by Cole, Sunny
Riley sat up in bed. ‘There’s not much to tell.’
Sharon laughed, but the sound was harsh. ‘I’m sure you can do better than that. I mean, you must have had adventures. For instance, how did you and Jack meet again?’ She snapped her fingers. ‘Oh, that’s right — you interviewed for a job.’
She motioned toward the balcony. ‘It’s a lovely day. Why don’t we sit out here?’
‘I’d rather remain inside.’ It was a lie, but Riley had no intention of letting the other woman get the upper hand.
‘As you wish.’ Sharon sat at the small table near a window and waved at the chair opposite her. ‘Are you going to stay in bed and make me have this conversation with you from across the room?’
Riley reluctantly swung her legs from beneath the covers and padded over to the table, not bothering to brush her hair or put on her shoes — it was her room, dammit, not Sharon’s. What the blazes did she want anyway?
The older woman postured, tossing her hair and leaning back so she could lay an arm across the back of her chair. ‘I’m wondering how you got as far as you did searching for your heritage. You have to admit, it’s remarkable that you’re alive. When did you think of looking for your family?’
Riley frowned. ‘When you’re abandoned, the thought is with you every day from the moment you realise you’re different.’
‘But you had no money to pay detectives. No clue where to start. I find it fascinating that you are sitting before me as if none of this had happened.’
Something told Riley not to trust her. ‘I got lucky.’
Sharon was silent a moment. Her nostrils flared, giving her face an unsympathetic harshness. ‘Nobody, not even the Irish, is that fortunate.’
Chameleon- like, she was immediately smiling. ‘But we’re glad you are here.’ Then she grew more serious. ‘Have you given any thought to finding your brother and sister?’
‘Of course.’ Riley damned herself for having tipped her hand.
‘Any idea where to start looking?’
Riley shook her head, quite willing to lie to protect her secrets. A devilish thought tickled her consciousness. ‘Maybe you could help me?”
Sharon blinked. ‘Me? Darling, I wouldn’t have a clue how to go about something like this, but we can ask Patrick. He’s sure to know something to give you a jump-start.’
She never mentioned Jack. I wonder why she’d rather I talk to her son than to my husband?
‘Sounds like a good idea,’ Riley said. “Will you talk to him for me?’
Sharon quirked her lips. ‘I’ll get back to you as soon as you return from France, dear.’
Chapter Thirteen
‘I’m stuffed.’ Riley pushed her plate forward. The grilled steak, fried prawns, and vegetables had been more than enough, and if she took another delicious bite of those stuffed tomatoes and squash, she’d pop.
‘You’re not disappointed?’ Jack surveyed her half-eaten meal.
Riley didn’t care that they were in a four-star restaurant. She leaned forward, propped her elbows on the table, hands in her palms. ‘Yes, it’s a total shock to my system, rich food, beautiful scenery, the south of France in April.’ She gave a mock sigh. ‘What is it, 12 or 13 degrees Celsius?’
Jack flashed pearly white teeth, the first real smile she’d seen from him during the past five and a half days they’d been in Nice. Most of the time, he’d walked around with stern concentration unless they were sightseeing.
He wiped his lips with his napkin. ‘You don’t mind that I have two more meetings today?’
She sat upright and cleared her throat. Now was as good a time as any to broach the subject. ‘I don’t mind if you don’t.’ Riley brushed a shock of hair from his forehead.
Jack took her hand and kissed it then set his jaw. ‘I sense a ‘but’ coming.’
She tried to look innocent and unconcerned. ‘I thought perhaps I’d go back to Sydney and look for the equipment we discussed the other day. This way it doesn’t detract from your meetings here, and we can be together all the sooner once you’re home.’
Riley felt a slight blush tinge her cheeks. They’d been busy, but they’d also spent time alone. She’d enjoyed her tour of wine country, the cellar Jack’s friend owned, and viewing the French villas and yachts in the harbour. Jack hadn’t made a move to make love, but he’d kissed her senseless a few times and left her longing for more. If she didn’t know he had business on his mind so often, she’d swear her husband was courting her. Why else would he seduce her at home and not in a luxurious hotel where they had complete privacy from the prying eyes of Amelia’s family?
Riley would miss the walking path where waves from the Mediterranean Sea crashed on shore, the sailboats with their sails furling in the wind, the markets along the promenades, and boulevards. Despite Jack’s encouragement, Riley couldn’t bring herself to ask for anything more than he’d already given her. If she browsed the shops, it was the fresh vegetable and fruit market near their hotel.
A twinge of guilt assailed her, because while she’d had numerous conversations with herself and had berated herself for even thinking such a thing, she knew once she was back on Australian soil that she was travelling north to Hervey Bay. With any luck, she and Lex could make the trip to the prison without Jack ever finding out, which made her feel even guiltier. It was one thing to do something she was forbidden to do, another to get caught doing it.
The placid innocence she’d tried to portray threatened to give way unless he supplied her with an okay. C’mon, Jack. I promise to be careful, even though you don’t know what I’m contemplating.
She could stand his silence no longer. Riley indicated their plates. Most of his food was gone. ‘I see I need to bone up on French cooking if I’m ever to be allowed in Janet’s kitchen.’
Jack seemed to melt a little. ‘Cooking for me wasn’t part of our arrangement, but that would be nice. Merci.’
‘De rien.’ Riley told him you’re welcome in French then lowered her gaze, feeling more than knowing her husband was able to read her thoughts.
When she looked up, Jack was smiling at her. ‘So you don’t mind marrying a French-Aussie?’
Riley shook her head. ‘Not if you don’t mind an Irish one.’
‘Somehow, wife, I think I may have the better of the bargain.’
At that she laughed. ‘Right. A Frenchman who doesn’t think the French superior to the rest of the human race.’
He shrugged. ‘But it is politically correct, socially speaking, to demean oneself un peu.’
A little? Riley chuckled and rolled her eyes. Her guilt would have diminished quicker if he’d been angry instead of jovial with her. At least it would have made her angry in return. She needed to justify to herself what she was about to do.
His dark eyes were unreadable. It was as though he was attempting to penetrate her thoughts. When she could take his stare no longer, she looked away, but Jack cupped her chin and forced her to meet his gaze.
Still not speaking, he bent to kiss her lips, and the pressure wasn’t light.
What’s he trying to do, get me to jump his bones and make a fool of myself right here in front of the other customers?
Lingering a bit then lightly brushing his lips on hers, he finally released her. Wordlessly, he held up a hand and brought their server over.
‘The bill, please.’
Riley was afraid she’d angered him or hurt his feelings. Why wouldn’t he talk to her?
When they were outside and walking back toward their hotel, Jack placed an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. ‘Do you think you can manage the airport, your luggage, everything on your own?”
She nodded.’I’ll be fine.’
He pointed to a sidewalk café with outdoor seating. ‘Let’s have a cup of coffee and talk some more.’ Once they located a table nestled in a secluded spot, Jack pulled her chair out for Riley then scooted his own closer to hers.
They’d had several intimate conversations,
but this one made Riley jumpy. He must know what I’ve been scheming to do. Somehow, he just knows.
Jack ordered for them then pulled out his wallet. ‘I meant to give you these before we left home.’
Riley frowned as he handed her the plastic. ‘Credit cards?’
He ticked them off one at a time. ‘This one is a debit card for your personal use — my name isn’t on the account. You have to go into a branch of the bank and sign the paperwork before you can withdraw money. They should mail your chequebook to you within the week. Got it?’
What am I, five? Riley nodded.
He continued. ‘This one you share with me. I like to keep a seven-figure balance on this one — it’s for house expenses.’
Riley indicated the card. ‘You pay the house expenses?’
Jack nodded. ‘Have been doing so for years. Amelia prefers it but doesn’t wish Patrick to know for some reason.’ He tapped the card. ‘Amelia is on the account with us.’
‘Was it her idea to put my name on it or yours?’ For some reason she couldn’t identify, it was important.
Jack looked into her eyes. ‘It was a mutual consideration. She suggested it, and I agreed. Don’t worry, no one will murder you if you use it for personal use, but it’s fair to let you know two others will be monitoring this particular account. Does that make you uncomfortable?’
‘No.’
Finally he produced the third one. ‘I opened a savings account in your name. I figured you might wish to have your checks deposited into this one, but it’s up to you. That way you can transfer funds any time you need.’
For a moment, Riley thought he was fishing into his wallet for another credit or debit card, but this time he produced a business card.
‘Riley, don’t lose this. It has all my numbers on it, from house to cell to my office.’ He smiled wryly. ‘I haven’t seen you place any calls at the house and you’ve yet to ring me, so I guessed you wouldn’t know the numbers instantly.’
‘You guessed correctly.’ She didn’t know what to say.
Jack took her by the shoulders. ‘The house account should be used only if I’m unable to pay something for Amelia, but the personal account belongs only to you. I have the ability to deposit monies into your account but I’m unable to withdraw funds. There should be plenty in it, enough to help you with personal expenses and a few luxury items.’
Astonishment. Humility. Gratitude. A montage of emotions flooded her. Riley was gobsmacked. ‘When did you do all this?’
Jack grinned. ‘Before we met, but...’ He paused.
‘Go on.’ Riley wet her lips. Was this where ‘strings attached’ came in?
‘I transferred a bit more into your personal account after...once we knew one another better.’
He looked so sweet and sheepish, Riley couldn’t resist tiptoeing to kiss his cheek.
Embarrassment washed over her. He’d been extremely generous, but had she?
Jack seemed puzzled. ‘What is it?’
Riley wasn’t about to tell him, so she cleared her throat and slipped the cards into her bag, avoiding eye contact until she could rein in her guilt and the feeling she’d been rather selfish since moving to Cadigal Valley.
Blinking back tears, she resisted blurting out her plan to visit Frost in prison and admitting to Jack her fears that it was she who had gotten the better end of their bargain.
Jack lifted her face with a forefinger under her chin, forcing her gently to meet his gaze. ‘Chérie, what troubles you?’
Riley laughed nervously. ‘You’ll make fun of me.’ She searched for a good lie, which only made her feel worse. ‘I was wondering how long your meetings will be today and what you have planned for tomorrow.’
Jack frowned, and then his handsome face lit up like magic with the biggest smile imaginable. ‘Why? Don’t tell me I’ve finally convinced you to go shopping again with me.’
Riley couldn’t keep her voice from wavering. ‘I...I...that is, we haven’t been to your home. I’ve yet to meet your family and see where you grew up.’
The hell with Frost. He could wait. She’d find a way to see him later. Something told Riley it was more important that she remain in France with Jack a while longer.
He hadn’t touched her except to kiss her or occasionally lift her chin so she could meet his gaze. For all she knew, he didn’t even want to sleep with her now that he’d gotten to know her better. Funny that his nonchalant behaviour toward her only served to make her more aware of him.
‘To answer your question,’ Jack said, ‘today’s meetings will be rather lengthy. I can probably get out by eight to have a late dinner with you if you’re staying.’
His last word was a statement, but Riley sensed a question. ‘I’d like to stay.’
She’d never known his eyes to hold so much warmth, but unless her imagination deceived her, they now gleamed with satisfaction.
Jack leaned toward her for a kiss, and she didn’t deny him.
When had his lips felt like home? Before, they’d excited her, made her feel desired. They had even teased her. Now...Riley had a peace she hadn’t felt since she didn’t know when.
He broke the kiss, but his eyes caressed her face, and if they hadn’t been in public, Riley was certain he’d have taken that kiss to another level. ‘Chérie, you decide what and where for dinner.’
As if they were a couple. Maybe he wasn’t indifferent to her after all.
‘You sure?’ she asked.
Jack laughed softly. ‘Trust me, after what I have to deal with today, it’ll be a relief to have someone else make the decisions.’
Riley somehow felt validated, even though all he’d entrusted to her for the evening was dinner. She’d do her best to make the meal memorable.
She said goodbye to her husband, assuring him she could find her way back to the hotel with no problem. Then she hailed a taxi once Jack was gone.
Must be the fact that I’m on the French Riviera with a handsome man. Riley had to admit that, for her, shopping was daring. She’d grown up without a mother and with only nuns to guide her girlish purchases. Afterwards, none of her friends from the orphanage were any better at choosing clothing than Riley. What did they know about haute couture that seduced?
But Riley was on a mission. Sexy lingerie, including a demure but daring peignoir first. Then back to the hotel for a day at the spa, complete with manicure, pedicure, massage, and a body wrap.
She had no clue why it was important she step into the role of wife with a surer footing. It just was. It was also imperative she broaden her scope of femininity and be confident choosing more than lab equipment and hiking gear.
Lex, who had constantly teased her about being such a tomboy, would kill herself laughing at Riley’s transformation once they hooked up again.
Riley’s thoughts sobered. Oh, dear. She had to e-mail Lex once she was back at the hotel and tell her friend not to meet her just yet at the airport in Hervey Bay.
After a gruelling round of discussions that seemed to go nowhere, Jack was ready to head back to his suite at the hotel. He’d told Riley dinner would be her choice, but he sure didn’t feel like doing anything taxing. He was bone weary and only wanted a hot shower, some food, and his bed.
He tried emptying his mind of the day’s work. He hadn’t expected Riley to stay with him. She’d seemed so eager to get back to Australia, as if she had plans she was keeping from him. It was all he could do to remain upright, pleasant, and a ready listener, and not subject her to the mood he was in. Having to fire a distributor always left a sour taste in his mouth, but it was just business.
His bride was nowhere to be seen when he unlocked their suite.
‘Riley?’
A couple of seconds later she emerged from their balcony. She looked delicious, dressed in some frothy concoction of pastel blue and mint green chiffon.
He couldn’t keep surprise from his voice. ‘You went shopping on your own?’
Riley blushed prettily. ‘So
me boutique on rue something or other.’ She took a slow turn so he could examine her purchase. ‘I don’t know how to pronounce the name of the shop, but it means colour of something. Couleurs d’été?’
Jack nodded, pleased. ‘Colours of summer, chérie .’
‘So do I look French?’
He took off his jacket and flung it on the bed. Then he sat at the room’s breakfast table, pulled out a chair and beckoned for her to sit on his lap. He drew her into the circle of his arms. ‘Sorry, no.’ At her disappointed grimace, he laughed. ‘You look like my fiery Irish-Australian wife and very beautiful, but no one would mistake you for French.’
Riley looked glum. ‘Can’t pull it off, eh?’
‘It’s unnecessary, chérie. You’re adorable as you are.’
Riley sighed and wiggled from his embrace, giving him a view of her backside. ‘I was going for glamorous, not adorable.’
‘Why can’t you be both in my eyes?’
She snorted indelicately. ‘You’re just saying that so I won’t feel foolish.’
‘Never feel foolish or inadequate with me. Ever. I insist.’
She turned to face him. ‘Is it because like most men you don’t want to delve into the insecurities and quirks of a woman?’
Jack shook his head slowly. ‘It’s because I prefer total honesty between us. If we can’t behave as we feel around one another, we’re not off to a good start.’
She murmured. ‘That’ very important to you, isn’t it — honesty?’
‘Yes. I assumed it would be to you as well.’
Her voice was soft. ‘It is.’
‘Then we should have no problems.’ He was puzzled as to the turn of their conversation from light to introspective, but since she didn’t appear willing to engage further, he changed the subject and asked about dinner.
‘I ordered room service. It should be here in about ten minutes.’ She rose from the bed and reached for the thick terry robe she had hanging in the closet. ‘Go ahead and shower if you like. I’ll take care of the bill.’
‘Have it charged to the room, chérie .’ He rubbed his face with his hands. ‘If you don’t mind, though, I’ll take that shower. I need it.’
