Because youre embarrassed, or youre up to no good. Or, hey, heres one, youre going to see that guy again. Making it a two-night stand.
Abigail felt her face heat up. She couldnt think of a single thing to say.
The mens voices rumbled and glasses clinked. The puppy scampered its awkward way over the patterned carpet toward them.
Lisas eyes went wide, and her mouth formed an O. No way.
Exactly, Abigail told her firmly. No way.
You are planning a two-night stand.
Im not. No. Definitely not.
You do realize youre protesting way too much.
Im protesting exactly the right amount because youre dead wrong. Dead wrong. The very last thing in the world Abigail was about to do was sleep with Zach again.
Ladies, Seths voice preceded him. He strode forward, offering each of them a crystal goblet of merlot.
Thanks, Abigail managed to say, scanning his expression to gauge if hed overhead anything.
Youre a very good mayor, Lisa told him approvingly as she accepted the other glass of wine.
You might want to remember that, Seth retorted.
How could I forget? Its in every other speech. Now go away. She shooed him with the back of her hand. Were having girl talk.
Yes, maam. He backed off with good humor.
Lisa returned her attention to Abigail. Youve got me worried here. Youre acting weird.
Abigail heaved a sigh. If she was acting weird, she couldnt help herself. She wasnt any good at this cloak-and-dagger stuff.
Fine. She took a bracing drink of her wine. I am meeting someone tonight. But its not what you think.
Lisa leaned in. A man someone?
Yes, a man. But its not like that. Im helping him- She stopped herself, searching for the right words. Its a research project.
A research project? At night? What is this, freshman year?
It really is a research project.
Uh-huh. Lisa slipped off her flats and curled one leg beneath her simple, sky-blue dress. She gave an exaggerated sigh. Im envious of your private life.
You really ought to focus on your own, Abigail advised.
Its not the same. Theres nothing going on in mine.
I dont believe you, Abigail challenged, seizing on the opportunity to change the topic from herself to Lisa.
But Lisa wasnt so easily swayed. Youre the one with the hot guys on speed dial.
Nobodys on speed dial.
Then howre you contacting him?
Hes not a hot guy.
Youre blushing again.
Okay, he is a hot guy. Abigail regretted admitting there was a guy involved. But its not about sex.
Lisa chuckled. Its always about sex.
Do tell. Abigail raised her brows meaningfully, trying again to switch the focus to Lisa.
I wish, Lisa scoffed.
There must be somebody. Youve been in Lyndon for three months now.
Ive been busy. Working hard. As you well know.
What about the guys on the campaign? Abigail glanced at Luis and Harlan. She caught Seth looking at Lisa, a funny expression on his face.
Lisas earlier challenging and teasing of Seth came rushing back.
What about Seth? she blurted out.
Lisas jaw dropped, and her cheeks flamed.
Ah-ha! said Abigail. I knew there was something-
What about Seth? she blurted out.
Lisas jaw dropped, and her cheeks flamed.
Ah-ha! said Abigail. I knew there was something-
Not Seth. Lisa adamantly shook her head.
Hey, I know hes your boss, but-
Not Seth, Lisa repeated, the flush turning to pallor as her gaze flicked across the room.
Abigail reached out. What is it?
Nothing.
Whats going on?
Lisa mutely shook her head.
Abigail couldnt help another glance to her brother. His brow furrowed as he watched their exchange. She pasted a smile on her face and rose to her feet, reaching for Lisas arm. Lets step outside.
Obviously upset, Lisa complied, and the two moved through an open set of French doors to a wide veranda that overlooked the mansions extensive gardens. The scent of roses permeated the air, and crickets chirped over the backdrop of the light traffic on the distant interstate.
They stopped beside the far railing.
Dish, Abigail ordered.
Lisa pushed back her blond hair and squeezed her eyes shut.
I wont give you up, Abigail promised in a quieter tone, knowing Lisa had to have fallen for Seth. Youre not the only one who can keep a secret.
Lisa blinked open her blue eyes. You sure?
Positive.
Lisa downed her remaining wine. Oh, man. I cant- She closed her eyes for another long second. Okay. Fine. Its better than you thinking Ive got the hots for Seth.
Okay Abigail waited, not exactly sure what would be so terrible about being attracted to Seth.
Lisa looked directly into Abigails eyes. You know about Nicole, right?
Whos Nicole?
Nicole Aldrich. Your mothers younger sister.
Abigail drew back in surprise. She hadnt heard that name in years. I know she died young, Abigail allowed. I never met her, of course. And nobody really talks about her.
She died at eighteen, right after I was born.
Abigail stilled. Then a tingle rushed over her skin. Her heart expanded in her chest. Could Lisa be saying? And? Abigail prompted impatiently.
And Im definitely not attracted to Seth, Lisa stated with a toss of her head. As it happens, Im his cousin.
Abigail gave a muted squeal, every muscle in her body contracting in delight. And my cousin. Our cousin. She wrapped Lisa in a tight hug. Why on earth wouldnt you tell us?
I didnt know how youd feel.
Abigail drew back. I feel great. How could you not know wed be thrilled?
Lisa gave a self-conscious laugh. Because I didnt know you. That first day, I was just going to check you out. And you all assumed I was a campaign volunteer, and it seemed easier to go along with that. And then I found out about your dad, and that your mom was away. And then Seth hired me, and I loved the job, and I started to get scared that if he knew
You thought Seth might fire you for being our cousin?
I thought he might fire me for secretly spying on him.
Seths dry voice interrupted. He might fire you for lying to him.
Lisa jerked back, her attention shifting to where Seth had silently appeared on the deck. I never lied.
You never told the truth.
I was working up to it.
Seth crossed his arms over his chest. And you pumped me for information.
I did, Lisa admitted. Your mother wasnt around, and you were the only one old enough to remember Nicole.
I was six when she ran away.
Abigail glanced from one to the other. I dont understand. When she died, why didnt they bring you to us?
About a week before the car accident, she left me with the Sisters of Charity-anonymously.
You were abandoned? Raised by nuns? Abigail couldnt help asking, her brain scrambling about a hundred miles an hour as she cataloged the revelations.
Lisa shook her head. I was adopted by a wonderful family. It was only two years ago when I started looking for you. Records were sketchy, so it took a while-
And youre positive its us? Seth challenged.
Abigail socked her brother in the arm. This is good news, Seth.
Im not after your money, Lisa protested.
But you were after a job.
Go away, Seth, Abigail ordered tartly, grasping Lisas hand. If you cant play nice with our new cousin, you can go do something else.
Im not going away.
Im sorry, Lisa offered to Seth. I was scared.
Seths expression seemed to soften. But there was a moment of meaningful silence before he spoke. I do get it. Then he sighed and his arms dropped back to his sides, while the corners of his mouth turned up. I knew there was something I liked about you.
A tremulous smile grew on Lisas face, and she blinked rapidly. Yeah?
It must be the stellar genes.
It must be.
Seths hand went to his chin. Im not sure how I feel about Travis and me being outnumbered four to two.
Abigail laughed in relief. I cant wait to tell my sisters Mandy and Katrina.
Just then, the puppy scampered out the open door, skidding on the deck as it clumsily rounded the corner.
So, youre heading back to the ranch tomorrow? Seth asked Abigail.
Yes. Abigails own complex life came back to her in a rush. She hoped it was true. She hoped she could map something out for Zach in one night, catch a nap at Rose Cottages then head home. If not, well, shed have to make up a new excuse for tomorrow night.
Good, said Seth, reaching down to scoop the gawky puppy up in one hand. Take this guy with you, will you? He rubbed his chin on the top of the puppys head. Hes the last of the litter, and they were going to put him down. He has a gimpy leg, blind in one eye, and hes got one ear up and one ear down. Nobody wanted him.
Uh Abigail didnt know how to refuse. What the heck was she going to do with the puppy between now and when she went back to the ranch?
But Seth dropped the puppy into her arms. Butch and Zulu will make a man out of him.
He is a bit skittish, Lisa put in as she reached out to pet the pup.
Abigail tried to protest. Im not sure I can-
We named him Ozzy, said Seth.
Now, thats just mean. Abigail felt a sudden rush of protectiveness for the pathetic puppy.
No, I like it, Lisa interjected. Its not like we could name him Spike or Killer.
I guess not, Abigail slowly agreed. She had to admit, Ozzy would probably be happy at the ranch. As long as he learned to stay away from the horses and the cattle, it was pretty much doggie heaven. And Butch and Zulu were good with smaller animals. They didnt even bother the cats.
But she wasnt going back there for at least twenty-four hours. Can I pick him up tomorrow?
Lisa gave her a curious look, and she could see the wheels turning inside her newly discovered cousins head. The last thing Abigail wanted to do was reprise their conversation about her plans.
Never mind, Abigail quickly said. He can sleep in my cottage tonight.
She hoped Zach liked dogs. And she hoped Ozzy liked road trips. They had a ways to drive before she could settle him in his new home.
Five
Five
The pathetic little puppy scampered across the hardwood floor of Zachs compact suite on the third floor of the castle. He sideswiped the sofa, canted out of control and bumped his head against the ottoman, giving a little yelp.
Abigail glanced up from where she was typing on Zachs laptop. Hed set her up at the small dining table in one corner of the living area and logged her onto the company network.
Hes blind in one eye, she explained.
Hes also a little lopsided, Zach noted, observing Ozzys odd gait. One front leg was shorter than all the others. The puppy sniffed his way along the fireplace hearth.