Colton Christmas Protector (The Coltons of Texas #12)(55)

Hugh fell silent, wary, and waited for Fowler’s next move. For several tense beats, neither man spoke or moved. They eyed each other like dogs jockeying over one bone.

“Hugh,” Fowler said at last, “I won’t lie. The prospect of losing control over the company my father spent the better part of his life building from the ground up was a major blow to me. I considered fighting you over it.” He curled up a corner of his mouth in a sly grin. “Literally. I imagined more than once dragging you into a back alley and beating you until you signed a release returning the company to our family.”

Hugh forced a chuckle, but it sounded stiff even to his ears. His palms grew damp, but he didn’t want to show Fowler his effect on him by wiping them dry.

“But...” the repugnant Colton upstart continued, “in the end, if Eldridge wanted you to have controlling interest in the company, he had to have a good reason. He didn’t build Colton Inc. into the empire it is today without having a keen business sense and always doing what was best for the company.”

Hugh nodded heartily. “True. Very true. Your father was a great businessman.”

“And because you’ve been right beside him through the years, guiding him and protecting his assets, I know the company means something to you, as well. I know he respected you and your opinions.”

Hugh would have relished the flattery, if Fowler didn’t look constipated as he spoke. The SOB was clearly about to choke on the words. Hugh had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep the gloating grin that twitched his lips from blossoming to full flower. The old coot had trusted him, and Hugh had known just how to use that to his advantage.

“So...” Fowler drew a deep breath and turned up one palm. “In order to smooth the eventual transition, I will accept his wishes, and I suggest we begin bringing you up to speed on the projects and deals in the pipeline. The longer Eldridge is missing, the more I tend to believe he must be dead. The will may be on hold now, but knowing what will come, we should proceed accordingly. In the best interest of the company.” He sat forward and offered his hand. “Partners?”

Now Hugh had no choice but to quickly swipe his hand on his pants leg before gripping Fowler’s for a firm shake. “You got it. I look forward to our alliance.” His turn to almost choke on his words. Though he was still skeptical he had Fowler’s full confidence and support, the eldest Colton progeny had skillfully hidden any secret agenda.

Or was he just paranoid that his deception would still be discovered? If that ever happened, Fowler would unleash his famous temper...and put Hugh under the jail.

Jail. Hugh suppressed a shudder. He’d die before he let that happen.

*

One night at the beginning of Pen’s third week of living at the lake house under Reid’s protection, Nicholas was acting especially cranky and resisting bedtime. Reid could hear the whining toddler at the other end of the house, and he pitied Pen for her trying task of getting the boy to sleep.

Reid was almost finished cleaning up the kitchen when Penelope stalked in, raking her hair back from her face. Sounds of Nicholas’s discontent were still echoing down the hall from the bedroom.

“Where are the keys to my car?” Pen asked, fatigue and frustration heavy in her tone.

“Why?”

Her expression darkened. “Didn’t your mother teach you not to answer a question with a question?”

“Like you just did?” he replied with a smirk.

“Reid, I’m in no mood.”

Knowing better than to tease her any further when she was feeling frazzled, he opened the drawer where he’d stashed the keys and dangled them on his finger.

She reached for the key ring, and he closed his fingers around the fob and drew his hand back. “If you need something out of the Explorer, I’ll get it. Just tell me what I’m looking for.”

She extended her hand farther toward him. “I need the car. I’m going for a drive.”

He gave a humorless chortle. “No, you’re not.”

“Reid!” Her face tensed. “You can’t keep me here like a prisoner!”

“You’re running away? Leaving Nicholas because he won’t stop crying?”

“Don’t be obtuse.” She tilted her head slightly and paused a beat as if struggling for patience. “I’m taking Nicholas for a drive. Driving him around is the only way to get him to fall asleep when he gets wound up like this.” She thrust her hand at him again. “Keys. Please.”

He rubbed his thumb over the ridge of bumpy metal and considered her request. “The only way? What about...warm milk or a back rub or...”

“Over the years, I’ve tried all of it. Driving him around works the best.” When he gave her a skeptical look, she added, “Lots of parents do it. Don’t judge me! Where’s the harm?”

He grunted. “Fine. But you’re not taking the Explorer. It’s too recognizable. And you’re not going alone. I’ll drive.”

“Reid, you don’t have to—”

“I do. I promised to protect you, and I can hardly do that if you’re out on the road alone while I sit around here like a bump on a log.”

“I’m not running away. I promise. I’ll come back when he’s asleep.”

“You really think you could find this place again? You were paying that much attention when we drove out here?”