One To Win. Michelle Monkou

mother and family.

      “Not a word of this may be discussed with any member of my family. I will share any news with my husband. But I know my granddaughters will press you for answers. And I’m certain that Fiona will be the one to attempt to draw it from you. I saw how infatuated you are with her. Likewise, she is with you.” She raised her hand at his protest. “I may be old, but I’m not clueless. But please take care to keep your head.”

      “I’m not one to cave and lose my integrity.”

      “Good. For the child, my grandson, is Fiona’s brother.”

      “Oh...I see.” Hard as it would be, Leo was glad that he’d decided to keep Fiona at arm’s length. No way could he allow her to get close and pry any information out of him. With his feelings for her in turmoil, he didn’t want any temptation. “Maybe I should stay at a nearby hotel. It would allow for the privacy that you want.”

      “No. I want you nearby, at my convenience. I feel that the situation may shift quickly. But I agree that you’ll be hounded by my granddaughters. What if I moved you to the guesthouse?”

      “That would be perfect.” He exhaled, satisfied with his effort to keep his distance from Fiona.

      “I think you’re believing too quickly that you’re in control of the situation between you and my granddaughter.” Grace had a way of turning up the heat under Leo’s collar.

      “Excuse me?”

      “Fiona is a stubborn and proud woman. I don’t know why you broke up. Don’t bother denying that you were together. Don’t need to know the details. But I will say that she may not be so resolute about the separation. I sense a softening in both your attitudes. As long as my priorities don’t cross with yours or hers, then I won’t have to send you packing back to Grayson, Buckley and Tynesdale.” From soft to hard, Grace’s edict dissolved all things warm and fuzzy.

      “I think that is enough of an incentive to keep my focus.”

      “Good. Now here is the information that I’ve just shared with you and additional details that should help with the search.” She handed him a thin file. “And now, I’m off to go for my morning walk with Henry.” With that, Grace exited the room.

      Leo ignored the cold coffee close at hand and retrieved a fresh cup. He still wasn’t interested in the Danish pastries. What had he stepped into with secrets, potential scandal and hopefully a happy ending for this family?

      Where did that leave him when his mission had been accomplished? Would he be the hero reuniting Fiona with her brother? More important, did he want another chance to be with her? This case might push him faster than he’d ever imagined toward Fiona. On the other hand, the family’s newly revealed history hadn’t changed the fact that she’d dumped him.

      “Fiona Reed, how am I to avoid you?” Leo gazed out the large bay window that overlooked the backyard with its garden and pool. The woman on his mind was visible outside, lounging in the shade with her e-reader. “You are bound to be my temptation.”

      His traitorous body flushed with desire. He was older and had better be damned wiser around her. His climb up the career ladder had been swifter than most and he liked his view. Work was even more of a priority. Anything else, Fiona included, would have to be treated like a strict diet plan. Avoid her as much as possible. If that didn’t work, run as fast as he could from temptation.