All Bets Are On

by Cynthia Cooke

  Monique walked back into the room followed by Trudy, the head maid, Elaine, the head cook, and Louis, the head gardener.

  “What can we do for you?” Monique asked.

  He paused when he realized he didn’t know how to refer to Jaclyn. His soon-to-be wife? Did he want to marry her? He just didn’t know. What if she refused to marry him? Hell, he wasn’t even sure she liked him. The mother of his child? He decided not to chance it. “A friend of mine is going to be coming to stay with us for a while.” At least he hoped she would agree.

  “Which guest room should we get ready?” Monique asked, covering her surprise well. In all Derek’s years of living here, he’d never brought a woman home, not for a visit, and certainly not to stay.

  “The big suite next to mine. What’s more, she’s going to have a baby so we will need a nursery set up next to her room.”

  “A baby!” Monique clapped her hands together, her face filling with happiness. “This is very exciting. Do we know yet if it’s going to be a girl or a boy?”

  “No, not yet.” He turned to the gardener. “Louis, have your crew work on the yard. Sculpt some of the bushes into animals. Order a merry-go-round. A playground, and anything else a child would like.

  “Yes, sir.” Even Louis looked happy. Excitement filled the house for the first time in he didn’t know how long. As he caught their fever, he realized what had been missing from his life.

  A child.

  A wife.

  A family.

  He wanted that. And he wanted it with Jaclyn. He just hoped she wanted him.

  And if she didn’t?

  He’d have to make sure she did. He thought back to her words earlier and realized there was a very good chance she wouldn’t. It didn’t matter whether she did right now or not. Derek never backed down from a challenge. And one thing Jaclyn had been from the moment he laid eyes on her was a challenge.

  …

  As soon as Derek left her house, Jaclyn turned on the computer. It only took thirty minutes for her to see how truly wealthy and powerful he and his family were. Beyond what she could have ever imagined. He wasn’t kidding. She and her child could easily be targeted. But she wouldn’t let that fact alone drive her out of her home. When she moved in with a man, she wanted it to be because they loved each other, and because they wanted a future together. Derek wasn’t that man.

  He could be that man, a small voice whispered. She immediately quashed it. First things first, she needed to save her foundation. She took another shower, then got dressed to head to the bank and the lawyer’s office. No reason to give Derek another reason to come by the house. She needed distance from him. Needed to be on her own and think.

  On her way to the bank, she called Trish.

  “What’s up girlfriend,” Trish said, her voice upbeat and happy. Just hearing her, Jaclyn wanted to believe it was a mistake, that her closest friend in the world wouldn’t do this to her.

  “We’re having some problems with our accounts. Can you meet me at the bank?”

  “Problems? What kind of problems?” Trish asked, her voice instantly filled with concern.

  “I really don’t want to go over it on the phone. It won’t take long, I promise.”

  “All right. When?”

  “Twenty minutes?”

  “Seriously?”

  “If you want, we can get lunch after,” Jaclyn offered, knowing there was no way she felt up to eating, and certainly not after what she had to say to Trish.

  “Fine. Bribe me with sushi and I’ll be there.”

  “See you soon.” Jaclyn hung up the phone and on her way to the bank, tried to come up with the best way to handle the situation. She had her printouts of the ledgers with her, and the lawyer’s paperwork. Jaclyn would no longer go through life with blinders on. She would rather know the truth up front and deal with it. The truth about Trish, and the truth about Derek. Whatever that may be.

  She parked in front of the bank and waited for Trish to arrive. Shortly afterward she pulled up, looking like she walked out of glamour magazine. So much time, effort, and money spent on her appearance. The big question was, was it foundation money?

  Jaclyn handed her the lawyer’s papers first, laying them on the hood of Trish’s car.

  “What is this?”

  “Dissolution of our partnership papers. I want you out of Safe Haven.”

  Trish’s mouth opened in disbelief. “What?”

  “After you sign those, we’re going into the bank and signing new signature cards. I want you off the accounts.”

  Tears instantly shimmered in her Kerry blue eyes. “Why?”

  Jaclyn didn’t trust herself to speak. She wouldn’t give in and feel sorry for her. She was an adult, she knew better. She laid the evidence next to the lawyer’s papers. “You stole over forty-five thousand dollars from our foundation. I expect it back within the week.”

  “Jaclyn, I—”

  “I don’t care why. I don’t want to hear it. What I want to do is salvage what’s left of the foundation and keep you out of jail. Maybe, if we’re damned lucky, we can get the money back into the accounts and clean up the books before the auditors come in and tear our lives apart.”

  Trish looked at her, her eyes swimming in shame. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Tell me you’ll get me the money. I really don’t want to see you go to jail.”

  “I never would have done this without him…” Trish glanced away.

  “What I don’t get is how easily you could have thrown away all we’ve worked so hard for,” Jaclyn said bitterly.

  Tears shone in Trish’s eyes. “Robert needed money, and I wanted to help. But his troubles just kept on coming. He promised he’d pay me back, and soon, so that we’d never miss the funds.”

  “But obviously we did as soon as we tried to buy supplies.”

  “I’ll get it. I promise,” Trish said, her lower lip trembling. “If not from Robert, then from my parents. I promise.”

  Jaclyn hoped she was right for all of their sakes. She stiffened her resolve and handed her a pen. “Sign here. The bank manager is waiting for us.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Derek pulled up in front of Jaclyn’s house to pick her up and take her to his home. Hopefully, she’d come with him willingly. He wanted to show her what life could be like if she’d just give them a chance. He knocked on the door.

  No answer.

  He rested his hand on her doorknob and a picture of her at the bank came to his mind. Trish was sitting next to her, signing papers, tears rolling down her cheeks. He blew out a sigh of relief.

  She was fine. Taking care of her business and would be back soon. So, he’d wait. He sat in one of the chairs on her porch, and as he looked around at her rocking chairs, complete with floral pillows and the multitude of plants and flowers, he knew without a doubt she would love it at his house. All he had to do was get her there, and hope she’d give it a chance. Give him a chance.

  He didn’t want to fight with her, and he didn’t want to persuade her. But, make no mistake, he’d do what he had to, to get her out to his house. Not long afterward, she pulled up. He stood, and she reluctantly got out of the car. She looked tired, her face strained. He felt an immediate rush of protectiveness, and stepped toward her.

  “Derek, I thought you were going to—”

  “Just give me a chance.”

  “I’m tired.” She tried to walk past him.

  “I know. Let me take care of you.” He took her by the shoulders, and looked down into her eyes. They were wary and guarded. “I know you’ll love my home. It’s just what you need to rest and relax. My people will pamper you. But more than that, you will be safe there. And your safety must come first and foremost.”

  “I can’t do this now, Derek. I’ve had a rough day.”

  “Come on.” He smiled. “I’ll bet you whatever you want, you’ll love it there.”

  “Another bet?”

  “How about a st
eak for Rufus.”

  “A steak? No wonder he loves you.” She stepped past him. “I’m sorry, Derek.”

  He hadn’t wanted to do this, but the woman was making his life way too difficult. He stepped forward and put his hand on her arm.

  She turned back to him, her eyes wide with annoyance.

  He stared into her eyes and mentally pushed. You want to come home with me. You want to see my house. Her eyes glazed over, and without saying a word, she let him lead her toward his car. He hated to coerce her that way, but the stubborn woman had left him no choice. She was carrying his child and she would see his doctor. She would let him take care of her.

  He drove back to the car dealership, parked, and together they entered the building. As he passed his office, he saw that Deirdre still hadn’t returned from her little trip. He couldn’t help grinning as they walked down the hall and entered the back closet.

  “You’re taking me to a closet?” It was the first words she’d spoken to him. The trance was already wearing off.

  He reached forward and opened the door into his dominion, and they stepped through into the parking garage and toward his Austin Healy.

  “Another car?” she sounded confused.

  “Yep.”

  “Is this parking garage beneath the car dealership?”

  “Something like that.”

  They got into the car and drove out of the garage. She looked around her, seeming more confused by the minute.

  “Where am I, Derek?”

  “We’re going to see the doctor. Remember?”

  “No. I…” She blinked. “Why doesn’t it look like we’re in Florida anymore?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Rolling hills? The FL in Florida is for flat. And where is the ocean? The traffic? The palm trees?”

  “You got me,” he admitted. “We’re not in Florida anymore.”

  “Then where are we?”

  “Paradise.”

  Minutes later, he drove through the iron gates and into his estate. “This is where I live. Where I hope you’ll want to live with me.”

  Jaclyn looked around her as the strange feeling of lethargy lifted. She didn’t remember agreeing to go with Derek anywhere, and yet here she was. These pregnancy hormones were really throwing her for a loop. But still, where was this? Wherever she was, it was beautiful, tranquil, and picture postcard perfect. She felt like she was in the middle of Kentucky or on a horse farm in Tennessee. Not that she’d ever been to either of those places, but if she had, this was how she imagined they would be. But she didn’t want to be here now, and she certainly didn’t want to be here with Derek.

  “Derek, I don’t feel so well. Can you please take me home?”

  “What’s wrong?” He continued driving, following the small country road through a grove of giant oaks and around a good-sized lake. In the distance there was a large barn with horses grazing in a nearby pasture. He parked in front of a stunning two story Southern home with double verandah’s stretching across both floors. “Nauseous?”

  “No. I’m just lightheaded.”

  “Come inside. I’ll get you some hot tea and something to eat.”

  Not having the strength or the inclination to fight him, she got out of the car. “This is your house?”

  “Are you surprised?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why? What did you expect?”

  She looked at him, one brow cocked. “You? An ultra modern penthouse in the center of Miami.”

  “That’s where Deirdre and my mother live. I like fresh air. Animals. Nature. And most of all, being able to see the stars at night.”

  Nature did look good on him. He seemed at home here, relaxed, comfortable. She could easily picture him in boots and jeans with a cowboy hat on his head. She sighed. “Well, I must admit, you are a surprise a minute.”

  “You have no idea.” He smiled, an intimate smile that made her feel it was only for her. But she knew better, even if her heart didn’t. She couldn’t understand why she wasn’t more upset with him. Or how she even agreed to come here. The last thing she remembered was telling him she wanted to rest. Somehow he’d gotten her to do exactly what he’d wanted. Again.

  “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?” she asked.

  “It means I never want to be too predictable.”

  “You certainly aren’t.”

  He looked pleased and led her through the massive doors and into the house that was both grand and welcoming at the same time. “I consider that part of my charm.”

  She couldn’t help smiling at that. Yes, he was oozing charm.

  As they quickly walked through, she looked around the house; it was warm and decorated exactly to her tastes. Masculine, yet feminine at the same time. Elegant, but not untouchable. Yes, she could love it here. Not that she’d let him know that. “I’m not sure exactly how I got here, but I really should get going. Your house is beautiful. Thanks for showing it to me.”

  “Just give me ten minutes. We need to talk and you need to eat.”

  She supposed he was right about that. “All right.” Reluctantly, she followed him out onto the back terrace where a table was set up for them. Next to the table was a sideboard overflowing with fruit, pastries, cheeses and rolls, and an assortment of meats.

  “Are you having a party? She asked.

  “No.”

  “This is all for us?”

  “My staff was very excited by your visit.”

  She looked around her. “Your staff? I haven’t even seen anyone.”

  “Would you like to meet them?”

  She shook her head. “No, let’s get to it. I should get home.”

  Her mouth watered as she loaded up her plate. She couldn’t believe she was going to eat all this after feeling so sick all day. Suddenly, she was starving and food never looked so good. There was a quiche, exotic meats and cheeses, shrimp and grits, and banana pudding. Devine. She sat and watched the sunlight sparkle off the blue water of a large saltwater pool surrounded by intricate boulders piled high to form an enticing waterfall.

  “I think that is the most beautiful pool I’ve ever seen,” she said.

  “Perhaps later we can go for a swim.”

  “Tempting, but I didn’t bring a suit.”

  He winked. “You don’t need one. I won’t mind.”

  Images of warm water, slick skin, and her hands on his incredible body pushed into her mind. Immediately she closed her eyes, hoping to block them, but to no avail. Whether she liked it or not, he’d awakened something in her. Something she couldn’t turn off. “Perhaps you should just say what you brought me here to say.”

  “All right. I’d like to know how you feel about the baby.”

  She immediately stiffened. She was still having a hard time believing there even was a baby. “What do you mean?”

  “Do you want it?”

  “Yes, of course.” Her answer was automatic. She didn’t even have to think about it. Yes, if it was true, it wasn’t planned. Yes, it would be hard. But this child, any child, was a blessing and she would love it with all her heart. His face, filling with relief, surprised her even more. “I know the timing’s not right and the circumstances aren’t…ideal. But I love children, and I’ve always wanted to have some, someday.” She leaned forward catching his eye. “And I want you to know, I’m not after your money. I didn’t plan this.”

  “My money? I never thought you were.”

  “Your sister suggested—”

  He blew out an annoyed breath. “My sister loves nothing more than to make my life miserable. Do both of us a favor and ignore her.”

  She instantly relaxed. “Gladly.”

  He took a long drink of his coffee. Sunlight glistened off his hair and highlighted his eyes. No one should have eyes that beautiful. No one she’d ever met had. She hoped their child would have his eyes. His smile. His laugh… She immediately pushed the thoughts away. She had to take this slow. Very slow.

  “I t
hought after seeing my home, you might consider moving in here with me. You could have your own suite upstairs. There is no pressure. I just want to make sure you are both safe and well cared for.”

  “I appreciate that, but like you said, we don’t know each other very well.”

  “What better way to get to know each other than to live together?”

  “What’s the hurry? We have nine months to get to know each other. Don’t we?”

  A shadow passed through his eyes. “Perhaps. But time moves quicker than you think.”

  “And once the baby is born? Am I to stay here, locked away in my suite upstairs for the rest of my life?”

  His mouth opened, but nothing came out.

  “Obviously you haven’t thought that far ahead.”

  He pushed his plate away. “Listen, I come from a very wealthy and privileged family, and there are people out there who could want to hurt you or the baby. I’m just worried about your safety in Miami. There have been…problems in the past.”

  His words sent a chill to her heart.

  “There must be a different way, Derek. A better way. I can’t stay here.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  After they finished eating, Derek could see Jaclyn was starting to get antsy, boxed in. And he didn’t blame her. “Would you like to go see the horses?” he asked.

  “You have horses?” Her eyes instantly lit up.

  “I do, and I haven’t been spending enough time with them lately. I’d like to stop in and check on them.”

  Her smile was instant and genuine. Finally, he hit the mark. Now to capitalize on it. They walked, sided by side, off the back deck and around the front of the house toward the stables. “I have a golf cart we can take if you don’t feel up to the walk.”

  “That’s all right. I’m feeling better,” she said, looking out over the pond as they passed it. He’d stocked it with fish, and there was a wooden pier that jutted out over the water where a lawn chair sat waiting for him. “Your home is truly amazing.”