Game On (10 page)

“Yeah, so you say, but I know better. And it's also obvious you're not finding it. I really can help.”

Nikki didn't want Cassie poking into Lucas's life for any reason. “Why is it obvious?”

“Because you keep sighing.”

“I am not.”

“Are too.”

“That's because sitting at a computer is not my favorite thing to do. Unlike you kids today, I'd much rather be outside enjoying the spring weather.” Nikki looked up from the screen. “Why don't you go outside? Do something. If nothing else, breathe some fresh air.”

“Can't. Remember, I'm grounded.”

“Oh, yes, I do remember that. Maybe next time, you'll remember not to leave the state without your parents' permission.”

“Yeah, yeah. I hear you.” A few minutes later, Cassie started laughing.

“What's so funny?”

She turned her tablet so Nikki could see it.

Nikki watched in horror as the events from the diner unfolded on the screen. And there was Lucas front and center. The next thing she saw was her pushing the kid down and then tackling Lucas before running across the street like a crazed woman. “Where did you find that?”

“Someone posted it on VidLife.”

“That is awful.” Nikki didn't know much about politics, but something like this could turn into a political nightmare. It made Lucas look foolish and weak. And he was neither. She wouldn't even think about what it made her look like.

“You didn't tell me you were playing football with Lucas McMann on the streets of Maiden.” Cassie laughed and hit a button so the video could replay. “Or that he was even here.”

“I had no idea he was here. We happened to run into each other at the diner.”

“Happened to run into each other. What a coincidence. Here comes my favorite part.” She watched for a moment, then yelled, “Bam! Wanna see it again?”

“I do not.” Nikki hoped it didn't go viral.

“Wait for it. Wait for it. Bam!” Cassie looked up from her tablet. “You never did tell me why he hired you.”

“That's because it's private. Remember?”

“Does it have something to do with the reason you're surfing the net?”

“What part of the word
private
don't you understand?”

Cassie arched a brow. “A little sensitive, aren't we?”

She didn't want to arouse Cassie's curiosity. Nikki forced herself to sound casual. “Not at all. But my clients expect confidentiality. Especially the politicians.”

Cassie ran a finger across her lips. “It's in the vault. I didn't even know you knew him before yesterday.”

“Well, he is from Maiden. He was a few years ahead of me in high school.”

“That would make him Mom's age.”

She didn't want to talk about Lucas. But if she got weird, that would set off alarms. And who knew what Cassie would do? “They're a few years older than him, I think.”

“I wonder why they never told me they knew him.” She changed the topic before Nikki could think of an answer. “How'd he find you down in Florida anyway?”

“Don't know. Didn't ask. But he's a congressman, so I guess it wouldn't have been too difficult. He probably has access to things us regular people don't. Do you know who posted that video?”

“No.”

“Can you find out? And then ask them to take it down.”

“Probably. But why would I ask them to take it down? I love it. It's hilarious.”

“Because it's not very flattering to me or to him. It might hurt him during the election.”

“Why exactly did you knock him down?”

Nikki stared at Cassie for a moment as an idea formed. Maybe, just maybe… “Hey, I need to take a closer look at that video.”

“Why?”

Truth was always a good idea. “I knocked him down because I thought I saw a man with a gun. Nobody else saw it. But maybe he's in the video.”

Cassie's eyes grew large, but she had no smart comeback comment. “I'll send it to your email address. Hold on.” She hit a few buttons and then walked over to Nikki.

After Nikki opened the video, the two of them watched several times. No gunman. “Oh well, it was a good idea even if it didn't pan out.”

“True, but this is probably only a little part of the real video. I'll see if I can find out who posted it and ask to see the complete video.”

“Good idea, Cassie. It has to be someone from Maiden, so you might even know them. If you find out, please have them take it down.”

“Fine. I'll see what I can do.”

Nikki checked her watch. “In the meantime, I have a meeting. Be back later.”

“With Lucas?” Cassie's voice had taken on a teasing quality.

“He is my client, as you know.”

“He's an awfully handsome client.”

“Hadn't noticed.”

Cassie was still laughing as Nikki walked out of the house.

She drove out to the lake house and forced her mind to stay in the present, not the past.

Lucas was in more trouble than he realized. He didn't seem to have taken the situation at the diner seriously. She had to make him understand that even if he had fired her.

She pulled into the drive.

The cabin was surrounded by trees, making it seem as if it was the only place for miles. She and Lucas had come here as teens—no disapproving parents, no one to tell them they were wrong for each other. But, in fact, the naysayers had been right. Life would have been a lot less complicated if she'd known how right they were, but then again, she wouldn't trade Cassie for anything in the world. Something good had come from their times up here.

Stop thinking about the past, girl. It's done and over with. Stay focused. Let's figure out what's going on so Lucas can get back to his life. And you can too.

She'd managed to muddle through and keep her head above water. Now God was obviously telling her it was time to leave the past where it belonged. Time to find the life God wanted for her. It was time to forgive Lucas—finally. Could she really do that? Closing her eyes, she laid her head on the steering wheel. She couldn't do that by herself.

But with God's help—maybe.

12

Lucas lifted the curtain.

Nikki sat in her car, not moving, an expression of pain on her beautiful face.

What a fool he'd been to listen to his father. Why hadn't he stood up for Nikki—for both of them? They could have made each other so happy. Life could have been so different if only…no use thinking about that. That was then and this was now.

Obviously, Nikki didn't have the same fondness for this place as he did. What was going on in her mind?

The lake house. The words had fallen out of his mouth so casually. Now that he'd had time to think about it, this probably wasn't the best place to have a talk. But remembering the good times could be healing for Nikki and for himself. They'd certainly had a lot of them up here. Sometimes just the two of them, but more often with their friends. Cookouts. Swimming. And just hanging around, before his father decided Nikki wasn't the right kind of girl for a McMann.

Before they'd given him an ultimatum right after graduation night—Nikki or his inheritance. Graduation night—the night Nikki had given in to him and given him her most precious gift. And he'd repaid it by turning his back on her instead of fighting for her. And today she hadn't hesitated to go chasing down a man with a gun to protect him. She certainly was the right kind of woman for any man. Why hadn't he seen that back then?

He'd learned to live with his choice, but now he had a chance to fix it. If nothing else, he needed her to know how sorry he was for the way things ended. If he had made her feel anything less than the truly amazing person she was then and still was now, he was even more sorry.

A part of him wanted to go to her, wrap her in his arms, and take away all the hurt. The hurt he'd caused. But that couldn't happen, so he'd settle for them being friends. If that was even possible.

Nikki opened the car door and stepped out. The sun shimmered on her blonde hair.

Lucas stood at the door and waved. “Hey, Nikki.”

“I forgot how long of a drive it is out to here. I thought it was closer. Sorry I'm late.”

“You call five minutes late?” He held the door open and motioned her in.

“Late is late. I happen to believe in punctuality.”

“You'd do well in politics with that attitude. I brought us some supper.”

“This is not a social engagement, Lucas.”

“I know, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the view and some good food while we talk.” He smiled. “Life is meant to be enjoyed.”

“I enjoy my life just fine. It seems to me you should be more concerned about that gunman than how I live my life.”

“I am and you'll probably be even more worried after—”

“After what?”

“After what I have to tell you.” Lucas slid the deck door open and stood there. “But I'm sitting out here and eating a bite while we discuss the situation. I hope you'll join me.” He sat down at the wooden patio table.

“Fine. You're the client.”

He handed her a plate. “So what did you do with the rest of your day?”

“Let's cut the small talk.” Sitting down, she picked up a chicken leg. After taking a bite, she nodded. “Not bad. I have two questions.”

“Mama has a cook come in three days a week. Lucky for us, this was her day to work. I'm not much of a cook myself. Hot dogs and TV dinners are my usual.” He filled his plate.

“You're supposed to ask me what my two questions are.”

“Let's eat first and then talk.”

“Are you intentionally trying to irritate me?”

“I'm trying to have a nice dinner.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I'll play along.”

They chatted about nothing in particular as they ate. He put down his fork, and before he could change his mind, he said, “You don't know how much I regret the way I acted. If I could go back and change it, I would.”

“But you can't.” Her eyes misted over.

“And I can't tell you how sorry I am for the pain I caused you. I was young and stupid. I should never have listened to my father.”

“You weren't in any position not to listen to him.”

“You are the only woman I've ever fallen in love with.”

“I doubt that very much. What about Victoria? And after her, between your good looks and your money, I'm sure you had more than your fair share of women.”

“You think I'm good looking.”

“No comment.”

He gazed into her emerald-green eyes. “Seriously, Nikki. I am so sorry for what happened.” He reached across and touched her cheek. “You are my biggest regret.”

****

It was her turn. She needed to say the words—to forgive him and move on. She wasn't sure she could breathe, let alone talk. Her heart softened for a moment. But she was the only woman he'd ever fallen in love with? Did he really think a few sweet words could undo the harm he'd done? How much he'd hurt her? And how that had led to so many bad decisions? No, she wouldn't let him off the hook that easily. How was she supposed to forgive him with so much pent-up anger?
Please help me, God.

Lucas must think she was acting strangely.

Suddenly, the anger melted and she giggled. “Sorry.”

He smiled back at her. “For what?”

“You gave me this wonderful heartfelt apology, and all I did was stuff some potato salad in my mouth.”

“Well, it's very good potato salad.” He picked up his fork. “Mmm. Good!”

“You're ridiculous.”

“Me? You're the one with potato salad on your face.”

She reached for her napkin.

“Just kidding.”

“I…I…”
Say the words, Nikki. Be done with the past—with all the old hurt.
“I accept your apology.” She hadn't actually said the word
forgiveness
. But it was implied.

“Thank you. That's not exactly forgiveness, but—”

“It's all I can do right now.”

“And it's much more than I deserve. Remember the last time you were here?”

As if she could forget.

The two of them had met here one last time after both sets of parents made it clear the relationship wasn't to continue. And the only time their emotions had let them get too carried away.

“I'm not going down memory lane with you, Lucas.” She stood up. “And I won't be part of whatever agenda you've decided on. I'm done. I came out here to discuss your problem. If that isn't what we will be talking about, I'm leaving.”

“OK, OK. Let's talk.”

She sat back down.

“Did you ever listen to the voice mail I left you?”

She nodded. “But it didn't really tell me much.”

“I received an email the other night after I left your office. It was a picture of the two of us standing outside your office. And they sent a message with it. It said, ‘Someone will die if you repeat the same mistake twice.'”

“You didn't think this was important enough for me to know?”

“Of course I did. I haven't had a chance to tell you. You didn't return my call and—”

“I think you could have found a way. We ate lunch together, remember?” She stopped. “Now I get it. That's why you fired me. You thought it might be too dangerous. You wanted to keep me safe.”

“You make it sound like that's a bad thing.”

“Just don't treat me like a helpless girl. I can take care of myself.” She was touched by his concern.

“Yeah, Stanley and I both found that out.”

“And don't forget it. So am I hired?”

“That's up to you, Nikki. But I really don't want to put you in harm's way. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt.”

She ignored that comment. It probably came from guilt about what happened to his wife. “What do you think they were talking about? What mistake?”