His Desire, Her Surrender (13 page)

Tabitha took her hand in a firm handshake. "Tabitha Quinn."

"Why don't you grab what you want to eat? I've already ordered." Monica gestured toward a salad on the table.

Tabitha wandered to the counter and placed her order. The sandwich appeared within minutes. The deli was known for good, quick service. Soon Tabitha sat down with Monica, unsure how to proceed.

Monica placed her phone on the table. "I'm sure you must be more than a little curious as to why I asked you to meet me today."

Nervousness clenched Tabitha's stomach. "You're right. I am."

Monica tilted her head. "Has Marcus mentioned me to you?"

"Yes." Tabitha didn't elaborate, hesitant to say much. She picked up her sandwich and took a bite.

Monica grimaced. "Ah, I'm guessing it wasn't positive."

Tabitha chewed slowly, giving herself time to construct a tactful response. "Well, it seems like there's a lot going on."

Monica's mouth twisted. "That's an understatement."

Tabitha leaned in. "I know your brother wants to speak to you."

Monica pursed her lips. "Yes. I want to speak to him, too. I'm not sure how to make him understand, though. I guess I thought you could help somehow. A woman's perspective and all."

Tabitha sat back in her seat. "Okay." What perspective did she have to offer that Monica couldn't get from her own family? Tabitha wanted to spit out questions, but forced herself to be patient.

Monica played with her ring, spinning it around her finger. "Marcus is a wonderful brother, but he's never been one to be ruled by his emotions. I don't know if he'll have any empathy for what I have to tell him. I thought if he's met someone who really touched his heart, perhaps he would. I thought he might listen to you with a more open mind. Everyone's anger keeps getting in the way."

"Monica, I'm sorry. I'm confused."

Monica laughed. "Me too. Have you ever loved someone even though you weren't sure he was good for you?"

Tabitha coughed. "Monica. We don't know each other well."

"Fair enough. What about this? Were you ever involved with someone you knew your parents wouldn't approve of?"

"I'm sure there were a few instances." Tabitha tried to slow down the conversation by taking another bite of her sandwich.

Monica pressed forward. "And what did you do about it?"

Tabitha recalled those few instances when she'd gone for the bad boy instead of the straight arrow. "My parents pretty much ignored it. They trusted my judgment. They probably figured it would die out and it did. But I'm talking like high school. I don't get the impression that's what you mean."

Monica's hands fluttered, exposing her nervousness. "No. You probably know about Coron."

"The company? Yes."

"Well, if Marcus hasn't told you, there's a long-standing rivalry between Coron and Granger Pharma."

Tabitha nodded, unwilling to reveal what she knew.

"My father hates Coron Health, the Coron family, and everything to do with them."

Tabitha tried to determine where Monica's train of thought was going, but failed. "Okay."

Monica blurted, "I've been dating Benjamin Coron for months."

Tabitha's eyes widened. "Oh."

"Oh is right. We kept it secret for obvious reasons. My father found out. He jumped to conclusions, as you can imagine."

"Wow." Tabitha tried to absorb Monica's revelation.

Monica took a deep breath. "I must admit, it's a relief to tell someone."

Tabitha hunted for an appropriate response but nothing came to mind. "Ummm."

"Yes, I know. It looks bad, but Ben doesn't even work in management. We don't discuss work when we're together. It's off limits."

Realization dawned in Tabitha's mind. Did Monica have nothing to do with the takeover attempt? "Ben didn't know about the takeover plan?"

"No. Neither did I. The timing was bad — coming just after I'd put together a big proposal that was shot down. I was angry. But still, I would never betray my family. In fact, I was so angry …." She paused and took a deep breath. "My father's accusations were hurtful and totally unfounded. How could even think I would do such a thing? Does he even know me at all? What kind of character does he think I have?"

Tabitha sensed the genuine pain behind Monica's words. "I'm so sorry. I'm sure he didn't mean it. It was the shock of the whole situation."

Monica's frowned. "Maybe."

"I'm sure Marcus will understand and this can be straightened out."

"That doesn't change the fact that my father thought me capable of acting in such a manner."

Tabitha sighed. "Yeah. I don't know what to say. With the history between Granger and Coron, he probably just wasn't thinking."

Monica swallowed hard. "I know this must be so weird." She blinked several times, trying to keep her eyes from tearing. "Marcus told me about you."

Tabitha started. "He did?"

Monica appeared happy to change the subject. "Yes, we spoke on the phone after I left Hawaii. He told me he'd made an acquaintance. But I knew it was something more. He doesn't bother to mention unimportant things."

Tabitha unsuccessfully hid a bemused smile. "Interesting."

"I thought so. Marcus doesn't have the temper our father does, but still, I expect he'd listen to you more readily than me."

"Why not call him directly?"

"I'm not ready to talk to him. Plus I must admit to having an overwhelming curiosity about you."

"And now?"

"I can see what Marcus sees in you. Smart. Fresh. Interesting with a spark."

Tabitha fidgeted in her seat. "You get all that already?"

Monica took a small bite of her salad. "The smart goes without saying. Marcus can't abide stupidity. You have an honest look about you. Unworldly, but not naïve."

"Thank you … I think."

Monica pointed her fork at Tabitha. "It's a compliment."

Tabitha deflected the compliment, as she often did. "Everything that's happening … did that sour things between you and Ben?"

"Yes and no. We're working through it. It's worth it.
He's
worth it. Believe me. I wouldn't have started seeing the son of my father's sworn enemy if there wasn't serious potential there."

Tabitha glanced at her watch. Time had sped by during their chat. "Well, I'll tell Marcus what you've told me."

"I appreciate it. Part of me is sorry to put you in the middle, but oddly enough, it seemed the best approach."

Tabitha wrapped up her partially eaten sandwich. "I have to get back to the office."

Monica stood as Tabitha packed her lunch items in a bag. "I appreciate your coming. I wasn't sure you would agree."

Tabitha laughed. "I think I was too surprised to refuse."

"Well, I've always been one for a bold approach."

Tabitha nodded. "I can see that."

Monica held out her hand and Tabitha took it in a handshake. "I hope I'll hear from you?"

"I can't make any promises, but I'll tell Marcus what you told me."

Monica offered a crooked smile. "Thank you."

"No problem." Tabitha exited the deli and hurried down the sidewalk.

Chapter 11

Anticipation coursed through Tabitha as she stepped off the elevator. She'd asked for time to consider her answer and she had. After a few sleepless nights, she'd recognized that her hesitation was fear — residual fear that Marcus might leave her again as he had in Hawaii. She realized her convoluted thinking wasn't rational. She had to trust Marcus and she did.

Tabitha knew what she wanted. She wanted Marcus. She wanted what they had together to grow. She wanted to make it official and she couldn't wait to tell him.

She would take his collar. For real this time, not just as a symbol.

When she entered the living area, he spun around toward her. Naked fury marked his face. Tabitha had never seen such an expression on him before.

She hurried to him. "Marcus, what's happened? Is everything okay?"

He stepped away from her. "My assistant stepped out today to get lunch. She happened to pick up a sandwich from a nearby deli. She
happened
to see my sister and her lunch companion." His voice rose as his anger spilled out.

Tabitha recoiled from his vehemence. "Yes. Your sister called me and I met her for lunch."

"You admit it?" He clipped each word.

"Yes. I had lunch with your sister. She hoped …."

Marcus cut her off abruptly. "I know what she hoped for. We have at least two leaks at Granger. We've known about one in the research division. Recently it became clear there must be another. Someone fed Coron the information about our legal plans for fighting the takeover attempt. That someone had to be at either Granger Pharma or our law firm. There was no other way to access the information. It's pretty clear now who it was."

Tabitha reeled with stunned shock. "What?"

Marcus shook his head. "It's my own stupidity. Apparently, when I take my pants off, I lose the ability to think rationally. We've been careful to keep the plans under wraps. Very few people know. You're one of them."

Tabitha took a step back. "Marcus. You can't believe I repeated your plan to anyone."

His gaze pierced her. "The evidence speaks for itself."

Tabitha overflowed with indignation. "Your so-called evidence is nothing. You're jumping to conclusions."

Marcus's face hardened. "You should leave."

Passionate rage inflamed Tabitha. "Marcus Granger, you listen to me. You're wrong about me, and you're wrong about your sister."

Marcus turned his back to her. "I'm asking you to go."

A retort hung on the end of Tabitha's tongue, but hurt overwhelmed her. His rejection had doused her anger. She turned and hurried to the elevator. As the doors shut behind her, tears streamed down her face and numbness infiltrated her mind.

*****

For the next few days, Tabitha waited with anticipation, sure Marcus would realize his terrible mistake and contact her, begging forgiveness. As the days spread to a week, she had to conclude he hadn't changed his mind. Every agonizing moment, Tabitha was aware Marcus didn't trust her. He didn't trust her enough to know she would never deceive him. He didn't trust her enough to listen to an explanation.

Tabitha didn't know the perpetrator of the leak. Could she find out? Should she even try? The lack of faith shown by Marcus left a burning ache in her heart. She'd given him everything. Her body. Her mind. Her heart. And he'd taken it. Even if she proved her innocence, it wouldn't wipe away the betrayal.

Was she being fair to Marcus? She'd never confessed her love. She'd never told him how her body ached for his touch. Did he know that? Really know? He hadn't stated his feelings, either. He'd been protective of himself. But he had asked her to take his collar. That meant something. But she hadn't said yes. He didn't know she'd made up her mind. Had he expected her to say yes immediately? Had he felt rejected?

Marcus exuded such strength, she forgot he was vulnerable, too. He'd offered her something he'd never offered to another and what had she done? She said she had to think about it. Pain clutched her heart. Had she hurt Marcus without meaning to? Had he seen her hesitation as rejection?

Tabitha's fingers itched to pick up the phone. He'd put himself out on the line. He'd proposed one of the biggest commitments he'd ever made and what had she done? She'd stalled. She'd wanted to take time to reflect on a relationship she'd already agreed to willingly. She loved Marcus. She loved what they had. She loved what he made her feel.

Resolve welled up within her. She'd fight for this relationship. She'd fight for Marcus. He was worth it. She wasn't going to give up so easily.

Tabitha picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Monica? This is Tabitha. I need your help."

*****

Tabitha wasn't sure if the doorman remembered her, but he did. He let her up.

Apparently, Marcus hadn't countermanded his instructions regarding her access to his apartment.

She exited the elevator with her parcels and walked into the kitchen. Spreading out her items on the counter, she prepared her planned meal. While chopping and sautéing, she rehearsed what she would say. Would Marcus listen?

As she set the table, she heard the elevator. Marcus was home. She inhaled deep, calming breaths. She expected a charged reaction from Marcus, but this time she wasn't going to retreat. She would stand her ground, for both of them.

Marcus appeared in the doorway. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Tabitha ignored his anger. "You and I need to talk."

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "We have absolutely nothing to talk about."

Tabitha shook her head and moved closer. "We absolutely do. You can be reasonable and listen or you can be unreasonable and I'll repeat it until you hear me. You choose."