“You’re hiding something.”
“Nothing of interest to you.”
He gazed at her, purposely keeping his eyes soft and nonthreatening. For years, he’d practiced the art of creating a silence, then patiently waiting for the other person to break it. Just another part of The Game, except this one worked equally well in business as it did with women.
Grinning on the inside like the Cheshire Cat, he tried to imagine what she might tell him. It couldn’t be anything too serious, given her air of naivety and seeming lack of worldly experience.
Her facial muscles seemed to stiffen as guilt and shame chased each other across her features. She pulled her legs close to her body and bent her head so her dark hair fell forward. Huddled in the corner, hiding behind her hair and a pillow, she appeared helpless. Alone.
Perhaps she had a hidden past after all.
Intrigued, he moved to the coffee table, pushing aside a magazine so he could sit in front of her. “What is it, Dani?”
Silence.
“You can tell me.”
She looked up and brushed the hair from her eyes. “Why did you tell me? About Jonah?”
“In case Elizabeth or Tabby mentioned him this afternoon.” He shrugged. “And maybe I just needed someone to hear my side. Someone who wasn’t family.”
“So you told me. A stranger.”
“You’re more than that.”
Surprise brightened her eyes, and he quickly stood. Almost as a defense against the words he hadn’t meant to say, he reached for his phone and checked the screen.
“That missed call was AJ. I’m going to leave you alone again. Sorry.”
“You aren’t afraid I’ll snoop?”
He started at her audacity, then chuckled. “Read a magazine.” He picked up the latest issue of Forbes and handed it to her. “I won’t be long.”
“Do you mind if I get a glass of water?”
“There’s a pitcher in the fridge. Help yourself.”
He headed to his closet, then picked through his large assortment of ties while returning AJ’s call.
“Are you on your way?” AJ asked.
“Hello to you too.”
“Sorry.” AJ audibly exhaled. “Hi, Brett. Thanks for returning my call. Are you almost here?”
“We’re still at my place.” He looped a black-and-silver silk tie over his suit hanger. It perfectly complemented the charcoal gray jacket. “You okay?”
“Shelby had an errand, so I’m alone with two little girls who can’t wait for you to get here. But first they want you to stop by King Karl’s and pick up a ‘p’roni’ pizza, as Tabby calls it.”
“You know, don’t you, that King Karl’s isn’t exactly on the way.”
“I don’t think they do. Besides, they say it’s tradition.”
“Two times.” Brett plopped on the foot of the bed. “Two times I stopped there and now it’s a tradition?”
“Don’t know what to tell you.”
“Are you sure you know what you’re getting into with those little monsters?”
“Only that I can’t wait to find out.”
Jealousy poked Brett’s gut. Like it did any time he thought too much about AJ and his soon-to-be family. He longed for the certainty AJ had that marrying Shelby was part of some divine plan. Inevitable. Perfect.
With his history, a divine plan would mean retribution. His heart being torn in two to repay him for all the hearts he had needlessly trampled. Even more reason, then, for him to guard his affections. To let no one in.
“You’re a lucky man,” he said. “You know that, don’t you?”
“I do.” AJ paused, probably counting his blessings. One, Shelby. Two, her daughters. Three, his own soon-to-be family. “So what about the pizza?”
“Do you think I’d disappoint those two hooligans?”
“Thanks. You know they’re crazy about you.”
“Only because they’re too young to know any better.”
After hanging up, he placed his suit in a garment bag, then packed his dress shoes and a few other things. Though he went through the motions on autopilot, his mind whirled as one thought chased another.
Dani’s question about why he had told her about Jonah poked at a tender spot deep inside him. All he knew was that he’d said an impulsive prayer, then felt a resolve he’d never experienced before.
But he’d only meant to tell Dani of Jonah’s existence.
So why had he poured out the sad, sordid story to her? A woman—little more than a girl herself—whom he’d just met?
It wasn’t his style to share his deepest feelings with anyone. He’d learned not to do that long ago, having been taught by great teachers—his parents. He experienced firsthand how often each one lied to the other. And he was very aware of the deceitfulness implicit in his own relationships. He seldom out-and-out lied to the women he allowed into his life, but he always knew the secret they did not.
A relationship with him was on a countdown clock. Once the time ended, he said good-bye.
With that as his plan, women got access to his wallet but not his heart.
Yet he’d shared something important, something significant, with an unemployed brunette. One with a liberal arts degree, no less.
He zipped up the garment bag. Had no one been around to advise this girl?
After the door closed behind Brett, Dani stretched her legs, then wiggled her toes in the plush carpet and closed her eyes.
The apartment was blissfully quiet, the only sound the purring hum of the refrigerator. A fresh, clean fragrance seemed to fill the room. Despite the emotional upheaval she’d experienced while talking to Brett, she sighed contentedly.
How wonderful it must be to live in a place like this. No sirens waking you in the wee hours of the morning. No rank odors. No creepy-crawly things in dark corners.
She shivered, then headed for the kitchen area. The first cabinet door she opened held stacks of dishes, bowls, and mugs. The next held bottles. She pulled down one that was half-filled with rich amber liquid.
Scotch. The brand her stepdad only bought on holidays. Then downed like water.
Repulsed, she shoved it back onto the shelf next to a delicate glass dish. Intrigued by its etched design, she tilted it forward. A ring slipped from the dish, and Dani fumbled to catch it.
Diamonds surrounded the deep purple gemstone set in a platinum band. Enchanted by the ring’s elegant beauty, Dani slid it on her finger. It was a little loose, but she trapped it in place with her thumb and admired its loveliness. The diamonds sparkled, and she leaned across the counter to see them radiate their fire beneath one of the trio of pendant lights that hung from the ceiling.
Startled by a noise from the hallway, Dani straightened. Brett appeared, and she quickly crossed her arms to hide her hand, then shoved it into her pocket.
“I just talked to AJ,” he said as he laid a garment bag over the back of the sofa. “Apparently we need to pick up pizza.”
“Sounds fun.” She forced her voice to sound casual and hoped he couldn’t hear the pounding of her heart. Or notice that she didn’t have any water.
“According to Elizabeth and Tabby, it’s tradition.”
“Pizza is a tradition?”
“Twice I’ve brought them pizza. Only twice. Apparently now I have to every time I visit.” He gave an exaggerated sigh.
“You know you love it,” she said, her voice remarkably calm considering her pocket was laden with stolen loot.
“You’re right.” His lopsided grin revealed only one dimple. But even that was enough for her breath to catch in her throat.
Especially now that she had unwittingly become a thief. How was she going to fix this?
“Ready to go?”
No, I need you to go away so I can put this ring back where it belongs.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Before we do . . .” He perched on the back of the sofa, his hands resting on either side. “I’ve been thinki
ng that, well, after what I told you, you know, about Jonah, about Meghan.” He stopped and licked his lips.
He’s nervous?
“I’ll understand if you don’t want to hang out or go with me to the banquet. Just say the word, and I’ll take you home.”
“Is this your polite way of getting rid of me?”
“Not at all,” he said hurriedly. “It’s just, now you know something about me most people don’t. I haven’t exactly gone around town shouting out the news I’m a dad.”
“No, of course not.”
“So now that you know the truth about me”—he paused and heaved a sigh—“I probably shouldn’t have told you.”
“I’m glad you did.” And not only because his behavior had been scandalous or because she wanted him to suffer. He’d trusted her with something important. Something personal. She doubted many women could say the same.
Maybe not even the woman who had last worn this amethyst ring.
Her conscience burned as she pushed the ring from her finger and as far into her pocket as it would go. Who did it belong to? Amy? Or an old girlfriend? He’d said he wasn’t seeing anyone, but he could still be in love with someone.
The mystery of the hospital had been solved, but another mystery had taken its place.
And a dilemma.
She shouldn’t have hidden the ring when Brett walked in on her. After all, she hadn’t done anything wrong. But now it was too late. Somehow she had to figure out a way to get the ring back in the dish before he noticed it was gone. Though it didn’t look like she was going to have that opportunity this morning.
With both hands tucked in her pockets, she came around the counter. “I’m ready if you are.”
“You’re not going to ditch me?”
She tilted her head and pretended to scrutinize him. “Not for now.”
Definitely not till this ring is where it belongs.
“Then let’s go.”
– 12 –
Brett maneuvered the powerful Lexus along Glade County’s rural roads as the sun’s heat dried the steaming asphalt. The clearing skies held the promise of a rain-free afternoon. Beside him, the pizza boxes from King Karl’s rested on Dani’s lap. He ran his eyes quickly over her. A little shorter than he preferred, but trim and petite. Even cute.
He risked taking his eyes from the road again for another quick glance. She was looking out the passenger window, apparently lost in thought.
Yep, she was cute. Just not the kind of girl he usually honored with a second look. Let alone invited into his life for an entire weekend.
Rounding a curve, he frowned slightly. If she hadn’t captivated him with her Regina Lampert act at the hospital last night, he wouldn’t have asked her to the movie. But that invitation was more out of his loneliness than any real interest in her.
He cut another glance her way, then concentrated on the road. Not a blonde. Not tall and leggy. Not blessed with an overabundance of a woman’s most enticing asset.
A sudden image of Tracie flashed through his mind. Tracie with her snowy white blouse, purposefully unbuttoned to attract his attention. He’d allowed himself to be seduced. Allowed Tracie to believe she was the sharp-clawed cat when in reality their first kiss had started Brett’s time clock. He allowed her into his life while the weeks counted down until the day came to close off the credit card, toss her out of her job as his receptionist, and move her out of his apartment.
He shifted in the luxurious leather seat, suddenly feeling agitated, and unconsciously accelerated. That breakup had ended worse than most. But it had ended. That was the point.
“How much longer?” Dani asked. Her voice sounded a little panicky.
His thoughts jerked back to the present, and he let his foot off the gas. The vehicle slowed to a more reasonable speed.
“Only a few more minutes. Are you okay?”
She better not get sick in his car. He’d just had it detailed after making the mistake of taking the little monsters through the drive-thru a couple of weeks ago. Who knew two kids could make such a mess eating French fries?
“I’m fine.”
Her knuckles, gripping the pizza boxes, slowly faded from white to their natural color.
Brett found himself wanting to reach out to her, to cover those fragile fingers with his own. But he resisted the impulse. He’d already pushed the limit by embracing her this morning. Hold her hand now, and next thing they’d be “going steady” or some other nonsense.
At least women like Tracie understood the risks they took when they unbuttoned their blouses and unzipped their skirts. They might be angling for marriage, security, the big house and new car when they used their bodies for bait. In their minds, the potential payoff was worth the gamble.
But not a girl like Dani. Even inviting her to meet the family could turn into the anniversary of their first date if he wasn’t careful. Except that their first date had been yesterday. Technically this counted as a second.
Did that mean tonight’s banquet was a third?
He unconsciously sped up again, and Dani grabbed the door handle.
“What’s with you?” she demanded.
“Sorry.” The apology came out as a meaningless grumble.
“Why do you keep speeding up like that?”
“Just thinking.”
“About what?”
“Nothing important.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
He flashed an apologetic smile. “Misty Willow is about a mile up the road, just around the next curve.”
“Why is it called Misty Willow?”
“Don’t know.”
“It sounds poetic. I bet there’s a story.”
“You’ll have to ask Shelby. She knows a lot about her family history. And she likes to talk about it.”
Dani didn’t reply. At least she no longer had a death grip on the pizzas.
“How about you?” Brett asked.
“How about me what?”
“For as much time as we’ve spent together, you haven’t told me much about yourself.”
She slightly hesitated before answering. “Like I said before, there’s not much to tell.”
He feigned interest. “Did you grow up in Cincinnati?”
“Mostly. Then I stayed there for college.”
“For that very useful liberal arts degree,” he teased, then tapped her arm. “Just kidding. I’m sure you’ll have a great career doing something amazingly significant.”
“I would very much like to punch you right now.”
He laughed, then gestured out the windshield. As they rounded the curve, the immense brick home came into view. “This is it.”
Dani leaned forward as far as the seatbelt would let her.
“Impressed?”
“It’s lovely.”
“Shelby has put a lot of work in it. You should have seen it a few months ago.” He pulled into the long drive. As the tires crunched the gravel, he grinned. “AJ bought this gravel for Shelby. Made her so mad. But I guess it turned out to be a good move after all.”
“Why was she mad?”
“Sully hated the place. And before Shelby came along, so did AJ. It’d been empty for a long time, and she blamed him for letting it fall apart.”
“Why did he hate it?”
“Aren’t you the nosy one?”
Her face reddened. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
“It doesn’t take much to make you blush, does it?” Amused at her discomfort, Brett circled the grassy loop at the side of the house and parked near Shelby’s Camry and AJ’s Jeep Cherokee. He turned off the ignition, then faced Dani.
“It’s no big secret. After Meghan disappeared, AJ dropped out of law school and became a high school history teacher. That ruined Sully’s grandiose plans for his favorite grandson becoming the governor of our fair state. So he changed his will. AJ got the farm Sully hated and nothing else.”
Before Dani could reply, a bark sounded from near the house
, followed by high-pitched squeals.
Shelby’s girls, followed closely by Lila, AJ’s creamy Labrador retriever, raced from the patio toward them.
“My little nieces-to-be. Spill-happy Tabby and Bookworm Elizabeth.”
“How are they your nieces?”
“Technically they’re not. But I like the sound of ‘Uncle Brett.’ Besides, AJ is the closest thing I have to a brother.”
He opened his car door, then pretended to fall backward as Tabby pounced on him.
“Let me out,” he growled, grabbing her beneath the arms as he exited the car. After enduring her throat-crushing hug, he swung her around, setting off another squeal.
“Again, again.”
“After I say hello to your sister.” Squatting to eye level, he playfully tugged Elizabeth’s long braid. “How you doin’, Bitsy? Still getting straight As?”
“I didn’t miss any problems on my arithmetic this week. And I read best of anybody,” she boasted, then her smile faded. “Mommy said I shouldn’t brag.”
Brett put his arm around her thin shoulder and rested his chin on the top of her head.
He didn’t like kids. Never had. They were a bother, a pain, an annoyance.
But these two were different. Tabby’s mischievous antics made him laugh. And Elizabeth’s too-serious nature dislodged the stone he had instead of a heart.
He doubted Tabby remembered much of her dad, but Elizabeth did. She had told Brett about her father making up silly stories and the time they’d gone roller-skating, just the two of them.
Brett guessed the memory was so vivid because there hadn’t been enough of those special times. Gary Kincaid had been a law enforcement officer, working long hours, until he was killed in the line of duty.
Sometimes Elizabeth’s chameleon eyes—sometimes green, sometimes blue—held a faraway expression that told Brett she was thinking of her dad, dreaming about a different time in her life. He knew that look. He’d seen it often enough in Amy’s eyes over the years. The look that wished for the past.
He squeezed Elizabeth’s shoulder and whispered in her ear. “It’s never bragging when you tell me, Sweet Pea. I’m going to be your uncle soon, so I have the right to be proud of you.”
When Love Arrives Page 8
