Mixing Business With Pleasure (Love Conquers All Book 2) Read online

  They exchanged their handshakes and then Matt wrapped his arm around Tiffany. “Let’s say we go hunt down my mom.”

  “Do we have to?” She whispered.

  “Yes! Don’t be crazy.”

  “We’ll see you guys around. It was good seeing you both.” They headed away from the couple and Tiffany stopped him. “What?”

  “What haven’t you been truthful about?”

  “Nothing; I’m an open book.”

  “Maybe with me, but Mike said something about you not being truthful.”

  “There’s one thing you’ll learn, its Mike is a little touched in the head. He says things he doesn’t mean to say lots of times. I’m sure that was one of those times.” He felt like she didn’t believe him, but she laughed and didn’t appear too worried about it. He just didn’t want her to know that he spent time, in New York, talking about her behind her back. They were in a good place at that moment and that’s what mattered. “Now, let’s go see if we can round up my mom.”

  ____________________

  Tiffany didn’t buy for a second that Matt was being 100% truthful to her, yet for some reason she didn’t seem to mind. She knew in the end the truth would come out and she would finally get some answers. “There they are.” He was speaking to her, so she quickly turned her attention to where he was pointing.

  “Now, does your mom know the truth?”

  “You mean about our relationship?”

  “Yes; I was just wondering if we had to keep up the lies with her.”

  “I don’t know if you noticed, but it isn’t exactly a lie anymore.” She grinned; she supposed he was right. She didn’t know if she wanted his mom to know the whole story though. “To answer your question…she knows we came here as friends only.”

  She let out a sigh of relief; she wasn’t exactly sure why that was comforting. “Okay; it makes me breathe a little easier now.”

  “It won’t keep me from kissing you though.” The growl in his voice made her smile and he was sexier than she had ever remembered him to be. He leaned in and kissed her; she didn’t push away she just went with it. She was also aware that everyone was staring at them. The small crowd applauded as they parted and she knew she was showing how embarrassed she was. “There; how’s that for making a scene?”

  “That was pretty good.” She liked kissing him and she didn’t want that to stop.

  “Well…well…” she was interrupted when she heard a voice approach them.

  She looked and saw it was the woman he pointed out as his mom and she instantly felt her face flush. “Mom…this is Tiffany.”

  “Tiffany, this is my mom and my stepdad Josh.”

  “Honey, it is so good to finally meet you.” His mother hugged her; completely shocking her.

  “I…thank you.” She didn’t know what Matt had told her about them, but she seemed pleased that they were together. “It’s great to meet you too. I’ve heard so much about you…both of you.”

  “All good, I hope.” Josh replied with a laugh as he shook Matt’s hand and then Tiffany’s.

  “Of course.” Matt had said Josh was a great stepdad, so she knew that was true.

  “How’s your dad doing?” Matt’s mom was quick to ask.

  “Actually, he woke up today. He looked really good.”

  “I’m grateful to hear that; we’ve been praying for him.”

  “Thank you mom; I appreciate that.” He turned to Tiffany and motioned towards the dance floor. “Mom; if you don’t mind we’re going to try out the dance floor. We’ll see you guys a bit later.”

  “Okay; you both have fun.” Tiffany watched as his mom looked at them with a hopeful expression as they walked out to the center.

  “There’s no one else out here,” she whispered as he took her in his arms.

  “All the more reason we can show them how it’s done. They’ll soon follow. I’m sure of that.” It was mere minutes that they were swaying back and forth to the music that the rest of the party-goers began to join them. “See; what did I tell you?”

  She responded by placing her head on his shoulder. She didn’t want their time in Wyoming to come to an end and she knew, since his dad was awake it surely would. “This place is so romantic; it would make anyone fall in love.”

  “Is that what happened? Have you fallen in love?”

  When she looked at him, a knot formed in her stomach and she shrugged. “Possibly; I guess you’ll have to just wait and see.”

  She bit her lower lip and he winked at her. “I can wait, as long as it’s the outcome I have been hoping for.”

  She looked away and laid her head back on his shoulder. She knew it was true; she was still too fearful of saying it. She decided that she would probably wait until getting back to New York; where she was back in her home territory and more comfortable to speak her mind. The music came to an end and they pulled away and clapped. “Do you want to get something to eat?”

  “Sure;” his hang hung dangerously close to her bottom as they walked to the refreshment line. Grabbing fruit, vegetables, a turkey sandwich, and a punch they headed to one of the vacant tables. She sat down and looked at him before taking a bite of her watermelon. “I have to thank you again for coming to Wyoming with me; it really meant a lot to me and I know it meant a lot to grandma.”

  “If I had to do over; I would still come.”

  “You know, I was thinking.”

  “Don’t start that; nothing good ever comes of it.” She laughed to show she was teasing. “I’m sorry; go on.”

  “Do you think we would have had a chance to make a relationship work; if we hadn’t come here?”

  Tiffany thought about it for a moment and realized that it was true. The chances of them connecting in this way probably wouldn’t have happened while they were home. “It’s possible, but I see what you’re saying. Back home we have the stresses of everyday life and here, we just kind of forgot them.”

  “You mean the whole job problems?”

  “Yeah; we still don’t know what the outcome is. We could both be looking for a job when we get back to New York City. Will that put a damper on things? Probably!”

  “It doesn’t have to; I still stand by I’m ready and willing to find a job; if you can keep yours.”

  “It isn’t that simple Matt. After the problems we have had to deal with, who’s to say that I even want to go back there?”

  “Do you mean that?” She knew that she did. The fact was it irritated her that the company she put several years into would have such a rule that would keep her from doing her dream.”

  “There’s lot of opportunities out there.”

  “You’re right; there are.”

  “I guess when I get the verdict, I’ll make my decision.”

  “Sounds like a plan; we could decide together.”

  “Together; I really like the sound of that.” She boldly moved her chair closer to him and kissed him. “Do you want to dance some more?”

  “I thought you would never ask.” He grabbed her hand and they made their way back to each other’s arms. He pulled her closer as they swayed to a soft country ballad. They were lost in each other that Tiffany didn’t notice the woman that had approached them. When she cleared her throat, their embrace broke. Matt’s facial expression wasn’t clear as to whether he was happy, sad, or mad to see the woman standing before them. Then he smiled slightly and pulled her into a hug. “Hey Suzanne; it’s good to see you.” When they parted he turned to Tiffany. “Tiffany, this is Suzanne my…” his voice broke off, but Tiffany didn’t need for him to continue. He gave her an apologetic smile and then looked at Suzanne. She sensed a love was still between them, but she wasn’t ready to give up. “Where’s Tabitha?”

  “She’s over talking to some friends. I’ve missed you Matt.” He nodded, but didn’t say a word. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I really need to talk with you. Can you sneak away for a minute?”

  “Sure!” He was quick to answer and then shrugged, but th
ey headed off the dance floor leaving Tiffany to sit and think.

  She sat down at the table that Matt and she had shared a few minutes prior and she knew she was sulking, but couldn’t control it. “Where’s Matt?”

  Tiffany looked up at the kind face of Eve and smiled. “Oh, Suzanne needed to talk to him.”

  “Really?” She sat down across from Tiffany and Tiffany could tell she wanted to give her two cents on the matter. “You have nothing to worry about; she’s a smart cookie, but you can tell he’s in love with you.”

  “Oh you can; can you?”

  Tiffany laughed nervously and then looked back to where Suzanne and Matt had gone. “Well, just a few days ago he was telling Mike how much he cared for you. That’s not going to change this quickly.”

  “He said that?”

  “He most certainly did; I would say his love has been growing for awhile now.”

  “We’ve only known each other for a couple of months. It couldn’t have been growing that long ago.”

  “I know that, but you’ve heard the saying love at first sight? He holds that dear to his heart. Suzanne’s the only girl he’s ever been with. He loved her once, but the day she took off with Tabitha was the worst day of his life and he’s not going to let her get her claws back into him.”

  Tiffany hoped she was right, but the look on his face proved otherwise. “Baby; can I have this dance?”

  “Of course; I better dance now that I’m not waddling, in a couple more months it will be all downhill. It was good talking to you Tiffany; I really like you and Matt did a great job of picking.”

  “Thanks Eve; I’ll keep everything in mind.” They walked away and Tiffany’s eyes fell to where Matt still was with Suzanne. She wanted to believe Eve, but everything in her body was telling her she needed to move on, before he could hurt her.

  ___________________

  Tiffany stayed at that table for what seemed like an eternity, which was probably more like 15 minutes, but in sitting there she realized she wasn’t going to allow Matt to stand by and make a fool of her. She got up from the table and left. She ran up to the house and straight up the stairs, not stopping until she safely got to the empty room. She looked out the window and saw the festivities still going on strong and she slumped on the bed. She wanted to talk to someone. She dialed up Cassie’s number and prayed that she would answer. “Hello?” She let out a sigh of relief when her friend answered.

  “Cassie; I’m so glad you answered.”

  “Tiffany? Is that you? What’s going on?”

  Tiffany couldn’t stop the tears as they started to fall. She hadn’t talked to Cassie since the wedding and she knew that they had just barely gotten back from their honeymoon. “I’m losing him Cassie.”

  Tiffany heard rustling in the background and she knew it was Seth. “It’s Tiffany; I’ll go in the hallway so I don’t wake you. Wait a minute Tiff.”

  Tiffany looked at the clock and shut her eyes. “Cassie; I’m sorry I didn’t think about the time difference. Its 12:00 there. I can talk to you later.”

  “Don’t you dare hang up; it’s fine. I’m safely in the hallway. So, tell me about who you’re losing.”

  “I’m losing Matt.” She told her about the silly rule; the blackmailing from Bruce, how she now realizes she’s in love with him and doesn’t care about anything else, and the fact that Suzanne is now back in the picture.” She didn’t take a breath until she got to the end of the story.

  “Suzanne could have a million reasons why she needs to talk to him. Does he give you any indication that he still loves her?”

  “No, it’s just that I know he still misses her daughter.”

  “Fine; he misses her daughter. That doesn’t mean that he wants Suzanne back. He can have a relationship with her and not have a relationship with Suzanne. Maybe that’s why she wants to talk to him.”

  Tiffany never considered that, but she wasn’t going to risk the pain. “I guess that’s a possibility, but…”

  “There are a million other reasons she could have to talk to him and none of them point to getting back together with him.”

  “Do you really believe that; or are you just trying to make me feel better?”

  “Maybe a little bit of both, but I do believe that you have to trust in your feelings and hope that his feelings are just as strong.”

  “I do Cassie; I said that he loves me. I just wish that I could be certain it’s stronger than Suzanne and his love.” She jumped when she heard a knock on the door. “I have to go; he’s here.”

  “Good luck; let me know how it turns out.” She hung up and put the phone away before heading to the door.

  When she answered it; she tried not to appear too upset. “Why did you come up here? I thought we would finish our dance.” He looked like a lost puppy dog, but Tiffany wasn’t convinced he felt that way. “Tiffany; is something wrong?”

  “No; I just felt like coming upstairs. I was cold; is that alright?” The agitation in her voice was building and his jaw was dropped. “I’m sorry; I’m just tired.

  “That’s alright, but I wanted you to meet Tabitha. I told them all about you.”

  “Oh; you did? Is that to compare notes?”

  “What? No; I just wanted to brag about you.” Her eyes fell to the ground and he lifted her chin so that she had to look at him. “Why are you acting like this?”

  “I’m not acting like anything. I just didn’t want to meet Suzanne; that’s all.”

  “Are you sure? It seems that all of a sudden you have turned cold all over again and I don’t understand why. I thought we were having a good time, but then Suzanne shows up and everything I have worked so hard to accomplish has gone out the window.”

  Tiffany stared at him. “I’m sorry; I didn’t know it was all about you. Please leave.” She looked away and noticed that he wasn’t budging. “I asked you politely; please go.”

  When their eyes met he shook his head. “I don’t get you; one minute your acting like a relationship is what you want and the next minute you are pushing me away.”

  “Maybe, I am beginning to realize how crazy this really is. We are two totally different people and to think that we could be more than friends…it’s ridiculous.”

  She saw the pain shoot into him like venom from a snake and she wanted to take it back, but she was afraid too many hurt words had been said. “You know, you’re probably right. This whole weekend has been ridiculous. You said that I shouldn’t keep pushing for a relationship, but I wouldn’t listen. I kept pressing the issue and look where it’s got me, more confused and hurt than ever. I’m sorry; you have gotten your way. Right now, I don’t even think a friendship would work for us. Congratulations Tiffany; I’ll leave you alone.”

  He pulled the door shut behind him and Tiffany stared after him. The sting of the tears in her eyes was the worse pain she had ever felt. “Why am I so stupid?” She mumbled to herself as she threw herself on the bed. She didn’t even give him a chance to explain what Suzanne was talking to him about. Instead she pushed him right into her arms and she wouldn’t blame him if he never spoke to her again.

  Chapter 14

  Tiffany’s head was pounding hard when she woke up the next morning. She last remembered seeing 2:30, before sleep finally overcame her. She knew, by the look on Matt’s face, that he was hurt. She totally understood why, but she was trying to protect herself. She hated being venerable and hurting him first was the only way she knew how to keep that from happening. She rolled out of bed and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She scowled at her reflection as she saw the red splotches on her cheeks and the tear stains around her eyes. “I need a shower.” She replied out loud as she grabbed her clothes and headed into the bathroom. She closed her eyes as the warm water washed over her. She couldn’t get Matt’s face out of her mind, no matter how hard she tried. The look of disappointment and hurt was too much to bear.

  When she got dressed she moved slowly, she didn’t want to have to go
downstairs and face him; even though she knew there was no way around it. It was going to be inevitable. She took a deep breath and forced a smile, just in case grandma was down in the kitchen making another big breakfast. When she got downstairs, she noticed that there was no smell of bacon wafting through the air, or sound of eggs frying on the stove. It was for the best, she ate enough the previous day from breakfast to feed a small army. As she got in the kitchen, Matt’s back was too her and she could hear him on the phone. “I just wanted to let you know. Thank you Pastor Jason; I appreciate it. Yes; I will keep you posted. I’m thinking maybe Wednesday; if that works for everyone.” He had a slight pause and then continued. “Okay great! I’ll call you soon. Bye!” For a slight moment Tiffany had a thought that maybe he was marrying Suzanne that day, but when he turned and caught her gaze, she knew she had it all wrong.” He disconnected the call; his eyes never wavering from hers. “Hi,” he mumbled.

  “Matt…is…” her voice trailed off when she saw the tears begin to flow. She instantly forgot their angry exchange of words and rushed to his side. She hugged him; even though it didn’t feel natural. “What happened?”

  “My dad…he died earlier this morning.”

  Tiffany pulled away from him and her mind searched for the right words. “I don’t understand; he seemed…”

  “I know; you would never have known what was happening inside his body.” He moved away from her; his eyes showed that he wasn’t ready to sort through everything. “I got a call from grandma at about 4:00; she had decided to spend the night last night. I don’t know; I guess you can call it a hunch, or woman’s intuition. Whatever the case; around 2:15 this morning he started to say that he was having shortness of breath. He began to cough up blood and the doctor came into his room. It turns out he had internal bleeding in his stomach area and they took him to surgery, but it was too late.”

  “Oh my goodness Matt; I am so sorry.”

  “You see the thing is I have mixed emotions about it. I’m sad that he didn’t get to get himself better, but I am happy that we finally got some closure in our relationship. He said he loved me and it’s been years since I’ve heard that. I also am relieved that he won’t have to spend years of his life behind bars, and I know that makes me a horrible person.”