by Debra Holt
This would be the third property Angie had seen since the woman picked her up at the house. She had been punctual and was really very nice. Angie actually awakened before the alarm went off and was dressed and ready with fifteen minutes to spare. If she didn’t know better, she might have been looking forward to seeing her new “husband.”
She had gone downstairs and looked in the living room… no Jace. She moved through the dining room and still no sign of him. Finally, she stepped through into the kitchen. A note was propped on the bar against a pitcher of orange juice and an empty glass stood next to it. Coffee had been brewed and a cup sat beside it… with a sugar container and spoon at the ready. Angie had to smile at his thoughtfulness and tried to ignore the way it caused a flutter in the pit of her stomach. You would think someone had left a bouquet of flowers. It would be a minor thing to someone else, but to her it was much more. It meant he had actually given thought to pleasing her.
Angie picked up the note. His handwriting was as clear and strong as his character. “Good morning, sleeping beauty. I say that in definite knowledge that it’s true. I tried not to wake you this morning, but I had to come in and get another shirt from my closet. You looked so peaceful and sweet… but I digress. I should be back around 6:30. There’s a nice restaurant I think you’ll enjoy. Good luck with your search today.” Jace
He added his cell phone at the bottom as a postscript. “Just in case you need anything…” He had written beside it. That brought a warm smile from within. It quickly faded as the words of the note sank in.
Jace came in to the bedroom? He had watched her sleeping? Her hair had to have been a mess. Was there drool on her pillow? Oh great. They would have to have a talk about his coming in as he pleased. Yet it was hard to stay upset at him. He had made her fresh-squeezed orange juice. Angie had to give him credit for that. She also had to admit it felt really nice to know that someone was thinking of her likes and dislikes. He put out the sugar bowl and no creamer. It might be a little thing, but didn’t people say that it was the “little things” that counted the most? It certainly wasn’t little to her. She had never had another human being concerned with her likes and dislikes before. It felt odd… yet, nice. Something a girl could get used to.
Angie found herself glancing more than a few times at her watch during her travels with the realtor. She felt a thrill of anticipation at the thought of a date with Jace at 6:30. A date? Strike that. They had to eat. He was just being a gracious host. That still didn’t keep her from glancing a few more times at her watch.
Angie stepped out of the car at their next stop. She stood for a moment, her eyes taking in the outside of the property. The three huge windows were great for displays. Native adobe walls with heavy wooden lattice work provided a canopy that reached over the sidewalk. Massive wood doors opened onto shining terrazzo floors. The walls were tall and adobe and the dark wood beams of the ceiling were great. A staircase went up the back wall and the area upstairs was incredible. Tall windows looked out onto the busy street that dissected the Upper Canyon road. There was space for two to three offices. The western view provided great light exposure to the rooms. The gleaming wood flooring of the second floor was an added plus. Angie trusted her instincts. They were telling her that she had just found her newest location.
Two hours later, Angie signed her name on the contract and turned over a hefty check. A quick call to her staff in New York, and two of them would be on a plane to New Mexico within the next couple of days. Her staff had become experts at moving into new locations, making the necessary changes, and getting the merchandise ready in optimum time. Angie was feeling very good about things. The day was gorgeous to boot. Another call to a rental car company and within the hour, she was being handed the keys to a very sporty red convertible. She now had wheels and could really take in the city’s sights.
Angie found a couple of galleries that interested her and spent time walking among the pottery exhibits and sculptures. She was pleased to see there was a treasure trove of art to be found along the narrow streets. And the architecture… she marveled at the huge Cathedral of St. Francis, and the smaller Chapel of Loretto with the beautiful spiral staircase and its intriguing story. There was so much to see. It would take weeks to explore all she wanted. Angie kept note of the time and at four o’clock, she headed the small car back along the winding road to Jace’s home. Their home.
A nice, long soak in a hot bath was a perfect way to re-energize. For the evening ahead, she chose a sleeveless dress with a square neck and full skirt in turquoise silk. It wasn’t too dressy yet not too casual, and the color would fit in nicely with their surroundings. The matching silver belt accented her small waist. She had no idea what sort of restaurant Jace had chosen, but she should be safe with this choice. A gossamer shawl in silver would go along for any chill of the evening.
That was something else she found to her liking about this land. The days were warm but the evenings cooled down nicely. There were also refreshing afternoon “mountain showers” that brought the lovely smell of fresh rain and renewed the flowers and vegetation, and “washed the blue of the sky”, as she heard it referred to by one of the locals.
Angie slipped on a pair of high heeled sandals. They definitely showed off the length of her legs. A pair of silver earrings and a slender silver necklace completed the look. She had no idea what to do with her hair. Up or down? She stood in front of the mirror, trying to decide. An unexpected voice surprised her from the doorway, and she quickly turned in its direction.
“Down is my favorite… if my vote counts.” Jace was lounging in the door, one shoulder leaning against the door frame, his arms folded across his chest. There was a definite gleam of polished quicksilver as his eyes moved slowly over her.
The telltale warmth crept into her cheeks. He had the ability to make her feel giddy inside with a mere look. Giddy? It was evident from the freshness of the white shirt and still damp tendrils of hair that he had just completed his own change for dinner. Very sexy… and that was oh, so very dangerous.
“I didn’t hear you come in. Did you have a good day?” She grabbed at the first thought that came to mind.
A lazy smile crossed his mouth. Could he sense her sudden nerves?
“Don’t we sound like an old married couple? My day was fine, thank you. My desk was piled high while I was gone, but that’s to be expected. And how was your day?”
Safe subject. Her eyes lit up as she described the property she found. And then she continued to tell him about the interesting galleries she had visited.
“I’m glad you had a good first day here. I want to hear more about it. Let’s talk on the way to dinner.” Jace moved away from the door then and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
She matched his good mood and favored him with a dazzling smile. Angie crossed the space and placed her arm around the one he held out to her. The feeling of his rock hard arm did things to her insides. A connection sizzled between them. Maybe not a smart move… but she didn’t take her arm away. It was going to be a good evening and she needed to just relax and not overthink anything.
Chapter Six
The restaurant was indeed quite beautiful. It was also very romantic. Not far from the center of the city, it was built in the usual style of Santa Fe adobe. A walled entry patio led to the main part of the structure. There was a main dining room with white linen table cloths and candles in gleaming copper centerpieces. Two fireplaces had been lit and they cast a nice feeling across the room. However, Jace did not take her to a table in the dining room.
After speaking a few words to the hostess when they entered, she smiled and led them through patio doors to be seated along the terrace running the length of the building. They were seated not far from a small kiva that cast firelight on their table. Tiny white lights twinkled above their heads and intertwined with the trees.
“Would you rather be inside? I didn’t think to ask.” Jace looked over at her just as he was about to take h
is seat.
“No, this is enchanting. I’m glad we’re out here. It’s much nicer and the view across the valley is perfect.”
Angie perused her menu, but her mind was on the man across from her. Tonight, he was dressed in dark slacks, white dress shirt, and a dark gray jacket. He made casual look elegant. His body was made for good clothing. Angie could also imagine it was made to look even better without.
Sudden heat infused her face and she was glad of the tall menu in front of her. She had noted the looks from the women as they crossed the dining room. Eat your hearts out, ladies. That smug thought had crossed her mind and brought a smile to her lips as she walked ahead of him, the welcome feel of his hand at the small of her back, guiding her.
They gave their dinner choices to the waiter and after their drinks arrived, they were alone again.
Jace lifted his glass in a toast. “Here’s to you finding your new store location. I wish you much success with it.”
She touched her own glass to his and smiled as she took a sip. “Thank you, Jace, that was very nice of you and thank you for the juice and coffee this morning. I’m not used to such treatment, but you don’t have to do it. You don’t have to entertain me. I’m not exactly a guest of your choosing. I was, after all, more or less dumped on you.”
“You’ll find that I don’t do things I don’t want to do. And, while you’re here, I intend to see that you enjoy yourself. Give you some good memories to take back to the big city with you.” His smile didn’t quite meet his eyes. The thought of her leaving brought a bit of a damper to the evening’s mood… for both of them.
“From what I’ve seen so far of this city of yours,” she began, trying to find their way back to the easiness of before, “I have to admit I’ve fallen under its spell in just a day. You warned me that it would bewitch me and it has… just the small part I’ve seen of it. I’m so glad I decided to come here.” She gave him a warm smile along with a sparkle in her eyes. “I must thank J.B. Wolfe, for luring me west with that painting.”
“I’m glad I decided to ship those paintings and prints to that gallery last spring. Funny how things have a way of happening in life… often when you least expect it.”
Their meal began to arrive, and conversation flowed surprisingly easy for two people who came from such different backgrounds. The last plate had been cleared and Angie settled back in her chair while coffee was poured. For the first time in a long time, she felt contented and a soft sigh escaped her.
“I don’t think there’s any way that I could forget a moment of this trip… ever.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget—” Jace didn’t get to finish that sentence.
“Well, small world, isn’t it?!” The low female voice came from behind him. Jace sat his glass on the table.
Angie’s eyes were on the woman beside Jace’s chair. She had seen the instant transformation cross Jace’s face as the voice interrupted what he was about to say. His mouth thinned into a hard line, and it was evident he didn’t need to turn around to identify the speaker. Angie watched and waited.
Jace pushed his chair back and slowly stood, turning to the uninvited visitor.
“Lisa, this is certainly a surprise. I thought you were in Texas with your father.” It was a flat greeting if ever there was one.
Angie’s gaze surveyed the woman. She was one of those “willowy” platinum blonde types… long legs, salon tan, and very fake boobs as evidenced by the low cut, tight fitting black dress that looked like it had been painted onto her skin. So this had to be one of the “females” who would be mourning Jace’s loss on the marriage market? Pity.
Hands with their long fingernails, dipped in bright red polish, moved possessively over Jace’s shoulder and across his shirt front. Blue eyes outlined in dark mascara gazed adoringly up at him while her bright red lips pitifully pouted. Angie felt her dinner might just make a return visit at the ridiculous blatant behavior of the woman.
“Jace, I heard a horrible rumor and got right on Daddy’s plane and flew back home. It can’t be true. The whole town is talking about you getting married. I know that can’t be true.” The look on Jace’s face would have been priceless if Angie hadn’t seen the red flag waved in front of her face by the other woman.
Her first instinct was to pour her cup of coffee down the front of that ridiculous dress. Instead, she got a grip. Angie had seen this type of predatory female many times in her shops. Spoiled little rich girl… expecting to get anything she wanted. This whole charade between her and Jace might turn out to have some fun benefits to it after all. And she was never one to miss an opportunity.
“Jace, darling.” It was Angie’s turn to bring Jace’s eyes back to her. Her words spoken in low sexy tones did just that in record time. She kept her voice soft and seductively sweet. “Where are your manners? Please invite your old friend to join us.”
His eyes narrowed as he looked at Angie. Before he could make a response, the blonde had already seated herself in the chair next to his. Her hands were still on his arm as he slowly folded himself back into his own seat.
“I’m Lisa Hawkins. I’m sure Jace has told you about the two of us? We go way back, don’t we, lover?” Her look was pure possessiveness as she sent another smile in his direction.
“Really?” Angie cast an innocent look over at her husband.
Jace looked decidedly uncomfortable enough as it was. His gaze settled on her. She smiled and swung her attention back to the woman.
“I’m afraid he never mentioned you, not specifically. He does often joke about all the females that are brokenhearted since he’s off the market. We share quite a few laughs about that one. Those poor, pitiful little dears left to what remains of the bachelors in this town.”
Lisa Hawkins’ eyes narrowed into fiery slits at the words. Angie wondered if she knew how unattractive that was. Hadn’t anyone told her that she would get even more crow’s feet if she continued to do that?
The woman’s gaze was frigid as she cast it toward Angie and then threw a glance to Jace that spoke volumes. “All the females… yes, how funny.” The woman wasn’t laughing.
The frost returned to land on Angie. Angie stifled a giggle as she wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin.
“We’ll have to have lunch soon. I would be a horrible person if I didn’t extend some Santa Fe hospitality to you.”
“How kind of you, but I have to admit I have very little free time. What with us being on our honeymoon and opening my new store here. I just don’t want to neglect my husband. We do so enjoy our time together, don’t we, sweetheart?” The look she cast at Jace as she added that final sentence left very little to the imagination of what type of enjoyment they might be enjoying.
His eyes darkened considerably as he returned her gaze.
“That’s right, my sweet. In fact, I think we’ll skip dessert here tonight and come up with something on our own at home.”
Checkmate. Jace’s silent message to Angie registered loud and clear. He was also probably enjoying the blush caused by the sudden flare of heat she felt rising in her cheeks at his payback. He let her know two could play the game. Poor Lisa was all but forgotten, but it worked. The woman rose at that moment and her ‘bye’ was lost in the haste of her wake.
“Pity.” Angie actually had a look of benign innocence on her face as she watched the departure. “I guess I shouldn’t count on that lunch invite anytime soon.”
There was no comment from Jace. Instead, he motioned for the check and they left the restaurant without further comment.
Seated beside him in the car, the silence lengthened. Maybe she had laid it on a bit thick. Perhaps he was angry? Jace had not said more than two words since they left the restaurant, and those were to the valet who brought their car around.
“Sorry if I overstepped at the restaurant.” She caught the lift of one brow while he kept his eyes trained on the winding road in front of them. “I guess I just found her to be a bit over t
he top in her efforts to put me in my place.”
“Your place?” He still hadn’t looked at her.
“It was clear she was intent on staking her prior claim whether we were married or not. I’ve seen her type more than a few times in my shops. I couldn’t help having a bit of fun with it. I’m sure she’ll accept your apology after I’m gone.”
“I’m sure she would. If I planned to ever see her again… which I don’t. We were over after our first date.”
Interesting. “Guess I misread the situation. She just seemed so… well, she didn’t seem your type so I should have known.”
This time, he did cast her glance. “My type? You think you know my type? Please enlighten me.”
Why couldn’t she have just kept her mouth shut? You stepped in it, not get out of it. “I would just have expected someone with more… polish… a little more understated class maybe. Not as showy. But then what do I know? Maybe you do like that sex kitten type. Anyway, I am sorry.”
Change of subject. Angie allowed her gaze to focus out the window as the car passed the lighted shop windows of the stores and hotels along their route. “Santa Fe at night is just as beautiful as it is during the day. There’s an old-world romance that definitely comes alive at night.”
The man beside her didn’t say anything. His head was at a slight incline as though he were considering something. Whatever it was, he wasn’t inclined to share it.
When they arrived at home, Angie pulled the shawl closer around her shoulders as she followed a couple of steps behind Jace. She quietly waited while he unlocked the door to the house and held it open to allow her to step through. She felt his eyes on her, but she kept hers averted. It would be prudent to escape to her room and she was intent on doing just that. Angie murmured a hasty “had a lovely time” and moved across the room. His voice stopped her as she made the first step of the staircase. Smile and face the music.
“So, you did enjoy yourself this evening?” His voice was even and his eyes shrewdly assessed her face. Jace moved to stand just inches from her.
