us to see Patricia as quickly as possible. It’s the right thing to do. I hope you understand what I’m saying.”

  Ashleigh nodded. “I do. You should always come to your own conclusions. We can see Patricia later this afternoon. I’ll make the call.”

  Lanier nodded. “Okay. I’ll get back as soon as I can. See you then.”

  Ashleigh handed Lanier the coffee then hugged her. “Good luck this morning.”

  Lanier took a deep breath before she went into the complex office. When Casey wasn’t at her desk, she nearly turned around and walked out.

  “Hello, Lanier,” Casey said, coming out of another office.

  “Hello.” Lanier didn’t smile because she didn’t feel charitable toward Casey.

  “Are you ready to get down to business?”

  “That’s why I’m here,” Lanier said in a clipped tone.

  “Good.” Casey pulled out a chair in front of her desk. “Have a seat. I’ll go over all the paperwork with you. This is a lengthy process, but I’ll make it painless. Did you bring the cashier’s check?”

  “It’s covered.” Lanier had gotten a bank check, but she hadn’t filled it in yet. She had decided to wait until she made the purchase. She also wanted to hear the terms first.

  Casey went behind her desk and sat down. She pulled Lanier’s sales folder from the metal file slots on top of her desk. She scanned the contract quickly, having already read it thoroughly a couple of times.

  Very plainly, Casey explained the terms of Lanier’s town house purchase. She told her what interest rate she had been able to get her, saying that it was the lowest rate currently offered. The monthly amount of the house note was given to Lanier, which included principle and interest and homeowner’s insurance was discussed in depth.

  “I hope you’re satisfied with the terms. As a homeowner himself, Mr. Carrington can probably assure you that you’re getting a great deal. Your high credit score afforded you the lowest interest rate. You can now sign the contract and surrender the cashier’s check for the down payment.”

  Lanier was annoyed. “What does Mr. Carrington have to do with this transaction? You keep bringing him up. Why?”

  “I just thought the terms might matter to both of you, since you’re exclusive.”

  “Our relationship has nothing to do with me purchasing a town house. I asked you to stay out of our private business, but you’ve ignored my request.” Lanier got to her feet. “I’m not prepared to sign the contract today. I need more time to think about this, but it doesn’t look good. I’m not sure I want to live in a place where my privacy is compromised by an employee.”

  Casey looked flabbergasted as Lanier made her way to the exit. The astonished look gave way to an angry smile. “I can sue you for breach of contract,” she shouted after Lanier.

  Lanier stopped and turned around. “Sue me. Good luck with it, since I haven’t signed a contract yet nor have I filled out the pay-to-the-order-of line on the cashier’s check. Goodbye, Casey. I’m sure you’ll figure it all out in time. You’re a clever girl, but not a very bright one.”

  Inside her bedroom, Lanier stripped out of her business attire. She stepped inside the closet and put her clothing back on hangers. Before leaving the spacious closet, Lanier took down a pair of well-worn blue jeans and a short-sleeve white top. Locating her white tennis shoes, she picked them up and went back to the bedroom and dressed. She then sat down in the chair to put on her sneakers.

  Lanier joined Ashleigh outside on the front porch swing. Both ladies acknowledged each other with a slight nod and a smile. They loved to sit on the porch and watch nature, and it was how they’d spend quiet time when the girls weren’t present.

  “How’d your meeting go, Lanier? Are congratulations in order?”

  “It went badly, and there’s nothing to congratulate me for. Casey brought up Dallas again, and it irritated me something awful. If she listens to her messages, she’ll know that I have no intention of buying the town house from her. I don’t need the aggravation.”

  “Lanier, why are you letting this woman get to you? She probably mentions Dallas on purpose just to get you to react. Are you sure you don’t want to purchase the town house?”

  “Not one in that complex. There are a lot of brand-new town house properties around here. I don’t want to deal with that woman another day. She says she’s going to sue me.”

  “Sue you? Did you sign a contract and give her your down payment?”

  “Neither. All she got was another taste of my attitude. She likes ticking me off.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t sign anything?”

  “Nothing at all.”

  “How’d she bring up Dallas?”

  “Telling me he’d assure me of the great deal I got, since he’s a homeowner. There was no reason for her to bring him up at all. I think she has a crush on him. I’m willing to bet on it. She thinks she’s clever, but she’s more overbearing than anything. And to think I liked her at first makes me feel foolish.”

  Ashleigh drew in fresh air through her nostrils. “I’m sorry for what you went through, and I’m glad you didn’t sign anything or hand over any money. It sounds to me like you wouldn’t have been happy there. This Casey person seems to be a thorn in your side.”

  “I loved the town house. It was beautiful. But my life is complicated enough without adding more complications. Casey Rayburn is a troublemaker. She comes off sweet at first, and then she goes on the attack. She caught me totally off guard the first time she asked me about Dallas.”

  “Let it go now. Rehashing it only gets you more upset. We can look for another place whenever you’re ready, but I’m not so sure you want to move away from Haven House. What will you do with your property if you and Dallas decide to marry?”

  Lanier drew her legs up under her. “Dallas hasn’t asked me to marry him again since I turned him down, but maybe getting a second residence isn’t the best idea. Should he ask me to marry him we’d have too many properties to maintain.” Lanier scowled hard.

  “What’s wrong? I know that look.”

  “I still wonder if I’m ready for marriage. I love Dallas enough to spend the rest of my life with him, but I still have lots of work to do on me.”

  “You can work on yourself while married. Give yourself a chance, and give Dallas a shot at being a very good husband to you. You two seem perfect for each other.”


  “We are, but I’m to blame for our problems. I keep thinking my marriage could end up like my parents’ did. Loving Dallas is easy, but I’m afraid I’m still working on loving Lanier.”

  “Did you tell Dallas you were purchasing the town house?”

  “I told him I put in an application. He may be disappointed that I backed out on the deal.”

  “Tell him, and then give him a chance to voice his thoughts on it. I don’t know if he’ll be disappointed in something you don’t feel right about. So don’t jump to any conclusions.”

  “Good advice, Ash. I’ll do that.” Lanier got a dreamy look in her eyes. “I wonder how many best girlfriends end up with two brothers, exact look-alikes. You’re married to Austin and I hope to marry Dallas. What do you think about that?”

  Ashleigh stood up. “Why don’t we ask Dallas what he thinks? That’s his car pulling in.”

  Lanier looked shocked. “Oh, no, please don’t ask him that. I was just wondering. Why is he here? He rarely drops in without calling.”

  “Calm down, kid. I wouldn’t think of asking him about that…and you know it.”

  Lanier didn’t hear Ashleigh. She was too busy worrying why Dallas had dropped by unannounced. Was something wrong with someone in his family?

  “Hey, Lanier, you look beautiful. Are you okay?”

  “Of course I am. Why would you think I wasn’t?”

  Dallas shrugged. “You left your meeting before it was over.”

  “How’d you know about that?”

  Dallas elevated an eyebrow. “I got there right after you left.”

  Lanier appeared annoyed. “Why were you there? How’d you know about the meeting?”

  “Casey told me. She thought it was a good idea if I came there to support you.”

  “When did Casey tell you that?”

  “I guess after the appointment was set up with you.”