by Neesa Hart
That made her frown. “Max isn’t exactly what I’d define as the needy type.”
“Isn’t he? Do you know what it’s like to be surrounded by people whose only interest in you is what you can do for them?”
She shook her head. “No, of course not. But that’s not true about him. Natalie and Paul, even Colleen and Warren and Greg. They’re his family.”
“Honey, sit down.” He indicated the sofa with a wave of his hand. “Let me tell you something about Max.”
“I’m not sure I can sit down in this dress,” she quipped.
He smiled indulgently. “It looks fabulous, I assure you.”
“I feel like a fish out of water.” She eased onto the couch.
“Because of the cost of the dress?”
“No. Because in—” she glanced at the wall clock “—less than two hours, I’ll be standing next to Max surrounded by his business and social acquaintances trying to pretend like I belong there.”
“You do,” Philip insisted as he sat beside her. “Max’s world isn’t as far removed from yours as it seems.”
“Are you kidding?”
“No. The two of you have more in common than you think. Like you, Max grew up detached from his parents. In your case, my sister failed you in a thousand ways, starting with the fact that she didn’t know who your father was. You know how I feel about that.”
She did. They’d discussed it often. Philip’s disappointment with his sister’s choices was acute. Sidney took his hand. “You saved my life. You know that.”
He raised her hand to his lips to kiss her knuckles. “I think maybe you saved mine, too. Without you, I might have been as lonely as Max.”
Her heart swelled as she thought of the extraordinary changes her uncle had made for her. Despite her difficult relationship with her mother, Philip, who had been feeling his way as much as she, had ensured that she never felt unloved. Max, she was beginning to realize, hadn’t been so lucky. “You were very good to me,” she said softly. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“In case you ever doubted it, I’m not exactly sure what I would have done without you either.” He paused. “I suppose that’s why I believe Max needs you. You saved me from an interminable loneliness. You can do the same thing for Max.”
Her eyes widened. “All this time, I thought you were the one doing the saving.”
His warm laugh delighted her. “Had you fooled, did I?”
“Completely.”
“Well, I just want to make sure that Max doesn’t have you fooled, too. I’ve known Max all his life. He’s an amazing man. He’s an intense man. He’s a remarkable man.”
“Yes.”
“But he’s also a lonely man. He’s never had the privilege of having someone love him for who he is rather than what he is or what he has. But you, even from the beginning, you connected with him like no one else.”
“He was very kind to me. I had a terrible crush on him.”
“I like to believe that you saw something in Max that reminded you of yourself. He spent his life knowing he couldn’t meet the expectations his parents had placed on him. After they were killed, he bore all the responsibility for Greg, Colleen and Natalie.” Philip studied her for long seconds. “In some ways, Max is as dear to me as you are.”
“I know how much you care for him.”
“So I meddled,” Philip admitted. “The two of you were taking too long to suit me. I want grandchildren. And I don’t want to wait much longer.”
Sidney’s eyebrows lifted. “Don’t you think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself?”
He shrugged. “And,” he continued, “I believe the two of you were positively made for each other. So whatever happens tonight, try to remember all the things you know about Max. Don’t worry so much about what you think your differences are.”
Sidney searched his expression. In the years she’d lived with him, she’d seen that expression register concern, irritation, love, joy, and, on occasion, even anger—but now, she couldn’t decipher the odd intensity in his gaze. “Uncle Philip—do you know something about tonight that you aren’t telling me?”
He smiled at her as he leaned forward to lightly kiss her cheek. “I know that you have nothing to be worried about, and that you and Max are going to have a wonderful time.”
“Trying to make time with my date, Philip?” Max asked from the doorway. He winked at Sidney and continued, “Not that I blame you. She’s the best looking dame I’ve seen in years.”
Philip rose from the couch. “I see you made it on time. A minor miracle, to be sure.”
Max strode into the room. He held a silver-wrapped package in one hand. His lips twitched as he considered Philip’s irreverent comment. “Don’t chastise. I was tied up with Ray Lort.”
“I would never be so bold,” Philip said. Sidney marveled that he kept his face straight. Any one who knew Philip and Max, or even the most basic elements of their long association, knew that razor-sharp repartee was the hallmark of their relationship. It masked a deep affection and respect.
Max chuckled. “I don’t know who you think you’re kidding, old man. You live to berate me.”
Philip headed for the door. “It wouldn’t be necessary if you didn’t give me cause.” He glanced back at Sidney. “I hope you’ll remember what I said.”
“I will,” she assured him.
He nodded briefly, then looked at Max. “I’ll go lay out your tux. Do you want the black vest or one of the prints?”
“Prints.” He flashed Sidney his carefree smile. “I don’t want to be outshone by my date.”
As Philip left the room without further comment, Max crossed to Sidney. Offering her his free hand, he pulled her to her feet. He bent his head and kissed her warmly. “You’re gorgeous,” he said against her mouth. “I’ll have to fight off men all evening.”
She leaned into him. “Thank Natalie. It’s her dress.”
Max tipped her chin so he could see her eyes. “I’m not talking about the dress. It’s you. You’re devastating in just about anything. Or nothing.”
She felt the tips of her ears reddening. “You’ll go to my head if you’re not careful.”
“I’m very much counting on it.” He eased her away slightly so he could hand her the package. “I brought you something.”
Surprised, Sidney took the gift. “What is it?”
“Something I thought you should have.”
“It’s not a laptop computer, is it?”
With a slight laugh, he shook his head. “No way. I learned that lesson.”
Carefully peeling away the shiny paper, she shook her head. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“Consider it a thank-you gift for that tray of chocolates you brought the board the other day. It made them far more amenable, and you wouldn’t let me pay you for them.”
The paper removed, she tossed it to the coffee table. Beneath the wrapping, she found a white gift box with no identifying markings. “How mysterious.”
He tucked a stray tendril of her hair behind her ear. “I hope you like it.”
The strange tenderness in his voice surprised her. She gave him a curious look, then opened the box. Nestled in a bed of padded velvet lay the expensive figurine he’d bought that night so long ago to replace the one she’d broken. Sidney felt the tears prick at her eyes. “Oh, Max. You remembered.”
He reached inside the box to remove the figure. “I remember everything about you, Sidney.”
She took the figure from him as she set the box aside. “Where did you find it?”
His lips twitched. “In my library at the estate.”
“This is yours.”
“It’s ours,” he said quietly. “I wanted to get you something that would tell you how much you mean to me. I thought about buying you something.”
It was her turn to smile. “Some little trifle like a skyscraper.”
“You want one?”
“No.”
<
br /> “Then don’t tempt me.”
Laying her hand alongside his face, she caressed his cheek with her fingertips. “You’re adorable.”
He turned his head to kiss her palm. “I’m glad you think so. I’m rather fond of you, too.” Nudging her closer by placing his hands at the small of her back, he bent his head to kiss the corner of her mouth. “I wanted you to have that because I don’t think I ever told you what that night meant to me.”
“To you?” She tilted her head to one side. “You were the one doing the bailing out.”
“Do you remember what you said to me?” he asked quietly.
“I professed my undying appreciation?”
“Not that part.” His eyes twinkled. “The other part.”
Her expression turned serious. “You mean when you promised to take care of it, and I asked you who took care of you?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “Sidney, no one ever asked me that before.”
She heard the underlying tenderness in his voice. He looked suddenly vulnerable. Sidney found her fingers tightening on the porcelain figure. “Oh, Max.”
“I don’t think anyone was interested.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
He shook his head. “It is. I was always taking care of everyone around me. I can’t remember a time when someone worried about me. Not until you.”
“Philip loves you, Max. So do Natalie and Greg and Colleen. I know they rely on you, but it doesn’t mean they don’t care about you.”
“I’m not talking about that—not really.” He frowned as he searched for words. “Sidney, other than the people who fear me, I can’t say that I’ve ever had a priority for anyone. I just wanted you to know how much that means to me.”
Her throat started to ache. “Max—”
He gave her a slight squeeze. “You don’t have to say anything. I needed to do it.”
Several seconds passed as she studied his fierce expression. Lord, how she loved this man. Her heart was ready to burst with it. “Thank you,” she said quietly. She cradled the figure to her chest. “I will treasure it forever.”
The twinkle was back in his eyes. “Sure you don’t want that skyscraper?”
“Positive. It doesn’t go with a thing I own.”
“I could fix that, too.”
She laughed. “What would I do with it?”
“Open your own chocolate factory. I could guarantee you a booming business. My board was quite impressed.”
Sidney laughed. “No thanks. You’ve told me how cranky they are. There are two kinds of clients I avoid—irritable and irritating.”
“That rules out just about everyone I know.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “So keep your skyscraper. I’m very happy with my treasure.” She traced a finger along the curve of the figure. “Nothing could have pleased me more.”
“I’m glad.” After one more quick kiss, he released her. “I better get dressed.”
“Wouldn’t want to keep Philip waiting.”
“Lord, no.” He grinned at her. “No telling what he might do to me.”
“He’s so fearsome.”
“He terrifies me, I’ll tell you.”
Sidney prodded him with a poke on the shoulder. “So go. I’m getting hungry. You promised me dinner tonight.”
“Have you always been this demanding?”
“Since birth.”
Max grinned at her. “I’ll try to remember that.”
Chapter Thirteen
Two hours later, he surveyed the large crowd in the ballroom and stifled a sigh. His heart wasn’t in this tonight. His gaze flicked to Sidney. She stood near the buffet table talking to Natalie and Paul. What he wanted, he admitted, was the same thing he’d wanted since he’d seen her talking with Philip earlier that evening. He wanted to spirit her off someplace, somewhere he could give her his undivided attention for at least a week. Then, maybe, he’d be willing to share her. He was so deep in thought, he didn’t even see his brother approaching him.
“Max,” Greg said, “I see you’re in your usual fine temper.” Lauren was with him.
Max blinked. “What?”
With a slight laugh, Lauren laid her hand on his sleeve. “He’s just teasing you.”
“I am not,” Greg argued. “Look at him. He’s scowling like a bear.”
Max dragged his gaze from Sidney. “I’m—preoccupied.”
“Business isn’t all there is to life, big brother. Why don’t you give it a rest?”
“I wasn’t thinking about business, actually.” He took a long drink of his club soda.
Greg’s eyebrows rose as he followed the direction of Max’s gaze. “I see.”
“I doubt it.”
Lauren poked Greg in the ribs. “Stop goading him. I’m not in the mood to break up a fight.”
Greg looked at her wide-eyed. “We aren’t fighting.”
Max’s nod was short. “He’s right. Until someone throws the first punch, it’s not a fight.”
“Good God.” Greg stared at him, his mouth agape. “Was that a joke?”
“Only partially,” he said wryly.
Lauren laughed. “I swear, you’d think the two of you were still arguing over bicycles and baseball mitts. I suppose I’ll get used to it.”
Max shrugged. “I suppose.”
“In any case,” she continued. “I wanted to thank you for recommending Sidney to me, Max. She’s been a godsend. I don’t think I could have planned this party without her.”
Max’s gaze slid to his brother. “She’s very talented.”
Greg met and held his gaze. “I’m sure she is.”
Lauren seemed unaware of the tension. “You wouldn’t believe the amount of detail involved. If it hadn’t been for Sidney, I think I would have gone crazy.”
“I know the feeling,” Max drawled. He looked at Lauren again. “I’m glad to hear things are going so well. I’m looking forward to the wedding.”
“I am, too.” She gave Greg a wry look. “I think Greg is a little sick over it.”
Greg’s face paled. “Don’t be silly.”
“It’s all right, darling.” She kissed his cheek. “You’ll get over it.”
“I’m sure he will,” Max said calmly. From the corner of his eye, he saw that a fair-haired man had approached Sidney. A strange feeling nagged him as he watched the exchange. “If you’ll excuse me,” he said, setting his glass down on the bar. “I’m going to dance with my date.”
He picked his way through the crowd, irritated when acquaintances stopped him every few feet. He dispatched with the courtesies as quickly as possible, steadily progressing toward Sidney. A second man had joined her, this one older and, he noted, less pugnacious looking.
“I’m so glad to see you, Henri,” Sidney was telling the older man when Max finally reached her. “It’s been too long.”
“Indeed it has,” he nodded to her. “I’ve missed you.”
Max slipped an arm around Sidney’s waist, then glanced from one man to the other. The blonde had a malignant expression. Max scowled at him. “Hello, sweetheart,” he said softly in her ear. “I was hoping I could get you to dance with me.”
Sidney stiffened slightly. “Max. There you are. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” She gave him a look over her shoulder that spoke volumes. She was tense, nervous and agitated. Max felt his back teeth clench. She indicated the older man with a wave of her hand. “Henri Dupeaux, this is Max Loden. Max, this is my friend, Henri.”
The blonde snorted. Max hated men who snorted. The younger man said, a sneer in his voice, “Henri is responsible for the hors d’oeuvres.”
Sidney’s jaw visibly tightened. “Henri is the banquet manager here at the Waldorf.”
Max extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Dupeaux. My future sister-in-law has been extremely pleased with all you’ve done for her.”
Henri acknowledged the compliment with a regal nod of his head. “We pride ourselves on the qu
ality of our service.”
“Then why don’t you shuffle off,” the blonde said, “and refill my drink.”
Sidney took a step forward. “Stop it, Carter.”
Max scowled. Carter Silas—Sidney’s ex-husband. He remembered seeing the bastard’s picture when Sidney had been in the midst of her divorce battle. He’d looked thinner then, and less flushed. With his hairline receding and his waistline expanding, it was no wonder Max hadn’t immediately recognized him. Max’s hand fisted at his side, but he forced himself to smile at Sidney while he simultaneously tightened his arm around her waist. “Lauren was just telling me, Henri, how much she’s appreciated your staff and your assistance.” He glanced around the room. “I’m sure this was quite a challenge.”
Henri beamed with pleasure. “Sidney did the hard part. I just followed her orders.”
Sidney gave him a knowing look. “Sure, I did. I told Miss Fitzwater you’d take great care of her, and I helped negotiate the contract. Really worked up a sweat on that one.”
Carter’s laugh was distinctly unpleasant. “I would have liked to see that.”
No one responded. Henri gave him an irritated look, then glanced at Max. “Actually, you wouldn’t believe what she squeezed out of us.”
“Six extra appetizers?” Carter said.
Max gritted his teeth. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Silas.”
Carter glared at him. “You can’t give me orders.”
“What the hell are you doing here, anyway?” Max asked.
Edward Fitzwater had joined the small group. He frowned at Max. “Is there a problem?”
“Edward,” Max said quietly, “one of your guests is making a nuisance of himself.”
Carter’s too loud laugh drew stares. “Do you think we’re all bugs, Loden? That you can just crush us at will?”
Max suppressed a grim smile. The image of grinding Carter Silas into the carpet held increasing appeal.
“That’s enough, Silas,” Edward barked. “You’re out of control.”
“What’s he doing here?” Max asked.
“He works for me,” Edward admitted.
Sidney glanced at Carter, wide-eyed. “You do?”
“Yes.” His speech was beginning to sound slurred. “Been working for Fitzwater since I left you. He pays me better than that bastard Williams ever did.”
