House Calls: Callaghan Brothers, Book 3 (26 page)

* * *

M
aggie wasn’t quite sure what to think.  Was he angry with her for getting the tattoo?  She had wanted it to be a surprise, a permanent expression of her love for him.

Michael remained unusually quiet for the ride home.  He kept his eyes focused on the road, but every now and then he’d glance her way, his expression unreadable.  Maggie wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but couldn’t bring herself to do so.  The only time she’d ever seen him like this was when something was really bothering him, or when he was really pissed.  She remained quiet, trying to quell the nervous wriggling in her belly.

He parked the car.  She followed him into the house.  The second they were inside the door he pinned her against the wall, his expression as fierce as she had ever seen it.  Seconds later his mouth came down on hers, hot and hungry yet infinitely tender.

“
Mine
,” he growled, and a bolt of pure heat shot through her.

Michael pulled away only long enough to relieve her of her clothes, then took her right there by the door. 

T
he fact that Spencer Dumas was up to something became clear a few days later when Lexi was called unexpectedly into a meeting with her longtime friend and business partner, Aidan Harrison.  It was unusual for him to summon her, especially when he knew she was busy planning the evening’s specialty menu. 

Lexi did have a private office right next to Aidan’s, but she was rarely in it, preferring to remain in the kitchens with the staff while Aidan oversaw the day to day business operations.  Lexi was the “phantom” partner – the silent talent behind the unprecedented success of the menu, the one who shunned publicity regularly and whose loyal, devoted staff protected her fiercely. 

Several times throughout the day Aidan tended to find his way down to her to discuss whatever needed to be discussed, to sample the day’s creations, to just spend time with Lexi.  He did everything he could to keep her away from all of the ugliness of the business, letting her focus on what she did best:  namely, creating their unique culinary offerings, and keeping Aidan grounded and in touch with the staff.  They knew every one of their employees by their first names, knew the names of their spouses and children, and treated them like family.  For as elaborate and high-brow as the Celtic Goddess appeared from the outside, within it was all very casual and informal, a close-knit family that worked together remarkably well.

She was therefore quite surprised when she received the rather formal request at the hand of Aidan’s personal assistant, a very efficient woman with sharp eyes and short hair and a heart of gold.  Discarding her chef’s coat, she smoothed down her cotton blouse, swapping her rubber-soled black Reeboks for a pair of slip-on gold sandals.  With her faded blue jeans – standard attire for Lexi – and partially-freed multi-hued golden hair she looked more like a teenager than a world-renowned chef.

“Thanks for joining us, Lex,” Aidan said when she entered the office.  He was, as always, impeccably dressed in a dark, tailored designer ensemble, though Lexi always told him he’d look just as good in Levi’s and boots instead of his Dior slacks and Bruno Magli shoes.  He stood and tried to bite back a smile as he discreetly wiped a smudge of flour from her cheek with his thumb. 

“Lex, this is Spencer Dumas.  Mr. Dumas, allow me to introduce Alexis Kattapoulos, the heart and soul of the Celtic Goddess.” 

Lexi blinked questioningly at Aidan’s deliberate use of her maiden name.  She’d taken Ian’s name upon their marriage, and literally glowed whenever anyone referred to her as ‘Mrs. Callaghan’.  Though his manner was outwardly pleasant she caught the warning undercurrent in his eyes. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dumas,” Lexi said politely.  She’d heard the name often enough lately – and usually not in a complimentary way.  Never having met him herself, she was a bit curious.

He didn’t look anything like she would have expected.  Instead of the cutthroat, high-brow businessman she had envisioned, the man who stood before her looked like the boy next door.  The boy next door in a two-thousand dollar, custom-tailored suit, anyway.

“And you, Ms. Kattapoulos.  I must say, you are nothing like I envisioned.”  His voice, too, was deceptive, as was the slight hint of a dimple that revealed itself with his disarming smile.

While Lexi was trying to decide whether that was a compliment or an insult, he added smoothly, “You are even more beautiful than I imagined.  Only now do I feel I have a better appreciation for the inspiration behind the Celtic Goddess.” 

In a gallant gesture, he took Lexi’s hand and kissed it lightly.  “I must say, I am a great fan of your magnificent creations.”

“You are too kind, Mr. Dumas,” Lexi said, blushing slightly. 

Over the top of Spencer’s bowed head she looked questioningly at Aidan, who was watching the scene with genuine amusement.  No doubt he was imagining what would happen to Spencer Dumas if Lexi’s husband was witnessing this.  Ian was very protective of what was his, and to Ian, Lexi was everything. 

Outside of family, Aidan was probably the only other male on the planet permitted within her personal space, and even that was questionable at times.  He was tolerated because one, Aidan had saved Lexi’s life on more than one occasion, and two, because Aidan was her best friend, and Lexi would have it no other way.

“Mr. Dumas has brought some very interesting information to our attention, Lex,” Aidan prompted.

“Ah, yes,” said Spencer, releasing Lexi’s hand somewhat reluctantly.  She didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered upon her fingers, subtly checking for the presence of a ring.  Lexi never wore her bands while cooking anymore, not since she accidently lost one in several pounds of croissant dough that the staff spent the better part of an hour pulling apart. She guessed – correctly – that Spencer was adjusting his ‘presentation’ based on her marital status.

“I know your time is precious, so I’ll get right to the point.  I understand the Celtic Goddess is interested in forming a business venture to procure locally-grown organic produce.”

Lexi flashed a look at Aidan, then back to Spencer.  He could only be referring to the deal they were trying to put together with Maggie.  Legal was still working out the details; nothing had been officially announced. 

“I wasn’t aware that was public knowledge, Mr. Dumas.” 

Spencer smiled, flashing several of his perfect white teeth.  “I do not believe that it is, Ms. Kattapoulos.”

“Mr. Dumas is well connected in the local business community,” Aidan explained, pulling out a chair for her.

Lexi hoped she looked suitably impressed.  “Do you hold such property, Mr. Dumas?”

He smiled confidently.  “Not yet, Ms. Kattapoulos.  And please, call me Spencer.”  Lexi offered a demure and encouraging smile, but made no such offer to him in return.  She’d dealt with enough like him to know that they were disappointed if she didn’t offer at least a slight challenge. 

“The Flynn property is of particular interest to Dumas Industries,” Aidan said casually, but Lexi knew him well enough to hear the warning in his voice.  As handsome and smooth as Aidan was, Lexi always said no one ever saw the danger before it was too late.

“Ah, Mr. Dumas – Spencer – I do hope this does not mean we will be competing against one another.” 

His eyes glittered.  “Not at all.  What I propose is a collaboration, not a competition.”

Lexi nodded, wondering where this could possibly be going.  She sat back in her chair, taking her time crossing one leg over the other.  The flash of gold caught Spencer’s eye for a moment.  Lexi forgot she was wearing the gold and diamond anklet Ian had gotten her for Valentine’s Day, resembling something a belly dancer might wear.  It was one of Ian’s favorite pieces.  Apparently other men found it enticing as well. 

“Please, continue,” she coaxed.

Spencer’s gaze snapped upward.  “My sources tell me you are attempting to create an agreement with the current caretaker of the property, Magdalena Flynn, by which you contract for the fruits of the land, but not the property itself.”

“Your sources are quite well informed.”

He inclined his head in acknowledgement. 

“But I fail to see of what interest this is to you.”  She allowed some of her Greek grandmother’s accent into her words, intuitively playing the role Spencer expected to see.

“Beauty, talent, and intelligence,” Spencer mused.  “What a lethal combination.  How do you stand it, Mr. Harrison?”

Aidan beamed beside her.  “She brings out the best in me, Mr. Dumas,” he answered sincerely.  “Demands it of me repeatedly, in fact.”  His lips quirked as she shot him an amused glance, as if they shared a private joke.

Spencer smiled knowingly at the inference, at the veiled warning.  “Then you are a lucky man, indeed, Mr. Harrison.”  His manner lost some of its flirtatiousness then, though it didn’t seem to detract from his perfectly manicured charm. 

“To be quite honest, I would like to create a similar association between the Celtic Goddess and Dumas Industries.”

“Forgive me, but I do not understand.  You do not own the land, Mr. Dumas – Spencer.” 

“A temporary situation, I assure you.  Let us just say that I am preparing the path for what will be.”

Lexi arched a perfect brow and looked questioningly at Aidan before turning her attention back to Dumas with a gentle smile.  “I must admit, Spencer, you have piqued my interest.  Can you tell us more?”

Spencer’s eyes sparkled, more than a little pleased with Lexi’s interest.  “I’m sure you will understand that I cannot go into specifics just yet, Ms. Kattapoulos.  Dumas Industries has not become the successful business it is by giving away all of its secrets prematurely.” 

Lexi had the grace to blush a little.  “Of course.  I’m afraid I don’t have Aidan’s aptitude for business.”  Lexi turned to Aidan, her face a mask of sultry innocence as she played her part well. 

Spencer smiled at her indulgently.  “For a comparable price, Dumas Industries could provide the same services without all of the start-up costs the Celtic Goddess would incur by dealing solely with Miss Flynn.  Would I be correct in assuming that might appeal to you?”

“It sounds wonderful, but surely there must be more to it than that.”

Spencer’s indulgence turned to approval.  “I wish all of my business associates were as straightforward as you, Ms. Kattapoulos.  I assure you, Dumas Industries only requests a simple caveat.  Just a slight delay in the paperwork to ensure that all of the underlying groundwork is laid appropriately.  It will work to your advantage as well.”

Lexi appeared to mull this over, letting her brows furrow ever so slightly.  “Aidan?  What do you think?”

He seemed to give it serious thought as well.  “I think a slight delay is a reasonable expectation,” he said slowly, “given the amount of research and analysis to be considered in our final decision.  You know how difficult it can be to obtain the necessary information.  I don’t believe all of the county records are even digital, yet, which means things have a tendency to be misplaced rather easily.”

Lexi nodded.  “It looks like you have your answer, Spencer.” 

With a satisfied smile, Spencer extended his hand to Aidan.  “Excellent.  We will be in contact.”

“I look forward to it.”

Spencer took Lexi’s hand as well.  “It has been a great pleasure meeting you, Ms. Kattapoulos.  I must say, I have a greater understanding of why Mr. Harrison keeps you shrouded in such mystery.” 

“And why is that?”

Instead of answering, Spencer kissed her hand again.  “Until next time.”

When he was gone, Lexi sunk down into the chair, absently wiping the back of her hand on her jeans to remove any trace of Spencer’s adieu. 

Aidan chuckled.  “What kind of bouquet would you like?  That was one hell of a performance, Lex.  You had Dumas ready to melt every time you spoke the man’s name.”

“I learned from the best,” she grinned, but then her smile faded.  “I’m worried.  What is he up to, Aidan?”

“I don’t know, Lex.  Think Ian will work some of his magic and do some digging for us?”

“Absolutely.  We’ve got to tell Maggie and Michael, too.”

“Agreed.”

* * *

M
aggie sighed against the warmth of Michael’s solid chest, wondering how she had ever managed without him.  Her body was sated, but her mind refused to relax.  Ever since Lexi called and told her about Spencer’s visit, she couldn’t stop thinking about what Spencer might be up to. 

“I must be slipping,” Michael said softly against the top of her head.  “Usually I’d have you exhausted by now.”

Maggie smiled lovingly into his face as he rolled her over, positioning himself above her.  She opened for him, cradling his hips as he lowered his head and kissed her. 

“Don’t you ever get tired?” she asked, amusement lacing her voice.  Michael had always been an attentive lover, but since she’d gotten the ink brand he’d been insatiable.  While she wasn’t complaining, the pregnancy often forced her to take little cat naps in between.

“Of making love to you?  Not in this lifetime.”  He kissed along her jaw, his tongue swirling just beneath the bone.  They hadn’t taken their vows officially yet, but she was his, in every sense of the word. 

“You’re worried,” he said. 

Of course she was worried!  Dumas Industries hadn’t become the mega-company it was by being nice and playing by the rules.  Spencer was trying to sabotage her contract with the Goddess and get it for himself.  Since that would involve taking her land away from her somehow – and the only home she had ever known, she felt it was a pretty good cause for a bit of concern. 

“Yes,” she admitted.  Apparently Dumas had been a busy boy; Ian was uncovering more every day and none of it was good.  Michael was doing his best to distract her.  Thus far, his strategy consisted of keeping her occupied until she fell into an exhausted sleep.  As plans go it was simple, but effective, but Dumas and his schemes were always there lurking in the background.

She allowed her hand to roam along his back, feeling all of the strength and corded muscle there, while the other tangled in his silky black hair.  Maggie didn’t think she would ever get used to the feel of touching him, or the way it sent little electric impulses throughout her whole body.