She eased into the back of the lecture room, hoping to go unnoticed. Derek was standing at the podium looking quite gorgeous holding a book up in the air while the women in the audience were entranced by his deep voice, dark hair, and those icy blue eyes. The man was born in a country with one of the richest, most complex histories in the world, but he was talking about the Battle of the Alamo. Go figure.
“If I had a history teacher like him in high school, I would have gotten better grades,” a voice said behind her.
She whipped her head around. It was Michelle. “I probably would’ve submitted a diorama of the Alamo for extra credit.”
Michelle snorted and a group of women turned around to sneer at them for interrupting Derek. Unfortunately, he looked too and spotted her. He flashed her a warm smile and waved. She waved back.
“So looks like the party must have been fun,” Michelle said, keeping her voice low. “I saw that hot dog smooch on social media. Look at you two, incorporating food with the frisky business. Tyler likes a good ham and cheese sandwich when we’re in bed.”
“You’re having way too much fun at my expense.”
“I see it as a bit of payback for all the years you came in here like a hammy theater major causing a scene with Morgan.” Michelle nudged her and laughed. “Derek couldn’t stop talking about your date when we had coffee the other day.”
The crowd erupted in applause. Derek had finished, and the ladies rushed the podium to ask him questions. Charisma tried to make sense of what Michelle had just said. Derek and Michelle had coffee and they’d discussed her?
Derek waded through the crowd, headed her way. But the sea of women flooding the room made it impossible for Charisma to get away fast enough.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him.
“Charisma. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Michelle flashed a smile over her shoulder on her way to the front of the room to get control of the crowd. “Oh, I told her about your event the last time she was in the store. She said she wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Yes,” Charisma agreed. “I thought it would be cool to hear you go on about Texas. Not that I have any questions about Russia for someone who actually lived there.” She bit back a smile.
“I could teach you anything you want to know.”
“I bet you could.”
He hesitated and looked into her eyes. “What’s wrong? You seem a little down.”
“Nothing.”
“You’re not telling the truth,” he replied. “What’s going on?”
“I had a talk with my mom earlier.” She shrugged. “We aren’t getting along these days.”
“Would you have a cup of coffee with me? I just have to close the lecture and then we can sit in the café and chat.”
She glanced at her watch. “I have a ton of things to do today.”
“Please?” He caressed her cheek.
The feel of his hand against her cheek felt so good, how could she refuse him?
Derek had recognized that look on Charisma’s face. It was the same look she’d had when she shut the door in his face after their date. He was pretty sure she felt the connection they shared and now seemed like a good time to talk to her about it. Especially since she seemed to be avoiding him recently. No matter what he came up with, she’d find some excuse not to come by the bar. He’d even mentioned to Jared he was considering redecorating his house and needed an estimate. Charisma sent him a text that she’d put it on her calendar as soon as an opening came up.
He did his best to answer the questions being fired at him as he finished seeing off the crowd who had come to hear him talk, but he suspected the ladies just wanted to hang out. He replied while autographing the hockey memorabilia being thrust at him. Ten minutes later he was carrying two coffees to his seat across from Charisma in the café. She looked different today, very casual, but he was digging this look too. Without the high heels, their height discrepancy magnified. The jeans accentuated those curvy hips and her supple bottom, but the sneakers gave her sexy look a hint of adorable.
He plopped into the chair. “Thanks for sticking around.”
“Not a problem. You looked pretty good up there. You sounded very scholarly.”
“I guess my father has rubbed off on me. He lectures at a university.” He caressed her hand. “Do you want to talk about what happened with your mom today?”
“We have different opinions about how I should live my life.”
“Ah. Can I do anything to help?”
“You give any lectures on time travel?” She chuckled and spied the crowd of women at the register holding the book he’d been reading. “I didn’t know so many women were interested in Texas history.”
“Well, we go off topic a lot, but I manage to steer them back.” He flashed a devilish smile.
“I bet.”
She had that look again, so he figured he’d put it out there before she disappeared into a puff of smoke. “I had a really nice time last week and I’d love to do it again. Would you like to go out again sometime? Maybe tomorrow? I know a lovely Russian restaurant that serves the best solyanka. It’s almost as good as my mother’s.”
“Solyanka?”
“It’s a kind of soup. This is the perfect time to eat it before summer officially comes and ruins everyone’s appetite for comfort food.”
She bit her lip. “I can’t. I’m going to Texas on a business trip with Jared and I have some last minute things to do before we leave.”
“So you’ll be staying at the Twelve Horseshoes?”
“Yes. It’s my first trip to the Blake world. I’m excited to see what the fuss is all about with that ranch.”
“It’s a sight to behold. It’s practically a mini city of its own.”
Her eyes widened. “You’ve been there?”
“Several times. Seth and I have been friends for years.”
“Wow,” she replied. “There aren’t many people who can say they’ve been to the Promised Land. Jared said it’s guarded like a fortress.”
“The Blakes are a powerful family and they like their privacy. Security is state of the art and they vet everyone who visits the property.” He sipped his coffee. “Are you going to take a tour of Texas?”
“If I have the time. Jared’s schedule is pretty full.”
“You should.”
“OK. Send me a text of your favorite places, and I’ll check them out. We can talk about them when I get back.”
“It’s a date.”
She stood up abruptly, fumbling for her purse. “Well, I have to get going. I have to make sure my grandmother has everything she needs before I leave.”
He stood as well. “Of course. Give her my love.” He gave Charisma a quick kiss on the mouth.
She blinked and moved back. “I will. So, I guess we’re kissing friends now?”
“You never know if the paparazzi are lurking about. I’d hate for our fake relationship to lose steam before it gets started. I have a reputation to maintain.”
“Yes, you do.” She smiled. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“How did you know something was wrong?”
“Your eyes,” he replied.
She paused, her lips parted slightly, but when she spoke, she only changed the subject. “Once again, great lecture. I’ll be sure to visit the Alamo.”
Derek sipped on his coffee as Charisma zipped through the bookstore like her pants were on fire. He really wanted her to say yes to his invitation, but he’d settle for the jittery rain check she’d given him.
Michelle snagged a biscotti from the café counter and took a seat at his table. “Your dates don’t normally end that quickly.”
“I know what you’re going to say.”
“When did you get psychic abilities? Are you part fortune teller or something?”
“You’re going to say she’s trouble and that I should stay away from her.”
“No,
I was going to be a total bitch and say you never looked at me like that. And you gave me some pretty serious looks worth considering.”
He laughed. “But alas you married my good friend, Tyler.”
“Tyler and I were on a collision course with destiny when we met. You and Charisma are something different. I would cite her crazy past, but you’re no slouch either.”
“So you’ve forgiven her for all the things she’s done to Morgan?”
“You know about that?”
“Seth and I talk.”
Michelle put the cookie down. “Can I be honest with you?”
“You always are. That’s why you’re one of my favorite people.”
“Since you know about Charisma and Morgan’s history, I’ll spare you examples of her questionable past behavior. I was willing to do some major grudge holding because Morgan is like a sister to me. But she asked me not to because she wanted to give Charisma a second chance.” Michelle picked up her cookie and nibbled again before continuing. “If I believed she was the same person she was a year ago, I’d tell you to run for cover. But I don’t think that’s the case. I think it’s nice that you like her.”
“Thanks, Michelle.”
“You’re welcome.”
Later that night when he returned to his apartment, Derek hunkered down on the couch. He’d received a few text messages from friends who were going out to a club, but he really wasn’t in the mood for that manic kind of night. Instead he worked out to stave off the sexual tension he felt welling up inside him. But after lifting weights and five miles on the treadmill, he was no more relaxed than when he’d started. What he needed was the woman of his desires in his bed. He’d wanted Charisma the second he spotted her standing in the back of the room wearing her hip-hugging jeans and cute sneakers. He’d wanted to take her into the stock room and make love to her right then and there. He went back into his workout room and ran another three miles.
Finally, physically spent, he channel-hopped until he saw his face on the screen. They were talking about his breakup with Phoebe. A photo of Charisma and Lamont flashed on the screen. Lamont had his arm draped over her like she was his possession, while she had a tight smile on her face. Now that he’d gotten to know her, he knew that was a forced smile for the camera. It wasn’t that natural, beautiful grin she exhibited when she was eating those hot dogs. He got the feeling she was trying to learn that true pleasure and happiness had nothing to do with money. It still angered him that Brayer had treated her badly. He continued to channel surf, not interested in hearing new theories about why he and Phoebe went their separate ways.
Charisma would be gone for a week on her business trip, but a week was far too long to go without seeing her again.
* * *
As soon as the private plane touched down, Jared and Charisma headed to Blake Enterprises. It was just as she imagined, lavish offices nestled in an obscenely tall high-rise building, and stylish-looking people all bustling about. Jared joined J.J. and Bo in a meeting so Anna Beth, the executive assistant, gave her the grand tour.
After receiving her security badge and a heartfelt hello from Channing and his wife Cassidy, she got to work updating the status on Jared’s various projects. Keeping busy kept her mind off a certain hockey player, because thinking about him standing at that podium and talking about the history of Texas made her want to see all of those places herself.
It was early evening when they finally arrived at the Twelve Shoes Ranch. The sun was setting as she and Jared rode through the main gate. There were lush green hills as far as the eye could see. The homes were gorgeous but understated. She truly expected to see a mansion every few hundred yards, but that wasn’t the case. Jared pointed out which homes belonged to which family member, proud that he’d designed four of them and had made expansions on another two.
The closer she came to Seth and Morgan’s house, the more she had to remind herself there was no need to be nervous. Morgan wouldn’t have invited her if she still had ill feelings toward her. Still, she felt awkward, like she was invading this part of Morgan’s life too.
“Don’t look so stricken,” Jared joked as he made the left turn down the road that led to the house.
“I’m just overwhelmed by this place.” And with seeing Morgan again…but she couldn’t say that out loud.
“Relax. I had the same feeling my first time here, but it fades. This might look like an amusement park, but they are very down-to-earth, loving people. Besides, your family lives here. Just be yourself.”
She shot him a look.
He laughed. “I honestly mean that.”
“I love your enthusiasm, but Morgan and Isabelle and I aren’t at a place where this is going to be some kind of cuddly reunion. What if they decide they aren’t willing to truly forgive? Morgan recommending me could have simply been a goodwill gesture. Grandma probably told her it was the right thing to do.”
“Grandma wouldn’t do that.”
“‘I don’t expect you to be perfect, but I do expect you to uphold the values I’ve spent my whole life trying to teach this family,’” Charisma mimicked in her grandmother’s voice.
“You nailed Grandma’s voice perfectly!” Jared laughed.
Charisma giggled too. “Well, she’s rubbing off on me.”
“I can’t think of a better person to influence you.”
Morgan, Seth, and the kids came out to greet them when Jared pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine.
Jared continued. “What would be worst about this week? Morgan and Isabelle treat you badly and ignore you or that they want to sit down and hash it all out?”
Charisma started to comment, but Jared bolted out of the car and headed for the kids. She sat there for a moment. All she had to do was pull on the handle, but for some reason her hand wouldn’t do it. It wouldn’t be too bad sitting in the nice car for the entire week. Jared could stick food through the window crack. The plan sounded foolproof in her mind until Morgan approached the car.
Morgan tapped on the window. “You plan on getting out anytime soon?”
“That depends.”
“Stop being so dramatic and get out of the car.”
Charisma was taken aback at the warm embrace from her cousin. But Seth’s response really threw her for a loop.
“Charisma, welcome to the Twelve Horseshoes Ranch.” Seth, who had Mackenzie in his arms, hugged her too.
“Thank you, Seth. It’s great to be here.” She touched Mackenzie’s hand. “And this little one isn’t so little anymore. She’s getting so big.”
The little girl was too adorable for words, dressed in a pink and white striped dress with a bow on the side. She was all Seth, with those green eyes the same shade as his. It was clear she was total daddy’s girl, nestled in Seth’s protective grasp.
“How have you been?” Seth asked.
She could tell by the look in his eye what he really meant. “Getting better every day.”
Morgan lined the boys up in a row. “Jake, Connor, Colby, this is cousin Charisma. She’s going to be staying with us for the week. Let’s give her a big welcome.”
“Hi, Cousin Charisma.” The boys waved at her. Mackenzie mostly made animated noises and reached for Jared.
“Hi, boys, so nice to see you again.” she said and looked around. “Where’s Isabelle?”
“She and Tate took Matt to visit Uncle Lucas and Aunt Cecilia. But no worries, they’ll be back in a couple of days. You’ll get to see her.”
“Mackenzie, show Uncle Jared your surprise,” Seth said. He held Mackenzie’s hands and planted her on her feet. She took a few steps toward Jared.
“Unc Jare!” she said as she ambled toward her uncle with her arms outstretched.
“No way!” Jared exclaimed and picked up his niece. “She’s going to be a track star for sure.”
“That’s if she ever gets to use those legs,” Morgan grumbled.
“The rest of the family is waiting for us,” Seth said wit
h a grin at Morgan. “We’re having a big barbecue at my folks’ house tonight. Mama said it would be a shame not to have a party when we have so many friends and family visiting this week.”
“Who else is here?” Jared kissed Mackenzie’s cheek.
“Our favorite Texas history buff.” Morgan seemed to be struggling to hold back a mischievous smile as she motioned toward the front of the house.
Charisma’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Derek leaning against the front door frame in all his gorgeous glory. What on earth was he doing in Texas? She thought this time away would give her a chance to sift through all the unexpected feelings that had surfaced since their date last week. She felt like their worlds were colliding when he sauntered over and joined the group.
Jared grinned. “Derek buddy, why didn’t you tell me you were coming down?”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing,” he drawled. “Hello, Charisma. It’s always nice to see you.”
“Hi.” She didn’t know what else to say.
“Let’s get some grub so we can get on to more important things.” Seth patted Derek on the shoulder. “I look forward to beating the pants off you in poker tonight.”
Charisma hopped into the golf cart with Morgan and the boys, knowing there was no room left for anyone else. She needed whatever time it would take to get to John Jacob and Teri-Lyn’s house to get her thoughts together. Derek rode with Seth, Jared, and Mackenzie.
“How far away is Seth’s parents’ house?” she asked.
“Just down the road.” Morgan pointed a house not too far away. “Wow. What a coincidence, Derek showing up here the same time as you. He’s a good two months early for his visit.”
“A big coincidence,” Charisma agreed.
“What’s a ‘coincidence’?” Connor asked from the back.
“That’s when two things happen at the same time in a way that doesn’t usually seem possible. Like when that boy Asher wore your dad’s jersey on sports day and you said he did it on purpose because he knew you were going to wear yours. Asher’s mom said it was a coincidence.” Morgan flashed a cheesy smile.
“That jerk-face Asher did do it on purpose.” Jake rolled his eyes.
Slap Shot Page 9
