Resigned, he headed to the front door to let his guest inside. Yank appeared scruffier than usual and more tired than Vaughn remembered seeing him in the city.
Added to that, this visit wasn't planned and Vaughn grew concerned. 'To what do I owe the pleasure?' he asked, gesturing for Yank to come inside.
'Can't a man visit his niece without you asking one hundred questions?'
He narrowed his gaze. Was it his imagination or did Yank seem crankier than usual? 'At last count, I asked you one question only and not an unreasonable one considering how far you drove to show up on my doorstep.' He placed a hand on the older man's back and guided him to the large living area he used for his infrequent company. 'So what gives?'
Yank settled himself on the sofa and motioned for Vaughn to do the same. Then he leaned close. 'If I tell you, you can't tell Annie.'
So something was wrong. His stomach cramped but he forced a casual shrug. He'd just resolved to steer clear of the woman. How hard would it be to keep Yank's secret? 'Since when do I share things with anyone?'
Since Annabelle came the silent answer. But whatever Yank told him would remain between them. He had no choice. 'You have my word.'
Yank cracked his knuckles as he admitted, 'The doctor says my eyesight's going.'
Forget his stomach, now Vaughn's head began pounding, too. 'Going as in…'
Yank slapped his hand over Vaughn's eyes like a blindfold. 'As in can't see a damn thing.'
He dropped his hand and Vaughn blinked to refocus. For a split second, Yank's face showed all the fear he'd been hiding, before he covered his emotions with an expressionless mask once more.
Vaughn had been in a similar position to Yank, faced with a huge loss when he'd shattered his knee. So he knew better than to offer pity or condolences. He also knew what it cost the older man to open up, and it showed that no matter how many years had passed since they'd been close, the bond remained. It would strengthen as Vaughn helped Yank through this tough time. But if Yank found out about his one-night stand with Annabelle, both men stood to lose.
Vaughn swallowed hard and focused on not pitying Yank now. 'Dare I ask how you plan to keep this secret once you start walking into walls?'
Yank let out a gruff laugh. 'Well, that may take a while. Macular degeneration doesn't always progress quickly. Time'll tell. In the meantime, I had to get away from Lola before she drove me insane.'
'She knows?'
Yank rubbed a hand over his full beard. 'She knew before I did, or at least she sensed it. First she dragged me to the dang doctor, then she read all the literature. Next thing I know she's buying little items
'Such as?'
Yank placed his hand on his wristwatch and pressed a button. 'It's 11:15 a.m.,' a digital voice announced.
Vaughn stifled a laugh.
'She's made all kinds of crazy changes so I can get used to things before my sight goes,' Yank continued, in a poor imitation of his assistant.
Vaughn inclined his head and tried not to grin. 'I take it you think she's overreacting?'
'Is she a female?' Yank asked wryly. 'You wouldn't believe what she's been up to.'
'I can only imagine.' Vaughn wondered what Lola was doing to take care of this stubborn man.
'Imagine what?' Annabelle asked, joining them in the family room.
Vaughn glanced up. She'd changed into a pair of plaid boxers and a solid red, body hugging T-shirt. Simple and sexy enough to have him drooling. To have him dreaming of repeating last night over and over and over again.
He shook his head hard. 'Yank was just explaining his newest challenge,' Vaughn said.
The older man nodded. 'It's Lola. She's gone over the edge.'
'How so?' Annabelle settled in beside her uncle, curling her legs beneath her and propping her chin in her hands. The love beaming from her eyes spoke volumes.
She'd want to know about her uncle's condition, Vaughn thought. Heck, she deserved to know. But it wasn't his place to spill that truth, nor would he break a promise. Still, the warmth in her eyes had Vaughn wishing for things he'd never have. Things like unconditional love and acceptance.
'Damn woman's become loose. Wearing tight-fitting pants, high heels, low-cut tops.' His cheeks flamed at his description. 'Lola, of all people.'
Annabelle's eyes opened wide. 'And this bothers you?'
'Hell yes, it bothers me!'
'Pardon me, but I don't understand the problem. The ultimate bachelor is having issues because his beautiful secretary is coming on to him?'
Vaughn could see Annabelle struggle not to let loose with laughter.
'Bite your tongue, Annabelle Jordan. I didn't say anything about her coming on to me. But she's been dressing and acting different.' He narrowed his gaze. 'And you automatically figured she's making moves on me. That tells me you must've instigated the change.'
Annabelle rolled her eyes. 'I did not! Though I have to admit I applaud Lola's determination.'
'You see, Vaughn? The women are ganging up on me.'
Annabelle's amused gaze shot to him and he forced a shrug. Since he'd vocally advocated Lola flaunting her assets, he opted to shut his mouth now. Besides he liked seeing the older man squirm and if Lola finally decided to give him a run for his money, and at a time when he needed a distraction, Vaughn was all for it.
'I think you can handle whatever life throws your way, Yank,' Vaughn said with a deliberate dual meaning that the other man acknowledged with a grateful nod.
'Yank can handle anything except maybe a determined woman, right Vaughn?' Annabelle laughed and no doubt expected him to laugh, too.
After all, she knew of what she spoke. Her determination had landed them in the sack and he'd gone all too willingly.
He straightened his shoulders. 'Yank knows better than to let any woman lead him around like a dog on a leash ' he muttered, hoping Annabelle picked up the fact that he was talking about himself as well.
'Damn straight, which is why I'm staying while Annie's working here. Get away from the floozy for a while.'
'You're
Yank nodded, unknowingly giving Vaughn a plausible reason to back off. A valid one that didn't need explanation since surely a bright woman like Annabelle would conclude there'd be no hank-panky with her uncle staying under the same roof.
CHAPTER TEN
ANNABELLE AND MARA were talking alone in the business office of the lodge later that day. Nick was off inspecting the damage with the electrical engineer and getting a time frame on fixing the problems, and Vaughn was tied up in meetings. Annabelle decided to use the time to implement some PR ideas with Mara's help.
Unfortunately the other woman had other things she wanted to talk about first. 'So I hear you have unexpected company?'
Annabelle nodded. 'My uncle. It seems he needs to get out of the city for a while.' Though why her uncle had to show up now, when she'd just put the moves on Vaughn, and successfully, she might add, boggled her mind.
Mara leaned back in her chair and studied Annabelle, a smile creeping onto her face. 'Having family around must cramp your style, hmm?'
Startled, Annabelle merely blinked. 'I don't know what you mean.' Could Mara know about her and
Vaughn? She shook her head. Impossible. After all, they'd only just been together last night and had shown no
