by Judy Angelo
“Indie,” he said, looking down at her with a half smile on his lips, “I had a wonderful day. I don’t want it to end.”
She looked up into his face and smiled back. “Me, too,” she whispered.
“Will you have dinner with me tonight? There’s…something I’d like to say to you.”
Oh my God. Was the dream coming true? Indie had to fight to keep her face serene when what she really wanted to do just then was hop up and down in delight. “I would love to,” she said, her voice calm, her smile just a little bit wider, but not too much.
She hadn’t forgotten Tessa’s lecture – you’re a princess. Let him prove himself worthy of you. Act too eager and he’ll take off running. Let him come to you.
“Great. Seven o’clock, then?”
“Let’s make it seven-thirty,” she replied. If she was guessing right tonight was going to be a special night and she needed to be ready.
“Seven-thirty it is.”
Back in her hotel room Indie showered and slipped on the one dress she’d packed for the trip. It was a simple dress, but elegant – a ‘little black dress’ with a difference. Tessa had helped her pick this one out – spaghetti straps that showed off her shoulders, a V neckline that dipped deliciously low to show off just a hint of cleavage, a skirt that hugged her hips and tapered to her knees, and that one touch that never failed to draw male eyes to her legs – the slit at the side that went high enough to be alluring while maintaining that ever important air of decorum.
After accessorizing with a pearl necklace and matching earrings – on loan from Tessa – Indie sat down to do her makeup. Tonight was a night that called for makeup. She ran to her backpack and dug out her notebook. She flipped the pages till she found the one she was looking for – Tessa’s instructions on how to do a killer makeup application. Indie decided to leave out the killer part, tone it down a bit. Right now all she wanted to know was how to make herself look pretty.
After much powdering and dabbing and penciling Indie sat back and surveyed herself in the mirror. Not quite the masterpiece Tessa had created but she could pass. The subtle shadow she’d applied on her lids and the eyeliner made the green in her eyes sparkle, and the peachy pink lipstick made her lips look soft and full. Ready for kissing. She giggled at the thought.
At exactly seven twenty-five she walked out of her room, purse in hand and high heels clicking as she headed for the elevator. And tonight she walked with confidence, not just because she’d practiced walking in high heels but because she knew – okay, maybe she didn’t know but she had a really good feeling – that Stone was going to propose.
Then as the elevator doors opened the doubts came rushing back. Was he really going to propose or was that just wishful thinking on her part? She was just about to do the usual biting of her lip when she was in deep thought but she stopped herself just in time. Definitely not the thing to do when wearing lipstick. Then there was no time to ponder any further. The elevator doors opened and she stepped out, head high, and headed for the lobby.
Stone was already there, tall and impressive in a black dinner jacket and snow-white shirt open at the collar to reveal his strong tanned neck. As he approached he gave her a sexy smile. “Exquisite,” he whispered and took her hand then leaned forward to give her a light kiss on the cheek.
So far so good. He was saying all the right things, making all the right moves. Now if he could only follow through right to the end she’d be a happy camper. And so would all the kids she planned to help with the fourteen million dollars.
As they walked out the front door a long black limousine pulled up in front and the uniformed chauffeur hopped out and opened the door for Indie. Stone got in behind and as soon as they’d made themselves comfortable, the car pulled away from the curb and merged into the traffic.
“Where are we going?” Indie asked.
“You’ll see,” Stone said, giving her a mysterious look.
She decided not to even think about what would come later. With a sigh she relaxed into the white leather seat and enjoyed the view of the city of Johannesburg at night.
It wasn’t long before they pulled up in front of a building that made Indie’s eyes widen and her jaw go slack. The place looked like a palace, like one of those castles in Versailles. But she hadn’t died and gone to France, had she?
Stone leaned toward her. “Le Chateau de la Riviere,” he said in a low voice. “They serve the best French cuisine in the country."
Indie nodded, still speechless, as she peered out the window at the majestic columns and the elegant statues that adorned the entrance. This was like no restaurant she’d ever seen before. Although it had lost its weight due to slang, the only word she could think of to describe it was 'awesome'.
Stone exited the limousine first then he held out his hand and helped her down. She felt like Cinderella being escorted by her prince.
He led her up the wide stone steps and into an immense marble-tiled lobby. They were immediately greeted by a black-uniformed host who seemed to have been expecting them.
“We have a private dining room.” Stone explained as they were led down an adjacent hallway and then toward an elegant staircase. At the top they were ushered into an intimate room, ornately decorated with a statuette in the corner, elegant paintings on the walls and a rug with such an intricate design that it almost looked handmade. And in the middle of that rug stood a small round table set for two, a bouquet of white roses in the middle of it, and flower-shaped candles glowing softly around the vase.
Indie expelled her breath slowly, only then realizing she’d been holding it. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“Glad you like it.” Stone cupped her elbow and they walked over to the specially set table then as he helped her into her chair the host stepped forward. Stone quickly placed the orders and as soon as they were alone he reached over and took her hand in his. “I can’t stop telling you how beautiful you look tonight.”
Indie dropped her gaze, feeling the first flush of embarrassment. She wasn’t used to receiving so much attention – and praise – from a man.
“You’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met,” he said, “both inside and out.” Then he gave a low, throaty laugh. “But I’m sure you hear that all the time.”
No, not really, like...never. Indie said nothing. She just gave him a soft smile in response.
“As I told you, Indie, there’s something I want to…have to say to you and I wanted to do this somewhere special.” He looked down at their hands and then began to stroke her fingers with his thumb. “I was planning to wait until after dinner but…I can’t keep this inside any longer. Indie, I…” He fell silent again.
Indie’s heart lurched. Her palms grew damp and her breath caught in her throat. Come on, say it. I can’t breathe till you say the words.
“I know you’ll think this is crazy…”
No, I won’t.
“…and you’ll wonder how this is possible in such a short time…”
It’s possible. It’s possible.
“…but I’ve fallen in love with you, Indie.”
He looked up at her then, deep into her eyes, and then he gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “I know this comes as a shock to you but I couldn’t go another day without telling you how I feel.”
He sighed and in his eyes was an earnestness that made Indie’s heart soar. “What I’m saying is I want…” He looked down at their hands again and shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m doing this to you.”
Good heavens, man, just say the words. I’m running out of air. Indie could feel the smile on her face calcifying, she’d been holding that smile so long.
He drew in a deep breath. “Indie, I want-”
“To marry me?” she blurted. She just couldn’t wait. She’d begun to grow faint from holding her breath that long.
He expelled his breath in a whoosh and on his face was a look of relief. “Yes. That’s exactly what I was trying to say. I don�
��t know why it wouldn’t come out.” He shook his head and gave a wry smile. “Probably because I was worried you’d think I’d gone round the bend.”
Then his face turned serious. “So…what’s your answer, Indie? I want you in my life. Always. Will you say yes?”
“Yes, yes, yes,” she said, her eyes filling with tears. “Yes, Stone Hudson, I’ll marry you. Tonight if you want. I love you, Stone, I really do.”
“Sweetheart.” The word was a soft whisper, then he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, almost with an air of reverence. Then he got up and pulled her up and into his arms and his kiss told her that the love he’d expressed was real. All his feelings and raw emotions were in that kiss.
When he finally released her Indie stared up at him, her heart brimming over with love. Then she whispered up at him, “When?”
He gave her a confused smile. “When?”
“Yes,” she said as she stroked his arm. “How soon can we get married? I’m available now.”
He laughed at that. “Well, I hadn’t thought that far ahead but maybe we could make it a spring wedding. Or what about June? That's a popular time for weddings.”
“That’s too far away,” she said with a little pout. “I can’t wait that long to have you. What about now?”
He looked even more confused. “Now, as in tonight?”
She decided to back off a little so she wouldn’t come off as crazy. “Well, maybe not tonight but my birthday is coming up soon and I thought…getting married to you on my birthday would be the best present I could ever have.” Then she said cheekily, “Or maybe even the day before, just to be on the safe side.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “The safe side?”
She shrugged. “Well, you know, in lots of cultures it’s thought that the day begins at sundown of the previous day. I would love to get married as the sun sets on the eve of my birthday. That way I could wake up on my birthday as your wife.”
He shook his head and gave her a loving smile. “You are something else, and that’s why I love you so much. Who else would have thought of something so beautiful and so meaningful?”
She slid her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “So we’ll do it?”
“We’ll do it,” he said with a firm nod. “An eve-of- birthday wedding. Perfect.” Then he bent his head to kiss her forehead. “And I hope you’re not expecting any additional presents from me, young lady.”
She laughed and swatted his arm. “Of course, I am. What do you take me for?”
He laughed, too. “Darling, I’ll shower you with presents till you won’t know what to do with them. It will be my greatest joy.”
And then he bent his head and kissed her again, but this time it was no peck on the forehead. It was a real kiss, a passionate kiss that had her toes curling.
And as they kissed Indie thought life could not have been more perfect. Because more than anything, even more than the good she’d be able to do, she would be spending her life with the man of her heart. And she could hardly wait.
CHAPTER TEN
Life was hectic when you had a wedding to plan in just nine days. Indie and Stone had returned home after three days in Johannesburg and then she'd started planning. She was more than grateful that when she’d mentioned her best friend Stone had immediately offered to fly Tessa to South Africa to help her and to be her chief bridesmaid. She’d be arriving day after tomorrow, just seven days before the wedding.
The wedding would be held right there in the compound. Jenna and Kirk, Cook, and the staff at the boys’ home, they’d all be there. And, of course, the boys. Everyone would share in the celebration. Stone’s parents, his brother and sister and their families, and a few of his closest friends would be flying into Johannesburg and then would be coming to the compound on the morning of the wedding. The minister would drive in from a nearby township and Cook had identified a catering company who would supply all the food and drinks they’d need. It would take a lot of coordinating. Indie couldn’t wait for Tessa to arrive. This sort of thing was her cup of tea.
Finally the day dawned when Tessa would come. Indie knew what time the flight was scheduled to arrive and she estimated how long it would take her friend to check through and then be transported out to the compound. She kept running to the cottage door to check if she saw the Jeep in the distance. At last, a distant cloud of dust appeared and then she heard the truck as it got closer and closer to the compound.
When Tessa finally arrived and hopped out the friends hugged and kissed and laughed at being together again.
“I missed you a lot,” Tessa said, stepping back to look Indie up and down. “And you’ve changed since I saw you. You’re glowing.”
“I feel like I’m glowing,” Indie said with a grin. “I’ve never been so happy in my life.”
Tessa smiled at her and there were tears in her eyes. “I’m happy for you, Indie. So happy.”
Indie got Tessa settled in her cottage then she took her for a tour of the compound. Then she looked at her watch. “Stone should be back by now. He’d gone with some of the men to check out a new pipeline they were running. Come on, let’s go over to his place.”
Stone was indeed there. He received Tessa warmly and even complimented her on her choice of friends.
Indie leaned over to Tessa. “He’s biased,” she said in a staged whisper that drew a laugh from both Stone and Tessa.
And as Indie laughed with them she could only give thanks that with her were the two people she loved most in the world. She was blessed.
******
Stone decided he hated weddings. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to get married. That went without saying. He wanted Indie as his wife. There was no question about that.
What he hated was all this planning and organizing and rushing around. He liked order in his life. Regular, boring days, not this running around like a chicken without a head. Indie was forever giving him tasks, things to do with the wedding, and as much as he loved her he couldn’t help wishing it was all over and done with. She and Tessa were excited, having endless meetings with decorators, but he wasn’t cut out for this sort of thing. Now he was heading over to Indie’s cottage to get an explanation on the note she’d left him. This was the day before the wedding and he wanted all his tasks over and done with so that he could relax. Unlike the fairer sex which seemed to thrive on turmoil, he was looking forward to a day of rest and recuperation before all the celebrations began.
Stone was surprised when he got to Indie’s cottage and found the door wide open. He frowned but then he shrugged. They’d probably gone out onto the back porch for some fresh air. The days had gotten a bit muggy lately.
He stepped into the living room and, not surprisingly, there was no sign of them there. The back porch it was, then.
He was heading through the living room on his way to the back when he heard Tessa's high-pitched laugh and then Indie’s lower-pitched one, and the sounds were coming from the bedroom. He smiled and changed direction, heading there instead. Women and their girl talk, he could bet.
He opened his mouth and was just about to call out to Indie when her words stopped him in his tracks.
“I’m finally going to get the money. Can you believe it, Tessa? Who would have known that l’il ole me could have gotten a man to propose in less than a month? With all that money I can do whatever I want. Isn’t it great?”
What the hell? Stone felt like a wrecking ball had just slammed into his gut. Gotten him to propose? All that money? If they cut him right then no blood would flow. Everything inside him had turned to ice.
Indiana Lane, the woman to whom he’d declared his love, had seduced him so she could marry him for his money.
Stone’s shock turned to hurt. And then it turned to a rage that crept up his entire body. He clenched his teeth and his nostrils flared. He’d gone down that road with a woman before, but never again. He would throw Indie out on her rear before he let her use him like that.
He m
arched over to the bedroom where the door stood slightly ajar. He pushed it open and stood in the doorway.
The women jumped and turned toward him. “Stone,” Indie said, her eyes wide and her voice breathless, “when did you get here?”
“I just got here,” he said through clenched teeth, “just in time to hear you planning how you’re going to spend all my money.”
“What?” Indie had been lying across the bed but now she raised up and stared at him. “What are you talking about?”
Stone laughed but the sound was bitter, even to his own ears. “Acting is definitely one of your strongest talents. Over there, acting so innocent. You deliberately seduced me, Indie, wormed your way into my heart, ‘got’ me to propose to you. Well, here's a little birthday present from me.” He chuckled, warming to the idea of hurting her as much as she’d hurt him. “The wedding is off. I will not marry a woman who’s only after my money. Damn.” He slapped his palm against the door jamb. “And to think I saw you as the one woman I could trust. Jesus.”
He shook his head and turned abruptly, intent on getting as far away from Indiana Lane as he could.
“Stone. Wait! That wasn’t what I meant.” He heard a rustle behind him like she was scrambling off the bed but he didn’t stop to find out. She wasn’t going to get another chance to practice her acting skills on him.
“Stone, please!” she cried and then she was at his side, and she was grabbing his arm, and she was clinging to him. “Let me explain.”
He shrugged her off and kept on walking, his only acknowledgement of her a growl over his shoulder. “I want you out of here by sundown. I’ll tell the driver to be ready with the truck.”
******
Indie ran to the cottage door but Stone was already yards away, striding purposefully in the opposite direction. He did not slow his pace and he did not look back and all she could do was stare at him in horror.
What could she say to him to make him stop? Her heart rose and lodged in her throat. She couldn’t even call out to him.
