Branded in Oasis Read online

  Kade shifted his cell phone to his other ear. "Okay, I'll accept, but only on one condition."

  The phone went silent.

  Refusing to reconsider his condition, Kade said, "You have to go with me."

  Silence.

  "Skye, are you still there?"

  Finally she responded, "That's highly unusual, and besides, they won't pay my expenses."

  "I was just getting to that. If you'll front the money, I'll repay you with my first and second installments."

  "But Kade, you need that money–"

  "That's the deal, Skye. You either come with me, or I wait for something in the States to materialize. Overseas, I'm a duck out of water." He held his breath, hoping he'd convinced her.

  She was silent for so long that he was afraid he'd pissed her off.

  Finally she said, "Okay. I don't want you to miss this opportunity."

  He released his breath. "Why don't you email the contract to me? Do you want me to find an attorney to look it over, or do you have one in mind?"

  "My family's longstanding attorney is great. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask him. Besides, he won't charge much because of all the work he does for my family."

  "Okay." Kade rubbed the perspiration off his neck caused from the suspense of waiting for Skye's answer, more so than from the heat. Hearing her voice had exponentially increased his longing to see her. He said matter-of-factly, keeping emotion out of his words, "So, when do you think you'll return to Oasis?"

  "I have to finish my current assignment, so I'll probably have to meet you in New York. When you get your plane reservation, I'll use my connections to book a flight on the same plane leaving New York for France. We can fly over there together."

  Kade was disappointed but kept that out of his voice, too. "Okay. We'll meet up in New York." There was a long silence and then he said, "Thank you, Skye."

  After they hung up, Kade bent to retrieve the rag from the floor and walked across the bay to sit in one of the chairs used by customers. He blew a long breath. He was crazy for insisting Skye go with him. Now he'd have to sell his vintage Harley for funds to be used for his grandmother's care. The way he figured it, paying for Skye's trip to France would eat up most of the money he made from the job. He refused to contemplate the whys and wherefores of his hasty decision.

  A loud backfire from a car pulling up to the garage distracted him. Now he definitely didn't have time to think about his spur-of-the-moment decision.

  Chapter 24: Bertram Babcock

  A week after speaking with Kade, Tyron called and gave Skye the itinerary for the France shoot. The timing couldn't have been better. Kade was scheduled to depart Phoenix for New York in two weeks. In New York he had a two hour layover at JFK International before his connecting flight to Avignon-Caumont International Airport in France took off.

  When Skye jokingly told Tyron that Kade insisted she accompany him, he said, "Ah-ha, I knew you two had something hot happening. I could hear it in your voice."

  "You are so wrong. I was telling the truth when I said the guy can't stand me."

  "So…that's why he wants to fly you to the Land of Love with him? Sounds kinky. Hey, want to make it a threesome?"

  "You are so wicked!"

  "What a lovely compliment."

  "As for Kade hating me, well he's mellowed somewhat. But don’t get the wrong idea. I think he's just nervous and wants a familiar face around."

  "That's a bunch of baloney if I ever heard it. He's a grown man who has the hots for you."

  Skye gave up trying to convince Tyron otherwise and told him she'd keep him posted about how the shoot progressed.

  He said, "Oh, I almost forgot. We got another bite on Kade's portfolio, but it wasn't from a modeling agency. You're going to love this…maybe."

  Skye was intrigued.

  Tyron chuckled. "The agency that called represents several A-list movie stars. Seems that awesome portfolio is making the rounds. They loved his look and want to hire him to go on fake dates with a few of their female stars and if he's so inclined, some of their male stars."

  Skye was shocked. She said, "I hope you told them no…and no."

  "Hey, I try to never burn bridges behind me. I told them I'd get back to them. You sure sound adamant about that. The coverage could skyrocket his career. Are you sure you're not jealous?"

  "Of course not! I just know Kade. He'd probably chuck everything if he knew about that."

  "Okay. Okay. I'll return their call and politely let them know that due to work obligations, he's not interested at this time."

  "Tyron…"

  "Bye, Skye." He hung up.

  Skye stared at her phone and puffed a breath. If Kade was serious about a high profile career, she couldn't keep him secluded for long.

  Pressing a speed dial number she called her travel agent. Within minutes her flight to France was booked on the same plane as Kade's and because she knew he'd be traveling first class, she was also traveling first class in the seat next to his.

  After that phone call, she speed dialed another number. If her stepbrother Bertram didn't answer, she'd call Rutherford Acquisitions in New York and go through Peggy, his secretary. The woman was highly skilled and had been Max, Sr.'s assistant since Skye was a child.

  Bertram answered. "Hello, little sis."

  Skye blinked. She'd talked to Bertram a few times in the past few months, but she was still having trouble coming to terms with this new Bertram. He was friendly and always sounded happy. Max, Sr. had confided that Bertram was dating a young woman he'd met in Dallas while overseeing one of the company's acquisitions, and that she had accomplished the impossible. She'd changed Bertram from a brooding, introspective, grumpy man into someone just the opposite of that.

  "Uh, hi Bertram. I just wanted to let you know I'll be back in New York on…" She glanced at the date she'd jotted down and related it to him. Then she said, "Mother's out of the country and I really don't want to stay in that big house alone, so I was wondering if I could stay at your place for a couple of days before I leave for France. I'd love to treat you to dinner and drinks and hear how things are going since you took over the reins of the company."

  Bertram said, "That would be great! You know my guestroom is always available to you. I'll send Eric to pick you up at the airport and make sure you have access to the limo for as long as you need it. And staying at my place is a given. Also, there's no need to eat out. I want you to meet my girlfriend, Kitty. She's a great cook and she'd love to meet my family. Just email me the info about your plane and I'll take care of everything else."

  Kitty? Skye had to shut her gaping mouth. What alien was inhabiting Bertram's body? "I'd love to meet Kitty. Thanks, Bertie." The childhood name she and Max used to tease him with just slipped out and she held her breath waiting for his reaction.

  He didn't sound offended when he said, "So, how's Max and his bride? I hated missing the wedding, but I was at one of our holdings in Africa and the city was in a state of emergency. All flights were cancelled. Kitty picked out their wedding gift. Did you get a chance to see it? She said that since Max was now living in the Old West, he had to have a Thomas Moran painting. It took her a few days to track an original of the Grand Canyon, but when she wants something, she gets it."

  "I did see it, and it's wonderful! Max and Pilar were ecstatic and it's hanging in their living room."

  They talked a little longer and then Skye heard a voice in the background. Bertram said, "Oh rats, Peggy just informed me my appointment is here. I'll see you soon. Bye, Skye."

  "Bye Bertram." Bertram said rats? Skye couldn't wait to meet Kitty.

  * * *

  Skye finished her SoCal assignment and arrived in New York with butterflies in her stomach. She was a little nervous about seeing Bertram, but a lot nervous about being around Kade again.

  The limo was waiting for her when she exited JFK and she warmly greeted Eric, a long-term employee of her grandfather's empire. He grinned and glanced a
t her carryon and backpack. He said, "I see you're still traveling light."

  "Just some clothing and my favorite cameras. I rented a storage unit in San Diego to store my car and photo equipment."

  Eric opened the door for her and she entered the limo while he loaded her baggage into the trunk. He slid into the driver's seat and smoothly pulled the vehicle away from the curb.

  Skye waited to speak until they were in the flow of traffic. "It's so good to see you again, Eric. How's Sadie and the rest of your family? Little Tommy must be getting big. He's four now, right?"

  Eric glanced at her in the rear view mirror. "Yes, ma'am, and I have to tell you, Sadie and me spoil that grandchild something terrible."

  "Well, that's what grandparents are supposed to do."

  Eric flipped the left turn signal and moved into a faster lane of traffic. "My instructions are to deliver you to Mr. Babcock's penthouse. Is that where you want to go first?"

  "Yes, please. I'd like to clean up and then you can take me to headquarters."

  "Yes, Ms. Rutherford. I'm at your disposal for as long as you're here. That was Mr. Babcock's instruction."

  Although Skye and other family members had often asked Eric to call them by their first names, he never did so. When she'd asked why a few years back, he'd responded with pride that professional chauffeurs knew their boundaries. After that, she'd stopped trying to get him to use a less formal address.

  The traffic became congested and moved at a crawl when they entered Manhattan and Skye realized again why she was glad she didn't live there. She had a sudden vision of Oasis and its Main Street, and a feeling akin to homesickness overwhelmed her. She thought about watching sunsets with Max and Pilar and enjoying the down home meals prepared at Desert Princess Diner. To distract her churning stomach caused by such nostalgia, she said, "Ah, I guess you've met Bertram's girlfriend?"

  "Yes, Ma'am. And she's a sweetheart; I can assure you of that."

  "She certainly must be, because Bertram sounds like a different man."

  All Eric said was, "That he is. That he is."

  When he didn't offer additional information, Skye didn't ask any more questions. She knew Eric was extremely loyal to her family and she didn't want him to feel like he was gossiping.

  Finally, they reached Bertram's building in the TriBeCa neighborhood of New York. Located on the eightieth floor, he had one of the largest of the penthouses with a wall of windows overlooking the Hudson River. Eric pulled to the curb and the doorman rushed to open her door. The young man was congenial, but she could see in his eyes that he wasn't sincere. His gaze roamed her less than stellar clothing of jeans and a wrinkled blue T-shirt with a picture of Miss Kay of Duck Dynasty on it.

  When Eric retrieved her only luggage of a backpack and a worn looking carryon, she could practically see the wheels turning in the doorman's head—no one important—just a poor relative who won't be a big tipper.

  After telling Eric she'd return in thirty minutes, Skye ignored the doorman's scrutiny and followed him into the lobby. He set her baggage down and she handed him the small tip he was expecting.

  The concierge, seeing her, immediately circled his station and motioned to a bellhop. He said, "How wonderful seeing you again Ms. Rutherford. Mr. Babcock alerted me to your arrival."

  "Thank you, George. It's good to be back in New York…" She leaned closer, "for only a couple of days. After being gone so long, I don't think I could handle anything extended."

  He chuckled and whispered, "I understand completely. I was raised on a ranch in Wyoming."

  The young bellhop with a nametag of Ted stepped next to Skye and looked genuinely eager to help. Skye smiled as he handled her baggage and decided he deserved a big tip.

  Thirty minutes later, she left the building wearing a pretty, navy-blue, Jones of New York sheath dress with a sweetheart neckline and pinched waist. She had a small stash of clothing in the guestroom Bertram let her use when she was in town and she would pack those clothes to take to France.

  Eric weaved the limo expertly through traffic and pulled into the garage of a high rise. Turning into the VIP tunnel, he drove the sleek black vehicle to a private elevator and rushed to open the door for her. After traveling the world for her job and being on her own for so long, she always had to force herself not to open her own door.

  As she stepped into the elevator, Eric tipped his cap and said he'd be waiting for her when she was ready to leave. Rutherford Acquisitions took up the top five floors of the high rise and she punched the button that would take her straight to the top. When the doors opened, she stepped into a large foyer with marble floor tiles of muted beiges, blues, and grays. Walls of pale blue silk matched a shade in the tiles. Beige furniture with clean lines created a professional atmosphere that was neither cluttered nor sparse. Directly in front of her a wall of windows spanned the length of the foyer and a teak desk hosting a beautiful receptionist was placed strategically in front of a magnificent view of Manhattan's skyline. The place looked the same as it had when she'd visited her grandfather a year earlier.

  When the receptionist saw Skye step from the elevator, she jumped up and rushed forward. All decorum was tossed out the window when she squealed, "Skye, Mr. Babcock told me you were coming. It's been months since you were here. How long are you in town? Can I treat you to dinner?"

  Skye hugged her friend. "Marilyn it's good to see you. I'm only here until day after tomorrow. I'm catching a flight to France for a project that's in the works. And I think Bertram has plans for me while I'm here. But I'll take a rain check for next time I'm in town."

  Marilyn bent her tall, slender frame until she could whisper. "I can't believe that Mr. Babcock is in charge. Everyone always thought it would be your brother when Mr. Rutherford retired." She leaned back slightly and smiled. "But Mr. Babcock has been a dream to work for." She leaned in again and said low, "He's not the same man he once was, and thank goodness for that. It's his girlfriend that changed him. All I can say is wait until you meet Kitty."

  Marilyn stood tall again and smoothed the sides of her coiffure. "How do you like my new look? Wearing styles from the sixties is the current theme at work right now. Last month it was the roaring twenties. It was Kitty's idea to change the theme every month."

  Skye tilted her head and studied Marilyn's sleek brunette French twist and sixties clothing. She said, "I feel like I just walked into the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's."

  Marilyn giggled and placed her arm through Skye's. "Come on; wait until you see Peggy. We're teasing her and calling her Peggy Kennedy."

  Marilyn opened the door to Peggy's office, the room everyone had to pass through prior to meeting with the corporate head, namely, Bertram Babcock, and Skye did a double-take. The very efficient personal assistant, first to Maximilian Rutherford I, and now Bertram, wore a Jackie Kennedy hairstyle and her elegant suit could have come from Jackie's own closet.

  When Peggy saw Skye, she smiled and greeted her politely, just as she always did, but there was something different about her—she seemed almost—approachable.

  Bertram must have heard the commotion because he opened his door. "Welcome, sis. Come on in and let's visit."

  For sure, Skye knew she had entered the twilight zone. It wasn't only her stepbrother's warm smile, but his attire, that had her gaping at him. He actually wore a sixties Beatles' suit, with a narrow dark collar and skinny black tie.

  Bertram waved her into his office and then said to Peggy, "Please call Kitty and let her know Skye and I will be down shortly."

  "Yes, sir," Peggy replied.

  Before Bertram shut the door, Skye turned to see Peggy's mouth almost quirk into a smile.

  Bertram hugged Skye and then waved her over to a cozy corner furnished with a floral couch and matching chairs. "Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?" He walked to the freestanding bar next to the wall. "I'm having orange juice."

  "Orange juice would be great."

  Bertram poured their drink
s into crystal glasses and then sat in the chair across from Skye, who was on the sofa. He sipped his juice and said, "So, catch me up on things. The last time I spoke with Gramps he said the wedding was beautiful and in a few days he and Princess were leaving for a trip around the world and they weren't answering cell phones or solving problems. He said you were watching Maxie's stepson while he was on his honeymoon. So what's happened since then?"

  Gramps? He's calling him Gramps, too. And he's calling Max, Maxie. Skye sipped her own juice and composed her voice. "Well, after I left Oasis, I was on assignment in New Orleans when I got a call from a man living in Oasis that I'd previously approached about doing a modeling portfolio for. At the time, he'd scoffed at the idea, but he called to say he'd changed his mind. I returned to Oasis, created the portfolio, and used my contacts to scout out potential agents." She grinned widely. "And I'm happy to say he's just been offered his first assignment. It's in France, but he says he won't go unless I accompany him. I think he's feeling overwhelmed because the job is so much more than he'd expected for his first gig. So…the long and short of it is that I'm going to France to offer my support."

  Bertram smiled. "You've led a most exciting life, Skye."

  "There have been moments of excitement, but mostly it's been interesting." Skye wanted to steer the conversation back to Bertram. "I can't wait to meet your girlfriend, Kitty."

  Bertram leaned back and crossed an ankle over his knee. "Ah, Kitty, the love of my life. I met her in Dallas when Gramps sent me there to CEO Champion Oil and get it ready for resale. Although the company had some progressive policies, the economy and some unwise decisions had bankrupted it. One of the programs I was about to cancel was the daycare center provided for the employees' children." He smiled. "That's when I met Kitty. She was in charge of the center and fought to keep it open. I've never enjoyed a battle so much in my life." His eyes twinkled. "As soon as you finish your juice, I'll take you to meet her. She runs the daycare at Rutherford Acquisitions."