“I can’t say, but I can attest to the fact Leo’s not the kind of guy to steal.”
“Even if he wants me to leave?”
Seth thought about it. “Yeah, even then. His edges are a little rough since losing his wife, but he’s been through a lot. At his core, he’d do anything for those close to him. His work means everything and wanting you out of here is all about his book. Not personal.”
She considered the endorsement and the morsels of his past she’d seen around the house. “What happened to his wife?”
Seth frowned. “Died of cancer. Only a few months after she was diagnosed. The same year his book got the Pulitzer Prize.”
“How awful.” Rose’s eyes watered, surprising because she hadn’t shed a single tear for herself lately. Staying strong was all she’d had. But a losing a loved one hurt. A hurt she understood.
Seth pressed her hand in his large ones. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Good morning.” Leo entered, his gaze focused on their hands, his jaw muscle flexed tight. “Looks like someone mastered the coffee pot.”
Rose pulled her hands away from Seth and her cheeks burned. Guilty of nothing, and yet Leo’s reaction made her feel plenty uncomfortable. “Yes. Much better than my first attempt.”
Leo nodded and the tenseness around his eyes slowly disappeared.
“It’s delicious.” Seth winked at Rose. “I think Emma handles that old percolator better than you do.”
“Of course you do.” Leo glanced to the counter, his gaze drifting from the coffee maker to the mugs she’d left out. He walked over, picked one of them up, and gave her a gentle smile.
Susan padded in wearing a kimono-like bathrobe, hemmed to just above the kneecap of her long, lovely legs. “Morning all.”
If she’d slept, it must’ve been motionless, because her hair still looked perfect as last night.
Leo filled both mugs and handed one to Susan, their eyes meeting for a brief second with an affectionate message Rose couldn’t miss.
“I forgot how early you get up.” Susan spoke softly, casting a heat to the message.
So much more resided in the weight of the remark, leaving Rose curious about his relationship with this woman. Yesterday during the coffee-making lesson, his sexy quietness carried a powerful undercurrent she’d seen him turn off and on at will. One capable of softening the most skeptical person, like her.
Leo stepped away and the smile vanished from Susan’s face as she watched him. He went toward the sink, but paused near the partially opened drawer Rose had been inside earlier. “Why’s that photo on the counter?”
Rose shot up from her seat, brushed by him, and swiped it up. “Sorry. I needed an oven mitt and found this in the drawer instead.
“Wonder how it got in there.” He frowned and held out his opened palm. “I should take it. Wouldn’t want it to get in the wrong hands.”
“What is it?” Seth asked.
Leo lowered his arm. “A picture from the Halloween party Ben Steinberg threw in the Hamptons. You were there. I went dressed as a woman and Camille went as a man.” He chuckled softly. “How she ever convinced me to do that is beyond me. It was fun, though.”
“Fantastic party,” Seth agreed. “Everyone thought you showed cover girl potential, buddy.”
“Those heels were killing me.” Leo cracked a grin and again held out his hand to Emma. “Not my proudest moment, though. I’ll take that now.”
“I wouldn’t give that over so quickly, Emma.” Seth leaned back in his chair and slipped his hands behind his head. “I’ll bet the tabloids would find a little gem like that front-page worthy.”
She clutched it to her chest and grinned at Leo. “You may be right, Seth. I could extend my stay in this house years. Indefinitely, even.”
Leo looked between them, shaking his head and scowling. “Ha-ha. Neither of you is funny.”
Seth chuckled. “You never could take a joke.”
“Not true. The picture is proof.” He turned to Emma with a deadpan expression and, again, put out his hand. “Okay. You’ve had your fun.”
Rose kept the photo pressed to her chest, enjoying a brief moment of power. “Fun? This is about more than fun. You’d better watch out, Leo…blackmail is sweet.”
Leo hooded his lids, not angry but heated in a whole other way. A sly grin crossed his lips and his voice grew deep with huskiness. “Indeed, dear Emma. But revenge is sweeter.”
Her belly tingled as his frisky gaze pinned her in place. Heat brushed her cheeks. Playful Leo was…well, sexy. He raised a brow and reached out with an opened palm, still watching her in a way that left her feeling exposed and vulnerable to his charm. She held out the picture. As he took it, their hands brushed.
Her pulse raced as she returned to her seat. After taking a muffin, she removed the paper wrapping and tried to get a handle on the pendulum-like emotions for her landlord.
Chapter 11
Leo lost all track of time, pounding at the keys of his typewriter after Susan and Seth left. Images of these past days with Emma guided every single stroke.
…Her arrival on the cold, damp night.
…The determination in her eyes when he’d asked her to leave.
…Each delicious, well-hidden curve often visible beneath her odd clothing choices.
…Joyful frolicking with Bella.
The details served as a missing link to his story. Seth, in all his genius, knew what made a solid plot tick. Leo typed furiously. So in the zone that a knock at his office door hit his ears like an exploding bomb.
“What?” he yelled, as he continued with the stream of consciousness ramblings he’d edit later into shape. His fingers moved fast, the click from the striking keys on paper a symphony of sounds like true music to his ears.
“I wondered—”
“One sec.” He finished typing his thought then turned to face her.
There she stood, the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about. Who, unbeknownst to her, had become fictionalized material.
The same woman in his thoughts when Susan had pressed her lips to his for a goodnight kiss last night, a little too generously, and made a big-hearted offer they sleep together. She’d assured him she was fine with the friends with benefits thing. If his read was correct, though, she didn’t seem fine with it. He’d made an excuse about an early day and given her a warm hug. He’d quickly retired to his room, ignoring his erection. Especially because he hadn’t been sure his urges were meant for Susan.
“What’s up?”
Emma wore well-fitted jeans, hanging low on her hips, with a tucked-in camisole and button-down beige vineyard shirt. His gaze skirted along her flat torso to her slender thighs. Why on earth did she often wear clothing that kept her lovely figure hidden?
“So you actually write your books on that thing?” Her sloped nose crinkled as she stared at his typewriter.
“I only write my first drafts on it.”
“Uh-huh. And you know about this new invention the rest of us use called the computer?” She raised her light brows, a detail he’d not taken notice of before, but it confirmed her hair color wasn’t natural.
Her ease at speaking her mind around him was refreshing. He couldn’t recall when a woman had last teased him since he’d become a writing success. “Yes, I own one. I type the next draft into the computer, when starting my edits.”
“One day we’re taking a road trip to Best Buy. Besides computers, they even sell coffee makers that use electricity. A little invention of Ben Franklin’s.”
He laughed and made a mental note to add sarcasm to his character. “Did you come up here to tell me about the modern day advances of mankind or something else?”
“Nah, on the mankind thing, I merely seized the opening.” She grinned. “Oh, your agent is nice. Interesting.”
“Yeah, he’s a good guy.” This morning’s jealous reaction when he saw Seth holding Emma’s hand
still bothered him. “I hope he didn’t come on too strong.”
She shrugged, but behind her eyes he noticed some discomfort. “There are times in a woman’s life when even someone like Seth can boost your morale.”
He pocketed the remark, curious over her reaction and why a beautiful woman like her would need any kind of morale boost.
“The reason I’m here is because I need a favor.”
“A favor? From the man who stole your money?”
She drew in her full lower lip, somehow making the small gesture quite sexy. “Listen, I’m just frustrated because it’s gone.”
“Understood. So what’s the favor?”
“My shift at the vineyard is a long one today, from three this afternoon until around ten. Bella will probably be okay, but…uh….well, the hours cross into her dinner time, and she might need to go out, too.”
Emma obviously didn’t know about his rendezvous with the dog each time she left, and he considered telling her.
“Aaaand…” She drew in a breath. “Since you’re here, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind feeding her around six, and maybe take her out after she finishes eating.”
She watched him in such a way he knew if he didn’t help her, she’d figure out something else. A chance he didn’t want to take. For years, nobody needed him for anything. He hadn’t cared. Now, though, the idea appealed to him.
“Sure. Leave me some written instructions.”
Her brows lifted. “Oh. Okay good.”
He turned around and aligned his fingers on the smooth, round typewriter keys. “Put the leash where I can find it, too.” He struck a few keys, anxious to pick up where he’d left off, although a part of him enjoyed this short distraction. More than he wanted to admit.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“Any time.”
She didn’t move for a second and Leo couldn’t bring himself to look at her. Instead, he moved his fingers on the keyboard, faster and faster until the attic door clicked shut. He exhaled. If he’d seen any gratitude in her expression, she’d sink even more deeply under his skin, a place he still wasn’t sure he could handle.
He got up and went to his notebook to add his latest observations about his Emma-like character to his notes. The newly fictionalized Amanda had a small frame, seductive red hair, and oversized black-framed glasses. He’d made her Emma, even down to her peculiar outfits and entering his protagonist’s life due to a betrayal, forcing her to run from the world she knows.
So many questions about her were left unanswered, like about Emma’s real life betrayal from a man named John. And what was she like before disguising herself to live in Northbridge? How had she been raised, and why did he sense neediness in her, yet inherently understand she could stand on her own two feet?
He wanted answers but couldn’t blurt out his demands. The only solution was to fictionalize what he didn’t know. Another part of his desire to know came from a more personal place. Who was the real Emma? If he raised the questions, she’d know he eavesdropped. She might also suspect the truth: something about her being in this house had become personal to him.
He returned to his typewriter. Five minutes later, a car started outside. He went to the window. Emma backed out her small car and disappeared down the driveway.
Perhaps his character needed a dog? He headed downstairs, happy for the excuse to bring Bella up to his office without it being a secret this time.
* * * *
“Our work day is done, Bella.” Leo stood and stretched his arms over his head. A glance at the clock radio on his desk showed three hours had passed since returning to work. He couldn’t recall when he’d last lost track of time while working. “Let’s go eat.”
Bella flew off the bed, knocking off a crumpled ball of paper she’d been chewing to the floor. Leo tossed it in the trashcan and headed down the stairs behind her.
For the first time in the months, he’d accomplished something worthwhile. On top of his productivity, he’d enjoyed having the quiet, low-commitment company of Bella with him while he worked. The second Emma left, he’d visit the local shelter.
They neared the kitchen. Bella ran ahead and stopped to stare up at her empty bowl on the counter. Leo read the instructions Emma left there and measured the kibble.
“You deserve a treat.” He went to the refrigerator and removed a leftover piece of steak. Bella’s droopy eyes went wide with anticipation.
He cut the meat into small pieces and mixed it with the other food. Spoiling her brought him a whole new kind of delight.
Tonight he planned to tackle a meatloaf recipe his mom used to make. Emma’s cooking affected him. Each time she made dinner, she left behind a trail of scents reminiscent of home, family, and dinners with loved ones. Junk food and takeout paled by comparison.
He reached into the cabinet and removed the ancient white-checkered Better Homes and Gardens recipe collection, taking care not to let any of the tattered loose-leaf pages fall out. As the book slid off the shelf, a thin paperback hidden beneath it dropped onto the counter. He put down the cookbook and took the other. The ecru cover showed a simple sketch of an old Victorian house and the words “Connecticut Ghost Sightings” above the drawing. He chuckled. So unlike the way books were marketed nowadays.
When they were kids they’d read this, finding one tale scarier than the next. Leo flipped through the pages, stopping on the story about the Drake’s house. His parents had always said it wasn’t true, but the kids never believed them. In all his time here, though, nothing paranormal ever happened in this place. At least not that he’d seen.
His cell phone vibrated against the kitchen table. He stuck the haunting book between the flour and sugar canister.
Mallory’s name flashed on the phone’s display and he answered.
“Hey, you left a book on the guest room nightstand. Need it mailed back?”
“No. I finished it. Read it or pass it along.”
“Will do. Listen, the real reason I’m calling is to let you know Everett called me from Switzerland.”
“Oh? What did he want?”
“I think he was fishing, trying to see if he tripped you up by getting another tenant. Honestly, he makes me ashamed sometimes.”
“Yes, well, the dislike he feels for me runs deep. Then again, I guess I didn’t help matters with Camille.” He shut his eyes and owned the heavy weight pressing to his chest. “It’s history now.”
“Yes, it is. I gave him an earful about how he abuses his role as executor of dad’s estate. There’s no reason why he can’t sell you the house.”
“I appreciate your concern. But if you try to convince him, he’ll only get angry with you, too.”
“I don’t care. This is stupid. He’s changed so much over the years, worse than ever. Dad wouldn’t stand for this, and I told him so.”
Leo’s heart swelled with gratitude and love for his sister. “Did he show any signs of breaking his silence with me?”
“The dad remark bothered him. I could tell. But Everett won’t budge unless he thinks it’s his choice. Maybe he’ll come around.”
Bella lifted her nose from the bowl and glanced at Leo. He crouched down to pet her. “Thank you for trying. I’d better run. I’ve got a few things to do. Did I tell you the tenant has a dog?”
“No. What kind?”
“A basset. I’m thinking of getting one after she leaves.”
“The tenant is a woman? You didn’t mention that.”
“You didn’t ask.”
“I just assumed it was a man.”
“Assuming. Your first mistake.”
She laughed. “You’re impossible.”
“I know. Want to get together in a few weeks?”
They talked briefly about possible weekends; then he hung up. Bella came to his side. He stroked the thick fur around her neck as a happy commotion bubbled inside him.
He’d had so many good feelings
lately. Lightness to his step. Eagerness to get out of bed each morning. The house carried a certain life, almost like the days of his childhood. An unexpected awareness passed over him, like the lifting of a dense fog.
All this goodness happened with the arrival of a stranger and her dog.
As of this moment, he’d been writing better than he had all year. A month or two and he could get this manuscript whipped into perfect shape and delivered to Seth on schedule. Perhaps the book could release on the date they planned.
Leo stood. “Let’s take a walk.”
He leashed Bella as a new problem occurred to him. Emma had become his material. His muse. If she left, could he continue this story without her around?
* * * *
“Emma?”
Rose paused her conversation with Sophie, her fake name still foreign sounding at times. Veronica approached them at the bar, the pretty brunette looking classy in a simple black knit top, dark jeans, and a strand of pearls.
Rose smiled. “Hey, that last duet you and Trent sang was beautiful. You guys really draw a nice crowd.”
“Oh. Thanks. We love doing it. I wanted to ask you something, but before I forget…” Turning to Sophie, she asked, “Did you talk to Emma about joining us Thursday night?”
“Oops.” Sophie shrugged. “We’ve been so busy it slipped my mind. Emma, want to join us for our monthly gals get together?”
Jay groaned from where he stood at the end of bar, restocking one of the serving stations. “Better be careful how you answer. They do some crazy shit.”
Sophie cast an annoyed glare her brother’s way. “We do themes, Jay. It’s not crazy. It’s fun.”
Jay grinned and winked at Rose. It wasn’t the first time she’d witnessed him get his sister riled up over nothing.
Trent came up alongside Veronica and put an arm around her shoulder. “I agree with Jay. It’s like a cult.”
Gentle and humorous bickering ensued. Rose listened and laughed along. This group was so easy and made her feel right at home. The happiness in her chest faded as quickly as it had appeared. One drawback to living under a false identity was getting close to people. Getting too friendly would make her lies seem even worse if they ever learned the truth about why she’d appeared in Northbridge.
Bella Luna Page 12
