by Dara Girard
“I don’t care.”
“Don’t be a hypocrite. Of course you care.”
“No, that’s not true. What she did in her past is just that—in the past. I don’t care about that now.”
“Does that apply to all women or just her?”
“Gen isn’t like you. She needs someone to protect her, you don’t.”
Mariella folded her arms. “You’re right. I know how to take care of myself. No one would think of coming to my rescue.”
Ian sent her a look, but didn’t reply.
“So you plan on being her protector no matter what?”
Josh nodded. “Yes, because I love her.” He felt as if his heart would burst. Not from what he had heard, but the thought of Gen being used that way. He needed to be with her.
“Then she’s a very lucky woman.”
“No, I’m a lucky man.” He raced up the stairs.
Ian shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at Mariella curious. “Why did you lie?”
She turned to him, surprised. “I didn’t.”
“You said no one would come to your rescue.” He reached out and fingered a strand of hair on her cheek. “You know I would,” he said in a voice that promised a lot more than rescue.
She swallowed, her pulse racing. “Josh wouldn’t have believed that.”
Ian grinned. “He isn’t thinking straight right now. People in love rarely do.”
“No.”
He glanced at the stairs, amused. “Good thing we aren’t in love, isn’t it?”
Mariella wrapped the blanket tighter around her and sent a wistful glance at his profile. “Yes.”
Josh opened the door to the bedroom he shared with Gen and saw her sitting on the bed. He stood in front of her. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Did Mariella tell you not to? You can’t let her control you.”
“She wanted me to tell you from the beginning,” Gen said, quick to defend her friend. “She kept you away at first because she was trying to protect me.”
He sat beside her. “From what?”
“From getting hurt.”
“I wouldn’t hurt you.”
She hugged herself and turned away from Josh. “You may not mean to. But now that you know my past your opinion of me will change.”
“I’m surprised,” he admitted, “but I still love you. Nothing will change that.”
She cautiously turned to him. “Not even your brother?”
“Not even him.”
“But you were just trying to change his mind about Mariella. You can only see her one way. As the woman your father loved.”
“She’s different.”
“She’s a woman and no woman likes to be labeled. Don’t judge her so harshly. She was your father’s choice.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Did she make him happy?”
“Yes, but I’ve dealt with women like Mariella all my life. They’re out to get what they want no matter what the price and they’ll make you sorry when they don’t. My brother deserves better. That woman doesn’t love anyone but herself.”
Gen noisily cleared her throat.
“Except maybe you.”
“She also has sisters.”
“You’re missing the point.”
“No, you are. I know my friend and I know how she feels although she will never admit it.”
“And I know my brother and I know she’s no good for him.”
“She’s probably too good for him. He’s bullying and opinionated.”
“And she’s temperamental and—” He held up his hands in surrender. “Wait, why are we fighting about them?”
“Because Mariella is a big part of my life.”
“Yes, I know that. Do you know how many times I tried to get close to you and she prevented me?”
“I told you why.”
“But you can understand why she’s low on my list.”
“Your brother isn’t one of my favorite people.”
“Why not?”
“I find his anger frightening.”
“He’s harmless—most times.”
“I don’t trust him and prefer to keep my distance.”
Josh rubbed his chin. “That’s a problem.”
“Why?”
“Because if you say yes to my next question he’d be your brother-in-law.”
Gen stared, taken aback by his offer. “You’re asking me to marry you?”
“Yes.”
“What will your mother say?”
“I’ll handle Mother.”
She raised a brow. “Funny, you sounded just like Ian then.”
“It happens sometimes. So what do you say?”
She chewed her lip. “I don’t know.”
He gathered her close. “I promise if you say yes nothing anyone can say will tear us apart.”
A tremulous smile touched her face as she stared at the man who held her heart. “Then the answer is yes.”
Downstairs, Ian and Mariella sat in silence. Ian sat on the floor staring at the glowing flame of the fireplace while Mariella stayed curled up on the couch staring at their reflections in the mirror.
“This changes everything, doesn’t it?” she finally said.
He continued to stare at the flames. “What does?”
“The fact that your father loved me.”
Ian lifted a poker and jabbed a log in the fireplace.
“He’s like this ghost hanging between us and there’s nothing we can do.”
Ian set the poker aside.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking that my father and I were alike more than I’d want to admit. We both fell in love with women who didn’t feel the same about us.”
“I did love him.”
“But not in the way he wanted. It could have made all the difference.”
“Are you going to accuse me of killing him too?”
He shook his head.
“But you were thinking it. Right?”
“No, I wasn’t.” He stood and turned his back to the fire. “I just realized something.”
“What?”
“Unlike my father, I’m healthy, happy and I don’t love you and I don’t care if you love me.” He sat down beside her, resting a large, solid hand on her knee. “So we have nothing to worry about.”
Mariella forced a smile. “Right.”
“Good.”
They fell quiet again, but their silence was soon interrupted by the sound of feet racing down the staircase.
“We’re getting married,” Josh said, holding Gen’s hand with pride.
Mariella leaped up and hugged her friend. “Congratulations.”
Ian returned his gaze to the fire.
Josh let Gen’s hand go and moved toward Ian, already defensive. “I don’t care what you think.”
Ian kept his gaze averted. “You don’t know what I think.”
“Yes, I do. You think she’s after my money. Dad thought the same thing.”
“That’s not what I’m thinking.” Ian sent Josh a sharp look. “But you’re afraid others might.”
“Give me some credit. You know I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”
“Congratulations then.” Ian stood and gave his brother a slap on the back then motioned to the kitchen. “Let’s find something to eat.”
The next day Josh contacted the crew and models scheduled for the Vermont shoot to make arrangements to get back on schedule. Everything was to be shot on the property, which had a magnificent view of a valley, a large pond with an array of ducks and geese, a housekeeper’s cottage and a beautiful sculptured topiary garden. Following a hearty lunch, complemented with food that Josh and Gen had purchased, the four parted into pairs. Gen and Josh went for a long walk while Mariella occupied her time taking additional pictures. Ian took a nap.
Mariella returned and found him sleeping with his shirt halfway open, not surprised that even his undershirt was black. Even in sleep he looked dark and alone, but t
hat wasn’t right. He’d invited her to be a part of his life, right? But only part; there was still another part she couldn’t reach.
His eyes fluttered open. When he saw her he flashed a slow sexy smile. “Enjoy yourself?”
She lifted her camera and took a picture of him then returned his smile. “Definitely.”
The photo shoot in Vermont went somewhat smoothly. Mariella did not complain about the selection of models, but she did get into a shouting match with one who decided to argue with her about the clothes. She fired her on the spot; Ian didn’t intervene. The crew followed instructions without hassle although Mariella frustrated the makeup artist, Jennifer and the remaining models, with her rigid requirement for a particular look. She wanted stark and artistic. Jennifer tried, but each time Mariella yelled, “More. More. I want more! Do I have to do the makeup myself?”
Jennifer didn’t reply though it was clear what she thought of her. Everyone was thrilled once the shoot was over. But Mariella surprised everyone when she told them what an outstanding job they’d done and she specifically told Jennifer that she would go far in the industry and she hoped to work with her again.
Josh, Gen, Mariella and Ian stayed an extra day after everyone returned to New York. The evening before they left, Gen found Ian out back staring at Mariella in the distance as she took more pictures.
Gen cautiously approached him. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he said then pointed. “Mariella has taken over one hundred pictures of that sunset. Each time it looks the same to me, but she sees something different.”
“Yes. Mariella can be like that.” She cleared her throat. “I want you to know something.”
“I’m not in the mood for more secrets.”
“It’s not that.”
“Good, then what is it?”
“I love Josh. I’ll deal with what others think of us, but I do care what you think.”
He nodded.
She shifted awkwardly, feeling uneasy with his silence. “Do you believe me?”
He folded his arms. “I want to. For now you are keeping him happy. I’ll believe you in a couple of years.”
“Years?”
The ghost of a smile touched his lips. “It will go by faster than you think.”
She narrowed her eyes in accusation. “Are you teasing me?”
“Of course I am.”
“That wasn’t very nice.”
“We’re going to be family soon, you’d better get used to me.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
A snowball hit him in the shoulder before he could reply.
He looked up and saw Mariella. “What was that for?”
“You’re such an easy target.”
He bent down and gathered snow. “Is that right?”
She took a step back. “You can’t hit me—I’m holding a very expensive camera.”
“I won’t be aiming at the camera.”
Mariella saw the look in his eye and took another step back. “Now, Ian, be fair.”
He raised his hand. She set the camera down and ran. Ian ran after her.
Josh walked up behind Gen. “What’s going on?” he asked as Ian hit Mariella in the back with his snowball. She in turn scooped up snow and splashed him. He grabbed her and they both stumbled to the ground.
Gen smiled. “They’re falling in love.”
Ian was glad to return back to New York and was prepared to enter the quiet of his house. Josh had told him that while he was away their mother and Otis had gotten back together. He opened the door ready to greet Sylvester, but when he did, he saw that Sylvester wasn’t alone.
“Lily,” he bellowed.
His housekeeper rushed up to him. “Yes, Mr. Cooper?”
“Where is she?”
“Who?”
“My mother.”
“I thought your brother told you. She is back with Mr. Fassel.”
“Then what is that?” He pointed to Candy who was circling around him, excited by his return.
“She said that Candy and Sylvester got on so well she didn’t want to separate them and she’s had her eye on getting a—”
“I don’t care.” He looked at Candy. “Stop.”
The little dog immediately sat on her hind legs and stared up at him, dressed in a turquoise cashmere sweater.
Ian glanced at Sylvester. “You’re supposed to guard the fortress. What have you done?”
“They’re really cute together,” Lily said.
Ian glared at her.
She grabbed his suitcase. “I’ll just take this to your room.”
“Thank you.” Ian stormed into his study and picked up the phone. He started to dial his mother’s number then stopped. Instead he dialed Mariella. “How would you like a dog?” he said.
Chapter 17
Two hours later, Mariella sat in Ian’s study and they both stared at Sylvester and Candy, who lay together on the rug.
“You could keep her,” Mariella said.
“Keep her? Look at me. Do I look like the kind of guy who would own a Chihuahua that has more clothes than I do?”
“I would take her but my schedule can be hectic.”
“So take her with you. She’s small enough to fit in your makeup case.”
“Yes, but if I took her Sylvester would be lonely.”
“He’s got me.”
“You’re not the same.”
“Hmm.”
“Think about it.”
“I’m not dressing her. Lily will have to do that.”
After the Candy incident Ian thought his problems were over but when Mariella learned that the photos had already been sent to the layout designer, she demanded to be part of the selection process. Ian refused and after a heated debate she had to admit defeat. The winter holiday season arrived. Gen and Josh went to Colorado together and though Mariella invited Ian to spend time with her family he declined.
Mariella tried to convince him otherwise, not wanting to admit how much she’d miss him, but he wouldn’t budge so she was forced to leave him. Ian liked to be alone at the holidays. Or at least he used to be. When New Year’s Eve came, Ian sat all alone in his family room in front of the TV with just Sylvester and Candy. He wished he’d taken Mariella’s offer. “Next year will be different.”
He was about to open his second can of beer when the doorbell rang. “Who is it?” he called.
“Mariella.”
“Who?” he said, not sure he’d heard correctly.
“Mariella.”
He couldn’t open the door fast enough and twice fumbled with the lock. When he finally got the door open he saw Mariella holding a large box.
“What is that?”
“Don’t ask, just help me with it.”
He took it from her. “Is this my lump of coal?”
She laughed. “No, take it into the kitchen.”
He did then pulled her in his arms and kissed her hello. “Now tell me what this is.”
She opened the box and pulled out containers of food. “Isabella made grilled chicken, Gabby made whipped sweet potatoes, Daniella made asparagus with cheese sauce and I made the pumpkin pie.”
He picked up the pie. “Then I’ll have to try this first.”
“You’re lucky I was able to get you a slice. It is delicious.”
He grinned. “I admire your modesty.”
“Personally I find modesty an accepted form of lying. So what did you buy me?”
“For what?”
“You didn’t buy me anything?”
“I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”
“Good.” She handed him another box. “Here’s your gift.”
“Is it a shirt?”
“No.”
“A tie?”
“No, just open it.”
He ripped open the box and pulled out an antique camera.
“Do you like it?” Mariella asked anxiously when he continued to just stare at it. “My sister Isabella helped me select
it.”
“It’s beautiful. I just have to think of the right place to put it.”
Mariella had no problem directing him where it would best be displayed. She decided that a shelf in his study was best. Ian didn’t argue. He just told her to retrieve a letter from his desk. She did and noticed it had her name on it. She discovered that it contained a coupon for a week’s pass at an exclusive spa. Mariella thanked him in the best way she could think of and they welcomed in the New Year in each other’s arms.
In the following weeks, they were careful not to be seen too much together although some papers had already hinted at their relationship with such titles as “Guess Who’s Turning Over in His Grave?” and “Family Portrait.” They turned heads everywhere they went, sometimes because people knew who they were, other times because people couldn’t help staring at such a striking pair. Ian got used to the attention, very aware of how Mariella commanded people’s attention, especially men. Although he nearly broke the face of a photographer who took a picture of them as they left a movie theater. Mariella persuaded him not to.
Mariella was too content with her life to worry about what the papers said. Her relationship with Ian continued to grow and only a few weeks after returning to New York she’d been commissioned for a book project and magazine work. Ian kept busy with Flash and the upcoming gallery event in spring. He helped Mariella with her craft and they spent time together in his darkroom and on his computer. They would take excursions out of the city and photograph whatever interested them, then go home and critique their efforts. All was well except Ian’s occasional calls from Shirley.
“Do you know what people are saying?” she demanded.
“Yes, Mom.” He glanced over at Mariella who sat in his study buttoning up Candy’s sweater.
“Some think you’re fulfilling an Oedipus desire.”
“Don’t be disgusting.”
“I don’t approve of this. I hope you’re still not thinking of marrying her.”
“Bye, Mom.” He hung up the phone and stared at Mariella. That was exactly what he planned to do, but he’d ask her at the right time.
In February, Yolanda and her family came to visit Ian. Mariella was excited to see them and invited the family to dinner at her place. The next day she took the two girls shopping and gave them tips on how to select fabric, look for tailored pieces and what not to buy. While Tatiana showed her enthusiasm, Hannah looked bored. Even when Mariella tried to show them makeup tips, Hannah preferred to search the apartment for a missing earring. She wasn’t sorry to be dropped off at her parents’ hotel.
