The Billionaire's Deception (The Blank Check Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  Roy nodded and they went inside. Then he called out, “Mabel, can you come here please. Ethan needs to speak to us.”

  Mabel brought out a tray with three cups of coffee. “I know, and I have a feeling it’s not good news.”

  When they sat down, Ethan took a sip of his coffee then put it down. He wanted his hands free for when it came to pulling out the contract. “I’m here to talk about this place.”

  “I told you Ethan, we don’t need anything,” Roy said.

  “But you do. You need my help or you’re about to lose it,” he said.

  Mabel sucked in her breath. “What do you mean, lose it?”

  “There is a company who wants to buy your land and build a huge lodge here.”

  Mabel and Roy looked at each other. “We’re not interested in selling,” Roy said. “This is my land, my home.”

  “And I want to help you keep it that way. But this company is very powerful and it won’t be easy for you to hold onto it. Not if they aggressively go after it.”

  “Oh Roy, what are we going to do?” Mabel asked. “We can’t fight someone like that.”

  “They can’t just come and take our land. There are laws,” Roy said.

  And money can buy people into turning the other way.

  “A business like that has ways around such things,” Ethan said.

  Roy looked at him and asked, “Is that why you’re here? To tell us we’re losing our home?”

  “And to provide you with a way to save it,” he stated.

  Mabel reached out and grabbed Roy’s hands. “It’s not lost. Ethan is going to save it.”

  Roy peered at him and said, “Ethan, I never asked what you do. Never needed to know. To us you have always just been Ethan, the young man we care for like you were our own. But right now you’re not…carrying yourself like that young man. You’re more like…like what you’re trying to protect us from.”

  In a way, Roy called it correctly. He’d never shown them the Lawson side, the one that didn’t get fucked with. They were a giant in the steel industry, just like Ralph was in the hotel business. You don’t get to the top by being walked on.

  Ethan said, “There’s a difference.”

  “And what it that?” Roy asked.

  “I’m on your side,” he said.

  “Opposed to being on Kollette’s?” Roy asked.

  Ethan didn’t understand what he meant by that. “What does Kollette have to do with this?” he asked.

  “I might not have a television, or a cell phone, but I know more than people give me credit for. I know who she is. More importantly, I know why she was here,” Roy stated.

  “And you don’t care?” Ethan said, still surprised.

  “Ethan, she was doing her job. She wasn’t out to hurt us. And when she left, I had a feeling she wished she had actually been here for any other reason. It seemed to weigh very heavy on her,” Roy said. “And you shouldn’t have been so angry with her over it either.”

  “I…I didn’t want her hurting you guys,” he stated.

  “She didn’t. She wouldn’t,” Mabel said softly. “Kollette is an amazing woman. The rest is just what she does for work.”

  She’s more amazing than either of you know. I’m the jerk.

  “You’re right. She wouldn’t hurt you. Actually she landed here by mistake; she was supposed to be at Potters Peak. But it was too late once her father learned about this place. And when she tried to convince her father to walk away and look for another property. When he said no, she quit,” he informed them.

  Mabel gasped. “She did what? Because of us? She shouldn’t have.”

  Roy shook his head. “No place is worth coming between a father and daughter.”

  “You didn’t Roy. Mr. Sommers made his choice. He easily could’ve listened and done as she asked.” Just like I should’ve listened to her too. “But I’m here to make it so he can’t touch your land.” He pulled the contract out of his pocket and said, “This will make it so no one, not Ralph Sommers or anyone else will ever be able to take your land.”

  When he went to hand it to Roy, he shook his head. “I’m not signing anything Ethan. If Mr. Sommers wants this place, let him have it. I will not fight Kollette’s father.”

  “Roy, you don’t know what you’re saying. He will take it. And he won’t care,” Ethan said, his voice rose filled with concern. This was fucking nuts.

  “Ethan, do you want to see Mabel and me happy?” Roy asked.

  “Of course I do. That’s why I’m here. But you don’t seem to understand that,” he said frustrated.

  “Then I need you to do something for me,” Roy said.

  “Anything, Roy. You just name it,” Ethan said. He meant it too.

  Roy looked him straight in the eye and said, “Go to her.”

  “What?”

  “Go to Kollette. What the two of you have is worth saving,” Roy said. “You leave dealing with Mr. Sommers to me and Mabel.”

  “But…”

  “Ethan, do you think this is the first time someone wanted to buy this place?” Roy asked.

  He had never thought about it. “I hate doing this. I should be here helping,” Ethan said. Roy might believe he could handle it, but Ethan knew better.

  Mabel said, “This is our land. It’s our fight. But if you care about Kollette like we think you do, then what you need to do is go and fight for her. Maybe she is the home you have been searching for all these years.”

  He did care about her, but she wanted nothing to do with him. “Mabel, I screwed things up with her. She doesn’t want to see me. And I don’t blame her.”

  Mabel shook her head. “Ethan, I’m going to tell you something that you’re not going to like.”

  You won’t be the first.

  “That I’m an ass?” he asked.

  “I would never call you such a thing,” Mabel said shocked. “What I was going to say is that I know what you’re afraid of.”

  “I’m not afraid of anything,” he replied firmly.

  “Really? Because I believe you’re afraid of being happy,” she said.

  Ethan laughed. “I am happy,” he said.

  Mabel crossed her arms. “You know darn well what I’m talking about. I’m talking about what me and Roy have.”

  “I don’t think anyone has that. I know my parents sure as hell didn’t,” he said. Although he had to admit, his brothers seemed to have found something close.

  “This takes years of practice, and a lot of forgiveness,” Roy said. “But my Mabel makes it look simple. Guess that’s because loving her is just that. Easy to do.”

  “Love usually is when it’s with the right person.” Mabel leaned over and kissed Roy.

  Kollette might be the right person for him, but was he for her? He’d made her cry once, and that was one time too many. He couldn’t bear it if he hurt her again. But they were right about one thing, he needed to apologize again.

  He changed the subject and tried one more time. “Are you sure you don’t want my help?” he asked.

  The look on their faces said it all. And Mabel replied, “I have all the help I need right here.”

  Ethan got up and said, “Then I guess I’ll get going.”

  “Going to Kollette?” Mabel asked.

  “I have a feeling if I don’t, you won’t ever welcome me back here again,” he said jokingly.

  “Nonsense. You’re always welcome. We’d just be happier if you came with her, that’s all,” Mabel said. “I kind of liked having her help me in the kitchen.”

  Ethan smiled and gave Mabel a hug. “You’re impossible, but I love you anyway.”

  “I’m just the loveable type,” she said. Then she hugged him tightly and whispered. “I know you love her. All you have to do is tell her.”

  He nodded then grabbed his coat and headed out to his car.

  Tell her I love her? Those were mighty powerful words. Something he’d never told a woman before. Then again a woman’s tears never affected him
either. Nor did the thought of any of them being mad and never seeing her again. But each of these things ate at him on the inside when it came to Kollette. If this was love, it sure came with its share of pain. But if she loved him too, then he wouldn’t care if he had to walk through fire. It’d all be worth it, because he also never felt so good as when they were together.

  Once again he was going to have to find her. But this time, it was going to take something a hell of a lot more than flowers and saying sorry. He needed to not just say the words, but he had to show her as well. Two things I have no idea how to do.

  As he turned onto the road, he knew he better figure it out quick. Mabel was right. He was afraid. He was afraid of losing her for good.

  “Hi. I’m looking Ethan Lawson,” Kollette said. She wasn’t used to dealing with such high security. Then again, this building was massive, and quite impressive. What isn’t in New York?

  “Do you have an appointment,” the security guard asked.

  “No I don’t. I was hoping to surprise him,” she admitted.

  The guard didn’t even crack a smile. “Miss, that’s not how things are done here. Do you have any identification on you?”

  “What for?” she asked.

  “I need to verify who you are before seeing if Mr. Lawson will see you.”

  She never would say Clara was tough to get through again. This was ridiculous. But if she wanted to see him, she had to comply. Opening her purse, she pulled out her driver’s license and handed it to him. He passed it under a scanner of some sort, and then handed it back to her.

  “I’m not a criminal,” she said.

  “So I see,” he replied flatly.

  He really just had me checked out. She wasn’t sure it was this tough to get into Fort Knox.

  “So can I see him?” she asked, getting a bit frustrated.

  “Sorry. He’s not in. I’ll let him know you stopped by.”

  “Are you kidding me? You couldn’t have just told me that in the first place? I mean it would save us both a lot of time. Then again, maybe you’re bored and have nothing better to do than make people jump through hoops for nothing,” she snapped.

  “Miss, is everything okay?” A man asked from behind.

  She spun around and said, “Yes. He’s just…” She told herself to calm down. It wasn’t the guard’s fault that Ethan wasn’t there. “He was just doing his job.”

  The man said, “Which sometimes can be annoying. Were you looking to see someone specific?”

  “She wanted to see Ethan,” the guard stated.

  The stranger shot him a warning look and then turned back to her. “I’m sure he informed you that Ethan isn’t here.”

  “He did, thank you.”

  “I’m Sal Marciano. And you are?”

  “Kollette Sommers.” Sal looked her over then grinned. “Should I know you?” Because you’re looking at me like you know me.

  “I don’t see the resemblance, to Connor.”

  Ah. Now I see.

  “He’s my step-brother. How do you know him?” she asked.

  “We’ve done some work in the past.”

  “Oh. What a small world. And do you work here?” she asked.

  “I do. Was Ethan expecting you?” Sal asked.

  She shook her head. “I thought I’d surprise him.”

  “He’s on vacation and not due back for another week.”

  Kollette sighed. “Oh. I guess I should’ve called first.” But she didn’t because she knew once she heard his voice she’d be blurting out her apology on the phone. That’s not what she wanted. She wanted to see his face. I want him to hold me, tell me it is okay. That we’re okay.

  “The last I heard, he was going to see friends. I think he said their name was Potter.”

  “How long ago was that?” she asked, sounding a bit too anxious. “I mean, I know he was there a few weeks ago. But did he just go back?”

  “I’m not sure. But his brother Seth would probably know. He’s in the office if you’d like to ask him.”

  Kollette didn’t want to involve anyone else. It was bad enough Sal knew she was out looking for him. “No. Please. It’s not important.”

  “Are you going to see Connor while you’re in the city?” Sal asked.

  “He’s here? I thought he was in Boston.” Kollette was having a hard enough time to keep track of where she was day to day. There was no way she could track Connor.

  “He’s back and forth.”

  “I’d love to, but I can’t stay. I need to…”

  “Find Ethan?” Sal asked.

  She nodded. “I guess I’ll just have to call him. Thank you for the information. And if you see Connor, don’t tell him I was here. He’ll have my head if I didn’t have dinner with him.”

  “I know nothing,” Sal grinned. “It was nice meeting you, Kollette.”

  “Nice to meet you too Sal.” With that she left Lawson Steel and was back on the streets of New York City.

  Why do I keep ending up north where it’s cold in the winter?

  She grabbed her coat and pulled it tightly around her. Then she hailed for a taxi. They kept driving by. When one finally pulled over, a man beat her to it and she was left standing in the cold. Kollette raised her hand again, but this time it was a limo that pulled up directly in front of her. That worked too, however it made no sense for them to stop unless they were there to pick someone up.

  Kollette moved slightly to step out of the way as the back door began to open. But she stopped dead in her tracks when she saw who was coming out.

  Ethan.

  “It looks like you could use a ride,” he said.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked.

  “Looking for you,” he said.

  “Me?”

  “Yes. Though I have to admit, I didn’t think I’d find you at Lawson Steel. What are you doing here?” he asked.

  She smiled. “Looking for you.”

  Ethan stepped closer, took her hands in his and said, “Then I guess we’ve found each other.”

  “I guess so.” There was so much she wanted to say to him, but not in the middle of the street. “Do you think we can go somewhere and talk?”

  “I was about to suggest the same thing.” He opened the limo door and let her slide in then he followed behind.

  It was so nice and warm inside, but even if it wasn’t, just being close to Ethan warmed her. “Ethan, I’m so sorry.”

  He raised a finger to her lips and said, “Don’t. I’m the one who needs to apologize.”

  She shook her head and tried again to speak, but he hushed her with his lips. At first she wanted to pull away, make him listen, but then she found herself melting into his embrace. Kollette missed him, missed this.

  When he pulled away, it was only to whisper, “I’m sorry.”

  She looked into his eyes and replied softly, “I’m sorry too.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close and she rested her head against him. Then the driver pulled away from the curb and she asked, “Where are we going?”

  “Someplace special to me,” he said.

  “The Potters?” she asked. It was the one place he’d stressed as having importance.

  “Although they would love to see you, no. Not there.”

  “I don’t think they’d be very happy with me.” She turned to him and had to ask, “Did you ever tell them about me? About my father’s plan?”

  “I did.”

  She cringed. Kollette could only imagine how upset they must be. “I feel horrible. I need to see them.”

  “Kollette, you don’t need to feel badly. Because they don’t. Actually they told me that next time I come, they hope we come together.”

  She shot him a disbelieving look. “Why would they want me there?”

  “Oh, probably for the same reason I would.”

  “And why is that?” she asked.

  Ethan tipped her chin up to meet his gaze and said, “Because I love you.”

>   Was she hearing things? Her heart was pounding, head spinning and yet, the three words seemed to echo over and over again throughout her. I love you. I love you.

  “I…I love you too,” she said.

  Ethan leans over and kissed her again, this time so gentle that is brought tears to her eyes. He sat back and wiped her cheeks.

  “Kollette, what’s wrong?”

  The tears continued to flow. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

  “Then why are you crying?” he asked.

  “Fate continues to bring us together. I came to New York to see you. To tell you that I love you. And fate wasn’t going to let me leave without that happening.”

  “I’m not sure about fate, luck or anything else. What I know is I can close my eyes, but my heart knows where to find yours. I love you Kollette, more than I can say.”

  She snuggled up against him and said, “Then why don’t we go someplace private, like…your place and maybe we can try.”

  As they drove to wherever he was taking her, she wondered if this was enough. Could they really fix it all with just three words? Why not? It was because of those words that nothing else mattered. They both had made mistakes, and both seemed to recognize that. Rehashing them wouldn’t change anything. Kollette didn’t want to live in the past. She didn’t need to talk about it to learn from it. Right now there was only thing she wanted and that was to think about her future, their future together. That wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was something that happened over a lifetime. Today was just day one.

  12

  “Are you going to sleep all day?” Ethan asked. Kollette rolled over, pulling the blankets with her, wrapping up like a cocoon. “I know you’re awake,” he tried again. All he heard was a muffled moan. He tugged gently at the blanket and she pulled them even more tightly around her.

  “It’s Saturday,” she said.

  “Well it’s a good sign that you know what day it is, but you still need to get up,” he said.

  Another muffled response. “Why?”

  “Because we are taking a ride to West Virginia today. Unless you don’t want to see the Potters.”

  Ethan almost got hit in the process of Kollette flipping the blankets off her and sitting upright. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”