Ties That Bind Read Online Free Page B

his feet up on the desk and anchored his cell phone between his ear and shoulder. “Sorry, I didn’t get to call you sooner.”
    “That’s okay. Rough day?”
    “The worst. Did you see the paper?”
    She hesitated. Damn he should have contacted her right away to tell her himself about Anna Bingham’s accusation and the ensuing publicity. “Yes, I saw the paper. I’m sorry you have to go through this.”
    “Thanks. How’s your day?”
    “Fine. Busy.”
    “Look, I’m not going to be able to make it tonight.” She always cooked on Friday nights and they shared a romantic meal alone. After which they’d make love. It was a special time for them as a couple.
    “I can wait if you’re going to be late.”
    “I have no idea what time I’ll be done here. Kate’s coming over after she finishes at the courthouse and we’re getting started on some things suggested by the lawyers.”
    “You already met with your lawyers?” There was a little bit of pout in her voice at having been kept in the dark.
    “A conference call this morning. I’m sorry, honey. I know I should have filled you in on all this.”
    “It’s okay, Reese. You have a lot on your mind. We can catch up this weekend.”
    Uh-oh. “I’m going to see Sofie tomorrow.”
    “Did you tell me that?”
    “I might not have.” He knew he hadn’t. Sofie had specifically asked that his young bimbo—her words—not come with him to visit.
    “Hmm.” She waited. When it became apparent he wasn’t going to invite her to go along, she said, “Well, Sunday maybe.”
    “Yes, of course. Why don’t you call one of your girlfriends and do something tomorrow?”
    “Maybe.”
    “All right. Well, don’t wait up for me.”
    “We’ll see. At least get something to eat.”
    “I will.” He clicked off, feeling like a first-class jerk. Sometimes, he just didn’t think about Dray, about calling her or confiding in her. He and Kate had worked hard at talking to each other, recognizing they both had a tendency to keep to themselves. But it had been easier to bare his soul with his ex-wife. With Dray, he couldn’t seem to open up. He had to do better. He hated hurting her. She was a beautiful woman, generous to a fault, and very much in love with him; his friends envied his relationship with her. He needed to be more appreciative of her devotion.
    He glanced at the clock. He and Kate had played phone tag all day; finally, she’d left him a message saying she’d be at his office by seven. He’d order food to be delivered. Kate loved Italian cuisine, so he’d get her favorites: gnocchi, green salad and cannoli. Chocolate. He was dialing for the takeout before he cursed himself for remembering what the woman—who had hurt him more than anyone in the world, and whom he was glad to have out of his life—liked to eat.
    His relationship with Dray was so much simpler. He was indeed a lucky man.
    o0o
    “TYLER, IT’S ME.”
    “Hi, doll. Where are you?”
    “I’m waiting at Gavels to meet Jillian for a drink.”
    A long hesitation. She wondered why. “Will you be out late?”
    “Yes. I’ll be quick with Jillian, but I’m going over to the law offices to work with Reese on this Bingham thing. He got more documents during the day for us to review.”
    “I see. I’ll be done at seven. Want some help with that?”
    “No, I think Reese and I need to hash this out together.”
    “Whatever you think is best. Come here after?”
    “It’ll be late.”
    “I don’t mind.”
    “Maybe. I’ll let you know.”
    “I’ll count on you.”
    Kate clicked off with a heavy heart. Tyler was unhappy, she could tell by the tone of his voice. But she needed to do this investigation with Reese, and truthfully, having Tyler around would make things more tense. Already, she was stressed, not only because of the accusation and publicity, but about being with her ex-husband again. Hell, she didn’t have any choice! They had to figure out this whole Bingham thing—and fast,