Talking to my dad the other day, I could tell he was upset, but learning he pulled whatever money he committed to Carter on my behalf… Well, I can’t help but feel giddy. I wonder what would happen if my dad discovers Carter put his hands on me. As much as I hate my ex, I’m not ready to find out just how far my dad is willing to take things.
Kase
Roan walks into the restaurant and orders a beer from the bar before sliding into the booth across from me. “What’s with the look of gloom? Everything is going according to plan.”
No, it’s not. “I know.”
“Then why do you look like someone ran over your dog?”
“I’ve never owned a dog.”
He rolls his eyes. “Okay, why do you look like someone stole your favorite toy?”
I’ve known Roan since we were kids. He’s the brother I never had and when I concocted a way out of my problems—our problems—he was one of many who warned me my plan carried consequences. Ones that couldn’t be undone.
“Because you were right. I never stopped to consider what this was going to do to anyone except myself.”
He nods his head like he’s agreeing with me, but I learn I’m wrong when he says, “What’s done is done. You tipped the cards in your favor but you did what you had to do. A lot of people, including the woman you seem so taken with, had futures at stake.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, replying, “She’s not going to forgive me when she finds out what I’ve done.”
He gives me a sharp nod. “You don’t know that. She’ll be mad as hell. I don’t doubt that for a second. And if the roles were reversed, you’d feel the same way but…” He picks his beer up but keeps his gaze locked with mine. “You’ve spent your entire life bouncing from one miserable situation to the next. If this woman makes you happy, truly happy, then you’ll figure out a way to keep her in your life.”
“And if I don’t?”
He cracks a smile. “Then you’ll return to the miserable bastard you’ve been for years, raining agony on everyone in your wake.”
I know he’s joking, but returning to a life that doesn’t include Delanie Charles seems practically impossible.
“I always thought you were crazy for getting married but now, if I had the chance, I’d marry Delanie in a second.”
His marriage and his soon to be ex-wife is a subject Roan does his best to avoid, but today, my give-a-shit meter is officially broken.
“I don’t regret marrying Elissa, and a part of me will always love her, but comparing my marriage to the one you’re hoping to have someday probably isn’t the best idea.”
His gaze moves to his hands where he picks at the napkin on the table.
“I thought your divorce was supposed to be final by now?”
His eyes slowly return to mine. “Her dad is sick again. It doesn’t look like he’s going to pull through this time.”
Roan grew up not knowing who his father was. When he met Elissa, her father turned into the one he never had. I’ve often wondered if that was the real reason he asked her to marry him. “I’m sorry, man.”
“I refuse to disappoint the man on his deathbed, but the longer he holds out, the more Elissa is leaning toward telling him we’re no longer together.”
“The situation sucks. Sounds like it’s a good thing you found Brenna when you did.”
He picks up his beer with a groan. “Brenna is… Fuck, I don’t know what to do about her. I like her, but she came into my life at the worst possible time.”
“Believe me, I understand.” My pulse quickens remembering how they strolled down the sidewalk, after dark and tipsy. “I’ve only met her a couple of times, but Brenna doesn’t strike me as the type of woman who’s willing to sit around waiting on a guy. If she means something to you, shitty timing or not, I’d make sure she knows.”
Deep lines form across his forehead. “Do you know something I don’t?”
“No. But the other night, I watched the two of them walk home in the dark after having a few drinks, under the notion they live in a safe area.”
I get the reaction I was hoping for when his eyes flare with anger. “What the fuck were they thinking?”
“Brenna is an actress living on bartender’s salary. She could live in worse neighborhoods but she seems to foolishly believe she’s living in a decent one.”
Roan’s hand clenches around his drink. “I have enough shit to worry about; I don’t need her adding to it.”
“Then walk away and let her be. She’s an attractive woman who appears to be in touch with her sexuality. It’s only a matter of time before she’s someone else’s problem.”
His eyes thin while a growl rattles from the back of his throat. We both know I’m goading him, but it’s working like a charm. “I’ll take care of it.”
“It? I might be a little green behind the ears when it comes to relationships but—”
“You’ve made your point. She means something to me, but that doesn’t change the fact that I have responsibilities. She knew what she was getting into when she went to bed with me, and nothing has changed.”
“That’s a lie, and you know it. If you’ve found someone who’ll make you happy, then reach out and grab a hold of that shit.”
“Ditto.”
“What the fuck do you think I’m trying to do?”
He leans across the table, pointing a finger at my face. “You’re giving half-truths, hoping and praying whatever apology you slap on later will be enough.” His tone softens when he adds, “And we both know, the longer this goes on, the greater chance you have of it blowing up in your face.”
“She’s not ready. The situation is too raw. If I tell her now, she’ll walk and… I can’t risk it, I…can’t risk her.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, it’s a gamble, and I’m willing to bet the longer you wait, the worse it’s going to be when she finds out. And sooner or later, she will find out.” He looks down at his lap, then back to me. His expression softening. “There was a time when I was in love with Elissa, but I didn’t follow my gut. If I had, I never would have married her. By not being honest, I did us both a disfavor, one we’re both still paying for.”
My voice is barely a whisper when I reply with, “It’s not the same thing.”
“You’re right, but at the end of the day, the difference isn’t going to matter. Because when you mislead the facts, it’s a lie any way you cut it.”
“And your point is?”
“The Kase I’ve known my whole life makes his own destiny, and now that you have a real shot at a future that might include more than just money, you’re scared shitless. Man up and be the guy I’ve known since I was a kid. Own your decisions, and if this woman was meant to be, then she’ll be there when the dust settles.”
As his words penetrate my mind, sinking into my thoughts, I know he’s right. Regardless of when she discovers the truth, she might walk out of my life but if she hears it from me… Then I might have a chance of convincing her I’m not a complete bastard.
“Her dad is coming to town this weekend, but once he’s gone, I’m going to tell her everything.”
He nods once. “The plan is working. Our numbers haven’t fallen in the last week. So…” He sighs in frustration. “Do whatever you think is best.”
Best for whom? Instead of asking, I toss a large bill on the table and stand. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“Anytime.”
I’ve never been at odds with my friend, and regardless of the fact that he’s right, the feeling has left me unsettled. I want to lose myself in her, I want to be reminded what we share is real, but instead, I climb in my car and drive home.
Chapter Eighteen
Delanie
Kase didn’t stop by last night. Instead, he sent a text saying he was thinking of me. That was it. No call, no second text, just nothing.
A part of me was thankful because even after I walked Carter’s flowers to the apartment’s trash compactor, my nerves we
re rattled. But today, when I woke up, I was excited to know he plans on meeting me to view another possible apartment. Only when I grab my phone off the charger, my earlier excitement fades.
Kase: Something came up that I need to take care of. I’m at the airport now ready to catch a flight to New York. I should be back tonight but I doubt I’ll make it in time for your appointment. I’ll call you when I’m back.
After the way he acted the other day, I should be happy he’s not going with me to view another apartment but I was looking forward to seeing him. It’s only going on thirty-six hours since I last saw him, but it’s starting to feel like forever.
Stepping off the crowded elevator, ready to head to my desk, my foot falters and I practically stumble into the man next to me when I spot Dalton walking down the hallway. For whatever reason, Dalton has gone out of his way to avoid me for weeks now, and I want to know why. Without caring if I’m technically late, I race toward his office, spotting him as he walks into his office.
After one quick tap on the door, I turn the knob and make my way inside.
With his hair pulled into a bun at the nape of his neck, Dalton still looks like a surfer pretending to be a businessman when he glances at me from the chair behind his desk. His eyes widen with shock. “Delanie? What are you doing in here?”
He voices a perfectly good question. What am I doing in here?
“I know you were only doing your job when you trained me but…” I close the door and take a step toward his desk. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought we were becoming friends.”
With his earlier shock wearing off his face, he tilts back in his chair and shrugs. “You’re right. It was my job to train you, and I think you’re a great person but—”
“Don’t lie to me. If you were just using me hoping to get laid then fine, man up and say as much but don’t sit there and try to make me feel like a fool.”
He loosens the burgundy tie around his neck, while the tension in his face tightens. “I wasn’t trying to take advantage of you. I was told to watch out for you, and that’s exactly what I was doing until that boyfriend of yours interfered.”
His comment catches me off guard. “Paula told you to show me the ropes. She didn’t say anything about watching out for me.”
He lifts his chin with a smirk. “I’ve trained a lot of people over the last five years, but you were a first.”
His eyes trail down me, and suddenly I’m wishing I hadn’t followed him in here. But still, I find myself asking, “A first what?”
“You were the first trainee I was told to keep busy after hours.”
I force down a sick feeling as a bout of paranoia sets in. “What are you talking about?”
“Believe me, I wasn’t thrilled when I found out, but then in walks you and suddenly I’m thinking, hell yeah.”
My throat tightens making words practically impossible but I trek on, needing answers. “Paula…told you…to keep me busy outside of work?”
“Technically yes, but her orders came from higher up.”
“From who?”
He runs his hand over his chin pretending to think before he snaps, “Don’t know, don’t care.”
“You’re an asshole.”
His chair squeaks when he sits up and points a finger my direction. “Instead of worrying about me, I’d be asking myself why the second your boyfriend gets pissed we’re spending time together, I’m told to back off. I don’t know who you’re spreading your legs for, but whoever he is, he has his hand in something, and it doesn’t fucking add up.”
Keeping my eyes locked on his, I take a step toward the door. Kase is friends with Roan. He must have told him he didn’t care for how close I was working with Dalton but… That doesn’t explain why anyone would tell Dalton to keep me busy.
With anxiety twisting in the pit of my stomach, I swing the door open and make my way back to the elevator. Instead of heading down like I normally do, my shaky finger finds the arrow pointing up. I want answers and with Kase out of town, I’m going straight to the one person who should know what the hell is going on.
The twenty-fifth floor is the executive suites for several companies located in Walton Towers. Kase even has an office somewhere on the floor. I had no idea what to expect, but when the doors slide open, I’m greeted by a man with big beefy arms. A dimple pops in his cheek when he greets me with a wide smile.
“Can I help you?”
The man looks like a young David Beckham, only bigger. Forcing a smile of my own, I attempt to appear calm and relax all the while my heart thumps against my chest. “Yes, I’m here to see Roan McGuire.”
His eyes narrow with a questioning look before he glances at the clock on the wall. “Mr. McGuire is in a meeting. Could I take a message for him?”
How convenient. “No, I’ll wait.” My feet move toward a set of leather chairs in the corner of the lobby.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. You’ll need an appointment to see Mr. McGuire.”
I turn back around. “Okay, I’ll make an appointment. Is there a time today that he’s available?”
“Ma’am,” he says through a sigh. “You can’t just walk in here and make an appointment with the CEO of Thornton Financial.” He hands me a pen and a pad of paper. “Write down your name and contact information, and I’ll be sure to pass it along to Mr. McGuire.”
“Oh, this is ridiculous,” I mumble reaching inside my purse only to dig out my phone. I don’t know Roan’s number but I know two people who do, and one of them has the day off.
Brenna answers on the second ring. “I thought you were at work.”
“I am. Is there any way you could call Roan and tell him I’m standing in the lobby trying to see him but his gatekeeper won’t let me back?”
“What’s going on? You sound upset.”
I spin around hoping for a little privacy. “The guy I was working with when I first arrived in town, he said something that doesn’t add up.”
“Doesn’t add up? Did he try something? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
“Jeez, Brenna. No, it’s nothing like that. But he mentioned he was told, and I quote, to keep me busy.”
“What does that mean?”
“Brenna,” I hiss, my frustration getting the best of me. “That’s why I want to talk to Roan. Would you call him, please?”
She groans. “Okay, but you owe me. Big time. The jerk is still ghosting me.”
“Thank you.”
With my phone in my hand, I take a seat in one of the chairs, pretending to read an email, all the while, I can feel the receptionist’s eyes on me. After what feels like an eternity, which probably wasn’t more than five minutes, Roan walks through a set of glass doors. “Delanie? Is everything okay?”
“Yes and no. I had something I wanted to discuss with you. I promise it won’t take more than a few minutes.”
He waves me toward the door. “Follow me.”
My eyes naturally move to Beckham Junior, who’s closely watching the two of us. Roan leads us to a huge corner office, where I’m momentarily distracted by the view of the city.
“What can I do for you?”
Snapping back to the present, I follow his lead and take a seat on the opposite end of the black leather couch in the corner of his office.
“What do you know about Dalton Lester?”
His body goes tense, and something quickly flashes in his eyes. It happened so fast if I had blinked, I would have missed his reaction.
“I know he’s an employee of mine but I don’t know much more than that.”
He’s lying. “So you didn’t give him orders to keep me busy?”
He doesn’t miss a beat. “Delanie, I’m the CEO. I don’t want to come off like a pompous ass but I barely have enough time in the day to deal with pressing matters, much less send childish messages to random employees.”
“Okay. Then what do you know about Paula Olsen?”
He clears his throat sounding every bit as frustrated
as I am. “Delanie, again—”
“As the CEO, I would think you’d be a little more concerned about a sexual harassment lawsuit.”
“Telling someone to keep a new employee busy is hardly grounds for a lawsuit of any kind.”
“It is when you’re encouraging an employee to date another employee.”
He tilts his head back, sighing toward the ceiling before his hard gaze returns to mine. “Did anyone make you feel like you had to spend any time outside of work with Mr. Lester or any Thornton Financial employee? Did you feel your job was on the line if you turned down any of his advancements?”
“Well, no. I thought he was a friend.”
“I’m sorry, but I really don’t have time for this. If you truly feel you were wronged, I suggest you meet with Human Resources and file a complaint.” He stands, ultimately ending our conversation and walks to his desk.
Pompous ass seems very fitting right about now.
Following his lead, I stand up and walk toward the door. When I first met Roan, he appeared to be a down to Earth, very approachable boss, but clearly I was wrong. He’s a jerk of a boss, a shitty husband, and an awful boyfriend.
When my hand on the doorknob, my back to him, I find myself saying, “I don’t know who told Dalton to keep me busy but I plan on finding out.”
I march through the door and back to the elevators. When I arrive at my desk, I notice a few stares, but no one calls me out on the fact that I’m over an hour late.
My foul mood stayed in full effect the rest of the day, to the point that I canceled my appointment in Brentwood and left work after I sent Paula an email telling her I was feeling under the weather.
My phone buzzed a few times during the drive home, but I made no attempt to see who was messaging me.
When I arrived home a little after two in the afternoon, I was expecting to find Brenna lounging on the couch, but the apartment was empty.
Still not bothering to check my phone, I pour a glass of wine before taking a seat at the kitchen table. Until now, I didn’t know it was possible but I’m royally pissed at four men at once.
Kase Of Deception Page 14