Emily lifted her eyes from her laptop and stared out her home office window into the backyard beyond. It was Wednesday and she was on day three of working from home, something she rarely did. In fact, she couldn’t recall the last time she’d done it. Probably two years ago when she’d had the stomach flu. Even then she’d continued working in bed as long as her body had allowed.

One minor reason she’d chosen to break from the norm was because her mother was visiting. But the truth was, this week’s absence from the office was mainly about one thing: avoidance. Of many things, such as Natalie’s questions, the window in her office that looked over the outdoor patio, and her stray thoughts that kept reminding her how stupid she’d been to leave Reeve’s house Sunday morning. Avoiding that last one wasn’t working out so well.

She’d been so close to agreeing to go out with him. Had even decided to say yes, and then he’d gotten up to take that phone call, and there it was. A big black, ink-on-skin announcement of her worst fear. The unmistakable insignia of the earth attached to an anchor, an eagle on top, was placed amid other calligraphy and images on Reeve’s back shoulder blade. It was a beautiful tattoo on a beautiful body, but it didn’t change the reality.

He was a marine.

Or had been one at one time, considering he owned a landscaping company in Manhattan, Kansas. Didn’t matter, “Once a marine, always a marine.” How many times had her stepfather said exactly that? The general had a version of the same image on his own shoulder and Emily hated it.

Logic told her it wasn’t fair to judge Reeve based on her feelings about another human, but in her experience, men like that were opinionated, chauvinistic assholes. And if she’d had any hope that Reeve might not have a problem with her owning and running a multimillion-dollar company while he mowed lawns and planted trees for a living, it had been shot to hell right then and there.

Time to cut and run, was what her head had told her to do upon seeing the tattoo, and that’s exactly what she’d done as soon as he’d shut the bathroom door.

Emily heard the light footsteps of her mother coming down the hall and sat up in her desk chair.

“I may have gotten too much sun sitting outside,” Stephanie Strickland said as she entered Emily’s office without as much as a tap on the door. “Sure would be nice if your pool was open.”

“That would be nice, but it’s still spring, and only sixty-two degrees,” Emily said, forcing a warm smile. “You’ll have to come back in a month or so. And I have sunscreen in the hall closet if you need some.”

Stephanie smiled and stepped over to the unit of built-in bookcases that lined the far wall of Emily’s office. She picked up a framed photo of Emily and Amanda, smiled, then put it down before moving on to the next item on display. Her office was full of photos, favorite books, miscellaneous awards, and even random trinkets she’d collected through her life. Emily liked to be surrounded by things that made her happy.

Everything about this house made her feel content and comfortable. She’d bought it after selling her grandfather’s mammoth of an estate in the country that she’d inherited in his will along with the privately held company. Making the decision to sell had been hard, but ultimately, she’d known it was necessary. Not only had she no desire to live in the big house all by herself, but it was a money suck. Hadn’t made sense to keep it, despite the fond memories there.

She’d made a great profit off the sale, enough to pay cash for the four-bedroom Tudor in an older, secluded part of town, and even do a great renovation. She’d paid for an overhaul of the kitchen and master, refinished all the hardwood, laid new carpet, and painted nearly every wall. Last but certainly not least was the update of the already serene backyard and pool.

Her mother picked up a photo of their family at her mother and the general’s wedding. “So long ago,” Stephanie said with a quiet chuckle. She set the frame back down and then made her way toward the large picture window that overlooked Emily’s backyard haven.

“You really have such a pretty backyard, Em. I sat out there by that blooming lilac bush and it just smelled so nice. So peaceful, I wish Allen was here to enjoy it with me.” She turned and gave Emily a forlorn look. “He sent his apologies, just so much going on at work. But he’ll be here Friday afternoon so he can attend the wedding with me.”

Emily wasn’t going to argue with her mom, but she knew the truth. The general flat-out refused to be a guest in her home. The two of them did not get along, never had, but their hostile relationship had hit a boiling point when she’d inherited her father’s legacy after her grandfather’s death.

The inheritance had been the nail in the coffin on their already strained relationship. It didn’t help that Emily suspected that even after all these years, the general was jealous of her father. How a man could be jealous of a deceased husband, one he’d never even met, Emily would never understand. She had a feeling that Allen was insecure enough to believe that her mother still mourned her first husband. Maybe he was right. Her father had been a good man. Stern and serious, but gentle. Fair. The exact opposite of the general, which always made Emily wonder what the hell her mother had found appealing in the man. He’d been happy to move them across the country when he was promoted, away from everything that resembled their former life.

Allen Strickland made old school look progressive, still believing women were best sitting still and looking pretty. The fact that Emily had not only taken over what should have been her father’s company, but had made it into a success, went against everything he believed in. In fact, she was sure he hated her for it. Hated how proud her mother was of her, especially when Emily had taken Stephanie on a trip to Paris. A dream of her mother’s. And it wasn’t that he didn’t make good money. He could have fulfilled her mother’s dream, but he hadn’t cared enough to.

She hated that he couldn’t even stay in his stepdaughter’s home for the sake of the woman he proclaimed to love. There was no doubt in her mind that was the reason for his absence now.

“It will be nice when you can both stay here this weekend. You can lounge out back together,” Emily said, testing her theory.

When her mother hesitated, Emily knew she was right. Why did it sting even when she’d known it was coming?

“You know, Allen and I talked, and we agreed it would be better if we stayed at the hotel where the reception is being held. We’ll probably have a drink or two so we wouldn’t have to worry about driving. Easier for you, too.”

She should just nod and agree. Avoiding a confrontation would be the polite thing to do. Emily was never good at that, though, at least not where her mother and the general were concerned.

“Just say it, Mom. He won’t stay here in my house.”

“Em, that’s ridiculous.”

“You’re right. It is ridiculous. And childish. And chauvinistic. And yet . . .” Emily lifted a finger to her chin, pretending to contemplate her words. “It still sounds just like General Strickland.”

Stephanie’s shoulders sagged. “Let’s not do this today, Emily. I came early to spend time with you, not argue.”

Now Em felt like a jerk, because she really didn’t like to put her mother in this situation. She’d been married to the man for over fifteen years, and Emily kept thinking if she pointed out what an asshole he was often enough, her mom would finally see the light and leave the dickhead. Obviously she had instead just accepted his faults, even if her daughter hadn’t.

But God, she just wanted her to admit it. Just once. Yes, I married a jealous asshole, and he is resentful of you because you’re a successful woman and you look like your father.

Wasn’t going to happen. At this point Emily wasn’t certain she’d find the satisfaction she desired even if it was said, because what good would admitting it do if you weren’t going to leave him? Plus, did she really want her mother to be all alone?

That was another reason why she knew cutting ties with Reeve was the answer. Yes, he’d been nice . . . and incredibly sexy. But he was a military man, so if she let the relationship continue, she might discover other sides of him. The bad sides, because those were always the last to show themselves. Emily refused to fall for a guy, learn he wasn’t the charming man she thought, and be in so deep that she was incapable of leaving. He already had her doing things she didn’t normally do—not that she’d been forced. Not at all. But what if this was just the beginning of losing herself? She refused to live in denial like her mother.

Knowing that Reeve would be working in her vicinity, Emily had taken the rest of the week off for Amanda’s wedding and to spend time with her mother, whom she rarely saw these days. If things worked out the way she hoped they would, Big Blue Landscaping would be done with the patio project this week and be out of there by the time she returned. She’d have to find a way out of their maintenance contract and get a new company because there was no way she was going to watch his crew mow every week from her window.

She wasn’t that strong.

“You’re right, Mom. I’m sorry. You know I just want you to be happy.”

“And I am. I have lots of friends in Jacksonville. I love it there. Allen is also taking me to Turks and Caicos this summer. One of those all-inclusive places. You know how I love the beach.”

Emily didn’t comment that she’d offered her free beach home to them time and again and never once had they taken her up on it. Probably because they’d gone there many times before her father passed away. The general wouldn’t have dared. She managed to hold her snark in check. Pointing it out now would only hurt her mother’s feelings and make her defensive.

“That’s good, Mom. I’m glad.” Emily closed her laptop and stood. “Why don’t we go to lunch and do a little shopping. I’d like to find a new dress for the rehearsal dinner.”

“Oh, that sounds lovely.”

It did sound lovely, Emily had to agree with her mother for once. It also sounded like a good way to keep her distracted while she worked on forgetting about her amazing two-night stand.

* * *

By noon on Friday, Reeve was still riding high on the excitement of getting the approval to implement his design at LAM Theaters corporate office. Standing back, he took in the worksite, pleased with how quickly things had taken shape.

He’d ended up presenting them with two options, the first being affordable yet attractive and functional. He’d been fully prepared for that to be their choice. In fact, he’d almost stopped there with the design proposal process, but something had urged him to spend a little time and present something impressive. He enjoyed that, and their company didn’t do a lot of big designs. Or many design at all. In fact, he’d had no formal training on extensive landscape design such as this, but he’d done some online research and pulled it off. Their main clients utilized them mostly for maintenance, but he was now considering that it might benefit them to seek out a professional landscape designer. The thought of growing the business in that way excited him.

It had nearly taken his breath away when the assistant, Daniel, had called Monday morning and given him the news that the owner had chosen the grander project. To the tune of nearly twenty thousand dollars. His plans had included removing the current concrete patio, pushing it back to avoid the pesky willow, putting in new walkways, pavers, a stone wall with granite veneer and fireplace, and of course all of the softscape. He’d already ordered several shrubs, colorful perennials, bulbs, and a few small trees.

It was going to be a showpiece. He was hoping the company would allow them to let a photographer come in and take some professional photos of it for Big Blue to use in their marketing pieces.

The clicking of high heels on the new pavers drew his attention to the side door where Natalie, one of the people he’d been corresponding with on the project, was making her way out. Reeve stood up straight and gave her a smile. She was incredibly attractive, with long legs and dark hair. He was also sure she’d been flirting with him all week. In subtle ways, but he could tell she was interested.

“How are things coming along?” she asked.

He was tempted to point out that they weren’t much further along than the last time she’d been out two hours ago, but he refrained. “Great. All the dirt’s been laid, granite guys will be here Monday, and then it’s basically just planting.”

“It’s really beautiful. Everyone’s so excited to come out here and start utilizing the space. We’ve already ordered some new tables and chairs. The patio has always been a popular spot for lunch breaks and smaller department meetings.”

“Well, I definitely think the right choice was made with this design. It’s going to be really nice.”

She nodded, tucking her bottom lip under her teeth for a second before she met his eyes. “So you’re thinking you’ll be done soon, hm?”

He put his hands on his hips as he looked around, mentally calculating what was left to do and how long it would probably take. “Yeah, if the weather holds up we should be out of here by next Wednesday.”

“I’ll be sad not to see you every day,” she said in a low voice.

Reeve chuckled a little, noticing how she’d stepped closer. He wouldn’t mind spending more time with her, but something was stopping him from just asking her out. He was almost ashamed about that because he knew the reason, and the infamous Emily was nothing but trouble and had proven it to him twice now. The fact that she was still on his mind pissed him off.

“I agree.” He stepped closer to her, noticing that this close she smelled like honeysuckle. “I’ll miss seeing you, too. It’s been a fun project.”

She smiled. “You know . . . it would be fun to get together. Maybe.”

He hesitated. Shake her off, shake her off. “Yeah . . . I don’t know.”

“Actually, I was kind of wondering if you might be interested in some work at my house? I’ve been meaning to update the front flower beds at my place for years.”

Reeve knew this was not just about her flower beds, but at the same time, Natalie was obviously successful. If she lived in a well-off neighborhood, she’d have well-off neighbors. He could hardly turn her down. He’d just have to keep his eye on her. Shit, maybe after a while he’d be willing to be seduced by her. Just not yet.

“I’d be happy to take a look.”

She grinned. “Great! What are you doing over the weekend?”

He chuckled, surprised by her boldness, but then again, no he wasn’t. “While I do sometimes work weekends, I can’t this time because I have Guard drills.”

She raised an eyebrow so he elaborated. “I’m part-time in the National Guard. This is my drill weekend.”

Her mouth dropped open and then slid into a sexy grin. “Well, that’s impressive. Okay, then how about Monday. After we leave here?”

Nice to know some women appreciated a man in uniform.

“Monday is fine.”

She rattled off her address and he put it into his phone.

* * *

“Good gracious. That sure is a handsome man outside.”

“Quiet, Mother,” Emily said. “Someone might hear you.”

“Well, why on earth are we hiding out here in this hallway anyhow? I thought we stopped by because you needed to pick up Amanda’s gift.”

Emily sighed. It was true. On the way to drop her mother off at the hotel, she’d remembered having her friend’s wedding gift shipped to the office a couple of weeks earlier and then never taken it home. “That is why we came, Mom. I’m just . . . wanting to get a peek at how my landscaping project is coming along.”

“Well then, why are we looking out the window? Let’s just go out there.”

Emily grabbed ahold of her mother’s arm. “We can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Mom, please just . . . just stay here. Okay?”

Her mother looked irritated, which didn’t faze Emily in the least. Right now she had one thing on her mind and it was figuring out why in the hell Natalie was outside flirting with Reeve, because there was no doubt in her mind that’s what was happening. The smile on Natalie’s face was pure I want to lick you from head to toe, and he certainly seemed to be having no trouble reciprocating by the looks of it. Did they stand around and talk like that every day? Emily hadn’t been here to keep an eye on things, on purpose. But maybe she should have, because as close as they were standing to each other, they needed a chaperone.

A horrifying thought struck. Had they hooked up? Oh God, and why did that make rage ripple through her body?

“Are you avoiding those people out there?”

Emily sighed, grateful to see Natalie retreating.

“You are, aren’t you? Why? Isn’t that woman your employee?” Her mother was usually annoyingly naive. Why wasn’t this one of those moments?

“Or is it the handsome guy? Do you know him?”

At one time Emily would have considered herself unreadable, but apparently Reeve brought out a new, irritatingly obvious side of her. First Natalie, now her mother.

“Come on, let’s go to my office and get this over with.”

“Emily?” Speaking of Natalie, the traitor. Her voice drifted across the lobby, followed by the click of her designer heels. Emily turned around and gave Natalie a smile. “Did you see outside? It’s so beautiful.”

“I did take a quick peek. It really does look amazing. I saw you talking outside, is everything okay? I assume they will be finished soon.”

Natalie waved her hand in dismissal. “Oh of course, everything is wonderful. I was just out there talking to Reeve. I can’t believe you didn’t want to see him again. He’s so sweet.”

From the corner of her eye Emily saw her mother’s head whip around to glare at her but she didn’t dare give her the satisfaction of meeting her eyes.

“Hm, yes, he is.” She forced a smile. It was taking all her power to not go full boss-mode and point out that Natalie’s time would be better served doing her job, but that would be ridiculous. Micromanaging her CFO had never been her style. It was also unnecessary because Natalie had always done her job and done it well.

“Also, I wanted to let you know that I asked him to come to my place next week and give me his thoughts on my yard. Hope you don’t mind.”

Emily heard the words in slow motion. Natalie’s face looked genuinely concerned, as if she really cared if Emily was upset by this. The question she needed to answer was, did it make her mad? Sad? Right now all she felt was shock, so she pulled herself together.

“Of course not, goodness. You’re free to hire our landscaper.” Emily forced a smile, certain that they both were fully aware this conversation wasn’t about hiring a landscaper at all. “No worries here. And if you’re concerned about me personally then . . . I mean . . . obviously I was avoiding him if you recall.” And now she was hoping to avoid throwing up. And rambling any longer.

Natalie didn’t look reassured. “Okay. Well, I may not even end up using him. I just wanted to see what he thought.”

Or offer him an afternoon quickie, Emily couldn’t help thinking. The thought made her dizzy.

“Did you know he was in the National Guard?” Natalie asked, obviously impressed. Emily just lifted a brow.

“I didn’t. But that’s nice.” So he was a marine . . . who joined the Guard? That seemed odd, but there’d been no mistaking the tattoo on his back.

Luckily Natalie noticed Emily’s mother before their conversation could get any more awkward.

“Please forgive my lack of manners. You must be Mrs. Phillips?”

“Former Mrs. Phillips, now it’s Strickland. I am Emily’s mother.”

“So nice to finally meet you. I can see where Emily gets her looks from,” Natalie said warmly. She was always friendly and good at making people feel at ease and comfortable. She was being kind. She was kind. Emily had always liked Natalie and been glad she’d hired her four years ago. But right now she wanted to strangle the woman’s little neck with the strap of her purse.

“Well, we better run, I was just popping in to pick something up for the wedding tomorrow.” Emily began to nudge her mother toward the elevator.

“Oh, that’s right. Your best friend. Well, you both have a good weekend.” Natalie gave them a wink and a little wave before heading down the hall.

“Em, what was that about? Did you date the landscaper?”

“Not now, Mom. Let’s just go upstairs.”

Thankfully her mother kept quiet as they got on the elevator and Emily pushed the button for the third floor. She was still fighting the jealousy that had become a physical pain in her chest. Silly that the entire thing was upsetting her so much, because she only had herself to blame.

“Did you sleep with him, then?” Her mother’s whisper rang out in the small elevator like a siren.

“Mom!”

“We’re grown women, Em. And it’s not a silly question. He’s very good looking, and you obviously have mixed feelings about what just happened.”

Emily glared at her mother over her shoulder as she exited the elevator.

“Don’t look at me like that, young lady. I can read you like a book.”

“You cannot.” She picked up the pace down the carpeted hallway, her mother on her heels.

“Well, then tell me I’m wrong.”

Emily walked into her office and headed for the corner where she’d shoved the shipping box that contained Amanda’s gift. She knew her mother was still waiting for an answer. “Does it really matter?”

“It matters if you’re upset.”

“I’m not upset, Mother, just very busy. I run a large company, and my stress level is usually through the roof. I travel frequently and to be honest, I’m very hard to get along with.”

“What makes you think that?” Stephanie Strickland looked shocked at her daughter’s statement. “You’re very sweet, Emily.”

Emily gave her a long look. “Can we just end this uncomfortable discussion? I don’t even know where it’s going.”

“Fine, I’ll drop it. But before I do, let me say this. I can tell that the idea of your CFO spending time with that man was painful for you. And whatever it is that makes you think you’re not sweet or lovable is just ridiculous and unfounded. And it breaks my heart because I wish I was half the woman you are.”

Emily’s shoulders sagged. “Mom . . .”

Her mother put up a hand. “I’m not done. I believe you’re confusing sweetness for weakness, and that is a mistake. There is someone out there for you, Em. Someone man enough to handle a powerful, intelligent, and successful woman.”

Tears threatened, and Emily glanced over to the window. She didn’t know what broke her heart more. Wondering if her mother was right about there being a man for her, or realizing her mother might finally be admitting to what was lacking in her own relationship. More than likely it was both.

“You know that I want the same thing for you,” Emily said.

Her mom stepped closer and put her hand on Emily’s arm. “I had that, sweetie. You know I did, and I cherish those memories every single day. Now I have Allen, and while he’s not perfect, he loves and takes care of me. That’s all I need, Em. If you think not having a partner will make life easier, you’re wrong. You might be fine for a while. Get more work done, feel independent. But that won’t last. In the end, you’ll be very lonely.”

Emily wiped at her eye and stiffened her spine. “I’m listening, Mom. Truly. I know you want me to be happy, and I know you don’t really understand my choices in life, but please, trust me.”

Her mother’s lips quirked in the hint of a smile. “My dear, I’ve never not trusted you. You’re the most brilliant woman I know. But sometimes a mother still likes to think she has some value left to offer. You could indulge me once in a while and tell me I’m right.”

Emily smiled, appreciating the compliment because her mother didn’t give them out often. In fact, she’d grown up wondering if her mother even appreciated the fact that she always made straight A’s. In high school it wasn’t unusual for her mother to encourage Emily to put off homework on the weekend and go hang out with other people her age. Not that she ever had. But this moment was unexpected and sort of nice. So much so that she felt inclined to step outside of her own comfort zone and return the favor. “You being here is valuable to me, Mom.”

The grin on her mother’s face made the awkwardness of saying those words all worth it. “Good. For me, too.”

They left the office and Emily forced herself not to glance out the windows to the side of the building. She had too much on her mind to give the issue another thought.