“So, tell me, how’s life in the lion’s den with my dad? Sounds like you two are pretty chummy with him asking about Allie. You never talk to anyone about her.”
Parker visibly tensed. “It’s not like that.”
“Yeah? What is it like then? You’re supposed to be my friend, but you kicked me out because he promised you a promotion. A promotion he’s no longer in a position to give.”
William clenched his teeth against the years of friendship Parker had tossed away over job advancement. “Now—”
“It’s my sister.” Parker signed the bottom of the form.
William paused. “What about her?”
“There’s a rehab program in the Springs that can help with her rehabilitation. I need to get her there.Ineed to getusthere.” Parker hooked the clipboard back on the wall.
William grabbed his suitcase from the floor. “This whole thing is about Allie?”
“You should know by now my life is about taking care of Allie. I’m not being a prick. I’m getting her where she needs to be. It’s the least I can do for her.” Desperation leaked through the words.
When would the guy give himself a break? Everyone knew the accident wasn’t his fault.
Parker slipped past him into the newsroom.
“I’ve got money,” William called behind him. “I’ll set you both up in Colorado Springs. However long you need.” What was the use of having money if you couldn’t use it to help?
Parker stopped, his back to William. “I’m not taking charity. If you can’t make this acquisition happen to get me to Colorado Springs, I’ll figure something else out. I always do.” He shook his head and stalked out of the room.
I’m getting her where she needs to be…Parker’s words were branded in the back of William’s brain.
William blew out a breath. Looked like he had to learn everything about the merger in a night so he wouldn’t blow the transaction tomorrow.
For Parker’s sake.
Fantastic.
…
Lucy refused to call William. Six a.m., and she couldn’t get back to sleep.
She wouldn’t do it. Nope. Except he was likely up and getting ready for another big meeting.
Just as he’d promised, they were taking it slow. Finding a routine now that they were back. But even slow, the chemistry between them burned hot.
He’d been gone late last night having dinner with executives and had more appointments this morning. In the midst of everything, he’d broken the Twin Lakes story and the ratings were gold. The newsroom was finally churning out features that mattered. Lucy loved the part she played in that.
He was awake, and she should talk to him. That made the most sense. Although, why call with him next door? The logical thing would be to wish him a neighborly good luck.
She tightened her robe and scooted to the patio. The cold metal of the porch froze the soles of her feet as she padded to William’s door. Mitzy followed and wound a path around her ankles. She knocked once and waited. He opened the door, and her cat bolted right between his legs into his living room.
“Mitzy, get back here.” The cat ignored her, openly holding a grudge from Lucy’s absence. Forgiveness apparently didn’t come easy in the feline world.
Lucy glanced to William.
Hell on a ham sandwich, he’d shaved. Darn. She’d grown kind of fond of the facial hair. “You shaved,” she accused.
“Yeah,” he replied. “Big meetings today. Can’t show up scruffy.”
Oh, the dimples. She’d gone what, a whole night without seeing them? The beard had slightly covered them up, so without it, they flashed more intensely.
“What’s up, Princess?”
