“Haven, are you happy?”
She mulled the question over for a bit before answering. “Happy? Isn’t that just a frame of mind?” Her half-smile wasn’t even convincing to herself. “Anyway, doesn’t every relationship go through ups and downs? I’ve just got to tough it out until we’re on the right side of up again.”
“How long ago was that? I mean, when was the last time you and Dylan were on right side of up? Certainly, not since I’ve known you.”
Haven’s voice dropped. “True. It’s been awhile, but things were good . . . well better than they were before everything happened. I don’t want to give up on him. We’re struggling. But we’ve managed to get through some really tough times, and we’re both still standing.”
“Hmph . . . If Charles had cheated on me, I would have cut his balls off and fed them to his mistress! Don’t you want to do more than stand? You should want to dance! You’ve certainly got the legs for it. If I had your legs and were your age, the world wouldn’t be ready for me.”
“Dance?” A sarcastic laugh escaped Haven. “Who dances? That’s for the movies, not real life.”
“Oh, honey. Who told you that nonsense? When my Charles was alive, there was never a day that he didn’t show me that I was his moon and stars.”
“Seriously? I’ve never seen that in real life—never.”
“Yes. Believe it because it’s true. Love shouldn’t have to hurt, my dear. Of course, we went through tough times, but I knew that man loved me and he knew I loved him.”
“It sounds like he was wonderful.”
A deep voice came from out of nowhere. “My grandfather was absolutely the best.”
Surprised, Haven and Bertha turned at the same time to see who had joined their private conversation.
Shocked to her soul, and praying she wasn’t dreaming, Ms. McKenna almost stood from her chair. “Ellis McKenna? Is that really you?”
All six-feet-four-inches of him strode into the dining room, bearing flowers and a beautifully wrapped box. Lovingly, he embraced his grandmother. “Happy Birthday.”
Haven hadn’t known if he would make it to the celebration because he’d never responded to her e-mail. Her big surprise wasn’t a bust after all.
Pictures of Ellis did not do him justice. Her breath was caught in her throat as she watched the warm reunion between him and his grandmother. He had dark hair, broad shoulders, and wore a custom suit that fit to perfection. Haven glanced down at her own simple denim jeans and sweater suddenly feeling completely underdressed.
The musky scent of his cologne was more than a little alluring. His presence was so powerful it sucked up every bit of space around them. He was a big shot and carried himself as if he knew it. Haven wasn’t sure she could stand for an introduction because her knees actually felt a little weak.
To her surprise, she was able to push herself up using the table for support. Haven waited for the two of them to finish saying their hellos. After a few moments, Ms. McKenna seemed to remember she was in the room. Through breathless giggles, Ms. McKenna turned in her direction. “Ellis, this is the young woman I’ve told you so much about. This is Haven Shaw.”
He turned his penetrating gaze toward her. Those dark eyes, so intense, made Haven’s mouth go completely dry.
Her palms started to perspire, so she ran them down the front of her pants before extending her arm out for a handshake. She smiled and hoped it didn’t come across as nervous. “H-hi. I’ve heard a lot about you too. I’m happy we finally have a chance to meet.”
Ellis’ eyes never wavered from hers as he took her hand in his and shook it. Quick as a flash, Haven thought she’d seen something in his eyes that was cold and angry. It was gone so fast that she wasn’t sure she’d actually seen it. They’d just met. It had to be her imagination. What could Ellis McKenna possibly be angry with her about?
The next time he spoke, his voice had an edge to it. “It’s important to get to know all of my grandmother’s employees. I wish we could have met sooner. Unfortunately, business kept me away. Nowadays, background checks just aren’t enough. That’s why I’m here—to separate the vultures from the snakes.”
Damn. He didn’t pull any punches. Haven tried to remove her hand from his, but he’d captured it in a tight grip. Her nervousness completely vanished, and she raised her chin. “I can assure you that I’m neither.”
A one-sided grin appeared on his face. “I hope for your sake that’s true because it’ll be the hottest day in hell for anyone who tries to take advantage of my grandmother.”
Once Ellis was sure Haven got the message, he released his hold of her hand. She wasted no time snatching it away.
Despite his incredible good looks, the verdict was in—Ellis McKenna was an ass.
He flashed a mega-watt smile before putting the help in her place. “If you’ll excuse us, I’ve been out of the country for almost a year, and it’s been at least that long since I’ve seen my grandmother. I’d love to spend some quality time with her . . . alone. Your shift is over right?”
That arrogant prick had just dismissed her. Haven didn’t know why she expected Ellis to be someone warm like Ms. McKenna. He seemed to be the exact opposite.
“Ellis!” His grandmother gasped. “You’re
