Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) Page 11

  His plan sounded weak, even to his ears. He braced in anticipation of her disappointment.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay?” This was unexpected.

  “Yes.” Emma shrugged. “It’s better than any ideas I have.”

  Cole sighed and closed his eyes. The interview with Cherise had been a bust in terms of finding Jacob or Forrester, but her thinly disguised accusations indicated she was involved in this mess. Suspecting she was receiving instructions from Alistair, he’d set up surveillance before they left.

  Unfortunately, just because he was beginning to think she’d intended to paint Jacob as a criminal in order to cover her own part in this mess, he couldn’t be positive.

  And that bothered him.

  …

  Emma tilted her seat back and stared out the window of the 747. The morning had started so wonderfully. She’d awoken cradled in Cole’s arms, enjoying the feel of the sun as it streamed through the lace curtains. Her lips had curved on a contented sigh, remembering how she’d been well loved in the dark hours of night by the man who’d haunted her dreams for months.

  As she came more fully awake, the sun became more intrusive, shining a bold light on her situation. Tears had stung her eyes as she fought the truth. She was falling in love with a man committed to a course of action that might destroy her brother.

  There was no way she could let that happen.

  Cole’s unwillingness to understand Grant’s actions further distressed her. What would he do when he found out she’d withheld information to keep a loved one safe? The presence of the microchip gnawed at her, threatening to give her an ulcer before they landed. She had no idea how to figure out what was on it. But if she shared it with Cole, he’d share it with Weston Security. She wasn’t ready to extend her trust that far yet.

  Her hand slipped inside her empty pocket. Although her Mace rested safely in Cole’s jacket, she wouldn’t feel completely comfortable until she had it safely back in her possession. Thanks to Cole’s clearance, he’d once again bypassed the security scan. They’d boarded early to meet the pilot and staff before settling in their seats.

  The flight back to the United States passed with less tension than their first plane ride together. They lounged in companionable silence in first class where she sipped a glass of white wine while Cole nursed a coffee.

  Traveling on the Weston expense account certainly had its benefits—even if nerves did keep her wide awake all the way across the ocean.

  By the time the plane touched down in New York, the butterflies that plagued her with increasing intensity as they’d neared the United States had turned into a full-fledged case of anxiety.

  She wasn’t sure if she was more nervous about meeting the people Cole considered family or about meeting the man who understood that sometimes you had to betray someone you cared about to protect someone you loved.

  Either way, she felt woefully unprepared to meet the people Cole loved and the man he hated.

  Once they cleared customs, Cole maneuvered them through to the passenger pick up doors. Wordlessly, he returned her Mace as a black Escalade slid into place at the curb and a handsome man in a black leather coat exited the driver’s seat and rounded the rear of the vehicle.

  “Hey there, stranger! It’s about time you headed home.” The man reached out to shake hands with Cole.

  “Zach, I’d like you to meet Emma. Emma, this is Zach.”

  Zach turned a pair of warm, forest green eyes her way and grasped her hand. A dimple appeared when he smiled.

  She’d been prepared to dislike him. To feel judged by him. To see in him the enemy. Instead she felt…welcome.

  Zach took her backpack and opened the SUV’s luggage door. “Traveling light, I see. A woman after Cole’s heart.” He looked pointedly at the small duffel Cole placed beside Emma’s bag.

  Emma felt Cole’s eyes on her. She refused to glance his way. What was wrong with her? Zach hadn’t meant anything by the Cole’s heart comment. She needed to pull herself together.

  Laughing, Zach whacked Cole on the back, scanned the area carefully, and returned to the driver’s seat while Cole ushered her into the backseat and climbed in beside her. A look she didn’t understand passed between the men. Then Zach pulled into traffic and headed away from the airport.

  …

  The SUV turned down a tree-lined drive in Westchester County that meandered through dense woods before opening into a clearing. An array of fall flowers bloomed in riotous abandon along the cobblestone path from the driveway to the majestic, stone house. The two-story home was large enough to be considered a mansion, but it had none of the ostentation she normally associated with such a fancy dwelling. This home sprang naturally from amidst the flowers and wooded surroundings, both enchanting and welcoming.

  Zach parked, and they stepped into air that hinted of winter to come. They headed for the door, but before they arrived, it was flung open and a dark-haired woman stepped out to greet them. Long, curly hair cascaded well past her shoulders. Dark eyes snapped with excitement.

  Zach stepped forward to place a kiss on the woman’s lips.

  “Emma, this is my wife, Lizzie. Lizzie, Cole’s friend, Emma.”

  “Come inside. Dinner is waiting.” Lizzie ushered them through the door, pausing to hang Emma’s well-worn raincoat in the entryway closet. Everything about her crackled with energy, from her dancing curls and expressive eyes to the way her hands gestured as she spoke. She exuded both charm and beauty in an elegant, crimson sweater worn over tight, black jeans and calf-high, leather boots. “It’s so nice to meet you, Emma. Your jacket is gorgeous.”

  Emma smiled, as won over by Lizzie’s effusive welcome as she’d been by Zach’s warmth. She brushed her hands down her new silver jacket. The Mace fit discreetly and securely in her right pocket.

  The entryway opened into a spacious great room. A floor-to-ceiling, stone fireplace graced the far wall, flanked on either side by picture windows that showcased the large backyard.

  Lizzie led her down a short hallway and into a large kitchen, while the men lingered behind.

  “Sam, Daniel! Dinner time,” Lizzie called as she opened the oven and removed two dishes. The aroma of pumpkin and blueberry filled the kitchen.

  The pounding of little feet accompanied cheers as two young children burst into the kitchen. They skidded to a stop at the sight of Emma. The girl appeared to be four or five, her beautiful, dark curls identical to her mother’s. The boy was a toddler. He finished his run less gracefully, bumping into his sister. The little girl grabbed his arm to steady him and held tight, never taking her eyes off Emma.

  “Sam, Daniel. This is Emma. Emma, meet our children.”

  At her mom’s cheerful introduction, Sam loosened her grip on Daniel.

  “Hi…” Emma’s response faded under the children’s squeals of delight as Cole and Zach entered the kitchen.

  “Uncle Cole!”

  “Co’!”

  The children flung themselves at Cole, who scooped them both up and nuzzled their necks until giggles filled the room.

  “I’m so hungry, I could eat anything!” Cole growled at Sam.

  “Don’t eat us. We have food!”

  Daniel patted Cole’s cheek with chubby hands, grinning with delight. His dimple matched his father’s.

  Cole and the children led the group through a door on the far side of the kitchen and into the dining room. A beautiful pine table sat beneath a rustic chandelier. A large, golden turkey graced the far end of the table. Off-white stoneware surrounded by forest green napkins and pristine silver sat in front of each chair. Side dishes dotted the remaining space—oyster dressing, stir-fried green beans, corn casserole, cranberry salad, and the most delicious smelling homemade rolls.

  Thanksgiving! She’d forgotten. She and Jacob tended to avoid any holiday marked by the gathering of family, taking a page from A Christmas Story and heading out for Chinese at both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  The
heavenly aroma reminded Emma how long it had been since she’d eaten. Her stomach growled. Cole grinned and winked at her. As if this were no more than a friendly family gathering and not a precursor to a debate about her brother’s innocence. Despite her initial misgivings, she further relaxed, determined to enjoy this unexpected inclusion in the family’s gathering.

  The children scurried to their seats. Zach lifted Daniel into the high chair to his left, securing him with a safety belt. Lizzie moved to Zach’s right and pulled out the chair next to hers. Sam climbed into the booster seat, and her mom pushed her up to the table.

  Emma tried to ignore the unaccustomed emotional tug as this family went about the everyday business of eating together. She looked up and caught Lizzie watching her.

  Her hostess’s mouth quirked in a half smile. “Zach called when you left the airport and again when you were fifteen minutes away.” She rested her hands on her chair back. “My timing isn’t always this perfect.”

  Emma realized she was referring to the fact that a feast awaited them upon arrival.

  “Why don’t you and Cole sit there,” Lizzie gestured to the empty chairs on the other side of Daniel.

  Daniel patted his tray with glee. “Co’!”

  Emma smiled as Cole ruffled Daniel’s hair. “I’m happy to sit by you, big guy.”

  He pulled Emma’s chair out for her, and the adults sat. With everyone gathered at the table, one chair remained empty on the opposite side of Sam, across from Emma.

  All eyes zeroed in on the vacant chair. Emma wondered who was missing.

  …

  “Is Aunt Sophie joining us today?” Cole looked at Zach. His hand snuck under the table and squeezed Emma’s knee. It surprised him how absolutely right it felt to have her seated with his family, preparing to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.

  “No, she went to Florida to visit her cousin. She’ll be here for Christmas.”

  Confusion knitted Cole’s brow. “Kyle?”

  Lizzie grinned. “My brother is with Sophie.”

  Silence surrounded the empty chair until Sam burst out with, “Guess who’s coming for dinner, Uncle Cole. Guess!”

  Ah, crap. Cole suspected he knew who the missing—and from his perspective, unwelcome—dinner guest was. Grant.

  “Dad is coming for dinner.” Sam grinned. “Mom said he’s all alone and needs some family with him at the dif’clt time.”

  Lizzie looked at Sam in surprise. “Hmm, someone’s been listening in on adult conversations.”

  Sam nodded. “And daddy said, ‘what the hell, go ahead and invite him.’”

  Lizzie choked on a drink of water. Zach reached over to pat her gently on the back, even as he shot a mock frown Sam’s way. “Watch your language, little princess.”

  Sam’s smile faltered.

  He continued, his face stern, “I’m quite certain I said ‘what the helicopter, go ahead and invite him.”

  Sam shook her head.

  Tapping one finger against his jaw, Zach continued, “What the hello, mommy?”

  Sam shook her head with increased vigor.

  “What the…” He paused, “What the help me out someone?”

  Sam giggled. “Daddy.”

  Zach smiled. “Daddy’s sorry he said a bad word. I’m glad your dad can be here for dinner, even if he is joining us late.”

  Cole was impressed Zach didn’t choke on the words. If he were Zach, he’d have a little more trouble taking the high road.

  Zach reached out to either side to capture Lizzie and Daniel’s hands. “Well, now that that’s settled. Let’s bless the food. I’m sure there’ll be plenty left when Grant arrives.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “Great timing.” With a sigh, Zach pushed back his chair and headed for the front door. Cole suppressed a grin at Zach’s sarcasm. Despite Zach’s journey on the high road, Cole suspected Zach had hoped Grant might not make the family meal.

  Voices sounded in the hall, followed by footsteps. All eyes shifted to the doorway as Grant entered, followed by Zach.

  “Hello sweetie,” Grant bent down to kiss Sam’s head, his blond hair a sharp contrast to the little girl’s dark curls. He wiggled his fingers at Daniel. “Sorry I’m late.” His eyes swept the remaining dinner guests, speeding past Cole to stop at Emma. A mix of emotions flitted across his face before he schooled his expression and pulled out his chair. “We have new company,” he observed, staring at her.

  “Grant, this is Cole’s friend Emma. Emma, Grant is Sam’s biological father.”

  Emma stiffened and opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Sam raised her hands to either side. “Blessing!”

  Laughing, everyone clasped hands, then bowed their heads in silence. When Grant extended his hand across the table to clasp Emma’s, Cole sensed her reluctance and fought the urge to jerk her hand back, the wave of possessiveness taking him by surprise.

  The blessing flowed over him, mere background music to the pounding of his heart.

  He lifted his head when Zach rose and walked to the end of the table to carve the turkey.

  Food made its way around the table until everyone’s plate was heaped high. Conversation flowed along with good wine, water, and milk, depending on preference and age. Grant focused on Sam, and occasionally, Daniel. He ignored Emma.

  Cole remained mostly silent, counting on Lizzie to engage Emma in conversation. She didn’t disappoint. Emma’s end of the conversation seemed strained, although Cole didn’t think the other adults noticed. The family dinner was likely hard for her with Jacob not only absent, but missing. Cole leaned back, resting his arm across the back of Emma’s chair. He stroked her shoulder in small, reassuring circles.

  “Anyone for dessert?” Lizzie asked. She laughed as good natured groans sounded from the adults. “Okay, we’ll take a break and have dessert later.”

  Even Sam nodded in agreement, and everybody rose to help clear the table.

  When the dishes were all stacked along the kitchen counter, Zach brushed his hands together and smiled. “Emma, do you mind if I borrow Cole for a minute? We’re going to take a walk to the lake.”

  “No, that’s fine. I’ll help Lizzie clean up.”

  They exited the kitchen, leaving Grant behind with the women. Perfect. Cole needed to talk with Zach, and he had no intention of sharing information within earshot of the man who’d had information about Zach, Daniel, and Lizzie’s abduction, but said nothing. They’d question Grant later.

  …

  Emma watched as the men disappeared from the room, wishing she could listen to their conversation. At the moment, however, she had another problem to worry about. Her glance swiveled to Grant.

  “Uh, oh.” Lizzie reached down to pick up Daniel. “Someone needs a diaper change.” She nodded toward the messy kitchen. “Just leave everything. We have the housekeeper coming tomorrow.” She laughed as she headed for the hallway. “We enjoy cooking, but neither of us wanted to wash all of those dishes.”

  After she disappeared down the hall, Grant reached down to snatch Sam from the floor. “I love your dress.” He tossed her in the air, much to the little girl’s delight. “Do you want to see if your mom needs help?”

  “Yes!” Sam leaned in to kiss Grant’s cheek. “She lets me squirt the powder.”

  Grant set his daughter on the floor, and she ran for the stairs. As her footsteps faded in the distance, he turned to Emma. His smile faded into a grim line.

  “Hello, Emma.”

  “Hello, Jack.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Grant grimaced, running his hand through his hair. Of all the rotten luck.

  The sound of happy voices echoed down the stairs and drifted through the house. Staring at Emma, he sighed. “Let’s step outside. It’s a nice night.”

  She nodded, preceding him through the door, shoulders set. She swerved to avoid contact with him as though his touch might somehow soil her.

  Incredible. Just when he was trying to get his life on tr
ack—really on track for the first time in maybe ever, Emma showed up at the first family dinner he’d been invited to attend since the kidnapping.

  He followed her into the moonlit yard, a jewel of landscaping nestled amongst oak and pine. Zach and Lizzie had done all the work themselves, building a private haven in their own backyard. A haven they’d earned. He wasn’t too stubborn to admit it.

  Emma stopped halfway across the yard, in the shade of an enormous birch. The ghostly white limbs reflected the moonlight, casting an otherworldly glow about her. Grant lifted his eyes to whatever God had played this joke on him. She was definitely from his other world.

  “Jack.” Cold accusation blasted him.

  “It’s Grant. Grant Bridges. Thank you for not saying anything.”

  She snorted.

  “Really, I mean it. Thank you for not revealing my deception in front of my daughter.” Grant shoved his hands in his pockets and looked away. “I don’t even know where to start. First, let me say that I’m sorry for running out on you our senior year in college.” He faced her. “I hated leaving you.” He offered a half smile. “Hard to believe it’s been over six years. You look great.”

  “Uh huh.” Clearly unimpressed by his compliment, she continued. “You didn’t even tell me your real name.”

  A rueful smile turned the corners of his mouth, remembering the joy and frustration of her direct nature. She’d never been one to have her head turned by pretty words. “No, I didn’t. I couldn’t.”

  “Your real name is Grant, isn’t it? You’re the son of Alistair Forrester’s partner?”

  His smile faded. “I see Cole’s told you about my past.”

  “He told me about Grant’s past. The fact that I knew you as Jack comes as a complete surprise.” She worried her lip, tilting her head as she studied him. “You know my brother is missing?”

  Grant nodded. “Zach asked me a few weeks ago if I knew anything about Jacob. I told him the truth. I’d never met him, and I don’t know where he is.”