Jillian was glad when Mrs. Miller, the trouble maker, came into the shop. Fran had to pause in her questioning to wait on her.
Pulling the dresses she’d only dreamed about buying, Jillian wondered how many she should get. She settled on four plus the red one she’d worn the night before and put them on the stack of lingerie and casual wear she’d already chosen. She selected three pairs of shoes and some accessories. Fran came out of the dressing room and Jillian handed her the credit card and smiled.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” Fran whispered as she added up the stack of clothes and ran the card.
“I’ll tell you all about this later.”
“I want to know now.”
“I can’t tell you, Fran. But trust me. This is a wonderful thing.” Jillian wasn’t sure if it was or not, but she was going to try to believe it was.
Fran gave her a sarcastic look. “Don’t you want a set of that designer luggage over there to put your new clothes in?”
Jillian didn’t take offense. She knew Fran was only acting this way because she wasn’t getting the information she wanted. Turning, she glanced at the luggage. “You know, you’re right, Fran. I do need luggage. I’ll take it in teal.”
“Jillian, where is this money coming from? Last week I had to give you an advance to pay your light bill.”
“Then think of it as hitting the jack pot.”
“Did you win the lottery?”
“No, Fran. I didn’t win the state lottery, but in another way, I’ve hit a jackpot.”
“I don’t understand.” When Jillian didn’t answer, Fran went on, saying, “You’ve spent several thousand dollars here. Are you sure this card can handle it?”
“Has it been approved?”
The approval came across. “It has,” Fran snapped. “If Mrs. Miller wasn’t in the dressing room, I’d close this store and get the truth out of you.”
“You take care of Mrs. Miller, my friend, and I’ll be in touch soon.” Jillian took her packages and smiled at her friend. “By the way, thanks for keeping me working here as much as you could. I appreciate everything you did, though I know you didn’t need me. You’re a good person, Fran, but you’re a better friend.”
Before Fran could say anything, Jillian went out the door.
The next and last stop on her shopping trip had been Kincade’s. She decided if she was going to marry the owner, her wedding dress should come from there. She found a lovely yellow dress which fitted her perfectly and flattered her figure. It also brought out the highlights in her naturally blonde hair. She almost chuckled to herself when she realized she hoped he’d like it, as if it would matter to him. All he wanted was a woman his father thought was fit to be the next Mrs. Kincade. Quinton didn’t care what she wore or what she looked like in it. This was a business deal to him. Nothing more.
The doorbell rang pulling Jillian from her thoughts and she got up from the wicker chair on the back balcony. She put her iced tea glass in the sink and crossed the small apartment living area. She opened the door expecting to see Quinton.
“Hello, Ms. Lockland,” John Von Cannon said with a smile.
She nodded to him as a man in a chauffeur’s uniform walked up. “This is Calvin, your driver.”
Calvin tipped his hat to Jillian, mumbled a greeting then moved into the living room, not giving her time to greet him. He picked up the luggage and went out the door.
“I came to make sure you have everything you need.” John was still smiling.
“I think I do. I left the title to my car so you could sell it, as you instructed. It’s in the box on the counter with all my other papers.”
“Very good. I’ll make sure everything is handled properly.” He smiled again. “Thank you, Ms. Lockland. Quinton is very pleased, and I know it’s going to work out well for everyone involved.”
“I hope you’re right, Mr. Von Cannon.”
“Please, call me John. I’ll now become your lawyer as well as Quinton’s.” She nodded and he went on, saying, “Did you tag the things you want sent to the estate?”
“I did. There wasn’t much. I mainly want the few pieces which belonged to my mother and my grandmother.”
“I’ll see that they arrive there in perfect condition. I’ll also get the rest of your clothes packed and sent to you. You don’t have a thing to worry about.”
“Thank you.”
He held out his hand. “Good luck, Jillian. May I call you Jillian?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Next time I see you, you’ll be Mrs. Kincade. I’m looking forward to the new relationship.”
Jillian thought he held her hand a little too long, so she pulled it away. She handed him the keys to her apartment. “Goodbye, John.”
“Goodbye, Jillian. Have a wonderful honeymoon.”
She went down the flight of steps leading from the second floor apartment and headed to the waiting limo. The driver immediately opened the back door for her.
She was surprised to see Quinton inside. He wore a pair of reading glasses on the end of his nose and was studying the screen of his laptop computer. He glanced at her and nodded.
As she got into the car she saw several people watching the big black limo from their patios and balconies. She would’ve waved to them, but the limo’s windows were tinted.
Chapter 6
They were on the road when Quinton closed his computer and took off his glasses. He spoke for the first time. “I had some work to do before we left.”
“That’s fine.” Her heart was pounding and she couldn’t stop it. She knew it was from fright and she wondered why she’d gotten herself into this situation. Was it really too late to back out? Would he let her if she tried?
“Thank you for being ready.” When she didn’t answer, he went on, saying, “I guess we’d better talk about how we should act when we get to the plane.”
“Do you have a ticket for me?”
He smiled. “You don’t need one. We’re taking the company jet.”
“Oh.”
“Have you had lunch?”
“I was too nervous to eat. I drank some tea.”
“I haven’t eaten either. I’ll see that they serve lunch on the plane. It’s checked and ready for the flight. All they’re waiting for is us.” It seemed she could do nothing but nod.
Quinton said, “For the past couple of months John has spread the word that I have a secret girlfriend. He told everyone he thought it was a serious romance this time. When it took hold, it spread through the company. I’m sure the crew is aware of ‘us’ so to speak. I would appreciate it if you’d act like we’re more than strangers when we get aboard.”
“As long as no one questions me about our courtship, I can do that.”
He looked at her from head to toe. “You look nice. I like the outfit you chose to travel in.”
“Thank you. Fran said it would be appropriate.” She glanced down at the beige slacks and the apricot sweater.
“I see you’re wearing your diamond.”
“I thought you wanted me to. Was I wrong?” How was she going to ever know what this man expected of her?
“No, you’re not wrong at all. It looks nice on your finger.” He dropped his head and whispered, “I see Calvin looking back here every now and then. I’m sure he’s wondering why we’re sitting so far apart.”
“Do you want me to sit closer to you?” She knew this was part of the job and she wanted to be cooperative, but he was going to have to give her clues as to what to do.
He gave her a big grin and held his arms to her. “I want you to hug me and give me a kiss. It will go right back to the rest of the staff.”
Jillian moved next to him and he folded his arms around her. Though she knew she was stiff, his kiss was soft and gentle and she relaxed a little. He twisted his position so the driver couldn’t see their faces. Trying to play her part, she slid her arms around his neck and couldn’t help noticing his unique manly smell with a touch
of expensive cologne. She also noticed his heart was a little rapid against her chest. She felt hers beating wildly and figured he could feel it, too.
“Relax,” he whispered against her lips. “I’m not going to rape you or anything. This is all for show.”
“I know.” She couldn’t help that a tiny piece of her wished it wasn’t only for show. It had been a long time since she’d been in a man’s arms and his felt wonderful around her. Besides that, his kisses were intoxicating.
After a while, he sat back against the seat, pulled her head to his chest and held her in his arms. He spoke in a business like voice. “John is going to stay at your house and supervise everything there. I hope you told him what you wanted done with your belongings.”
“I had the special pieces marked to send to me.”
“Good. I’m sure he’ll do a good job. I can always count on him. Calvin will go back and help with some of the details. They’ll stay there until everything is taken care of.”
“Is Calvin part of your staff?”
“Yes. He’s been with us for this search, though he thought it was for people to work at the company. I told him this morning we ended our search here because this is where I was picking up my fiancé.”
“Did he believe you?”
“Oh, yes. It was confirmed when he saw us kissing. He actually smiled to himself and nodded.”
They were silent for a few minutes. Jillian broke it.
“I don’t want to bother you, but if I know the plans for the rest of the day it might help me. If I know what’s happening, I can play my part better.”
“It’s no bother, Jillian. You have a right to know. I have a wedding chapel reserved in Las Vegas. We’ll get our license and get married this evening.”
When she stared at him, he smiled. “I didn’t see any need to put it off. I rented a suite and we’ll spend the night there. Is that okay with you?”
“I guess so.” She could barely get the words out.
“Tomorrow or next day, we’ll fly back to Fort Lauderdale where I have my yacht anchored. We’ll take it for a cruise in the Caribbean.” He glanced at her. “I think that was where you said you’d like to visit. Of course I don’t intend to let handsome cabana boys pamper my new wife. She’s going to have to make do with the crew on the yacht. Is that also okay with you?”
She blushed. “I don’t really want cabana boys.”
“Good. Now try to relax a little.”
“I’m sorry. I guess it’s hard for me to believe I’m doing this. I’m still in a daze over the whole situation. Lord knows it’s enough to make a person nervous.”
“I’m a little nervous myself, but it’ll work out. You’ll see.”
“You don’t seem to be nervous.”
“That comes from years of not letting the board members see how I feel.” He shifted a little and asked, “Did you bring the dress you want to get married in or do we need to buy one in Las Vegas? I know things like that are important to a woman. There’s a nice shop in the hotel, if you want to look there.”
“I thought it appropriate, so I bought one at Kincade’s this morning. I hope you approve.”
“Coming from there, I’m sure it’ll be perfect.” He smiled.
“How long will it take to get to Las Vegas, Quinton?”
“If we’re in the air by two it’ll be around three or four Nevada time when we get there. Plenty of time to get our license and get married.”
Jillian didn’t want to check his figures in her head, so she accepted them, and wondered if a drink would help calm her. Though Jillian wasn’t much of a drinker, right now she felt she could use a strong margarita. She didn’t care if it was served by a cabana boy or not. She toyed with the idea of asking him to stop for one, but she toyed too long. They arrived at the airport before she said anything.
The crew greeted them warmly and they were soon ushered aboard the jet. Jillian never dreamed it would be as luxurious as it was. There were plenty of plush seats, a private office and a bedroom in the back. She wondered how many times the bed had been used by company executives, including Quinton. She pushed the thought from her mind, because she didn’t want to dwell on it. Any bedroom made her nervous at this point.
As soon as they were in the air, lunch was brought to them in a small intimate sitting area. She picked at the fresh fruit salad and nibbled the corn beef on rye. When the attendant brought the frothy drink, she drank the whole thing almost without stopping. It made her feel better.
She couldn’t help noticing how the beautiful long-legged attendant kept eying Quinton. Though she was polite to Jillian, her attention centered on the man. Jillian wondered how long the tall willowy brunette had worked on the crew. Long enough, she realized, to be jealous because Quinton had only said, “Thank you, Gilda” and paid her no more attention. He let her see he was busy catering to Jillian’s every need. She couldn’t help wondering if Gilda had fulfilled his needs in the plane’s bedroom. Then she realized it was none of her business.
It was after the second drink that Quinton picked up his briefcase and took her hand. He led her toward the bedroom. Though she wondered if screaming would do any good, she followed without protest.
“Do you think we should come in here?” she asked when he closed the door.
“Sure. The crew knows not to disturb me when I’m here. They won’t bother us.”
She didn’t have to ask what he meant. She simply said, “I see.”
He grinned. “Don’t worry. I don’t expect anything from you. I’m going to sit at the desk and finish up this work. I need to email it to the home office today. If you like you can stretch out and take a nap. I can tell you’re uptight and I think you need to relax.”
She sat on the bed. “I’ll sit here and watch you.”
“Suit yourself.” He moved to the desk. Now that no crew watched he was no longer paying any attention to her. She couldn’t help thinking he was a good actor. At times he even fooled her.
Jillian wasn’t sure when she decided to move from her sitting position on the bed to snuggling her head on the soft down pillow. The next thing she knew Quinton was sitting beside her, patting her cheek.
“You need to wake up, Jillian. We’ll be landing in Las Vegas in about thirty minutes.”
“Oh my, have I been asleep that long?”
“You have. Matter of fact, when I finished my work, I stretched out beside you and took a little nap myself.”
Her eyes got big. “With me?”
“Yes, Jillian, with you.” He stood and arched an eyebrow. “Don’t you feel ravaged or anything?”
She rolled her eyes at him, blushed and swung her feet off the bed. “What will the crew think of me?”
“What do you think they’ll think?”
“I don’t know.”
“Of course you do. They think we’ve been back here making love and that’s exactly what I want them to think.”
“Why? Are you trying to ruin my reputation?”
“No. I’m trying to save mine.”
“What?” She frowned at him.
“I want them to think we’re so in love we can’t keep our hands off each other. When we get back on the plane married, they’ll know you were the one woman in the world I couldn’t resist.”
For the first time Jillian realized she was going to have to earn the money Quinton paid her. She knew she wasn’t a good actress. She also knew she was going to be stretched to the limit.
Chapter 7
Quinton had to admit to himself that Jillian looked lovely in the yellow dress she bought for the wedding. When she’d showed it to him on their arrival, he called the florist in the hotel and had a bouquet of yellow and white roses made and sent up. Of course he arranged a limo to go to the chapel and the ceremony lasted about twenty minutes. Pictures took another twenty. As they were leaving, a young couple was waiting on the steps.
“You’re beautiful.” The girl was obviously pregnant, and she wore a polyester, sl
eeveless, flowered dress. She clutched a handful of wild flowers. “Your bouquet matches your dress so well.”
The young man grinned, and said, “We’re going to have a baby and we can’t wait. We had to run off to get married ’cause her poppa didn’t want us to be together.”
“He wanted me to kill my baby,” the girl said. “So we decided to take matters in our own hands.”
“You look lovely and I know you’ll make good parents.” Jillian smiled at them, but she couldn’t help being a little envious. She had those twinges every time she saw a pregnant woman.
“I couldn’t get her no flowers like you’ve got, but she’s okay with the ones we found along the side of the road.”
Jillian smiled. “You know a bride is supposed to throw her bouquet to some single woman who wants to get married. Since I have no one to throw mine to, would you take my bouquet and use it for your wedding flowers?”
“Really?” The girl’s eyes shined
“Really.” Jillian handed her the bouquet. “There are yellow flowers in your dress and the bouquet will bring them out.”
“And you need a buttoner,” Quinton said, taking the yellow rose off his tux and pinning it on the young groom’s ill-fitting suit.
“You people are wonderful. I know we’re asking a lot, but would you come to our wedding? We don’t have anyone who cares enough to stand up with us.” The girl looked at Jillian then dropped her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. I know you’re too important to be bothered with the likes of us.”
The last thing Quinton wanted to do was stand up for these two kids, who he figured had only a small chance of making it in today’s world, but when Jillian looked at him with those aqua eyes he couldn’t help nodding. “If you want to,” he whispered to his wife.
She smiled at him.
The wedding was quick, and when it was over they posed for pictures. Jillian took the small camera the couple had with them and took several shots. The bride then took a picture of Jillian and Quinton. “We want a picture of our special friends,” the girl explained. “You’ll have to give us your address so we can send you a copy.” Because she seemed to expect it, Quinton took a card from his pocket and gave it to her.
A Bought Bride Page 4
