Beautiful Illusions Duet Bundle: Eighty-One Nights and Beautiful Ever After

by Georgia Cates

  She smiles. “I’d still like to go out, that is if I’ve not ruined your mood with my tears and snot.”

  “You’ve not ruined anything.”

  “Good. Give me twenty minutes to finish getting ready, and I’ll be ready to walk out the door.”

  I’m sitting on the couch waiting for Lou to get ready and I hear the buzzing vibration of her phone. I follow the sound, but it stops before I find it.

  Missed call from Cameron Stewart. Who the hell is he?

  Maybe her dad calling back? A relative or friend calling to wish her a happy birthday?

  A boyfriend?

  I want to know but I don’t dare ask. Now isn’t the time to initiate that kind of conversation.

  Lou comes into the living room and I slide her phone between the cushions of the couch. I don’t want her to know that I saw the call from this man. Or woman. Cameron isn’t always a man’s name.

  Long chestnut hair hanging in loose curls. Hazel eyes. White casual dress. She looks like an angel.

  I reach out to touch the heart pendant hanging around her neck. I’m pleased to see her wearing it. “It looks good on you.”

  She smiles. “You listen to me and this necklace proves that.”

  I reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I listen because I like what you have to say.”

  “Thank you again.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Lou and I spend the day exploring Glasgow, and I take her to a new but highly recommended restaurant for her birthday dinner. The food doesn’t disappoint and neither does the atmosphere. Very romantic.

  “How’s the lamb?”

  “Very good. Want to try it?”

  “I do. I’ve never eaten lamb before.”

  “How have you never had lamb?”

  “I grew up in New Orleans. Lamb isn’t really a thing there.”

  “Right. You eat alligator.”

  “Sometimes.”

  She opens her mouth and wraps her lips around my fork. She pulls the bite of lamb off of it, and her nose immediately wrinkles. “Nope. Not for me.”

  “Seriously? You don’t like it?”

  “No. It tastes like… bad breath.”

  “I’ve never heard it described like that.”

  She picks up her drink and takes a big drink. “Does it always taste like that or did this restaurant do something to make it taste that way?”

  “Tastes like normal lamb to me.”

  “Ugh, no. Just no. And in case you’re wondering, I feel the same about haggis and black pudding. I won’t eat that either.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Cameron Stewart. I can’t get that name out of my head. The mystery of his or her identity is driving me mad. “Do you date much?”

  She smiles and the candlelight illuminates her high cheekbones. “I have as of late. I’ve had a date almost every night for the past five weeks.”

  Not the answer that I’m looking for. “What about before me?”

  “I dated a little.”

  “Any serious relationships?” I ask.

  “Not especially.”

  I know that Lou is young, but I find it hard to believe that a beautiful woman like her has never been in a committed relationship. She wasn’t a virgin. “You’ve never had a boyfriend?”

  “I thought I was in love once. Turns out I was wrong.”

  That’s all she has to say about it, and I get the feeling that I’m not the only one who has secrets. And I plan on finding out what hers are.

  27

  Caitriona Louden

  Hutch and I have fallen into routines. While he’s at work, I brainstorm on my new story and put down as many words as possible. At the end of the day, I back up my manuscript to the USB hanging around my neck. My story goes everywhere with me. I’ll never lose it again.

  Between brainstorming and typing on my laptop, I always find time each day to spend with Ava Rose. I believe that she enjoys our time together. Maybe I’m kidding myself, but she seems like a happier baby when she’s with me.

  I often take her for a walk around the grounds in her stroller—or her pram, as the nannies call it. A baby needs fresh air, needs to feel the sunlight on her face and the wind blowing on her skin, and the nannies never take her outside. They always keep her cooped up in the nursery. Seems highly unstimulating for a developing child if you ask me. But of course, no one has.

  Sometimes Ava Rose and I venture into the village. I’m always amazed by how many people assume that she is mine. Your daughter is beautiful. I can’t tell you how many times that I’ve been told that by the people of Kirkliston. I don’t correct them. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t like the feelings I get when we’re out and people mistake me for her mother.

  I’ve fallen in love with this little ginger baby girl. I admit it.

  Hutch and I are two months into our arrangement. Only one month remains. Actually, not even that long. Three and a half weeks. I have a life to return to in twenty-five days. I can’t imagine what that is going to feel like. And I don’t want to imagine it. Because I love the woman I become when I’m with him.

  In a short amount of time, I’ve come to think of his house as my home. I’ve come to think of Hutch as more than a paying client.

  I love him.

  I. Love. Him.

  How did I let that happen?

  Our precious time together feels like a candle with wicks burning at both ends. Once the flame meets in the middle, all of this is over. I’ll never see him again, never hear his laugh, never touch his skin. I’ll never share his bed again.

  Am I prepared to leave Hutch and Ava Rose? No, but it doesn’t matter. The day is coming, and I’d better figure out how I’ll say goodbye.

  Hutch’s long hours at work have given me a lot of free time for writing. Being here inspires me. Hell, I should at least be honest about it—Hutch inspires me. I know the stuff I’m writing is good, but the inspiration behind the words is bittersweet. I’m afraid that I’ve come to a place that I never wanted to be—writing grown-up fairy tales because I’m in love.

  It’s one of those days. I’m deeply entwined within the fictional world that I am creating when I hear Hutch’s voice. “I’m home.”

  I look up from my laptop. “Hey, you.”

  I abandon my work and go to him. “I’m glad you’re home. I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  He wraps his arms around me and kisses my mouth, pulling me close by using the grip he has on my butt.

  “Dinner’s ready. Can you break away to eat with me?”

  My workday ends the second that Hutch enters the house. I won’t waste a single moment working when I can be with him, but I love how he always asks. “I’m finished for the day now that you’re here.”

  It’s Monday. Cajun night. Another routine that Hutch and I have developed, thanks to Sonny.

  “Oooh, looks good.”

  “Sonny said that it’s Creole shrimp and Gouda grits.”

  “Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite dishes.”

  Hutch tries his first bite. “Mmm… I must admit that I enjoy our Monday night Cajun dinners.”

  “The food in New Orleans is amazing. I wish that I could take you to all of my favorite restaurants. You’d fall in love.”

  “I think I already have.”

  My heart speeds and my head tells it to slow down. He’s talking about the food, you fool.

  Stupid heart.

  Hutch uses his fork to point at the food on his plate. “If I hadn’t already been won over, this dish would do it for me. It’s my favorite so far.”

  “Sonny does a great job, but you should let me cook for you sometime.”

  “You cook?”

  “I do.” I see the surprise on his face. “I spent a lot of time at my best friend’s house when I was growing up. Her mom was a great cook and she taught me a lot.”

  “I would love for you to cook dinner for me.”
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  “All right. I’ll be in charge of our next Cajun Monday.”

  “It’s a plan. And speaking of plans… I have tickets for the Scottish Ballet in Glasgow.”

  “You like ballet?”

  “I don’t, but one of my clients has a granddaughter in the production. She’s the star of the show and he gifted me with two tickets. He’s insistent upon my attendance at opening night on Friday. I normally wouldn’t consider attending but he is one of my biggest clients. I’m afraid he’ll be offended if I skip out.”

  I’ve never seen a real ballet. “I’d love to go. What’s the adaptation?” Adaptation? Is that the right word? I’m not really sure.

  “Cinderella.”

  A fairy tale. It’s impossible to get away from them.

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “I was thinking that we could go on Friday night and stay until Sunday evening. We saw only a small portion of what I want to show you.”

  “I loved what I saw of Glasgow the last time we were there. I’d love to see more.”

  “Then it’s a plan.”

  “Good afternoon. Are you checking in?”

  “Aye, we have a reservation for Maxwell Hutcheson.”

  I smile to myself because I’ll never be able to see Hutch as Maxwell. It’s so damn formal and stiff.

  “Ah, yes. Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Hutcheson.”

  My internal smile broadens.

  Mrs. Hutcheson. I don’t hate being mistaken for her just as I don’t hate being mistaken for Ava Rose’s mother.

  He doesn’t correct the woman checking us into the hotel. And that means I get to pretend, even if only for a minute, that we are so much more than companions approaching our expiration date.

  “Looks like we have you booked for a honeymoon suite for two nights. Checking in on the seventh and departing on the ninth.”

  “Correct.”

  Aww. He booked the same room again? That is so sweet. And romantic.

  “Here are your keycards. You’ll be on the fifth floor. Elevators are around the corner to the right. Bell services will bring up your bags.”

  Neither of us say anything as we rise in the elevator, and I can’t resist stealing a glance at Hutch in the mirror. His eyes meet mine, and we both smile.

  “We’re in the same room as before, Mrs. Hutcheson.”

  “I heard, Mr. Hutcheson. I think you could be trying to woo your wife.”

  “Perhaps.”

  After we’re inside the suite, I go to the window and overlook the city. “Why did you leave Glasgow?”

  “My job took me to Edinburgh.”

  “Do you ever consider coming back?”

  “Aye.”

  “Then why don’t you?”

  “It doesn’t feel right to bring Ava Rose to Glasgow when her family is in Edinburgh.”

  When is he going to get this through his head? “You are Ava Rose’s father. Your parents are her grandparents. Your brother is her uncle. Your sister is her aunt. Her family is in Glasgow too. You should come back if it’ll make you happy.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “The Lochridges could still see Ava Rose whenever they like. You wouldn’t be taking her far away.”

  Hutch shrugs. “It’s something to think about.”

  Hutch is waiting for me on the sofa. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to take so long getting ready.”

  He looks at me and I don’t mistake the long breath he inhales before slowly exhaling. “Worth. Every. Minute. You look beautiful.”

  I never tire of hearing Hutch tell me that I’m beautiful. “Thank you.”

  I’m wearing a fitted black cocktail dress and tall heels. My feet are going to hurt later, but the shoes make my legs look sexy. And that’s what I want—to be beautiful for Hutch, even if it’s painful.

  I hold out a diamond pendant necklace, a gift from Hutch. “Will you fasten this for me?”

  “Of course.”

  He fastens the clasp and steps away to look at me. “So damn bonny. But you’re missing something.”

  “You can tell that I’m not wearing panties?”

  “No knickers? Really?”

  “That’s for me to know and for you to find out.”

  “And I plan to.” He takes my hand and kisses the inside of my wrist. “Your wrist looks like it needs something.”

  He goes to the dining table and fetches a long, slim jewelry box, cracking open the box and showing me the diamond bracelet inside.

  “You spoil me.”

  “I told you that I would.”

  I wonder how many carats it is. A lot. That much, I know.

  I hold out my hand, and he fastens the bracelet around my wrist. “It’s beautiful, Hutch.”

  He takes my hand and kisses the top. “You’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you. For the compliment and the bracelet.”

  We arrive at the Theatre Royal Glasgow and find that we have some of the best seats in the theatre. “Wow. We’re in the box.”

  “It appears so.”

  Red velvet. Gold trim. Ornate ceiling. The theatre is incredible. “Have you been here before?”

  “Many times.”

  Swirling ball gowns. Bursts of color. A magical world filled with scores performed by an orchestra. It’s everything that I’ve always loved about this classic story but in a much different light. And as always, I’m sucked into the fairy tale. And I’m sucked into the possibilities of what could be with Hutch and me.

  28

  Maxwell Hutcheson

  A fairy tale. Ballet. Orchestra music. I thought that sitting through the performance would be a miserable couple of hours, but I was wrong. I’ve never enjoyed a show at Theatre Royal Glasgow so much in my life. And there’s only one reason.

  “Where are we off to now?” Lou asks.

  Dancing with Lou would be fun. “I know of some good dance clubs if you’re in the mood.”

  My mobile vibrates and I choose to let it go to voicemail when I see that it’s Ian. My brother will have to wait. Lou has my full attention right now.

  “Let’s do it.”

  I scan the club for faces I recognize, and I’m relieved when I don’t see anyone I know. Hell, they all look like kids to me.

  Kids? Shite, I think they’re the same age as Lou. That’s a kick in the bollocks.

  “Oh, I love this song.”

  The song is slow but harsh with a lot of bass. Good for dancing but not in a romantic way. The melody feels seductive. Erotic.

  “What is this song?”

  “‘Love is Madness’ by Thirty Seconds to Mars and Halsey. One of my favorites. I can’t believe they’re playing it.”

  I feel my mobile vibrate in my pocket and I continue to ignore it. How can I not when Lou is moving against me to the beat of this song and grinding her arse against my cock?

  Vibration.

  Vibration.

  Vibration.

  Fuck, can Ian not take a hint? I’m not interested in talking to him right now.

  I take out my mobile intending to turn it off when I see the series of missed calls and texts from Ian and Mum.

  IAN: Family emergency. Answer your phone.

  MUM: Call me now.

  IAN: There’s been an accident.

  Family emergency. Answer your phone. Call me now. There’s been an accident. I see those series of words and my stomach flips, making me feel ill. The last time I heard those words was when Mina got into the car accident. And it eventually killed her.

  “I’m sorry. I have a family emergency. I need to make a call.”

  Lou stops dancing and places her hand on my upper arm. “Let’s go outside. You won’t be able to hear anything in here.”

  Calvin pulls up and we get into the back seat. My mobile is pressed to my ear when Mum answers, forgoing her usual hello and pleasantries. “Max…” That’s the only word she gets out before her voice breaks.

  “What is it, Mum?”

  “It’s Sara. She’s been in a car ac
cident.”

  It’s Sara. She’s been in a car accident. I hear my mother say those words and it feels like history repeating itself in a new, cruel kind of way.

  “How bad is it?”

  Mum, you have to tell me that Sara survived. I can’t go through this again. And not with my sister. Not with sweet Sara. She has a husband who adores her. He can’t lose his wife. She loves her two boys with all of her heart. They can’t lose their mum.

  “All of us are at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. They haven’t told us anything yet.”

  So everyone is there. Everyone but me. Because I chose to ignore them.

  “I’m on my way.”

  “I know you’re anxious to get here, but please drive carefully from Edinburgh.”

  “I’m in Glasgow.”

  There’s a distinct pause before Mum says, “That’s good. We’ll see you soon.”

  I end my call with my mother and I’m numb. This is my sister. And she could possibly be fighting for her life right now.

  “My sister’s been in a car accident.”

  Lou reaches for my hand. “I’m sorry, Hutch. Is it serious?”

  “We don’t know anything about her condition yet, but I have to go.”

  “Of course, you do.” Lou leans over and places a kiss against my lips. “Go now. I’ll catch a taxi to the hotel. But please call or text me when you have news.”

  She pulls the handle, opening the door, and I realize that I don’t want to be without her tonight. I want her by my side. “Go to the hospital with me.”

  She stops, her hand still on the handle of the open door. “You’re upset, Hutch. That’s completely understandable, but you aren’t thinking straight right now.”

  “I am thinking straight, Lou. I’m thinking straighter than I have in months, and I want you to be there with me.”

  “I hate to state the obvious, but your family is there. How will you explain me?”

  I consider the words dancing on the tip of my tongue. If I say them, they will change our relationship. And I don’t care. “I need you to be with me.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want you to make a decision you’ll regret later because you’re afraid for your sister right now.”