Chapter 24

Lawson

“I’ll find some time to get back into town today and see what I can do.”

“This is important, Lawson. Rob and Clive look like they could collapse any minute from stress. We were prepared for this weather, but with the influx of storms, my contract crews are having a hard time getting to the site. I’ve pulled all the employees I can from existing projects to the point that other jobs are starting to suffer. We need you here physically,” Dad tells me.

“What the hell is my presence going to do? I can’t change the weather. It’s only been a week since you broke ground. No one expects a miracle.”

“You of all people know the expectations. While you may not think your ‘presence’ will do anything, you are wrong. Taking off and disappearing the day we started didn’t set a good example. It’s been five days, and your absence hasn’t gone unnoticed. People are starting to talk. In a few months, you’re slated to become a top executive in this company, which carries a huge responsibility. When I say Rob and Clive look like they’re going to collapse, it’s not an exaggeration. Rob’s the worst. You’ve put him through the wringer lately with your bi-polar shifts. First, you announce you’re leaving, forgoing the promotion, and ready to help search for a viable candidate. This thing with Greer explodes and he learns your antics, which put everything in jeopardy. But in the end, you’re his nephew. He worries about you. Then you send him a text on your way out of town to hold off on the search and you’ll talk to him after the holidays. This isn’t right. It’s time you get your head straight.”

I resist lashing out at him, rubbing my hand through my hair and taking a few deep breaths. “First of all, I didn’t disappear. You, Clay, Janice, and a handful of others know where I am. I’ve had my phone charged at all times and answered all of your emails. The hotspot isn’t full service out here. Secondly, I’ll call Uncle Rob and smooth things over. Why he’s using you as a messenger is fucking ridiculous.”

“He’s terrified you’ve lost your mind. His last comment was questioning your mental stability.”

“My mental stability is excellent. As for getting my head together, I have more clarity than I have in weeks.”

“Then come home. Give us a few days in the office. Help us figure out labor numbers and lend a hand with restructuring projects. Maybe even attend the annual Christmas brunch and boost employee morale.”

“Jesus, now you sound like Clay.” I roll my eyes, imagining those exact words coming from my brother’s mouth.

“Hey, I take offense to that.” Clay’s voice bursts through the line.

“You have me on fucking speakerphone?”

“I just walked in and wanted to hear if you caught frostbite yet?” His humor breaks the tension building in my shoulders.

“No, asshole, I’m making out fine. Kevin Palmer has a soft spot for me.” I chuckle. “He built a structure out here.”

“What kind of structure?”

“The kind with four walls and a roof.”

“He built you a cabin? We’re over here worried as hell that we’re going to have to bail you out of jail for trespassing and stalking, and you’re living the life of Riley?” Clay grumbles.

“Don’t know where you got this was a cabin. It’s a room with two electrical outlets, a fireplace, a bed, and a sink with running water. Not exactly luxurious living.”

“You’re not in a tent,” he points out unnecessarily.

“Obviously.”

“Why the hell did he make it easy for you? I thought he said he wanted to kill you?”

“This place was here when I arrived. I assume it was all part of a plan. He knows his daughter and that when Greer realized I was here, she’d worry. This is really for her peace of mind.”

“Hmm, good call.”

“As great as it is to know you aren’t going to get eaten by a bear, can we get back to the point of this call? Are you going to come home for a few days?” Dad cuts in, sounding less than amused.

“Dad, I can’t do that right now. I’m fighting like hell to prove to Greer that she’s the most important thing in my world. She’s finally within reach. I can’t run back to the city and give her a reason to doubt everything I’ve been building. This is going a lot slower than I’d like, but she finally doesn’t look like she’s going to bolt. I won’t get into details, but these few days have been essential. We’re having lunch today. There’s no way I’m fucking it up.”

There’s a sigh followed by murmuring, and I can picture my dad leaning back and scrubbing his hands over his face in exasperation. “Goddammit!”

“Dad?”

“I get it, Lawson. I understand every ounce of reasoning why you are there. Watching you suffer has chipped away at me. Hearing the hope in your voice right now lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. So, you have to understand that it kills me to ask you to think about what is happening here. I would never ask you to give up on Greer.”

I feel a tinge of obligatory guilt and decide to try to help with the limited resources available to me. “After I drop Greer off from lunch, I’ll ride back into town and find a place with solid internet. Have Janice send me a detailed outline of what needs reviewing. Between now and then, I’ll call Rob. By tonight, hopefully, we’ll have some of this shit sorted and everyone can relax for Christmas.”

He doesn’t have a chance to respond when the recognizable motor of the golf cart drones in the distance. “Shit! That fucking golf cart.” I shove my feet into my boots and yank on my hat, jumping from the bed.

“What’s wrong?” Dad asks worriedly.

“Greer’s on her way. I’m scheduled to pick her up in ten minutes at her house, so her showing unannounced doesn’t bode well.” I sling open the door, and sure enough, she’s flying across her lawn headed my way. “I need to go.”

“Did you say she’s in a golf cart?”

“Yeah, Kevin tricked out the thing with state-of-the-art heating equipment, including snow tires and a weatherproof cover that insulates the thing better than most full-service vehicles.”

“She’s driving a golf cart in this weather— in her condition? What the fuck, Lawson?”

In her condition… He knows.

“Picking my battles, Dad. This one I won’t win because she’s stubborn and set on disregarding me when I told her to stay off the thing. You mentioning her condition tells me you know about the baby, so we will discuss Clay’s big fucking mouth later. I don’t have time to explain right now, but she doesn’t know I’m aware of the pregnancy. Get Janice to send me the email. I’ll touch base later, but I have to go.” I disconnect and glower at the cart as it approaches.

When she stops, I’m at her side in a second, zipping it open and lifting her out, as I’ve done all the times she’s driven out here.

“Put me down!” She swats at my chest and shoulder, struggling to get free.

I lose my grip when we get inside, and she slips a leg free, squirming out of my hold. “You have to stop doing that!” she huffs.

“Not on your life, especially when you’re so hellbent on resisting my wishes that you stay off that thing until the weather gets better.”

She scowls, her glare shining with defiance. My pulse races and my dick twitches in my jeans at the sight. My eyes roam over her, taking in the oversized black sweater, skintight black leggings, and high-heeled red leather boots. She’s been wearing more and more baggy tops to conceal her tiny bump. I highly doubt the average person would notice such a small feature, but because I’m familiar with every inch of her skin, and made more apparent with her weight loss, there’s no hiding it.

My gaze travels top to toe, and I can’t stop myself from reaching out to skim my fingers over her neck, shoulder, and arm until I can link our hands. Slowly, I lift them to my mouth and kiss each knuckle. “Baby, you look incredible.”

Her expression softens, and the edges of her lips tip as she tries to hide her grin. My chest seizes in victory when she doesn’t pull away, instead giving me a small squeeze. “Thank you.”

A glimpse of the old Greer appears, and a sense of boldness takes over as I close the few inches between us. “Do you have any idea the thoughts running through my head right now?”

She shakes her head, her lips parting slightly.

“I want those red boots wrapped around my shoulders as I start my lunch here.”

Her breath hitches, and her eyes turn liquid green in a way I know intimately. Her hand in mine clasps tighter, her nails digging into my flesh harshly. “You can’t say things like that,” she barely whispers.

“I just did.” I press myself against her hips, grinding enough so she can feel the hardness through my jeans. “Feel the effect you have on me?”

“Lawson, we aren’t a couple anymore. I’m not sure things have changed.”

“Everything has changed, and this will be much easier for you if you stop denying it. I’ve told you we’ll go at your pace, but there’s only so much I can take, get used to hearing how fucking sexy you are.”

Her cheeks turn pink and she tries to drop her head, but I catch her chin with my thumb and force her face back to mine. “I love you, Greer.”

There’s so much more to say, but for now, those words seem like the most important.

Her bottom lip starts to quiver, and she bites down at the same time she sucks in a shaky breath. Her eyes start to shine as she nods. “I believe you, Lawson.”

My heart thunders in my chest, and bells of triumph ring in my ears. I’ve told her over and over again, and each time, I wait for any kind of sign. A newfound confidence takes over, and I dip my mouth to brush over hers. “I’m never going to stop loving you. I’m also never going to give up proving it.”

Her eyes flutter closed but not before I catch a flash of desire. That’s all the encouragement I need. Loosening our joined fingers, I use both hands to cup her cheeks. My lips skim lightly along the edge of her mouth until her lips part and my tongue slides inside.

The kiss starts slowly as I soak in the taste of her. Raspberry, chocolate, and the faintest bit of spearmint coat my mouth, and a growl rumbles from low in my throat as my hands thread through her hair to slant her head for better access. Her hands brace on my chest for a brief second before traveling up to my neck. She presses close, and the air starts to sizzle around us. Our tongues twirl together, creating a rhythm so perfect and natural, the last seven weeks fade from my mind.

Greed builds inside and I dive deeper, flexing my fingers to caress her scalp and at the same time rolling my hips into hers. She responds with a low whimper that sets my blood racing. An ache grows and sears through my veins with a need so raw and savage, I drop my hands to her hips and lift so her legs are forced to wrap around my waist.

A sense of possession kicks in, and my dick throbs between us. She scrapes at the back of my neck, arching into me and grasping tightly. Like so many times before, her body molds to mine. Her thigh muscles tense, her nipples harden, and her hipbones grind into mine.

Electric sensations light up my body, and I sense every curve of her draped around me. My cock pulses, twitching wildly.

Maybe it’s my imagination, but I swear I can feel the swell of her abdomen against the thickness of my dick.

My child.

Our child.

Realization slams into me, and I reluctantly slow the kiss, keeping her curled around me and retreating enough to lay my forehead against hers. Our chests heave together as we catch our breath and her heart beats with mine.

“I’m never giving up,” I repeat.

Her eyes blink open and lock with mine. “I’ve gotten that impression.” She slides her hands from my neck to my cheeks and leans back so I can view her face. Her lips are swollen, her eyes are bright, and there are tiny pink scrapes covering the area around her mouth from my beard.

“I’ve marked you,” I say proudly.

She rolls her eyes, and her lips curl into a small smile. “No doubt you did.”

“Maybe it will go down before we get to the restaurant.”

Her expression changes, the small smile falling to a frown. “Actually, that’s why I’m here. We’re going to have to cancel lunch. I tried to call, but your phone went to voicemail.”

“I was talking to my dad, and the reception is shit out here. Must not have connected.”

“Is everything okay with him?”

“Everything’s fine. Want to explain why you’re canceling lunch?”

She tries to wriggle free, but I walk us the few steps until she’s trapped with her back to the wall and her body still pressed in mine.

“Lawson, let me down.”

“No.”

“Yes!”

“Why are you canceling?” I press, not caring about the irritation building in her eyes.

“Let me down and I’ll explain.”

“Not happening. Explain anyway.”

“You’re being awfully bossy. I’m beginning to regret not leaving you a voice message.”

I take a breath and reign in my aggravation. “Greer, baby, why are you canceling our date?” As hard as I try, the question still comes out on a growl.

“I have a situation.”

“What kind of situation?”

“My dad left for the city early this morning. He has some business to wrap up before Christmas.”

“I saw his helicopter leaving this morning when I went for a run,” I explain, losing patience. “What does that have to do with our plans?”

“He called an hour ago, needing some help. He’s sending over the specs right now for me to review.”

My tension eases immediately. “He needs you to work. I understand that. We can reschedule for dinner.”

Guilt fills her face, and an uneasy feeling settles in my stomach.

“He needs the whole Nerd Herd on this project. He’s arranged for everyone to be flown out here for the next few days, and theywillbeheresoon.” She blurts the last bit so fast, I barely comprehend. Then it makes sense.

Kevin fucking Palmer. Sly son of a bitch.

“Did you tell your dad we were having lunch today?”

She nods.

“And I guess he knows you’ve been visiting me here the last few days?”

Her eyebrows scrunch as she nods again.

“Got to give it to your dad. He’s clever.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Put it together, baby. He’s away for a few days, leaving you alone with me less than a mile away, knowing I’m not going anywhere. He called in reinforcements. Those reinforcements most likely want to see me dead. Kevin’s laying down a challenge.”

“Are you insinuating Dad’s trying to—”

“Yes,” I cut her off.

“That’s ridiculous! He wouldn’t do that.”

I quirk an eyebrow and watch her face, waiting for her to get it. As soon as realization dawns on her, her eyes light on fire. She drops her hands from my cheeks and pushes against my chest. “Let me down! I’m calling him right now!”

I place her on her feet, keeping her close, and start to chuckle. “You’re not calling him.”

“Oh, yes, I am. And he better hope to God you’re wrong.” She squirms to get out of my hold.

“Baby.” I tip her chin to bring her attention back to me. “It thrills me to see you getting fired up, but I expected this.”

She stops moving and her eyes grow wide. “You did?”

“Maybe not this exact circumstance, but I knew he wasn’t going to make this easy on me.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“He’s probably the only person in this world who loves you as much as I do. He may have a soft side, but it’s not a weakness.”

“I don’t like the sound of that. He promised not to meddle in my life anymore.”

“Did you believe him?” I question her gently.

“Of course, he’s my dad.”

“That’s exactly why he’s meddling. I have a lot to prove, not only to you, but to him, your friends, and anyone in your life. He doesn’t intimidate me, Greer. Let him throw every test my way because I will pass each obstacle. Failure is not an option when it comes to you.”

“I’m not a prize to be won.”

“You’re right, you’re more than a prize. You’re everything, absolutely everything. I made it clear to him where I stand.”

“Lawson, I’m not sure…” She doesn’t need to finish her sentence for me to know she’s close to shutting down.

“Don’t. Whatever you’re thinking, wipe it from your mind. We’re not going backward. I’ll gladly take every bit of shit thrown my way for my future with you.”

I know I’ve hit a sweet spot when her lips curl and the hands at my chest relax.

“How much time do we have until the cavalry arrives?”

“Less than an hour, why?”

“Because I’m going to kiss you again and take my time, getting my fill to last through until the next time I see you. Then I’m going to put your ass in my truck and take you home to wait for your friends.”

“What about my golf cart?”

“I’m confiscating the keys until the weather changes.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but I don’t waste any time crashing my lips to hers to shut her up.

•∞•∞•

As soon as I confirm Janice has received the last bit of information, I close my computer and motion to the waitress. She rushes over with my tab, but I wave it off and hand her a hundred-dollar bill, telling her to keep the change. Her eyes light up in appreciation, and she thanks me before wishing me a nice evening.

I pack up and get in my truck as more snow starts to fall harder. The campsite is only five miles from the coffee shop, but in the storm, it takes me twenty minutes to get there. As I get closer to the Palmer property, my phone dings like crazy with messages that I can’t read because the visibility becomes dangerous.

When I pull up to the cabin, there’s an SUV I don’t recognize blocking my usual spot. My first thought is that I have an unexpected visit from either Jonas or Enrique.

“Shit,” I mumble, grabbing my bag. As soon as I get close to the door, it swings open and Greer is standing there looking panic-stricken. When she sees me, her body slumps and she grasps onto the doorframe for support.

My chest seizes, and I get to her before she collapses, lifting her with one arm and hauling her inside. The door slams closed with the force of wind, and she jolts at the loud bang.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

“W-w-where were you?” Her face is pale, her eyes are crazed, and her voice filled with fear.

“I was at the coffee shop in town.”

“I-I-I couldn’t find you. The lines… the storm… Your truck has been gone for hours. There was an accident…” She sucks in a deep breath, and her entire body quakes against mine.

Her hands clutch at my jacket at the same time her face plants into my chest with such force, I rock back. Her tremors grow, and I drop my computer case on the floor, picking her up and taking her to the bed.

“Baby, calm down.” I tuck her into me, arranging the comforter around us to try and stop her convulsing. “Talk to me.”

She trembles from head to toe, causing my own thighs to quiver. I scoot us around so my back is to the headboard and I can fully support her.

She burrows deeper, folding her knees to her chest and nudging her face into my neck. “I was so scared.”

“Why?”

“Because I couldn’t find you.”

“I had to go into town for a while, but I had my phone.”

She inhales deeply and tilts her head back. Her expression is nothing less than terrified, and my stomach clenches. “Talk to me,” I urge.

“We were working, and the electricity started to flicker. Our backup generators kicked in, but the internet was splotchy. When you didn’t answer your phone or my text messages, I got anxious. Then the storm picked up, and it was getting dark. I asked Stan to check on you, and he said your truck left shortly after you took me home this afternoon. He told me you never came back. Then he told me cell towers were down. That was hours ago. The news reported several accidents, and my imagination went wild with you lying in a ditch alone, with no cell, and no one to help you. I panicked.” Her last statement comes out on a high pitch, and her eyes grow wild again.

I wrestle my phone out of my jacket pocket and see dozens of notifications from Greer starting as early as one-thirty this afternoon.

The Nerd Herd made it just in time before the storm got worse. Hope you are having a nice afternoon.

An hour later— We lost electricity but have a back-up. Are you okay out there?

Lawson? Are you there?

I’m starting to get concerned. The storm is picking up. Do you have food and firewood?

Lawson?

Lawson? Why aren’t you answering me?

Stan said you left a while ago. Are you somewhere with cell service?

It’s dark now. Please let me know you are safe.

I stop reading, tossing my phone on the bed and hugging her closer.

“I didn’t realize I lost cell service. My internet was fine.”

“Where were you?”

“I went to the bed and breakfast in town. They have a coffee shop attached, and I needed to do some things.”

“What kind of things?”

I stall to answer, not wanting to admit I was working. She picks up on my reluctance and pushes back to face me. “What kind of things?” she repeats suspiciously.

“My dad needed some help, and I promised to look over some reports after our lunch today. When our plans changed, I decided to head into town early and knock it out. It took longer than I expected.”

“Is that why he called this morning? You needed to work?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to give you the impression that anything was more important than our date.”

“I would have understood, Lawson.” There’s a sense of relief in her expression, but the fear is still etched on her face.

I thread my hands through the hair at her temple and massage gently. “Baby, tell me what else is on your mind.”

She hesitates, biting down on her lip, and brings her eyes to mine. “I thought you’d left.” Her voice is barely a whisper, but the words slam into me, thundering in my ears.

“This morning, my dad, the Nerd Herd, living in a shack… I thought you’d finally had enough,” she continues.

Is she fucking crazy?

I struggle to hold back my grin while at the same time wanting to beat my chest in victory. “I’m not going anywhere, Greer. Nothing is going to dissuade me from being close to you. If that means living in the woods, I’ll gladly do it with no complaint. If your dad thought bringing in reinforcements was going to sway me, he’s going to be disappointed.”

She shivers again, tugging the blanket tightly around us.

“Let me start a fire. I let it die down knowing I’d be out all day.”

“No.” She shakes her head.

“No? You’re freezing.”

“This situation is out of control.”

“What do you mean?”

“Lawson, you’re living in the woods. You’re shirking responsibilities to your family and your business. I’m not going to allow it anymore. You’re coming up to the house.”

“I don’t think—”

“No arguments. There is plenty of room. The house is fully equipped to handle power outages and has a cell tower with range to cover the entire property. You can sleep in a proper bed with central heat, you can eat a decent meal, and you can work without the risk of crashing your truck on the way to the coffee shop.”

Her attitude has done a complete three-sixty from seconds ago, and this time, I lose the fight to hide my grin. “You inviting me to the palace?”

“I’m not inviting, I’m commanding. You hijacked my golf cart, and I was forced to borrow someone’s car to get to you.”

“You stole a car?”

“Borrowed,” she clarifies.

“Do your friends know you’re here?”

She casts a glance over my shoulder, to the ceiling, around the room, anywhere to avoid my eyes.

“I’ll take that as a no.”

“I didn’t actually tell them, but I’m sure they’ve figured it out by now. We took a break to refresh our brains and get ready for dinner.”

“What you’re saying is you snuck out, stole a car from someone who works for you, and drove in the storm to come here?”

She nods, finally making eye contact. “I was worried.”

A range of emotions claws at me from the inside, threatening to detonate. Her admission means so much more than she could imagine. My mind and body go into a battle: wanting to hold her so tight and never let her go, and wanting to throw her across the bed, rip off her clothes, and sink deep into her until she’s screaming my name.

The air in the room changes, heating with my thoughts. She scans my face and starts to squirm, trying to put space between us. I clasp her hips to hold her still and place my lips on hers.

“I’ll follow you home and stay if you promise me to never be so reckless again.”

“I wasn’t reck—”

I shut her up by slipping my tongue into her mouth and tangling it with her own. She tilts her head to give me better access, and I groan when she adjusts her position on my lap, rubbing roughly against the growing bulge in my jeans.

Her giggles break the kiss, and she pulls away, moving her hands to cup my cheeks. “Your beard has a tendency to leave marks, and I don’t think that’s a good idea right before you face the firing squad.”

“I disagree, it’s a terrific idea.” I try to close in again, but she leans further back.

“Slow pace, remember? You agreed.”

“I was a dumbass. And let’s be honest, we’ve never done slow very well.”

Her giggle turns into a full laugh as her face lights up with humor. “Let’s get your things.”

She rolls off my lap and I reluctantly let her go.

“How much should I bring?”

“Everything. Pack everything.” Her eyes shine brightly, all the stress from earlier gone, her face now glowing.

My heart speeds, and I bolt up, yanking her back into my arms. “I love you, Greer Elizabeth Palmer.”

“I know.”