Foolish Games (20 page)

Annabeth’s face lit up. “That was fast. How did you manage it so quickly?”

“I had money left after paying Owen’s medical bills, and my business manager is investing. I also have money in a trust that my brother is allowing me to borrow against.”

Annabeth arched an eyebrow at her. “Your brother?”

Julianne waved a hand. “Long story. But after selling my soul to the devil, my brother has agreed get me the money. I should have all the funds by next week.”

Annabeth had offered to loan her the money, but that would be like taking Will’s money, and Julianne still felt the need to do this on her own. She needed to prove to Will that her career wasn’t some flight of fancy, that she did have some direction to her life despite her screwups of the last year.

“So tomorrow we check out the mills?” Annabeth asked before taking a bite of her salad.

“If you and Patricia can still make it, I’d love to. We’re headed up to Baltimore next week, and I want to have some ideas to present to Sebastian by then.”

“She and I are planning on it. The only new business we’ve had in two years is an orthopedic rehab hospital. While it’s great for the community, the only ones who’ve been able to find a job there are those with technical skills. We need jobs for the less skilled employees who are out of work in town. In the past five years, this town has lost a blue jeans manufacturer and a linen company. A small company manufacturing clothing will provide jobs to those who stuck around and are scrimping by on the wages they earn during the tourism season.”

Julianne stood, brushing out her skirt. “Great. Owen is asleep upstairs. There’s a bottle made in the fridge. I should hurry over to the ball field to catch up with Will.” She hesitated. “You’re okay with not telling Will about this yet, right?”

Annabeth snorted. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t tell him yet. Most men are domineering when it comes to business, but Will is over-the-top. He went ballistic when he found out I bought my grandmother’s shop in town. It didn’t fit with his idea of what he wanted me to do with my life. As if I were going to follow his plans.”

“Where’d you get the money to buy the store?”

“His rookie season, he gave me money for a down payment on a house. I used it to buy the store instead. I lived in the trailer for another nine months, saving up what was eventually the down payment for this house.”

Julianne stilled. “Does Will know this?”

“Heavens, no! I like to let him think he got his way.” Annabeth eyed her sternly. “Don’t you tell him, either, Julianne. That one’s our secret.”

Julianne smiled and held up her pinkie. “Pinkie swear!” Instinctively she leaned in and hugged Annabeth. Her mother-in-law paused a moment but then hugged her back.

 • • • 

Owen’s eyes rolled back in his head in complete contentment as Annabeth slipped the finished bottle from his lips. A small smile formed on his face as he dozed off to sleep. She brushed her thumb over his soft, wispy hair.

Had Will ever been this content as a baby?
Her son had come out of the womb with a chip on his shoulder, it seemed. He was a colicky, cranky baby. Nothing like the adoring, devoted child she’d envisioned. Everything went so fast back then. She was just a child herself trying to figure out how to be a mom. It had been a lot of work.

But eventually they’d made it through, and Will became her protector, a little mini-man who was in a sense devoted to her. It seemed at times that Will was growing up faster than she was. He’d been smart as a whip and determined to make a name for himself and make everyone in Chances Inlet respect him. All that had done was isolate him further. Today he had teammates, but he wasn’t close to them. Will was their leader, and he liked maintaining that distance.

Then along came Julianne. Annabeth couldn’t condone her daughter-in-law’s action with regard to withholding Owen’s paternity, but things had ultimately worked out. While neither Julianne nor Will would admit it, Annabeth knew the two of them were more involved than they claimed.

“Unless that’s you putting all those love bites on your mama’s neck, little one,” she whispered to the sleeping baby before reluctantly putting him in his crib. “For your sake, I hope they aren’t playing games and are serious about this relationship.”

She had the feeling Julianne had already committed her heart to the marriage; from what Annabeth could tell she wasn’t one to love halfway. Her son, on the other hand, kept his emotions locked deeply inside, believing they were a sign of weakness. For all she knew, Julianne could just be a convenient sexual partner for him; he was a man, after all.

Closing the nursery door, Annabeth prayed she was wrong about Will. He needed Julianne and Owen as much as they needed him. Will just didn’t know it yet.

Her cell phone was ringing when she reached the kitchen. Hank’s number popped up on the screen. Annabeth took a deep breath. She couldn’t keep holding him off, yet she didn’t want to end their relationship. Hank would do it eventually, she was sure of that, and Annabeth would rather save herself the heartache. Except she found herself looking forward to his e-mails and his calls every day, and she’d miss him when they stopped coming.

“Hi,” she answered as she slid down onto the sofa overlooking the sea.

“Oh, good, you answered. I was beginning to think I’d missed you.” The deep timbre of Hank’s voice reverberated in her belly and parts farther south.

“I was up putting Owen to bed.”

“How’s the little guy doing?”

“He’s wonderful. Perfect, actually.”

“So is his grandmother.” The reverence in his voice made her quiver.

Annabeth needed to change the subject. “How’s Sophie?”

Hank’s resigned sigh echoed over the phone. “She’s on her way to Alaska. Elizabeth and Kevin have been planning this cruise for a couple of years. Despite her whining about sharing a cabin with the twins, I think Sophie will enjoy it.”

“I’ve always wanted to see Alaska.” She was unsuccessful at keeping the wistful tone out of her voice.

“Why haven’t you?”

His question made her both angry and sad at the same time. It was another example of why they could never be a couple. Once the sizzle of the sex appeal died down, he’d be stuck with a small-town girl whose education was made up of what life threw at her in a small corner of the world. He’d end up hating her or worse, pitying her. Either alternative made her stomach seize up.

“I’m trying to fit it in between my trips to Switzerland and Bora Bora.” She didn’t bother concealing her sarcasm.

“Stop it, Annabeth! My question was a valid one. You have the money and certainly the free time to go. Why don’t you?” He was testy now, too.

“I have a business to run, Hank. It may not be as important as a football team, but it is my livelihood.”

“Bullshit.”

Annabeth felt the force of the word through the phone, like a slap in the face.

“You wanna know what I think?” he asked.

“No!”

He ignored her. “I think you like using that shop, that town, as a shield. A place to hide so you don’t have to go out in the world and make another mistake or take another chance. That’s no way to live your life, Annabeth. You can’t be afraid of being the woman you’re meant to be or of how others will perceive you. Damn it, you’re so much more than you think you are. You just need to prove it to yourself first.”

“Well, I hadn’t realized you had a psychology degree hanging on the wall with all your other college degrees, Hank. Thank you for explaining my problems so the girl with the GED could easily understand them.”

“And that’s another thing, Annabeth,” Hank’s voice boomed over the phone. “The only one who gives a damn about your supposed lack of education is you! No one else is holding it against you or judging you. Everyone looks at you and sees a smart, savvy, beautiful businesswoman.”

“And what happens when I’m not so beautiful anymore, Hank?” she snapped. “When I actually have to hold a conversation with you or your friends and I don’t measure up?”

“What?” Hank’s exasperated voice shouted in her ear. “What are you talking about? We’ve spent the last two weeks talking. Have I ever given you the impression that you didn’t . . .
measure up
? That I haven’t
enjoyed
our conversations? Or that they’ve somehow been lacking?”

Annabeth could feel his anger biting through the phone. She felt a little ashamed, but she had no other way to explain herself.

“Tell me, Annabeth, did you think these past two weeks of e-mails and phone calls were just a prelude to sex?” His voice had gone very quiet. “Do you honestly think I’m that shallow?”

No
, she wanted to shout. She knew he wasn’t shallow, that his interest went beyond just a physical relationship. The problem was, she wasn’t sure she could keep him satisfied beyond a physical relationship, and she didn’t want to see his face when he came to that realization. Annabeth cared about him too much to endure that kind of pain.

When she didn’t answer, he spoke. “Well, I’d hoped for more, Annabeth. A lot more. I know you’re capable of that, but until you realize it too, there’s nothing more I can say.” He swallowed. “I hope one day you find the courage to see who you really are. Have a nice life, Annabeth,” he said softly before hanging up the phone.

Numb, she slumped back into the sofa and let the tears fall.

Will Connelly was in love with his wife.
He wasn’t sure when or how it happened, but somehow he’d fallen head over heels in love with Julianne. Flighty, messy, neurotic, sexy Julianne. Maybe he’d fallen for her that first night on Sea Island, where the connection between them had sparked to life. Or perhaps it was watching her fight for their son, sacrificing so much so he would live a happy life.

However it had happened, Will was glad she’d weaseled her way into his heart. He sat on the bench in the locker room of the Ship’s Iron Gym studying the wedding band on his left hand in wonder. It actually looked good on him.

“Damn, Will. You could warn a guy first before you blind him with that,” Gavin teased.

Will knew his friend was happy for him, but there was an edge in Gavin’s voice, too. His own fiancée had called off their wedding last summer, just days before the ceremony. While Gavin played down her desertion, Will sensed it still stung.

“Sorry.” Will didn’t need to say any more. They’d been friends long enough that Gavin knew he meant it in a variety of ways.

Gavin shrugged it off. “I’m just a little miffed I didn’t get to toast the bride and groom at their wedding. You married so quickly, we never got a chance to celebrate.”

Will paused in packing his workout clothes in his bag. He and Julianne had married quickly, but it wasn’t supposed to be a marriage based on love, so he hadn’t cared. Now, though, their marriage meant something more. Something to be celebrated. He pictured Julianne in one of her sexy wedding gowns. Every woman wanted a wedding, didn’t they? Perhaps he should suggest they have a more traditional ceremony and reception. One with music and flowers and cake. All the things he’d denied her the first go-around.

He glanced at the gold band again. Will hadn’t been able to bring himself to say the words back to her the other night. Instead, he’d gone out and bought a wedding ring. Hopefully, by wearing it, she’d know he loved her.

“Maybe we’ll have another ceremony. With a reception this time.” The more Will thought about it, the more he liked the idea. They could start over, actually meaning the vows they spoke to one another.

“Ah, now you’re just trolling for wedding gifts, Will. I’m not buying you any china.”

“Funny.” Will zipped his gym bag closed. “We bought china for a wedding gift for Chase last year.”

“Yeah, that’s because we listened to Amanda, who was filling my place with crystal and place settings for sixteen. Seriously, who needs sixteen sets of dishes? If I’m having that many people over for dinner, I’m ordering pizza.” Gavin slammed his locker shut. “I still say we should have gone with our guts and gotten that vintage pinball machine. Chase would have loved it.”

“It
was
an awesome game,” Will agreed. At the same time, he could picture Julianne easily entertaining sixteen for dinner with a meal she’d prepared. And it wouldn’t be pizza. His kitchen would end up looking like a war zone, but it would be worth it.

“Jeez, Will, are you gonna wear that shit-eating grin on your face all day?”

Unaware that he was smiling, Will glanced at his friend. “Sorry, I was just thinking about—”

“Whoa!” Gavin held his hands up. “TMI. I really don’t need the details, bro.”

They stood in awkward silence for a moment.

“I’m really happy for you, man.” Gavin finally said. “Everything worked out, and I’m glad. You deserve it.”

Will rubbed the back of his neck. “I wish things had worked out for you and Amanda.”

“They did work out, just not the way everyone thought they would. But she’s happy and that’s all that matters.”

Will eyed his friend, wondering if he would be so magnanimous if Julianne suddenly changed her mind about him. Probably not. He stepped toward to Gavin.

“Connelly, if you’re gonna hug me in the men’s locker room,” Gavin protested, “I’m gonna have to take you down. Which, by the way, I can still do. Come on, you can buy me lunch instead.”

“Fine,” Will laughed. It had been many years since Gavin had bested him, but he’d let that ride for now.

“And a cigar,” Gavin said as they headed out the door. “I never got a cigar when your son was born.”

Another thing Will would have to remedy. He needed to organize a wedding and a proper celebration of Owen’s birth. They headed to Pier Pressure while he contemplated both.

 • • • 

An hour later, Will walked back to his house. He was eager to see Julianne and get her reaction to the ring he wore. Hell, he was looking forward to the things she’d do to him in appreciation, and him to her. His body hardened in anticipation and he widened his stride.

Damn!
As he turned onto the sandy drive, he remembered that his wife had disappeared with his mother and Patricia earlier, a happy Owen in tow. They were going shopping, they’d said, all three of them looking like the cat that had eaten the canary. Will was glad his mother and Julianne were getting along. His own relationship with his mother was often fragile. He loved her, that was irrefutable, but he didn’t understand her choices. Her life could be so much more, yet she was content to remain here in Chances Inlet. Perhaps now she’d venture out more, if nothing else but to visit her grandson during the season.

Rounding the curve, he spotted an unfamiliar car in the driveway. Curious, he picked up his pace but nearly stopped in his tracks when he noticed his agent, Roscoe, sitting on the verandah. Will’s breathing ratcheted up a couple of notches. The two hadn’t spoken in two days, when Roscoe had assured him there wasn’t enough evidence for the Senate committee to subpoena him. With luck, Bountygate would fade away. The fact that his agent hadn’t called but instead was here in person didn’t bode well.

Roscoe looked haggard where he sat in the shade, an empty water bottle in his hands. Will climbed the stairs, his own body now tense.

“Your phone broken?” he asked Roscoe.

“Nope.” Roscoe stood, his suit rumpled from the heat. “This conversation needed to take place in person.”

Will muttered a few choice words under his breath as he entered the key code unlocking the kitchen door. Roscoe followed him in and Will headed directly for the refrigerator and pulled out a bottled water. He handed it to Roscoe, who shook his head.

“Got anything stronger?”

Will’s whole body went on alert. He handed Roscoe a beer while taking a swig of the water for himself.

Roscoe took a long swallow. “Where’s your family?” he asked.

“Out.”

Roscoe nodded before taking another pull on the beer bottle.

Will couldn’t take it anymore. “Do you want to tell me what this is all about, or are you waiting for me to get out the chips and salsa?”

Sliding onto a stool at the island, Roscoe ran a hand through his hair. “According to my sources, you’re going to get served. They’d prefer you be in Baltimore to do it, but they’ll come here if you force it.”

Will gripped the countertop, trying to neutralize his shock. “You told me it was all over.”

“That’s what I was told. But last night, the Senate committee got some new information. They think it’s enough to subpoena you.”

“I don’t understand.” Will’s hands were shaking. They couldn’t force him to testify.

“Neither do I. Zevalos certainly didn’t give you up. Neither would anyone else involved. Especially since it would only implicate them. The only other people who know about this are you and I. And I certainly didn’t say anything.”

A roaring sound commenced in Will’s head. His fingers were tingling where they gripped the countertop and his breath was sawing through his chest.

“Jesus, Will.”

He could hear the panic in Roscoe’s voice, but his eyes wouldn’t focus any longer.

“Tell me you didn’t tell anyone else. Tell me you didn’t tell
her
!” Roscoe demanded.

Will didn’t need his agent to clarify who he meant by
her
. The only person he had told was Julianne. But she wouldn’t tell her brother. Not that. She’d said she loved Will. Certainly, she wouldn’t betray him.

Roscoe’s voice sounded like it was coming through a tunnel now. “Damn it, Will! I told you not to trust her. Her brother is on the freaking Senate committee, for crying out loud!”

Will tried to swallow around the lump in his throat. Could she have broken his trust? He refused to believe she had. Unclenching his fingers from the countertop, he staggered over to the small desk she’d been using. Yesterday, she’d been awfully secretive about what she was working on. He pulled a folder from the desk, stunned by the doodling he saw on the outside. Her brother’s name was there, with a pair of devil horns along with a star surrounding the notation of seventy-five thousand dollars. The folder dropped from his hand as if it burned him. Sketches of babies rained down on the kitchen floor.

Roscoe crouched down to sort through the papers. “It looks like she’s starting another company.” He whistled through his teeth. “And guess who’s providing the financing?”

The question was rhetorical because Will already knew the answer.

“She sold you out to her brother to get herself back in the design world. Looks like she plans to use Owen, too.”

“No!” Will roared, slamming his hand against the stainless steel fridge.

“How much more evidence do you need, Will? Jesus! She tried to steal your son from you. The woman must be a sexual sorceress in the bedroom if you can overlook all that.”

Will lunged at him, but Roscoe was adept at avoiding his clients’ punches after all these years.

“Settle down!” Roscoe yelled at him. “I’ve only let one of my clients actually deck me and only because I owed it to him.” Roscoe pulled a kitchen chair between them. “You pay me to watch out for you and to tell it like it is, but you don’t get to shoot the messenger.”

Will felt a great weight settle in his chest as he slumped into the desk chair. He wanted to wail. Had her love been a lie, too? His gut rolled just thinking it. All of his life, he’d been the kid looking in the window from the outside. Watching his friends love and be loved. His mother loved him, but she’d been too busy making sure they both survived to notice those painful moments when all the other boys played catch with their fathers or went on father-son campouts together. Or the dads who wouldn’t let their daughters date him because of where he lived or his parentage. The kids in school who’d cozied up to him to get help with their homework but made fun of his Goodwill clothing behind his back. Even in college, he’d stood apart from the rest, the poor scholarship kid whose mother could barely afford even a bus ticket for him to go home for the holidays while they were jetting off to tropical destinations.

But finally, he’d thought he’d found true happiness with Julianne. She and Owen would be his family. They would belong to him and he would belong to them. Could it all have been just a lie?

“Will.” Roscoe’s voice permeated the fog. “We need to get back to Baltimore. Ron can fly us back as soon as we can get over to the airport.”

“Not until Julianne and Owen get back.”

Roscoe sighed. “Okay, yeah. You need to say good-bye to your son. We can go over custody scenarios on the flight back.”

Will didn’t want to think about how this was going to impact his son. He just knew he needed to speak with Julianne. To ask her directly if she’d done what Roscoe thought or if it was just a big misunderstanding.

“Maybe you could throw some things in a bag while we wait,” Roscoe prodded him.

“Yeah.” Will slowly stood. “They can’t compel me to testify, can they?”

Roscoe didn’t respond immediately. “No. But the league has made it clear you’ll be suspended if you don’t.”

Will’s legs felt like wood as he climbed the stairs to his bedroom.

 • • • 

Julianne sang along to the U2 song on the satellite radio. It had been a beautiful day. They’d found two potential mill sites, both well within the price range Sebastian had specified. Patricia had been a pit bull, hammering the owners with construction questions Julianne wouldn’t have thought of. Annabeth had been a bit subdued all day, but she’d kept Owen occupied and happy. She’d left the two of them at the inn with Patricia while she’d come home to find Will. Although she’d only been gone for the day, she missed him.

The purpose of their fake marriage was so Will could bond with his son. But the real bonding had been between Will and Julianne. The potent attraction that had pulled them together on Sea Island was now a fierce connection. She’d told him she loved him the other night, and he hadn’t run screaming into the ocean, which she took as a positive sign. They still hadn’t talked about their future, however. It was as if neither one of them wanted to broach the subject, choosing to live in the moment instead, enjoying what they could of each other. Julianne hoped they could sustain whatever it was between them, because she now knew she couldn’t live without Will.

She cautiously steered the SUV up the drive when she noticed another car parked near the house. There was a rental car sticker on the bumper, but nothing else to identify its owner. Pulling her car beside it, Julianne turned off the ignition and hopped out, quickly striding up the steps.

“Will!” she called as she entered the kitchen. His large form sitting stonily at the kitchen table startled her.

“Hi,” she said warily as she placed her purse on the counter. She took a couple of steps toward him, but something stopped her. He was back to being formidable and unflappable in his business suit and tie. His face was the same stoic one that had greeted her in the hospital over a month before.

“Where’s the baby?” he asked. Something about his tone made her stomach drop.

“Umm . . . he’s with your mom. She’s going to walk him back in the stroller. The ladies in the yarn shop like to pinch his cheeks.” She sashayed her hips a little and smiled at him, but he didn’t see the joy in little old ladies cooing over their son. Her smile vanished as unease began to grip her.

“Will, what is it? What’s wrong?” Her voice shook slightly.

A movement out of the corner of her eye captured her attention. Will’s agent emerged from the shadows.