In Love by Design (The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod) by Tracy Ellen Read Free Book Online

James’ dark eyes after this statement. Personal bank account access definitely doesn’t fit under my understanding of a background search using “primarily public records”.
    His bland gaze in return did not blink, as he continued, “I don’t know what Luke is using the four grand for every other week, but it’s not spending money. His personal expenses are accounted for and stay roughly the same from month to month.”
    I didn’t say anything more, but sat staring down at my hands resting on my knees. Mr. Barkley came into the sitting area, wiping his hands on a dish towel.
    His voice was troubled. “James, is it your opinion Luke Drake has been courting Anabel because she’s an extremely wealthy young woman? If this is the direction your thoughts are taking, I think you should know this isn’t common knowledge.”
    James shook his head and replied, “I’m only reporting facts, Charles, not interpreting the data. However, we both know that while Anabel lives rather frugally, it would not be difficult for an interested party to extrapolate. A little investigating and it would soon be apparent she’s not only single and runs a viable business, but also has significant cash assets.” He shrugged dismissively. “Personally, I have no opinion whether or not Luke is the type of man to prey on a woman for her money. There’s nothing I’ve uncovered in his past records to indicate he has, insofar as previous marriages, criminal records, lawsuits, or known addictions like drugs or gambling. In fact, there’s not much data available on his personal life at all. I understand he’s had an Army career until recently. The company he co-owns is healthy, but from the results of my investigation, Luke appears to be living on the edge of personal bankruptcy.”
    I glanced up from my thoughts when James said my name. His eyes were shrewd, but his voice was kind.
    “ Anabel, maybe you already know why Luke Drake is flat broke from buying up farms and making ill-advised capital investments, but you seemed surprised. Whatever his reasons, the facts remain they’re not sound investments in the current economy at the prices he paid. You are a woman with money, and regardless if we work together, I am telling you these facts only as a precautionary measure. Forewarned is forearmed.”
    I have no idea what Mr. Tricky is up to, or why he’d make consistent unsound investments. I can’t believe he would, so there must be some method to his madness.
    Thinking it over briefly, I believe James has been fair and forthright in his deliverance of the facts, which was a hell of a lot more than I could say for my boyfriend. Had James tried to tell me Luke is out to marry me for my money, I would have ripped into him, but he hasn’t.
    In the long run, it made no difference why James ran a check on Luke because Charles Barkley would have suggested doing the same, once he realized I had a serious boyfriend. It has never been an issue in my life to consider before now, but Mr. Barkley takes his guardianship seriously. We had the pre-nup “talk” years ago.
    I asked James for the prints detailing Luke’s properties and loans, and then closed down the discussion. No more was said on the subject that night. I’m meeting with James next week to give my answer whether we’ll have a future business partnership.
    The only bright side to this puzzling, disturbing item on my list is that Mr. Secretive has never asked me for a cent or even hinted at getting legally hitched. He’s paid for all of our dates and bought me presents. We’ve done nothing extravagant, but I’ve never had the sense it’s because money is desperately tight.
    Of course, why would I if he was up to something?
    I know, this is why I think being in love is such a pain!
    ‘Am I being one of those incredibl y boneheaded women that people try to warn, but who refuses to see all the signs until the guy absconds with her heart and her bank account?’ This thought was bad