Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings

Author:Regina Jennings
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Romance fiction;Christian fiction;Novels;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027360
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2022-10-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

15

Maxfield had the new plans written up. He didn’t like them, he resented that they’d been requested, but he had them and he was going to present them to Mr. Dennis. Unfortunately Mr. Dennis was not in his apartments at the Keystone Hotel.

Coming down the elevator with his blueprints rolled beneath his arm, Maxfield’s eyes let the gold-and-red carpet blur. Last night had been miserable. He and the kids had enjoyed a nice dinner out, but as soon as they were in bed, he had to get back to work. He was champing at the bit to get the finishing touches on the department store, but instead of moving on to something fresh and invigorating, he was revamping plans that had already been perfected and nearly finished. It was torture. But it was finished. If Mr. Dennis would approve them, then the wall above the porte cochere could be demolished and the drive-through patio would soon have a room atop it. Maxfield had never wanted a porte cochere with a room above it, but at least that solution didn’t require the foundation to be expanded. Once finished, he’d never want to step foot inside that house, which, come to think of it, would be a sight awkward if his relationship with Ruby continued to mature.

The bell chimed and the doors to the elevator rolled open. Max worked his way through the busy lobby to the desk, where a line had formed. He’d leave the plans at the desk for Mr. Dennis to look over. Might be for the best if he had a cooling-off period before he had to talk him through the changes.

The man in front of him looked rich, well-groomed, and unfamiliar. “I’d like to reserve a room here for next week, please. Marlowe Buchanan is the name of the guest. He’ll be staying alone.”

Marlowe Buchanan? Could there be two men with that name? Max had met Marlowe in Europe while he was studying architecture. As the clerk recorded the information in a leather-bound ledger, Max stepped up to the counter.

“Forgive me for eavesdropping, but did you say Marlowe Buchanan?” he asked.

The clean-shaven man beamed. “I did. He’s my brother. I’m Graham Buchanan.” He extended his hand.

“That’s splendid! I’m Maxfield Scott. Marlowe and I crossed paths in France.”

“Maxfield Scott, nice to meet you. I’ve heard about you. If I remember correctly, you are an excellent architect.” Graham Buchanan had the easygoing confidence of a man who’d been born to work and to be amply rewarded for his work. “I wasn’t expecting you in Joplin. Then again, Joplin is gaining a reputation for its beautiful structures. No doubt you are playing a role in that.”

“Thank you, sir. I hope my work contributes.” Of course it did, but modesty was always the best policy. “Your brother contributed to my education when we were in Europe.”

“I am filled with wonder on how that could be.” Graham leaned against the reception desk.

“Maybe it wasn’t an education in architecture, but he did teach me how to order French food and which theaters were unseemly.

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