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“It was but more on my mom and dad. Mr. Thorn tried to make it right though. He purchased them a vacation house in Florida and paid off their current mortgage and of course provided all the expenses for John’s funeral. He even set up a trust fund for my niece and sister-in-law. Everything is taken care of. That’s how generous Mr. Thorn is.”
“Huh. That’s interesting. So you like working here?”
“What’s not to like? I have eight weeks of paid vacation, fully paid health care, and a fat 401-K that’s matched every paycheck. And I’m paid so damn well I have money in the bank for the first time in my life. He treats us real good, including a Christmas bonus. The whole family is that way. They remember our birthdays too.” He was genuinely happy.
And I was genuinely shocked.
“That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you for watching out for me.”
“Don’t worry, ma’am. I mean Maria. No one is getting into this house. I got your back.”
“I can tell you do.” There was something very special about the way the man talked, the true respect he had for Daniel and the rest of the family. It brought me pause. And thoughts.
And desires.
I’d seen another side of Daniel, and it was still all so confusing. “Let me ask you something. On a regular basis, do you normally go out and… handle enemies?” I had no idea what terminology to use.
“Oh, heavens no,” he said, laughing. “This is very unusual. Other than an occasional corporate business meeting that gets a little aggressive, I’ve never encountered Defcon four.”
I opened my eyes wide and he laughed harder.
“I’m sorry. That’s my terminology for the highest level of danger. I apologize if it scared you.”
“No. Not at all.” I was lying again.
“Do you need anything? I’m happy to do anything for you,” Brock offered.
“Not a thing. I guess I’m just a little worried.”
“Don’t worry about Mr. T. He’s a skilled man in every aspect of handling business, including whatever enemies he has. I’m certain he’ll be home soon.”
Sadly, I wasn’t and it continued to nag at me.
“Thank you, Brock. Enjoy your book. Don’t forget there’s more comfortable seating in the living room.”
“I am just dandy right here, Mrs. Thorn.”
It was back to business as usual. He remained standing as I walked away, a polite gentleman with good manners. I was so weirded out I needed something stronger than wine. I headed into the kitchen, noticing a bottle of whiskey on the counter. I had to search for a glass before finding one, although the one I chose was a kid’s glass with Mickey Mouse logos all over it.
As I held it into my hand, I realized maybe for the first time that Daniel was a dangerous man, yet he was also a son and a brother, an uncle and a friend to someone. The fact he was so well respected did say something about his character. I laughed to myself and poured some of the liquor, holding it into the light and closing my eyes.
The talk we’d had while riding horses, the moment of real passion had been mind-blowing. I’d adored the way he’d been, dominant yet open with me. Then we’d been interrupted. I wasn’t certain of a lot of things, including my ability to keep playing a part, but I was certain about one aspect of this crazy life.
I was falling head over heels for the man. All the pushing him away, all the posturing I’d done to try to lock down my emotions had failed. He’d allowed me to see through the armor to the real man and I’d done the very same thing.
Now what the hell was I going to do with the rest of my life?
I stood against the counter nursing the drink, debating the position I’d placed myself in until I heard a noise. Not just any noise but a happy sound coming from Brock. I wasn’t certain whether or not I was supposed to see what was going on. Oh, heck. I was a nosy girl. I’d demanded that I be a part of Daniel’s entire world. I needed to know what was going on.
With the glass still in my hand, I headed into the hallway leading back to the entrance. I was barely two feet from the kitchen when I noticed Daniel talking with Brock, his back turned to me. That wasn’t in and of itself strange. However the cooing Brock was doing, a man who stood six foot five easily weighing likely two hundred and fifty pounds was crazy and incredible.
A man actually cooed?
I inched closer and something drew Daniel’s attention, the man slowly turning around. There were few things in my life that shocked me any longer or had in my past life. I’d seen crimes where people swiped purses, a terrible hit and run where the driver was never found. I’d witnessed kids breaking into a store as if it was child’s play and they’d been maybe ten years old.
And I’d witnessed my mother fading before my eyes only to come back to live with verve.
But this… this was extraordinary.
