Ruining Mr. Perfect (The McCauley Brothers) Page 9

  Maddie perked up. “Hmm. Maybe I should have Flynn take me there for Valentine’s Day.”

  “Speaking of that,” Abby segued, “Brody and I have been talking about Bitsy. I mean, Beth.” Only Brody called Beth McCauley by the cute nickname, the same name he’d been calling her since she’d pseudo-adopted him so many years ago. “This is her first Valentine’s Day in over thirty years where she’ll be alone. We were thinking of spending it with her.”

  After a pause, Vanessa said, “You know, you two probably have plans. Mike will be with Colin, I’m sure. Why don’t I spend the night with her?”

  “But what about you and Cam?” Abby asked.

  She shrugged. “We’re pretty new. Besides, we’re keeping this casual. Low key. So I’ll spend the night with her, and Cameron too, if he’s not busy, and you guys go out like you were planning to.”

  “You sure?” Maddie asked.

  “Yeah.” Besides, this way she wouldn’t be so nervous about her relationship progressing too quickly.

  “Okay, then. If you’re sure,” Abby agreed. “You’ve got Beth. One other thing I wanted to remind you guys. The book club is meeting here on Thursday night. Don’t forget. And Vanessa, don’t even think of wriggling out of it.” She turned a pretty pink. “We’re reading my book.”

  Maddie grinned. “Oh. Which one?”

  “Paradise Between My Legs? Or The Perfect Pussy, Volume Two?” Vanessa asked with a straight face.

  Abby scowled. “You’re horrible. The book is Fielder’s Folly. My second Policemen Do It Better romance.”

  “Oh, that one. Well, it’s got dominant heroes, suspense, and sex, so I guess I’ll read it.” Actually, she’d read it when the book had first released. Abby had a real gift with words, and she could write a sex scene like nobody’s business.

  “Gee, Vanessa. Don’t do me any favors.”

  “I’m not. Well, I am. But I said I’d come, so I will.”

  Abby shook her head. Maddie muffled a laugh and said, “I’ll be there, Abs. Robin and Kim too, even though Kim says she’s not that into the male sex parts.”

  “See? Another friend taking one for the team.” Vanessa chuckled at Abby’s growl. Then the three of them took bets on what Mike might really be doing for Valentine’s Day, especially if Beth kept throwing eligible women at him.

  Vanessa continued the conversation, her mood light. Yet a part of her wondered how Cameron would react to her taking charge of Valentine’s Day plans. Would he be angry she hadn’t consulted him first? Only time would tell, and she waited on pins and needles to see the real Cameron McCauley stand up.

  Chapter 7

  Cam put down the phone and stared at it. Vanessa had decided to spend Valentine’s Day with his mother? “Is she serious?” he asked aloud.

  Wednesday morning in his new office, and he couldn’t concentrate on the handsome but comfortable leather furniture Maddie had selected. Or the slate gray walls with accents of dark blue and brown around the room. His modern desk, with its sleek design in a dark composite, was a true work of art. But since spending an ideal weekend with sexy Vanessa, he’d had a difficult time focusing on his job.

  Now to find out the woman he thought of as his had plans to avoid him on what could have been their first holiday together? Hell no.

  He thought about it, needing to handle this first test. He knew Vanessa, as much as she might not want him to. This avoidance and how he reacted would show the stubborn woman exactly how much of him she could manipulate. That he’d let her manipulate.

  A woman like Vanessa had her own mind. He respected that about her. But he refused to be constantly maneuvered in this relationship. They would be equals. Not one dominant over the other, even if the woman had a reputation for running right over anyone who opposed her fascist sense of right. She needed a man she could trust, one who wouldn’t bow to her every whim. She needed him.

  With that in mind, he called the one person he knew would help him, no questions asked.

  She picked up on the third ring. “Hello?”

  “Abby, it’s Cam.”

  “Oh, hi, Cam. Don’t you sound all grown up on the phone.”

  He laughed. “Thanks. I think.”

  “What can I do for you? Just name it.”

  Her desire to help pleased him. “I need help. Vanessa has volunteered herself to spend Valentine’s Day with my mother, but I had plans for our first holiday together.”

  “Oh. Hmm.” She paused. “You know, Mike talked to Brody and Flynn about this just this morning. I’m sure he’ll be calling you soon. He was planning to surprise your mom. An evening out, just the two of them at dinner. I told him Vanessa would watch Colin, since she’d volunteered to help in the first place.”

  “That won’t work.” Not if he planned to have her to himself for the better part of the night.

  “No. I see that. Hold on.” She muffled the phone and told Brody something before she came back. “Cam?”

  “Yeah?” He grinned, wondering why she sounded so breathless all of a sudden.

  “Stop that.” She cleared her throat. “Sorry, not you. The plumber is distracting me.”

  He heard Brody say something he couldn’t make out, but it made Abby laugh.

  New love. He envied them. “Tell him to shut up so you can help me.”

  “I did. Brody, sit.”

  He wondered if she realized she used that exact same tone on Hyde—the dog.

  “So we need to get another babysitter,” she was saying. “No problem. I have just the person.”

  “Someone trustworthy, I take it?”

  “Cam, you wound me. Truly. Look. Kim and Robin are perfect to watch Colin. If they won’t work, between me and Maddie, we have a ton of other friends who can successfully keep Colin out of danger—and jail—while you romance Vanessa.”

  Brody’s laugh came over the phone loud and clear. “Vanessa? You’re a real risk taker, Cam. My hero.”

  Cam pinched the bridge of his nose. “Tell the pipe jockey to mind his own business. And thanks, Abby. Do me a favor and keep this between us? Muffle the blond idiot too, okay?”

  “No problem. Trust me, if he doesn’t want to sleep alone, he’ll be quiet.” In the background, Brody groaned. “Bye, Cam. And good luck.”

  He disconnected, feeling better about things.

  Until his father walked into his office.

  They hadn’t spoken much since their blowup on Friday. Cam had spent the weekend with Vanessa, barely at home. With his office now functional, he’d decided to bury himself in work until he figured out how best to interact with his old man.

  “Cam. Nice place.”

  Surprised his father didn’t insult him for his posh office, Cam accepted the compliment. “Thanks.”

  They stared at each other in silence. Cam behind his desk, while his father stood with a growing frown, dressed in his work clothes. Spattered jeans, a hooded sweatshirt under a stained flannel overcoat, and work boots.

  After a moment of silence, they said at the same time, “I’m sorry.”

  His father sighed. “Go ahead.”

  Figured James would allow Cam to apologize first. What a guy. Cam swallowed his annoyance and did the mature thing. Vanessa would be proud. “I’m sorry for Friday. I didn’t want to argue with you. But it seems like that’s what we do best.”

  His father nodded, and a smile worked its way over his firm mouth. “No shit. You sure are an ornery kid.”

  “Gee. Who do I get that from?”

  “Your mother.”

  Cam grinned, not taking offense at the intended humor. “So we’re good?” Even though we still haven’t really talked about anything bothering us? Easier to shout and pretend it’s better than to deal with our issues, eh, Dad?

  “We’re good.” James glanced around him before sitting down across fr
om Cam. “Pretty nice spread you got here.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  “Did you get this because of me? Because I’m staying at your place?”

  “No. I’d planned to find a space when my last landlord raised the rent. I happened on this place sooner than planned, actually. You might have spurred my decision to look, but I’m glad I’m here. The rent is pretty decent, considering the location.” Only a few blocks from his condo. He could walk the distance to work in less than ten minutes, as he had that morning.

  His father looked back at him. “This reminds me of your primo bachelor pad. Every time I walk into that lobby, I swear those people are deciding whether or not to frisk me before letting me into the elevators.”

  Cam tried not to grin.

  “Hell, you know it’s true.”

  Cam silently compared his suit with his father’s stained clothing. “Well, it’s not like you can dress in Armani while tearing down cabinets and putting up drywall.”

  “You got that right.” His father blew out a breath. “So, the other reason I’m here. Valentine’s Day is coming up. Should I go somewhere so you can bring the girl home?”

  Cam blinked. “What’s that?”

  “Come on, boy. Everyone’s talking about you and Vanessa. Do you need me to clear out? Yes or no?”

  Cam wanted to ask his father about his own plans but found he didn’t want to know the answer. “Well, if you don’t mind, that would be nice. Maybe I can show her what a great cook I am. Entice her to see me again. I’m taking it slow, though. Can’t move too fast with a woman like Vanessa. I need to keep her on her toes.”

  “Good plan.” His father nodded. “Woman that sharp will have you by the balls if you’re not careful.” He grinned. “Your mother…” His smile left him and he cleared his throat. “Just thought I’d see if you needed the space. I’ll stay with your aunt and uncle. Guess I’ll get to work then.” James stood to leave.

  Cam stood and rounded the desk to join his father. The blow to his back didn’t completely fell him. He righted himself quickly, not sure why his father considered the gesture one of affection and not abuse. Personally, Cam preferred a hug or a handshake.

  “Boy.” His father nodded. “You’re getting stronger. Looking good.” His dad winked. “Must be the blond making the difference.”

  “Yeah, Dad. I’m buff for Vanessa,” Cam said drily. “Because she’s so into appearances.”

  His father guffawed. “Good luck with that one. Then again, if anyone can woo her, it’s you.”

  A compliment? Cam chose to view it that way. “So I’ll be home tonight for dinner if you want to eat together.” An olive branch, since his father had shockingly initiated the truce.

  “Sounds good. I like that chicken you make.”

  “Perfect. Lemon chicken and salad—”

  “But no leaf. How about chicken and potatoes? Maybe some vegetable smothered in cheese sauce? Something meaty.”

  “Meaty vegetables?”

  “Don’t get smart,” his dad grumbled. “I’ll bring the beer. The kind you like, God help me.”

  His father nodded and left Cam staring after him. Wow. Girlie beer—as his siblings and father called his fine taste in select microbrewery offerings. His father really was trying to make amends.

  The phone distracted him, and he rounded the desk to get his cell. Speak of the devil… “Hello?”

  “Yo. It’s Mike.”

  “I saw that, and yet I still picked up. You’re welcome.”

  “Dick.” Mike chuckled. “So I’m calling because—”

  “On Valentine’s Day, you’re taking Mom out. You need someone to watch Colin. I got it.”

  “You—oh.”

  “I talked to Abby.”

  “Right.” Mike paused. “So you and Vanessa are hot and heavy, eh?”

  “Who told you? And why did you blab it to Dad?” Because if anyone had filled James McCauley’s ear, it had been his oldest son, the man practically his twin.

  “Sorry, little buddy.”

  Cam gritted his teeth.

  “I heard it from Brody and Flynn, and of course I’m gonna tell Dad. It’s a big lover’s day coming up. You know women love that shit. Even Vanessa no doubt gets all wobbly at the knee about hearts and flowers.”

  Would she? Cam didn’t know. But he intended to find out.

  “I thought Dad should know to clear out to give you space. You and he talking again yet?”

  “Yeah. He just came by my office to apologize. I thought I was seeing things at first.”

  “Yep. That’s Dad.” Mike chuckled. “Always full of surprises.” The gentle teasing told of Mike’s closeness to their father, a relationship Cam had always envied.

  “Is he doing okay?”

  “Not really. He pretends and jokes and stuff, but I can tell he’s missing her. He mentioned some woman he kind of liked, but I get the feeling she’s a stand-in. Like, he’s not into her as much as he wants to be.”

  Cam frowned. “What?”

  “Hell. I don’t know. The sensitive crap is your bag. All I’m saying is that Dad misses Mom but he won’t talk to her. And whenever I try to bring Dad up when I’m talking to Mom, she goes all stone-faced and silent on me. It all gives me a headache, you want the truth. I just want them happy. Period.”

  Wanting to change the subject, Cam sought a topic Mike had been avoiding. “Okay. Enough about Mom and Dad. Let’s talk about something else. Like your investment strategies. I was thinking—”

  “No. Not before a cup of coffee and having to deal with a cranky father. Make whatever changes you think I need.”

  “Not without talking to you first.”

  Mike swore. “I… Oh hell. We’ll talk next week, okay?”

  “Fine. But don’t think of weaseling out of our meeting like you did last time. I’m not kidding.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Go crunch some numbers, poindexter.” Mike disconnected the call before Cam could tell him to go screw himself.

  “Yet another stimulating conversation with Michael McCauley,” he muttered.

  Someone knocked at his door, and he glanced up to see his cousin. More family, but this one he genuinely liked.

  “Hey, Hope. Come in.”

  As one of the Donnigans who didn’t irritate him just by breathing, Hope always made him smile. He’d planned to tempt her into some side work for him, since his lone associate already had so much to handle. “So I piqued your interest?”

  Petite, blond, and a knockout, Hope Donnigan wore a shy smile that reminded him of his Aunt Linda. The only girl in a family with three brothers, and she was a middle child. He truly felt her pain, because being the youngest irritated him. She had to deal with not just two, but three brothers who thought they knew best about everything. Even Theo, who’d just graduated high school.

  Hope gave him a kiss on the cheek before sitting across from him at his desk. “Are you talking about the email telling me I’d make millions if I said yes? I admit, I’m intrigued. Especially because I didn’t know secretaries made that kind of money.”

  He pointed to his seat. “Not secretaries. Assistants. And they do when they work for me. Of course, that’s a twenty-five-year plan if you invest wisely. But my knowledge is your knowledge if we come to acceptable terms. Here’s what I was thinking…”

  ***

  Mike hummed under his breath along with tunes from the classic rock station he and the guys preferred. On the job, the chatter didn’t fill the empty space between buzz saws, nail guns, and swearing so much as the radio did. As he nailed another piece of drywall into place with Rod, he waited for his father to join him.

  He’d beaten the old man into work this morning, which would no doubt stir up his father, who’d been on edge since his blowout with Cam. Tired of the family feuding, Mike had practically ordered
James to meet with Cam and clear the air. While his father dealt with the youngest, Mike worked hard to wrap up this renovation in Tacoma to get back to his next project in Queen Anne. He didn’t like being far in case Colin needed him. Considering his kid was normally the one who smashed a finger or bruised his skull, he kept his cell phone tucked into his back pocket. At thoughts of Colin and accidents, Mike knocked on wood and thanked God his kid had a hard head.

  “Mike, I’m taking a quick breather. Back in five.”

  Mike nodded at Rod and continued to work. Moments later, he heard footsteps.

  “What the hell?” a deep voice boomed from behind him. “Where did everyone go?”

  Aaannnd his father had returned.

  “Hey, Dad. I’m finishing here, then you want to help me with the last window?” They were installing energy-efficient windows in the living room and had one left. They’d already waterproofed the opening, now they just needed to set it. After he finished the drywall, he joined his father outside the house. They held up the window and fit the sill into the bottom before lining up the window’s nailing fins against the wall. How many times had he done this? Fifty? Sixty?

  “Let’s get this shit done. I’m freezing.” Twenty degrees out, and being Seattle, it was a wet cold that made him want to hide under his comforter until summer.

  “Yeah, yeah.” His father snorted. “Take it easy, Nancy.”

  They worked together well, as they always had, making sure of the window’s level, eliminating any gaps, adjusting the frame a few times, and again leveling off the window until the jam was plumb. The radio played as Mike seated the nails, and he and his father settled into a familiar rhythm. As they worked, Mike watched his breath expel in clouds around his face. Fuck, it was cold. But far be it from his father to complain, because for damn sure Mike would fire the old “Nancy” insult right back at him.

  Nancy—as in, you’re such a girl. A common jibe Mike had always ignored, especially because he knew his dad meant nothing by it. They’d had their share of female employees who kicked ass. The Nancy comment was old-school machismo at its best, especially because it irked Cam. Even Colin turned a deaf ear to it, and his six-year-old had entered an anti-girl phase, so Nancy really meant something to him. But to hear Cam tell it, their father had only ever used the “nasty insult” on him. Friggin’ overly sensitive number cruncher. Mike appreciated a good row. Hell, he and his father argued every damn day. And their discussions only made them closer.