Waking Up To Love (Lakeside Porches Book 4) (24 page)

“Thank you. Let me be clear. I do not want to lose Rand Cunningham unless he does egregious harm to the college, which is none of your concern.”

“Understood.”

“Listen carefully, Kyle. I also do not want to lose Lyssa to the UK in the middle of her three-year grant. And I do not want you to burn out carrying two fulltime jobs or worrying about your relationship because of pressures Justin has brought to bear. Perhaps you share those concerns?” Her chin came up.

Kyle blotted his forehead with his handkerchief and reached for his travel mug of tea. After a long swallow, he said, “I do share those concerns. For a variety of reasons it’s important that Lyssa live here for the term of her grant, if not beyond. I fully support that.”

Miriam folded her hands on the desktop and gave him a penetrating gaze. “I also mentioned your stress level and the physical demands of your travel. How are you managing those?”

“I’ve arranged to work out regularly at a friend’s health facility in Tompkins Falls.” Joel had invited him to use his exercise room and pool at the new house. Until that was ready, he did his workouts at the Manse in the fitness room.

His grin flashed. “And I’ve installed a piano at Justin’s. Guaranteed stress buster.”

A chuckle escaped Miriam. “I’ve got that beat. I’ve got a new pink yoga mat.”

Joel held open the heavy teak door to Justin’s house. Lyssa smiled her thanks as she passed in front of him. A bag filled with tortilla chips swung from her wrist and she cradled the glass baking dish in her arms.

“Sure I can’t carry something?”

“I’m good.”

“Careful as you step onto the carpet from the flagstones.”

She bobbled when her foot landed on the soft carpet.
He’s right
. She stopped a moment to still the swinging grocery bag and lifted her eyes to the buffet where the casserole would reside with other pre-game appetizers.
Just eight more steps
.

“Ah, your layered taco salad dip,” Kyle said from behind her shoulder. “I haven’t tasted that in—”

The glass dish dropped from Lyssa’s shaking arms and thudded to the carpet. In the ensuing silence, she knelt to examine the damage. Kyle sank beside her and placed a gentle hand on her back. “Sorry I startled you.”

He reached for the bowl of taco dip, but she grabbed his arm, her eyes entreating him. He helped her to her feet and held her close. “It’ll be all right, luv.”

Justin calmly lifted the dish, plastic wrap still in place, and placed it on the buffet. “No serious damage,” he said to the guests. “We were going to mix up the layers with every scoop anyway, right?” The guests chuckled.

Kyle held Lyssa tight until her shaking eased. “Better?”

She nodded against his shoulder. When she looked around to thank Justin, six pairs of eyes were fixed on her. She smoothed her curls away from her face. “Thank you for the salvage job, Justin. Sorry about the dramatic entrance, everyone. I haven’t seen this man in a while.” She gave Kyle a quick kiss. “Gianessa, how can we help?”

Gianessa answered with a dazzling white smile. “Why don’t you and Kyle say hello to the babies and ask if they’d like a walk?”

Lyssa’s laugh bubbled up. “They’re talking now? It’s only been a week since I’ve seen them.”

“Go see for yourselves.” Gianessa motioned toward the stairs.

Kyle steered Lyssa down to the bedroom level.

“Where are the babies?” she asked Kyle when they came to Jill’s empty room.

“Probably with Nanny in the playroom. I’m quite sure Gianessa was just giving us a timeout.” He drew her into a tight hug. “Together. For the first time in too long.” He nuzzled her neck. “Ten days without the scent of roses and lily of the valley.”

“It’s horrible that we haven’t seen each other since you got home.

“I know, and my meeting with the provost just now was scary. We desperately need time together, luv.”

“Desperately, I agree.” She slid her hands under his sweatshirt and explored his chest muscles. “I want to hear all about the business and things in Cornwall. And there’s so much we have to talk over.”

“But first . . .” His kisses brought their conversation to an end for a full minute.

“Delicious. You’re not working tomorrow, right?”

“No, absolutely not. But I’m already regretting the new job as CIO. From the moment I set foot on campus, things got insanely busy. The worst was budget training. I could have used your coaching with that.”

She pressed her hands against his muscled back and wrapped one long leg around him to bring his body closer. “Stay with me tonight?”

“Shall I walk you home after the game?” He nuzzled her ear.

“Yes.”

“And spend the night?”

“Yes.” She squeezed his buns. “We’ll have breakfast together. And talk.”

“A lot.”

As they ascended the stairs, Kyle said, “I didn’t recognize Gwen with her big belly and new haircut. She looks very different than she did in London with Justin.”

“Did you know her husband is Peter Shaughnessy, the officer who drove me home after the sailplane fiasco?”

“Ah, it’s all coming together now.”

When they rejoined the party, Lyssa approached Peter. “Remember me, Officer Shaughnessy?”

“You’re unforgettable, Professor Doughty. Call me Peter,” he insisted. “I hear you’ve already met my wife, Gwen.” He gestured to the sun-filled deck, where Gwen and Manda were deep in conversation.

“Yes. And I hear you’re pregnant.”

“We’re due in February. A girl.”

“Congratulations. Why are you and Gwen dressed in orange and navy blue? Those must be someone’s team colors.”

“Syracuse Orangemen, who are playing today. You do know we’re all here to watch the football game?”

“I got that. It’s not just about food.” They laughed.

“I think you’re being paged, Lyssa.” Peter pointed to the kitchen, where Gianessa beckoned. “Stay out of trouble,” he told her with a wink.

She gave him a two-fingered salute. “Yes, Officer.”

Gianessa reached for Lyssa’s hands. “Seriously, let’s get the babies out for a walk while the sun is shining. Manda and Gwen are joining us. Kyle has brought the stroller from the garage, and you and I can each carry a baby from the playroom.”

When Jack and Jill were bundled and buckled into their stroller, Gwen and Manda continued ahead, chatting about Gwen’s plans for the nursery. Lyssa manned the stroller.

“Thanks for giving Kyle and me time alone.”

“The poor man was buried at the college yesterday. I didn’t see him last night until after you and I got back from the Clifton Springs meeting. He had wanted to have dinner with you, but we were already gone by the time he got home, so he and Justin fixed dinner together here.”

At least he
wanted
to spend time with me.
“I noticed you and Justin have a new piano in the living room. Do you like it?”

Gianessa’s hand rested over her heart. “I’m so excited about it. You know it’s a gift from Kyle, don’t you?”

“He asked my opinion. He made it happen really fast. Has he played for you yet?”

“He says he won’t play when we’re in the house.”

“He kept his talent from me until our very last night at Pennington House. He thought classical music would bore me. The truth is I’m passionate about it.”

Her sister’s voice demanded her attention. “Lyssa?” Manda stood with her arms folded, blocking the way. “Did Kyle explain why he waited until today to see you?”

Before Lyssa could answer, Gianessa asked, “What does it matter, Manda?”

“It matters, Gianessa.”

“Guys.” Lyssa waved at them. “Kyle’s here, and we’re happy. It’s rough going at the college for a bit, but we’re okay.”

“You dropped a freaking glass casserole on the rug. You’re not okay.”

Jill fussed. Jack screwed up his face.

“I will not have you two upsetting my children.” After directing a scowl at Manda, Gianessa bent to her twins, smiled and cooed.

Gwen put a hand on Manda’s shoulder and said something Lyssa could not hear. Manda stood her ground and glared at her sister.

“I’m sorry I messed up our taco dip, Manda. Gianessa, Gwen, I apologize for the argument. Manda and I started this conversation earlier. Kyle and I are doing the best we can with a really demanding schedule, and we have very nice plans for the rest of the weekend. Please don’t see problems where there are none. God knows we have enough real ones to deal with.”

“Let’s let it ride, ladies,” Gianessa said in a singsong voice that made the twins laugh, “and enjoy our feast and the football game.” She stood. “Gwen, is Syracuse favored?”

“They are, but it should be a close game. Lyssa, your taco dip is out of this world. Peter asked me to get the recipe.” She threw an arm around Manda’s shoulders and urged her forward up the hill.

Gianessa motioned Lyssa to turn the stroller around, and they headed back to the house.

“Gianessa, I’m ashamed that my situation and my mental state have had an impact on your family. Again.”

“I have to say, you and Kyle don’t seem to have your balance yet.”

Lyssa laughed. “You’re referring to my dramatic entrance with the taco dip?”

“No, honestly, I’m reacting to the same thing Manda is— The fact that you didn’t know he was coming back early and didn’t actually see him until today. That’s really odd for two people who’ve known each other as long as you have and who care about each other as much as you do.”

“When you say it that way, I have to agree. We’re still learning to communicate as a couple. And, you know, I do wonder where his head is sometimes.”

“He has some quirks,” Gianessa said with a chuckle.

“Oh, like his habit of ruining expensive loafers, instead of wearing overshoes in the pouring rain? Jack, don’t learn that trick from Uncle Kyle, okay?”

“I agree.” Gianessa’s laugh rang out. “But tell me what you meant when you said you wonder about him.”

“There are things I don’t know about him. What exactly is his business, why does he do it? How did he and Justin connect and what is their relationship, past and present? Why does Justin have such power in that relationship? You probably know all those answers, don’t you?”

“I know some, but it’s time for you to ask Kyle. Directly.” She winked. “Maybe tonight as you walk back to your place together.”

“Did all of you hear that whole conversation on the bedroom level?”

Lyssa grilled him about the business as soon as they crossed from the Cushman grounds to the quiet of Overlook Park.

Kyle was forthcoming until Lyssa asked, “How do you know there’s nothing illegal being transacted on your über secure network?”

“Of course, there’s nothing illegal.”

Lyssa stopped on the grassy slope, her posture rigid.

Hot button. For me and, evidently, for her
.

“My dearest Kyle, you need to know that I do not believe anything that begins with ‘of course,’ ‘don’t be silly,’ ‘how ridiculous,’ or any other form of patronizing evasion.”

“Sorry, let me rephrase that.”

“Good choice.” She gave his elbow a squeeze.

“There is nothing illegal happening on my network, and I know that because I employ a legal eagle, who is nearly as security savvy as I am, to make sure there’s nothing illegal happening, specifically,” he preempted her question, “with regard to the nature, source and destination of each and every transaction, financial or otherwise.” He squeezed her hand. “The monitoring is relentless, state of the art and entirely secure.

“My business is prepared for possible audit without notice by any number of intelligence organizations. During the first year of operation, we were under clever and intrusive scrutiny by more government agencies than I knew existed. That has settled down. They know we’re clean.” He raised his eyebrows for her feedback.

“So far, so good.”

“By illegal, I don’t simply mean there’s no theft, fraud, blackmail, embezzlement, or exchange of national secrets. I also mean there’s no human trafficking, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, porn, money laundering, and so on. I’d have a much bigger business if I supported those activities, but I’ve no interest.”

“It’s important for me to know all that. Thank you.” She gave him a bright smile. “So, mostly, you’re providing secure financial transactions and protected conversation to multi-millionaires and billionaires who meet your criteria for the kind of business they do?”

“Basically, yes. I happen to know each of my clients personally, either because we went to school together at one time or because I’ve been introduced to them by one of the originals. They prefer my service to commercial services because they want the extra layers of protection and the personal attention.”

“And you’d call it a successful business?”

“In British pounds, I clear about thirty million profit a year after salaries, equipment, new technologies, quality control, travel, entertaining, ongoing research, and facilities. Yes, I regard it as modestly successful.”

He paused for breath and considered how to phrase the rest. “Since you haven’t asked, I’m not sure you’re aware I come from old money. Because my grandfather and father invested brilliantly, the family fortune is more than I need to see to Mum’s care and comfort, and it’s more than is needed to maintain Pennington House, pay the taxes, see to the tenants and the land, and support the local business and community affairs.”

“That’s pretty impressive about your ancestors’ success as investors.”

“High praise from the Wise Woman Investor. I don’t need to work. I happen to love the challenge of this kind of work, and I’m quite fond of most of my clients, temperamental though they may be. I’m not looking to throw over the business to work for a college or an intelligence organization. And I’ve had my share of offers.”