Guilty Like Us, page 13
Of course, that wasn’t exactly true, not if his sister chose to sneak around. It wasn’t like he could follow her and bust up every potential boyfriend who didn’t pass the “big brother” test. So, all he could do was talk to Rachel, ask a few questions, tell her what it looked like from a guy’s perspective. There were a few other bad choices but she figured it out and a few years ago, she actually admitted he’d been right.
Now how about that? Rachel didn’t like to admit he was ever right, told him he was still way too overprotective and distrusting of her guy friends. Guilty on both accounts, but he just wanted to protect her because he cared about her.
So, when Tate Alexander found him trimming his father’s boxwoods, Daniel should not have been surprised. But of course, he was. He’d left Meredith’s bed less than four hours ago; how did Alexander find out about it so fast?
“What’s going on between you and my sister?” Tate Alexander stared him down, cool and sophisticated in a dark suit and silk tie, tanned face flushed with anger.
“That’s between me and your sister.”
“If my sister’s involved, I’m involved.”
Alexander’s silver gaze homed in on Daniel like he was a fuzzy-haired punk ass trying to corrupt his sister. That wasn’t true. He cared about Meredith. A lot. And soon he’d confess everything to her and then they’d start fresh. But he wasn’t sharing anything with Meredith’s brother because it was none of his damn business. “You should ask Meredith.”
The burn in those eyes said he didn’t like that answer and he’d make Daniel regret those words. Then he looked at him as though he could see straight through the fake persona to the real reason Daniel was in Reunion Gap—the one involving Meredith. The man might be intimidating and perceptive, but there was no way he knew that truth. Daniel squared his shoulders, faced him and offered an apology and a half truth. “Look, I’m sorry if I acted like a jerk, but Meredith is what matters. I respect her and I’m not going to share our personal situation. As to why I’m here, that’s easy. I’m visiting my parents and getting inspiration for my work.”
A raised brow, a laugh. “Are you for real? What does personal situation mean? And inspiration for work? What is that?” Another laugh. “What do you even do? From what I can tell and what I’ve heard, you’re a fly-by-night who doesn’t land anywhere. Last known residence...nowhere.”
It was Daniel’s turn to do the staring and the intimidating. “Personal situation means just that. It’s personal, not to be shared. And why are you looking into me? Were you spying on me?” That possibility did not sit well. He’d spent years hiding his real identity because there were too many people out there—especially women—who only wanted the man when they saw the money. There were quasi-friends and fake friends and people with business opportunities that were nothing more than scams or a way for the scammer to make money. Can’t lose, they said. Great idea, going soon and don’t want to miss the opportunity. Right. Opportunity. What they should say was that it would be an opportunity for them to take some of his money. No thanks. He had a handful of friends and that’s all he needed. And Meredith, but not the nosy brother.
“If my family’s involved, especially my sister, you bet I’m going to have you investigated. And I’m not going to stop until I come up with something more substantial than ‘works in remodeling.’ We both know that is straight-up BS.”
The guy was smart, but Daniel had been dodging accusations a long time. A shrug, followed by a hint of a smile. “Remodeling is an honest job and it pays the bills so I can continue with my woodworking. Do you have any idea how much walnut costs?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but slammed Tate Alexander with “Of course not, people like you don’t look at price tags.”
The silver gaze burned him. “People like me?” Tate challenged. “People like me always look at price tags because we’re businesspeople and cost matters. If you’re referring to people of means, I agree that’s true for some, but that doesn’t include everyone.”
True words, but he couldn’t let the man see that he agreed. He had to stay on the offensive to get the guy to back off. “Let’s just agree to disagree, okay? Look, I’m trying to get my business going and I’m tired of sleeping on a friend’s couch and drinking day-old coffee. And I’m damn sure tired of wearing fifteen-year-old jeans and T-shirts.” Not exactly true, because he loved old jeans and worn-out T-shirts, but no way would he admit that to Mr. Fashion.
“No kidding? You think I don’t know your only interest in my sister is as a meal ticket?”
Anger simmered through him, but Daniel kept his voice even, his expression bland. “Why do you sell your sister short? She’s a good person with a kind heart.”
“I see you didn’t answer my question. Meredith is too kind. Do you know how many times people have taken advantage of her? More than she’ll admit, but I’m not fool enough to think you couldn’t be one of them. My sister never sees it until it’s too late and then the truth and the heartbreak send her into a spin. She disappears, nobody knows where, and nobody knows how long she’ll be gone, but it’s always a disaster and it’s usually because of the lies someone told her. Well, not this time. I’ve got my eye on you and I will find out your story, trust me on that one.”
Daniel studied his opponent—Meredith’s brother. “I have no doubt you will, but you’ll be disappointed when you find nothing.” He’d paid a lot of money to make sure there was nothing to find.
Tate Alexander rubbed his jaw, studied him. “We’ll see. But when I find out the truth, you better hope my sister’s not tied up in it.”
“Okay then. Nice catching up. Gotta go shower.” He smiled, the perfect cover to hide the anger and concern that he’d be found out before he told Meredith. “I’m meeting Meredith for lunch.” He paused, his smile spread. “Don’t worry; I’m bringing my wallet and there’s even money in it.”
Chapter 19
Meredith and Daniel made dinner together at Aunt Camille’s. She’d given the staff the night off after Daniel insisted he wanted to cook for her: a shrimp and fettucine dish with mushrooms and asparagus. Meredith was not going to refuse that offer, especially when she’d not known he could cook. Yes, he’d mentioned a few meals and seemed to know a lot about herbs and different cuts of meat. And he’d explained the difference between Swiss chard and escarole and why endive was a great salad addition, but she’d thought he’d only read about it. Or—and she wasn’t proud to admit it—she’d thought maybe an old girlfriend had taught him.
But it was apparently a family affair: his father taught him the cuts of meat, his mother the herbs, and his grandparents had maintained a two-acre vegetable garden. Listening to stories about his family made Meredith realize just how lacking her own had been. She didn’t remember much about her grandparents other than her father’s mother who wore rose-scented cologne, mountains of diamonds, and never smiled. As for her mother, she tried to provide a safe place for them to grow and flourish and she succeeded most times—until their father got home.
Then the laughter stopped and the misery began.
She’d pushed aside the sad memories of her own childhood and listened to Daniel’s talk of growing herbs and how his mother once offered him a handful of parsley one Friday night as a breath freshener, just in case. Meredith had no humorous stories to share, so she clung to Daniel’s, vowed that her children would not be stuffed in a corner and only taken out to perform and recite.
When it came time to begin meal preparation, Daniel poured them a glass of wine and showed her how to clean and slice mushrooms, the proper way to mince garlic, even how to chop onions. Meredith worked by his side and listened to his instructions. When he reached around and guided her hand over the chef’s knife, she tried to focus on the words but with those strong hands covering hers…the hardness of his body pressed against her, his fresh scent filling her…it was difficult to tell a mushroom from a tomato. He’d laughed, nuzzled the back of her neck and murmured something about how she needed further instructions and he’d be her teacher.
Was she translating all of his comments as sexual? Had it become that way since the moment he touched her? Would she ever possess any amount of logic or common sense that wasn’t bathed in sex? Goodness, she couldn’t say… All she understood in that moment was his touch, his voice, his smile.
She’d like to say they finished dinner and talked before they found their way to the bedroom. but that would not be anywhere near the truth. No, they’d just finished sautéing the mushrooms and were about to start on the salad when Daniel came up behind her, slid his hands underneath her T-shirt, unfastened her bra. Next came the jeans and panties and the sound of his zipper. The rest was a blur of sizzle, heat, and need as he entered her, slow and deep, hands on her hips, his movements fast, hard, frenzied until they both exploded with moans of pleasure that filled the kitchen and made Meredith glad she’d sent the staff home.
She did manage to retrieve her panties, slip them on as he watched, his slow smile covering her. Daniel pulled on his boxers, padded around the kitchen, barefoot, stopping to touch her, promising her dessert would surpass the appetizer they’d just shared. Goodness gracious, such heat. When her belly rumbled, he laughed and said she needed to eat to keep up her energy. That comment made her vow to wear him out.
They carried their plates into the dining room, pushed their chairs together, and fed each other forkfuls of pasta and shrimp. It was the most sensual food she’d ever tasted. The most delicious as well. Daniel was obviously skilled in the art of seduction and his “talents” made her feel a tiny bit inadequate…and a smidgen uncomfortable. She thought about where he’d gained such skill but snuffed out the thought. That was his past and she had no right to be jealous or ask questions. He was with her now. When he looked at her, she wanted to believe she was the only person he saw… The only person he wanted. Would he touch her with such desperation and need if that weren’t so? Would he throw back his head and groan in sweet climax, calling her name, if that weren’t true? Doubt inched in, but Meredith refused to let it ruin her happiness. She’d just started to let herself believe they belonged together and nothing was going to destroy that.
What she shared with Daniel would start to feel real once she could introduce him to people who mattered to her, starting with her best friend. Meredith very much wanted Nicki to meet Daniel. After all of the missteps and the wrong choices, she’d finally found a good and honest person who cared about her, not her money, who wanted to spend time with her, maybe even a lifetime. It was difficult to be around him when their lovemaking was so new and vivid in her brain, her body still tingling from his touch. Would she ever get used to it? Ever get used to that intense gaze holding her, undressing her with his eyes?
He’d hesitated when she told him about meeting her best friend, but then he’d agreed, pulled her into his arms and whispered, If that makes you happy, then I’m all in.
All in. She loved the sound of that.
Meredith had told him about Nicki’s shop and how she’d like to carry her headbands there. Daniel thought it was a perfect idea. Hometown high-society girl makes good. He’d teased, And, she makes her own money. Think of that?
Yes, think of that.
They headed to Nicki’s shop late the next morning, and when the bell above the door jingled their entrance, Nicki looked up and called out, “Hello there. I missed you.” She rushed toward them, glanced at Daniel, held out a hand. “I hear you’re the reason for getting our girl back to Reunion Gap. Thank you. I never see enough of her.”
His smile contained enough charm to fill the store. “Good to know. Glad I could help.”
Nicki turned to Meredith opened her arms and said, “Come here.” They hugged, murmured their greetings, and before Nicki eased away, she whispered something about the glow shimmering around Meredith. “I sure do miss your aunt. Nobody can create a display like Camille. Or sell it like her.” Her voice dipped, shifted with emotion. “I’m so happy for her. Who would have thought she and Frederick Strong would end up together?”
“I know, and I think it’s wonderful.” Meredith squeezed Daniel’s hand, smiled up at him. “Aunt Camille never spent much time at HA Properties so she didn’t know many of the employees, but then she snuck away to a dance studio one night and guess who was there?”
He raised a brow. “Frederick Strong?”
She laughed because everything was joyous and wonderful with Daniel at her side. Nothing was sad or desperate…not anymore. “Exactly. He’d gone to learn how to waltz so he could dance at his niece’s wedding. I think that’s the story. Well, Aunt Camille was less than charitable to him.” She shrugged, shook her head. “If you don’t know my aunt, she can be very intimidating.”
“You mean like I’ll-put-you-in-your-place intimidating?” Daniel offered. “Social-class-separation intimidating?”
Nicki slid him a look, winked. “That sounds about right, but apparently she’d met her match.”
“Oh, did she ever.” Meredith couldn’t wait to tell him the rest of the story. “Frederick put her right in her place and she later confessed that she was embarrassed and humiliated. You see, no one outside of her own family had ever been so bold-faced honest with her.”
“Bold-faced honest. We’ve all encountered that a few times, even when we didn’t necessarily want it. Just wait—” Nicki’s lips twitched as she darted a gaze between Meredith and Daniel “—the truth is not always our friend, especially when it hits us on the forehead in the voice of the person we care most about. It’s not pleasant, but it is necessary to reach the next level.”
Talk about embarrassing. Meredith refused to comment on that statement, tried to fight the heat creeping from her neck to her cheeks. She cleared her throat, pretended her friend hadn’t just coupled her and Daniel as long-term and meant to be. “Okay then, moving on… I have a business proposition for you.”
“It’s a great one,” Daniel said in an even tone as though he weren’t bothered at all about talk of long-term or meant to be.
Meredith reached in her bag and pulled out several headbands. The oohs and aahs along with the sparkle in Nicki’s eyes said she liked what she saw and thought they had great sales potential.
“She’s pretty impressive, isn’t she?” Daniel said, his expression gentle, his gaze covering her.
“That she is,” Nicki agreed. “But I’m guessing she’s thinking the same thing about you.”
Chapter 20
After lunch at the Cherry Top Diner, Daniel invited Meredith for another walk in the woods. “I want to show you the different types of wood and how to identify trees. It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.” He took her hand, and they made their way to the same path they’d walked a few days before. But this time, there was no tension between them, no anger, no problems. He was opening up and sharing and she wanted to be a part of anything he had to share. Woodworking was such an important part of his life and yet she didn’t really understand it, but she wanted to...
He’d told her they might go climbing and she should wear something comfortable like sweatpants and an old shirt. Of course, she’d believed him, why wouldn’t she? Even though she’d never climbed around in the woods before and wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of spiders and creepy crawlers, she’d do it if it was important to him. But an hour later she realized why he’d requested the loose-fitting clothing and it had nothing to do with climbing.
“Here’s one of my favorite spots,” he said, leading her to a small clearing and a huge rock—or maybe it was a mini boulder—filtered by the trees and afternoon sun. “Sometimes, when I’m in Reunion Gap, I come here to sketch. I bring my pad and study the surroundings. There’s a certain way the sun filters through the leaves and trees. It gives me ideas for color and tone.” He touched the bark of a huge tree, patted it with the flat of his hand. “This is an oak. Steady, strong, endures all.”
Meredith squinted, followed the tree lines to the sky. “It’s…big?”
He laughed. “Yes, it’s big. But it’s a very strong wood. Not the fanciest, but it won’t let you down. Now cherry is another wood I like to use but it’s completely different. The grain is more subtle, the surface smoother, and it accepts a wider range of stains. Cherry is high-end. Glossy when finished.” His voice dipped. “Kind of like you.”
“Like me?” She raised a brow, hands fisted on her waist. “I’m durable, I’m strong. I’m—” she glanced at the tall oak, frowned “—not that tall.”
That made him grin and take her hand, motioning toward the rock. He sat on it, pulled her onto his lap, reached for the top button of her shirt. “You know, I might have told a very small white lie earlier today.”
“Oh? A very small white lie? You don’t like cherry pie? It’s not your favorite? They’re all your favorites?” She was beginning to understand that if she didn’t push, he’d tell her in his own time…in his own way. She really liked that about him, and the fact that he didn’t like to keep anything from her made her trust him even more.
Daniel fingered the second button, slid it open. “I might have suggested loose-fitting clothing so they’d be easy to remove.”
“Daniel Reese, you are ridiculous! And a liar.” She huffed, pretended annoyance with him.
His smile slipped for just a second and then he laughed. “I want you. What better place to create a memory with you than one of my favorite spots in the world?”
Little white lies were absolutely fine with her when they ended up with big white confessions like this one. Heat swirled through her, warmed her soul. “Then you shall have me.”
Getting rid of sweatpants was a whole lot easier than shimmying out of snug jeans. And a button-down top? So easy to get to skin. Panties were never a problem. Daniel was naked from the waist down before she stepped out of her panties. She crawled on top of him…eased onto his hardness...moved… Watched the cords of his neck pulse, his eyes glitter with desire.
