Operation Revenge (17 page)

"You're lying." She swallowed hard. "You work at the agency."

"Not anymore." Chad scratched his clean-shaven jaw. "I quit last month. I'm surprised your
boyfriend
didn't tell you about it. Anyway, when I learned there was a position available here I knew it was fate bringing us together again. I hope you and I will get a chance to work together." He checked his watch. "I have to go. Maybe when our schedules permit it we can have lunch."

"Go to hell," Haley snarled. She moved around him and into the elevator.

"I love you too, honey," he said.

Haley didn't answer him, but instead jabbed the button. The doors closed, blocking him from her view. Her legs trembling, she sagged against the wall and closed her eyes.

. . . .

"Why are you sitting in the silence?" Daniel asked, walking into the living room, that evening. "Turn on the TV."

"I don't want to watch TV." Haley stared down into her cup of tea. "Did your Gran turn in?"

"Yes, thank God." He sat down beside her on the couch. "Something wrong? Let me guess. Little brother screwed up?"

"No." She took a sip of tea. "Simon's great, like always. I just have some things on my mind."

"Woman trouble?"

She cracked a smile. "No. Nothing like that."

"Not into sharing, I see." Daniel propped his feet on the coffee table. "You know, kid, you need to get out more. Why don't you come to the club with me?"

"Stop trying to corrupt my girlfriend, Wilcox," Simon growled as he limped into the room. "Hi, sweetheart."

"Hi, dear," Daniel said. "How was your day?"

Rolling his eyes, Simon tossed his suit coat over the back of the recliner. "It was lousy."

"Well, in that case I'm out of here." Daniel leaned over and gave Haley a peck on the cheek. "When you're ready to take a walk on the wild side let me know."

"You'll be the first person I turn to," she said wryly.

Daniel got to his feet. "I'll be home before the old bat gets up. You old people have fun now, but not too much. You might hurt yourself."

"Get out!" Simon snapped, moving slowly toward the couch.

"I'm going." He quickly left the room.

Haley eyed Simon with sympathy. "Your knee is bothering you, isn't it?"

"Yes." Simon sat down next to her. He put his feet up and laid his head back against the cushion. "When ever the weather's nasty I suffer. Damn football. I never should have played."

She gazed at his face, noticing how exhausted he looked. It was then that she decided not to tell him about Chad. It had been a long day for him and the last thing he needed was to hear her complain about her problems. No, she would wait and tell him another time. What she had to say would keep. "Can I get you anything?" she asked softly. "Something to drink or eat."

"Milk and cookies would be nice." He winked at her. "For a kiss I'll share them with you."

She arched an eyebrow. "What kind of cookies are we talking about?"

"Chocolate chip."

"Ooh, my favorite." Haley leaned in close. "Since you're willing to share your cookies with me I think I can spare a kiss." She laid her hand against his cheek and brushed her lips across his.

Unsatisfied with the light caress Simon hauled her against him and crushed her mouth beneath his. A moan escaped Haley. She melted into him, her tongue sweeping the warm, wet recesses of his mouth. It had been so long since they kissed. Starved for him, she kissed him until her chest ached and she had to come up for air. Slowly, she pulled back, trying to catch her breath.

"You can have all the cookies you want," Simon croaked. Haley laughed softly. "Why did we wait so long to do that?"

"I don't know," she mumbled, caressing his jaw with her hand. "What do you say we just forget the cookies and milk and keep kissing?"

"It's like you read my mind." He pulled her close once more and their lips met.

Chapter 1
8

Haley jerked upright in bed, her heart pounding frantically in her chest. The dream she just had left a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She reached out with a trembling hand and turned on the lamp. Glancing at the clock radio, she saw it was after five. Not ready to get up yet and unable to go back to sleep she opened the nightstand drawer and took out an ink pen and her journal. It had been a while since she last put her thoughts on paper. Now felt like a good time. She opened the journal to an empty page and uncapped the pen. Putting the date at the top, she began to write.

I just woke from a horrible dream in which Chad killed Simon. Why did I dream such a crazy thing? Could it be because I'm afraid that Chad will hurt him? Writing this, I can't help but remember Chad warning me that I would regret it if I moved in with Simon. What did he mean by that? What does he have planned? The thought that he might do something to Simon to get back at me frightens me.

It scares me to admit this, but my feelings for Simon are changing. Our pretend relationship is starting to become real for me. How can it not? He is everything I could ever want in a man and his kisses - even now, the memory of us kissing last night has me aching with desire. If I'm not careful, I could easily lose my heart to him. My head is warning me to be cautious, but my heart is telling me to let go - to let him in. What do I do? God, what do I do?

Her heart feeling heavy, Haley put the journal and pen back in the drawer and slipped out from under the covers. She made the bed and then moved toward the closet. Opening the door, she quickly searched through her clothes and decided on black slacks, a white blouse, and a red blazer. Clothes in hand, she headed into the adjoining bathroom to get ready for work.

Ten minutes later, Haley emerged from her bedroom. She started down the hallway and stopped when her cell phone rang. Taking it out of her purse, she flipped it open, and pressed the talk button. "Hello?"

"H-Haley," Sandra stuttered. "I - I n-need to-" She broke off with a sob.

"What's wrong, sis?" she asked alarmed.

"W-we have t-to move to San Diego," she croaked. "Jeffrey's b-being transferred."

"Oh, honey," Haley muttered, her heart breaking at the thought of being separated from her sister and nephew's.

"We're leaving in a month," Sandra said, hoarsely. "I don't want to leave you. You'll be all alone."

"No, I won't, sweetie," she assured her. "I have Simon, Marian and Daniel. They'll be here for me." She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. "This move could be a good thing, sis. A new place . . . a new start. You can send me pictures and we'll learn how to use a webcam. With
the technology today, there are plenty of ways to keep in touch. And I'll fly out as often as I can to see you and the kids."

"You make it sound so easy," Sandra said.

"I know it won't be easy, but we'll find a way to make it work." Haley swallowed past the lump in her throat. "I'll drop by after work."

"I won't be home later. Jeffrey and I are having dinner with his family."

"Then I will see you tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you too."

Haley closed her phone and dropped it back in her purse. She felt a hand on her back and turned around. Simon stood there with a concerned look on his face. Without uttering a word, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. The need to be comforted outweighed everything else. When his arms encircled her waist, she closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. "Sandra's husband is being transferred to San Diego. They leave next month."

"I'm sorry." He held her tighter. "What can I do?"

"There's nothing you can do." Tears sprang to her eyes and threatened to spill over. "I'm losing them and there's not a damn thing anyone can do."

Simon leaned back and gazed at her. "Maybe there is something I can do. Call your sister and tell her I'd like to talk to her and her husband."

Haley frowned. "Simon, what-"

He laid a finger against her lips to silence her. "All will be explained. Tell her we're on our way over."

. . . .

Twenty minutes later found Haley, Simon, Sandra and Jeffrey seated in the living room. The kids had all ready left for school, making it easier for them to talk.

"What is this about, Mr. Wilcox?" Jeffrey asked.

"Please, call me Simon." He smiled. "Mr. Wilcox is my father. I understand you're being transferred."

Jeffrey grimaced. "I'm not looking forward to the move, but I have no choice. It was either transfer or quit. I can't afford to quit."

Simon nodded. "You're in marketing, is that right?"

"Yes."

"Please, get to the point," Haley uttered from beside him.

"Yes, please," Sandra agreed.

Simon leaned forward and stared at Jeffrey. "
Wilcox Advertising
has an excellent marketing department. I want you to come and work for me."

Sandra gasped softly. "Are you serious?" she asked, looking stunned.

Simon found her question amusing. Smiling, he replied, "Of course."

"But why-"

"I can't stand to see a family being ripped apart," he interrupted her. "You don't want to leave. Haley doesn't want you to leave. I have the power to make sure that doesn't happen, so why shouldn't I help?" He glanced at Jeffrey. "I have questions. I'm sure you do as well. Do you have time to talk now? If you don't then we can set up a meeting for another time."

"I can talk now."

Sandra got to her feet and looked down at Haley. "Come with me to the kitchen. Let's leave them to talk."

"All right." Haley rose from the couch and followed her sister to the kitchen. Once there, she leaned against the counter and crossed her arms in front of her. She lowered her head and stared at the hardwood floor. Simon's offer to hire Jeffrey had her feeling stunned and she didn't know how to react to what just happened. She raised her head and saw Sandra watching her.

"Simon is a good man."

"I know that." She sighed heavily.

"You want to tell your big sister what's wrong?" She placed her hand on Haley's arm. "Something's bothering you. Talk to me."