“I’ll deal with it. It’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“After what the detective said this morning, I wonder if maybe your business stuff is related.”
Right. He didn’t want to believe it, but it was possible. “I just got a call from my lawyer—and friend—about the merger. He told me the company we’re competing against is owned by a man who plays dirty. Richard says he’s the kind of man who’ll go to extremes to win.”
Her grip tightened on the pillow. “You think it was him?”
“My money’s still on Lena. Apparently, Hayes’s methods are more subtle.”
“So I have to watch out for your stalker and your business rival.” Her voice held a note of dark humor. “I wasn’t this popular in high school.”
“This isn’t funny, Delaney.” Her name slipped out. He’d been so careful to maintain professional distance, but knowing someone had tried to hurt her—or worse—because of him made it feel impossible.
She blinked those wide, innocent eyes. “I need to find some humor in it or I’ll fall apart.” She glanced toward Charlotte, who was now examining something in the grass. “I need to be vigilant. And try not to scare her.”
Noah felt himself leaning toward Delaney…
Miss Wright.
He straightened and dropped his elbows on his knees.
Charlotte ran to the corner of the yard close to the house, and Miss Wright angled forward to keep her eyes on her.
“I think it would be best if you two stay close to home until this merger is finalized,” he said.
Delaney’s shoulders tensed. “For how long?”
“A few weeks at most. After that, things should calm down.”
She nodded, though he could see she didn’t like the restriction. “I’m supposed to meet my friend at the park tomorrow.” She forced a smile. “It’s fine. I’ll cancel. Or…I don’t have her number, but I’m sure she’ll understand.”
He hated for her to cancel. She didn’t have any other friends in town. The park was public and crowded, but even so, he didn’t like the idea of Charlotte and Delaney going there alone. “I’ll take you.”
“You probably would have spied on us anyway.” Now, true amusement sparked in her eyes.
“Might as well just join you and meet your new friend.”
“Thank you for doing that. What about Charlotte’s dance class? We’ll need to get an Uber.”
“I’ll be your chauffeur for a few weeks.”
“I hate for you to?—”
“Miss Wright, by hiring you, I’ve put you in danger.”
“You didn’t cut my brake line,” she said. “Whoever did that is responsible, not you.”
“Nevertheless, you wouldn’t be a target if not for me. It’s all right if it causes me a little inconvenience.”
What if he was wrong about Lena being behind last night’s wreck? What if Hayes had orchestrated it? If so, then Delaney could be collateral damage in a business war. But how would Hayes even know about Delaney, unless he had spies watching them?
Or was he working with Lena?
That thought sent a whole new fear churning inside him.
Either way, the danger circled back to him.
He needed to get this merger finalized and at least eliminate the war on one front.
