“I wanted to give you a heads-up on where we are in the deal.”
“I’m just heading for my car. Go ahead.”
“I talked to Sea Titan after your last phone call and we’re back in business. I explained that a problem had come up on our end, but you managed to resolve it. The last of the permits have been approved. If we want this done, we need to act.”
Reese had explained to Derek why he’d changed his mind—again—and decidednotto back out of the deal. He’d resolved the problems that had come up on his end—not mentioning the rescue of a kidnapped child—and was ready to move forward. He’d hoped Sea Titan wouldn’t get nervous and refuse. Apparently that hadn’t happened.
“So far everything is moving along smoothly,” Derek said. “No more accidents.”
“Good. Stay on top of it, make sure everything’s in order for the closing, and keep me posted.”
“You still want to go out to the rig?”
With all that had happened, he needed to focus. Touring the rig, talking to the people who worked there, was something he had been trying to do from the start. “As a matter of fact, yes. I’ll handle the arrangements from this end.”
“Great. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
“Will do.” Reese ended the call.
The valet had his black Jag up and running. Reese slid behind the wheel and pulled the car out into the street.
The protesters were gone. A big storm had blown in last night and it was still cloudy and raining off and on. The group had already dwindled to around ten people. Now the last of the stragglers where gone. Turned out, protesting was a lot more work than people believed.
Which made him think of the accidents DeMarco had arranged to stop Garrett Resources from purchasing the rig. Reese had been working with the installation supervisor on the platform to identify the person or persons responsible, so far without results. Eventually, they’d find the guy and throw his ass in jail. At least with Haines and DeMarco both dead, the trouble on the rig was over.
And Griff and Kenzie were no longer in danger.
He started to pick up the phone to call so she’d know he was coming, but what if she refused to see him?
Reese kept driving. She was still his executive assistant. If he just showed up, she’d be hard-pressed not to let him in.
Reese pulled up in front of her town house and turned off the engine, then just sat there. What was it about McKenzie Haines that set her apart from every other woman he had dated?
The thought had kept him awake more nights than he could count. Then he remembered telling her about Billy Curtis, the boy who’d been killed in the car wreck when Reese was seventeen. He’d been at least partly to blame. He’d never told anyone what a devastating, life-altering event Billy’s death had been.
But Kenzie had a way of reaching through the iron control he wore like armor around him. He’d let her in and she’d revived a part of him that had died that night with Billy. Kenzie had brought him into the light, restored his hopes and dreams, and taught him how to love.
He loved her, he silently admitted. He’d tried to deny it, but it was true. He loved her and he wasn’t letting her go without a fight.
Unfortunately, when he finally got out of the car and knocked on the front door, it was Florence who answered.
“I’m sorry, Reese, Kenzie’s not here. She took Griff to see that psychologist, Dr. Stone. I’m not sure when they’ll be back, but you’re welcome to come in and wait.”
Reese just shook his head. “I can’t. I’ve got too much to do at the office.”
“At least come in for a glass of iced tea. I haven’t had a chance to thank you for saving my grandson.”
He weakened. He liked Florence Spencer. When she held open the screen door, he walked inside and followed her into the kitchen.
“Griff might be safe,” he said, “but I don’t think Kenzie approves of my methods.”
“She told me about it. Sometimes bad things happen and there’s nothing we can do. She’ll figure it out. She’s just worried about her son.” Flo poured two glasses of tea, and they sat down at the kitchen table. “She worries about you, too, you know.”
He knew in some way it was true. She was his assistant. It was her job to care of him, do whatever he needed to help him keep the company running smoothly. But that wasn’t the same as loving him.
“I need to talk to her, but it never seems to be the right time.”
“My advice? Make time.”
