Just a Love Story Read online

  “Please do.” Derek leaned forward, looking between the lawyer and the private investigator.

  “Your previous lawyer ought to be disbarred for starters,” Zane pinned Derek with a stare. “You shouldn’t have lost your company in the settlement.”

  Derek spread his hands. “I wanted to do what was right. There was a great deal of confusion.” Hell, just admit the truth. “Losing my daughter made me crazy.”

  “I can imagine.” Zane folded his hands on the desk in front of him. “Nothing has been done that can’t be reversed once we make our case. What I need is for you to walk me through the events that led us to this point. What was the catalyst for her filing for divorce?”

  Derek sat still for a few moments, varied emotions flitting across his face. Finally, he just began talking. “Blair’s always been career driven. June…” He dry-scrubbed his face in frustration. “When she got pregnant, she wasn’t thrilled.” Frowning, he looked over Zane’s head as if meeting his eyes was uncomfortable. “I had to beg her…bribe her not to get an abortion.”

  Zane stood and moved to the credenza behind his desk. He held up a bottle of Scotch and both men nodded, so he proceeded to pour each a drink. “Pardon me for saying so, Derek, but I was at your wedding and I watched the two of you. I have nothing against marriage, God knows I adore my wife…but you two never seemed to be a love match.”

  Derek let out a short, wry laugh. “The best thing I can say was that I was in lust, not love. We met in college and bonded over a project we were assigned. I admired Blair’s ambition as much as I did her body.” He grabbed the arms of the chair he was sitting in and pushed his weight back until the front two legs of the chair rose off the floor. “God, that sounds so cold.”

  “Don’t beat yourself up, man,” Rylen muttered. “What you’re describing happens more often than not. Romantic love is a myth.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Zane interjected with a grin. “You two haven’t met the right woman. Just wait.”

  Derek’s mind went straight to Shae. Yes, she was different than Blair. But…now wasn’t the time to get involved – hell, he was already involved. “We were happy, or what passed for it, for a couple of years. Honestly, I was so focused on building my business that I ignored a lot of signs, I guess.”

  “You’ve stated you were faithful,” Zane nudged him to talk. “How about her?”

  Derek let himself get lost in the past. “I never noticed any indication that she was seeing anyone else. Blair’s…interest in me waned, but I chalked that up to her career goals. After June was born, I hoped we could become closer – but that didn’t happen. We settled into a routine, going through the motions. I guess the divorce shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise.”

  “Sounds like you shared the blame,” Zane stated flatly.

  Derek nodded. “I agree. Our separation and divorce could’ve been amiable if she hadn’t turned on me, accused me of shit, and refused to let me have access to my daughter.”

  “We talked about the poor settlement your lawyer negotiated, but that’s wasn’t the only travesty. The judge seemed to be biased. Why didn’t your lawyer file a motion to have him recused?”

  “I don’t know.” Derek rubbed his palms on his jeans. “I look back at that time and wonder what happened. Between losing my business and my daughter, I went nuts. The accusations that Blair was throwing at me didn’t make sense, but they had some cooked-up evidence that caused Judge Provo to rule against me. I couldn’t prove anything at the time, but I think the judge is sleeping with my wife.”

  Rylen raised his hand. “That’s where I come in.”

  “Yes, we have some information on that front,” Zane said, an odd smile coming to his face as he passed out the drinks. “I can’t explain everything just yet, but you’re not going to believe what we’ve uncovered.”

  “Like what?” Derek was on the edge of his seat.

  Rylen cleared his throat and began to speak. “I’ve been watching your ex-wife and I admit there’s some evidence that she’s having an affair with this judge, but their relationship is more complicated than that.”

  Confused, Derek frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  “She’s been attending classes that he’s teaching,” Rylen explained.

  “What kind of classes?” Derek asked.

  “Self-help, mostly. Inspiration. Anti-tech stuff, even race wars. A lot of borderline, fringe radical shit. I didn’t see a lot of sense in it, but she’s not alone. Her friend, the one that backed up Blair’s accusation that you were fooling around…”

  “Cheryl Hightower.” Derek provided the name of their neighbor he was supposed to have slept with.

  “Yea, she’s one of the women that’s flocking around this guy.”

  “Why?” Derek had seen Provo, he didn’t understand the appeal.

  Zane drained his glass. “The judge strikes me as a cult figure of some kind. He reminds me of that guy they’ve just caught who lured those actresses into a sex-trafficking scheme.”

  “What?” Derek exploded out of his seat. “Is my daughter in danger?”

  Zane waved for him to take his seat. “Calm down. Rylen is going to keep a close eye on them all.”

  “Right. I’m heading back just as soon as we’re finished here.”

  “Where are they?” Derek couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

  “He has some type of a compound on the south side of the river in the jazziest part of town.” Rylen took out his phone and pulled up a map. “My partner is there now. We’re staking out the place on a bluff not far from the property where we can see almost everything. I’ve even got a view into the house. Our next step is to get some equipment there so we can hear what’s going on. We have to be careful, everything is crazy in the area since SXSW is coming up.”

  Derek covered his face with his hands, wanting to scream. “Just the idea of June being in a situation like that makes my blood boil!”

  Zane slapped the desk to get Derek’s attention. “Listen to me. We won’t let anything happen to your kid. I’m going to file an appeal and get you a new trial. We’re going to fix this. Until then, you’ve got to remember that your ex is going to use everything she can against you. So, be careful.”

  “Careful?” Derek searched Zane’s face.

  “I’m not telling you what to do or…who to see. Just be aware that your ex has some friends in high places and we don’t fully understand what their agenda is at this point.”

  Rylen stood. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work.”

  Derek remained seated and Zane realized he wanted to say something more. The lawyer walked the PI to the door. “Keep me informed. I’m going to try a few other avenues to find whatever information we can on Provo.”

  “Good deal.” Rylen saluted Derek. “Try not to worry, I’ve got your daughter’s back.”

  “Thanks.” Derek wished he felt more assured. Once he and Zane were alone, he confessed, “I feel helpless.”

  “I know you do, but you have a restraining order against you. My job is to keep you out of jail until we can get this mess overturned. You staying in Longleaf is smart right now. Like I told you earlier, just lay low and keep your nose clean until we can set up a new trial.”

  Derek studied the calluses on his hands. “Let me talk to you about Shae for a moment.”

  “I thought there was something you were holding back.”

  “Not holding back, necessarily. She’s…special. She’s also been through some trouble of her own.”

  “Oh?” Zane’s question contained a wealth of worry and censure.

  “It’s weird, really. I don’t know how much you know about Deep East Texas, but the area is a throwback to another time. From all accounts, Shae was raised in a very religious family and grew up in the church. Her situation reminds me of the accounts of children raised in a convent, naturally assuming duties within the confines of the association. She was their pianist, their secretary, the childr
en’s activities director – and on and on. My impression is that she was taken advantage of in many ways. I don’t think a funeral or a wedding was held without her taking part, an unpaid part. Her whole life was wrapped up in the church and the stupid men of the town looked on her as some sort of nun. Untouchable. When her grandmother became ill, she needed money. The only way she could think of raising it was by selling everything she owned. After she exhausted that means, she sought to sell something very private.”

  “Zane, don’t tell me you’ve gotten involved with a…”

  Derek stopped him. “She’s selling her writing.”

  “Her writing? You mean books?”

  Derek nodded. “Romance novels.” He smiled. “Sexy ones. She’s done well.”

  “She writes under a penname, I presume.”

  “Of course, but…someone found out and they crucified her for it. She was fired from her job. Banned from the church. Every friend turned against her.” He leaned forward and nailed Zane with a stare. “Some idiots even tried to stone her.” Derek made a fist with one of his hands. “I enjoyed knocking some sense into that bastard.”

  Zane tapped on the table. “Blair doesn’t need to know about any of this.”

  “I don’t intend for her to.” Derek shrugged. “No one in Longleaf even remembers me, much less knows anything about my private life.”

  “Don’t underestimate who we’re dealing with,” Zane warned him, then he smiled. “You wouldn’t believe how familiar this story sounds to me.”

  “There’s nothing funny about it, they hurt her. Devastated her. She’s been treated like a pariah and an outcast in her own hometown.”

  “I know someone I think Shae should meet.”

  “Who?”

  “Avery Sinclair McCoy, a friend of mine over in Kerrville. She’s married to one of the Tebow McCoys. She’s also a romance author, writes the same type of books as your friend. Avery’s father is a pastor. When her extra-curricular activities were discovered, I think there was an earthquake of epic proportions. I don’t think she endured the same type of abuse as Shae, but Avery could certainly lend a sympathetic ear.”

  Derek nodded. “Thank you. I know she’d appreciate the introduction.”

  Zane stood. “You’re welcome, glad to do it.”

  “And thank you for everything. I appreciate the information and I am really grateful for Rylen protecting June.”

  “That’s what we’re here for.” He clapped Derek on the back. “Okay, I’ll be getting back with you soon on several fronts. Are you retuning to East Texas this afternoon?”

  “No, we’re staying the night, taking in the town.”

  Zane nodded. “Well, remember what I said about being careful. I promise you I’m going to do everything I can to rectify the injustice you’ve suffered, but don’t give them any more ammunition to use against you than necessary.”

  As Zane opened the door of his office and they both stepped through, Derek put his lawyer’s mind at ease. “Oh, don’t worry. Shae’s just a friend, there’s nothing important going on between us.” As he spoke, he called Shae’s number…only to hear it ring a few feet away.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Nothing important going on between us.

  Derek met Shae’s eyes as he realized she’d heard his easy dismissal of everything they’d shared.

  “I didn’t mean…”

  Seeing his friend’s predicament, Zane stepped up to save the moment. “Shae, I see you found something to buy.”

  With a small smile, she lifted the package. “I did. I bought a few things for myself for tonight and I found my grandmother a beautiful handmade bed jacket.”

  When she pulled the wrapping back so they could peek at the fine workmanship on the garment, it struck Shae how foolish she was being – about everything. Bowing her head, she pulled the package to her breast. “Maybe I should leave.”

  “I’m ready to go too.” Derek placed an arm around Shae, noticing she stiffened beneath his touch. Dammit! “Zane, call if you think of anything. We’ll be at the Driskill.” He repeated the information so the woman in his arms would know their plans were still on – God, he’d fucked up!

  “I’ll do it. Tell Shae what I said about Avery.”

  “Who?” she asked, watching Derek’s face. When he looked at his friend oddly, it only made her feel worse.

  “I’ll tell you when we get to the hotel,” Derek assured her as he rubbed her back, wordlessly asking an apology for… Hell, he didn’t know what to do.

  “I think we need to talk. Don’t you?” she asked guilelessly as they left the building to find his truck.

  Derek sighed. “Yea, I guess you’re right.” Neither spoke while they made their way through the maze of cars to where he’d parked. When they reached his truck, Derek escorted her to the passenger side and helped her up into the seat. “Smile, everything’s okay,” he promised and gently kissed her cheek.

  Shae didn’t respond, she spent the next few minutes as he drove through the maze of Austin streets to the hotel trying to figure out what to say. Should she ignore what she heard? Should she act all affronted and demand he take it back…or apologize? Should she leave and find her own way back to Longleaf?

  No, none of that was her style.

  Too much had happened where she just let things ride without clarifying how she felt or what she thought.

  She waited until they were in the parking lot of the hotel and he’d stopped the truck before she spoke up. “Derek, let’s talk before we go in. Okay?” Just in case they chose not to stay, it might save him money on the room.

  “Sure.” He cut off the engine and unfastened his seat belt, so he could edge sideways to see her better. She looked so…peaceful.

  Yea, peaceful.

  Suddenly, it hit him what a contrast this sweet person was to his ex. Shae soothed his soul even as she turned him inside out. He felt alive with her, yet safe. It wasn’t that she lacked excitement. Fuck, no. She excited the hell out of him. Being with her had been the single most erotic event of his life.

  Derek realized he didn’t want last night to be a singular event.

  And by the look on her face, he had about sixty seconds to convince her otherwise. “Shae, I’m sorry.”

  She held up her hand. “Please, me first.”

  He nodded, not sure he wanted to hear what she had to say.

  “I know this is a bad time for you.” She breathed out a small laugh. “And I’m the worst possible choice of…friend.”

  “Now, wait a minute,” he started, but again she stopped him.

  “After last night – and today – we need to clear the air. I can’t deny…” She pressed her lips together, then sighed, repeating herself. “I can’t deny that I wish this could be more. I’ve enjoyed you so much. I’ve loved every moment we’ve spent together.” She picked up a bit of her skirt and rubbed the material between her fingers idly. “But one person can’t decide something like this, they both have to be in agreement.”

  “Who says I’m not in agreement?”

  She looked at him full in the face, surprised by his comment.

  Before she could say anything more, he shook his head, trying to find the words. “I feel the same way, it’s just that…”

  “I can hear the big ‘but’ in that statement.” Shae’s heart was beating like a snare drum. “You don’t have to explain. I know you have your hands full and you can’t really afford a complication like me.”

  Derek clutched the steering wheel, his knuckles going white with the pressure. “I’m not ready for this to be over, Shae. I just can’t make any promises. Like you said, I have my hands full and my attention has to be elsewhere.”

  “I know. I don’t have any expectations.” She touched the side of his face tenderly. “I have wishes and hopes. And from now on you’ll star in every fantasy I can possibly dream, but I have no desire to…”

  “Don’t worry, I have enough desire for us both.” Derek stopped the flow o
f her words with a kiss, his head lowering, his lips claiming hers, tasting them. There was only a moment when she didn’t respond, but with a sweet sigh her lips became hungry, moving beneath his, making him hotter as she mewled her need. Fuck! This woman was killing him.

  Shae whimpered a little moan as he kissed her slow and deep, destroying her with pleasure. How was she supposed to walk away from this?

  Derek eased his head back from the kiss, leaving them both breathless. “Can we just continue on with our plans and see what happens?”

  See what happens.

  Not much of an assurance, but she’d take it. “Okay. Let’s enjoy the day.”

  “Perfect.” He gave her a big smile and one more kiss, then came around the vehicle to help her out. “Let’s check in, go out on the town, then come back and have a good time.”

  Shae giggled. “So, the blowjob’s back on?”

  Derek groaned and laughed. “Oh, fuck, yeah. I wouldn’t miss that for the world.”

  After checking into the historic Driskill, he carried her packages upstairs while she bought them a coffee in a neat bakery onsite. As soon as he came down on the elevator, they hit the streets for a round of firsts for Shae.

  Holding Derek’s hand, she couldn’t contain her joy, sometimes skipping along beside him, her head thrown back to gaze up at the tall buildings and the blue Texas sky. At a small bar on Sixth Street, Shae tasted her first alcoholic drink.

  “Oh, this is good!” Her eyes widened as she took a big sip of the frozen margarita.

  “Slow down, sweetness. These are pretty strong,” Derek watched her enjoy the sweet/tart concoction. They were seated at a café table in an outdoor courtyard while a live band played music just a few yards away.

  “I’ll only have this one,” she promised him, tapping her toes and swaying to the music. “I just don’t see what the big fuss is about.” She raised her drink and saluted him. “I can’t tell you how many sermons I’ve heard about the evils of alcohol.”

  “I can’t believe this is your first drink.” He ran one finger up and down her forearm, enjoying the silkiness of her skin. “I don’t imbibe often, but I believe I drank my first beer at age thirteen.”