by Joyce
"Sorry. I couldn't think of a better way to do it in private."
"That's okay. I didn't think you were just watching me sleep."
"I came to talk to you about a way we could keep your real reason for being here a secret and to give you this.” He handed her a document that promised her anonymity. “I had my lawyer draw it up this morning."
She nodded and took it from him. “Thanks. Are we talking a secret identity like Wonder Woman or Lizard Girl?"
Steve laughed. “All right. Let me try again."
Rae immediately felt the strength and focus of his gaze on her. Steve got what he wanted by the strength of his will and determination alone. He robbed from every other aspect of his life to accomplish his heart's desire. Then he realized that there was more. He was capable of great love. He was also capable of terrible anger.
She shivered as the immediacy of her perceptions washed over her. She was always more vulnerable when she woke up or as she went to sleep.
Had Steve been jealous of his brother and his family? Had he brought Bryce and Sharin to live with him to try to have something more? She realized at the office how important Bryce was to him. It was no wonder that a kidnaper who knew him well would choose her as a target. She focused on his words. “What did you have in mind?"
"Let them think that we're lovers."
No! Her mind screamed. Her voice echoed, “No!"
"Hear me out on this before you disagree. This was your idea. It's the only way I can think of to implement it."
"No!"
"Let everyone think that we're lovers. They already do anyway. You're here for a week from out of town to help me through this difficult time."
Rae tried to consider his words from a professional stance. She tried. It was impossible. The picture it created in her mind was too vivid. Didn't you see this in the visions? “It would only be asking for trouble. Maybe I could get closer to whoever is responsible but I can't stay here that way."
"If you don't stay here, you could miss something. You told me that! Bryce has been gone almost four days now, Rae! Despite the fact that you said she was safe earlier today, who knows what's happening now? We both know that time isn't on my side."
She was drawn into his words. She knew that he was right. It defeated her argument and made her angry. “I can't stay here and pretend to be your lover. Why couldn't I be your cousin or a good friend?"
Steve smiled at her in a way that made her skin tingle. “I've had so many cousins and good friends that it wouldn't make any difference. No one would believe it."
She glanced around the room, trapped by the sensibility of his suggestion. It was something she might have considered. If the circumstances were different. They were already attracted to one another. Those heated moments every time he touched her made it suicidal.
It wasn't easy working with him. Pretending to be his lover was like asking it to come true. “Were you waiting for me to wake up so that I wouldn't say the wrong thing when I left the room?"
"It's important for us to start out right."
"But as your lover?"
"You make it sound like having your skin shredded."
Rae shuddered. She kept silent, trying to force her brain to come up with an alternate plan that made as much sense.
"Just think of it as a means to both our ends.” Steve appealed to her logical side.
"How's that?"
"You want to remain anonymous. What better way than to pretend to be my lover? No questions asked. When this whole thing is over, you leave because we break up. No one's any wiser. In the meantime, you find out who kidnapped Bryce."
"You've given this a lot of thought. It must have been while I was sleeping. Don't you sleep?"
"I've never been much of a sleeper. Neither was David.” His voice trailed off for a moment then picked up again on his thoughts. “This plan works for both of us. We're both protected. And if what you say is true about the person being close to me, it gives you the edge on finding them."
"All right,” she relented finally, seeing no other way. “I'll pretend to be your lover. Pretend being the operative word. I don't think either one of us needs to cloud this situation with emotion."
"If you're referring to this morning—"
"I'm referring to the future. We'll play this your way because it might be for the best but it isn't real. I won't forget that. I expect you to remember, too."
He stood up from the chair and walked close to the edge of the bed. His eyes were shards of icy blue crystal in his face. “I've never forced a woman into anything in my life, Rae. You don't have to worry about me. You keep your end of the bargain and I'll keep mine."
"All right.” She didn't back down from the fierceness of his gaze. “I want to call my grandmother, then I'll be down."
His manner changed to one of colorless aloof. “I'll have Mrs. Hamilton get something for you to eat. You must be hungry."
"Thanks. I'd like to get started on checking out a few people and places. Can I get access to a car?"
"Of course. You're my guest. Just let anyone know what you need."
When he closed the door behind him, Rae found herself angrily considering his insinuation that she would only have to worry about herself in the next few days.
She felt that very potent brand of personal charm he carried with him like expensive cologne. When he spoke to her, when he looked at her, she could feel him touching her. He appealed to her on too many levels.
But she knew how to get the job done. She wanted to find Bryce. She was going to keep her head when it involved Steve. She didn't come to have a brief, torrid affair with him. Maybe she gave him the wrong impression so far. The events of the past forty-eight hours were unusual and devastating. She wasn't herself. Now that she was, it was a whole new game.
Rae picked up the phone and dialed the number she scribbled down at the hospital. There was no answer. She called the nurse's station that was outside her grandmother's room. The nurse confirmed that her grandmother was out of surgery and in intensive care. She couldn't tell her any more than that. It would take a while before they knew the results of the surgery.
Rae thanked her and dialed Dr. Salter's cell phone number. The call wouldn't go through from Atlanta. She put down the phone, annoyed and worried. Neither emotion was going to get her an answer. She decided to wait and call back again later.
She dressed quickly after indulging in a lengthy hot shower. The house was flawless in design and outfitted with every comfort a guest could want. There were heated tiles under the bathroom floor and every imaginable scent and bath addition on the sidewall. Hot water gushed, rather than trickled, into the etched glass shower stall. The towels were warm, thick, and fluffy.
It was perfect but impersonal. Like a wonderful hotel in San Francisco or New York. It was thrilling to be there but a far cry from home. It was difficult for Rae to imagine living in a place that looked like the inside of a designer's office. The effect was gorgeous but there was no soul. The house the Harris women shared could stand a good dusting but each artifact was lovingly placed. Everything had a story. She knew Mrs. Hamilton would never allow a speck of dust in her domain. Rae still wouldn't trade her home.
She looked around the room to see what she could do to help her own sense of feng shui while she was there. She hung a pale pink scarf on the southern wall. She needed the heat to be tempered with the logic of white from the north. On the east wall, she moved a green plant that had been by the window. It wasn't much but she needed all the harmony she could muster.
She brought her own candles. They were scented with her grandmother's lavender oil. She placed them around the room to inhale the fragrance of her home. It was enough to clear her mind and take the edge off of her anxiety.
Dressed in jeans and a dark green sweater, Rae slipped out the door. The lavender oil at her wrists reminded her that she could handle anything that came her way. "We are Harris women." Her grandmother reminded her over and over while s
he was locked in the drying shed with the smell of summer all around her. "We can do anything we set our minds to."
Without being bleary-eyed with exhaustion, things looked a lot different. Sunlight streamed through the wide windows. Showered and relaxed, she felt like the professional Steve Williams hired to help bring Bryce home.
The winding staircase spread downward like a conch shell from the second floor to the first. The gleaming wood shone in the warm sunshine. It was like a scene from an old movie except with modern overtones. The lighting and paintings were abstract. No self-respecting film set in the ‘20's would have such daring works of progressive art. Steve's taste obviously didn't extend to tranquil scenes of westward movement or Native Americans meeting at waterfalls!
Or was that Sharin's taste? Rae was sure she'd have the answer to that question by the end of the day. Exploring the members of the staff and the family was her top priority. The chances were that the kidnaper, or at least the contact, was among them.
Mrs. Hamilton met her at the bottom of the stairs. Her smile was firmly in place on her broad, handsome face. “Good afternoon, Ms. Harris. There's a wonderful light repast set on the terrace in the sun, if you'd be interested."
"If that includes some tea, that sounds great.” Her voice sounded scratchy. “And please, call me Rae."
The housekeeper nodded. “That would be fine, Rae. Please call me Alabaster. There's tea, of course. Mr. Williams had some sent over earlier today since you like herbal teas. I have a nice blend of peppermint and chamomile and a green tea, as well as sassafras."
"Peppermint and chamomile would be fine.” Rae was bemused by having someone catering to her whims before she even knew what they were. “Thank you."
"The terrace is that way and through those doors. Michael will bring your tea out to you. If you need anything else, just ask."
Rae followed the route the housekeeper suggested. Sunlight blazed through the patterns in the leaded glass windows. It slid across the rich carpet underfoot, creating a colorful mosaic. The table on the terrace wasn't visible from the door but she trusted the housekeeper. The mountain breeze was cool on her face. She followed the rocks set into stairs and swung around a fountain that was brilliant with red and purple pansies.
"Well, should I say good morning? Or good afternoon?” A feminine voice hailed her.
Rae smiled at her. It didn't take much guessing to know that this was Bryce's mother.
Sharin Williams sat at the terrace table with a glass that smelled like liquor in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Her blond hair was piled high on her head. Pale blue, bloodshot eyes assessed her coldly. She looked haggard even though her clothes were expensive and provocative. Her black sweater was tight against her ample breasts. The scent of Chanel wafted around her.
"I'm Sharin.” The woman confirmed Rae's guess. “Sharin Williams. You know, the original princess at the ball around here?"
News traveled fast. She's difficult. Emotional. Unstable. “I'm Rae Harris."
"The newcomer.” Sharin looked her over carefully. “You aren't his type."
"Excuse me?"
"Steve's type. You're a little small and frail. He usually likes them healthy, shall we say? Buxom, I think my mama called it.” She smiled innocently. “You aren't quite buxom, are you?"
Rae took a deep breath. She wasn't involved. It wasn't personal. She wasn't going to let this woman irritate her. She was there to find her daughter. Not compete with her. She glanced around the little garden as she sat down opposite Sharin.
A handsome young man in a dark shirt and pants brought out some croissants and a small pot of herb tea. Rae picked up her linen napkin and thanked him when he poured the strong brew.
"What's that?” Sharin wrinkled her nose.
"Peppermint and chamomile tea. Would you like some?"
"I don't drink anything that isn't supported by the stronger stuff.” Sharin took a sip of her own drink to qualify her words. “But thanks anyway."
Rae felt Sharin watching her as she took some fresh fruit and croissants on her plate. She looked out over the beautiful view that spread up into the mountains north of the city. In short, she ignored the other woman. But her mind was actively considering how to question Bryce's mother and find her soft spots.
The ice in Sharin's drink tinkled as she brought the glass to her lips again. “Where did he meet you?"
"Sullivan's Island.” The closer to the truth, the better, in an undercover operation. “He came for the herbs."
"You know it was bad enough when Steve brought his women here before. Now when—"
"When?” Rae asked like she didn't know what was going on.
"He didn't tell you? That's like him! He's a selfish bastard."
"Is something wrong?"
"My daughter has been kidnapped,” Sharin explained in a gruff voice. “Did you even know he had a family?"
"Of course,” Rae replied quietly. “I'm so sorry. What a terrible thing! Who kidnapped her?"
"If we knew that we'd just go and get her, wouldn't we?"
"I suppose so. I'm very sorry for you."
"I can't believe he'd go anywhere at a time like this.” Sharin staggered to her feet and poured herself another drink. The amber liquid sloshed out of the glass on the stones under the table. “Much less pick up his girlfriend."
"Steve and I are very close.” Rae watched her closely. “He needs me."
"Don't be fooled by that.” Sharin's smile was sly. “He's needed me a few times, too."
Chapter Six
"Really? You and Steve were involved?” Rae filed away the information. Waves of jealousy beat at her from the other woman. “Wouldn't it be easier not to see him all the time? Living here with him must be—"
Sharin drew herself up haughtily. “Easier for him, you mean? I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Bimbos like you don't mean anything to me. Or to him! You'll be here and gone like all the rest. I'll still be here."
"Ladies.” Steve walked around the corner of the hedge. He bent down to kiss Rae's cheek and smiled at his sister-in-law. “I see you've met Rae."
Rae smiled and tried to ignore his hand that rested on her shoulder. It was a light, casual touch. But she could feel its effect on her body. Tiny molten pinpricks worked their way from her shoulder through her chest. Languorous waves of heat flooded her neck and face. It was hard for her to concentrate on what they were saying.
"You could at least keep from waving your friends in my face, Steve."
"We're not joined at the hip, Sharin. We both live here but it's a big house. You can bring anyone here that you want."
Sharin shoved her chair out and stood up. “What about Bryce?"
Steve's face was shuttered. “What about her?"
"Is this helping her in some way? Or finding some way to relieve the guilt?"
"You're drunk, Sharin. Go inside."
"I was leaving anyway. Have fun with your girlfriend while my little girl—"
"Sharin!"
Sharin bit her shiny red lip then hurried back into the house.
"I'm sorry,” Steve said to Rae when they were alone.
"She was angry and upset. I certainly wasn't any help to her."
"You mean because she thinks we're lovers?"
"Exactly. It seems ... callous, I suppose."
"It's the only way.” He poured a cup of coffee. “It would be worse if she thought you were investigating people close to me about Bryce's disappearance."
"You mean if she thought I was investigating her?"
Steve sipped his coffee. “Are you?"
Rae played with the fruit on her plate. “Do you think that's possible?"
"I've already told you what I think. That isn't what's important. What do you think?"
She shrugged and avoided eye contact with him. “I need those lists."
He tossed two pieces of paper on the table. “I made them up while you were sleeping."
"Thanks. I'll take a look at them."<
br />
A muscle tightened near his mouth but he didn't lose his poise. “What's the word on your grandmother?"
"There isn't one yet. She's out of surgery but apparently they don't have any information on her."
"I could phone the chief of surgery for you."
"No, thanks.” Rae didn't want him involved with her grandmother's health. He was already too intimately involved in her life. “I'll find out. I didn't think about Dr. Salter having a cell phone that was local only. I'll work it out."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"You still haven't heard from the kidnappers?"
"No. It's different. Do you think they've changed the plan?"
"I don't know. Let's hope not. That's never a good thing."
"It's hard sitting around waiting. I've never been good at being patient."
"This whole thing plays like corporate extortion,” she said out loud. The taste of betrayal was sour in her mouth. “It feels more personal to me. I'm going to need that car in a few minutes."
"Where are you going?” Steve caught her hand as he stood up beside her. “If it involves finding Bryce, I want to be there."
The weight of his body was pressing her down into the soft bed. Their bodies were joined, fitting perfectly. Oh God, it felt so good. He moved to that ancient rhythm inside her. She trembled on the brink of orgasm.
Rae was losing control. It was like an erotic dream. She tried to pull her hand away from him. “You'll be in the way. I'm sure you have other things to do."
"Not more important than finding Bryce! Don't shut me out of this, Rae.” He used his grip on her hand to pull her closer. “I want to know what's going on."
She could hear her heart pounding in her ears. The warmth from his touch was overpowering. She was drawn to him by something stronger than his simple hold on her hand. It was primitive. Frightening. She broke the contact between them and took a step back. “When I know, you'll know. But you have to trust me to do some things alone."
"You don't like to be touched."
She cradled the hand she took from him like it was scalded. “It's nothing personal."
"I suppose it would be hard. Do you pick up impressions from everyone you touch?"
