Model Marine

by Candace Havens

  “You looked like Sleeping Beauty and it seemed like I’d be breaking some kind of law if I woke you. Besides, I left at five and I didn’t think you would appreciate it.”

  Hannah placed a hand against his chest. “Will, that means you’ve only had a couple of hours of sleep.”

  “I sometimes go seventy-two hours at a time without sleep. Hell, I’ve been on assignments when I didn’t get more than an hour over five days. Besides, every time I get tired, I think of what you did last night when—”

  A door shut at the end of the hall and he stepped away.

  “We should be careful here,” Hannah warned. “I promised myself I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass you further or get you into trouble.”

  “Are you afraid of my father?”

  Hannah thought about it for a minute. “Isn’t everybody?”

  That made him laugh.

  He led her to two double doors at the end of the hall and made the introductions. The ambassador’s wife, Laura, reminded Hannah of a younger version of her mother, only she smiled more. The daughter, Regan, on the other hand, was a sullen mass of gloom. She barely raised her head from the book she was reading.

  The dresses arrived on the two racks from her van.

  Will excused himself, and she showed Laura, as the woman had insisted Hannah call her, the choices.

  “You are a magician. I would wear every single one of these dresses. How did you know my taste so perfectly?”

  Anne Marie had done an internet search on the wife and daughter, who had been photographed at several events. Thanks to her friend’s efficiency, they had plowed through Leland’s warehouse and boutique to find exactly what they needed. They had taken their cues on what to bring from those photos. She could tell Laura, but she liked the idea of being a magician. There was a certain magic in fashion. The right clothes could transform a person and even change a mood.

  “I’m glad. I wasn’t sure about your coloring before I arrived but I think the emerald green with the three-quarter-length sleeve would be a good start.”

  “That one caught my eye right away. I’ll go change. Regan…” The girl didn’t look up from her book.

  “Young lady, you will respond when spoken to. Hannah went to a great deal of trouble to help us out. Now get up and find yourself a dress.” Her tone was so much like Hannah’s mother’s, it was spooky. And it had about as big of an effect.

  “Do not make me call for your father.” The threat worked.

  As the girl stood, Hannah realized she was much older than she’d looked in the pictures she’d seen. The photos had made her seem like a demure young girl. She had long black hair that fell past her shoulders and a heart-shaped face. She was model slender. For the first time she looked Hannah in the eyes. There was a rebel hiding in there somewhere. She’d seen that look many times in her mirror.

  “I hate these parties.” It wasn’t so much a whine as a statement.

  “I hear ya. When I was young my parents always made me make an appearance. Bor-ing. Snoozefests. I felt like some doll they were showing off. The hardest part of the whole night is trying to stay awake. Oh, no, the hardest part is pretending like you are paying attention and nodding at just the right time.”

  The girl almost smiled. “I’m not going to wear some dress that makes me look like a princess from an animated movie.”

  Hannah laughed. “That’s good, because I brought everything except princess wear.” Regan wore a pair of chinos and a sweater over a button-down cotton blouse. A very preppy look. But Hannah noticed her watch had skulls on it. A secret Goth locked in a preppy world. She probably wasn’t allowed to wear what she wanted.

  When she was younger, Hannah had run into the same thing with her parents. As long as they were paying for her clothing, she was expected to dress like a proper young woman. That was probably one of the reasons why when she began buying her own clothes she went more for funky whimsy than conservative.

  “I didn’t know your style but I brought several options. There’s a black dress I think you might like.”

  The girl sighed. “My mother will never allow me to wear black.”

  Hannah smiled. “Well, we’ll have to make her see reason, won’t we? Besides, you might not even like it.”

  When she pulled the dress off the rack, Regan’s eyes lit up, though her face was still in a frown.

  “I guess I can at least try it.” The girl almost grabbed the dress and ran to the sitting room next to the bathroom where her mother was changing.

  The door to the sitting room opened and the ambassador’s wife entered. Tall and sleek, Laura was ready to walk the runway.

  “This is perfect. I would have searched for weeks for something that fit so well, and I still wouldn’t have found it.”

  “It’s beautiful.” Hannah walked behind her and finished buttoning up the back. The dress had a high neck and a slit to the knee. It was sexy without being too provocative.

  “Leland, a friend of mine, designed this. He does a lot of red-carpet dresses for movie stars and singers. It’s a little big in the waist—if you want me to take it in, I can.”

  The woman shook her head. “No. It’s nice to have some breathing room. It’s appropriate, without being matronly. I may have to visit your friend when this business is done. Though, lately…” She sighed. “Sorry. I’m tired of being stuck inside. For several months there have been threats against Regan and myself specifically. We aren’t allowed to go anywhere without a team of security, and even then, it’s never anywhere public. I thought we’d be freer here but… I’m rambling. I’m tired of my own company. It’s been so long since we’ve had visitors who weren’t military or government personnel. There are those who are fighting for democracy where we’re posted and my husband’s support of that has put us in danger. Still, we’ll persevere.”

  Hannah smiled. “I’m glad I could help. It’s always fun to run into another fashion aficionado.”

  “I do love clothes. That’s one of the great luxuries of traveling the world with my husband. Up until lately I could shop everywhere I went. So how did they convince you to come in today?”

  “A friend of mine is working here and it’s nice to understand that part of his job is keeping you safe.”

  “Would that be Captain Hughes?”

  Afraid to reveal anything, she nodded.

  “Ah, the captain. Yes. He’s one handsome fellow. One of the few people in the house Regan will actually look at when he speaks to her. So is it serious between you two?”

  She should deny it, but she didn’t feel like lying. “We’ve both agreed that we’re just having fun. What gave us away?” Hannah checked the hem of the dress. It did look as if it had been made for her.

  “The way he looked at you when he left. That boy is taken with you.”

  She wasn’t sure what to say to that. This was a quick fling. They weren’t supposed to give each other longing looks or turn stomachs to jelly with sweet words, though it happened to Hannah almost every time they were together.

  “I don’t know…” Regan stepped in front of her mother so she could see herself in the full-length mirror.

  The girl tried desperately not to smile, but Hannah knew she loved it. The bodice was fitted and the skirt flared. A tight jacket laced up the back. Slightly Goth but appropriate enough for the reception. The shoes would be the kicker.

  “Well, you could wear black heels with it, which would be great. But I also brought these.” Hannah found a pair of heeled lace-up boots that were replicas of the early 1900s style.

  “Those are rather odd,” Laura said.

  “I love them.” Regan held the boots as if they were spun of gold. “They’re better than anything I could have dreamed. I need black tights.”

  Hannah reached into a bag. “Here.”

  Regan actually gave her a full smile and ran off to the sitting room again.

  “I don’t love that dress but I won’t say a word,” Laura said. “That child hasn’t
smiled in months. Of course, I can’t say I blame her. We brought her home from the boarding school in Switzerland when the threats began. She loved it there and is furious that she isn’t allowed to graduate with her friends. Now she feels trapped. If only she could understand we are doing our best to keep her safe.”

  “Can I ask how old she is?”

  “She turns eighteen in three weeks. She plans to go to college this fall, but her father is worried about her safety. There are some religious zealots who have made multiple threats and they even went so far as to break into our home. They didn’t get far, but the invasion made my husband even more paranoid. The consulate here agreed to put us up for a few months and we aren’t sure what will happen after that. It’s a tough way for a young girl to live.”

  That would be tough. “From the time I was sixteen until about twenty I don’t think I ever smiled. I lived to drive my parents around the bend.” Hannah still did. “They had certain expectations that I had trouble living up to.” Hannah had no idea why she was sharing this information with a stranger. Perhaps because she understood how Regan felt. No one had been there to back her up, and maybe she could help the girl.

  “My father finally gave up on telling me how to dress and he told my mother to do the same. He said if I wanted to experiment with my clothing and the color of my hair, it was better than drugs. He was right. I’m an artist and back then I needed an outlet.”

  Laura pursed her lips. “I butt heads with her, even when I try to be understanding.”

  Hannah laughed. “Call it hormones but I think girls are supposed to hate their mothers no matter what when they reach a certain age. And Regan doesn’t hate you, but she feels stifled. That is what all the sulking is about. I don’t know her well, but I was a lot like her when I was that age. You may not approve, but this dress is a way for her to show her true self.”

  The woman sighed again. “You may be right. Would you mind unbuttoning this?” Hannah did what she asked.

  Laura passed her daughter but didn’t say a word about the dress or the shoes.

  “I heard what you were talking about,” she whispered. “I don’t hate her. I’m just tired of being stuck with no friends. They even read my texts. I had to open a fake email account to talk to everyone. It’s embarrassing.”

  Hannah nodded. “You’re old enough that you deserve some privacy, but they’re only doing this because they love you.”

  The girl rolled her eyes. “That’s why it’s so hard. I’m scared, too, but I’m not going to spend the rest of my life like this.” She turned to see the back of the dress. The detailed stitching on the back of the jacket was exquisite. “If it weren’t for Jeremy being here I would go mad.”

  Laura walked out and hung the dress back on the rack. “Thank you again, Hannah. I hope you’ll join us tomorrow night. I know it may be a boring affair but your young man will be here.”

  The last thing she had time for was a boring reception, but the look on Regan’s face made her cave. “Thank you. I’d love to come, at least for a little while. I’m afraid I have to get ready for a London show, so if you see me leave early that’s why.” Why did she need to explain? She was busy. She didn’t need excuses.

  “I’ll make sure you’re on the list. If you would like to bring a friend, let Will know.”

  Hannah turned to Regan. “Do you ever wear your hair in curls?”

  “Not since I was five.” The sarcasm dripped.

  The best way to drive a teen mental was to ignore their jibes, so Hannah did.

  “If you do the sides up like this—” she brought the girl’s long hair up “—and do curls down the back, it will show off the dress’s neckline. That’s how Red John had the models styled for the runway.”

  “Red John?” Regan pulled up the hem of the dress. It was a bit long.

  “Yes, a new designer. He and I shared a stage a couple of days ago. My stuff is light and airy and his is dark. We’re a good fit. He’s also a great friend. We sort of bonded in design school.”

  “I can’t wait to go to college. I’ve applied everywhere. But I have no idea what I want to do yet. My father and mother think I should have my entire life planned out by now.”

  Hannah laughed. “Well, even if you did have a plan, it would probably change. Though, I knew I would be a designer by the time I turned twelve. I hid my sketches for years. My mother was appalled by my chosen profession and my father thought it was flighty and irresponsible.”

  “So what did you do?”

  “I went after my dreams and I didn’t look back. Sometimes you have to take a risk now and then if you want to make things happen for yourself.”

  Regan nodded. “I like a boy,” she said softly. “Jeremy, the one I mentioned, has been working with the chef here. He’s a line cook, but he wants to be a chef with his own restaurant someday. Of course, we have to meet at odd times and only for a few minutes. He’s asked me out on dates, but there’s no way they’ll ever let me leave.

  “Besides, my parents would freak. He isn’t the son of one of their friends. He actually works for a living. I’m so tired of the pompous asses they make me dance with at these parties. Rich kids with no personalities.”

  Hannah frowned. She understood needing to protect the girl but eventually she would jump out of the bubble. They’d never get her back once she did if they continued to restrict her so much.

  “Jeremy sounds like a nice guy.”

  “He is, but he’s not as hot as Will. I heard what my mom said. Man, you are so lucky. I saw his picture on your website. Hey, why didn’t you bring your own designs?”

  “My stuff is…well…”

  “Wouldn’t be appropriate for an embassy reception?”

  “I have some evening wear that might work, but no, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you or your mother.”

  “Well, I love this. Thank you.” The girl turned and gave her a hug.

  Hannah returned the gesture. She’d been Regan only a few years ago. It was hard not to like her, sullen attitude and all.

  “Hannah, you’re needed downstairs,” Will interrupted.

  A small giggled escaped Regan’s lips.

  Hannah cleared her throat. “I’ll be right there.” She turned back to the girl. “The dress is long in the front. Do you want me to shorten the hem?”

  “I like it that way. It barely touches the floor.”

  “If you’re sure. I’ll come back early tomorrow in case you change your mind. And feel free to try on some of the other dresses. Oh, and here’s my cell.” She pulled a card out of her purse. “If you need anything. Clips for your hair or whatever. Let me know.”

  The girl nodded. “One thing. Why are you doing all this? You’re a big-time designer, one of the top ten talents in the world. Don’t give me that look. I read all of the articles about you.”

  Hannah shrugged. “I did it because Will asked me to.”

  14

  “THEY’RE CALLING FOR a blizzard. I thought I should get you home.” Will resisted the urge to touch her. His men and the household staff were milling about. Everyone had a job to do for the party tomorrow. Blizzard or not, the summit would happen, as would the reception to begin the event.

  “What do you mean? I can drive in a blizzard. I’ve done it plenty of times,” Hannah said. She had a confused look on her face.

  “Yes, but if you drive yourself then I won’t get to see you alone.” He hoped she understood.

  She started to say something and then stopped. “Actually I hate driving in the snow. I was giving you my tough, independent side. Letting you know I can take care of myself.”

  They both smiled.

  Inside the van, they were quiet for a few minutes as Will maneuvered the vehicle onto the slick streets. The blinding snow made it nearly impossible to see and he was grateful to be the one behind the wheel. He would have been worried sick if she tried to drive in this. Hell, he wouldn’t have let it happened.

  “What happened today?” Hannah�
��s question surprised him and he didn’t know what she was asking.

  “What do you mean?” Will’s concentration was on the road.

  “You said your father asked you to call. Is that true?”

  “Do you doubt my word?” Will sounded almost belligerent but he didn’t mean it that way. He wasn’t used to people questioning his word. “Sorry. This snow is out of control.”

  “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have bothered you while you’re driving in this.”

  Now he felt like a complete ass. Just like the general.

  “My father tried to humiliate me this morning by announcing in front of everyone that he had a special assignment for me to find clothes for the ambassador’s family.”

  “Oh, Will, that’s awful.”

  Will smiled.

  “That isn’t the reaction I expected from you. I’m so mad at your father for doing that to you.”

  “It’s great you have my back, but I handled it. I told him he did have the right man for the job and that I would take care of it. I acted as if I were excited about it. Shut him up and wiped the grin off his cronies’ faces.”

  “Oh, I would have given anything to see that.”

  “Rafe probably took a picture,” joked Will. “He’s sneaky with the camera phone. The whole thing is kind of screwy. There are a hundred different people they could have called to do this. And I don’t think it was the general’s idea.

  “Sounds like my mom interfering. She probably said, ‘You had better be nicer to that boy. If he skips another Christmas because of you, you’re going to be eating sandwiches for the rest of your life. I talked to Laura, and they have nothing to wear. See if William can call that friend of his.’”

  “I think I love your mom.”

  Will turned up the defroster. “She’s a great woman and the only person who can handle my father. The truth is, my dad isn’t a bad guy. He’s been through hell and back. Up until I joined the marines, I idolized him. And when he was home, which wasn’t often, he was a good dad—strict, but fair. But my joining the corps changed all that. Something about thickening my skin, I’m sure. So what about your parents? You mentioned they weren’t exactly happy about your career.”