Night Heat (Forged of Steele 2)

“You want me to make it a threesome?”

Jocelyn shook her head. “I told him it’s nothing like that. In fact I’m supposed to show him how to have fun.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“It is, so do you want to go?”

“No, I’ll pass. Besides, I need to start packing.”

Surprise showed on Jocelyn’s face. “You’re leaving?”

“Eventually, Jocelyn. I need to start looking for another place to stay in California. I already told you that the lady whom I used to be a companion to died a couple of months ago. Her sons have been more than kind by letting me remain in the house for a while, but I can’t take advantage of their generosity forever.”

“You can come back and live here, you know,” Jocelyn said, and gestured to encompass the house they were in. “If you don’t, I’ll eventually have to rent it out or sell it. I don’t relish the thought of people I don’t know living here.”

Leah sighed deeply. “I wish I could move back home, but I can’t.”

Jocelyn didn’t need to ask her why. “Leah, if you were to tell him what—”

“No. And I don’t want to talk about it, Jocelyn,” Leah said in a clear and distinct voice.

Jocelyn drew in a deep breath. She wanted so much for Leah, more than her sister was willing to accept as a way of life. If only she would tell Reese the truth.

“To hang around here any longer will be a mistake, Jocelyn.”

“So you’re planning to leave?”

“Yes, in a few weeks. I’m going to start checking out airline tickets later today.”

“I really do wish you’d consider staying.”

“And I really wish that you’ll understand that I can’t.” That said, Leah rose gracefully, proving all of their Aunt Susan’s teachings were still intact, and left the room.

“You’re going to Memphis this weekend with Jocelyn?” Reese asked, tipping his head to one side to stare at Bas.

Bas pushed aside the stack of files. It was four-thirty and if he intended to keep his word to Jocelyn, he had thirty minutes left before calling it a day. “Yes. And if it wasn’t for that, I’d love going to the horse races this weekend with you and your brother.”

Reese’s lips twitched in amusement. “I can’t wait until Duran Law hears about you and Jocelyn’s weekend plans. He’s been trying to get her to go to that jazz festival with him in Memphis for years and she’s always turned him down. Now, just like that,” he said, snapping his fingers for effect, “you breeze into town and talk her into going.” Reese chuckled. “Yeah, old Duran is going to be pretty pissed.”

Bas leaned back in his chair. “Actually the trip was her idea. She thinks I need to incorporate more fun into my life.” Then, without missing a beat he asked, “And who’s this Duran Law anyway? An old boyfriend?”

Reese snorted. “He wished. Duran’s been a pain in Jocelyn’s ass since high school. I guess he figures sooner or later he’ll wear down her defenses, and he’s too into himself to see that something like that won’t happen.”

Bas frowned, not liking the man already. “How are things going over at the Jones place?”

“Great. We hope to have our walk-through next week. But keep your fingers crossed. We’re yet to have one on time for Marcella. She likes finding things for us to correct or change at the eleventh hour.”

“Yeah, we’ll all keep our fingers crossed.” Bas then glanced at his watch.

“Ready to head over to the gym?” Reese asked.

“In a few seconds. I need to touch base with my brother about something.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you over there.”

“Will do.”

Bas pulled out his cell phone, pressed one number and within seconds he heard his brother Chance’s deep voice. “Bas? What’s going on?”

Before Bas could answer, Chance said, “Hey, hold on and let me take this other call.” And then he clicked off.

Bas knew what a busy schedule his brother had as CEO of the corporation, but he smiled, thinking that time restraints hadn’t gotten in the way of him pursuing Kylie once he’d become interested. To kill time while waiting for Chance, Bas glanced around Jim’s office. There were numerous trophies proclaiming him to be Builder of the Year and several plaques awarded for his community service and involvement in such worthwhile organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Big Dads of America, the Newton Grove Mission and others. Apparently Jim hadn’t had any qualms about occasionally putting his work aside to become involved in things he felt were important to him, activities that gave him enjoyment and the chance to do something other than work. Fun things.