Page 24 of Meant for Two

“That’s only because they are really easy on the eyes. And while those muscles would protect a woman, they can also harm her.” However, Blair didn’t think these men would hurt anyone—unless it was to protect her.

“Putting aside your obvious desire for them, I think you should come clean about your background,” Avery said.

“Never! Besides, my father is in jail. He wasn’t the one to break into the Hensleys.” Blair grabbed her coffee cup off her desk, enjoying the warmth.

“Your dad could still be involved.” Avery held up a hand. “I’m just trying to think outside the box.”

“Speaking of out of the box, did you contact your friend who works for Renata Blue Sky?”

“Way to avoid answering. For now, I’ll let it go, but think about what I said,” Avery replied. “As for Renata, Mary Ann looked at the reservations, and Mrs. Hensley has never been a client.”

“I guess she believed that covering the cameras would be good enough,” Blair said.

“I guess.”

Blair considered what Avery told her. “About my dad. I know he was upset that I wouldn’t recommend that he be paroled, but I can’t see him caring enough to harm my career. To do so, he’d have to have men on the outside to help him, and he’s been in jail a long time.”

Avery shrugged. “I’ve probably seen too many movies, but men in prison always seem to have friends on the outside. Most likely someone who served time with your dad and who was recently released might be willing to help.”

“To be honest, I didn’t know my dad very well, other than he had a temper. A really bad temper. Growing up, I can vividly remember that he had no problem knocking my mom around. When she left him, he eventually found her and killed her.”

“I am so sorry, but considering what he’s like, I wouldn’t put anything past him.”

“Me neither. Please don’t suggest I visit him. He’d only lie if I asked him if he was involved in the theft. Dad was good at playing the victim when it suited him. He was good at manipulating people too,” Blair said.

“Not you, though.” Avery reached across Blair’s desk and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry that your childhood sucked. And no, it wouldn’t be smart to poke the bear.”

Blair was happy her friend understood. “Do you know when you’ll finish furnishing the Ranchero?”

“In a day or two. Then you can start showing it.”

Blair smiled. “I think it will be our best one yet.”

“I love it too,” Avery said.

For the rest of the day, the two of them talked about how they were going to market the Development in light of the recent theft.

“The fact no one was injured was a plus,” Avery said.

“Agreed.”

“Do you know if they’ve beefed up security around here?” her assistant asked. “If a client asks, that would be good to know.”

“I never thought to ask Zane when he stopped by. I think I was too distracted by having John return to my world.”

“I get it. Your ex-boss’ betrayal hurt. But that’s in the past. You own your own business now. It’s John who is suffering because he knows what he lost,” Avery said.

Blair let out a soft laugh, a hint of irony in her voice. "I doubt he's capable of admitting his mistakes. His ego's too inflated for that." She leaned back in her chair. Being freed from John’s domineering personality had significantly brightened her outlook.

A low growl of hunger rumbled in her stomach, drawing her attention. "I think I'm still feeling the concussion's aftermath. I'm going to head home and take a long, relaxing bath."

"Sounds like a great plan. Don't forget, you've got a nine o'clock appointment tomorrow morning with that couple from Bozeman," Avery reminded her.

Blair nodded. "I've got it written down.” When she stood up, a sudden wave of dizziness swept over her, making her grip the edge of the desk to steady herself.

Avery quickly jumped up. "You sure you're alright?"

Taking a deep breath, Blair nodded again. "Yeah, I just stood up too fast. It's nothing."

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