All That I Need (Grayson Friends) (22 page)

“His death was so tragic, even more so because the Yates line ended with him,” she said. “Even if Lance hadn’t found his mother’s notes, you could tell she wanted her son to marry and have a family.”

“I came to work for him after she passed, but he always spoke warmly about her and his grandparents. Mr. Yates was always looking and hoping to find a woman to marry, but like I told him, he looked in the wrong place.” Francisco took the water hose and went to the other tree.

Fallon thought of Lance and his horrible experiences with women. “Some men do. You don’t seem like one of them.”

He looked at her and smiled. “I knew Carmen was the women for me when I saw her when I was eighteen and she was sixteen. She was the bright star in my life. Every goal I’ve ever set has been with her in mind.”

“My parents said the same thing when they first met. They just knew.” She reached for the water hose again. If only it had been that simple for her and Lance.

“Before Mr. Yates left on that ski trip, he told me he thought he might find the woman for him.” Francisco took off his hat, replaced it. “He was a good man, but life didn’t smile on him. I pray he’s finally found the peace he didn’t find here. People took advantage of his goodness and his money. They won’t do that to Mr. Saxton.”

True, but Lance is probably just as lonely.
“How long have you known Lance?”

“Six weeks after Mr. Yates’s death Mr. Saxton showed up with three other men. That’s when my family and I learned about Mr. Yates’s financial troubles. Carmen and I had stayed on and worked without pay because we respected and cared for Mr. Yates. He loved this house and the gardens, always said he felt at peace here.” Francisco’s mouth flattened into a hard line. “One of the men, a banker, ordered us to leave immediately, called us squatters. If Carmen hadn’t been standing there I’m not sure what I would have done, I was so angry.”

“I don’t blame you. That was an irresponsible and ridiculous thing to say,” Fallon said, incensed.

He nodded. “Mr. Saxton said the same thing. He asked the hotshot banker who would take care of the house and gardens as well as we had. I don’t know what happened, because we left, but two weeks later Mr. Saxton came to the house and hired us to continue as we had been. If he hadn’t and paid us the back wages, Oskar would have had to drop out of college.”

“He’s a good man,” she murmured. Too bad he didn’t think so at times.

“But not an easy man.” Francisco took the water hose, then hit the button to roll it up automatically. “But my Carmen tells me, neither am I.”

“Easy is boring,” Fallon said, her lips twitching.

“So my wife says.” He tipped his hat. “Good day, Miss Marshall.”

*   *   *

Lance simply watched Fallon for a long minute. The midday sun shone through the trees and framed her exquisite face and body perfectly. He wished he could keep the … He took out his phone, found Photo, and pressed the button. She turned at that moment. He took another picture.

“Got you.”

Her lips pursed, she quickly approached, reaching for his phone. “Give me that. I look horrible.”

He held the phone over his head. “You look beautiful. If I wasn’t afraid you’d delete the picture, I’d show you.”

She folded her arms. “You show it to anyone and I’m going to be very annoyed with you.”

“It’s just for me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth he had to wonder if this and memories were all he’d ever have of her.

“All right.” She gestured toward the trees. “Francisco and I watered. They look good. They’ll really sprout out in the spring.”

His chest felt tight. “You’ll deliver in the spring.”

Her eyes rounded, she glanced down. “Y-yes.”

He pulled her into his arms, placed his chin on top of her head, felt her tremble. “I’ll be there, and you and the baby will be fine. Please don’t be scared.”

“I’m not—not really. It’s just…” Her voice trailed off.

“Just what?” he urged. “Tell me so I can help.”

He felt her shrug her shoulders and moved his hand up and down her back in a comforting gesture. “I guess it’s all starting to be more and more real. I went to a doctor in New Orleans who confirmed the pregnancy, but I’ll need to get one in Austin, think about birthing classes.”

“They have excellent doctors here and in Tucson,” he said carefully.

Slowly, she lifted her head, her gaze level. “My doctor will be in Austin.”

Not if Lance could help it. “When you make the appointment, I’m going with you.”

“I’d like that.”

“Good.” His arm remained around her shoulder as they returned to the house. He stopped a short distance from the garage. “You feel up to a drive?”

She glanced up at him. “Is there a destination or are we just driving?”

“I had another call; that’s why it took me so long,” he explained. “It was Sierra. She asked for my help with planning a fund-raising auction. We’re meeting her at one of your favorite places in Santa Fe, the Red Cactus.”

Her mouth gaped. Fallon took two steps back from Lance and glanced down at her clothes. “You expect me to meet one of the most fashionable women in the country, not to mention richest, in wrinkled Bermuda shorts and blouse?”

“You look fine to me.” Maybe there were a few wrinkles from her lying down, but nothing major. He reached for her arm. “Sierra won’t care what you have on.”

Fallon batted his hand away. “Men are clueless at times. What time were you to meet her?”

“A little over an hour from now. I wasn’t sure how you felt, so I wanted to give you time to feel better, since I wanted you to go with me. Since you’re feeling all right I thought we’d go early and grab—” He was talking to Fallon’s back.

“Give me ten minutes.”

Lance stared after her.
Women.
Thank goodness, it looked like his picker had finally gotten it right.

*   *   *

Fallon’s ten minutes turned into fifteen, then twenty. She wasn’t usually fussy about clothes, but she wanted Lance to be proud of her.

I wanted you to go with me.

She tucked the words into her heart and slipped on another sundress, this one apricot colored, with a fitted bodice and flared hem. Her mother had sent mostly casual clothes. The last two dresses and the pants hadn’t fit right. Fallon had lost weight.

A knock sounded on her open door. “You all right?”

“Yes.” Turning, she went to stand in front of him. “I’m sorry it took so long.”

His warm gaze ran over her. “I’m not. You look beautiful. I almost hate to share you.”

Nothing could have pleased her more. She kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks. I needed that. Let’s go.”

Twenty minutes later, they were standing in front of the podium of the Red Cactus. Fallon gave her name and the hostess immediately picked up two menus. “I could get used to this,” Fallon said in an aside.

“I’m meeting Sierra Navarone,” Lance told the young hostess. “Please let me know when she arrives.”

The woman paused. “Are you Mr. Saxton?”

“Yes.”

The dark-haired woman smiled. “Sierra is already here. Please follow me.”

The woman wove her way through the crowded restaurant to a large booth with banquette seating in red tufted leather. With Sierra was Ruth Grayson on one side of the booth. Facing them was a stunningly beautiful young woman wearing a cream-colored Chanel suit and a triple strand of pearls. Fallon immediately thought class, culture, and old money.

After greeting everyone, Lance and Fallon took a seat in the oversized upholstered chair at the end of the booth table. Fallon eyed the chips and salsa and wondered if she dared try to eat any.

“Lance, thank you for coming,” Sierra said to him. With a twinkle in her eyes, she said to Fallon, “It’s good to see you’re still taking advantage of opportunities.”

“Life is more interesting that way,” Fallon said.

“I agree.” Sierra smiled. “I’d like you both to meet Skylar Dupre, event director for Navarone Resorts and Spas.”

“Hello,” Skylar greeted warmly, her cultured voice crisp, with a Boston accent. “It was nice of you to meet us on such short notice.”

“My pleasure,” Lance said. “If there’s anything I can do to help with the project Sierra mentioned, I’d be more than happy.”

“Thank you, Lance.” Mrs. Grayson placed her hands on the wooden table. “Since you’ve had experience with auctions, I wanted your input on the one we’re planning. Although I trust Skylar’s judgment and expertise in this matter.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Grayson; your faith and confidence mean a lot.” Skylar faced Lance. “But Mr. Saxton has gained a sterling reputation in Tucson and beyond in a very short time for his expertise in auctions. I’m willing to listen to anything he has to say to make the fund-raiser for the music department at St. John’s a huge success.”

“I’m at your disposal, but do you mind if we order first?” Lance asked. “Fallon’s breakfast wasn’t that great.”

“Of course.” Mrs. Grayson signaled a waiter.

Fallon didn’t know if she wanted to kick or kiss Lance. Since she was eyeing the chips again, she had a pretty good idea.

“Did you try to cook, Lance?” Sierra teased.

“I wouldn’t subject her to that kind of punishment,” he said.

“Yes, Mrs. Grayson?” the waiter inquired.

“Sam, we’d like to order,” she told him. “In the meantime, please ask Brandon if he can send out a couple of appetizers for our guests. This is the first time Skylar has eaten here.”

The young man’s gaze moved to Skylar. He blinked, straightened his narrow shoulders. “I certainly hope it won’t be your last.”

“I’m sure it won’t,” she answered, the corners of her mouth curving upward.

“What would you like to drink?” the waiter asked.

Skylar smiled easily at the mesmerized man, Fallon thought. Apparently Skylar was used to the effect she had on men. “Fallon and Lance, please order first.”

“Vegetable soup and lemonade,” Fallon ordered, and couldn’t ignore the astonished expression on Sierra’s and her mother’s faces. They both were aware of Fallon’s usually hearty appetite.

“We’ve planned for a special dinner tonight, so we’re eating light,” Lance explained smoothly. “I’ll just have chips and lemonade.”

“I admire your restraint.” Skylar picked up the menu. “I’ve heard for months about the food here. I think I’ll have the combination chicken/beef fajitas. Pepsi.”

“Make mine the same. Fajitas and Pepsi, that is,” Sierra said with a mischievous grin.

“I’ll have the Cobb salad with smoked salmon, and lemonade.” Mrs. Grayson handed Sam her menu.

“I’ll get those out as soon as possible.” The young man moved away.

Sierra picked up a chip, then scooted the basket across the table in front of Fallon. “Skylar, I think you can add another one to your list.”

“Sierra, you’re imagining things. Mr. Saxton—”

“‘Lance,’ please.”

“Lance, and please call me Skylar. As Sierra told you on the phone, I came up with the idea to have a fund-raising auction at Sierra and Blade’s home and invite a very select guest of people with the financial means to bid on high-ticket items donated from celebrities, businesses, and collectors.”

“The castle?” Fallon almost whistled. “The media has wanted a look at your home since you moved in. People will come just to see the house.”

“The house will be a strong draw, but I also want them to purchase,” Skylar said, her brows furrowed.

Sierra wrinkled her nose. “It was maddening at first … until Blade bought up all the surrounding property around us. Nothing gets on our property without Rio’s permission.”

Fallon couldn’t resist any longer and reached for a chip. “Rio impressed me as very efficient.”

“Security is paramount,” Lance said. “You’ll have some very high-profile people and valuable merchandise.”

“That won’t be a problem with Rio in charge,” Skylar said with complete confidence. “As Ms. Marshall said, Rio is very good at what he does.”

“Too efficient at times,” Sierra muttered.

“That’s because you can’t get by him,” Mrs. Grayson said.

Sierra shot an annoyed look at a nearby table where two men sat. “What do I need with bodyguards in my brother’s restaurant?”

“So Blade won’t worry,” Mrs. Grayson and Skylar answered in unison.

“And that’s the only reason I let Rio get by with this.” Sierra munched on another chip. “But one day, Rio and I are going to have a heart-to-heart.”

Mrs. Grayson frowned. Skylar looked worried. Fallon had heard that Sierra liked having her way, but Rio looked like a man who wasn’t easily pushed … if at all.

“Your drinks and appetizers.” The waiter served their drinks and the appetizers. “Brandon said to let you know that your food will be right out.”

“Thank you.” Mrs. Grayson said grace. “Please help yourself. Fallon and Lance, Brandon likes to see people eat at his restaurant.”

Sierra picked up a mini-taco. “He gets testy if they don’t.”

Unable to resist, Fallon picked up another chip and dunked it into
queso.
“Good food is one of my weaknesses.”

“Mine, too,” Sierra agreed, her eyes twinkling again. “Among other things.”

Fallon’s lips twitched. Sierra was terrible and oh, so right. She was referring to Blade, of course. Fallon had to admit some men changed all the rules. But Sierra had Blade’s love; Fallon was a long way from getting Lance’s.

“I can certainly see why Brandon has such a great reputation as a chef.” Skylar sank startling white teeth into a mini-quesadilla. “We’re planning a party with food and dancing early in the evening before the auction. It will give people time to view the pieces and enjoy the evening.”

“I would suggest setting aside a room for the items and discreet guards.” Lance placed his folded hands on the table. “You might not have to worry about theft, but there’s always breakage to consider or a party crasher.”

Skylar shook her head. Hair, as rich and luxurious as sable, framed her exquisite face. “Party crashers won’t be a problem. All of the guests will be vetted before the event and checked at the entrance of the estate for identification and again before they enter the house. So will the trunks of their cars. The invitation is person specific, with clear instructions. No guests allowed unless cleared a month before the auction.”