by Bobbi Smith
"Peri?" Philip couldn't believe it was her. He couldn't imagine what she would have to cry about. "Peri, what is it?"
Peri heard him and quickly tried to pull herself together. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, but it was useless. "Oh...Philip..."
"Are you all right? Are you hurt?" Philip went straight to her, not caring that she might want to be alone. He could only think that she was hurting in some way and he wanted to help.
"No...no, I'm all right," she snuffled, trying to regain her composure.
"But I heard you crying and I thought you might need something..." he tried to explain what had drawn him to her.
Peri lifted tear-filled eyes to his. "That was sweet of you, Philip. I appreciate your caring..."
Without thought, Philip reached for her. He was no ladies' man, having no great experience with women, but he felt a need to hold her and soothe her.
Peri didn't resist. She stood and went willingly as he took her in his arms and held her close. It felt so good to be there in the protective circle of his embrace that she sighed brokenly and went slightly limp against him.
"Can you tell me about it? Can I help?" he offered in a low, caring voice as he unconsciously began to stroke her hair.
"No...there's nothing you or anyone else can do," she answered miserably, making no move away from him. "It's something I can't talk about. It's something I just have to deal with on my own." She shifted slightly away so she could look up at him. "But thank you for caring enough to ask."
Philip gazed down at her, seeing the sweetness of her trembling lips and the sadness in her eyes, and he couldn't help himself. Without conscious thought, he kissed her. His lips met hers in a tender exchange that was only meant to comfort, but what they felt was much more than comfort. Instinctively, his arms tightened around her, bringing her closer to him. The soft curve of her body seemed to fit perfectly against him, and Philip discovered that he never wanted to let her go. Peri was like a part of him that had been missing all his life.
Peri was completely immersed in the wonder of his kiss when it dawned on her just what she was doing. Confused, she broke it off and took a stumbling step backward out of his embrace.
"I'm sorry, Philip... I've got to go..."
"Peri, I..."
But before he could finish, she had turned and fled, leaving him standing there staring after her.
The night before the wedding Charles planned a celebration dinner for just the closest of family and friends. Peri's parents traveled from New Orleans to attend, as did Aaron O'Neil and his wife, Caroline, and Slater.
As Slater rode up the main drive, he was in a curious mood. He and Nick had seen each other only twice in the last few weeks, and both encounters had been at parties where they'd had no time to talk. Slater was eager to find out how things were going between Nick and Jordan... and with his father.
Though Slater didn't put much faith in gossip and loose talk, rumors about Nick's engagement had been flying hot and heavy in their social circle. Jordan had won the approval of just about all who'd met her. The few who weren't singing her praises were the rejected maidens who'd hoped to snare Nick for themselves. The general consensus was that the rich, elusive bachelor had finally met his match and had fallen in love.
Knowing how uncomfortable Nick had been with the idea of playing the lovestruck fiance, Slater wasn't sure how his friend had managed to be so convincing. It wasn't an easy thing to fool the matrons, but he had. Slater hoped when they got the chance to talk today he would find out it wasn't an act. He hoped they had fallen in love. He reined in before the main house to find Jordan sitting on the gallery with Peri and Charles.
"Slater!" Peri had known Slater for years and adored him much as she did Nick. She charged from the porch to greet him with an enthusiastic hug and a warm kiss on the cheek. "I'm so glad you came early!"
"I am too," he replied easily, returning her kiss with almost brotherly affection. He glanced up to see Jordan standing with Charles at the top of the steps. He wondered how it was that she seemed to grow more beautiful each time he saw her. "Good afternoon, Jordan, Charles."
"Good to see you again," the older Kane welcomed him, and they shook hands as Slater mounted the stairs to join them on the porch.
"Hello, Slater," Jordan said softly. She had come to like him, but the fact that he knew the truth about her always left her feeling at a disadvantage around him.
Ever the gallant where beautiful women were concerned, Slater bent over Jordan's hand. "How is it that you seem more lovely every time I see you?"
She flushed with pleasure, but answered lightly, "How is it you always know the right thing to say?"
"Practice," he told her with a wicked grin, and everyone laughed. "Is Nick around?"
"He's in the study going over some figures with Montgomery," Charles explained. "Why don't you join us for a few minutes and have a drink? He'll be out soon."
They all settled into the comfortable chairs in the shade as Slater inquired, "How's the new man working out?"
"I don't see much of him. His work keeps him away from the house most of the time, but he seems to be doing a fine job."
Slater cast a quick look at Jordan, trying to read her response to this mention of Philip, but he could discern no outward sign of interest. He was glad. "Then it looks like Nick made a good choice."
Peri was listening attentively to all the talk about Philip. No matter how she tried to deny it, ever since that day in the garden she'd known he was the man for her. She had no doubt that her parents would object to her interest in him, for he was not of their social class, but she didn't care. Just because he had to work for someone else to make a living didn't mean he was a bad person. Somehow she was determined to find a way for them to be together.
The only trouble with Peri's discovery that he was the man she wanted was that Philip appeared to have no interest in her. She'd deliberately taken to riding past his quarters and office on her early morning excursions on horseback, but other than to wave a friendly greeting whenever he happened to be out, he made no effort to speak privately with her again. It was maddening.
Peri had never chased a man before, and she wasn't sure exactly how to go about it. Everything she'd ever done in her life had been straightforward and honest. She wasn't used to resorting to subterfuge, she was the type of person who, if she saw something she wanted, went after it. Peri thought her bulldoggedness was one of her more redeeming personality traits. However, there were others, like her parents, who thought this quality undesirable and less than feminine. Luckily, Peri was self-confident enough that she usually didn't give a hoot what other people thought.
The sound of the front door opening drew her thoughts back to the present, and she found herself staring up at Philip as he left the house with Nick. She practically devoured the sight of him, and she had to take care not to let her heart shine in her eyes. She didn't want to be too obvious.
"Your figures were very accurate, and you're abso lutely correct about that billing problem with the agent. I'll take care of it next week," Nick was saying.
"Good. Once that's cleared up, everything should straighten out."
"Well, Philip, it looks like things are working out for you," Slater remarked, coming to his feet to greet him.
"Hello, Mr. MacKenzie, it's good to see you again," Philip replied, glancing briefly in Jordan's direction. They rarely saw each other any more, and it was good to know that she looked to be doing fine. "Yes, everything's going very well, thank you."
"Good."
Nick saw the direction of his gaze and he tensed. He didn't want Montgomery looking at her or talking to her or anywhere near her. He was hard pressed to stay calm.
"Hello, Philip," Peri spoke up, unintimidated by the presence of the others.
"Peri." He nodded slightly, struggling not to show what he was feeling for her. It was difficult for him, though, for the memory of their intimate moment in the garden was scorched upon his heart. "I'd
better be getting back to my work." He looked again to his sister. "Just in case I don't get to speak with you again, congratulations on your wedding." His daring earned even more of Nick's unspoken wrath.
"Thank you," Jordan replied with a smile to let her brother know everything was going all right.
Nick's jaw tightened as he watched her smile at the other indentured servant. He didn't like it at all, but he couldn't do a damn thing about it without making a scene and raising questions he didn't want to answer. By sheer force of will he managed to smile at Slater.
"Come join me in the study, I've still got a few things I have to finish before I can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening."
They made their excuses to Charles, Peri, and Jordan and disappeared inside.
"So," Slater began as he relaxed in the chair opposite the desk where Nick sat, "tomorrow is the big day. Are you ready?"
"I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Nick replied casually, then gestured his friend toward the liquor cabinet. "Fix me a bourbon while I double check these figures, will you?"
Slater was more than willing to enjoy some of their fine liquor, and he poured himself one as well. Setting Nick's glass before him on the desk, he sat back down in his chair to wait and watch.
Nick felt Slater's eyes upon him and finally looked up questioningly. "All right, let's have it. What's on your mind?"
"Not much. It's just that we haven't talked much lately and I was wondering how everything was going for you and Jordan."
Nick gave an expressive lift of his shoulders. "Everything's going as well as it can."
"Montgomery's doing a good job?"
"Yes. In fact, he's working out much better than I'd thought he would." His comment was terse.
"So why do you sound so annoyed?" he probed. "Has he given you any trouble." '
"No.
"I see."
"What's all this interest in Montgomery about?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just that there have been a lot of rumors going around town..."
"Rumors?" Nick glanced up at him sharply, fearfully.
"About you and Jordan. You should have known that you were going to be the talk of the town when you brought her home. As gorgeous as she is, the men all want her for their own and the girls you courted before are all jealous. Even the old women are convinced that you've found the love of your life. Evidently you've been very convincing. Hell, you even convinced me." He let the idea hang, hoping Nick would pick up on it. He was disappointed when he didn't.
LISo?"
"Damn it, Nick, I've never known you to be so obtuse! Are you really that good of an actor or are you in love with her? Seems to me only a month ago you were telling me you didn't know how to act, and now..." Slater leaned forward, glowering at his simpleminded friend.
Nick scowled back at him. "I learned quick, and no, I'm not in love with her." His denial was harsh, and he downed the rest of his bourbon in one fiery swallow, the glass clenched tightly in his hand.
Nick couldn't admit that Jordan's kisses and caresses affected him as no other. He couldn't face up to the fact that he continually watched for her around the plantation and that he missed her when their paths didn't cross during the course of the day. He liked Jordan, he told himself, that was all. They got along well and they were making his father happy, that was all. If he allowed himself to care more than that, he'd just end up the fool. Jordan loved Montgomery, not him.
"If you don't love her then why are you glaring at me now for asking, and why did you look like you could kill when Montgomery accidentally ran into Jordan on the porch?"
Nick cast an even blacker look in his direction, but said nothing.
"Face it. Jordan's beautiful, intelligent, and everything any man could want in a woman."
"So why does that mean I have to be in love with her? That romantic spirit of yours always has you thinking that everything's going to work out right, but you, most of all, should know life isn't like that. This isn't a fairy tale I'm living. Jordan and I have both known from the very beginning that this was only a temporary arrangement. It'll pass."
Nick's words hit a painful nerve with Slater, and he slowly got to his feet. He set his glass quietly aside and walked toward the door, his carriage stiff and erect. "I hope you're wrong, Nick. I really hope you're wrong."
Nick sat staring at the door long after Slater had gone.
The elegant dinner party was a huge success. Nick looked debonair in the dark suit he wore, and Jordan looked positively radiant in her emerald gown. She'd known it was his favorite and so had worn it just to please him. Her effort had been rewarded, for he hadn't left her side all evening. Everyone thought them a most loving couple. Only Slater had doubts, but he hid them well as he looked on with jaded interest, watching as Nick couldn't seem to take his eyes off his future bride. The meal was a gourmet's delight, each course proving more delectable than the last, and everyone ate their fill. As the evening came to an end, Charles rose from his place at the head of the table.
"If I may have your attention please?" he announced in a robust tone, feeling proud and contented as he stood there surveying his guests. Everyone he loved, everyone he truly cared about, was here at his home tonight. Nick and Jordan were sitting to his right. Peri and her parents were on his left, with Aaron, his wife, Audrey Layton, and Slater at the far end. He had waited a long time for this moment, and it was important to him that he let everyone know just how happy he was and how much it meant to him that Nick was going to marry.
"Weddington..." he called for the servant.
The butler entered the room with a newly opened bottle of the finest champagne in his wine cellar. He deftly poured a glass for each of the guests, then filled Charles's, too.
"Thank you. Now, as you all know, we're here tonight to celebrate the upcoming union between my son and his beautiful Jordan. I want to tell Nick now just how proud I am of him and of his choice of a bride. Jordan is a wonderful woman, and probably much too good for him."
There was general laughter at his remark.
"I propose a toast to them-and to their future." Charles lifted his glass in salute. "Dominic, may your love for Jordan grow stronger with each passing day. May your heart always guide your decisions, and may you live a long, happy life together. And Jordan," Charles continued, "may your every dream come true. May you grow in beauty, wisdom, and faith, and may your love for Nick be everlasting.*
Nick turned to Jordan to touch glasses with her in honor of his father's loving toast. Their gazes locked, and he found he couldn't look away from her. The emerald color of the gown was perfect on her, bringing out the sparkle in her eyes. The style was stunning, its lowcut decolletage hinting at but not revealing the pale beauty of her breasts. He was mesmerized... enthralled.. .His dark-eyed regard took on a peculiar gleam as he and Jordan sipped the wine without breaking eye contact.
Jordan longed with all her heart for this moment to be real, but her mind argued that it was a dream that was going to end all too soon. Even if by some twist of fate Nick did come to love her, it could never be, for any association with her could only hurt him in the long run. She managed to smile softly at him as her eyes grew bright with unshed tears.
"You're sad?" Nick asked in a soft voice, puzzled.
"No..." she whispered back.
Nick's expression turned tender. It was almost as if he was seeing her for the very first time and realizing just what a delicate woman she really was. Much to the delight of the onlookers, he leaned forward ever so slightly to kiss her with infinite gentleness. When he drew back, he saw a look of wonder in her eyes. He smiled, touching the rim of his champagne glass to hers once more, and then offered her his to sip from.
It was an erotic ploy that sent a frisson of excitement shivering through Jordan. She was entranced as she took a small drink and then returned the gesture. Nick's hand covered hers as she held her glass out to him, and he helped bring it to his lips, never taking his gaze from hers.
Jordan felt a tingle of desire rocket through her. Her breasts grew taut with wanting and a coiling heat grew low in her body. In that moment, her love for Nick was more powerful than any emotion she'd ever known, and she wondered how she was ever going to be able to leave him. Desperate to hold onto the moment forever, Jordan vowed to herself then and there that she would take whatever bits of happiness life had to give and savor them while she could. She would live each day as if it were their last together and cherish the joy of her love for him for as long as fate allowed.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Peri sighed out loud as she watched the two lovebirds. "It's almost as if they were made for each other."
"Yes, isn't it, though?" Slater added with a small grin that he quickly squelched when Nick finally happened to glance his way.
When the meal ended the ladies went to the parlor to visit while the men retreated to Charles's study to enjoy a few drinks and talk. The mix of champagne and bourbon quickly took its toll on Charles, though, and he was the first to excuse himself and go on up to bed. Slater and Randall Davidson soon followed. Nick, however, was too tense to even think about going to sleep, so he remained downstairs talking with Aaron. The atmosphere between the two men was comfortable, for they had known each other for years and liked and respected one another.
"You know, Nick," Aaron began from where he relaxed in one of the wing chairs, "I've always envied you and your father. You have such a wonderful relationship."
"We do, Aaron. I love him very much. I guess we're just about as close as a father and son can be."
"I know, and that's why I challenged Charles on that ridiculous clause he put in the will earlier this year."
"You did?"
Aaron nodded in confirmation. "I did. I knew you'd come around and settle down when you found the right girl. I mean, Jordan's living proof of that. I tried to convince your father of that at the time, but you know how your father is. When he gets his mind set on something, he rarely backs down."
Nick knew exactly what he was talking about. "I know what you mean."
Aaron stood and walked easily over to the liquor cabinet to refill his tumbler. "And that's precisely why I was so shocked when he rescinded it last month. I don't know what happened to make him change his mind, but I was glad."
