Page 2 of Harry

She had fought against his rugged charms, tried to appear immune, but they had both found something irresistible in each other and within the space of six months the attraction had quickly turned to something so powerful that it had swept them along its wake and had them deciding to move in together.

His mother had been against the relationship and Janelle had been scared. “She’s your mother and if she doesn’t like me, this relationship is going nowhere.”

He had brushed it aside in his inimitable way with a careless grin. “I don’t care about that. I just want you.”

The shrill sound of the kettle had her jumping. Sliding off the stool, she went to turn off the stove. Her stomach was jittery and would not settle. She had lost weight, which she could not afford to do. It was time to get her life back.

*****

Harry hissed out an impatient sigh when he caught sight of the woman lounging on his porch, one foot tapping impatiently. Madelyn McGibbon looked steamed, which was not a particularly good sign. “Here, boy.” He whistled for Shep, his dog who came to a screeching halt in obedience to his call. “Good boy. We have company.”

He murmured, running his fingers through the adoring dog’s dense fur. “And she looks upset. Let’s go hear what’s this is about, shall we?” Keeping a hand on the dog’s collar, he exercised the quiet authority, knowing that his mother was not very animal friendly.

He had gone for a run, which had taken him more than an hour as he tried to get rid of the demons plaguing him, to no avail.

“Darling, I have been waiting for more than half hour!” Madelyn’s cool gray eyes took in the worn tank top, the threadbare gray sweats and tennis shoes that had been around for three years.

It was comfortably broken in and he frankly did not give a rat’s ass about fashion. His thick dark hair was carelessly combed back into a ponytail that straggled past his shoulders. And he was pouring sweat. Something else his mother found distasteful. Good, he thought grimly. This should hasten her along.

“You should have called.”

“I did.” Her lips pursed and she held back a shudder as he bounded up the steps and dropped down on a chair with comfortably worn leather. Reaching over to open a minifridge which was conveniently placed next to the chair, he took out a bottle of water and twisted the cap off.

“I had my phone on vibrate.” Wildly beautiful blue eyes tracked to the well preserved and lovely face of Madelyn McGibbon. “What’s this about?”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Why?”

Madelyn tamped down the impatience and frustration that threatened to spill over. She had not approved of his choice, but at least he had been happy when he was with that girl. Now he was getting into trouble and reverting to his usual behavior. “You’ve not been to the office lately.”

“I have been working from home.” Swallowing water, he used his free hand to dig into Shep’s fur, causing the animal to whimper in delight.

Madelyn cast a slightly derisive look at the dog before staring at her son. He had the look of his dad, blue-black hair and wildly beautiful blue eyes that could become quite intense at times.

She had eventually fallen in love with Richard and had been taken in by his charms. Her mind shied away from thinking about the man who had broken her heart and broken his son into pieces by his abuse. And she could not help but feel guilty. Because of him, Harry was hurting and unable to fully function.

“Darling, I am not complaining. Your contribution is excellent as usual and thorough. But there are meetings….”

“But you do so well as CEO.”

“Interim CEO. The company belongs to you.”

“A technicality!” His mouth tightened. “I am not CEO material.”

“Darling…”

“Enough, mother.” He rose lithely, six foot three inches of lean muscles and sheer beauty that not even the raggedy clothing could hide. “I am tired and hungry and am going out for a bit before turning in. If there is nothing else…?”

“The party!” She rose as well, determined to keep a lid on her temper.

“What party?”

Her lips firmed. “I asked my assistant to send you a reminder. The real estate event being held at the Royalton, tomorrow.” Determination was stamped on her face. “You are required to be there.”

Harry knew better than to push the envelope and nodded curtly.

“I will.”

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