FOURTEEN
Voices of Austin’s board members filled the room in heavy discussion about the upcoming takeover, but Austin couldn’t concentrate. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Brittany, especially now that she told him about being a police detective. How didn’t he see that? Apparently, she was a really good actress…or he was extremely naïve.
Part of him wanted to trust her with all of his heart, but there was always that niggle of doubt in the back of his mind. Life’s experiences taught him that the police force treated wealthy people differently. For some reason, they had it in their minds that wealthy people tend to ignore the law. Austin worried Brittany would have this attitude, as well.
Why he had fallen so fast—and hard—for this amazing woman, he didn’t know. It would certainly break his heart if he couldn’t trust her.
Yesterday, he’d wanted to confess something to her about his relationship with Hillary Banks, but once Brittany had admitted her true identity, he didn’t dare say anything. Not now. Not until he knew without a doubt, that he could trust her.
And then there was the problem with Kurt Hamill. Austin wouldnevertrust that particular cop. Austin had learned a long time ago who was trustworthy and who would stab him in the back with a sharp blade. Kurt Hamill was the type of man who would run Austin over in a car, and then back up and drive over him again, just for pure satisfaction.
Finally, at long last, the board meeting ended. Austin stuffed his files inside his leather briefcase and moved away from the table. He didn’t want to chat with the others, so he made his apologies and quickened his step, hurrying out of the building. Just before reaching his charcoal colored, classic 911 SC Porsche, his cell rang. He checked the caller ID. What was Derek calling him for?
“Hello,” Austin answered.
“Hey. Can you talk?”
“Briefly. What’s up?”
“I have another girl I want to set you up with.”
Austin grinned. “Thanks for thinking about me, but I’m good.”
“What do you mean you’regood? Did you and that Brittany woman hook up?”
“Yes, we did.”
“And…you’re not tired of her yet?”
Austin wanted to laugh out loud, but his friend was probably used to calling him every week to set him up with a new woman.
“No, Derek. Brittany Russell is a fascinating woman. I think I’ll keep her around just a little longer.”
Silence hung on the other end of the phone for a few seconds. Then Derek gasped. “Russell? Did you say her last name was Russell?”
“Yes, why?”
Derek muttered a cuss. “Reeder, I can’t believe it! Just a few moments ago, a woman by that name came along with a male detective, and dropped by my place to ask questions aboutyouand Hillary Banks.”
“What?” Stunned, Austin stood frozen by his car with the door open. “Why would they talk to you?”
Derek huffed. “Because I guess you had mentioned my name as someone who sets you up with women. They think I’m a pimp or something.”
Austin wanted to laugh, but he refrained. He was too upset to find humor in Derek’s new title. It infuriated Austin to think Brittany and her idiot partner had the nerve to question Derek! What possible evidence would Derek have had?
“I’ll handle this,” Austin snapped and climbed into his car. “Those detectives have stepped way over the line this time.”
“So Reeder? What’s going on? Do they really suspect you in that murder case just because you knew Hillary?”
“Derek, I’ll talk to you later. Right now, I need to find someone and get the answers myself.” Austin clicked off the phone without waiting for his friend’s reply.
Anger fueled his actions, and he stomped on the gas pedal, going faster than what he should. Zipping in and out of traffic, he focused on one thing. Finding Brittany.
~*~*~*~
Brittany walked into her apartment and closed the door. Leaning against the thick piece of wood, she blew out a sigh of despair. She had threw herself into her job today, mainly to keep her mind off Austin and Kurt, and the confusing feelings she’d experienced with them lately.
Kurt’s words this morning had got her thinking, which at this point in a relationship, could be very dangerous. Had she fallen in love with Austin because he was rich? Was it because of his incredible good looks and charm? She had never fallen for a man so quickly, so why had she done it this time?
