Robyn Grady - At The Playboy's Command

“Chad?” Daniel adjusted his towel. “The financial advisor who likes to keep you on his leash, that Chad?”

Her jaw set. “I explained to you—”

“Yeah. I know. He likes to look out for you.”

“There’s a clause in the will that dictates Chad must be my financial advisor.”

“That document sure likes to dictate.”

She didn’t like—and didn’t have to endure—the irritation darkening his face.

She collected her bag and, straightening the strap over her shoulder, she nodded toward the door. “I should go.”

When she tried to skirt around him, however, Daniel reached out and caught her wrist. The disapproval burning in his eyes had turned to apology.

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get into that again.”

“That’s okay. I understand.”

And she did. But it was really time she left. She didn’t want to regret this time and if she stayed any longer she had a feeling that she might.

Five minutes later Elizabeth stepped out of the elevator and into the hotel foyer. Although she was seen in town, in this hotel, often, she kept her head down. She didn’t want to field any innocent questions about what had brought her here today.

She nodded to a stranger, sitting in a tub chair, who looked up from his newspaper and smiled. Stepping up her pace, she’d made it to the door when she ran into the one person she wasn’t prepared to face.

“Elizabeth? What brings you in here today?”

“Chad.” She tried to catch her breath and will the heat from seeping any higher up her neck. On a nervous laugh, she wet her lips and stammered some words. “I could ask the same.”

“I’m here to see a client.”

Now he was looking at her oddly, trying to see past the overly cheery facade.

“I was meeting a friend for lunch.”

His salt-and-pepper eyebrows nudged in. “It’s not even eleven.”

“Thought I’d book early. You know how I like particular tables.”

“Who are you meeting?”

She coughed out a short laugh. “Would you like me to hand over my appointment book?”

His eyes glinted with concern. “Elizabeth, you look shaken.”

Now her face was burning. She fanned herself.

“I do feel a little piqued.”

Moving to stand beside her, he rested a hand on her back. “I’ll get you a glass of water.”

“I’ll be fine.”

But he was already leading her to a comfortable settee and signaling to the concierge.

Then the situation got a thousand times worse.

Daniel stepped out of the elevator, his mind racing.

He’d rung to tell Rand that while he and the crew were free to leave today, the boss was staying. He was on his way now to the Cattleman’s Club to see if he couldn’t get some creative juices flowing. Somewhere the perfect idea was dying to bubble up, waiting only for the right inspiration to have it fully emerge. Thankfully, now that he’d made up his

mind to step back up and face the challenge, his enthusiasm barometer had cranked up to high.

That he’d had the best sexual experience of his life this morning no doubt contributed to the energy belting through his blood. Perhaps not surprisingly, images of Elizabeth and possible club designs were converging on one another in his brain. Despite the diminished note on which she’d left, he couldn’t ignore the truth. He wanted to see her again. Asking to view her house a second time would be a good excuse. But would she want to see him again? After his dig about the will, she’d practically burned rubber leaving when she had.

Daniel was striding across the long stretch of carpet when a flash of pink caught his eye and he pulled up sharply. A rush of disbelief falling through his center, he looked harder. Elizabeth had had plenty of time to leave the hotel. He wouldn’t have minded bumping into her here now, except for her current company.

His lip curled.

Tremain.

But, given she’d already spotted him, there was nothing to do but stop and acknowledge them both. Then he realized Tremain was handing Elizabeth a glass of water and his insides clutched. Was she ill? And what was Mr. Have Finance Will Travel doing here anyway?

Her gaze on his, looking ashen and alarmed, Elizabeth got to her feet. And then, of course, Daniel knew. She wasn’t ill but taken aback, probably at running into Tremain and then again seeing the lover she’d left moments ago.

“Daniel Warren! Seems I’m stumbling into everyone here today. Chad, you remember Mr. Warren from the club.”

Tremain fairly snarled. “Yes, I remember Mr. Warren.”

Again Chad Tremain didn’t extend his hand. This time neither did Daniel. Then a shadow crossed Tremain’s face and Daniel could barely contain a grin. He wouldn’t do it to Elizabeth, but he longed to confirm what was rattling around in Tremain’s suspicious mind. Yep, she was here to see me, chum. Males of all species sensed competition at a hundred paces.

Not that Daniel was a long-term threat. He might not be flying home today but he would stay only as long as necessary. Elizabeth knew that as well as he knew her situation.

Daniel addressed Elizabeth in a formal tone. “Nice to see you again, Miss Milton.” He noted the glass and feigned a concerned look. “You’re not feeling well?”

“I was dizzy for a moment. I’m feeling much better now.”

“Can I escort you anywhere?”

“No need, Warren,” Tremain cut in. “I can look after Elizabeth’s needs.”

Daniel sent Tremain a cold look and crooked grin. “Is that right?”

Tremain looked about ready to bare his teeth when Elizabeth shoved her half-empty glass at his chest.

“Would you refill this for me, please, Chad? I’m feeling flushed again.”

Tremain’s stony gaze gradually left Daniel’s to study Elizabeth’s innocent smile. He took the glass. “Certainly.”

Daniel waited until Tremain was out of earshot. “Awkward moment?”

Cutting a nervous glance around, Elizabeth tugged and straightened her jacket’s hem. In a hoarse whisper, she told him, “There’s no need for Chad to know what happened this morning.”

“I’d have no trouble informing him.”

Her eyes widened at his gravelly tone and she whispered again, sterner this time, “Don’t you dare stir up trouble.”

“On one condition.”

Striking a pose, she folded her arms. “Are you proposing blackmail?”

He wondered if he saw a touch of excitement light in her eyes.

“Nothing quite so dramatic. I’d like to visit the Milton Ranch again.”

She gaped at him for five full seconds before a smile flirted with one side of her mouth. “I’m sure Nita would love to accommodate you. I warn you, though. This time you’d better stay for dessert.”

“You can bet on it,” Daniel said.

“Can bet on what?”

Daniel flicked a glance to his left. Tremain was back. And while Daniel appreciated Elizabeth’s position with regard to privacy, he wasn’t about to hide behind corners like a kid. Elizabeth was woman enough for Tremain to hear at least part of the truth.

“I invited myself over to Milton Ranch for supper.”

Gaze firing, Tremain actually squared up. “Rather presumptuous of you, isn’t it, Warren?”

Daniel shrugged. “We Northerners are known for it.”

Chad’s shoulders went back at the same time Elizabeth stepped between them.

“Chad, did I mention I’m desperate to get those plastic flamingos off my lawn? Could we organize a donation today?”

Tremain’s glare slid away from Daniel, who hadn’t had this much fun since he’d whipped the butt of a college rival at tennis. It felt good to win.

Tremain addressed Elizabeth. “I can organize that for you, Elizabeth, although we’ll need to discuss an amount.”