Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon)(34)
“Fine with me,” Mason said, resting his hands on his hips. “Unfortunately, I’ll be back in two weeks and then stuck here for a year or so overseeing the construction, so we’re bound to bump into each other in this small town.”
Dammit. Memories of the many ways Mason had made life uncomfortable for Trip resurfaced, causing Trip’s stomach to tighten.
Mason could easily come to town, try to damage Trip’s reputation, and then walk away. Trip, however, had just committed a bunch of money and time to making this his home. He’d be stuck living in the aftermath of whatever Mason threw his way, which meant he was going to have to live wary for twelve months or more. And if Mason got a whiff of Trip’s plan to stop Wade’s next deal, he’d probably try to undermine him there, too.
Trip tamped down a wave of panic, determined not to let Mason see his worry. “For Dad’s sake, let’s call a temporary truce while you’re in town. If we see each other, I’m just fine with us pretending to be polite acquaintances and going about our own business.”
“Ditto.” Mason glanced at his watch. “Suppose I’ll catch my jet. Always a pleasure, brother.”
Mason shoved open the door and disappeared around the corner, leaving Trip to stew. His father’s timing sucked. Why would he push Mason into Trip’s life now, when Trip had finally decided to settle down? When he’d decided to give his dad more respect and attention?
This was what happened when you let people into your heart. Things got messy, and then they usually fell apart. Trip didn’t like messy, and he didn’t like pain. Now both were staring him down, testing him.
Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he recalled Mason’s smug remarks. What he needed was a release of the energy coiling in his gut. Without a destination in mind, he stormed out of the building and started walking.
Chapter Seven
Kelsey dragged herself to her sister’s for dinner at six o’clock to hear some “big announcement.” Based on Maura’s tendency to exaggerate the significance of minor events, Kelsey suspected the announcement could relate to anything from buying new drapes to whatever participation award Fee might have won at summer camp that week.
She arrived just in time to help get the food to the table. While her parents and Bill were seating the kids in the dining room, Kelsey followed Maura into the kitchen.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice how you’ve been avoiding me these past ten days,” Maura scolded as she tossed the salad. “And don’t think you can escape questions about how it’s going with you-know-who.”
“It went fine. Better than fine.” Kelsey transferred rice and beans from the pot to a serving bowl. She kept her heated face hidden from her sister. “In fact, it was awesome.”
“In what way?” Maura set down the salad tongs. “I mean, is there more between you two than the purely physical nonsense you tried to sell me?”
“No.” Kelsey snapped her head toward Maura. “I told you, I’m in control of the situation. It was just one much-needed, extremely exciting interlude that I’ll remember for a long, long time. I don’t know if it will happen again, and I don’t care.” Liar, liar.
Kelsey speared the rice bowl with a serving spoon before lifting it from the counter. “Now let’s go eat so I can hear this big announcement.”
“You know I just want you to be happy, Kelsey.” Maura looked somewhat pained. “I want you to find someone to love so we can raise our families together.”
“So do I. Trust me, Maura. My fling with Trip won’t interfere with my life or my happiness. Now wipe that worried look off your face before everyone else starts asking questions.”
The sisters entered the dining room and took their seats in time to say grace with the family.
“Okay, you two. Don’t keep us in the dark any longer. What’s the news?” Kelsey’s dad asked just before he shoveled a heaping spoonful of rice into his mouth.
Her mom looked across the table at Maura with a knowing smile, which told Kelsey she either knew or guessed the secret. Bill grasped Maura’s hand and kissed it, and then he turned to the table. “We’re pregnant.”
Kelsey tightened her grip on her fork, stunned. She hadn’t expected this news. News that normally would make her crow with excitement. A rush of self-loathing blew through her for the envy eating away at her heart.
“A new baby!” Fee’s joyous shout snapped Kelsey out of her daze. Forcing a smile, she kept her gaze on Fee while she collected her spinning thoughts. Fee frowned at fat little Ty, who’d smashed peas in his hair and all over his high chair. “Mommy, I want a sister.”