Her gaze narrowed like she just couldn't understand. “Why?”
In the distance, he saw Anthony head toward the tables from the house. The text hadn't been a lie. He returned his attention to sweet Rebecca. “From what I understand, Catherine's mother wanted to leave him.”
“I’m having heart palpitations that you lived through someone like that.” Rebecca's mouth pinched. “Do you have a picture of what your sister looked like?”
He hadn’t expected that question, but he took out his phone and found the family photos album. “Sure--but she would have been a kid.”
He scrolled through his phone and found an old one of just his sister when she’d been six and handed his phone to Rebecca.
“Oh my God.” She rocked on her feet like she might faint.
His brow furrowed as he reached out to steady Rebecca. “What?”
She held up a finger and took out her phone as she said, “I know her. She lived next door to me growing up. She looked just like this when she moved in.”
He let her go. Rebecca didn’t seem like the type who’d trick them in regards to locating his sister, which is usually what mentions of Aurelia ended up being. “What do you mean?”
She handed him her phone with a photo of three girls and she pointed to one with big brown eyes. “That’s Melissa… my best friend who was texting me earlier.”
He stared at the picture. It could be Aurelia. But why would she go by Melissa? Rebecca flipped the screen to a more recent picture.
Melissa was the only well-dressed one of the three girls in the photo, at a Cuban restaurant. "See?"
He needed to meet Rebecca’s friend. He searched the image for the truth. “Don’t tell anyone here.”
Her voice hitched in surprise. “What? Why?”
He’d investigate first and then tell the others. He nodded as the plan formulated in his mind. “Don’t tell anyone--there have been hoaxes in the past that have been very painful for our family. Will you introduce me first thing tomorrow?”
“Anything for you, Bart.” She smiled as she put her phone back in her beaded pocketbook. "But how lucky, if this is true."
He kissed her cheek. Rebecca made him feel good. There was something real about her that made her appealing. If she helped him find his presumed-dead sister then he’d offer her anything as a prize. Even himself, if that’s what she wanted.
Chapter 7
Rebecca finished her shower and sighed. Last night, Bart could have touched her, all over. She’d have let him.
That goodbye kiss he’d planted on her in the limo, in front of her house, burned her lips, even now. She'd made it clear that he could come in, but he hadn't wanted to.
He hadn’t wanted her. Was she not good enough for him?
Ordinarily she’d have called Melissa and asked for makeup advice, but he was coming over later… to meet her best friend, to see if she was his sister. How magical!
Since she'd dared to chase Bart, her life had dazzled. She wrapped the towel around herself and sorted through the bags of clothes the driver had delivered last night after she’d left the limo.
Every outfit had the House of Morgan label.
She went through the bags and chose a light-blue blouse and knee-length black skirt that she could wear with her black flats. She tossed the beautiful clothes on the bed and shrugged into her comfy cotton robe for around the house until it was time to change.
As she tied the knot around her waist, her phone beeped. She picked it up and saw Bart’s name. Her heart stirred as she read his message. Are you up?
The buzz in her veins grew more pronounced as she typed back, I didn’t think you’d text so early.
The dots were on her screen. She finished brushing her hair as she waited for the next message. Did I wake you?
She wished he hadn't gone home last night, and then he'd know exactly how she was, now. Rebecca skipped out of the bathroom as she typed, No, I just finished my shower.
Open your door. Huh? Then she heard a knock on her front door.
Her heart hammered--she had no time to put her outfit on first, which meant he'd see her at less than her best.
Maybe he'd thought about her last night?
She was falling in love with him.
The thought struck her as she rushed out of her bedroom to the front door. She cracked it open to make sure. “You’re here?”
He kissed her cheek with a grin. “You’re introducing me to your friend today.”
She opened the door wider and waved for him to come in. “I’ve been thinking about what you said.”
The moment he crossed the threshold, her heart stirred. Those gray pants of his were sculpted for his body and moved with his every step, indicating their tailored fit.
Maybe he might love her too, not that he gave any indication of that. Hope rushed through her veins.
Rebecca locked the door. He headed into her living area that was still thankfully clean as he asked, “What did I say?”
Her lips tingled for a kiss. She should have done that first. But now she was too late. She massaged her temples and said, “About your father. When… when I showed Melissa your picture a few days ago, she didn’t say she recognized you. She said you’d toss your children out if they were bothersome.”
His body stiffened. “What?”
She motioned toward the couch. He sat on the edge of a cushion. She checked to make sure her robe still covered everything and then sat beside him as she said, “I didn’t question her response because she’s always talked about her birth parents not wanting her anymore because she was trouble.”
His lips thinned. “If she’s my sister, that wasn’t true. Our mother died wishing for her daughter back in her arms. How did she end up next door?”
His mother died wanting her child? Her heart melted into mush. Without thinking, she reached out and hugged him. A moment later he hugged her back. Her family never had money, but her father had taught her a trade, and how to be independent. “Not here, but next to my dad's. She was adopted. I don’t really remember what her parents did for a living, but they wore white shirts when they went to work, were awesome with the backyard grill, and had us over for parties. They pushed Melissa to go to college, get good grades and do something with her life.”
Bart massaged her back and she settled into sitting snuggled beside him. “What does she do?”
Her body warmed from his touch. “She manages a clothing store.”
“That’s not much,” Bart said without emotion. She turned toward him and saw his frown.
She shook her head. Melissa worked harder than anyone she knew and her brain never slowed down unless she or Destiny stopped her to have fun. “You don’t understand. It’s a big national chain. Melissa manages hundreds of employees, meets with accounting daily, and is probably the most successful person I’ve ever met my age.”
Bart still didn’t smile. His frown seemed etched on his face as he said, “If she is my sister, she has potential for vastly more, but if she’s so successful, how come you and she…”
She traced his arm and shoulder. If Melissa was his sister, he should be proud of her. “We were friends right away. She was so sad. She'd dress her dolls and I'd build them forts.”
He smoothed a strand of hair from her cheek. “So you like to build things?”
Sneaky question…there was no way he would understand that she liked to fix cars. His family probably had their own mechanics on staff. “Yeah. I guess. It’s why I signed up for the engineering program. I hope to start classes, next week.”
He tilted his head and asked, “You didn’t go to college right after high school?”
He'd probably gone to whatever the best college in Europe was that people like him could afford. She shrugged. “My mom left, and then died. As her nearest relative debt collectors called me. Plus, Dad needed help with work and he said it kept me out of trouble.”
His gaze narrowed. “You said your mom left when you were little and onl
y sent postcards.”
Her face burned. Clearly he caught the details. She nodded. “She did. But when she died, I was eighteen and inherited her hospital bills and some fancy burial bill where she'd had her ashes brought to Tibet. My father took care of everything but I needed to work to help pay that off.”
His gaze narrowed and her body tingled with awareness as he asked, “But now?”
She smiled and relaxed as warm embers of desire sparked with anticipation. “Dad has a girlfriend. I paid off the debt, bought my house, keep a dependable car that doesn’t cost me much to run, and now I can chase my dreams. Dad’s training someone who might buy him out one day. He doesn’t need me so much.”
His hands pressed against her waist. “Rebecca, you’re even more interesting right now than when we first met.”
Her lips pursed. He hadn’t wanted to come in last night and she didn’t need to rush now. She lowered her lashes. “I don’t see how. I chased you down. I’m surprised you didn’t call the cops on me.”
He squeezed her again, gently, and she glanced up as he said, “That was the plan, until I talked to you.”
Smart. She’d been foolish, but her heart beat a little differently as she asked, “What about me changed your mind?”
He moved her onto his lap and she glanced up at his perfectly formed chin and regal nose as he said, “You’re beautiful, sweet, and… I wanted you.”
She wanted more than kisses. She let out a sigh and said, “You haven’t tried to touch me though.”
He stopped strumming his fingers against her waist. “I’ve been forcing myself to respect you.”
Love rushed through her veins. Bart was so amazing and perfect and she needed to show him how she felt. She curled against his muscled chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’ve wanted you, Bart.”
He came closer and she closed her eyes, waiting for him to kiss her. His breaths were so close, but then he pulled back. She opened her eyes to see him look around her house. “How do you live in such a small place?”
This wasn’t a shack. She had a one-story home. Everything was clean. Well, she could probably sweep some dust from the corners, but overall she didn’t make too many messes. There was no need for his frown. She wiggled upright. “This house, that I paid for with my own hard work, is all mine. I might not have gone to college, but I used the money I had to buy myself some security. It’s a nice neighborhood.”
“It is?” His eyes widened in surprise.
She scooted off his lap, fixing her robe so it didn’t fall off as she waved around her house. Sure, she didn’t have Monet hanging on the walls, but the flowered paintings surrounding her flatscreen made the place seem pretty. “Look, this might not be Starr Island, where your brothers live, but it is low crime, with well-built homes, and good schools for children. This home will give me a place to one day… expand my life.”
He sat on the edge of the couch. “But it’s only one bedroom.”
“Three.” She lifted her chin.
He sighed. “They make rooms so small?”
His brother’s house was an old-school mansion made to replicate a ducal estate from Pride and Prejudice. This was normal.
She opted to stay calm. They were different, and this was just one of the ways. “In Italy, how big was everything?”
“I grew up in a villa like the one I now own. My apartment in Rome, where I spend most of my time, is large, and in a central location.”
“Sounds nice.” She wished Bart understood where she was coming from. She’d have to show him there were good, hardworking people that might not be fancy, but were worthwhile--she only stayed in touch with good people. He was good people, despite his ignorance of how real folks lived. She saw that.
He stood from her couch, folding his hands in front of him. “Listen, how about you get dressed?”
She wrapped her robe tight around her body. Was he angry, or upset? “I didn’t know you were coming this early. Give me a minute.”
His face darkened considerably but then he reached out and tugged her close. “You don’t understand.”
Her heart beat strong as her body seemed to melt in his arms. “What?”
He lowered his head to kiss her. “You’re beautiful, which is why we need to go.”
“I don’t understand.” Her pulse spiked, and her eyes fluttered.
He bunched her robe in his arms as he kissed her.
Everything inside her body purred like he'd started her engine. Love sparked inside her and she held him tight, never wanting the kiss to end.
His arms went under her legs and he picked her up. “Then I’ll have to show you.”
She threw her head back and laughed. Finally. Bart Morgan was hers. She pointed to the bedroom off the side behind the TV wall. “Oh. I thought you were in a rush. This is much better.”
He pushed open her door while he said, “The rest of the world is probably just waking up.”
He deposited her on her bed.
Bart kissed her and helped her out of her robe. She needed him. First she’d show him physically that they were a match and then she’d prove that love blossomed, no matter what side of the tracks you were born on.
Chapter 8
Rebecca checked her phone the moment she returned to her bedroom after her second shower.
Bart was already dressed and looked like a million dollars in his gray pants and button-down white shirt.
She leaned against the bathroom doorframe and just stared at him. He had the muscular physique of a boxer, and the grace of a karate star, but somehow he didn’t work with his body. Instead, Bart worked a boardroom and his opinion had more weight than politicians when it came to changing the world. After last night, she’d actually read that article she’d found which gave her some details about his life.
And somehow he was in her bed. Her body still ached from the activity and her heart sang songs of love. Not that she’d tell him that. Not yet.
Her phone dinged and Bart glanced at her. She stepped out of the frame, picked it up and read her friend’s message. She put her phone back on the charger and turned toward him. “Melissa can meet for coffee.”
He stood from the bed he’d been sitting on and untied her robe again. “Good.”
If they were meeting her best friend in less than an hour, they needed to go. She took her robe ties and walked out of his arms, picking up the outfit she’d chosen earlier. “She’s excited that I’m bringing my boyfriend to meet my friends.”
He didn’t move. “Boyfriend?”
Her face was hot. She didn’t take most men home. Bart was special. She nodded and then turned to slip on her underwear and bra.
Once she was half-dressed, Bart traced her backside, and squeezed her fleshy parts. She turned around and he asked, “Is… Just so we’re clear, you want to be exclusive?”
Her heart sped like she was in a race. She held her breath as she met his brown eyes. Was it too much, too soon? She nodded and pressed her hand against his muscular chest. “Yeah. I…care about you and want to see where this leads… without anyone else involved.”
He rested his forehead on hers and hugged her waist. “Okay. I haven't had a girlfriend since high school, so this should be interesting.”
His agreement was like making it to the finish line. The purr in her engine kicked into the next gear as she asked, “Interesting?”
He let her go and picked up his wallet and phone from the nightstand next to her bed. “Yes. We’ll apply for your passport today. I’ll have my staff handle it if you give them your information.”
Fair. She’d grab her birth certificate from her safe. “Okay. Whatever they need.”
He winked. “And for now, pack a bag of your essentials for when you move in.”
She froze, and heat drained from her face. “Wait, move in?”
He wrapped his arms around her and she de-thawed fast. “I’d expect my girlfriend to be with me.”
She didn’t let go. He wanted her. Her
skin buzzed but her mind wrapped around one question. She took a breath and asked, “What about school?”
He shrugged. “Start and finish. You’re studying engineering… that’s your plan, no?”
A smile grew on her face--Rebecca hadn’t wanted to choose between school and love. She played with his collar and said, “No… yes. Okay, I just want to ensure my going back to school was part of the plan. I’ve been obsessed with clean energy for a while.”
“Good, then I might need to hire you in a few years.” He kissed her cheek. “We’ll figure that out. My family has been after me to buy a place in Miami anyhow so now we’re both motivated to find a place to live.”
By that he meant mansion like his brother? She’d never lived in a castle and never really pretended to be a princess as a girl. She hugged her waist. “My house is…”
“Fine, for your former life.” He opened the bedroom door. “But now we have to go.”
Right. Her heart hammered but she held up a finger to get her birth certificate and the bag he’d mentioned. “Okay. Give me two minutes.”
Bart checked his smartwatch and waited in Rebecca’s living room. Her brown couch was stiff fabric and uncomfortable, as if made for women.
Most of her decorations were floral which was good to know. If he ever messed up, she must like flowers.
Bart checked his calendar on his phone and saw the full day of inventor meetings scheduled for tomorrow. His secretary had cleared his schedule for today. Today he might find his missing sister.
And now he had a girlfriend. The word was strange to even think, but Rebecca made him want to stay, not run.
He jumped to his feet when he heard the bedroom door click open. Rebecca’s hair was now in a ponytail, but her clothes fit her nicely. He reached for her backpack and she handed it to him without argument. He said, “Part of me hopes Melissa is my sister. Part of me is terrified and hopes she’s not.”
“Why not?”
Secret Admirer (The House of Morgan Book 13) Page 7
