“He’s your brother.” Those three simple words broke Candy’s heart because although she knew they were true, she felt as if she’d lost her brother years ago. He hadn’t died, but it was as if he had, because in all the ways that truly counted, he had been dead to her all these years. But what had hurt the most was that he could have been dead in truth and she might never have known.
“I said I was thinking about it and that’s the best I can do right now.” It was time to change the subject. “Did you get the money I deposited in your account last week?”
“Yes, I did. You know I really appreciate it, Candy, but you don’t have to give me money anymore. I’m getting more hours over at the market.”
But Candy could hear the weariness in her mother’s voice. For more than thirty years, her mother had worked mostly minimum-wage jobs. Married and pregnant young, she’d barely finished high school and had no other training. Her mother was a hard worker and never complained, but she’d made sure that Candy had stayed in school. They hadn’t had much while she’d been growing up, but they’d always had food and a roof over their heads. And for that alone, she figured she owed her mother.
“I don’t mind, Mom. I just wish it could be more.”
“It’s more than enough, Candy.”
In spite of their many differences, Candy didn’t doubt that her mother loved her. In the end, that was what mattered the most. They might never have a really close relationship, but they’d always have that between them.
“Talk to your brother, Candy, just in case you never get the opportunity to do it again.” She softened her voice. “You don’t want to have to live with regrets.” Back to her brisk self again, she hurried on. “I have to go or I’ll be late for my shift at the market.”
“Bye, Mom.” She barely heard her mother tell her goodbye before the line went dead. It was the buzzing in her ear that finally broke her out of her thoughts and she slowly hung up her phone.
Regrets. That’s what it all boiled down to, and Candy finally began to understand why her mother had taken her father back all those times. She hadn’t wanted to live with the regrets she might have had if she didn’t. Candy didn’t necessarily agree with her mother, but she felt she did understand her a little better.
After all, she didn’t want to have regrets either. That’s why she was willing to let her relationship with Lucas run its course. But, unlike her father, Lucas wasn’t lying to her and pretending to be something he wasn’t. And therein lay the big difference for Candy. It was the lies her father had told over the years, always promising that things would be different and that he wasn’t really a criminal which had hurt the most. She much preferred Lucas’ bluntness to pretty lies. Lucas wanted her sexually, plus he respected her and genuinely liked her. And that was good enough for her.
As for Justin, well, she’d just have to think about that a little longer. She went back to work, but her mother’s words kept ringing in her ears.
The phone rang again and she pushed her personal problems to the back of her mind. “Good morning, Candy Logan’s office.”
“Good morning, sugar.”
His low voice slid over her like hot caramel over an ice cream sundae and just like that, she felt better, happier. “And what can I do for you, Mr. Squires?”
He laughed, the sensual sound skittering across her skin, making goose bumps rise on her arms. “I can think of several things at the moment.”
“Lucas.” His name came out as part admonishment, part moan as several fantasies of her own flitted through her brain.
“You shouldn’t ask me such provocative questions if you don’t want me to answer them.” She could hear voices in the background and knew he was calling from work. “But that’s not why I called.”
Candy squirmed in her seat, trying to ignore her growing arousal. “Why did you call?”
“Two things. First, are you coming over for dinner tonight?”
“Do you want me to?” She wondered if he wasn’t beginning to get tired of having her around every single evening.
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t,” his rough voice growled over the phone.
“I’d love to come over for dinner. Should I bring anything?”
“Just yourself, sugar.”
“Okay.” She glanced at her watch, knowing she had to cut this short. “What was the second thing?”
“Check your purse. I slipped a little something inside this morning before you left.” She heard someone calling him in the distance. “I’ve gotta run, but I’ll see you tonight.” The phone clicked in her ear and she pulled it back and looked at it. What was it with people hanging up on her this morning?
Curious now, she opened her bottom desk drawer and dragged out her large leather handbag. She hadn’t really looked in it this morning, she’d been in such a hurry when she’d left his place to get home and change in time to get to work. Thankfully, Lucas was always up at the crack of dawn, but still, she’d barely had enough time. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep that up, but for now, she was managing. And the payoff of spending all night snuggled up in bed with Lucas was reward enough for any minor inconveniences.
Unzipping her purse, she rummaged around inside and found the small plastic container that had worked its way to the bottom. Prying off the lid, she peered inside. Nestled on a napkin was a masterpiece of layers of light, fluffy pastry separated by a cream and chocolate filling. A light drizzle of chocolate decorated the top layer.
Candy groaned even as she carefully plucked the treat from the container and laid it on the lid. If she wasn’t careful, she was going to put on a ton of weight. Lucas did seem to enjoy feeding her. Now she definitely needed coffee.
Glancing at her closed office door, she decided she wasn’t taking any chances. Stowing her purse back in the bottom drawer, she yanked open the top one and shoved some papers aside. When she had enough room, she placed the pastry and the container inside and pushed the drawer closed.
She sniffed the air carefully and decided it was probably safe. Ever since word of the brownies had gotten out, many of Candy’s coworkers had started stopping by unannounced to check and see if she’d gotten any more of them. Unfortunately, Missy had been quite vocal in her praise of them and some of the other women in the office were jealous that they hadn’t gotten any.
But Candy only had one pastry and she wasn’t sharing.
The phone rang again just as she reached for her mug. Casting a longing stare at her empty mug, she sighed as she picked up the receiver. “Candy Logan’s office.”
“Ms. Logan, this is Barbara Bates from Jasper Publishing in New York.”
Candy straightened in her chair. “Yes, Ms. Bates. What can I do for you?” Her curiosity was piqued. It wasn’t every day she got a call from a big New York City publisher. Okay, so she’d never had one before. This was her first.
The other woman laughed. “Maybe we can help each other. As you may or may not know, we recently signed a former writer of TK Publishing, Karissa Fields.”
“That’s wonderful. I always knew that Karissa would make it big.”
“Well, Karissa speaks very highly of you as well. In fact, according to Karissa, you’re very good at what you do, Ms. Logan.” The other woman paused briefly before continuing. “We have a position opening up in our publicity department and would like to interview you if you’re interested.”
Candy had to close her mouth, which had dropped open. “Uh, this is quite a surprise.”
Ms. Bates laughed again. “I’m sure it must be. But we’d really like you to think about it. I’ve chatted with other authors you’ve worked with and they all speak very highly of you. I know that you were officially the assistant on these earlier jobs, but according to everyone I talked to, there was really no doubt in anyone’s mind who was really doing the work.”