The reality of that thought settled in. She had a date tonight. A date with Adrian Bear.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ADRIAN MADE HIS WAY TO the door. He could tell he was making Goldie uncomfortable and decided it was best to leave before he stuck his foot any further into his mouth. “The event starts at seven,” he said. “That should give you plenty of time to get ready.”
“Are you sure about this?” She sank onto the edge of the bed. Her hair was so long it touched the bedspread.
He wanted to put her at ease. He had made a bit of a mess of things after his conversation with his mom. It was a good thing Goldie had gone along with the girlfriend suggestion. He’d been worried she’d eat him alive for not discussing it with her first. Danica would have, for sure. “Positive. You’re doing me a favor, remember?”
“The fundraiser sounds fancy.”
“Is that going to be a problem?”
She glanced at her duffle bag with a hint of exhaustion. She did look tired, but she seemed to be smiling through it. “Not if you’re okay with me showing up in jeans.”
Dang it. Black tie. He’d forgotten she’d need something nice to wear. “You don’t have a dress?”
“I wasn’t planning on anything like this,” she said. “I was going to hang out with my aunt, sightsee, and kick back in yoga pants.” She plucked at her leggings and T-shirt. He’d forgotten she was in the same clothes she’d slept in. The same clothes she’d worn the day before.
“I’m sure my mom can help you find something.” The minute he said the words, he regretted them. “Because that wouldn’t be awkward at all.”
Goldie gave off a small laugh, but she stood, reached for her bag’s handle, and lifted it from the bed. “I’m not sure this is going to work. Thanks for the offer, but I’ll just make my way back to town. I’ll just head back to my aunt’s house—maybe she’s back from wherever she went—”
Adrian sidestepped her before she made it to the door. “My mom thinks I’m destined to marry Danica. If you go now, you subject me to a night of pretending I have anything in common with her at all.”
“As opposed to pretending you have something in common with me?” Goldie suggested. Her eyes flashed with amusement.
“That’s just it. I know Danica. I’ve known her my whole life, and I know exactly how much we have in common. You, though. You’re a mystery. You have a life I know nothing about.”
Goldie lowered her bag to the floor with what he hoped was submission. He took in the length of her lashes and the way they made her eyes pop. “You say that like you want to know me.”
“What if I do?” He couldn’t believe he was saying this. What was it about this woman that made him throw logic out the window? What would she say? Would she give him a chance, or call him out for the Crazy he’d been since he’d met her?
“If you really don’t want to be here, I’ll stop insisting,” he said. “If you want, I’ll help you take your bag out to your truck, and we’ll leave it at that. No hard feelings, no harm done.”
She visibly swallowed. He could tell this was taking her some thought, which meant she had to be feeling something like the way he was. He was curious about her. He was interested in her. He’d never felt this way with a woman he’d just met. Love at first sight had always been laughable to him before, and it wasn’t as though he was considering himself in love with her. Nothing like that.
It was the undeniable pull she had for him.
“A date won’t hurt. And I do appreciate not having to pay for a hotel room. This trip has cost me enough as it is.” She grimaced as though chastising herself for admitting as much.
He didn’t mind that money was tight for her. It was that way for a lot of people, and tacked on another reason he was glad he’d offered to help her out.
“What if we call my sister-in-law about a dress?” he suggested. “Kimmy is great, and she might have something you can wear.”
“I’d feel more comfortable with that, thanks.”
“Just give me a second.”
Adrian turned and texted his brother. He wasn’t quite sure what to say, so he told him his date was in from out of town and needed something to wear.
Can Kimmy help?
The response came within seconds. Kimmy is on it!!
Adrian smiled. His sister-in-law often took Chase’s phone to reply, and Adrian always knew when it was her. Chase never used that many exclamation marks.
Time?
Adrian glanced at Goldie. “Does now work?”
Goldie gave a slow blink and suppressed a yawn behind her hand. “I’ve got nothing better to do. I wouldn’t mind a quick nap before tonight though.”
Travel usually made him tired as well. Part of him felt guilty for not considering that when he’d invited her out with him. He’d given her the chance to bow out, though, and she hadn’t taken it.
“You should have time for that,” he said before tapping his reply to Kimmy.
Now is good. She’s here at the B & B.
He tucked his phone into his pocket. “She’ll be here in a few minutes.”
***
Goldie stared at Adrian in confusion. His sister-in-law would be here in a few minutes? “It took fifteen to get out here,” she said.
“Yeah, the family all live here. There, actually.” Adrian sauntered to the window and pointed at the glass. Two houses were nestled beyond the barn. “My mom and Jordan sleep at the farthest one. The other is Kimmy and Chase’s.”
Goldie couldn’t imagine wanting to live this close to her parents. Even though she’d gotten a job teaching in the same town, she’d opted for an apartment on the opposite end of town and only visited her parents on holidays or when she was guilt-tripped into it.
A car pulled into the wide gravel lot. “There she is,” Adrian said.
Unease stirred Goldie’s stomach. “Wow, that was fast.”
“We’d better head down. Ready?”
Was she? “Sure.”
Jordan was sitting lazily behind the reception desk when Goldie and Adrian approached a few minutes later, talking on his phone this time. He barely glanced up when the third Bear brother entered through the front door, wearing a flannel shirt open over a T-shirt and jeans, and a swooping cowboy hat.
Goldie had to remind herself not to gape at him. What was with this family’s genetics? They hit the jackpot as far as looks went. This brother had similar features, though his face was a tad narrower than Adrian's and Jordan’s, and his nose was different.
“Goldie, this is my brother, Chase.”
Chase tipped two fingers to his Stetson before he removed it and inclined his head in her direction. “Nice to meet you. You’re from Wisconsin?”
Goldie stiffened. How much had Adrian told him?
“Saw your plates,” he said, crooking an elbow in the direction of the door. A slim woman entered behind him, trailed by two young girls no higher than their mom’s waist. “This is Kimmy and our girls, Lacey and Lizzie.” The two little girls giggled and hid behind their mom’s legs. Kimmy was pretty, bronze-skinned, and so smiley Goldie couldn’t help but return it.
Chase turned to Adrian. “I can’t believe you brought a girl home. Does Mom know?”
“She does now.”
“What about—?” Chase cut off at an elbow to the ribs from his wife.
“I’m Kimmy,” she repeated, nudging Chase aside and jutting her hand in Goldie’s direction. “I hear you need a dress.”
“I—if that’s okay.”
Kimmy fluttered her lips. “Are you kidding? Come on, I have several. You can look them over.”
Adrian was captured again in conversation with his brothers. Attention diverted, Goldie tucked a hair behind her ear and followed her out.
“We’re going!” Kimmy called over her shoulder. “I’m leaving the girls.”
Chase waved his agreement. Kimmy led her down the porch. Goldie expected to drive, but Kimmy trekked across the dirt path toward the barn.
Birds chirped, and the faint smell of hay and horse manure wafted as they passed.
“Are you from here?” Goldie asked.
“Born and raised,” Kimmy said. “Chase and I were high school sweethearts.”
“Have you heard of Bethany Harold?”
“Harold,” Kimmy repeated pensively. “Harold. It doesn’t sound familiar, but I don’t know everyone in town. It’s a small place, but not that small. Here we are.”
She offered a hand toward the first of two homes settled in beside the other. Goldie followed Kimmy in through a side door that led into the garage. A laundry room greeted them, the floor scattered with tiny shoes and toys.
The interior was similar to what Goldie had come to expect. High-end, luxurious, and cozy. Unlike the main house, it wasn’t as tidy. Toys continued a scattered path across the carpet as they went from one room to another. Dolls and their clothes, stuffed animals, books. It brought a smile to Goldie’s lips.
“My dresses are all in here.” Kimmy guided her along a brief hallway and into what appeared to be the master bedroom. While Goldie wondered about entering such a private, personal space, especially for someone she didn’t know, the same thought apparently didn’t cross Kimmy’s mind.
“That man hasn’t taken me anywhere fancy in a long time. It’s about time he gave me an excuse to buy something new.” She smirked as she opened the door into the largest closet Goldie had ever seen. Organization was clearly something Kimmy was good at, with Chase’s shirts and pants and shoes in precise order on one side, and dresses, shirts, and other clothing on the other.
“What about this one?”
She offered her a coral dress that Goldie wasn’t sure about, brandishing it on its hanger as though she were an employee in a store. It was pretty, but Goldie wasn’t a fan of the mermaid style. She’d never actually worn anything like it, but she imagined the skirt clinging to her legs. Movement couldn’t be as comfortable as it would in something a little more generous.
At Goldie’s lack of enthusiasm, she slipped it back into place with an, “Ooh, I have it. I wore this one a few years ago.” She displayed the dress against her own body, holding the hanger just below her chin. It was ivory satin, with an embroidered bodice and a flowing skirt.
Goldie’s interest mingled with relief. “That one is exquisite,” she said.
“Here,” Kimmy told her, pointing to the bathroom door to Goldie’s left. “You should try it on.”
She practically skipped to the indicated door, closed and locked it, and began to change.
She’d never worn anything like it. The fabric was like silk against her skin. The skirt flowed with each movement, and one sleeve hung just off her left shoulder. This was exactly the kind of dress Goldie had imagined wearing in her days of pretend, of princesses and play. This was her childhood fantasy come to life before her eyes.
“Do I get to see?” Kimmy asked through the door.
Tentatively, she stepped out, loving the dress more with every step. Goldie had never gone to prom; she’d never gone to anything that might be in the neighborhood of fancy. Wearing a dress like this was an entirely new experience, and she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips.
“You look amazing in that one,” Kimmy said. Her lips bloomed into in an appreciative grin, her eyes alight.
“I love it,” Goldie said, swaying from one side to the other. “Are you sure you don’t mind me wearing it?”
“Are you kidding? Not at all. Come on, I think I’ve got some earrings you can borrow, too. What size shoe are you?”
After helping Goldie get fully outfitted, Kimmy drove her up the road back to the big house, as she called it. She said she didn’t want to carry the dress all that way, since it didn’t have a bag anymore. Kimmy chattered the entire time, which put Goldie at ease and helped her warm up to the other woman.
“I’m glad Adrian found someone like you, you know? He’s been so secluded from the family for so long. It’s sad that his dad’s passing had to be the impetus to bring him all the way back here, but now that he is, I think he’s having a hard time leaving again, between you and me.”
The admission was an electric shock. “His dad died?” With the way Adrian had referenced him, Goldie assumed Mr. Bear was still around, off doing something on the ranch or something.
“Six weeks ago,” Kimmy affirmed. “That’s why this fundraiser is such a big deal this year. It might be the last one they do, unless the three Bear brothers can get things together and help their mom keep it up.”
Remorse struck Goldie. No wonder Adrian’s mom had seemed less than pleased he’d brought a girl home. She was probably still grieving the loss of her husband. Her tentative plan to bake something for Mrs. Bear solidified. She would definitely do it.
Other guests were removing suitcases from an SUV in the lot. Kimmy pulled up beside them, letting the car idle.
“This was seriously awesome of you,” Goldie said. “Thanks for letting me borrow the dress.”
“You’re welcome,” Kimmy said with a secretive smirk. “I can’t wait for Adrian to see you in it.”
Goldie’s cheeks heated. She did her best to deflect the attention and pointed to a pair of girls riding horseback in one of the corrals.
“Do they offer horseback riding lessons?”
“That’s one of the perks for guests who come here. The Bears have added all kinds of trails. You should have Adrian take you while you’re here.”
Horseback riding was yet another thing she hadn’t ever done. Goldie was starting to realize just what a sheltered life she’d been leading.
She wasn’t here to go horseback riding, though. She had to focus on why she’d come. With a wave and a smile, she thanked Kimmy and carefully carried the dress inside and up to her room.
The remaining hours passed slowly. Goldie spent the time the best that she could, choosing to keep to her room. She hung up the dress and lay on the bed, grateful for some time to detox and think things over. There were only so many last-minute changes she could handle. Traveling in itself was exhausting. Add in getting lost, sleeping in some random guy’s cabin, and being invited home by him, and she was downright couch potato material at the moment. Never mind the fact that he made her pulse race and had asked her on a date with him.
After waking from a brief but restful nap, Goldie still couldn’t believe everything that had happened. The thought alone cranked her heartrate up all over again. A date with Adrian. Posing as his girlfriend. What should she expect that evening?
CHAPTER EIGHT
GOLDIE CHECKED HER EMAIL SEVERAL times, trying both to distract herself and to contain the frustration that her aunt still hadn’t replied. Where was she? Why hadn’t Aunt Bethany said anything since Goldie left Wisconsin?
The hours crept by, and it finally seemed time to start getting ready. Goldie showered, dried her hair, and slipped into the dress. It was like feathers against her skin. She stood straighter, her shoulders intuitively leveling. Her legs seemed longer, her waist thinner. What was it about the perfect dress that seemed to shift her jagged pieces into place?
She wasn’t sure what to do with her hair. After trying a few things, she decided to twist it into a braid—it was too long for anything else—and then pinned the braid back and forth at the base of her neck. A nervous glance at her phone told her it was nearly seven.
Goldie refrained from giving in to the desire to wipe her palms against her sides. As nice as this place was, as friendly as Adrian had been, she still held reservations about staying here. It won’t last, she told herself. She’d hear from her aunt by tomorrow and she’d be out of their hair. Feeling the matter was settled, she clenched her stomach muscles against the butterflies building there and made her way downstairs.
Soft chatter greeted her as she descended. Several guests milled in their various groups. Some gentlemen in cowboy boots and hats, ready to enjoy the sunset. Others in more stylish attire clustered in conversation at the base of the stairs. Goldie’s
heart hammered when she realized one of them was Adrian.
Two people stood with him, but with his dark hair slicked back, his face clean-shaven, and the tux cutting him with precision, it gave him the effect of a spotlight. She had a hard time looking anywhere else.
“I’m only saying it’s unusual,” Mrs. Bear could be heard. Goldie yanked her attention away from Adrian long enough to see she was in a stunning black gown with a full, ruffled skirt. “Where did you say you met her?”
Adrian began to answer when the teenage version of himself, Jordan, smacked his shoulder, drawing his attention. Together, the two of them stared at up her.
Goldie squirmed inside. She’d made herself the center of attention—or rather, the stairs had. The three Bears were watching her descend, and she suddenly wished they’d look somewhere else. Anywhere else. She could hardly move in the shoes Kimmy had lent her. She supposed she could kick them off to make her way down easier. This was taking far too long.
Adrian’s brows lifted in appreciation. He took a step toward her as she reached the bottom step. “You look amazing,” he said.
His brother’s forehead crinkled. “Isn’t that Kimmy’s dress?”
Adrian shook Jordan’s shoulder. “Perceptive, aren’t we?”
“I’m just borrowing it,” Goldie said, attempting to brush away their attention.
“Are you a spy?”
Goldie nearly stumbled.
“Seriously?” Adrian sounded like he wanted to smack his brother. Mrs. Bear only watched with curiosity.
“What?” Jordan said, lifting his hands. “This is the kind of thing spies do. Show up unannounced, looking smoking hot in a borrowed dress.”
Mrs. Bear coughed as though she was choking on a drink.
“Yes,” Goldie said, her cheeks scorching. Smoking hot was going a bit overboard, especially from a sixteen-year-old. She did her best to deflect the praise. “I’m a spy out to steal all your family’s secrets.” She added a laugh. “What do you think?”
Goldie And The Billionaire Bear (Once Upon A Billionaire Book 1) Page 5
