Read Online A Little White Lie by MacKenzie McKade - Free Book Online Page B

She leaned in and retrieved her bag. Before she knew it she was sandwiched between the two men who ushered her toward the large oak doors leading into their summer home.
    Stepping inside the foyer, JD turned to his grandfather. “Will you show Stella into the dining room? I’ll ask Mary to fix us some breakfast.”
    “Of course.” Toliver weaved his arm through hers. He didn’t say anything, merely escorted her toward a big leather couch. “Sit.”
    She sat, landing on her purse. Using as much decorum as possible, she pulled her bag from beneath her.
    For a moment the old man just stared at her with those eagle eyes. “You’re good,” he finally said with a look of satisfaction that made her stomach churn. For an elderly gentleman he moved with confidence, taking several more strides before sitting in an overstuffed chair across from her. Again he trapped her within his gaze.
    She scooted to the edge of the couch. “Excuse me?” She raised a single brow.
    Propping the heel of his boot across a knee, he eased back, relaxed. “I hadn’t expected my grandson to come around so quickly. He’s quite enamored with you. Of course, you will let him down easily. I will see that you remain on the account for a time. It will be up to you to patch things up with Jonathan and develop a working relationship in the future.”
    Stella was about to tell Toliver he had it all wrong when she heard footsteps. She whipped around to see JD standing in the doorway.
    “You played me.” It wasn’t a question. The icy glare in JD’s blue eyes made her blood run cold.
    She sprang to her feet. “It’s not what it appears to be.” Oh God. This couldn’t be happening. “I—”
    He held up an imposing palm toward her. “Grandfather, you will ensure Miss Sinclair makes it back to the hotel?” The animosity in his voice made her take a step backward. She nearly fell back upon the couch, but righted herself.
    Toliver straightened in his chair. “Boy, we made a deal this morning that you would take over business. And by God you’ll—”
    His eyes smoldered with contempt toward his grandsire. “Don’t worry, Grandfather. I stand behind my promises.” Something in his delivery felt like a knife straight to her heart. Without another word he spun around and disappeared into the hall.
    Staring at the empty doorway, Stella felt a tear fall, followed by another. An unexpected sense of loss squeezed her chest. “C-could you p-please call me a cab?” She closed her eyes to hide her emotion, but a sob betrayed her. Dammit. She wouldn’t make a fool of herself. With the back of her hand she swiped several times at her eyes, and then raised her chin. “A cab,” she repeated.
    Toliver approached her as if he planned on comforting her but stopped before reaching her. “You really care for him?” The cunningness in his eyes was gone; concern took its place.
    “Mr. Toliver, I think our business has come to a conclusion. I’ll see myself out.” Her boots padded quickly across the wooden floor, her purse striking against her thighs with each hastened step. She didn’t chance taking a breath until she was outside. Her hand shook as she pawed through her purse for her cell phone. Before she could call information, Toliver exited the house and a truck pulled up beside her. Harrison’s father sat behind the wheel.
    Toliver grew closer. “Miss Sinclair, I wish you would come back into the house so that we can discuss this matter further.”
    She held on to her control, but barely. “Sir, you have achieved your goal. There isn’t anything more for us to discuss.”
    For a moment he just stared at her. “Jerry will take you back to your hotel,” he conceded.
    Her fingers closed around the door handle and she tugged it open, praying the conversation was over. Sliding inside, she shot a quick glance toward Jerry. “Thank you.”
    He tipped his straw hat and smiled. “My pleasure, ma’am.”
    As they pulled out of the driveway, Stella