hide.”
“Did you call the police?” asked Britney.
“Hell no. My license, remember?”
“You shouldn’t be driving, Lachlan. You know that.”
“I’ve got to go. You didn’t answer me … should I be worried?”
“Everything’s fine.”
I hung up and combed back my hair while my heart pumped a little faster.
The day had gotten worse. Before driving off, I read a message from
the doctor who wished to see me about my father’s treatment. He’d tried calling my stepmother, Tamara, but hadn’t heard back. That didn’t surprise me. She was probably with some cabana boy in Miami.
We opted for an earthy café that had shelves filled with books and plants and sat at a wooden bench by a window with a good view of the beach.
After we ordered, I sat back and reflected on last night’s car chase. It couldn’t have been Jane, my most recent ex, because as much as she liked throwing plates and objects at me, she wouldn’t have gone that far.
“Was Britney okay?” Miranda asked.
“She’ll be fine.” I pointed at her half-eaten breakfast. “You don’t like it?”
“I’m not that hungry.”
“Sorry about last night,” I said, gulping back my second coffee.
“Don’t worry. I’m fine.” She wore a faint smile. “Can I ask how your dad’s doing?”
“Not too well.” I took a deep breath. “I visit him daily. And now the SEC are on their way to audit our accounts.”
Her brow furrowed. “That sounds a little scary. But I’m sure things will be fine. Britney strikes me as a perfectionist.”
“She’s been working alongside my dad for ten years, so she knows about the business in a way I don’t.”
“Oh?”
“Let’s just say my father had a thing for creative accounting.” I shook my head, recalling how he narrowly escaped prison during the 2008 stock market crash. I could still hear those shredding machines going all night.
“Are you worried?” she asked.
“Not sure. We’ll find out soon. Expect the unexpected.”
“I’m already expecting that.” She grinned.
Her big dark eyes shone keenly behind her glasses. Although Miranda struck me as an assertive woman, she possessed a calming nature.
Even with all the shit going down in my life, every time I stared into her pretty eyes, I lost myself. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, emphasizing a long neck and high cheekbones.
Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that I wasn’t going to sleep with my new administrative assistant. I needed a comrade more than I needed a lover. I would just have to avoid checking out her perky ass and nice tits that bounced slightly whenever she moved.
When we arrived at the office, I found Britney speaking rapidly on the phone while staring at her screen. She seemed ruffled, and when she looked up and saw me, her voice lowered.
I hovered around, regardless of her obvious desire for privacy.
As soon as she ended the call, I asked, “When are they coming?”
“I’m not sure. They didn’t specify. It could be any minute.” Her eyes flitted from me to her screen.
“I have to check on Dad. But when I return, I want to know exactly what’s got you all freaked out.” I added, “And Miranda’s a great asset. Treat her nicely.”
Her scowl riled me. “I mean it, Britney.”
My days of breaking the law were over. I needed a driver, so I called my neighbor, Aidan Thornhill.
“Hey. Lachlan here.”
“How’s life?” he asked.
“It’s been pretty interesting lately. And not in the fun way.” I chuckled grimly. “Can you spare one of your drivers? The bigger the better. I need a bodyguard.”
“Sure. For how long?”
“I need someone indefinitely. My license is suspended.”
“We just went racing a few weeks ago,” he said.
“Yeah, I know. I’ve been a bad boy. But that’s changing right now.”
“Probably a good plan. You could end up in jail if caught.”
Driving without a license was the least of my worries. What if the SEC came after my dad? In his frail state, prison would kill him.
“I’ll get in touch with Justin, the head of my security, and tell him to expect your call. I’ll text you his number.”
“That’s great, thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” I sighed. “How’s the family?”
“Good. Always good. Ollie’s a bit wild still.”
“He’s a great guitarist.”
“That he is. He takes after his grandfather, in more ways than one.”
I chuckled. “You don’t sound like a proud father.”
“I don’t see him until the afternoon. He’s up all night, partying hard. Music, girls, booze. Tattoos. Poor Clarissa freaks every time he turns up with a new one.”
“He’s very talented, though. I love jamming with him. Anyway, let’s get together soon.”
“I’d like