Midnight Diamonds (12 page)

He heard Sam sigh loudly. “Not from what Merrill Graham’s secretary told me. The only thing that would change their mind is a huge media event. I have some ideas to run past you that could get their attention and I want to get started.”

“Tonight’s not good for me. We’ll talk tomorrow. While I have you on the phone, I need to ask you a question. Why is the business bank account so low? I just put money in it last week.”

A long silence met his words. Maybe the call dropped? Then Sam cleared his throat. “We had a few unexpected expenses. You know, the usual stuff. Hey, you enjoy your evening. We’ll talk later.”

The line went dead, and Justin felt a gut punch of warning. Something definitely wasn’t right. He dialed a number and waited for it to answer. Glancing back to Silver, he saw her putting plates and flatware on the table. She unscrewed a sauce jar and stuck a fork in it. First she smelled it, then she tasted it. The obvious relief on her face nearly made him laugh.

“Hey, what’s up?”

He turned away and lowered his voice. “Listen, I need you to check on what Sam’s doing with the finances.”

“Already ahead of you. And you’re not going to like what I found.”

Justin listened for several minutes and his free hand fisted. “Son of a bitch!” He paced the deck as anger wormed its way into his gut. “Why?”

“Gambling, and Sam’s a big-time loser. You gotta cut him loose, Justin.”

“Yeah. I’ll text you later.” He hung up, his jaw clenching. Loyalty meant everything to him, and Sam had failed that test. Right now, he really needed to leave and take care of this situation, but he’d driven all this way to spend time with Silver. This was exactly the kind of thing that he worried about, his personal life keeping him from taking care of his career.

Did he have room in his life for a woman? He loved being with her. She made him feel as if he were the only guy in the world. But could he deal with a relationship right now, and was it fair to her? Things would get more demanding, and he couldn’t afford to be distracted. And Silver Madison was definitely a distraction.

As if sensing his thoughts, Silver opened the door. “Hey, cowboy? Are you ready?”

“Sure, let’s eat.” Justin walked back into the house, more confused than ever.

* * *

Silver snuggled closer to Justin on the sofa as warmth from the fireplace eased into the room. “I’ve always loved watching a fire. It’s so relaxing, especially late at night.”

“Mm hmm.”

She frowned at his response. He hadn’t smiled once since the phone call, and she knew something was bothering him. Maybe he’d changed his mind about the two of them. Or maybe he’d gotten some bad news. Either way, the evening had dissolved into her watching him think.

“Justin, what’s wrong? And don’t say ‘nothing’. You haven’t uttered a complete sentence in over an hour.”

He pulled away and ran one hand through his hair. “Sorry, I have a lot on my mind.”

“About us?”

When he cupped her cheek with one hand, she leaned into the caress.

“No. Well, maybe. It’s just complicated right now.”

She’d heard those words before in a relationship. Justin had said that his career was his top priority, and it sounded like she needed to back away. Part of Silver’s heart withdrew behind protective walls she kept handy.

“Justin, I’m not asking for anything from you. I’m here as a friend if you want to talk.”

“Silver, you’re more than a friend. You are beyond gorgeous, and the time we spend together is great. But right now I’m dealing with some really lousy news, and I can’t concentrate on us.”

“OK, then let’s head home.”

Part of her had wanted him to say they were staying for the night. But Justin didn’t seem like a separate bedrooms type of guy, and the romantic mood had vanished with that phone call.

“I think that’s a good idea.” He stood up and began packing the picnic basket.

She joined him and swallowed hard against the rising irritation. Maybe it was good to know exactly what he wanted from her, which suddenly seemed to be a whole lot of nothing. When she reached for empty containers to throw them away, his hand gently caught her wrist, stopping her.

“I’m sorry. It’s not you, Silver.”

Facing him, she looked him in the eyes. “Why bring me here if you were going to push me away?”

“I’m not intentionally pushing you away. I just need time to get things straightened out with my career. Let me get through all of this and we’ll see what happens.”

Translation: he was too busy to be with her and this was his way of letting go. One thing she’d learned from her last encounter with a self-possessed man was don’t try and change his mind. While the rest of her heart slid behind those walls, she gave him a smile. “Fine. But you don’t have to do this by yourself. Sometimes there’s more strength in having someone beside you. Someone who cares about more than themselves.”

At first she thought she’d gone too far when Justin propped his hands on the table and dropped his head to his chest. She watched him for several long moments without saying a word and barely breathing. Finally he straightened, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close, leaning his forehead against hers. “You’re right. I get lost in overthinking and analyzing things, like I’m the only person in the world who can fix whatever is wrong.” He kissed the top of her head. “Would you come to Mom’s tomorrow night and meet my brothers?”

Exasperation made her lean away from him. “Justin, I’m getting emotional whiplash from the constant change in direction. What happened to focusing on your career?”

“That won’t change, but maybe we can try this together.”

When he leaned in to kiss her, she didn’t move and she didn’t tear down the walls. Not yet. Not even when she felt herself responding immediately to him. Her hands slid into his hair while his fingers slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, burning against her skin. As much as she wanted to be close to him, she pushed him away.

“One step at a time, cowboy. I’m still trying to figure out what’s happening between us.”

Chuckling, he dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Let’s get you home.”

Silver finished packing the basket while he took care of the fireplace. But she really wanted him stoke the smoldering passion inside of her.

Chapter Eight

“Sil, we need to take you shopping. All you have are teacher clothes,” Becky huffed in exasperation as she popped her knuckles. “I mean, seriously, the hottest guy on the planet has asked you to meet his family, and you’re wearing that?”

Silver had paced the apartment all day, wondering what to wear, what to say, how to act. Justin would be here any moment, and she stood in front of the full-length mirror on her closet door, wondering if she was dressed correctly. The cream-colored blouse and tan slacks fit her perfectly. She’d added a pearl necklace, a pearl ring from her grandmother, and a gold Michael Kors watch. She felt very put together and proper, with tan flats on her feet and a matching purse ready to go.

Becky, on the other hand, wore a vintage, hot pink jumpsuit, a darker pink, wide leather belt, and bright yellow spiked heels. It should have looked gaudy, but instead boasted haute couture. When Justin had called and said to bring Becky, Silver had been surprised but readily agreed. Having her best friend there would make the evening better.

Miss Fashion Forward gave her another once over and groaned.

“What’s wrong with this outfit?” Silver asked.

The other woman sucked in a loud breath then blew it out. “You won’t like what I say.”

“Becky!”

“Well, you’re dressed like your mother.”

Oh, hell no. Not in this lifetime.

When Silver walked out of the bedroom ten minutes later, she wore dark brown slacks with brown Mary Jane flats and a mink brown silk blouse she’d found in the back of her closet. She had to admit the brown set off her hair and complexion. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Parted on the side, her long blonde hair swung loosely past her shoulders.

“One more change,” Becky said as she followed Silver into the living room. “Please?”

Silver stared at the red heels her friend carried. “Red with brown? You can’t be serious.”

Becky’s face lit up. “Hold these.” She handed the red heels to Silver and ran back into the bedroom. When she returned, Becky handed her a small pile of soft fabric. “Your grandmother’s shawl.”

Silver took the delicate silk and ran her fingers across the hand-done embroidery. The soft brown background was the perfect canvas for the intricate flowers of all colors, including red. Kicking off the brown shoes, she slipped on the red heels then wrapped the shawl artfully across her shoulders. “Well?”

“Perfect!” Becky declared.

Silver shook her head, but smiled. “You’re right. By the way, where have you been the past few days?”

“Doing some research into a few things.”

“What things?”

A series of sharp knocks interrupted them.

“Saved by the knock,” Becky muttered. “I’ll get it.”

Silver shook her head. Sometimes her friend baffled her.

Justin was dressed casually, delicious in a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled back and a pair of dark blue jeans, black boots, and a black hat. After calling Silver beautiful and giving her a lengthy kiss to say hello, and a hug for Becky, the three of them climbed into a black Lexus—his mother’s car—and joked the entire way to Connie’s house.

“Wow,” Becky whispered as they pulled into a long, circular driveway.

A massive two story Southern colonial mansion rose against the evening horizon. Oak trees lined both sides of the wide drive, and pink crepe myrtles waved in a gentle breeze from immaculate flower beds. White window frames and black shutters accented red brick; leaded windows flanked the double front doors painted a dark burgundy; white columns stood a full two stories over a huge veranda across the length of the house; and four white rocking chairs welcomed visitors.

Justin parked near the front and got out to open the passenger and back doors, helping both women out of the car. When he took her hand in his, Silver’s jitters calmed.

“This is an amazing home, Justin.”

“Wait until you see inside,” he said with a smile as he opened the door. They were greeted by a young man who stood as tall as Justin with brown hair and sparkling hazel eyes.

Justin smiled. “Hey, big brother. This is Silver Madison. Silver, this is Kade.”

Kade shook her hand. “Great to meet you, Silver.”

“You, too. I bought your last jazz album,
Crazy Caribbean
, and thought it was fantastic.”

“Thanks! I appreciate it.”

“Ahem.” Becky cleared her throat.

Justin eased Becky forward. “Kade, this is Becky Sinclair, Silver’s best friend.”

“Nice to meet you, Kade. Before you ask, I know your music and I don’t like it. Not a fan,” Becky finished, pointing to herself.

Kade blinked at her then his eyes crinkled with amusement as his gaze roamed over her outfit. Then he saw the shoes.

“Yellow?”

“Deal with it, Sandman,” Becky said with a stiff smile.

“Not sure what the Sandman thing means, but you’re not a fan. Good to know, Sunshine.”

They entered the living room and Connie stood. “Silver, it’s good to see you again.” She hugged Silver and turned to Becky, extending her hand. “Connie Rivers. You must be Becky.”

“Yes, ma’am, Becky Sinclair.” She shook the woman’s hand. “Thanks for asking us to your beautiful home.”

“I’m glad you’re here. This is Justin’s brother, Hunter.”

The dark haired and blue-eyed man was a younger version of Justin, only more slender, with a devilish grin.

“Pleased to meet you.”

Becky giggled. “So you’re the one who ropes cattle by day and sings karaoke by night?”

Hunter crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, what do you know? Big brother’s been telling on me.”

Silver laughed. “Only the good stuff.”

Connie led the way to the dining room. Silver looked around as they walked. Simple, understated wealth. Nothing flashy or ostentatious, yet one could tell that the furniture and accessories were of the finest quality. Camel colored walls and natural woods set the tone for earth-toned furniture and accessories. Exotic area rugs covered slate and wood floors, adding dashes of elegance. Paintings, angel sculptures, and crystal vases with fresh cut flowers warmed the room. Hundreds of leather bound books caught her attention.

Floor to ceiling shelves were filled with colorful bindings. One section had been encased with glass and held very old books. She felt herself drawn to it and bent down to see the titles on the old covers.
Robinson Crusoe
,
Once and Future King
,
Tom Sawyer
, and others mounted on cloth-covered stands, precious treasures that someone had seen the value of through the years.

“I guess you would like old books, being a teacher,” Justin whispered as he slipped an arm around her waist.

“The mustier, the better,” she quipped softly. “Justin, these are incredible. Are they first editions?”

Nodding, he opened the case and took out
Once and Future King
, gently lifting the cover. Inside, scrawled writing said:

Slade, thanks for the help. No one else could have done the job. Your friend, T. H. White

“Who is Slade?”

“My grandfather—something of a rebel in his day.”

“Why does he have an original copy? And what did White mean about the job?”

“Ask Grandpa sometime. It’s quite a story.”

“Come on, you two. I don’t want these enchiladas to get cold,” called Connie.

Justin put the book back inside the case and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the food.

Nearly two hours later, after almost non-stop laughter and too much to eat, Silver felt amazingly comfortable with almost everyone. As they walked into the living room, Becky put her arms around all of them. “Should we take a
groufie
? You know, a group selfie.” When no one commented or moved, she put her arms back down. “Maybe not.”