A honk made me lift my head, and Jaxson stepped out of a car. I walked over, confused. “I thought you hired a car?”
“I decided to drive. Get in.”
I slipped in, grateful for the air conditioning.
“You got some sun.” I was shocked to feel his finger touch my nose. “Will you get freckles?”
I swatted his hand away. “No.”
“Just asking.”
“Keep your hands to yourself.”
“There was a time you wanted my hands all over you.”
“There was a time I thought you were a decent human.”
He chuckled. “Touché, Ms. VanRyan.”
He pulled away, and we stopped for coffee. He wolfed down a huge breakfast, frowning at the toast I ordered but remaining silent. Using the car’s GPS, we followed the directions, pulling up to a gated house. Jaxson pressed the button, giving his name to the tinny voice.
“Is Ms. VanRyan with you?” the voice asked.
“Yes,” he confirmed.
The gate opened. “You may come in, then.”
We parked, Jaxson shutting off the engine. For the first time, he showed his nerves, his hands locked on the steering wheel. “If she has a quarter of what her siblings think she has, this case is closed for the wife. I need to win her over.”
I studied him, turning in my seat. “You want to win her over? Then be the Jaxson I knew a few weeks ago. Use your charm. You did it once. You can do it again.”
“Did what once?”
“Fooled me into thinking you really cared. You can do it to her, too.”
I got out of the car, leaving him behind.
At the front door, Helen Fraser waited. She was tall—close to six feet, much like her brothers, who all towered over me. Her younger sister, Gloria, was the odd one, being average height, but that was the only difference. They all looked alike. Thin, almost white-blond hair, and pale blue eyes. Helen’s face was clear of wrinkles, her neck tight, no doubt thanks to the skillful hand of a plastic surgeon. She was dressed in silk, her lounge pants and tunic an ivory color. Her hair was in an elegant chignon on her head, and her chin was lifted high. But there was a subtle glint in her eye, and she greeted me kindly. She was cordial to Jaxson and invited us in.
Her sitting room was cool and shaded, and I was grateful. Three cats and two dogs were napping on sofas and chairs. The dogs came over for a sniff and head scratch, but the cats ignored us, too lazy to move. Despite the large size, the room had a homey, lived-in feel about it. I liked it.
She eyed me speculatively. “You should have used more sunscreen,” she admonished. “Skin like yours will burn in this heat.”
“I used an eighty SPF. They didn’t have the hundred. And I sat in the shade.” I lifted my shoulders. “It’s fine.”
She crossed her legs, continuing to ignore Jaxson. “My sister Gloria called me last night. I haven’t spoken to her in twenty years.”
“I hope you had a pleasant conversation.”
“You have siblings?”
“Yes. Four. And even if we had been estranged, I would hope I would accept the chance for reconciliation.”
She narrowed her eyes, then sat back with a knowing look. “You are a caregiver, are you not, Ms. VanRyan?”
“I suppose. I’m the eldest. I always liked to care for my siblings.”
“A little mother.”
I heard Jaxson’s swift intake of air, and I glanced over. He was watching us, letting me lead as he promised. I leaned forward, earnest. Helpful.
“Ms. Fraser, I know there is bad blood between you, but they are still your family. If you don’t help us, your sister-in-law could take a great deal of the company from your siblings.”
“That witch. I always said she was no good. Brian wouldn’t listen to me. None of them would.”
“They should have.” Jaxson surprised me by speaking up. “And they know that now. They know you want nothing to do with them, and they understand. But they, I, am asking for your help.”
She pursed her lips. “Why should I trust you? The last lawyer we trusted ripped us off. Tried to steal one of our designs and pass it off as his own.”
He nodded. “I understand. I don’t blame you. But you allowed me to come and see you. You must want to help. Perhaps this could be the olive branch that reunites you with your family?”
She swung her leg in agitation. She turned her body, facing me once again. “Do you trust him?”
My breathing faltered. She was studying me intently. I felt Jaxson’s anxious gaze. I met her eyes. “He will not lead you astray. He is here to help.”
“That didn’t answer my question.”
Images of him ran through my head in fast succession. Helping me on the elevator. Feeding me. Ensuring I had time to study. His closeness on the plane. Making sure I had a ground-floor room here. I spoke the truth. “I trust him with my life.”