CHAPTER 5

A.J. was surprised when he entered their bedroom that night and found Keesha sitting up in bed reading a book.

"What are you still doing awake?" he asked. "Do you know what time it is?"

"Yes, I do," she answered, ready to do battle. "It’s time for the truth, A.J."

Unbuttoning his shirt, A.J. turned to look at her. "The truth? About what?"

"About your role at ELQ. Why did you lead me to believe you didn’t have a choice about the docks project once Ned returned? Why didn’t you just tell me you were enjoying the stress and the long hours so much you didn’t want to give it up?"

"Keesha, I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"I can’t believe you’re continuing to lie to me." She shook her head, her heart filled with sadness.

"Who put these thoughts in your head?" he asked.

"I talked with Ned this morning," she admitted.

"And, of course, you believed what he said without question." A.J.’s anger began to surface.

"I asked him why he wasn’t spending every waking moment at ELQ the way you and Edward were, and he said he was taking care of other business since you had insisted on staying on the project even after his return. Should I have questioned that?" she demanded.

A.J. sighed and sat down next to her.

"I did ask to be kept on, Keesha, but it’s not what you think."

"Enlighten me, please."

"We were making progress when Ned returned, and yes, I was enjoying it. Not the stress and the long hours, but the contribution I felt I was making to the company and being an asset to Grandfather. I thought the contracts would be signed that day or the next day, and then Ned could assume his so-called ‘rightful’ place next to Grandfather. But the

negotiations broke down, and we were further apart than before. Since I had wanted to be there for the good times, I figured I’d better see this through to the bitter end."

"That explains why you’re still on the project. It does not, however, explain why you chose to lie to me!"

A.J. reached for Keesha’s hand; she pulled it away.

"Don’t touch me," she said coldly. "I want some answers, A.J.!"

He ran a hand through his hair and rose from the bed.

"I was afraid of this exact reaction. Like I said, Keesha, I thought it would only be a day or two, and then our life would be more normal. I didn’t think this would go on as long as it has."

"Why didn’t you tell me the truth when the negotiations broke down?"

"Because I knew you’d be as upset as you are."

"So, you were protecting me?" she asked, sarcasm evident in her voice.

A.J. narrowed his gaze and observed Keesha for a moment before he spoke.

"I honestly thought I was, but I can see now I only made matters worse. I’m sorry, Keesha. Can you forgive me?"

She looked away. "I don’t know. I hate that you lied to me, A.J. I thought we would always be honest with each other. This is not something I can easily forgive or forget."

"I realize I was wrong not to tell you the truth. But you have to understand my position. I’m trying to establish myself at ELQ and to let my grandfather know I’m someone he can depend on. I needed to continue to work on this with him, Keesha. It was too important to step away."

"I know. That’s what scares me the most. I’m starting to think ELQ and your need to ‘prove’ yourself will always come first."

"I’m sorry you feel that way," he said.

He buttoned his shirt and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Downstairs. I have some paperwork to do. It’s clear I won’t be getting any sleep tonight."


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