Sensations of excitement rippled in Lucia’s stomach at the mention of Derringer’s name. She and Chloe had decided to do lunch at McKay’s, and as soon as the waitress had taken their orders and moved away, Chloe had begun asking Lucia a number of questions.
The weather had started clearing up a little on Sunday night, and Derringer had talked her into going to his ranch and leaving for work on Monday morning from there. He had even helped her pack an overnight bag. What she hadn’t expected was his siblings and cousins showing up early Monday morning to check on him because no one had seen or heard from him all weekend. She hadn’t missed the look of surprise on their faces when she’d come down the stairs dressed for work, giving everyone a clear idea of how he’d spent those snowed-in hours and with whom.
That had been a couple of weeks ago. “So far, so good. I enjoy spending time with him.”
And truly she did. He’d taken her to the movies several times and picked her up from work on several occasions, and had spent the night over at her place a number of times as well.
Chloe beamed. “I’m glad. Ramsey is too. Already he’s seen a change in Derringer.”
Lucia raised a brow as she took a sip of her iced tea. “What kind of change?”
“Peace. Calm. He seems more focused. Less untamed and wild. Not only Ramsey but the other Westmorelands think you’re good for him.”
Lucia nervously nibbled at her lower lip. “I hope they aren’t getting any ideas. I told you what’s between me and Derringer is only temporary. He made sure I understood that, Chloe.”
Chloe waved her words away. “All men think nothing is forever at first, only a few have love on their minds initially. Callum was an exception. He knew he loved Gemma before she had a clue.”
“But Derringer doesn’t love me. He’s said as much. I’m in this relationship with both eyes open.”
Later, back in her office, she recalled her words to Chloe as she sat staring at the huge arrangement of flowers that was sitting on her desk that had been delivered while she was at lunch. The card had simply said, I’m thinking of you.
Just the thought that he was thinking of her made everything inside her rock with anticipation to see him again. It was Friday and they were going skating again tonight and she couldn’t wait.
The intercom on her desk went off, almost startling her. “Yes?”
“Someone is here to see you, Ms. Conyers.”
Excitement flowed in her stomach. The last time she’d received flowers from Derringer, he had shown up at her office later. Was he here to see her now? “Who is it, Wanda?”
“Ashira Lattimore.”
Lucia’s throat tightened. Why would Ashira Lattimore be visiting her? There was only one way to find out. “Thanks, Wanda, ask her to come in.”
Lucia clicked off her intercom and glanced at the flowers on her desk. Something about them gave her inner strength to deal with what was about to take place. She wasn’t exactly sure what would happen, but she figured it had something to do with Derringer.
It wasn’t long before the woman knocked on her door. “Come in.”
Ashira walked in and just like all the other times Lucia had seen her she looked beautiful. But Lucia knew that beauty was merely on the outside. She had heard a number of stories about the spoiled and reckless woman who had long ago stamped ownership on Derringer. In a way she was surprised Ashira hadn’t confronted her before now.
“Ashira, this is a surprise. What can Simply Irresistible do for you?” Lucia plastered a smile on her lips.
The woman didn’t bother returning her fabricated smile. “I’ve been gone, Lucia, visiting a sick relative in Dakota, and thought I’d let you know I’m back.”
Lucia placed her arms across her chest. “And that’s supposed to mean something to me?”
The woman glanced at the flowers on Lucia’s desk, paused a minute and then said, “I think it would where Derringer is concerned. Not sure if he told you, but the two of us have an understanding.”
“Do you?”