Brokenhearted Beauty(Divine Creek Ranch 19)(87)

“It was a safe assumption. Thanks for not making me feel guilty about it.”

She walked with him to the door and hid a gasp of surprise when she opened it and found James and Vincent in the hallway, having a somewhat tense-looking conversation with Denny.

“Ah, here they are,” Denny said, grinning at her and her dad, seeming untroubled by the dark look Vincent was shooting at him and the guarded concern in James’s eyes as he looked back and forth between his brother and her, before turning to her dad and holding out his hand.

“Sir, I’m James Elder. This is my brother, Vincent.”

“Sir,” Vincent said, holding out his hand as well.

Her dad shook both of their hands and said, “Gentlemen, it’s a pleasure. I’ve heard good things about you, in the community and from my daughter.”

Leah appreciated that he didn’t bring up her engagement with Denny present.

“Thank you, sir,” James said. “Denny was telling us that your store in Abilene is coming right along.”

Evidently unable to hide his territorial streak, Vincent said, “I hope it won’t be too difficult to find a manager for it, sir.” Just couldn’t wait to slide that one in there, could you, He-man?

Her dad chuckled as if he was a little amused and turned a look on her that said, “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?”

Leah put a hand on Vincent’s arm and said, “Dad and I have already discussed it.”

Vincent’s reply was a slight nod and then smiled at her with those dazzling bedroom eyes. She turned to Denny and held out her hand to him. “Denny, it was great to see you again—”

“Actually,” her dad said, cutting her off. “We came to see you for two different reasons. I’d also like it if we could give him a tour of the back, to give him an idea of how we do things here, so he can take those ideas back to the other store. If I buy any other stores in the area he’ll be doing the work on those as well.”

Wow, Dad really does like this guy.

“You don’t mind if I tie up Leah a little longer, do you?” her father asked James and Vincent as he put a hand on her shoulder.

They both shook their heads and James replied, “Of course not, sir. We’ll check back in a little later.” Vincent didn’t seem quite as enthused about her spending more time in Denny’s presence but he nodded as well, before turning a warm gaze on her.

Their group turned and headed down the hallway and James and Vincent hung back to get her attention. Vincent gave her a fast, warm kiss and whispered, “Looks like it went okay?”

“Just fine. I’ll tell you more about it later. Have you eaten yet?”

“That was why we came by. Want us to bring you something?”

“Yes, give me an hour.”

James leaned in and kissed her forehead. “See you then. Enjoy your visit.”

The tour took just under an hour and Leah was relieved that spending further time around Denny didn’t feel odd. She’d seen the slight twinkle of hope in his eyes when he’d greeted her earlier, but he seemed to understand without her having to explain. James and Vincent were it for her.

Her dad and Denny were walking with her back to the office when Presley Ann came rushing out of the hallway. She was gathering her long blonde hair into a clip and it was obvious she didn’t see them until it was too late. She barreled right into Denny.

He caught her by her upper arms as she lost her balance and nearly fell backward. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you.” Her cheeks turned bright red as she looked up at Denny and then over at her dad and her sister. Leah heaved an inward sigh. It seemed to always be something with Presley Ann lately. As if on cue, Presley Ann looked at her and said, “I really didn’t mean for that to happen. I was in a hurry.”

“Are you okay?” Denny asked as he released her and his eyes widened as he noticed her bulging abdomen. She looked up at him and blushed even brighter.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She turned to Leah and said, “I’m sorry I’m late, sis. My car broke down and I had to walk the last couple of blocks. I need to get to my department. Again, I’m sorry I almost knocked all three of you over.”

Her dad stopped her and said, “Whoa, there, Presley Ann. Are you really all right? You look flushed.”

Having it mentioned seemed to make Presley Ann flush even brighter as she glanced at Denny. “Yes, I promise I’m fine. It’s just so hot outside. The air-conditioning in my car went out earlier this week. I just need to catch my breath and cool off, that’s all.”