The Texan's Baby (Texas Rodeo Barons)

And then she’d go home and deal with Chris.

Chapter Fourteen

Chris let himself into the condo, using his key with his right hand and holding his laptop bag and a bag of groceries in the other. He’d stopped at a deli and picked up the Thai salad that Lizzie had liked so much the last time they were there. They’d have a quick dinner and then chill for a while. Maybe take a walk around University Park and get some fresh air. Hold hands.

The house was quiet when he walked in. He frowned. Lizzie must be working late. He wished she wouldn’t since she seemed to tire easier these days, but he understood the pressure she was under. He dropped his bag by the sofa and went into the kitchen to put the food in the fridge.

He had his head half in the refrigerator when she spoke behind him. “You’re home,” she said quietly, scaring him to death. He jumped and shut the door to the fridge.

“Gosh, you’re quiet. You must have stealthy cat feet.” He grinned at her, but his grin faded when he realized she wasn’t smiling back. Were her eyes a little bit red? Unease rippled through him as he looked closer. “Lizzie, what’s wrong? Is it the baby?”

He saw her swallow. Then he saw past her to what sat on the floor in the living room.

His duffel bag.

What the...?

“That’s my bag,” he said numbly.

“Yes, it is. I’d like you to leave.”

His eyes opened wider. “You what? Liz, what’s going on?”

“Don’t call me that!” she snapped.

She had been crying. Something was desperately wrong. Just this morning he’d texted her something sweet and she’d replied asking about dinner plans. Now she was staring at him like he was a cockroach crossing the dinner table. With disgust. Revulsion.

“What has happened?” He took a step forward but she stepped back and he put up his hands. “Okay. You’re upset. I get it. Just tell me what’s going on. I’m really starting to worry here.”

Her dark eyes accused him. “How well do you know Nicole Bennett?”

Nicole? What did she have to do with all of this?

“Quite well. She’s the VP of Operations at AB Windpower.”

&

nbsp; “You’re not denying it, then.”

“Denying what?” The thought running through his mind was so ludicrous he couldn’t help but laugh a little. “You think there’s something between me and Nicole?”

“She’s certainly pretty enough. All that gorgeous hair and her tiny waist and...and...”

“Lizzie,” he said gently. “I’m with you.”

He reached for her again but she recoiled. “No, no you’re not.” She pinned him with her angry stare again. “Did Nicole give you your promotion?”

“Yes, we met for coffee and she offered it to me. But they’d offered it before I took my leave, too, and I turned it down....”

“How convenient that the moment you decided you wanted to go back to work you not only got your job back but a transfer and a management position. What’d you have to do to score that, Miller?”

God above, she was angry and he couldn’t figure out why. “You’re not making any sense. Are you asking if Nicole and I had an affair? How do you even know what she looks like?”

“I got a good look when she was in my boardroom earlier today.”

His blood chilled even though he still couldn’t figure out exactly what had happened here. “Why was Nicole in your boardroom?” he asked slowly.

“Like you don’t know. Save the innocent act, Chris. I don’t have time for it.”