Ready for Romance

by Debbie Macomber

  Jessica folded her arms and asked, “What do you mean?”

  “I mean he was so closemouthed about you, there’s only one sensible conclusion.”

  “And what’s that?”

  Cathy stopped rubbing her toes and turned her big blue eyes on Jessica. “You’re serious? You mean you really don’t know?”

  “I wouldn’t be asking if I did!”

  “He’s in love with you.”

  Jessica didn’t believe it. “He can’t be.”

  “Why can’t he? Is there a law posted somewhere that says it’s a crime to fall in love with Jessica Kellerman?”

  “No…”

  “He wasn’t interested in me, and trust me, I tried.”

  Jessica stiffened, remembering her reaction to Cathy’s attempts to flirt with Damian. She hadn’t liked it. None of the crazy stunts her friend had pulled over the years had put their friendship on the line. This one had. Damian was off-limits, and before Cathy left for home, Jessica wanted to make sure she knew it.

  “He thought I was trying to set him up with you,” Jessica muttered disparagingly.

  “What’s so tragic about that? That was exactly what I wanted him to think.”

  “But why?”

  Cathy’s smile was slow and confident. “This is the reason I’m your best friend. My little performance this afternoon was for both your benefits. You know how you feel about Damian, too. I’m right, aren’t I?”

  Jessica nodded reluctantly, hating to admit her friend’s ploy had worked. But there was a problem. “Damian assumes I was setting him up with you because I’m not interested in him.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “‘Think’ nothing. He practically said so.”

  “When?”

  “Just a few minutes ago. He was here. The whole experiment backfired, Cath.”

  “You straightened him out, didn’t you?”

  “No…I didn’t get the chance.” Jessica felt worse and worse. She had no one to blame but herself. She’d allowed Cathy to talk her into this crazy scheme, and now she was suffering the consequences.

  Cathy went uncharacteristically quiet. “You’ll talk to him, won’t you?”

  “I…I don’t know. I suppose so.”

  “Good. Explain how you feel, otherwise he’ll go right on thinking you’re not interested.”

  Jessica closed here eyes and groaned.

  “It won’t be hard,” Cathy assured her. “He’s crazy about you, Jess.”

  When her former roommate left a few minutes later, Jessica realized what a good friend Cathy had always been—despite her penchant for theatrics.

  JESSICA CONSIDERED Cathy’s advice for what remained of the weekend and arrived at the office early Monday morning. To her surprise, Evan was sitting at his desk when she walked in. He smiled broadly in greeting. “Good morning, sweet Jessica.” He seemed to be in an awfully good mood. His brown eyes were clear and lively, and his smile was warm. “You’re just the person I was waiting to see.”

  She stowed her purse and moved into his office with a pen and pad, fully expecting him to give her another lengthy assignment.

  “Sit down,” he instructed, motioning her toward a chair on the other side of his desk. He leaned back in his own chair, looking relaxed. “Now tell me something.”

  “Sure.” Her mind was churning with a possible list of requests.

  “I’ve been something of a bad boy around here lately, not pulling my own weight and the like. You know that, don’t you?”

  “I…I’ve only been in the office a short time,” she said, not wanting to speak out of turn. “It’s not for me to say if you have or haven’t been doing your share of the work.”

  “Really, Jess, there’s no need to be shy.”

  “All right,” she said, resenting the fact that she’d been put in this position. “I know you were hurt, but we all face disappointments in life. It’s time to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”

  Evan laughed delightedly, not the least bit offended. “By heaven, I like a woman who can speak her mind.”

  Jessica relaxed and uncrossed her legs. “Was that all?”

  “No.” He tipped back in his chair and rubbed the side of his face while studying her carefully. “There was a time when you were rather…keen on me, wasn’t there?”

  “Yes.” She flushed. “Years ago.”

  “You worshiped me from afar, so to speak.”

  She lowered her gaze and nodded.

  “You’re right about my being disappointed,” he went on. “I felt the need to prove myself. In looking back, I realize how shallow I’ve been. I’m not proud of my behavior these past few months, and I’m hoping to make up for it with the Earl Kress trial.”

  Jessica didn’t know how to comment or even if she should.

  “My father and I had a good long talk this weekend,” Evan added thoughtfully.

  “I understand he’s considering running for the Senate.”

  “Yes, and he’s decided to give it a shot. Damian and I will be spending a fair amount of time working on his campaign. The gist of our conversation was simple. He wants me to get my life straightened out and start dating again.”

  “I think he’s absolutely right,” she agreed readily, assuming Evan was referring to the diplomat’s daughter.

  “Great.” He beamed her a killer smile. “I was hoping you’d feel that way.”

  Jessica blinked, not grasping what he meant. “Why’s that?”

  “Because, my dear Jessie, I’ve decided I’d like to get to know you better. You’re very sweet and a hell of a good worker. Dad reminded me that you were keen on me a few years back, and I’m hoping to capitalize on your affection.”

  “Ah…” Now didn’t seem the appropriate moment to bring up her feelings for Damian. Then again, she’d better before matters got out of hand.

  “I don’t mind telling you,” Evan said before she could speak, “my confidence has been badly shaken. I feel safe and secure with you. Frankly, I don’t know how I’d deal with any more rejection.”

  Six

  “Aren’t you seeing Romilda?” Jessica asked with a sinking feeling. She had to say something, set the record straight, but Evan was studying her with an eager intensity, and coward that she was, Jessica couldn’t make herself do it. “You seemed to get along so well with her at the barbecue, and her political connections might help your father’s campaign efforts.”

  “She’s already returned to Europe.”

  “I see.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, Romilda’s a sweetheart, but she isn’t the one for me,” Evan explained. “I want an old-fashioned girl, who values the same things I do. Mom, home, apple pie—that sort of thing. A woman who knows what’s really important in life. Someone like you, Jessica.”

  Jessica didn’t doubt for an instant that Evan was echoing his father’s words. Maybe the sort of woman he described was right for him, but Jessica wasn’t the one. She was about to explain diplomatically that there was already someone in her life—without telling him who—when he spoke again.

  “I’ve got a ton of work waiting for me this morning, but my parents asked that we meet later, and I thought the five of us could have lunch together.”

  “Five?”

  “Damian will be there, too. Would noon be convenient?”

  “Ah…”

  “Great.” He returned his attention to the papers on his desk. Jessica waited a moment, then got up and went back to the outer office. She felt the blood drain out of her face as she reached her desk and sat down.

  “Is Mr. Dryden here?” Jessica hadn’t been aware of Mrs. Sterling’s arrival.

  Jessica looked up and nodded.

  “But it’s barely nine.”

  “I know,” she murmured.

  “What’s come over that man?” the secretary murmured, unable to disguise her amazement. “Never mind, let’s not question it. I’d rather count my blessings. I was about to lose heart with him. I wa
s afraid Damian had given Evan too much slack the past few months.”

  Jessica managed a weak smile. Mrs. Sterling moved about the office with the efficiency that was her trademark. She brewed a pot of coffee and the aroma of the rich Colombian helped revive Jessica. When the coffee was ready, Mrs. Sterling poured Evan a cup and carried it into his office. Jessica couldn’t hear what was being said, but apparently Evan was in top form, because his secretary returned grinning broadly.

  Jessica sat at her desk, too numb to think clearly. She’d missed her golden opportunity, if indeed there’d been one, to tell Evan she was in love with Damian. Yet it didn’t seem fair to make such a confession to his brother when she hadn’t said a word to Damian. Nor was she convinced Damian felt the same way about her. All she had to go on was Cathy’s faith.

  Her theatrical friend had a tendency to exaggerate, to expand the truth and fill it with an enthusiasm that simply might not exist. Damian was fond of her, Jessica didn’t doubt that, but as for his being in love with her, Jessica couldn’t say.

  There was nothing to do but sit by patiently and wait to see how matters developed. Evan was making this effort for his father; it didn’t mean he intended their relationship to be anything but show. Certainly he wasn’t serious about wooing her. Not when he’d cared so deeply for this unknown Mary Jo.

  The morning passed quickly as they prepared for the Earl Kress trial, slated to begin the following day. The attention generated by the local television stations was sure to spark interest in the law firm and in Evan’s father’s bid for the Senate. In addition, the trial had the potential to affect the outcome of education in school districts across the country.

  Close to noon, Evan emerged from his office, and with a warm smile at Jessica, said to his secretary, “I’m going to steal this lovely one away from you for a couple of hours.”

  Mrs. Sterling nodded approvingly.

  Jessica reached for her purse and stood, hoping this lunch would afford her a few minutes alone with Damian so they could talk. She desperately needed to discuss things with him, to explain what had happened and seek his counsel.

  To Jessica’s disappointment, the opportunity never arose. The three met Evan’s parents at the Hilton. The meal was pleasant and cordial, and everyone seemed to be in a good mood—with the exception of Damian, who practically ignored Jessica. She might have been invisible for all the attention he paid her.

  She decided to make an effort to let her feelings for the older Dryden son be known, and she waited until there was a lull in the conversation.

  “Damian and I were out to Cannon Beach recently,” she announced brightly after their salads were served. Evan’s parents exchanged meaningful glances.

  “From here on out Evan will be the one taking you to the beach, isn’t that right?” Damian said to his brother.

  “You should have said something earlier, Jess,” Evan said, picking up on Damian’s cue. “I love Cannon Beach. We’ll make a point of going there sometime, all right? As soon as the Earl Kress trial’s over.”

  “All right,” Jessica agreed, her heart in her throat. She looked to Damian, who was busy eating his salad. From all outward appearances, it made no difference to him whom she dated. Apparently the idea of Evan’s holding her close while they rode on the roller coaster didn’t trouble him. Not at all.

  After lunch they made their way into one of the meeting rooms on the second level of the hotel, where a news conference was scheduled. There, Walter Dryden, surrounded by his wife and family, announced his intention to run for the Senate.

  Mingling in the audience of newsmen, well-wishers and political-party members, Jessica was able to stand back and view the four Drydens. They were a handsome, wholesome family who believed in the American dream. She admired and loved them, and wished Walter Dryden every success.

  Flashbulbs exploded around her as she wandered to the back of the room. She wasn’t sure why Evan had insisted she attend this affair, other than to reassure his father he’d taken their father-son talk to heart.

  Jessica knew that life was often filled with ironic twists such as this, but why did hers have to be so frustrating? She was pretty sure Evan’s father had put the idea of dating her into his son’s head. And why not? It was well-known she’d once had a crush on Evan. And their families were so close. She was the logical choice, and the fact that she now worked for Evan made it all the more convenient.

  The younger Dryden hoped to enhance his image, assist his father in his campaign efforts and prove he was over a painful relationship. What better way to start than with a woman who’d once had stars in her eyes for him?

  Except that those stars were focused in another direction now. On his older brother. A man who seemed determined to do the noble thing and step aside for his brother.

  For the first time in months, Evan had revealed a willingness to put the past behind him and get on with his life. And Damian believed she was the reason he had. So he would do nothing to change that—even if he did love her himself.

  EVERY DAY for the next week the Dryden name turned up in all the media. The television and radio stations followed the trial, and each afternoon the newspaper carried an account of what had happened in the courtroom. Jessica met Earl Kress the first time in the courtroom and was impressed with the young man’s sincerity. He wasn’t looking to cripple the school system with a huge monetary settlement; instead, he sought changes that would help other athletes. Evan had arranged for a private tutor for the young man. Earl hoped to return to college within a year and work toward a degree in education. His goal was to teach high school students himself.

  The more she learned about Evan’s generosity to Earl, the more impressed she was with the lawyer’s generous heart. Earl had been cheated out of his education, and Evan had made it his mission to make sure this didn’t happen to future generations.

  At the same time, Walter Dryden was making a splash across the various media. It seemed there was a social engagement every night of the week having to do with the upcoming primary. Because of his involvement with the trial, Evan wasn’t expected to attend these functions. For that Jessica was grateful, although she knew Damian had become actively involved in his father’s campaign. She yearned to talk to him, but he seemed to be avoiding her. She rarely saw him, and when she did he was occupied with someone else.

  On Friday the jury convened. Jessica returned to the office, preferring not to wait at the courthouse for the outcome of the trial. Evan had built a strong case and she was confident Earl would win his suit, but waiting for the jury’s verdict was agony.

  The office buzzed with activity, the way it generally did in the afternoons. There was the hum of computers, fax machines and photocopiers, and messengers zigzagged from one room to the next, crowding the hallways. The whole place was filled with an air of expectancy.

  Jessica walked over to her desk, removed her shoes and rubbed her sore toes against her calves. Her muscles ached, and she was mentally and emotionally exhausted. This had been an incredibly hectic week. As soon as she got home, she was going to soak in a hot tub and curl up with a good book. Sleeping until noon the next day held irresistible appeal.

  Mrs. Sterling had left on an errand and Jessica had just slumped down in her chair when Damian strolled into the office. He stopped abruptly when he saw she was alone.

  Jessica froze, her breath trapped in her lungs.

  “Hello, Jessica,” he said stiffly.

  “Hello,” she managed.

  “Where’s Mrs. Sterling?” he asked, recovering first. He was brisk and businesslike, as if he’d never held her in his arms, as if she’d never been more to him than a friend, a casual one at that.

  “Off on an errand,” she answered, then added, “The jury’s still out.”

  “So I understand.” He walked over to Mrs. Sterling’s desk and set a stack of papers in the secretary’s in-basket.

  “Have you been to that Italian restaurant lately?” she asked, desperate to make
conversation. Desperate to remind him of the good times they’d shared—and what had happened afterward. She yearned with all her being that he understood her message—that those times had meant the world to her and that she hoped they’d been important to him, too. She prayed he’d realize how much she missed him.

  “I haven’t dined out lately.” Then he turned abruptly and strode from the room.

  Hurt and angry, Jessica wanted to shout at him to come back. But it wouldn’t have done any good; she knew that. He’d sliced her out of his life without a second thought, and apparently without a single regret.

  About an hour later, Evan burst into the office. He paused just inside the doorway, threw back his head and released a yell loud enough to sway the light fixtures.

  “We did it!”

  Startled, Jessica looked up from her desk. She stood to offer him her congratulations, and Evan rushed to her, lifting her high off the ground and whirling her around. “We won!” he shouted.

  “Evan!” She laughed, bracing her hands on his shoulders. He was spinning so fast she was growing dizzy.

  His cries of jubilation had attracted the attention of others in the office, but Evan didn’t show any signs of releasing her. He set her back down on the ground and, looping his arm around her shoulders, kept her close to his side. Words of congratulations were enthusiastically offered.

  “I couldn’t have done it without Jessica,” he announced to the gathering. “Her research was invaluable. Damian, too,” Evan said, holding his free arm out to his brother. “A man couldn’t ask for a better brother.”

  Jessica was looking at Damian, and whether he’d intended it or not—she suspected he hadn’t—their eyes met. His guard had lowered, and his expression was one of such emotional intensity that nothing could have pulled her gaze from his. In him she read pride, loyalty and devotion. In him she saw that there was nothing on this earth he would do or say to hurt his brother, even at the sacrifice of his own happiness.

  Tears clouded her vision. Gazing into the faces of those around her, she forced herself to smile, forced herself to look as though this was the happiest moment of her life, when on the inside, she’d never felt more miserable.