Chapter 5

Ryan

I was long overdue a workout, and after the day I’d had with that smart-mouthed redhead I needed to blow off some steam. There was nothing like an early morning run after to clear my mind and that was one of the perks of living in a gated community.

Jason was right beside me, and I was well aware by his quiet mood that he was on eggshells.

“Are you waiting for me to explode or something?” The guy had been the same way all through our earlier workout and at least through one mile on our feet.

“I can tell by that hard ass expression that something didn’t go in your favor today. I’ll guess it has something to do with the lady from Easton?”

“You mean little miss hard ass? You’ll be right. She was a real piece of work.” I wanted to be mad at the bossy woman, but truth be known, I was much more interested in what had happened in her life to make her so bitter.

“Yeah, what’s she like? Don’t tell me. She’s one of those nature lovers who’s into the all-natural lifestyle and braids her own leg hair?” I chuckled but then remembered her smooth legs crossed in front of me. I’d gotten a good look at them and even imagined myself for the better part of my night what it would be like to be between them.

“You’re way off.”

“Hey, if she’s hot I called dibs remember?” His elbow connected with my rib and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“That hot little thing would eat you for lunch.”

“Oh, I love a challenge. I’d have her on her knees and purring like a kitten in no time.” Jason had always considered himself a ladies man and a master of sex, but if anyone was going to tame Megan Stephens, it was going to be me.

“That challenge is mine, and I’ll have three days touring Walker Industries and private time on the jet to break that bossy attitude of hers.”

“Wait, what? You’re leaving town? No fair. If you need someone to go along to put that bossy bitch in her place, I’ll clear my schedule.”

“As your boss, I’m curious how you think you’re able to wipe out your schedule for a weekend tryst. I’m the only one in the company that gets to do that.” That earned a punch in the arm. “You’re fired.” The two of us had always had a brotherly bond, even more than me and David and I was glad to have the guy around to keep me sane and down to earth.

“You keep making promises, but you never keep them.” The words sang out with their own cadence, and we shared a laugh.

“You’re the only person at Walker Industries whose job is secure. Someone’s got to suffer with me.” I let out a deep breath. “This environmental stuff has me a bit rattled. You know this woman assumes that because I’m rich that I’m some heartless monster who wants to poison the world. Truth is that this kind of stuff keeps me up at night.”

“Anyone who truly knows you would know better. You’ve turned Walker Industries around for the better. Anything that happened before you came along isn’t your fault, and you shouldn’t take on that burden, but what you’re doing now I know you’re doing with honorable intentions. I’ve seen what you put into place. It’s more than your old man ever did. More than your brother would have.” His last words were based off all the times he’d heard my father throw my brother in my face.

David had been ready to take over the company when the accident happened. Dad had taken him under his wing as the first-born son and had already started introducing him as the next CEO. I’d been content to stay in their shadow, watching and learning so I could have his back and be his right-hand man. I’d never dreamed that one day I’d be in the driver’s seat; with the company or the night of his death.

“Thanks, man. I just hope she doesn’t find anything. I’ve put my reputation on the line for this new team. If she comes in and finds fault with one little thing, it’s going to ruin me.” I’d worried about that all night when I wasn’t undressing her in my mind. Something about that fiery attitude turned me on.

The two of us finished our walk, and he headed back to my private gym to use the showers as I headed up to my private room. An hour later I was greeting Gina who had the coffee I’d called ahead for.

“Did you send the car to get Ms. Stephens?” I asked taking the steaming cup from her hands.

“Yes, and if you don’t get a move on you’ll be late.” It was a good thing I had Gina to rush me or I would have thought I’d had more time, but glancing at my watch, the expensive one little miss mouth had scolded me for owning, I realized I was running a bit behind.

The stress was getting to me, and I wished I could slip into my office for a rest and a stiff drink, but I’d have to grab one on the plane. The doctor had warned me that if I didn’t get a hold of my blood pressure, I’d die young. And considering what could happen with Megan and her report, sweet death could come and take me anytime and I’d be just fine. Let someone else deal with the stress. I closed my eyes and pushed aside another thought of my brother. I couldn’t even have a moment of internal jest without feeling guilty, but then I should have known better. Death was nothing to take lightly. It made me wonder again who Megan Stephens had lost, and by what means.

I hurried to gather the papers I needed from my office and put Gina in line for the rest of the day. “When you’re done with all that you can go home,” I’d told her. “Take Friday on me.”

“You’re the best, Mr. Walker. Thank you!” Her bright smile was thanks enough, but she gave me a hug anyway.

“At least someone loves me for the moment.” If only I could win Megan over so easily, then all of my problems would be solved.

I had Gina call for my driver, and he promptly arrived. Things were going smoothly, and I was set to arrive on time, but then we came to a standstill on the Interstate. After a ten minute wait of not moving, I knew I’d better call Megan.”

The phone rang once, and she answered. “You didn’t have to send a car, I would have made it perfectly fine and on time just like you requested.” Her snooty tone had me imagining her on the other end giving me an eye roll.

“Well, you’ll be overjoyed then when I tell you how I’m stuck in traffic.” I waited for her to gloat instead she let out a long breath.

“Am I supposed to be happy that you’re going to throw the entire day off schedule, Mr. Don’t Be Late.”

“I’m sure you’ll survive.” I glanced ahead and breathed a sigh of relief as we started moving. “We’re crawling at a snail’s pace, but it should pick up soon. They’ll get us a lane open.”

She let out a soft giggle, and it sent a chill down my spine. I had to shift in my seat to adjust myself. The anticipation of her comeback was exhilarating. “You’re a billionaire, right? Don’t you have some fancy gadgets in that car to make it sprout wings and fly?”

If she wanted to go back and forth, I’d play along, but I wasn’t going to hold back. “No, I figured I’d put all that extra money into the wine stock on the jet and fancy watches. Why not live up to the expectations of my critics, especially when they seem to know so much about me?” The silence on the end of the phone brought a smile to my face and as the traffic started moving again, this time much faster, I breathed a sigh of relief.

“We’re moving now. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” I hung up the phone without giving her time to respond.