The Backup Plan by Sherryl Woods Page B

normally confident, wisecracking, steady-as-a-rock Dinah Davis flat on her stomach in the dirt in a pretty little sundress, shivering so hardhe’d wondered if he’d ever get her to stop. There was no question about how messed up she was, since she’d let him tend to her without uttering a single protest.
    As if that memory weren’t disturbing enough, he couldn’t seem to forget the way she’d felt in his arms, the way her body curved toward him, hanging on for dear life. He knew she’d been embarrassed by what she would consider a display of weakness. She’d never have done such a thing if she hadn’t been having a panic attack, but he couldn’t help wishing that she’d been in his arms for another reason entirely.
    Maybe that was why he lied to his brother.
    â€œBobby, I need you to stay in Atlanta for another week,” he said right after Bobby had told him he was coming home. “Maybe longer.”
    â€œWhat!” his brother exclaimed. “Are you crazy?”
    Cord held the phone away from his ear at the expected explosion. He couldn’t very well blame Bobby for being anxious to get back to Charleston. Living in a hotel room wasn’t the same as being at home and he’d been doing just that for months now. Worse, he’d been separated from his fiancée for most of that time. They’d already had this conversation once, so Cord knew pretty much what to expect. He wasn’t looking forward to it.
    â€œI’ve been over here for months now,” Bobby reminded him. “All of the leases are signed. There are only so many nails left to be pounded and so much paint left to be applied. The crew is perfectly capable of finishing up.”
    Cord bit back an impatient sigh. How the hell was he supposed to argue with that logic? He desperately grasped at one last straw. “What about the old hotel we’ve been looking into restoring? Is that a done deal?”
    â€œI’ve greased every wheel there is to be greased,” hisbrother insisted, then added with a touch of defensiveness, “If we don’t get the job restoring that hotel, it won’t be for lack of trying on my part.”
    Cord could see that Bobby was about to misinterpret his words and jump to the conclusion that Cord was dissatisfied with his work. He needed to do some mighty fast tap-appointment to keep Bobby where he was with his morale intact. The success of their partnership depended on mutual respect for their very divergent talents. He was treading on Bobby’s toes right now, no question about it.
    â€œI know that,” he said hurriedly. “You’ve done a fantastic job, Bobby. I just think it’ll pay off if you’re right there and accessible if any questions come up. I want the other investors to know we’re as committed to that project as we have been to the one we’re finishing up. In fact, it might make sense for you to think about buying someplace permanent there.”
    â€œYou want me to move here? No way in hell, Cord. If you think one of us needs to be here twenty-four/ seven, it’ll have to be you. You can move over here and prove how committed we are,” Bobby retorted. “You’re not the one who hasn’t seen his fiancée in four freaking months, except on weekends.”
    Unfortunately, Bobby had a point, Cord conceded. Rianna was sweet and smart and totally in love with his brother. She was also the primary thing standing between Bobby and that crazy agreement he’d made years ago with Dinah. Cord definitely wanted to keep Rianna happy and his brother otherwise occupied.
    â€œHave her come on over to Atlanta for a week or so,” Cord encouraged. “The company will spring for a luxury suite and all the champagne you can drink. You can talk wedding plans, maybe even write out your engagement announcement for the paper. That ought to make her happy.” And it would finally put Dinah