When the Heart Lies - By Christina North Page 0,27
to one of those Forties pin-up models. “No, I’m good. I’ll make this quick. Did you talk to the client?”
“Yes, and he agrees now’s the time to meet. Only one problem. He’s in New York. He says he can get us on a plane in four hours. We’ll be landing mid-afternoon.”
His jaw set. “Will you ever grasp the fact I hate to fly?”
She made a funny face and shrugged.
He swatted the air. “Whatever. Will we be back before morning?”
She added a frown to the funny face and shook her head. “He set up a couple of rooms for us at a nearby hotel.” Now, she smirked.
The woman had no shame when going after what she wanted. Usually what she wanted consisted of them ending up naked, and the scenario was getting far too frequent for comfort now that his feelings for Kinsley were getting stronger.
“His name is Xavier Wentworth; he’s her father-in-law.”
“Her father-in-law, huh. What’s his interest in her personal life?”
“Said he wants to be sure she and Max are safe, and after the incident with her boyfriend, he wanted more information. When I called to tell him the police and ambulance were at Wayde’s house, he told me to make certain she was well cared for. I told him about Lakeside, and he arranged for her stay.”
“What’s this guy like?”
“Nice guy.” She bit down on her tongue—letting just the right amount of pink show a little. “Loaded, in every way.”
“Oh, brother. You, too? What’s the attraction to old guys lately? And what’s with you and him?”
“I spent some time with him. A long time ago. Never completely broke him down though.” She expelled a long growling grunt. “God, I was so into him. I was an intern in his legal department. He’s married. The relationship never went much beyond a causal affair. Something changed, and he ended things, but he was good to me and still is.”
“What’s the husband like?”
“Nick? Total ladies man, especially after Kinsley left, from what Xavier says. Drinks too much. If we do see Nick or run into anyone else, you’re my date.”
His head dipped, and he looked at her steady from below his lashes. “Your date?”
“That’s right, my date. What’re you, too good for me now? Unless it’s Jonathan, he knows me, and he’s aware you’re watching her.”
“Why all the covert maneuvering, Olivia? What’s really up with this guy, and who the hell is Jonathan?”
“Xavier’s very protective when it comes to his family. Jonathan’s his personal assistant. More like an old-fashioned butler, actually.”
“Seems to me Nick should be the concerned one. I’d better go pack.”
“Twelve-thirty flight, your ticket will be at Continental’s check-in. Oh yeah, bring dress clothes, Jackson.”
He turned to leave while raising his hand, signaling he got the message. If he hurried back to the motel, packed, and drove straight to the airport, he’d make the flight, but the schedule left no leeway for sentimental goodbyes, and he had to forgo seeing Kinsley.
~ ~ ~
There was a double knock at Kinsley’s door. She could barely open her eyes. It seemed like she hadn’t slept at all. “Yeah?” When she finally pried them apart and looked at the clock, she was surprised at the time.
An unknown male voice spoke from behind the door. “You’re late for an appointment with Dr. Pierce. You have ten minutes.”
Great. Today would be a fantastic day. She ran a comb through her hair and imagined what Pierce would have to say about last night. After pulling herself together, she headed to Pierce’s office.
His door was open, so she stuck her head in. “Sorry, I’m late,” she said, trying to appear truly contrite.
He leaned back in his chair, smiled, and waved her in. “Come in and have a seat.”
She sat and waited, expecting a lecture.
“What happened last night? Sounds like you got caught up in a bit of confusion.” Pierce’s tone sounded more concerned than angry, and he seemed uncharacteristically relaxed compared to their last visit.
She lowered her eyes, embarrassed by her immature behavior the previous night. More than ever before, she felt conflicted. She had no business complicating her life any further. “I made a decision without thinking things through, and I ended up doing something stupid.” Really stupid.
“Well, I’m glad you realize it was stupid. Aside from that, I want you to realize it was impulsive.”
When he put his hand up in a gesture of understanding and made direct eye contact, she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Once you’re aware you have the tendency to do impulsive things,