Lauren’s father was also casually attired in a pair of black jeans, a gray fisherman’s sweater, and black suede desert boots. His ruggedly handsome features were tanned, his black hair carelessly windblown, and the sharply intuitive green eyes were exactly like his daughter’s.
Ben stood and met him halfway, not the least surprised when his hand was engulfed in a firm, no-nonsense grip.
“Mr. McKinnon. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,” greeted Ben respectfully. “Please, have a seat.”
Robert nodded briefly and sat down. “A pleasure to meet you, too, young man,” he replied in the deep voice Ben recalled from their previous conversation. “And it’s Robert, please. I already feel old knowing that my girls turned twenty six last month. Before you know it, I’ll be a grandfather.”
“Is that right?” Ben asked politely. “Are, ah, either of your daughters likely to make that happen anytime soon?”
Robert snorted. “Well, the day Lauren finally settles down and starts a family may not happen in my lifetime. But her sister brought a young man home to meet us last month, and I have a strong suspicion that wedding bells might be ringing for them next year.”
Ben smiled, feeling a rush of relief that Lauren was not the twin likely to give her parents a grandchild in the not so distant future. “I’m sure you and your wife must be pleased.”
“Aye, well enough,” agreed Robert gruffly, his Scottish brogue more pronounced now. “But to a father no man will ever be good enough for his little girl. Do you have children, Ben? A wife?”
Ben shook his head. “No, sir – Robert. I’m single. At least, I’m not married but I do have a girlfriend.”
“You’ll understand one day, then. Not that Nathan isn’t a fine young man, and he does make my Julia happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. Lauren, now.” Robert shook his head. “I’m not sure there’s a man yet born brave enough to take her on. But I’m surely not telling you anything you don’t already know. And that’s actually why I’m here this afternoon.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow, Robert,” Ben admitted.
“Ah, where are my manners?” Robert chided himself. “I haven’t apologized for intruding on you like this unannounced. I hope I’m not keeping you from something important.”
Ben indicated the pile of papers with a wry smile. “You saved me, actually,” he admitted. “From certain boredom, and possible eyestrain. So what can I do for you, Robert?”
“It’s actually more about what I can do for you, Ben,” corrected Robert. “I wanted to thank you in person for refusing to send Lauren to Brazil a couple of months ago. I can well imagine the fight you had on your hands in order to get your way.”
Ben found himself smiling unwittingly. “I think I’d rather go nine rounds with Mayweather than have to tell Lauren she’s being pulled from an assignment. It would definitely have been less painful.”
Robert chuckled. “You’re a brave man, Ben. And a smart one, too. My wife and I are very grateful – and relieved – that you made the decision not to send her on that trip. I know my daughter is fiercely independent and absolutely fearless, but sometimes those particular traits don’t always translate into basic common sense. I’m glad that the same can’t be said of you.”
“I’m always concerned about the safety of my crews when they’re out on assignments,” assured Ben. “And I would never admit this to any of the females – and especially not Lauren – but we do have to make some additional considerations for them at times. The minute I heard about the situation in Brazil, I made up my mind that there was no way Lauren would make that trip. Even if I had to hogtie her or have her kidnapped to make it happen. I even threatened to call you if she didn’t cooperate.”
Robert gave a shout of laughter. “Oh, I can just imagine her reaction to that particular threat! I’m surprised she didn’t pull that nasty switchblade out of her boot and hold it to your throat until you changed your mind.”
“Trust me, I kept watching for it,” replied Ben dryly. “Did her uncle really give that to her when she was fifteen?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Robert said resignedly. “My younger brother was a wild child himself, very much like Lauren, and the two of them have always been thick as thieves. She has Malcolm wrapped around her little finger, and he spoils her rotten. But the relationship has been a blessing, too. Mal helped Lauren in more ways than I can count, ways that no one else could.”
“With her ADHD, you mean?”
The look on Robert’s face was one of out and out shock. “She told you about that?” he asked in astonishment. “She never, never talks to anyone about that, she’s far too proud to ever admit it. Why on earth did she tell you?”
Ben immediately realized his faux pas, and quickly improvised to cover up his blunder. “She, ah, might have had a few too many drinks one night. I’ve noticed she tends to talk a little more freely when she does that. Like most people do, of course,” he added hastily. “And not that Lauren overindulges like that very often as far as I know.”
Robert gave him an odd look. “Lauren can drink most grown men under the table, been doing it since she was about sixteen or so. It’s that metabolism of hers that burns so fast. It’s also why she drinks a gallon of the strongest coffee in the world, and eats about a pound of sugar every day. So I’m not certain that too much alcohol is what caused her to confide something to you that she absolutely refuses to discuss with anyone, even her family. But, then, who really knows what goes through that child’s mind at times.”
Ben felt sweat break out on his forehead in nervous reaction. “Well, it’s certainly a brilliant mind. And a fascinating one, too. Whatever her, er, difficulties, it’s obvious that Lauren has worked very hard to overcome them.”
“Yes. Her mother and I are very proud of her,” agreed Robert. “She’s an extremely gifted photographer, and also a much better artist than she thinks. And – ah, that’s why – ah, never mind, just something that popped into my head all of a sudden. Look, Ben, if you really want a break from that blasted paperwork why don’t you let me buy you a drink? My way of saying thank you for looking out for my Lauren.”
Ben was already standing and reaching for his jacket. “That is definitely the best idea I’ve heard all day.”
As they walked the short distance to the local pub frequented by the staff, Ben learned that Robert was in town with his wife – and Lauren – to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with his sister-in-law.
“I didn’t know Lauren was here in New York,” admitted Ben. “I mean, she’s not due back at work until next week when the crew flies out to Spain, but I thought she might have stopped by the office for a bit.”
Robert shrugged. “We arrived in early last evening so we haven’t even been here an entire day yet. My wife and her sister are off shopping and lunching or doing whatever it is they do when they’re together. As for Lauren, I believe she mentioned something about looking up some old friends.”
“You mean like that Franco character?” grumbled Ben. “I met him once in this very same bar soon after I started working here. He and Lauren seemed very – ah, friendly.”
Robert chuckled as they found a table. “Most men don’t take well to Franco at first. Unlike the women. But Franco is like a brother to my girls, has been since they were around four years old. Now as for one of the younger brothers – Carlo – he and Lauren have dated on and off for a few years now.”
Ben’s spine stiffened as a waiter arrived to take their order. “Really? I, uh, didn’t know Lauren had a boyfriend. At least not one that she’s ever mentioned.”
Robert ordered a glass of the 18-year-old Macallan, while Ben, who’d been about to order a beer, changed his mind and held up two fingers to the waiter.
“Same here. It’s a good drink for a chilly day.”