by Jenni James
“Say what you want, but sooner or later, you’ll realize I’m right.”
“Okay, Mom. Can we please behave? Just try not to embarrass me in front of my boss. Please?” She smirked. It was hopeless.
“You’re no fun.”
“Ha! Excuse me for avoiding awkward situations. I kind of make it a rule not to openly humiliate myself if I can.” What was it about moms and their love of embarrassing their daughters?
“Is he okay?”
Eliza opened her eyes and looked over at her mom. “Who? Will?”
“Yes. I’m worried about why you had to rush to Vegas. Is he okay?”
“You know, Mom, it amazes me you can change subjects so quickly.”
“Is that a yes or a no?”
Eliza took a deep breath. “No. He’s not okay.”
“Ah. Anything I can do to help?”
“I don’t know. But let’s keep things low key, please. The less stress he has to deal with, the better.”
“Is this business stress?”
“Good grief. You’re relentless.” Eliza chuckled to take the sting out of her words. “And no, it’s not business. This is all personal.” She turned toward her mom. “And it has nothing to do with me.”
Her mom’s gaze met hers. She searched Eliza’s eyes for a few moments before pulling away and nodding. “Okay. You win. I’ll behave myself. Though you won’t tell me anything, really, and will completely keep me in the dark, I’ll behave.”
“Still not getting it out of me, Mom. This isn’t mine to tell.”
“Well, can’t blame me for trying.”
Eliza shook her head and turned back around, snuggling into the seat. “However, I believe this trip might be a good thing after all.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because maybe after being around Will for so long, you’ll finally feel like strangling him too. Then I won’t have to hear all this nonsense about marriage all the time.”
“Elopement, dear. We’ve upgraded now that we’re in Vegas, remember?”
“Huh.” She closed her eyes again and thought about her dad’s threat. “I take that back. A part of me really has to wonder what he’d look like without legs.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
Will was there as they stepped off the plane, and Eliza’s heart betrayed her by doing the oddest little somersault right in the airport. He was all smiles as he approached and surprised her by collecting her up in a huge hug, his long arms going all the way around her and tucking her in close. Eliza’s hands were each carrying one of Georgia’s bags, so she held her arms out wide.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered in her ear before releasing her.
“I can see that.” Flustered, she turned and gestured toward her mom, whose jaw was nearly on the floor. “This is my mom, Melissa Bennet.”
“So you’re the friend she’s chosen to bring.” He gave Eliza a short look as he collected Georgia’s things. “Let me help you with your bags too, Mrs. Bennet.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” her mom gushed. “Your plane was so comfortable.”
The flight attendant brought up the rear with Eliza’s suitcase.
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Will said to her mom. “But please feel free to call me Will.”
“Of course. And use Melissa for me. Mrs. Bennet was my mother-in-law.”
Will laughed and then turned to the attendant. “Jeff, could you take that to the car for us? Thanks.”
Eliza figured it was time to explain. “It’s my mom’s birthday this weekend, so we were coming to celebrate.”
“Ah, I see.” Will grinned over at her. “I take it you’re turning thirty-five?”
She laughed. “Of course!”
“I thought so.” He turned and winked at Eliza and then asked quietly, “How are you? Did you survive the trip?”
Her gaze met his, and she nodded. “I’m going to assume that my past hour has been much more enjoyable than yours. How’s she doing?”
He glanced over at her mom. “How much have you said to her?” he whispered.
“Nothing.”
Will nodded. “Thank you. Let’s talk when we get Melissa settled in. And then I’ll introduce you to Georgia tonight—that is, if you’d like to meet her.”
“I’d love that more than anything.”
Will paused at the door and let her mother walk past. Then, as Eliza followed, he said, “Good. She’s really excited to meet you.”
“Me?” Eliza looked back as she stepped through the door, and Will allowed it to shut behind him. “Why me?”
As he glanced around the noisy airport, she could’ve sworn he looked flustered. “Why not?” He then focused the rest of his conversation on her mom. “So, what would you like to do while you’re here? You’re the birthday girl. You get to pick.”
Eliza blocked out her mom’s happy chatter as they approached the car. Melissa was in her element, talking to the one person she’d hoped to talk to most. It was time Eliza backed off and allowed those two to finally meet.
“Eliza, would you like to sit in back with Will?” her mom asked.
She looked up. “No, I’m a little tired. You two gab. I’ll ride in front with the driver.”
Will gave her a funny look.
And she grinned. It’d be good for him.
When he turned to her mom, he was all smiles. “That’s right. I’d rather talk to you anyway. I already see Eliza at work all day. So, tell me more about what you’d like to do.”
The hotel was stunning, and Will had clearly spared no expense. Eliza and her mom were set up in a gorgeous two-bedroom suite. It even had its own kitchen, dining room, living room, and balcony.
“This is unbelievable!” her mom gasped as she wandered from room to room.
Even Eliza was a bit taken aback. “Will, this is ridiculous. We only needed a small hotel room.”
He shook his head. “It was nothing, believe me. A gift from the owner.” He wheeled her mom’s luggage into the living room. “Which bedroom do you claim, Melissa?”
“The blue one! I love the contrast with all the brown floral arrangements. It’s so pretty.”
“Very well, the blue and brown one it is.” He followed her mom into the room.
Eliza wandered into the other bedroom and found very elegant gray and yellow décor. The bed looked sumptuous with all its accent pillows. There was a small bowl of fruit and snacks on the nightstand, and bottles of water nearly everywhere.
“Do you like it?” Will asked from her doorway.
She spun around and shook her head in amazement. “I can’t imagine how much this cost.”
“Then stop worrying about it. Besides, I know the owner—he’s returning a favor. Oh, and there’s no charge for anything you eat or drink. It’s all part of the ticket, including room service.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to Eliza. “There’s a bunch of five-dollar bills in there. Use them for tips.”
“Wow. You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you? But really, you don’t need to.”
“One less thing you have to worry about.”
She opened the envelope and gasped. There had to be fifty bills. “This is way too much.”
He waved her off. “It’s no big deal. If you don’t use them all, you can give them back. But for now, don’t worry about it.”
“I can’t even imagine using them all.”
“They go fast, trust me. Let me know if you run out, and I’ll be sure to bring some more down.” He pointed toward the ceiling. “Georgia and I are in the room above yours at the top, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call, and I’ll be here. Or just show up yourself, if you want.”
“So this is where you went off to.” Her mom came in the room and smiled.
“Are you hungry? What are you thinking for dinner?” Will asked her mom.
She looked back and forth between the two of them and then said, “Did I overhear you correctly? Is room
service free?”
“Yes.”
She suddenly let out a big fake yawn and raised a hand to her forehead. “Goodness. I’m a bit wiped out from all the traveling.” She patted her mouth for emphasis. “I think I’d rather take advantage of that jetted tub in my bathroom and order some room service tonight. And probably hit the hay early.”
Good grief. “Mom, you don’t have to stay in.” Eliza wasn’t buying her act one bit.
“Yes, I do. I’m super tired. Don’t worry about me, though. Go out and have some fun.” She waved her hand at the two of them. “I mean it. You both shoo! I’d really like the place to myself.”
Yeah, this wasn’t awkward at all. What if Will didn’t want to hang out with her so long? “I don’t have a problem staying in. I’ve got some emails to catch up on anyway, if you’d rather have an easy night.” She glanced over at Will, giving him a way out if he needed one.
“You work every day. Take the time off. Besides, it’s your mom’s birthday weekend. You have to do what she says.”
“Yeah, he’s right.” Her mom grinned.
Eliza’s eyebrow rose as she placed one hand on her hip. “Oh, really?”
Will looped his arm through Eliza’s and pulled her next to him. “Don’t worry about a thing, Melissa. We’ll have fun tonight, and I’ll bring her back in time to get enough sleep to party all day tomorrow.”
“Perfect.” Her mom actually clapped—the traitor.
Will began to tug on Eliza’s arm as if to take her out the door right then. “Wait, wait. I’m not leaving this hotel room until I’ve changed. So forget it.” She glanced at the clock. “It’s three p.m. now, so—”
“You’ve got until six, and then I’ll come get you,” he said as he headed toward the door. “And Melissa, please let me know if you need anything at all.”
Her mom waved. “I will. Thank you, dear.”
He gave Eliza one final look. “Bye, you two. Eliza, six sharp. Be ready.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
When Will approached the door of Eliza’s suite at six o’clock sharp, he was a nervous wreck. He’d been standing in the hallway for over ten minutes already, since he was a nerd and couldn’t wait another moment and came too early. Of course, it didn’t help that his sister was making him edgy. When he’d told Georgia that Eliza was here, she began to perk up immediately, but when he asked if she’d like to join them for dinner, that darn girl insisted on staying in the hotel room. However, she was so excited to meet her later that night, she ended up changing her outfit three times before he left. Of course, it helped that she finally had some clothes again.
This was it. The breaking point for him. He didn’t understand the building pressure, but he knew something major was about to happen. If anyone could help Georgia get over this awful bump, it would be Eliza. She was the best at fixing any situation—how could she not excel at emotional fixes too?
He wiped his hands on his new jeans and took a deep breath. There was too much riding on this, on Eliza’s willingness to help. What if she failed him? What if she didn’t want to get involved in the drama of an emotionally lost teenager? What if she hated teens? Or what if she was everything he had ever imagined and more, and what if he fell even more in love with her than he already had? Has. Had. Whatever.
The point was—then what? These next couple of days were no longer about desperation—they were literally about his breaking point. How much longer could he last, pretending they were just friends? How much further could his heart stretch before it snapped?
And the worst was—could he handle the rejection a second time? Ugh. Okay. He was way overthinking everything. It must be what a woman feels like, having her brain constantly worrying over things that haven’t even happened. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
There. Breathe. Stay cool. Stay calm. And instead of driving yourself crazy with worry, you should be enjoying this moment right now. And nothing else.
When Eliza opened the door, he inhaled so sharply, he started coughing right in the hallway. Like an absolute moron.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” he sputtered out as he finally got control of his breathing again. “You look really nice, by the way.” He was pretty sure this was the first time he’d ever seen her in a dress. Her hair was curled too. It was different. Softer, more feminine. He liked it.
She looked down. “Thanks. I hope it isn’t too dressy. It was a gift. Casinos aren’t my thing, so I wasn’t really sure what to wear.” Her eyes followed his more casual jeans and buttoned-up shirt.
“No. It’s fine.” He had no idea what other women wore to casinos either, and he was pretty sure he’d still have no idea what they wore by the end of tonight. There was no one else he’d be watching. “Are you ready to go?”
“My mom’s taking a bubble bath, so we can go whenever. I don’t need to say good-bye.”
Eliza was clearly rambling. They probably both sounded like teenagers heading out on their first date. He noticed that her hands shook a bit as she clutched her small purse. She was as nervous as he was. Good. “I thought we might get a bite to eat and then head up to my suite and meet Georgia.”
Her huge smile lit up the whole hallway. “I’d love that. I’m really excited to meet her.”
He couldn’t believe how easily she caused his heart to skip a beat. “She’s got a surprise for you when we come home. I mean, back. When we come back from dinner.” He cleared his throat and looked away. Right.
Eliza giggled and then closed the door behind her. “It sounds wonderful. I love surprises.”
“You do?” He glanced over at the beautiful woman next to him as they began to head down the hall. How he’d love to surprise her daily.
“Yep.” She took a deep breath. “So, where would you like to go? What are you in the mood for?”
“Well, since you’re my date, I thought you should pick.”
She paused. “Is . . . is this a date, then?”
Their eyes met. “I—” Yes. No. Wasn’t it? This is why women are so dang confusing. You have no idea what they’re really thinking. Ever. She looked scared. “Not if you don’t want it to be. We can just hang out as friends. That’s cool too.”
He could see myriad emotions flinging themselves around in that head of hers. She was just as much out of her depth as he was. Will decided to put her out of her misery. “You know what, don’t worry about it. No, it’s not a date. But I’m paying, as a thank you for helping me out. How does that sound?”
She stepped forward in the hallway, still staring right at him.
“Okay?” He was so close, they could almost touch. And yet, she still didn’t say a word to him. If he’d ever wished he had a superhero power, reading minds would be the top of his list. Then again, if he could read her mind, none of this ridiculous angst would exist. This pull of not knowing, of wishing, hoping—yet so uncertain. There was definitely something to be said about the unknown that was completely thrilling.
“You’re arrogant, and you destroy love,” she suddenly blurted out. “You hurt people I care about. And you’re the last man I could ever imagine myself dating.” Then she shocked him by grabbing his shirt, pulling his head down, and kissing him.
Wow, did she kiss him! And kiss him. Is this actually happening? Um—women really needed to come with instruction manuals. Seriously.
After the initial shock wore off, he happily wrapped his arms around her and began to return the kiss, never wanting to release his mouth from those sweet lips again. Heck, if she was all for it, who was he to argue? Wow.
When she finally pulled away—because there was no way on earth it was going to be him—she panted and glared at him. “And don’t ever expect something like that from me again.”
Things just got a whole lot more interesting. He didn’t know where the unexpected confidence came from, but boy, it was refreshing. He grinned. “This is definitely a date.” Elizabeth Bennet may hate his living guts, but she loved him.
He knew that much, even if she didn’t.
“It isn’t.”
“Oh, it is.” He began to walk forward. “You’ve taken away every bit of doubt in my mind. And you’d better believe I’m going to enjoy each second of it.” He held out a hand, which surprisingly, she took, easily slipping her much smaller fingers into his. “Now, you’d better hurry up and choose what’s for dinner, or I’ll pick—and I’ll choose you. Those lips of yours are much too tempting not to try again.”
“You’re impossible.” Clearly flustered, she looked away, but he could see her stifling a grin.
He nudged her shoulder with his. “You know you loved it.”
She rolled her eyes and picked up the pace. “Just as much as I love spiders.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Eliza was in way over her head. She knew it as soon as Will mentioned they were on a date. Did he still like her? Was he trying to string her along so he could dump her later? Get her back for rejecting him? And then to kiss him! What in the world was she thinking? He’d been smiling at her ever since. It was strange and different and completely terrifying to find herself wanting to see where this went, to see how long they could actually get along.
She’d decided on seafood, and he took her to a pretty posh restaurant. She could tell they had their freshly caught fish imported every day. And the atmosphere, while casual, had a certain flair and opulence to it.
The waiter took them to a secluded booth and then placed a menu on the table that displayed no prices, which, from her experience, meant this place was very, very expensive. One day, she’d have to take Will out for a hot dog and hamburger just to see what he’d do with normal food.
“You certainly repay favors well,” she said as she nodded toward the menu.
He looked a bit worried. “It is too much? Would you rather go to someplace like Red Lobster or something?”
“It is too much.” She shrugged. “But I’m okay. We can definitely eat here, as long as I never know how much it actually cost.”
