God help him, it was done.
Chapter One
It feels a little like heaven up here, doesnt it?
Only a little? Graham Hollister teased as he surveyed the city lights from the rooftop of the PemCo Tower, an eighty-five-story glass-and-granite monolith that was now the tallest skyscraper in the Houston skyline.
The building would soon become the oil companys world headquarters, but for now, tonight, it was the culmination of all Grahams dreams.
When he closed his eyes, he could feel the building sway beneath them, and a wave of dizziness washed over him. He fought it off. He didnt want anything to spoil this night.
He tightened his arms around his wifes slim waist. Only a little like heaven, he mused. Damn. I must be doing something wrong.
She pulled away and shot him a look over her shoulder. Will you stop fishing? I told you earlier the earth moved. What more do you want?
Tell me again. Im feeling insecure. His hand trailed down her bare arm. Or better yet, show me.
She slapped at his hand. Up here? No way! Im not an exhibitionist.
Tell that to Myron. Myron was the stray tabby theyd adopted a few months ago when hed crawled over the fence one day and caught them skinny-dipping in the pool. Hed gotten quite an eyeful before either of them had noticed him stretched out on one of the loungers.
Different situation entirely, Kendall said. And besides, Myron doesnt have a judgmental bone in his body.
And I do?
Youre not the one Im worried about. Getting caught in flagrante delicto by the Mexican ambassador is not my idea of a fun evening.
No, but I bet it would be his, Graham said as he drew her back against him.
Her shampoo smelled like flowers, but her perfume was something darker, headier. That was Kendall. Always a dichotomy. Insecure, dauntless and perfectly flawed. A woman he found endlessly fascinating, even after seven years of marriage. More like five, though, if you counted the long separation.
But Graham didnt want to think about that tonight. He and Kendall had never been happier, so what did it matter that shed once left him? He hadnt tried to stop her. The truth of the matter was hed been relieved when she walked out on their marriage.
That had been a long time ago. Things were different now. They were different.
And yet there were times, such as earlier tonight before theyd left the hotel, when Graham sensed that maybe everything between them wasnt as perfect as he wanted to believe. Sometimes, when Kendall didnt know he was around, hed see a look come over her face. Sad, pensivelost. Graham tried to chalk it up to her past. She didnt talk much about her family, but he knew shed had a difficult childhood and a troubled adolescence. Hed never pressed for details. He wasnt keen on airing his dirty laundry, either, but at times, he still felt as if hed barely scratched the surface of who she really was.
I love you. You know that, right?
She turned. Was it his imagination or did her smile seem tentative? Wistful? I love you, too. She lifted her hand to trace his jawline. Its going to be okay.
His heart did a funny little somersault against his chest. What is?
Tonight, she said, but there was a slight hesitation before she answered.
He nodded and managed a smile although suddenly his mouth had gone dry. Something was going on with her. Something she didnt feel she could share with him.
Kendall?
Yes?
Are you sure the earth moved?
She punched his shoulder. Forget it. Were not having a quickie on the rooftop to stroke your ego when theres a whole roomful of people waiting downstairs to tell you how wonderful you are.
Not the same thing at all.
Seriously, Graham. Im so proud of you, she said, her eyes suddenly glistening.
That was another thing that had Graham a little concerned. Kendall had been so emotional these past few days. He had no idea what that was all about, and she didnt seem to want to tell him.
All right, he said reluctantly. Youve convinced me. I suppose we should go downstairs and at least make an appearance.
She nodded. I need to freshen up first. My hair must be a mess.
You look beautiful.
I never look beautiful, she said with a resigned shrug that always broke his heart.
He resisted the urge to trace one of the scars on her face with his fingertip, but she wouldnt like that. Since the last surgery, the imperfections were barely even visible, but she knew they were there. And even after all this time, she was still a little self-conscious in social situations.
To Graham, though, she would always be beautiful.
She started for the elevator, but he caught her arm and she turned back. What is it?
He gazed into her eyes. Are you happy? With me, I mean.
Her lips trembled and for a moment, he thought she was going to cry. Instead she smiled and lifted herself on her tiptoes to remove his glasses before she kissed him.
Being with you is like being in heaven, she whispered.
YOURE ONE lucky bastard, Graham. I hope you know that.
Graham nodded as he surveyed the glittering crowd that had assembled to celebrate the post-construction phase of the PemCo Tower. Im doing okay.
Doing okay? Michael Barron, his best friend since their college days at Rice University, clapped him on the back. I think most folks would say youre doing a little better than okay. Gorgeous wife. Big house. Your own company. And now this His blue eyes twinkled. Youre living the dream, buddy.
Youre not doing so badly yourself, Graham said, his gaze still on the crowd. Where the hell was Kendall? Shed gone to freshen up as soon as they came down from the roof, and he hadnt seen her since. That had been several minutes ago. He didnt know why, but her absence made him uneasy.
Or maybe his apprehension that evening had more to do with the argument hed had with Terrence that morning. He hadnt told Kendall about their latest disagreement because he knew how much she hated the combative relationship he had with his older brother. Terrence always knew how to push his buttons, and Graham should have known better than to let him get to him. After all this time and all the success hed achieved, he certainly had no reason to feel intimidated.
But somehow in Terrences presence, Graham always reverted to the insecure geek whod grown up in the shadow of his football-star brother.
Oh, dont get me wrong. Michael deftly plucked a champagne glass from the tray of a passing waiter. Im living the good life, too. Its just that my career has taken a few unexpected turns. Not you, though. He took a long sip of his drink. Youve had the same goal since we were roommates in college. You always said you were going to design the tallest, grandest building in Houston, and by damn if you didnt pull it off. I admire your focus, Graham. I really do.
Graham tried not to wince at the accolade. Sometimes he wasnt so sure his dedication was anything to be proud of. Career tunnel-vision had almost cost him his marriage, but ever since he and Kendall had reconciled five years ago, hed made a promise to her and to himself that their relationship would come first no matter what.
Hed been worried when he first took the PemCo contract that it would put too much stress on their marriage. From inception to completion, the project had consumed nearly two years of his life, requiring endless meetings and arduous hours at the computer drafting version after version of the building until a design was finally accepted by the team.
And then came the politics, the disagreements, the costly delays and untold man hours that were inevitable with such an ambitious project. The tension had only escalated once the alliance between Houston-based PemCo and Pemex, the Mexican state-run petroleum company, became public. One of PemCos refineries had been firebombed in protest, and the mastermind, a former head of the oil workers labor union named Joaquin Galindo, had been arrested in Mexico City and sent to prison.
There were times when Graham wondered if the project would ever be completed under such volatile conditions. But through it all, Kendall had been supportive in a way he could never have imagined before the accident. The near-death experience had changed her, softened her, made her reevaluate her priorities just as it had Graham.
He really was a lucky guy, Graham thought, taking a sip of his own champagne. He had everything any man could ever want.
I just never thought Id find myself working for your brother, Michael was saying. Let alone occupying the office that should have been yours. That wasnt my plan when I first passed the bar.
Graham shrugged. Youre a better vice president than I ever would be so it all worked out for the best.
Maybe. But I still say if your old man had lived, he would have eventually worn you down.
Not a chance. Ive never wanted to do anything but design buildings. Dad would have finally accepted that fact. Besides, theres no way I could work with Terrence. One of us would kill the other.
Michael scowled. This is none of my business, but weve been friends for a long time so I hope you wont take my advice the wrong way. You need to cut Terrence some slack. The companys going through a rough time, and hes got a lot on his plate. That knock-down-drag-out you two had earlier didnt help.
Graham frowned. What are you talking about? Hollister Motors has always been financially sound. The company his father founded nearly forty years ago had given them all the kind of lifestyle most families could only dream of. Graham was well aware of the fact that his inheritance had allowed him to open his own architectural firm in Austin at a time when many of his contemporaries were still struggling to pay off school loans.
And it will be again, Michael said adamantly. But theres a lot of new competition for the kind of specialized engines we build, and to stay ahead of the game, weve got to become more innovative with our designs. Research and development is expensive. We need an infusion of cash right now, which is why Terrence is proposing selling off some of the family assets rather than incur more debt.
We own property besides Dads ranch. The downtown warehouses have got to be worth a small fortune.
Only if you hold out long enough to find the right buyer. Terrence already has someone interested in the ranch. These guys will fork over a check as soon as the papers are signed. We could have that money in a matter of days.
Im not trying to be difficult about this, but
But what? Michael cut him off impatiently. The deal makes sense and you know it. Hey, I like playing cowboy as much as the next guy, but were all adults now with busy lives. Whens the last time you drove out there?
Graham couldnt remember the last time. Still, he was hesitant. Dad loved that ranch. I dont feel right selling off something that he put his heart and soul into.
The ranch was a hobby at best. He put his heart and soul into Hollister Motors. Hed be all for this plan and you know it. Michaels gaze hardened. The company needs that money. If youre holding out just to spite your brother
Give me a little more credit than that, Graham said angrily. I was blindsided this afternoon. I had no idea Terrence was even considering selling off assets, let alone the ranch. Maybe if Id been given some warning instead of having papers shoved under my nose and ordered to sign, I might have been a little more agreeable.
He went about it the wrong way, no question. But what else is new? Terrence is a straightforward kind of guy. Forget how it was put to you. Youve had time to mull it over, and you know whats at stake if we dont sell.
Why didnt Terrence tell me all this himself?
Michael drained his champagne and reached for another. Because hes as mule-headed as you are. And he probably didnt want to admit that the companys hit a rough spot. Not to you. Not after all this. He turned toward the windows and gestured with his hand at the twinkling lights of the Houston skyline. Youve got it all, Graham. Youve won. Now you can afford to be generous. Especially when it comes to family.
Graham shoved his glasses up his nose as he studied the skyline. He didnt feel as if hed won anything. Hed busted his ass to get where he was today. And, yes, Hollister money had helped him get there faster, but he didnt appreciate Michaels implication that his success was the result of some kind of contest with his brother.
I just wish someone had told me before now how bad things were at the company, he muttered.
Michael glanced over at him. Does that mean youll sign the papers?
Of course, Ill sign. The company means a lot to our family.
Michael let out a breath of relief. We never had this conversation.
Graham shrugged. Fine. Then I guess youll want me to tell Terrence the news.
What news?
Graham turned in surprise. He hadnt expected his brother to show up tonight even though he and his wife, Ellie, had been issued invitations weeks ago.
Graham felt the same old pang of resentment he always experienced in his brothers presence. Terrence was three years older, and, right up until Graham had turned eighteen, hed been at least three inches taller. A late growing spurt had put Graham at eye level with his brother, but somehow he still had the impression of having to look up to him.
Growing up, Terrence had been everything that Graham was not. A star athlete with almost palpable charisma, hed been big man on campus in both high school and college while Graham had been hardly more than his quiet, more intellectual shadow.
Terrence was just like their father and Graham had always envied their closeness. But no matter how hard he tried, there had always been a distance between him and the old man.
Rugged, handsome, and gregarious, Nate Hollister had been a real mans man. He hadnt known how to relate to a son who didnt excel at sports and who spent most of his free time in his room studying and reading.
Graham swallowed past his resentment and smiled. Im glad you guys came tonight.
We wouldnt have missed it for the world. Ellie stood on tiptoes to brush her lips against Grahams cheek. This place is amazing. Ive watched it go up from the day the slab was poured, but seeing it now all lit up against the skyline and knowing that you designed it She trailed off with a shiver and held up her arm. See? Ive got goose bumps.
Graham laughed and gave her a light hug. No matter how awkward and uncomfortable he often felt in his brothers presence, Ellie had a way of making him relax. She was seven months pregnant with their third child and it obviously agreed with her. Her eyes and complexion glowed as she beamed up at him. Tiny and blond, she was still as lovely at thirty-eight as she had been back in high school when she and Terrence had been voted the most popular couple.