by Rita Sawyer
The phone rang and it took her a few seconds to find it among the papers scattered on top of her desk. “Hello.”
“Feel like coming to dinner tonight?” Nicolette asked. “Sophia and Tiffany are coming.”
“Yeah I could use a break.” Maybe her friends could help her straighten her focus.
Nicolette made a noise then said, “Will Dade mind?”
Rosie didn’t like that her friends thought their relationship had progressed to the point where he had any say in what she did. “No. He’ll probably be glad to have the house to himself for the night.”
“Good, because we’re having dinner at my grandmother’s house, and I already told her you would all be there.”
“Nicolette, are you up to something?” Rosie would still go she just wanted to be prepared.
“I’m not going to ask why you all asked that, because I’m not sure I want to know the answer.” She sighed and Rosie knew it wasn’t just for effect. “I was just thinking that with you all there maybe we’d have a civilized meal for a change.”
Rosie thought it was a wise decision not to remind her of the night that her grandmother had balled out her cousin Joey in front of everyone when she found out he’d cheated on his girlfriend. “I’ll head in soon and hopefully get there around three so I can handle a few things at the gallery before dinner.”
“Call me when you get in and I’ll meet you there. I’ve been working on something new and I have a couple of things I want to show you.”
“New?” Rosie couldn’t believe she’d been holding back on her. “I thought you decided to take a break and let your creative juices build up.”
“Yeah, well the muse struck and I decided to go with it.”
“Oh.” This had happened once before. “Does this muse have a name?”
“No.” Nicolette laughed. “It’s not like that. This is something totally new for me. I’m actually a little nervous to show it to you.”
“Well don’t be.” That made Rosie curious, because Nicolette had never been worried before. “You know I’ll take a look and give my honest opinion.”
“I know that’s why you’re the only one who knows the truth about this.”
“That and the fact that I’m your only friend who can keep a secret.” They both laughed.
Rosie ended the call and went looking for Dade. Once she told him she was leaving she could pack up her stuff and get on the road. He wasn’t in his office, or anywhere else in the house. It was totally hypocritical, but she was surprised he left without telling her. They weren’t that type of couple yet, and unfortunately she didn’t think they would have enough time to get there. Worse she was beginning to think that was exactly what she wanted. She called his cell phone and left a message for him to call her back as soon as he could, but that nothing was wrong.
While she waited she packed a bag and went back to the study. She gathered the files she’d need for the night and stuck them in her bag with her laptop. There were a few things she wanted to run past the girls and get their opinions on. She walked over to one of the bookshelves and slowly ran her hand along the books.
Her uncle had an extensive collection of mysteries and who’ dun’ it’s. Most of them had cracks on the spine proving they’d been read over and over. Her finger lingered on the rare one without any marks. It was the one she sent him just a few weeks before the accident. She pulled it out and stroked the glossy cover before pressing the book to her chest. What was she going to do without him?
She turned to slide the book back in place, but froze when she noticed a big yellowish envelope stuck in the back behind the other books. Rosie dropped the book to the floor and began pulling others out until she could free the envelope. With it in her hand she dropped onto the couch and stared at it. She flipped it over and over. Something inside slid from side to side. There was nothing written on it. If her name had been on it she would’ve ripped it open already.
Her options were pretty clear. She could open it and not tell anyone else. Or she could wait for Dade and they could open it together. Mr. Grest would probably need to be notified if it turned out to be something important, but something told her if her uncle wanted him to know he would have given it to him. She got up and walked over to the window. She stood there tapping the envelope against her thigh fighting with herself.
This room had been her uncle’s private domain. Dade knew that. She decided it was only right as his niece that she open it. Her fingers trembled a bit as she flipped the clasp. She pulled the edges apart and looked inside as she walked over to the desk. Rosie carefully dumped the contents onto the desk calendar. There were four photographs, and two thick envelopes. One was addressed to her, and the other was addressed to Dade. They were both in her uncle’s handwriting.
She picked up the pictures. The first was of her and her uncle a few years ago in front of the Christmas tree. The next was of him and Dade each holding up a beer toasting whoever was behind the camera. They were both smiling. Rosie laid it on the desk and moved to the next one. It was of her uncle dancing with her at one of the charity events she’d been a part of.
God, he looked fabulous in a tux. Rosie remembered that night half the women there that night had made large donations trying to catch his eye. It was a great picture of the two of them. She put the picture aside deciding she was going to have it blown up and hang it on the wall behind the desk for everyone to see. The last picture was bigger than all the rest. It was a party of some sort and Dade was staring across the crowd to where she was standing with her uncle. She had no idea when it was taken, or by who. Her uncle was smiling at her, but Dade wasn’t.
Rosie didn’t know what her uncle was up to. She decided she wanted to. Still her hands shook as she picked up her letter.
‘Baby Girl,
If you’re reading this I guess you and Dade either didn’t follow through with my request, or things didn’t work out the way I hoped. I’m sorry to have left you at all, but I thought I was at least leaving you in good hands. Dade is a good man, the best I know, and I had the highest hopes for the two of you.
I hid this packet knowing the only way one of you would find it was if you were packing my things away. I had hoped so many times over the years that you and Dade would spend some time together and fall for each other. It would have made things so much easier.
I know deep in my bones you two are perfect for each other. Forgive me for trying to push you two together to make you see it too. If I had more time I would have found another way, but if you got this then something stopped that from happening. I thought you just needed to get to know him better. I’ve seen the way he looks at you and with just a little nudge I was hoping he’d do something about it. Since you’re reading this he must not have, or he did something to screw it up. He can be a blasted fool sometimes. All men are at some point. If that’s the case do me a favor and cut him some slack, and give him a chance to make up for it before you do something rash like walk out on him.
If things just can’t work that’s fine too. Thank you for at least thinking about doing this last thing for me. Remember forever Baby Girl that I love you, and I hope you can forgive an old man his follies. They were done with love in mind.
With all my love,
Uncle Teddy’
Rosie’s tears rolled down her cheeks and landed in fat plops on the paper. Emotions rolled through her. She knew trying to control them would be impossible. Her uncle couldn’t have known he was going to be in an accident, so why the letters and pictures? She wiped her face off and picked up the phone. Mr. Grest might have some answers.
Twenty minutes later the tears only fell harder. Mr. Grest hadn’t known about the letter, but he hadn’t been surprised. He told her that Teddy had always hoped the two of them would run into each other someday, hit it off, and end up blissfully married. Since you both seemed disinclined to do it on your own this arrangement was his last ditch attempt to see if he could bring you two together. She’d found out t
hat her uncle re-record that video every six months just in case one of them met someone or something.
Then Mr. Grest had surprised her by telling her he’d already mentioned all this to Dade. How could he have gone along with it? Worse how could he have not told her what was going on? Well, damn it, she was going to find out. Then she was going to tell him exactly what she thought about it and him.
* * * *
Dade limped into the kitchen. His whole body ached. He tossed his cell phone on the counter and made his way to the sink. So much for being unbreakable. The screen was smashed and the back had cracked so bad it was barely holding the battery in. Luckily he had insurance on it. He added it to the list of calls he needed to make. Dade washed and dried his hands and face. He tossed the towel on the counter with a groan as his shoulder protested every movement, even the slightest.
The living room was the closest room with a soft surface he could stretch out on. And the fact that he could avoid climbing the stairs made it even more suitable. With slow easy measures he lowered himself on the couch. As slowly as he could he eased back against the cushions and told himself after a few minutes he’d lie down. He heard the click of Rosie heels coming his way and found the strength to smile.
She paused in the hall and called his name. “Dade?”
“In here.” Darn, just calling out hurt.
She came into the living room and stopped in front of him. Normally his manners would have dictated that he got to his feet, but his body demanded he stay right where he was. She propped her hands on her hips and tapped the toe of her shiny hot pink shoe at him. He wasn’t in the best mood for whatever was about to happen, but one look at her and he knew he wasn’t going to be able to avoid it either. It was best to just let her get it out of her system.
“Have you been crying?” He did his best to hide his pain from her.
“Where the hell have you been?” She asked not confirming or denying his assessment.
“Out.” He wasn’t about to dump his horrible day on her when she was obviously already upset.
“I tried calling you to tell you that I’m going into the city.”
“Sorry I’m having trouble with my phone.” It was true, but a major understatement. “You’re leaving?”
“Yes.” She nodded.
Dade knew he looked okay as long as he didn’t move. Still he had kind of hoped she’d see him in this condition and offer to take care of him, but that meant he’d have to tell her what had happened. With her uncle’s accident still so fresh he assumed she’d be really angry that he’d been so reckless. In his own defense he hadn’t meant to flip the quad runner over. He knew he was lucky to walk away without any serious injuries. Dade assumed he was going to be sore for a few days and most likely be sporting a couple of nasty bruises, but every once in a while it was good for the soul to go a little wild. It might be best for him to recuperate a little before she found out
“How long are you going to be gone?” He wished he had the balls to say don’t go.
“I was thinking just for the night, but maybe longer.” She lowered her gaze to her feet making him wonder if she was hiding something.
He didn’t like her tone. “But not more than the allotted time?”
“Yeah,” her gaze snapped back up to his. “I’ll be back in plenty of time.”
“When are you leaving?” He didn’t want her to go at all, but at least she wouldn’t be there to see him limp around.
She didn’t answer as she walked over to the big bow window, then back to him. “Did you know before Mr. Grest told you?”
“Told me what?” He was too tired and sore to play head games.
“That this whole thing,” She waved her hands in the air. “Was my uncle’s attempt to get us together? Were you in on it?”
“No. Well, I had an idea what he was up to, but Grest confirmed it at the funeral. Did he tell you?”
“No. I found an envelope hidden in the back of the bookshelf behind his books. It had pictures and a letter for each of us.” She stomped away her heels tapping out a quick rhythm.
Dade hoped she didn’t expect him to jump up and follow her, though he probably would of if he could’ve. Instead he sat there until she came back. She held out a couple of pictures and a letter with his name on it. The muscles in his back, arm, and neck protested, but Dade lifted his hand and took them from her.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” Her accusation was full of contempt.
“How would you have liked me to do that? Should I have just said ‘hey Rosie your uncle is making us live together hoping we’ll fall madly in love and stay together forever’. You would have thought I was crazy. And just remember that I tried to stop you from doing this right from the start.”
“Does his wanting us together have anything to do with what has been happening between us?”
“Hell no! I don’t think your uncle planned for us to be boinking like rabbits without some kind of commitment.” Dade didn’t hold back his grin when he added, “Actually I’m pretty sure Teddy would have kicked my ass, or hired someone to do it.”
“But you knew he’d approve so you went along with it?” It was the first time he heard anything like a whine come from her.
“No.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I tried like hell to fight it. Teddy warned me you were a force of nature that no man could resist. I guess you proved him right.”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Exactly. You didn’t have to do anything besides just be who you are.”
Rosie shook her head. “Are you going to read that?”
“Not yet.” It would take more energy than he had right now. “I’ve had a busy morning I’m going to go take a shower. When are you leaving?”
“Now. I already have my stuff in the car.” That bite in her tone he didn’t like was back, but harder this time.
“Can I call you tonight?” Asking felt funny after how intimate they’d been lately.
“Why?” With that one word she pierced his heart.
“Because if I don’t hear your voice before I go to bed, I won’t be able to sleep.” Damn as he came up with the excuse he realized it was true. “I’ll be up all night worrying about you, instead of dreaming about having you in my arms.”
“Fine. You can call,” She gave him her permission, but she didn’t sound happy about it. “But I want you to know that this charming act of yours isn’t going to get you off the hook. You should have told me so we were both going into this knowing full well what Teddy’s plan was. Things have changed and I’m going to use this time to reevaluate what’s happened and where I think things should go from here.” With that she turned and started to walk away.
Dade shoved the pain out of his mind and pushed himself up off the couch. It took him three long painful strides to reach her. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to a stop. She turned and looked up at him. The blue in her eyes seemed brighter, and there were streaks of red on her cheeks. Whether with passion or anger it gave her a fierce sexy edge.
“I don’t like the way that sounded.” He closed the distance between them making her tilt her chin up higher to keep her gaze locked on his.
“Too bad. You’ve kept something important from me for four months. We’re going to be together for another eight weeks. Then who knows what is going to happen. I’m not going to sit around and wait to see what my uncle has planned for us. I’m going to be ready with a plan of my own.”
“Damn it Rosie. Us living together was his idea, and it turned out to be a good one. He couldn’t have manipulated our emotions, or pushed us into having mind blowing sex. Unless we were both willing none of this would have happened.” Dade had figured out a couple of weeks ago that going with Teddy’s plan made falling for her unavoidable, but he’d keep that tidbit to himself.
“Willing or not I feel duped.” Her lips formed a kissable pout.
Dade instantly decided he wasn’
t going to let her lay all the blame on him and Teddy. “You’re not that naïve. You had to wonder what Teddy was up to.”
“I did,” His gaze dipped to her breasts as they rose and fell with her sigh. “And you knew and didn’t tell me.”
Rosie reached out and put her finger under his chin and pushed his head up. Dade brought his gaze to hers.
“I’m sorry.” He knew he was going to be saying that for a while.
“Yeah, so am I.” She tugged her hand free and walked away.
Dade wasn’t in any condition to chase after her. And he figured it was probably best if he didn’t. He headed for the stairs. A hot shower and tube of pain relieving cream might help ease his tight muscles. Tonight after she had some time to calm down he’d call her and plead his case again. When he reached his room instead of going to the bathroom he went to the window. He was just in time to see her car drive way.
He closed his eyes and rested his forehead on the cool glass. Teddy might have screwed him by asking him to agree to this one last request. He had to know they’d both say yes. And he had to know that Rosie was smart enough to figure it all out sooner or later. It was hard to believe since he hurt everywhere, but his heart ached most of all. As he walked to the bathroom he wondered if he’d lost Rosie before he really had a chance to win her.
Chapter Ten
Rosie refused to cry. It would be a waste of good tears on a bad boy. Nothing good ever came from that. Still she had to admit Dade hadn’t really lied to her, because she’d never come right out and asked him what her uncle’s plan was. She might have tiptoed around it though. So basically he’d only omitted what he’d known. And he hadn’t tried to use it against her in any way. Her dilemma lied in the fact that she wasn’t sure about his feelings for her. Could he really be doing all this out of reverence for Teddy? Or did he really have feelings for her? Rosie needed to find out the answers to her questions, and damn quick too.
