to hear that you were coming here. Work or pleasure?”
“Work.” He didn’t mean to bark. “I’m working on...a project.”
She walked toward him and it took everything in him to stay his ground. The soft scent of her perfume teased him, letting him know that she might be near at hand but was completely untouchable.
“And what is that project? What exactly is here that requires your service while we’re on vacation?” Her eyes issued a challenge.
“It’s of a personal nature. With your grandmother.”
She cocked her head to the side. Her steady eye contact pierced at his defenses. “This mysterious project must be urgent.”
He shrugged. “That, I don’t know.”
“I guess you’ll find out soon.” She turned to walk away but then stopped. “How long are you staying?”
“As long as your grandmother needs me to be here.”
“That must be an awful lot of underwear to pack.” She gave him a smile through the teasing, the first one she’d offered since seeing him.
Leo grasped at it, like a thirsty man at a well. He grinned back and nodded. “Pretty much. I’m all set.”
“That’s nice to know, Mr. Starks.” The sharp, no-nonsense comment from a familiar older voice had the effect of a flash freeze over him and Fiona.
Grace Meadows walked into view. He’d seen her only in suits and always dressed quite professionally. Today her appearance had switched from the severe conservative businesswoman to a softer, relaxed image.
“Mr. Starks, you’re staring. Fiona, you’re no better. Don’t you have something to get into with your cousins?” Grace motioned for her granddaughter to get moving.
Leo couldn’t help staring, but his focus wasn’t due to what Grace had said. The visual effect of the older and younger women standing close together was remarkable. Of course, they were related, but their striking similarities in poise and beauty hadn’t really hit him until now, in this awkwardly growing moment.
Before he could explain, Fiona flew from the scene, stealing glances over her shoulder. Meanwhile, he saw her future mature elegance within the matriarch of the family, who stood next to him with a stern look on her face.
Grace cleared her throat. “Will you need to rest up?”
“Not necessary at all.”
“Good. Meet me downstairs in my office and we’ll get started. We can talk over coffee.”
Leo didn’t move until Grace had walked down to the first floor. Then he took a deep breath and gazed down the empty hallway where Fiona had disappeared. She’d have to wait.
He didn’t need any further reminders from Grace that this wasn’t a vacation. Instead of heading down the opposite hallway to his room, he went back downstairs and retrieved his briefcase from Denton, who was on his way up with the luggage.
“In here, Mr. Starks.”
“Mrs. Meadows, we’ve worked together. I’d feel a lot more comfortable if you’d call me Leo.” He paused. “And I will call you Grace.”
She nodded. “Perfect tone to set. Leo. Please help yourself to breakfast. Then let’s get to work.”
Leo nodded and aimed for the coffee. He didn’t have much of an appetite and probably wouldn’t until he found out the real reason why he was there.
“I want my will amended.”
He nodded, acknowledging the assignment to work on the will that he’d been given by the senior partner. The task would require more than his eyes and attention, but she’d insisted that he should be the only one to work on it. Although her compliments boosted his ego, her sole choice of him for this job was odd.
“Before we get the will adjusted to my new specifications, I would like to move your attention to a more pressing matter.”
“Okay.” Leo set down the coffee cup. The mysterious tone added another layer to the tension that had his gut doing a dance, waiting for Grace’s full explanation.
“It’s a delicate matter...”
“May I remind you that I am ethical?”
“Oh, I wasn’t questioning that, but I did sense that you are friends with my granddaughter.” She tapped her finger against her cheek as she studied him. “You are friendly with Fiona?”
“No...yes...well, a long time ago. We parted ways.” Leo hadn’t stuttered like this since middle school. “Today was the first time since we’d...”
“Ah, young people these days like to tiptoe toward each other.” She steepled her hands. “Well, this makes things even more delicate. You see...I am handing over the entire matter for you to handle because I’m confident that you can.”
“Good to have your support. But maybe that will change once I know what it is and if I’m really capable of meeting your expectations.” Leo had the feeling that whatever Grace was dancing around would not have an easy solution.
“One month ago, I learned that my daughter Verona had another child. A son.” Grace clutched her napkin. “I want him found—quickly and quietly.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Leo needed a moment to let the news sink in. “I’m not a detective.”
“I don’t expect you to personally find the boy. Well, by now, he’s a man. And when he is found, I want him included in my will.”
“But I don’t know how long this will take.”
“I am sure that it won’t take long. And with everyone here under the same roof, I think it is an ideal time for this matter to be resolved. I want my family, every member, to be taken care of in my will.” She played with the collar of her blouse. “Would be nice to see him, don’t you think so, Leo?”
“Um...yes, Grace.” Leo was still stuck on the fact that there was a grandson who might not have a clue about his birth 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.
