Manhandling Page 7

  Despite sharing part of her personal history with Mac, there were a few emotional issues she’d managed to keep to herself. What she hadn’t revealed was the crushing sense of regret she’d lived with, since her mother’s death, having drifted away from her dad. The fact that he had neither showed interest in, nor agreed to participate in the memorial for her mother hurt and caused a rift she wasn’t sure how to mend. She couldn’t understand his lack of support. Laurel knew that her father truly loved her mother, so it was particularly disturbing that he didn’t find it imperative that something special be done for her on the anniversary of her death. The problem was that Laurel hadn’t pressed him on the subject. In fact her ability to rise to the occasion and be confrontational in a situation was tempered by her upbringing.

  Her mother had taught her to be a lady and ladies never were forceful or aggressive. So, she’d been unable to ask her father straight out why he was acting as if he didn’t care.

  At least with Mac, she knew where they stood with each other right up front. He wouldn’t be sweeping her off her feet, yet she instinctively knew he wasn’t a man to take advantage of anyone. Least of all her. Not when she was participating fully in her very own coming-out party. One she certainly wouldn’t be wearing a white dress to—like she had to her debutante ball. She giggled, thinking decadent thoughts about Mac taking her in her white virginal dress. She wondered if it would even fit. She laughed again at the silly thought.

  Using the staple gun, she attached the last of the fabric. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she walked over to the workbench. She eyed her purse while she picked up and unscrewed the cap of her water bottle and took a swig.

  It would be a breach of his privacy to open it and take a look. Wouldn’t it? She warred with that little voice in her head and the voice won. She’d hate to have her privacy violated by someone she was even starting to trust. She looked down at her watch and was alarmed at the amount of time she’d been in her garage. It was going on six-thirty.

  Pulling her cell out of her purse, she flipped it open and saw that Haley had called four times. She debated on whether or not to call her, then decided that Haley’s house was on her way. She could stop in briefly before heading home.

  It took her a half an hour to clean up her area and a few more minutes to secure her house and workspace. Traffic was light on the road and she was soon pulling up to Haley’s place.

  Dylan was just setting the trash at the curb and he waved at her as she slipped out of her SUV.

  “Doing your manly duties, I see,” Laurel teased.

  He smiled and slipped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a quick hug. “Hey, to what do we owe this visit?”

  “Haley called me and I was out, so I thought I’d drop by on my way home.”

  “Great. We were just about to have a late supper. Do you want to join us?”

  “That sounds good. It’ll give us a chance to talk about the auction details and I’m famished.”

  When she and Dylan entered the house, Haley screamed, “Laurel, where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”

  Dylan gave his wife a quizzical look and Laurel wondered what had happened to put such a frantic look on her face.

  “Dylan, could you get the chicken out of the oven and dish up the potatoes for me,” Haley asked sweetly, with a very telling nudge toward the kitchen. She smiled brightly. Too brightly.

  “All right. I’m going and leave you two to your girl talk.”

  Haley grabbed Laurel’s arm and pulled her into Dylan’s home office. Awards hung on the walls over a contemporary teak and walnut workspace. There was an impressive brick fireplace with trendy knickknacks and an oriental rug covered the hardwood floor.

  Haley flipped on the light and shut the door, dragging Laurel to the camel sofa with the round back that she’d made for them for Christmas, but had to pretend she bought it.

  “What’s up and why all this subterfuge? I don’t think Dylan was fooled.” Laurel said wryly.

  “Your biker friend was at your house today and Dad saw him.”

  Laurel gasped. “Oh no, what did he say?”

  “Your biker friend?”

  Laurel rolled her eyes in exasperation. “No, Dad.” Although, Laurel wasn’t sure what her father’s reaction would be. In his present state, maybe he wouldn’t care who Laurel dated. Somehow that thought upset her more.

  “He asked me who your biker friend was and he didn’t look happy.”

  “What did you say?”

  Haley’s eyes were contrite and her voice wavered. “I fell down on the job, Laurel. I’m sorry. I blurted out the truth.”

  Laurel’s jaw dropped and there was a rushing in her head. “Oh my god! You told my dad about the quiz and that I trawled a cycle dealership for a bad-boy biker?”

  “No,” Haley said looking affronted. “Do you think I’m that simple? I told your dad you were dating him.”

  “Oh damn.”

  “I know. I should have come up with something better like he was looking for directions.”

  “Haley, don’t panic. I’ll smooth it over. What did he want?”

  “Your dad?”

  Laurel shook her head in frustration. “No, the biker.”

  “Oh, he said he was looking for something.”

  “Right, his handheld PC.”

  “He has a handheld PC?” Haley asked, then paused frowning. “That’s weird. Did you look in it?”

  “No!” Laurel jumped off the sofa and began to pace.

  “I have no problem doing it. Let me have it.”

  She stopped pacing abruptly. “Haley!”

  Haley gave her a sidelong look. “Come on, you’re dying to look.”

  “Haley, Laurel, if you’re done with your girl talk, dinner’s getting cold.”

  “We have to eat,” Laurel said, effectively ending the discussion about the PC.

  Haley followed Laurel out of the office. “By the way, that guy was sizzling hot.”

  “Haley. You’re married, to my brother no less.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Haley whispered as they approached the kitchen. “My husband is very sexy and I love him desperately, blah, blah, blah, but I’m not dead, you know. Your biker has the most beautiful eyes and that mouth. Yowza. No wonder you…”

  “You’re going to be dead if you don’t get off this subject.”

  “So you did do the dirty deed,” Haley said knowingly. “And who could blame you.”

  Laurel stopped so abruptly that Haley bumped into her. Laurel turned and gave her The Silent Death Stare. “I’m not going there. At least not now and not on an empty stomach.”

  Haley totally ignored her. “Okay, spoilsport, but Margo and I are going to want details later.”

  “Margo knows all about this?”

  “Of course, she’s my best friend and I had to have someone to dish to since you were quite unavailable. Where were you, anyway?”

  “Wow, that chicken smells great,” Laurel said.

  The chicken tasted great, too, and since it was getting so late, she let Dylan talk her into spending the night. Laurel could easily borrow some things from Haley, since they were almost the same size.

  Lying in her brother’s guest room bed, Laurel wondered how her father would react to Mac. Maybe they could finally have a conversation that included more than the weather or how she was doing at work.

  Now that she was reminded about her job, her thoughts went unerringly to what tomorrow would hold. Would Mr. Herman take away the Spegelman account and undermine her authority with the analysts she oversaw, or would he leave it be?

  Nervous knots tightened in her stomach at the thought of conflict. She just wasn’t good at confrontations, not a skill she’d picked up or was encouraged to learn.

  She reached out to turn off the light, deciding that a good night’s sleep was what she needed. She was exhausted. Her hand hit her purse and it fell, dumping the contents onto the rug. Laurel swore under her bre
ath and she got out of bed to pick up the items. When her hand curled around the PC, her curiosity got the better of her.

  She got back onto the bed and set the device on the nightstand. During dinner, she realized that she couldn’t call Mac and let him know that she had his property—she didn’t have his telephone number and when she asked Haley if she’d gotten it, she said she didn’t have a chance to before Laurel’s father showed up.

  Lying down, she turned off the light, but the illumination from the bedside clock reflected on the PC’s cover. She was sorely tempted.

  MONDAY MORNING DAWNED and Mac still hadn’t been able to get ahold of Laurel. He’d called her yesterday all day until it was late. Where could she be?

  He wasn’t able to stop thinking about the fact that Laurel could open the PC at any time and discover his true identity.

  His gut twisted. What they had shared the night before was beyond his expectations and he quite simply wanted more. More of her body, more of her time, more of her.

  He knew he would have to tell her eventually. He imagined what he’d say to her, how he’d explain who he truly was, the surprise and shocked expression that he hoped wouldn’t shift to anger and recrimination.

  Maybe she’d already opened it and discovered who he was and was avoiding his calls.

  After lunch, his assistant popped her head into his office. “Mr. Tolliver, Mr. Malone would like to see you.”

  Mac looked up at Sherry standing in the doorway. His heart beat hard in his chest. Had Mr. Malone recognized him after all? Okay, he was just jumping to conclusions because of his guilty conscience. Mr. Malone probably wanted to see him about a business matter.

  “Mr. Tolliver?”

  “Yes, I’m going,” he said and got up from his desk. He rounded it and passed Sherry who looked worried. Was that because she knew something was wrong, or was she worried about his lapse?

  “You look tired, Mr. Tolliver. That’s quite a black eye. Are you okay?”

  Mac nodded. “I’m fine. Walked into a door,” he mumbled. “Couldn’t get to sleep last night, either.” He buried his hands deep in his pockets as he walked toward Mr. Malone’s office. When he started out this charade, it had been a challenge to make himself over to look like what Laurel wanted, to get her interest, to get her to pay attention to him. Now, after spending time together, he realized what he would lose if she found out about him, too soon. The complication of her father recognizing him as the biker who had been at Laurel’s house yesterday would put a kink in his seduction plans. He wanted Laurel to be so taken with him, she’d overlook his little deception, but if her father got involved, it could mean exposure and likely, his job.

  He walked up to Lucy, who was seated at her desk. “Mr. Malone is expecting me.”

  Lucy picked up the phone and buzzed her boss. After a brief conversation, she said, “You may go in.”

  Mac walked toward the heavy oak doors. It was surprising how different he felt from a week ago. Confident, focused, and determined. Today, he was a basket case, not sure what he would say to Laurel’s father if he knew it had been him at Laurel’s house.

  He opened one of the doors and stepped inside. Mr. Malone was at his desk waiting.

  Mr. Malone’s eyes raked over Mac as he approached him. Damn. He knows. He recognizes me from yesterday.

  Suddenly, Mr. Malone got to his feet and extended his hand. Mac was taken aback. He’d expected demands for an explanation, an apology, not to be welcomed.

  He spied a picture of Laurel on Mr. Malone’s credenza. She was smiling up at the camera, her eyes sparkling. He knew now he wanted to find out everything he could about her.

  “Tolliver, good to see you. Have a seat.”

  Mac sat down. “Same here, sir.”

  “I knew I’d made a good decision in hiring you.” Mr. Malone leaned back in his chair and eyed him with a wily smile on his face.

  Mac shifted. He wouldn’t think that if he’d realized that he was Laurel’s “biker.” He’d be mad as hell. “Why’s that, Mr. Malone?”

  “Call me Bill.” He leaned forward in the chair, eagerness lighting up his face. “I’ve just received a call from Kevin Coyle at Coyle and Hamilton.”

  “He was one of my clients at Lockhart-Titan.”

  “One of your biggest, correct?”

  “The biggest.”

  “He wants you to handle his portfolio and has left Lockhart-Titan for Malone Financial Services.”

  Mac felt weak with relief. “I’m glad he was that pleased with me. I’ll continue handling his account with the same professionalism, Mr…. ah…Bill.”

  “Good. He’s expecting you downtown for a meeting in an hour.”

  Mac started to rise.

  “There’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you and it’s of a delicate nature.”

  “Yes, sir.” Mac sat down again.

  “It’s about my daughter.”

  “Your daughter?” Mac’s mind went into overload and started churning up explanations to answer him.

  “I want you to meet her.”

  His stomach dropped and he jerked forward in his chair. “No.”

  Mr. Malone looked at Mac sharply.

  “Is there some problem with my daughter?”

  “No. I meant it’s going to be hard in the next couple of weeks. My schedule is full.” Oh hell, this was just what he needed. “Why do you want her to meet me?”

  “It seems that she’s gotten herself involved with someone completely unsuitable.”

  “And?”

  “Well, you come from a good family. You’re a man on the fast track. You’re supremely more suitable. When would be a good time?”

  “Could I let you know?”

  “Surely, but don’t make it too long. I don’t want Laurel to fancy herself in love with this…biker. Also, let’s keep this conversation between the two of us.”

  Mac held it together until he got to Sherry’s desk. She wasn’t there and he leaned down, bracing himself against the edge. Talk about a tangled web. Mr. Malone was worried about him, in his bad-boy disguise, pursuing his daughter. The phone started to ring. He should laugh it was so damn funny. He ran his hands through his hair and picked up the receiver. Absently, he said “Tolliver.”

  “Mac?” Laurel Malone’s voice sounded in his ear. He closed his eyes.

  What a tangled web indeed.

  “IS IT YOU?” Laurel asked, shocked that Mac would answer Sherry’s phone.

  “Yes. It’s me. Hey, babe.”

  “What are you doing in…” Her confusion cleared. “Oh right, you’re Mr. Tolliver’s brother. Are you visiting him?”

  “Yes…um, no. I’m dropping off the invoice for your friend.”

  “Sherry?”

  “For the bike she bought on Saturday.”

  “Oh. I was trying to reach Sherry.”

  “She’s not here.”

  “Well, the truth is, I was trying to get ahold of you.”

  “Great. Tell me where, when and what you want to hold.”

  She laughed. “How about tonight and you surprise me like you did before. I really like your kind of surprises.”

  “Okay. See you.”

  “Mac, wait. I need….” It was too late. He had hung up. Laurel placed the receiver in the cradle and sighed. She’d originally called Sherry to find out if she’d ask her boss for Mac’s number. She wanted to return his property, mostly so that she wouldn’t be tempted to open it. But in truth, she wanted to see Mac again.

  All day yesterday she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She’d almost opened the PC a couple of times, but always at the last minute, she couldn’t do it. Even though she knew she shouldn’t, she wanted Mac to trust her.

  It was a moot point, anyway. She couldn’t imagine their affair lasting for very long. However, she was going to explore this man inch by delectable inch in every physical way possible.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door. “Laurel? Are you going
to the staff meeting?”

  Laurel’s stomach immediately tingled with butterflies and she reached for her notebook with clammy palms. She would hear about the Spegalman account and then she would have her say. Force herself to reply in a rational and calm manner. She could do it. She hadn’t toiled here only to have her hard work go for nothing.

  “Sorry, I’m coming right away.” Laurel clutched her notebook and walked purposefully to the conference room. Mr. Herman and her subordinates, including Mark Dalton were all seated. Mark glared at her as she made her way to the conference table and sat down in the only vacant seat.

  “Thanks for joining us, Ms. Malone,” Mr. Herman said, his voice full of reproach.

  Laurel cringed inside but charged ahead with a detailed update of her staff’s progress on various projects. As soon as she was finished, Mr. Herman started talking about new business and congratulated two of her subordinates for bringing in new clientele.

  His attention turned to her. “There is one more order of business before we adjourn,” he said, his eyes unwavering. “Laurel, since you have quite a few demanding accounts and need time to acclaimate, I’m going to pull the Spegelman account and give it to Mark.”

  Say something, her brain screamed at her, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering frantically. She felt frozen and all her arguments seemed to fly right out of her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. All eyes turned toward her and Laurel wanted to crawl into a hole. “Thank you, Mr. Herman,” she said lamely.

  Her answer ended the meeting. She looked at Mark again and saw the self-satisfied smile on his face.

  She sat there paralyzed until everyone left the conference room. Everyone but Mark.

  “What’s the matter, Laurel, nepotism got your tongue?”

  Stung and disappointed at her inability to stand up for herself with Mr. Herman, Mark’s comment caught her completely by surprise.

  “What do you mean?” she asked

  He snickered and gathered his papers. “You know what I mean.”

  “No, I don’t,” she said, getting up from her chair on shaky legs.