Page 53 of Bitter Secrets

“I’ve been here the whole time.”

He grinned. “That’s a good one. Too bad they called to let us know you arrived.”

“I told them not to.” She sighed.

“Orders from the top aren’t to be ignored.” He kissed her cheek and straightened. “What’s going on?”

She widened her eyes innocently. “What do you mean?”

He gave her a steady look as he sipped his drink. “Give.”

“Give what?”

He looked impressed. “Latent rebellious streak? Did Ford put you up to this?”

“What? No, of course not!” If she attended with Ford, he would never allow them to be late.

Lyle’s lip curled. “Figures.”

“What does that mean?”

“He’s too soft.”

“He isn’t soft!”

“He is. His dad and brother walk all over him, and so will Maximus.”

“He isn’t soft,” she hissed as she waved at Magdalene, the wife of a prominent Swiss businessman. “He’s in Europe taking care of—"

“The Whittaker deal,” Lyle finished. “Second time he’s had to take care of something because his brother dropped the ball.” Lyle toasted someone with his glass, but made no move toward them. “Parker favors Tucker, which means he doesn’t try as hard. Ford is more knowledgeable and experienced, but he doesn’t stick up for himself. If he doesn’t put a stop to it now, his life will be miserable.” Lyle gave her a hard look. “And so will yours.”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

He looked as if he wanted to argue, but something over her head caught his attention. “So, if you aren’t thumbing your nose at Maximus, what’s your excuse for being late?”

“Um…”

His eyes cut back to her. “You don’t even have a good excuse prepared?”

She ran her fingers through her hair before belatedly remembering her half-hearted attempt at curls. Shit. “The traffic was…”

He captured her hand and held it between them. They both stared at her black stained fingers. Her beloved rollerball pen just ratted her out. Damn.

“You’re writing again?”

She gave him a guilty smile. “No?”

He grinned. “You know you don’t have to hide that from me. I think you should pursue it. It’s a gift. You shouldn’t have to hide it.”

She took back her incriminating hand. “If only they felt the same way you do.”

“You don’t need their approval. It’s your life.”

“Easy for you to say.”

Lyle shook his head. “Maximus did a number on you three. When I have kids—"

“What’s the story?”

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