by Angelo, Judy
As tiny as she was, if Mrs. Hunter was such a powerful force what was her husband like?
Dani found out soon enough. Before she even got to the end of the hallway a booming voice shattered the cool quiet of the house.
“Storm, my boy, what breeze finally blew you our way?”
Edgar Hunter was a big man, both in size and personality, and when he came up to them and wrapped Storm in a huge bear hug Dani almost feared for his safety. As tall and muscled as Storm was, he was about half the size of his father. The man looked like he could easily snap his son’s spine with that hug.
When they parted both men were smiling so Dani relaxed and smiled too, then Storm turned to her.
“Dad, this is Dani, the friend I told you about, the woman who’s stolen my heart.”
“Ah, ha. So this is the special girl you’ve been hiding all this time." His blue eyes twinkled in his weathered face and he opened his arms wide. “Welcome, my child.”
Dani’s eyes widened as she stared at the smiling man. There was no way she was going to step into that hug. He’d crush her like a bug.
Unfortunately, that decision was taken out of her hands when he took one step forward and gathered her into his arms. He released her a second later but she could honestly say that for that moment in time he had her fearing for her life. Okay, maybe she was being dramatic but goodness, how did a pixie like Janet Hunter manage with a giant of a husband like him?
“Now come, let's have dinner and get to know one another.” Edgar led the way until they came to a majestic dining room with a table that looked large enough to seat forty. The room reminded her of the great halls in the castles of medieval times, it was so huge. Unlike those great halls, though, this room was bright and airy and the table was decorated with vases filled with a variety of flowers that graced the room with their fragrance.
To Dani’s surprise dinner was not the elegant fare she was expecting - poached salmon or beef tenderloin in wine, caviar, and other foods of that nature. Instead, and much to her delight, they were served a salad with barbecued chicken, string beans, cornbread and macaroni salad. Dessert was her favorite - strawberry shortcake.
“How did you know?” Dani asked when the dessert tray was brought to the table. She looked over at Janet, as she’d now come to think of her. After the light banter during dinner she was no longer intimidated by the diminutive queen of Hunter’s Lodge. “Can you read minds or something?”
Janet laughed. “Not at all, dear. When Storm told us he was bringing a special friend to meet us he demanded that we have strawberry shortcake for dessert.”
Dani turned to Storm, still confused. “But how did you-”
“Our quilting session, remember? We talked about our favorite things.” He shot her a warning glance.
“Oh, yes, that’s right.” She reached for her glass and pretended to take a sip of water, but she’d done it to hide her face which might be turning pink right at that very moment. She’d almost given the game away. They were supposed to know each other intimately so her expression of surprise would raise questions, to say the least. Thankfully, the Hunters didn’t seem to notice her blunder.
By the time tea and coffee were served Dani was a bit more at ease, feeling like she’d passed the worst. The conversation was flowing and she was actually enjoying the company of Storm’s parents. Edgar was so unlike her mental image of a billionaire. Somehow she had expected stuffy and serious, someone who might even look down his nose at her. He was the total opposite of that. Talkative and jovial, at one point he had her laughing so hard there were tears in her eyes. Janet, too, seemed to have softened toward her and they were soon engaged in an animated discussion about quilting techniques. Storm sat watching them, his lips curling in obvious amusement. He must be thinking what she was thinking - who would have known she’d find something in common with his mother?
The tea things cleared away, Storm reached over and took Dani’s hand in his. “Mom and Dad, there is something I…Dani and I would like to tell you.”
Janet straightened her back and her eyes brightened. Edgar cleared his throat.
“I think you may have already guessed. Dani and I are engaged.” He gave her hand a slight squeeze, probably to reassure her.
Dani held his hand tight. He’d probably seen the nervousness in her eyes and felt the slight tremble of her fingers. The moment of reckoning was here. The Hunters had been friendly enough when they thought she and Storm were friends but how would they respond to the announcement that she might become a part of their family? “That’s wonderful, honey," Janet said, beaming. She reached over and took Dani’s hand. “Congratulations, dear.”
They all turned to look at Edgar and he was grinning from ear to ear. “Well, thank God," he said in his booming voice. “Miracles do happen. I’ll see Storm wedded and settled in my lifetime.” He leaned forward to shake Storm’s hand. "Congratulations, son. You’re making a big step but it’s the right one. A man’s got to have a wife to be taken seriously in life and in business. Good move.”
Dani released her breath in relief. Well, that had gone well, a lot better than she’d expected. She’d thought Storm would have to defend his choice, get his parents to accept her. She’d expected questions, lots of them - where was she from, what was her family background, what kind of business was she engaged in - but none of those came. Instead, they seemed so open and welcoming that Dani relaxed in her chair as she turned to look at her new husband-to-be.
Storm, however, was another matter. Where she had grown more comfortable with the situation he seemed to have moved in the opposite direction. She was close enough to see the dew of perspiration on his upper lip, and the tightness of his mouth spoke of a tension she’d not seen in him before.
What in the world was going on? Had he changed his mind? Well, if he wanted to back out of this twisted comedy it was too late now.
“Thanks,” he said, his tone unusually serious at a time for celebrations. “Thanks for your well wishes and for making Dani feel welcome.”
Well, that was a formal sort of way to thank your parents. She gave Storm a sideways glance then squeezed his hand. Come on, Storm, don’t melt down now.
“And what’s the date, son? Make it early. With my heart you know time is of the essence.”
“Date…we haven’t reached that far yet.” By now Storm’s face had a slightly pinker hue.
“Well, get cracking,” Edgar, said with a laugh. “What ever thou doest, do it quickly. Didn’t they say that in the Bible?”
“I agree,” Janet said emphatically. “We’ve been talking to you for the longest time about getting serious about your life and the family business. The sooner you get the wedding out of the way the sooner you can take the reins and give your father a break.”
“And start a family,” Edgar did not hesitate to add. “I want to spend my retirement years playing with my grandkids.”
Dani felt her face grow red at that request. Edgar certainly knew how to ask for what he wanted. Maybe that was why he’d been good at making billions.
“In time, Dad,” Storm said distractedly, “in time.” Then he looked at Dani, “Hey, do you want to see the tree house I built when I was a kid? It’s still there.”
Subtle change of subject, Storm, real subtle. Dani almost giggled. He seemed so desperate to get away from any further discussion of their engagement. She kept her face composed, hiding her amusement, and said in her best fiancée voice, “Of course, honey. I’d love to.”
“Go ahead, kids,” Edgar said with a wave of his hand. “Take her down to the stream, Storm. Nice and peaceful down there. She’ll love that.”
Storm got up and gave Dani his arm. He looked back to normal now, his face relaxed and smiling. “Are you a good climber? We’ll go up and see what animals have taken charge of my old house.”
She looked at him askance. “I don’t know about that. “
He was just about to respond when Mrs. Johnson stepped into the dining
room. “Excuse me,” she said, “but Miss Lola has stopped by for a visit. Should I have her wait in the sitting room or should I send her in?”
Edgar and Janet turned to each other and a look of concern passed between them. Dani looked at Storm. His face had suddenly lost its color. None of those were good signs. And as Dani stood there, looking from one to the other, she could tell that what was coming was not going to be good.
CHAPTER SIX
Edgar was the first to speak. “Please ask her to make herself comfortable in the sitting room. I’ll be right there.”
Mrs. Johnson nodded and went back through the door.
As soon as she’d left Edgar spoke. “Is Lola aware of this change in your status?’ He gave Storm a pointed look.
Janet nodded. “You know how she feels about you. I think she was expecting-” She broke off suddenly and gave Dani a look heavy with guilt. “I’m sorry, Dani. I don’t mean to be disrespectful to you. It’s just…well, Lola’s been in the picture for a while so this could be difficult. You and Storm spoke about her, I assume?”
Dani looked across at Storm, waiting for him to speak. She was the fake fiancée but this was his game. He should be the one giving explanations.
“We were getting to that-”
He didn’t get the chance to say another word. At that instant the door to the dining room opened and Lola burst in.
“Janet, Edgar, have you heard? Storm-” She stopped short and her eyes grew round in surprise. “You. So you’re the one who’s turned him against me.” She was staring at Dani, her eyes flashing with violent rage. “You stole him from me.”
“Now, Lola,” Edgar said, beginning to get up from around the table. “Let’s not-”
“No, it’s true. She did something to him, bewitched him or something. Didn’t he go out with me just weeks ago? He was supposed to be mine.” As Lola spoke her voice grew higher with agitation and she began to walk toward the table.
“Okay, that’s enough.”
Storm’s voice must have shocked her back to reality. She halted abruptly and stared at him, her face contorted in her distress.
Storm stepped forward almost blocking Dani from Lola’s view and folded his arms across his chest. “Lola, you and I know that there is nothing between us. It’s all been a fantasy, a lie you fed yourself for so long you began to believe it. And we did not go out together two weeks ago. We met at the party, remember, then you asked me for a ride home.” He released his arms and shoved his hands deep into his pockets. He shook his head. “I’m sorry this has hurt you but you have to get real. You have to give up the pretense.”
Dani almost laughed. Give up the pretense, he said. And what were they doing? Creating an even more dangerous lie.
“No.” Lola gave a broken sob and reached blindly for the table, looking like she was on the verge of collapsing.
“My child.” Edgar was immediately at her side, supporting her and directing her into a nearby chair.
Storm had moved, too, but when his father caught her he froze. He stood back while Edgar patted her hand and spoke soothing words to her.
“I’ll get a glass of water.” Janet got up and hurried out the door.
For a moment longer Storm hesitated then he approached the now sobbing woman. “Lola, please. Don’t cry.” His voice was quiet and low and his face dark and serious. It was obvious that he was not enjoying Lola’s distress. “I hate it that you’re hurting right now and that I’m the cause. If I could have done anything-”
“You could have loved me.” Lola lifted her tear-streaked face and looked at him with stricken eyes. “Why couldn’t you love me, Storm? What is it about me that you hate so much?”
“Lola.” This time Storm’s voice was full of frustration. “Let’s not go back there.”
Lola sniffed then grabbed at the handkerchief Edgar held out to her. She dabbed at her eyes then looked over at Dani. “And who’s she? What made her so special that you chose her and not me?” She glared at Dani across the room then her hateful stare turned into a frown. “Where have I seen you before?’
Dani’s heart almost reached her throat. What if she was found out? She and Storm would have a lot to answer to. Her eyes went to him but he was scowling at Lola. The woman had the power to blow their cover to the sky.
Suddenly the tears dried up and Lola turned her full attention on Dani. “I know you…” she said, her voice uncertain but then she repeated it, her voice more confident this time. “I know I know you. I just can’t say from where.” She looked from Dani to Storm then back to Dani.
“There’s something fishy going on here,” she said, “and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”
Her eyes fixed on Dani, she got up and thrust the now damp handkerchief toward Edgar. Then she turned and her back ramrod straight, she walked out of the room, leaving them all staring after her.
Dani’s eyes went back to Storm. Now what?
******
“Well, the good thing is my parents love you.” Storm took a swig of his beer then relaxed in his chair and stretched his legs out in front of him. They were at an outdoor café, one she’d never even heard of but he recommended highly. She did not regret his choice. Tucked into a cul-de-sac at the outskirts of an exclusive resort, its clientele included many of the rich and famous of the Chicago area. It had been two days since the drama with Lola, and Storm and Dani were just getting the chance to do a postmortem and discuss their plan of action going forward. After Lola had stormed out they - mostly Storm - ended up fielding a barrage of questions and by the time they left Hunter’s Lodge they were both too exhausted to even talk about it further. This evening, though, they would have to plan their next move. Who knew when Lola would strike again and next time she might deliver the killing blow to their pretense.
“You hope your parents love me," came Dani’s rejoinder.
“I know they do,” Storm said without hesitation. “I could see it in the way my Dad warmed to you. Even my Mom who’s a bit more reserved was into you. You could see that she was actually concerned about how you felt when Lola came by.”
“I have to admit, they were pretty nice to me,” she said as she brushed a stray curl off her forehead and tucked it behind her ear. The light breeze of the outdoors kept blowing wisps of hair across her face. A drawback of dining outdoors but one she could definitely live with. The fresh air and the warbling of the birds in the nearby trees made it all worthwhile. "Still, I don’t think they’ll be quite so welcoming when they find out who I really am.”
“I know my parents, Dani, and they’re not snobs. Of course they’ll accept you for who you are.”
“Not if they find out my role in this farce. They’ll hate me for it.”
Storm shook his head and there was a look of regret in his eyes. “It’s me they’d hate. I’m their son and I’m the one deceiving them.” He pushed the beer bottle away and leaned forward. “You know, when my father congratulated me he looked so contented that the guilt slapped me right between the eyes. I almost caved in and told them the truth.”
Dani nodded slowly. “I remember. I could see you were uneasy.”
“Uneasy is an understatement," Storm said with a grimace. “I felt like a dog to be deceiving them like that.” He leaned back in his chair and gave her a rueful smile. “When I first thought of it, it had seemed like a great idea. I didn’t know I was going to get soft when it was time to execute.”
“So…do you want to call it off?” Dani spoke in a low, quiet voice, not wanting to give away her emotions. At his words her heart had jerked in her chest and it hadn’t been a happy feeling. It was as if she could not bear for the bond they had to dissolve.
“Not on your life. We’ve gone too far to turn back now. And besides,” he shrugged and lifted his eyebrows, “you've seen how Lola behaved. If she gets wind that this is all fake she’ll be after me again and this time I won’t be able to shake her loose.”
“I admire your modesty,” Dani said, laughin
g at the way he sat there looking so full of himself. “It must be very trying to have women throwing themselves at you all the time.”
“Actually, it is," he said, his look earnest. “Try being a rich, not to mention startlingly handsome, man for a day and you’ll see what I’m talking about.”
“Oh, you.” She laughed and leaned over to give him a playful punch. She was joking around about it but she could understand exactly what he meant. Of course he’d have women after him. He was an eligible and very desirable bachelor.
And that was why it was so important for her to keep her distance, at least from an emotional standpoint. Storm had his pick of women and when he was really ready to settle down he’d select his life partner from his own circle. She could not afford to start feeling soft toward him. If so, she’d do it at her own peril.
“There’s a party coming up in a couple of weeks, one I’ve got to attend. And I’ll need to have my fiancée on my arm.” He cocked one eyebrow at her. “Are you game?”
Dani shrugged. “I’m always game,” she said casually. “It’s my job, remember?”
“Fair warning - Lola might be there.”
“Oh.” Dani didn’t feel quite so confident then. The last thing she needed was the possibility of Lola launching another attack, this time in front of a crowd.
“Oh, is right,” Storm said, his face serious. “We’ll have to be prepared for just about anything. One thing we can’t do is avoid the event. That would just raise suspicions. Lola already started questioning our relationship. We don’t want my parents to start wondering, too.”
“Oh,” Dani said and then fell silent. She knew what he meant. They’d have to stay close to each other’s side, hold hands and look like a loving couple. How in the world was she going to deal with that?
“Oh, again?” Storm chuckled. “Don’t worry, we got through dinner with my parents and we’ll get through this thing together.”
She only wished she could be as confident. Needing to ease the tension, she decided to change the subject. “I need to be out of town this weekend. I hope it doesn’t clash with any of your plans.”
