From Nanny To Wife (12 page)

"We'll be in Newark in forty minutes," Ryan said. "You're doing good. You haven't asked me to knock you out yet."

Hope smiled weakly. "I can't believe I asked you to do that." She took a deep breath and let it out. "I will never like flying, so please don't ask me to do it often."

"I won't," Ryan said.

Hope glanced over at Zoe, who was sitting on the other side of the aisle, and saw the little girl was playing with her doll. "Did you call your attorney and find out what he wanted?" she asked, returning her attention to Ryan.

"No. When someone tells you, they have urgent news it's usually not good. I'll call-" Ryan's cell phone started ringing. "That's probably him."

"You better answer it," Hope said.

Ryan took the phone out of his pocket, flipped it open, and pressed the talk button. "Hello, Harvey. What do you want?" He paused as he listened. "I'm thirty-five minutes out. Meet me at the house in an hour."

"Is everything all right?" Hope asked once he ended the call.

"I don't know," Ryan said, putting the phone back in his pocket. "He wouldn't tell me anything. He said that what he has to say is better said face to face."

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Hope told him. "Tell me about your attorney."

"His name is Harvey Finch. He's been with me for ten years. There's not much to tell about him. He's like other attorneys, money hungry. I keep him around because he's damn good at what he does. Just a word of caution though. He has a thing for blonds. Don't be surprised if he tries to come on to you."

"Describe his appearance to me," Hope said.

"He's bald, overweight and wears glasses," Ryan said. "Why do you ask?"

"I'm trying to get a mental image of him." Hope arched a brow. "Did you think I was interested in meeting him?"

"Yes."

Hope shook her head. "I'm not. He's not my type."

Ryan opened his mouth only to close it again.

"What?" Hope said.

"I was going to ask you what your type was, but then I realized it's none of my business."

Hope lowered her eyes as a thought came to her.
You're my type, Ryan Kendall. It's just sad that I can't tell you that.

When Ryan, Hope and Zoe arrived home, they found Harvey Finch leaning against his Mercedes talking on a cell phone.

"Hang up the phone, Harvey," Ryan said, getting out of the car. "You're on my time now. I'm not paying you to talk on your phone."

"Don't get all worked up, Kendall," Harvey said, closing his phone. "I was just checking my messages. No need to chew my head off. I-" He broke off when he saw Hope. "Hello, beaut-"

"Save it." Ryan opened the trunk to remove the bags. "She's not interested."

"I'm just saying hello," Harvey declared.

Ryan snorted. "Sure you are."

Hope extended her hand. "Hope Landry."

Harvey grasped her hand and raised it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles. "Beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

"Thank you," Hope said. "Please excuse me. It's been a long day and the little one is worn out." She took hers and Zoe's bags from Ryan and headed toward the house with Zoe in tow.

"You're one lucky bastard, Kendall," Harvey said.

"Hope and I are not a couple," Ryan stated. "She's Zoe's nanny. Come into the house. I want to know what this urgent news is."

"I wish she was my nanny," Harvey mumbled, following Ryan.

Ryan led the way to his office. He waited until Harvey closed the door before he spoke. "Spill it."

"Aren't you going to offer me a drink first?" Harvey wanted to know.

Ryan settled behind his desk. "Help yourself. While you're fixing yourself a drink tell me what is going on."

Harvey moved toward the small bar situated in a corner of the office. "I heard from Laura's attorney this morning."

"What does she want now?" Ryan asked.

"Zoe." Harvey poured him a glass of brandy and carried it to the couch. "She's suing for full custody."

Anger rose within Ryan. Swearing softly, he closed his eyes and fought against the urge to destroy something.

"What do you want to do?" Harvey asked, plopping down on the couch.

"What kind of question is that?" Ryan growled. "I'm going to fight the bitch. She's not taking Zoe away from me."

Harvey took a drink of the brandy. "I thought you would say that. I'll let Laura's attorney know we intend to fight."

"You do that," Ryan said.

Harvey set his glass down on an end table. "Have you given any thought to getting married again?"

"What does marriage have to do with fighting Laura for Zoe?" Ryan asked, frowning.

"Laura is married, you're not," Harvey pointed out. "If you were to get married again you would have a better chance of keeping Zoe."

Ryan smiled coldly. "I have money, Harvey. Lots and lots of money. I'll buy off the damn judge if I have to."

"Won't work." Harvey jerked his tie loose. "Marla Stewart is the family court judge. You know how the old bat is. She doesn't give a damn how much money you have. She can't be bought. She's all about family and a two parent home is hell of a lot better than a single father who's a workaholic."

Ryan started to argue and then realized Harvey was right. "Damn it! I swore I would never get married again."

"Marriage can be a wonderful thing," Harvey said.

Ryan glared at him. "I'm shocked you were able to say that with a straight face. If it's so wonderful then why have you been married five times?"

Harvey grinned. "I love women. I'd love to love that nanny of yours."

"Leave Hope alone," Ryan said, feeling protective of her. "She's too good for you."

"Most women are, but I never let that stop me." Harvey studied Ryan for several seconds. "This isn't going to be easy, fighting Laura. She won't give up."

"Neither will I." Ryan pushed back his chair and stood. "Prepare yourself, Harvey. I want you at your best."

"Don't you worry about me," Harvey said. "I'm always ready for a good fight."

Ryan moved around the desk and stood in front of his attorney. "Zoe's future is hanging in the balance, Harvey. You screw this up and that bitch gets my daughter I'll ruin you. By the time I'm done with you, you won't be able to get a job flipping hamburgers. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes," Harvey said.

"Good," Ryan said. "Now get to work."

"Yes, boss." Harvey picked up his glass and tossed the rest back.

Ryan marched toward him and snatched the glass out of his hand. "No more liquor. I want your head clear."

Harvey got up from the couch and made a beeline for the door. In a hurry to get out of there, he didn't look back.

Alone Ryan began pacing the floor. With every step he took anger twisted in his gut. Before he could stop himself, he picked up the glass Harvey had used and hurled it across the room. It hit the wall and shattered into a million pieces.

"Feel better?" Hope asked, walking into the room.

Ryan whirled around. "Get out," he snarled.

Hope flinched. "Is there anything-"

"What part of 'get out' don't you understand, Ms. Landry?" Ryan asked coolly. He crossed the room and came to a halt before her. "I'm not in the mood."

"I'm sorry," Hope whispered.

Ryan gazed into her eyes and something inside of him snapped. He grabbed her by the arms, hauled her against his chest, and crushed her mouth beneath his. It was a kiss full of anger. There was no gentleness, no giving, only taking. He didn't give a thought to Hope's feelings and needs. His own were the only ones that mattered. He was lashing out and Hope was the one who was caught in the crossfire. It was the taste of blood and the sound of her helpless whimper that finally permeated his fog of anger. Disgusted with himself Ryan quickly released her.

"Get out," he rasped.

Hope turned and fled from the room.

Hope walked into the kitchen the following morning and saw everybody was seated at the table eating breakfast. Everyone but Ryan wished her a good morning. Returning the greeting half heartedly, she dropped a kiss on Zoe's head and then moved toward the coffee pot. She poured her a cup of the steaming liquid and took a seat at the table. As she took a sip of coffee her eyes met Ryan's and she quickly looked away. The memory of what happened in his office the night before flitted through her mind and it took all she had to remain in his presence and pretend as if nothing happened between them.

"Hope, are you all right?" Maggie asked.

"I'm f-fine." Hope winced at the hoarseness in her voice. "Why do you ask?"

"You look tired," Maggie said. "Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"

"Maggie, leave the poor girl alone," William said.

"I was just asking her a question," Maggie told him.

Hope tuned their voices out and turned her attention on Zoe. The little girl was playing with her food. "Zoe, are you done eating?"

"Yeah."

"Then lets get you cleaned up." Hope started to get up.

"I'll take care of her, dear," Maggie volunteered. "You haven't eaten yet."

"I'm not hungry," Hope muttered. "You finish your breakfast. I can-"

"Maggie, see to Zoe," Ryan said, pushing back his chair. "Hope, will you please come with me?"

"Yes, sir." Her heart knocking against her ribs Hope followed Ryan out of the kitchen. He led her to the family room where he gestured for her to sit down.

"Hope, I-" Ryan sat down on the coffee table in front of her. "About last night-"

"I don't want to talk about last night," Hope said stiffly.

"I need to apologize." Ryan cleared his throat. "What I did to you….I was angry and I took it out on you. I'm sorry I hurt you, Hope. You will never know how sorry I am."

Hope gazed at Ryan. His eyes were pleading with her to forgive him. "I'll forgive you if you'll tell me why you were angry."

"Tonight," Ryan said. "After we put Zoe to bed I will tell you everything and then I have something to ask you."

"Ask me now," Hope said intrigued.

Ryan sighed. "I can't. I need to explain some things first."

"Can you give me a hint as to what the question is?"

Ryan reached out and touched Hope's hand. "If you say yes our lives will change forever."