Model Marine

by Candace Havens

  “You’re scaring me. If you’re married, I’m so going to punch you.”

  “Really? That’s where you went with this conversation? Uh, have I ever given you any inclination that I would do something like cheat on a wife?”

  She frowned. “You have a point. I’m sorry. I had a run of cheaters a few years ago and that’s when I sort of swore off men.”

  Will took a deep breath. “I think I’d rather not know about the men in your past. The idea of someone else touching you, making love to you, is enough to make me want to put a fist through a wall. I told you I had a temper. I keep it in check, but…”

  “Noted. No old-boyfriend chat. Trust me, no one I’ve ever dated is worth remembering. Now what did you lie about?”

  There was a long pause.

  “I care about you. The kind of caring that isn’t going to stop when you go off to London. I’ve pretty much known that since the first day I met you.”

  She had to be honest with him. He deserved it. “I care, too.” She sighed. “Too damn much. I can’t help it. We’re stupid for thinking this could be some easy kind of fling. What are we going to do?”

  A grin spread across his face. “You care about me, too?”

  “Hell, yeah. Of course I do. I told you that earlier this afternoon. More than I’ve ever cared about anyone.” Her hand went up to her mouth. She’d revealed too much. She didn’t want to put any pressure on him.

  Will pulled her hand away. “I feel the same way. We just met, but I would do anything for you. Hell, I think I have.”

  “So what do we do?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve never really believed in fate but you running into me on the street has made me wonder. We’ve only known each other a few days but I’m having a hard time imagining my life without you now. What do you think about that?”

  Hannah grinned mischievously. He was definitely on the same level she was in this relationship. It was bonkers. Beyond reason and common sense for them to even think about taking it any further, but she didn’t care.

  He lifted his eyebrows. “It scares me a little bit. But I’m a marine. I can handle it.”

  “Well, that’s good, then. When do you have to go back on duty?” She began unbuttoning his shirt.

  “Not until five tomorrow morning.”

  She plucked the phone out of her pocket to check the time. “That gives us nine hours. Let’s make the most of it.”

  He scooped her up and carried her to bed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  15

  REGAN TWIRLED IN HER DRESS, looking every bit a Goth princess. Hannah held up a hand for her to stop, so she could check the dress’s hem. She’d arrived three hours before the party to make sure the clothing fit and that there wouldn’t be any need for alterations. They were in one of the guest rooms, which had been assigned to Hannah. It was elegant and the perfect place to get ready for the reception.

  “That looks better and you have less of a chance of ripping it with those boots.” Earlier, Hannah had forced the young girl to walk around the room in the dress and Regan had nearly tripped more than once.

  “Do you think he’ll like it?” Regan followed Hannah to the vanity mirror where a fat curling iron waited to put curls in the girl’s hair.

  “Who?”

  “You know—Jeremy. He helped prep all the food for tonight and he’ll also be working as one of the waiters. I mean, it’s stupid for me to worry about a guy liking what I wear. But tonight is important to me and I want to look—” she paused for a moment as if she were sizing up Hannah “—hot.”

  “Of course you look hot. I’m styling you. I wouldn’t let you go out looking like some dweeb marshmallow. And if Jeremy doesn’t see that dress as hot, he’s gay. There’s no other answer.”

  The girl laughed out loud. “He doesn’t kiss like he’s gay.” Regan gave her a coquettish grin.

  “I’m just messing with you. He’d be an idiot if he didn’t like it. You look gorgeous.”

  And she did. Hannah had shown Regan how to make the most of her features with makeup, but didn’t allow the girl to overdo it. The dress was enough of a statement.

  Besides, she had a feeling Laura wouldn’t go for a thick line of kohl-black liner around her daughter’s eyes. The dress flattered the girl’s figure and even Hannah was surprised by how stunning she looked. After finishing with the curling iron, Hannah placed a few sparkly clips on the sides to draw it up underneath. “Wow!”

  “You got that right.” Hannah smiled at her in the mirror. “Heads will turn tonight when you make your way down those stairs.”

  Regan’s smile fell. “Not for me. My mother will be beside me. She’s so gorgeous that no one ever notices me. But Jeremy thinks she’s old, so I might have a chance with him.”

  Hannah chuckled to herself. “Tonight, they will be looking at you, trust me. Maybe I should give you some Mace to keep in your purse just in case Jeremy gets a little too excited.

  “Hey, don’t make a face. You look hot. And a girl has to protect herself. Boys just can’t seem to keep their hands off of pretty things.”

  Regan rolled her eyes. “Stop or I will die of embarrassment.”

  Hannah had a feeling that for all her bravado, the girl had lived an incredibly sheltered life. “Why? Didn’t you guys talk about this at your boarding school?” If Jeremy did show an interest, the girl needed some kind of sex education. Though, Hannah knew it really wasn’t her job to do so.

  “Uh, we talked about boys. Who was cute when it came to celebrities and stuff like that, but it was an all-girls’ school in Switzerland. They are so strict it is insane, but it was better than— Anyway, there were some girls who said they slept with some of the boys in town. They would share stories, but we never knew if they were telling the truth.”

  “Do you need me to—”

  “No!” Regan nearly shouted. “Trust me, I’ve had the sex talk at school and with my mother.”

  “Good.” Hannah was relieved the talk wouldn’t come from her. “You’re almost eighteen and I figured you had, but if you ever have any questions… On second thought, I don’t mind being your fashion mentor, but I’m the last one to give advice about relationships.”

  They both laughed.

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” Hannah said.

  Will entered wearing a white shirt, dark blue suit and tie. The suit fit him across those broad shoulders. A perfect specimen of a man, and as of last night he was hers. A slight tremor zinged through her body when she thought about their lovemaking. It had been so tender and passionate, as if they were giving themselves to one another as gifts. It was a night that would keep her going during those long months when he would be gone.

  His eyes met hers, and her heart sped up again. Dear heaven, he was gorgeous. Yes, he would definitely make a great model with his rugged chin and those high cheekbones. Hannah would never get enough of the man.

  When he saw Regan, his eyes flashed in surprise. “Wow!”

  Regan laughed out loud. “I know, I’m hot. Hannah said so.”

  “Well, Hannah would know. Regan, I’ve been asked to escort you to the den where your parents are waiting. They wanted to introduce you to some of the guests before you go downstairs.”

  The girl stilled. “My dad is going to flip when he sees me but I refuse to change. If he doesn’t like what I’m wearing, then I’ll stay in my room.”

  Hannah gave her a slight shoulder bump. “He might surprise you.” After talking with Laura again, Hannah felt certain the ambassador had been made aware of the situation. Laura had explained that she and her husband would accept their daughter’s fashion choices. She’d agreed with Hannah about the clothes being a form of expression. Laura had even shared stories about her punk-rock days in England. It was hard to imagine the sophisticated woman with spiked hair. Laura was the epitome of class.

  “Captain Hughes, you stay here with Hannah. I can find my own way.” Regan’s chin lifted but she turned to
smile at Hannah.

  “Sorry, I have my orders. Besides, I’m looking forward to the look on their faces when they get a load of you.” He smiled at the girl and she blushed.

  “Hannah, you are welcome to come with us, or if you wish, the party has begun downstairs.” When he spoke to her, his tone was formal. This was work Will. He’d explained to her the night before that while the reception was going on he had to stay alert and be all business. He wouldn’t be able to visit with her. They had to play it cool because the general would be around and Will needed to focus.

  Hannah didn’t mind because when he looked at her the desire was there in his eyes. She had no business being at the party. In fact, it would probably be better for both of them if she’d stayed home and worked. But Will was here, and she’d made a pact with herself that anytime she could be in his presence, she would. Even if she couldn’t touch him, like tonight, she’d be near. It was enough. She would also feel guilty if she didn’t keep her promise to Regan. The girl needed to know that she had a friend on her side.

  “I’ll go downstairs. I don’t want to interrupt a private family moment. But you guys have to tell me what happened later.” She smiled at Will so that he would know she understood her place.

  “Well—” Regan put her hands on her hips “—it’s never private. Mom and Dad always have friends over. I think Will should stay here and kiss you.”

  “Regan!” Hannah admonished. “It’s one thing to talk girl talk, it’s quite another when the guy is in the room. Besides, Will is working. We both should respect that.”

  “I’m not going to tell.” She crossed her arms and glanced up at Will. “Aren’t you at least going to tell her she’s beautiful? She looks like a model. I think she’s even prettier than my mom, and that’s saying a lot.” Regan’s shy side seemed to have left the building.

  Will grinned at the girl. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re a bossy brat?”

  “No. But I’m about to change that,” Regan said bravely. “I’m not going to be shoved into a corner anymore.”

  “Well, certainly not in that dress,” Hannah added.

  “You guys can change the subject all you want, but I’m not walking out of here until you at least tell her she’s gorgeous.” Regan continued to stand with her hands on her hips.

  Will gave a heavy sigh as though it was a great deal of trouble to cross the room and put his arms around Hannah. “You take my breath away,” he said as he kissed her lightly. “I can’t wait to get you out of that dress,” he whispered for her ears only.

  “You look kind of hot yourself, Marine.” Hannah grabbed a tissue from the vanity and wiped the evidence of their kiss off of Will’s lips. “Kind of?”

  She pointed a finger at him. “You know how hot you are. Now go save the world, and don’t worry about me. I spent my life going to these things. I can handle it.”

  Will brushed his fingers along her jaw. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Oh, you most definitely will,” Hannah said suggestively.

  Will crossed the room and stuck his elbow out to Regan. “Miss, may I escort you to your parents’ pre-party festivities?” His voice was formal and at the same time he had the sweetest look on his face.

  The young girl wrapped her hand around Will’s arm. Then she glanced back at Hannah. “I’ll take good care of him. I promise.”

  They all laughed.

  Hannah watched them go through the door and then turned to fix her lipstick.

  He was so sweet to the girl. Will’s compliments helped to give Regan the confidence she needed. He and Rafe always seemed to know the right thing to say to put other people at ease. She could use some of that. Hannah had a tendency to open her mouth and promptly insert her foot.

  As she took one more glance in the full-length mirror, Hannah’s heart skipped a beat when she remembered his words about what he would do with her dress later.

  Yes, he always knew exactly what to say.

  You might be working hard tonight, Marine. But you have no idea what I have in store for you later.

  16

  “MOM, WHAT ARE YOU doing here?” Hannah’s breath caught in her throat. Had she fallen into one of those alternate realities? Or maybe this was hell. That was it. She must have slipped on her way down the stairs and she was dead. It would be preferable to the look in her mother’s eyes.

  They stood near the stairs leading up to the second floor. The foyer, living and dining areas were filled with chatty, elegantly dressed partiers. The ambassador was connected. There was no mistake about that. But her parents?

  “I’m here to support the ambassador’s wife, Laura, who is working with one of my charities. Why are you here?”

  Ugh. Her mother always had a way of putting Hannah in her place.

  “Hannah, is that you? My, you look lovely this evening.” Her father smiled at her.

  He wasn’t around much and he didn’t approve of her lifestyle, but she never doubted her father’s love. She couldn’t say the same about her mother.

  “Thank you.” She stood on her toes to air-kiss his cheek, as she knew his dislike for lipstick stains on his face.

  “I was inquiring as to why Hannah is here.” Her mother gave her another pointed glare.

  “I invited her,” Laura said as she walked up. “She’s a talented young designer and she is a trooper when it comes to a crisis. Our luggage was misplaced and we were…too busy to shop. Hannah took time out of her extremely hectic schedule to help us. She dressed Regan and myself, this evening. And she made us both very happy, which isn’t easy to do.”

  Hannah’s mother smiled at the other woman. “How brave you are to have someone like Hannah style you.” Her mother could be such a bitch sometimes. In her wildest dreams, Hannah’s mother would never deem Hannah worthy of dressing anyone above a prostitute. That was what she’d said the last time they’d discussed her career.

  “I’m not at all sure what you are implying, Olivia. Are you saying you disapprove of my dress?” Laura looked skeptically at Hannah’s mother, clearly waiting for a response to her question.

  Hannah genuinely loved this woman. There weren’t many people who would even consider challenging her mother.

  “Not at all, I was just telling Stella Wellington that you must have a picture of Dorian Gray in your attic because you look younger every time we see you.”

  Her mother’s words sounded so heartfelt, the ambassador’s wife probably believed her. But Hannah knew the truth. Stella was as mean-spirited as her mother. More likely they’d been spewing hate with their vicious gossiping. She’d bet money on it.

  Laura put a hand on Hannah’s shoulder. “The lovely Hannah is the reason I look and feel so splendid. She’s like a breath of fresh air. How do you know her?”

  Oh, this was getting good.

  “She’s our daughter,” her father said proudly. “Did you know her designs were the talk of the town the other day? The women at my office couldn’t stop raving about her.”

  Hannah took a deep breath. For the first time in her life, her father approved of her. And he’d paid attention to her work.

  “I must admit we haven’t always been as supportive as we should have been. But she made it on her own, which makes me even more proud of her.” Her father gave Hannah a genuine smile.

  Part of her wished she didn’t crave her father’s approval, but she was grateful.

  “Thanks, Dad,” Hannah managed to squeak out.

  He patted her cheek. For him it was like a bear hug. She would take it.

  Her mother cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse us, we really must go say hello to the Meyerses. Lovely party, Laura.”

  “Did you say Hannah?” Another woman stepped into the semicircle before her parents could leave.

  “Yes, Elisabeth,” Laura answered. “I’m so happy you were in town. It’s been ages since we’ve chatted.”

  The two women hugged.

  “China was the last time. I still haven’t forgo
tten that afternoon in the market. Best tea I’ve ever had,” the woman named Elisabeth said.

  Hannah didn’t know who the other woman was, but she instantly liked her.

  “Ah, yes. We always do find adventure, don’t we?” Laura winked at her. It was if they were old school chums. “So have you met the lovely Hannah? She’s the new It Girl of the fashion scene here. These are her parents, Olivia and Todd Harrington.”

  Her parents each held out a hand, as did Hannah.

  “Oh, are you the one dating my son?”

  “I’m sorry?” Hannah was confused.

  “I don’t think Laura mentioned my last name. I’m Elisabeth Hughes. William is my son. I believe you two are an item.”

  Her parents gasped.

  Yes, Hannah was most definitely in hell.

  DISTRACTIONS WERE THE last thing Will needed. Standing at the top of a stairway overlooking the party below, he surveyed the room. His team had been specially selected to cover embassy security for Ambassador Ramkin and making sure everything ran as smoothly as possible was paramount. Earlier in the day, there had been a fasle bomb threat at the United Nations, which meant everyone was on high alert.

  The ambassador had insisted they carry on with the reception. He didn’t want the extremists to cause any disruptions with the upcoming summit. Will was in charge of all interior security and the embassy guards were stationed at all points of entry and around the property.

  As Will glanced at Hannah for the hundredth time that night, he cursed the ambassador’s wife for inviting his dream girl to the party. Tonight the fun-loving, miniskirted girl with cowboy boots was gone. In her place was a sleek uptown woman draped in a form-fitting sapphire dress that sent his senses reeling. He’d forced himself to stay away from her as much as possible so that he could focus on the task at hand, but it wasn’t easy. What bugged him was he wasn’t the only one looking. A variety of men had asked her to dance and Will didn’t care for the jealousy that stirred within him.

  She was his.

  If he said something like that to her, she’d probably never speak to him again. It was one thing to discuss old boyfriends—it was quite another to have men trying to work his woman. He sounded like a possessive idiot, but he couldn’t help it. More than once he’d sent Rafe to escort the men away from her using one excuse or another.