Page 67 of Love From Left Field (Knights of Passion)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Miranda disappeared fromthe office and headed home, ignoring her cell phone and alerts. Lucas tried calling, even knocking on her door, but she only held her breath, and stayed very still, as if she could hide forever. But she didn’t need to hide forever; only for today, until she was ready to face the world again.

She cried, ate ice cream, and hit every cliché of a broken heart. Finally, late that night, exhausted, eyes burning and puffy, she fell asleep with an ice pack on her eyes. She’d be damned if anyone would be able to tell that she’d been crying all day. No, she’d make damn sure she looked good, as if Lucas Wainright didn’t matter at all.

She was already at work when everyone came in, trying to avoid all conversation and focus on the work. Within fifteen minutes, Stacia was in her office, hugging her. It was the hug that did her in, destroyed her good intentions and willpower. At the touch of her arms, Miranda’s eyes stung with tears.

“We heard you and Lucas fought but no one knows what happened. What’s going on?”

Miranda gave a small laugh that had no amusement in it. “Long story. Basically, my father was right about Lucas. He was looking for a way to take over the team and get us out.”

Stacia leaned on the desk and studied her, brow furrowing. “How is that possible? I thought his advice helped the team?”

“Sure it did, helped it just enough to get some investors interested in buying the Knights and installing him as president.” Miranda drew in a shuddering breath. “I only hope we caught on to the scheme in time.”

“Lucas was planning that? I can’t believe it.”

Miranda sighed. “He didn’t plan it. This was Roger’s idea. But Lucas went along with it. I heard him talking with Roger yesterday.”

Stacia shook her head. “I’m sorry. I had no idea. Is there anything I can do?”

Miranda cocked her head, thinking for a moment. “Yes, can you see if he’s still here? I told him to leave but I can’t really fire him since he doesn’t work for me.”

“Did you want to see him?”

“Absolutely not.” The words were swift and final. “I want him gone. I’ll call Roger if I have to. I just need to know.”

Understanding dawned. “You don’t want to see him in the halls or in any meetings.”

“Exactly. And if you do see him, let me know.”

Stacia nodded. “Is there anything else? I could have Jason throw him out.”

Miranda smiled at the visual. “While I’d like that, we need to be careful how we work with the league.”

Maggie poked her head in the door. “Your father wants to see you. Can you head over there now?”

Miranda nodded and stood, giving Stacia a quick hug. “Thanks for the support. I’ll get over it.”

Stacia walked with her to the door. “If you need any girl talk or man-bashing, I’ll be there!”

After a glance up and down the hall, Miranda walked the few steps to her father’s office, avoiding looking at the closed door where Lucas had worked. There was no indication that he was in there, or if he had cleared out. She was too cowardly to find out. But later, she’d have to muster her courage and deal with her mistake.

She knocked and slipped in the door, nodding to her father. She was relieved to see it was just the two of them. Her worst fear would have been Lucas in the meeting too.

“I looked for you yesterday but Maggie said you went home sick. Are you feeling better?”

She nodded. “A headache. Nothing more. What did you need?”

“Did you handle Cole?” he asked gruffly.

“Of course, although we need to talk about that meeting.” She leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “We can’t go on like this. You need to bend, to consider other opportunities towards success. You have to let go of control.”

“Goddamn it, why is everyone saying that? I’ve let go of enough control and look where it landed me– in the hospital. Now you want to take my team from me, the last thing I have, like Wainright and everyone else. Well, I won’t stand for it.”

Miranda’s mouth gaped and she pressed her hand to her chest. “I had no idea you felt this way, Dad. Look, no one wants to take anything away. We want to help you and help make the Knights successful.”

“Just because you have a fancy degree doesn’t mean you know more than I do. I’ve been doing this a long time and I know what I’m doing. We’re following my path and that’s the end of it.”

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