Caught!

Through gritted teeth, Cliff told her, “Everything has been worked out. The security upgrades have even been tested and approved. I planned to work out a deal today.”

“No. Not until I’ve had more time to study the cost sheets. There’s no rush. It takes time to—”

Cliff shoved back his chair and stood. Startled, Virginia glanced up. He was practically seething, his hands curled into fists at his sides.

“There’ll come a point, Virginia, when you push me too far!” He turned to Dillon and barked, “Be upstairs in the conference room in ten minutes.”

He stormed out and Virginia was left there with her mouth hanging open and an uncomfortable silence disturbing the air. It wasn’t like Cliff to put on such a display in front of employees.

Without really wanting to, she looked over at Dillon. He hadn’t moved. He seemed unperturbed by Cliff’s overreaction, but his dark eyes were cryptic. She tried a shaky smile. For some stupid reason she felt defensive. Having the world know her own brother reviled her had the same effect as being nicknamed “Chubby” in grade school.

“Well, I certainly pushed the wrong buttons this morning, didn’t I?” she said, relying on flippancy to save her pride.

Dillon narrowed his eyes. “Or the right ones.”

“What does that mean?”

“Why do you deliberately provoke him, Virginia?”

She pushed away from the desk and started for the door. Discussing family business with employees—regardless of how gorgeous they might be—wasn’t done. Still, she couldn’t resist one righteous parting shot. “I have as much right to know what’s going on in this company as he does. Or more so!” When she turned, Dillon was right behind her. She gasped, took a step back and hit the door. She hadn’t even heard him move.

He took another step closer, looming over her. His fingers touched her chin; his dark gaze touched everywhere else. In a rumble, he whispered, “There are gentler ways for a woman to get what she wants. Especially from her own brother.”

For one instant she felt frozen by his touch. Her stomach curled and her nipples tightened into sensitive peaks. Then she shook her head. “So I should play meek and mild just to placate Cliff? I don’t have a meek or mild bone in my body. I thought you understood that, Dillon.”

He didn’t smile. “Are you going to make time for me this weekend, Virginia?”

“Are you being pushy?” she asked automatically, still stinging from her brother’s remarks.

To her disappointment, he backed down, both physically and mentally. For a single heartbeat, he looked frustrated, almost angry, but he took a safe step away from her and shook his head. “No, of course not. I’m just…anxious.”

If he was really anxious, he’d insist she make a decision, she thought. But then, it wasn’t fair of her to try to force her own dominant spirit on him. She went on tiptoe to kiss his chin. “I need to be here Friday for a meeting, but I can take off Thursday.”

His gaze heated. “What time?”

“Whenever you like. You tell me.”

Without hesitation, he said, “Early. We could spend the entire day together. The waiting is just about killing me.”

After her brother’s crack about her weight, Dillon’s obvious desire was a welcome balm. She pressed closer to him for a kiss and felt his large hand cup her backside, gently squeezing. With her brother’s comment still lingering fresh in her mind, she was uncomfortable with the touch and stepped away. His gaze searched her face, questioning, and she tried not to blush.

Other men who had come on to her had been discreet with their touches, never venturing so boldly in broad daylight as Dillon seemed prepared to do. In thirty years, she’d had two lovers, and they’d both made it a practice to have sex in the dark and under the covers, which suited her just fine. The entire experience had always been rather nice. Safe and predictable and uncomplicated. The sex itself hadn’t been spectacular, but the sharing, the holding and touching had comforted her in a way nothing else could.

She hoped Dillon wouldn’t prove too difficult about the arrangement. Surely he’d be satisfied with proper bedroom convention.

“This isn’t exactly the best place, is it, Dillon?”

At first he didn’t answer and her heart raced in both dread and anticipation. He shook his head. “No, it isn’t. I’m sorry.”

Virginia sighed. “Since I know you’re worried about appearances, we’ll meet in the mall parking lot by my home. That way no one will see us leaving.”

“Can you be ready at six?”

“That early?”

His tone dropped to a husky rumble. “It’ll give us more time together.”

“All right, then.” She smiled. “Where did you want to go?”

Dillon hesitated, then touched her cheek again. “Why don’t you let me take care of that. It’ll be a surprise.”

“Hmm. A secret?”

He nodded. “What did you need to see Cliff about?”

She stared into his eyes, amazed by the mixed messages there. Hunger, but also…regret?

“Virginia?”

“What?”

He laughed, a low, rough sound that made her belly tingle. “You rushed in here to see Cliff, but got sidetracked. Was it important?”

“Oh.” She paused. “Oh! Damn it, I needed to talk to him. Something’s wrong with my car. I wanted to use his.”

“That’s not a problem.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a large key ring, then unhooked one gold key. “Here. You can use the company car. I left it in the garage, lower level, personnel entrance. But what’s wrong with yours? Maybe I can help you with it.”

“I’m not sure.” Virginia accepted the key, feeling awkward with Dillon’s concern. She wasn’t used to anyone asking after her in such a solicitous way. For as long as she could remember, she’d taken care of herself. “Something’s wrong with the brakes. I started out of the parking lot, then remembered some papers I needed on my desk. When I went to put on the brakes, they felt sluggish at first, not really catching, and when I pumped them, the pedal went all the way to the floor. I ran into a guardrail.” She scowled, thinking of the damage that had been done to her bumper. “It’s lucky I found out they weren’t working before I tried to leave the garage. You know how the exit ramp slopes down right into the main road.”

“And into heavy traffic,” he added in an ominous whisper. Dillon’s brows were lowered and a muscle ticked in his jaw. Suddenly, his arms surrounded her and he gave her a tight squeeze. With his mouth against her neck, he murmured, “You could have been killed.”

Pushing herself away from his hard chest, Virginia laughed, trying to make light of his reaction. “Nonsense! It wasn’t all that dramatic or life threatening, I promise. I’d barely gone three feet before I found out they weren’t working. But I do intend to give my serviceman a piece of my mind. I had my oil changed not two weeks ago and he told me he’d topped off all the fluids.”

Dillon bent to press his forehead to hers. “I’ll take a look at it. You…might have had some damage to the brake lines.”

Virginia shook her head. “Dillon, looking after my car isn’t part of your job and not at all a necessary part of our relationship. Besides, I already called the tow truck. I can take care of myself, you know.”

He looked as if he wanted to argue, but held his tongue. In this instance, Virginia appreciated his restraint. She liked her independence and wanted no infringements on it. She smiled her approval. “You know, it’s too bad I have to check in here Friday morning.” She smoothed her open palm over his wide chest and sighed. “I think I’d like a lot more time with you, truth be told.”

His slight frown and the darkening of his eyes were confusing. He reached around her and opened the door, suddenly in a hurry to leave. On his way out, he muttered gruffly, “Save your wishes for something important, honey. You never know when you might need them.”

She wondered what he meant, or if he’d meant anything at all. Dillon was an elusive man and most times she wasn’t at all sure how to take him. But she did feel certain about one thing. She would definitely enjoy her fling with him.

“DON’T EVER SPEAK to me like a lackey again.”

Cliff whirled around and stared. Dillon closed the door quietly behind him and stalked forward. He knew he wasn’t precisely angry at Cliff, at least not over anything new. But he made a fine target. And right now, Dillon needed an outlet.

He hadn’t reached Virginia’s car before it was taken away, but he’d still had his suspicions confirmed. Someone had cut her brake lines. Reddish brake fluid made a large puddle where her car had been parked. This was no mere leak.

Cliff backed up two steps before he caught himself. “What are you talking about?”

Dillon flattened his palms on the highly polished table and leaned toward Cliff. “Don’t give me orders. If you want to meet with me, say so, but don’t get pissed off at your sister and then bark at me.”

Cliff tried a show of umbrage. “Now, see here…”

“I’m a damn good employee, Cliff. I’ve upgraded your entire security system and saved you a bundle in the process. I’ve found glitches most men would never have noticed. That’s my job and I do it well. But I don’t need this job and I don’t need to be talked down to. Understand?”

Dillon was pushing it, but Cliff seemed to gain more respect for him every time he asserted himself. Unlike Virginia. It made sense to Dillon. He’d be damned if he’d want some marshmallow in charge of protecting the interests of his company. Not only was Dillon in charge of securing the actual property against theft, both at the offices where Cliff and Virginia worked and at the retail outlets, but he evaluated the security potential and estimated costs of future retail sites. He also oversaw the personal security for employees, including the boss. Johnson’s Sporting Goods wasn’t a nickle and dime operation.

Dillon recognized his value to the Johnsons. He’d learned his trade from the best. His father had taught him how to secure, and how to breach, the legal and the illegal, which made him unique, and one of the best in the business.

Cliff needed him, especially with Virginia constantly breathing down his neck.

Besides, now that he believed Virginia was being threatened, he wasn’t quite up to maintaining his pretense with Cliff. Virginia had finally agreed to some intimate time alone with him, and it was entirely possible he’d be able to settle things just by getting a few good leads from her. Surely Virginia would know what trumped-up evidence Cliff had manufactured. If she would talk.

God, he hoped it would work out that simply. He hated playing the dutiful employee. He preferred working for himself, hiring himself out on short-term jobs, spending his free time in Mexico with his father and his horses and his land.

Dillon figured that once he established a relationship with Virginia, he could quit the company. Virginia would undoubtedly find him more appealing as a free agent; there would be no reason for her to think she was being used.

Dillon shook his head. He didn’t like the warmth that swelled over him when he considered pleasing her. It didn’t matter what Virginia thought or would think. If her bright golden eyes were angry or aroused. None of it mattered. None of it could matter.

A heartfelt sigh from Cliff broke into Dillon’s thoughts.

“You’re right,” Cliff said. “I do value you as an employee. It’s just that Virginia can be so damn arrogant, and I’ve got enough on my mind right now without her harassment.”

Very slowly, Dillon straightened. “Oh? Anything I can help with?” Little by little, Cliff opened up to him, making him a confidant, wanting him for a cohort in his grievances against his sister.

Cliff waved dismissively. “It’s a matter that came up before you were hired. I have people already on the problem.”

“What exactly is the problem?”

“A little matter of internal embezzlement. A former employee used his position to siphon funds from the company. The theft occurred mostly in insubstantial amounts, so it was hard to notice. I knew it was him, and I fired him on the spot, but of course I can’t accuse him officially without solid evidence. Finding proof is taking some doing. You know how difficult it can be to trace numbers. However, I believe we finally have him nailed. We should be able to wrap things up any day now.”

“What kind of evidence do you have?” Keeping his tone so mild, so bland, was more than difficult when he wanted to grab Cliff and slam his fist in his mouth. He wanted to force him to admit it was all a scam. Wade couldn’t be guilty.

Except…Cliff didn’t look as though he was scamming. He looked smugly confident. It shook Dillon.

“My lawyers have advised me not to discuss the case.

Suffice it to say, when we go to court, we won’t lose.” He pushed a button on the intercom, then requested that Laura bring in coffee. Cliff stacked some files and turned to face Dillon. “The others will be joining me soon, but I wanted to talk with you for a minute or two first. Virginia interrupted us downstairs. But now is as good a time as any.”

This was curious. Dillon considered telling Cliff why Virginia had interrupted, about the cut brake lines, but decided against it. Cliff could be the very one who had tampered with Virginia’s car. At the moment, he wasn’t willing to put family loyalty to the test, especially not in Cliff’s case.

Dillon hid his thoughts well as he gave Cliff his attention. “I didn’t realize we were having a meeting. Is your sister invited to this one?”

“Hell no.” Cliff chuckled. “I try to keep her as much out of the way as possible. You’ve seen firsthand how offensive she can be. No, the meeting is about expanding the downtown operation.”

Not again, Dillon thought, tired of that tune and trying to explain to an idiot that opening an outlet downtown was a waste of funds. Unless the entire area was revamped, Cliff would be better off withdrawing and investing his money on renovations elsewhere. Though Virginia had told Cliff that countless times, it didn’t take someone with her business sense to see it. Dillon had backed up her reasoning, on a security level. Cliff wasn’t listening.

“You know how I feel about that, Cliff. I can upgrade all the systems there, hire good people to work in shifts, but it won’t do you any good. Even without the petty theft, which is rampant and you know it, that store is a money hog. There’s not enough business to warrant the effort.”

Cliff gestured with his hand, looking distracted and annoyed. “That’s not what I want to speak to you about. No, I want to talk to you about my sister.”

Dillon turned his back to look out the third-story windows. Below him was human congestion, smog and noise. The sides of the street were piled high with blackened snow and sludge. Traffic flowed, the same traffic Virginia had almost encountered, without brakes. He shuddered.

He hated being here in Delaport City on this ridiculous ruse. He wanted to be home again, listening to his father grumbling and recounting all his old adventures. This didn’t feel like an adventure. This felt like one huge mistake. “You want to talk about your sister? What about her?”

“I, ah, know from your file that your expertise includes surveillance.”

“My expertise covers a lot of activities that aren’t exactly part of a legitimate job résumé, especially not for the position you hired me for. I only gave you a few facts because I figured you’d need something to recommend me.” The information was accurate, just in case Cliff had the sense to look, which Dillon wasn’t certain of. But Virginia would have checked, of that he had no doubt. So he’d supplied the names of the few companies he’d ever worked for. Like his father, he could ferret out trouble—or cause it. With equal success, according to who was paying the most. It wasn’t a trait he felt any particular pride over. Just a way of survival.

“Virginia insisted on checking into your employment background. She was impressed, which says a lot, even though your lack of consistency with any one job concerned her. Has she ever spoken to you about it?”

Dillon still faced the window. He was afraid if he looked at Cliff, all his anger would show. “No. Other than a few casual exchanges, we’ve never spoken.”

“Excellent! Then she’ll never suspect you.”

“Suspect me of what?” He did turn to Cliff now. “What is it you want me to do?”

“I want you to spy on her, of course. She’s up to something, seeing someone. God only knows what that woman’s capable of.”

Dillon grunted. He knew she was capable of making grown men cower, of scaring off any advances, of isolating herself completely with her sharp tongue and smothering arrogance. She was also capable of making him burn red-hot.

Was she capable of making an enemy who would wish her harm?

Dillon shook his head, feeling his tension simmer once again. “What do you mean, she’s seeing someone?”

“The other night at the party, I caught her sneaking back into the kitchen.”

With a dry look, Dillon said, “I can’t imagine Virginia sneaking anywhere. It’s not in her nature.”

“No, you’re right. She strutted back into the house, bold as you please, when she’d been out there conspiring with someone against me.”

Dillon pulled out a chair and straddled it. Cliff’s stupidity never ceased to amaze him. “Conspiring? How do you know she wasn’t with a lover?”

He grinned. “That’s exactly what she said! How about that—you two share a similar sense of humor.”

Dillon heard a noise and looked up. Laura Neil stood in the doorway, holding a tray with fresh coffee and two mugs. Dillon wondered how long she’d been standing there, but then decided it didn’t matter. He was more interested in the way the woman watched Cliff, sheer adoration clouding her eyes.

Cliff nodded to her and she entered. She leaned close to him while she poured the coffee, and asked if they needed anything else. Every so often, her gaze darted to Dillon. He almost felt sorry for her. It was obvious she was infatuated with Cliff, and just as obvious that Cliff had used his position to take advantage of her. To Dillon’s mind, it was one more reason to despise Virginia’s brother.

Cliff dismissed Laura. Dillon sipped from his cup, waiting. He knew his silence would annoy Cliff, so therefore his patience was its own reward.

After only a few seconds, Cliff exploded. “Well? What do you say?”

Dillon glanced at him over his mug. “To what? You haven’t asked me anything yet.”

“Oh, for…Will you check into it? Find out what Virginia is up to and who she’s involved with?”

“What’s in it for me?”

“A five-hundred-dollar bonus. Twice that if you come up with something concrete.”

The irony of it amused Dillon—that Cliff would be paying Dillon to spy on himself. But the little bastard was also spying on his sister, and Dillon’s suspicions were growing. He didn’t trust Cliff, not at all.

Dillon let Cliff wait while he pretended to think things over. Of course he’d agree to do it. It made perfect sense. If he was checking into things, Cliff wouldn’t be hiring someone else who would get in his way.

Dragging out the inevitable, and hoping for any tidbit of information that might help him, Dillon asked, “Any clues at all who it might be? Any leads?”

“Just the obvious. The guy must be someone who could benefit Virginia in some way, someone in the company who might be able to sway votes.”

From what he’d heard, Virginia always won every vote, so that theory didn’t make sense. He refrained from pointing that out to Cliff. “Anything else?”

Cliff shrugged. “The guy’s most likely passive, ineffectual, a spineless sort. You know how Virginia is. She’d never be able to get a man like you to put up with her carping and demands for some scheme of hers. And Virginia insists on complete obedience. She wouldn’t accept any defiance.”

Dillon couldn’t help himself; he grinned. “So I’m looking for a wimp?” The description was apt.

“Yes, but a wimp with connections. Someone who could do her some good.”

“But you’re a hundred percent positive she’s not involved in a personal relationship she just doesn’t want you to know about?”

Cliff was already shaking his head. “Not Virginia. Men are interested in her for one reason—to use her. And I’d want to know about that, too. Even though she’s sworn she’ll never marry, I have to protect her from those sorts. She’s too abrasive and too overweight to attract anyone with genuine feelings. She’d only end up hurt, or hurting the company.”

Abruptly, Dillon came to his feet. One more second with the loving brother and he’d throw him out the damn window. “I’ll check into things.” He crossed to the door, then turned back. “By the way, Virginia had some brake trouble today.” He watched Cliff closely, waiting.

“Oh?”

“She’s all right, but her car’s out of commission for a while. I gave her the company car to use.”

Cliff waved a hand, already distracted, as he gathered together the notes for his meeting. “That’s fine.”

Dillon clenched his jaw. He hadn’t been asking for permission, but rather watching for a reaction. He didn’t get one.

He jerked the door open and started out, saying over his shoulder, “I’m taking the rest of the day off. I’ll be in touch later.”

Cliff didn’t argue. He couldn’t have anyway. Dillon had already slammed the door.

chapter 4

VIRGINIA HAD JUST hung up the phone when the rap sounded on her office door. She glanced up, frustrated by the way her day had gone. First the problems with her car, then her run-in with Cliff. And her meeting hadn’t gone at all well. Today was not her day, and she was tired. A hot bath and a long night’s sleep seemed just the cure.

“Come in.”

Dillon stuck his head in the door. “You about ready to head home?”

As always, one glance into those sinfully dark eyes turned her insides warm and jittery. With every minute that passed, she anticipated her day alone with him more. “Mmm. I was just about to call a cab. What’s up?”

She didn’t particularly relish the idea of doing any more business tonight, but for Dillon, she’d make an exception. Spending time with him was seldom a hardship.

He stepped into her office and closed the door behind him. His features were etched in a frown. Virginia sighed, knowing why he’d come by. “If you’re here to tell me about Cliff’s plans to rework the downtown office, I’ve heard all about it.”

Dillon stiffened. “It’s not my job to tattle on your damn brother.”

She lifted a brow at his tone as well as his words. “No? Your loyalty to a prospective lover doesn’t go quite that far?” Virginia knew she was taunting him, but damn it, her day had been rotten, and just once, she wanted to see Dillon lose his temper, cut loose and prove to her what a powerful man he could be. But instead, he merely narrowed his eyes and waited.

Virginia took pity on him. “I’m sorry. I was just about to head home and I’m a little out of sorts. It hasn’t been the best of days.”

“That’s why I’m here,” he said. “To offer you a ride.”

“Chauffeuring is part of your job description?”

“Why not?” He stepped closer, his expression inscrutable. “I’m in charge of security. It’s my responsibility to see that you make it home safely.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “That’s stretching it, Dillon.”

“Not so.” He looked at her intently, his gaze unwavering. “I think your brake lines might have been tampered with.”

She waited for the punch line, and when it didn’t come she got to her feet and crossed to the closet to retrieve her coat. Before she could slip it on, Dillon was behind her, holding her shoulders. “I’m serious, Virginia.”

“That’s ridiculous.” She turned to face him. “So some vandal picked our parking lot to play around in. We’ll just increase security.”

“That’s just it.” He raised his hand to her cheek and stroked it. “Maybe it wasn’t a vandal. Maybe whoever did it targeted your car.”