Hidden Summit (Virgin River #17)(59)

His eyes bored into hers. “It’s not, Les. It’s not—don’t even think that way. It’s just an inconvenient piece of business that has to be handled. That’s all it is.”

She ran her fingers through the short hair at his temples. “Serious business,” she whispered.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Just kiss me.” And with that, he devoured her with one of his possessive kisses.

An hour and a half later, his hair still damp from his shower, he was standing at her front door, with Leslie pressed tightly against him. “I’ll talk to you later. Tonight, if I don’t have any problems getting flights changed and make it to the East Coast. But if you don’t hear from me tonight, don’t worry—I’ll call first thing in the morning.”

“I hope you find out your sister is in a good place,” she said.

“I’m sure you’re perfectly safe, Les, but don’t take anything for granted. Lock your doors and pay attention to what’s going on around you.” He put a kiss on her nose. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” she said, letting him go very reluctantly. “Come back to me soon.”

There were things Conner had not thought to ask Brie, like when, if ever, they could share the truth of this situation with close, trusted friends. When Conner told Dan there was an emergency back home in Colorado, true to his character, Dan said, “Oh, man! Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I just have to get home right away. Sorry to leave you without any help here.”

“Don’t worry about that, buddy. I’ll snag some crew off another project and pull ’em over here. Won’t be as talented as you, but family comes first.”

“Sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Don’t say another word. You have my home number, right? Because if things get hairy or you need help, call me first. I’ll do whatever I can.”

He’d only known Dan since early March and it was now late May, yet this was as close as he’d felt to a friend in a long, long time. One more reason not to be owned by a business that left no time for quality friendship. He wished he could say how much it meant to him. He settled for, “Thanks.”

“It’s what friends do,” he said. “Travel safe. Don’t get in a hurry and wreck or something. Just let someone know you’re okay.”

“I’ll let Les know when I get there. I’ll probably call her tonight if I can.”

Then there was Paul. “Oh, jeez, Conner, that’s too bad. You okay for cash? Need an advance or loan or anything?”

He was speechless for a moment. He hadn’t even said why he had to leave without notice, yet his boss was offering him money. What was to prevent him from taking advantage of that offer, accepting a tidy little wad and never coming back? “No, I’m good. Sorry to take off like this, but—”

“Hey, if you were going fishing I’d dock your pay, but you gotta take care of your people. If you run into a problem, call me. I can always find some way to help out. If you get on the road and decide you were a little hasty and you do need some cash, I can wire you money. Don’t stand on ceremony.”

“That’s terrific of you. I have enough money, but thanks.”

“I hope you get things worked out.”

“I’ll do that as fast as I can.”

“I’m not worried about how long it takes you—I’ll hold your job for you. Just make sure you don’t come back here too hastily. Settle things. Family business can get complicated—I know that.”

Now this was a nosy town, Conner knew that, yet neither one of them had asked him what was wrong or what was going on. They might be curious but they showed a respectful restraint when it came to personal family business. He hadn’t offered extra information, and they hadn’t pried.

Conner felt this kind of loyalty and support was more than he deserved. The day would come when he’d return the favor. He’d make sure of it.

Fourteen

Conner had a long and tiring day traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast, and even though it was late by the time he arrived in Burlington, Katie had kept the boys up and insisted on meeting him at the airport. Katie stood in the baggage claim area with a little boy on each hand…a cranky, tired little boy on each hand.

She looked like a teenager to him, like a little girl with her long, soft brown hair, makeup-free face, large blue eyes. And when she saw him, she started to cry. Her mouth twisted, her nose reddened, and her eyes grew very wet.

He kissed her forehead. “Don’t,” he said in a hoarse whisper. And then he fell to his knees and pulled the boys into his arms. “I missed you!” he told them, nuzzling their necks.

“You’re itchy,” Andy complained.

“Why do you have this?” Mitch asked, touching his goatee.

“I want to be cool,” Conner said, fighting emotion. “Look at you. You grew. Which one of you is bigger?”

Andy giggled. “We’re identical. We’re the same.”

“I don’t know,” he said, frowning at them. “I think Mitch is getting taller.”

“Naw, but I’m smarter,” Mitch said.

“Are not!”

“Am so!”

“Can we fight at home, please?” Katie asked, emotion tugging at her voice.