Instead of saying anything, Dani waited.The man wore a tailored suit, not a uniform.Was he a courier employed by Frances Bishop Cosmetics rather than a random hire?
The man looked her over, then checked out Bibi.Her girl didn’t make a single effort to lick the stranger.Her reaction to this man was as different from her reaction to Lawson as possible, which told Dani everything she needed to know.
The man’s eyes moved to where Dani knew Lawson stood just behind her.He would have no choice but to see that she wasn’t alone.She had support and needed nothing from her family.
Which was true.It gave Dani another boost of superhero power.She truly was an independent adult.Had been for years, but she just hadn’t realized it.
Most of her remaining nerves drained away.Like Lawson had said, she had this.
The courier’s eyes finally returned to hers.His eyes remained flat.“Daniella Richards?”
“Who wants to know?”
The man’s eyebrows shot up a fraction, but he controlled the reaction quickly.“Dorothy Richards sent me.She told me she had informed you of my arrival.”
Dani didn’t bother to hide her eye roll.“Which doesn’t answer my question.”
Behind her, Lawson huffed out a soft laugh.
She kept her eyes locked on the man.It took a moment, but he finally reached into an inner suit pocket and pulled out a card.“James McPhee.”
Dani took the proffered card.Sure enough, it readJames McPhee, Consultant.“What kind of consulting do you do?”
The man’s eyes flattened.“Depends on what the client needs.In this case, Mrs.Richards has sent me with documents for you to sign, and then I’ll return them to her.”
Dani didn’t respond to that.She had no intention of complying with the request.A few weeks before, this would have intimidated her.Now she rolled her eyes.“Not going to happen.”
His eyebrows angled down.“Mrs.Richards expects?—”
Dani cut him off.“I won’t sign any documents without my lawyer’s approval.”Well, that sounded far more impressive than it was.She didn’t have a lawyer on retainer, but she was sure the woman who’d helped her with the business paperwork could help her if necessary.
“Mrs.Richards requested that the papers be returned with your signature this afternoon.”
Dani shook her head and reached for the door.“No.”
The man’s hand shot out to stop the door from closing.Lawson and Bibi both growled.Proving he wasn’t an idiot, James McPhee glanced at Lawson before returning his eyes to Dani.He reached into his suit pocket again and pulled out an envelope showing her full name typed neatly on the front.Of course, her mother hadn’t bothered herself with writing out her name personally.
Dani considered refusing the envelope, but her curiosity was too high.She was pretty sure that if it was a court summons the man had to say that.And why in the world would her family summon her to court?Her conspiracy-theory brain was running wild again.
The courier held out the papers.“I’ll wait.”
Dani took a deep breath and decided.She took the papers.“Please don’t bother.”And then she closed the door.
Bibi immediately leaned into Dani’s side and rubbed her head into Dani’s hand until she petted her friend.Lawson’s hands gently gripped her shoulders, and he kissed her hair.“Nicely done.”
She turned in his arms, letting the envelope fall to the floor while she hugged him and Bibi snuggled between them for her own hug.“I had this inane thought he would say,You’ve been servedlike some TV show.”
Lawson chuckled and swayed her side to side.“I didn’t think about that option.I don’t think there’s any reason to think they’d be suing or summoning you to court.”
She leaned into his warmth and strength.“I couldn’t think of one either.Good old conspiracy brain in action.Anyway, thanks.”
He ran his hands over her back.“You’re welcome.For what?”
“For being here.For supporting me but not trying to take over.For believing that I could handle it.”
“That’s easy.You’re a very capable woman, Dani, as proven by the life you’ve created for yourself.I figure you can handle anything.”
And wasn’t that a heady feeling?A wonderful man who believed in her, who thought she was strong.
