She took the keys. “Thanks. That’s generous.”
He further surprised her by taking the carry-on bag from her, setting it down, then sweeping her into his arms for a proper kiss. Or an improper one, depending on your point of view.
“I’ll be back soon.”
She nodded, unable to speak. Yes, he would be back. But then what?
Nothing, she answered herself. She’d been an idiot to form an attachment with a man whose view of life was so different from her own.
As he carried his bags down the front porch steps, she saw Cooper watching, obviously surprised by what he’d seen.
Rather than stand on the porch like a lovesick puppy, watching as the taillights of Cooper’s BMW disappeared down the street, she slipped inside.
Maybe she would see about that cake-for real. Other than cleaning Reece’s room and readying it for the next guests, she didn’t have much to do.
Valerie had brought Miss Greer home that afternoon and gotten herself and her grandmother settled into their respective rooms. She would handle all aspects of the older woman’s care, from therapy to medications to meals.
Sara discovered the part about meals as she entered the kitchen and found Valerie preparing some chicken breasts for the oven-and looking right at home.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Valerie said, “but Grandma was hungry. I’m making enough for all of us.”
“Oh. Thanks. Please feel free to make yourself at home. Anything you need, just ask.”
Valerie smiled. “Thanks.”
Petty as it was, Sara wanted to dislike the woman. But Valerie was friendly, respectful of Sara’s role-and very efficient. Sara would still be required to fix breakfast and handle the housekeeping, but all else was under control.
She tried to tell herself this was a good thing. She had a wedding to cater. But she had a hard time focusing on her friend’s wedded bliss when she’d never felt so alone in her life.
“WHAT WAS
“What?” Reece asked innocently.
“That kiss!”
“Oh. Sara and I…” What? Spent a couple of nights together having the most incredible sex of his life? “I thought this would be old news by now. We went to that party together.”
“Allie said she thought something was going on with you two, but I honestly didn’t believe her.”
Reece sat up straighter. “Why not? You think I’m not good enough for her?”
Cooper looked over at him as if he’d just ordered squid at a restaurant. “Why would you even think that? Of course I don’t believe that. I just can’t see the two of you together.”
“Why not?”
“Do I have to spell it out? She’s such a free spirit. I mean, her lifestyle is…”
“There’s nothing wrong with her lifestyle. She lives life on her terms, and I like that about her.”
“I wasn’t criticizing. I just didn’t think she would appeal to you. Yeah, she’s not bad-looking-”
“Are you kidding? She’s the most gorgeous woman I ever saw. Have you even looked at her?”
Cooper laughed. “Easy, buckaroo. I’ve been too busy looking at my own woman to pay much attention to yours. Is she? Your woman, I mean.”
Reece sighed. “I wish. I really like her. I like being with her. But, damn it, you’re right. There’s no way we could work this thing out.”
“Unless you resign from Remington Industries and relocate down here.”
“Exactly. It’s impossible.”
“I was making a practical suggestion. Resign. Max and I resigned because we were so overshadowed by our older brothers, and I know your situation is similar. Unless you
“I like my job,” he said through gritted teeth, though his stomach twinged again.
“You’re a bean counter. You could do that anywhere.”
“I could never match the salary I’m making at another company, and you know it. It’s taken me years to get where I am. Not to mention, the company needs me.”
“First off, you don’t need that much money. You don’t spend half of what you make. Second, if you put yourself out there, you could probably get a job as a CFO at a decent-size company where you’d make decent money and get a little respect. You’re not just a bean counter, you’re an incredibly good one. Let Max put your resume together.”
Reece rubbed his stomach. “Can we not talk about this?”
Cooper shrugged. “Fine. But speaking as one who recently found a woman to spend the rest of my life with, and having overcome some pretty steep odds to make it work, I just want to say that it’s worth it. If you’ve fallen in love with Sara-and I hear it in your voice that you have-don’t give her up for a stupid job.”
Love? Who said anything about love?
“I’m not in love with Sara,” Reece said fiercely. “Anyway, we’re too different. Everybody can see that. You and Allie have the same values-you love sailing and fishing. You both loved and respected Uncle Johnny. Sara and I see eye to eye on almost nothing.”
“Okay, fine.”
They hardly spoke the rest of the way to the airport. But Reece continued to think about Sara as the miles between them grew, and he anticipated with dread what awaited him back at his office.
The thoughts he entertained were not those of a man who loves his job.
ARCHIBALD REMINGTON III, chief financial officer of Remington Industries, entered the conference room and assumed his seat at the head of the table like a king ascending the throne. He eyed each person at the table in turn, his gaze finally resting on Reece.
Reece had been back for a week, but Archie hadn’t offered any welcome home or asked how things were in Port Clara. But that was normal for Reece’s father. He was a no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase kind of guy.
Reece used to aspire to be just like him. His father was one of the most respected businessmen in the country. He had shepherded the company’s finances toward ever-increasing profits even when the economy turned down.
Today, however, Reece looked at his father with new eyes and realized he didn’t want to be like him after all. The man had his good qualities, but compassion, empathy and any ability to have fun weren’t among them.
Reece’s father called the meeting to order. The purpose of the meeting was so Bret could present a financial overview of a company Remington Industries was interested in acquiring. Reece had actually done most of the work-long-distance from Port Clara-but Bret was far better at public speaking than Reece, so he normally was in charge of presenting their findings to the board of directors.
Reece had to admit, the PowerPoint presentation was slick. But when board members started asking questions, Bret often floundered and Reece had to step in and clarify.
When it was over, Archie congratulated Bret on a job well done. He said nothing to his younger son, which irked Reece more today than it usually did, especially because he knew his father would be retiring in a few months and the board would have to name his replacement. Archie made no secret that he wanted Bret to step into his shoes, and he was doing his best to present his eldest son in the most favorable light.
“We’ll reconvene next Monday, one week from today, at 10:00 a.m.,” Archie said as everyone stood and gathered their things.
“I won’t be here next Monday,” Reece said.
Archie went still, looking at him with razor-sharp eyes. “Excuse me?”
“Cooper’s wedding is next weekend. Afterward I’m driving my car up from Texas. I won’t be back till Thursday next week.”
“After a month of vacation, you’re leaving again? Hire someone to drive your car. You’re needed here.”
Reece knew that was the more practical decision.
Bret and Reece walked down the hallway together toward their offices. “Thanks for saving my bacon,” Bret said
