A Lover's Dream by Altonya Washington

Quay had turned it down.”
    Quest’s broad shoulders rose in a smooth shrug beneath his olive green shirt. “We felt it was for the best.”
    â€œHmph, we’re sure you did.” Houston’s tone was blatantly smug. “We, however, felt that the book was a fine idea and we’d have liked more of a say in the final decision.”
    â€œI see,” Quest responded softly, clearly not surprised that his uncle disagreed. “So you’re eager to have the family business pried into?” he challenged in the softly sarcastic tone that never failed to sit the Elders on edge. “It may surprise and disturb you to know that Quay is also in favor of the book. I’ll tell him like I told you, Michaela Sellars does not write fluff. She’s a hard investigative journalist and she digs until she gets to the bottom of the story. Every story.”
    â€œYou say Quaysar is in favor of the book?” Daphne Ramsey asked then, a slight frown marring the café au lait skin of her brow. When Quest nodded, her frown deepened. “That’s surprising considering…”
    â€œConsidering?” Quest prompted.
    â€œ Considering the fact that you, Quaysar, and the rest of my brothers’ children have done nothing for the Ramsey reputation but run it into the ground,” Houston finished.
    Quest’s jaw clenched, triggering the taut muscle there. “Is this why you called me here? To waste my time?”
    Houston dismissed the dangerous raspiness of his nephew’s voice. “You people left a mess down in Georgia and trailed it all the way up here to Seattle.”
    â€œSee ya,” Quest said, leaving the conference room as coolly as he’d entered.
    Houston sat fuming, his deep-set brown eyesrage-filled. When the door closed behind Quest, he reached for the phone on the edge of the table.
    â€œFind Michaela Sellars,” he told the person on the other end of the line.

Chapter 4
    Michaela and Contessa enjoyed a hearty breakfast the next morning. They’d planned to make a day of sightseeing. Unfortunately, the conditions were rather overcast, giving County the perfect reason to cut the walking tour down to just under twenty minutes. They’d barely spanned three blocks beyond the hotel. The two debated a bit, but County finally won out, telling Mick they’d meet back at the hotel for lunch.
    Mick really didn’t mind the change in plans as it gave her more of an opportunity to enjoy the sights of the city. She’d wanted to tour Seattle’s cultural venues and found herself at the Bellvue Art Museum an hour after she and County parted ways.
    â€œThe artists’ work is sure to be more abundant in the coming months.”
    Mick blinked, hearing the soft deep voice close behind. Turning away from the exquisite piece she studied, she was stunned to see who had spoken.
    â€œSeeing as how he’s from Washington State and all.”
    Mick smiled. “Hi, Quest.”
    He seemed taken aback when she said his name. “How do you do that?” he whispered.
    Mick made a phony show of innocence, though her eyes brightened in a knowing manner. “Do what?”
    â€œRecognize me so easily,” he clarified promptly.
    â€œIt’s my secret,” she replied just as quick. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
    Quest watched her a moment longer before shaking his head. “I love coming to the museums. Especially after an aggravating day.”
    Mick’s amber gaze narrowed as she studied him closely. The tiny muscle working frantically along his jaw was tough to ignore. “What happened?” she probed quietly.
    â€œDon’t ever go into business with family, Michaela.” He sighed, shoving his hands deep inside his gray trouser pockets.
    Mick’s smile was bittersweet. “I don’t think I’ll ever have to worry about that.”
    Quest closed his eyes and bowed his head.