Stop That Wedding!
Chapter 6
Zenith didn’t have time to react; the smarmy delivery boy, hovering at her door,
caught sight of her at the same moment she spotted him. She entertained the
thought of dashing back into the elevator and pushing the ‘close door’ button, but
that would be cowardly, and Zenith Priscilla Rose Somersbee was no coward. At
least, not that she’d admit. Instead her hand flashed out, holding the elevator door
open as she gazed coldly at him.
The young man smirked at her; she’d never experienced an oily smile, but was
fairly certain this one would qualify. “You’re a busy girl,” he mocked her. The
package he held was no bouquet, but a loudly wrapped box. The wrapping paper
depicted couples in erotic embraces. She overcame the urge to fidget, but couldn’t
stop the heat that crept over her skin in a telltale flush.
“I don’t want...that.” She emphasized the last word with a look of dislike aimed at
the package.
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. I only get paid if I have a signature. So
you have to sign. What you do with it after that is up to you.” His demeanor told her
clearly that he considered her words a mere act. She didn’t have anything to prove
to him, however, and decided to take the easy way out.
Signing the clipboard one-handed, she slapped the pen onto it. The glare she
gave him was cold and edged. “Don’t ever come back here,” she stated. “If there are
any more, keep them. Consider them a gift.”
He shrugged, handing her the package. She didn’t offer a tip, and he didn’t
seem to expect one. With one last, lingering gaze over her rumpled form, he
sauntered into the elevator, whistling tunelessly.
She lifted her hand, the elevator doors closed, and Zenith shuddered her dislike.
Holding the box in her hand, she wanted to toss it in the trash, but decided against it.
There might be some clue as to who was sending them. She believed both Chadwick
and Brad when they said they weren’t the culprits. That made these presents a
mystery she wanted to solve.
Buffy met her at the door with an exuberant puppy dance. One glance at the dog
walking board hung right above the entry table told her that Buffy had just returned
from her afternoon stroll. She reminded herself to leave a hefty tip. She didn’t realize
how much work dog walking could be.
She’d talked to Derrick earlier, and he’d pointed out her mistakes. She should
have refused to walk Chester in a group, and scheduled to come back for him later
when time allowed. She’d been lucky this time: because of her lack of control over
the dogs, someone could have been seriously hurt.
Zenith pushed that disaster out of her mind. Placing the nasty package on the
coffee table, she kicked off her shoes and padded into the kitchen to retrieve a glass
of lemonade.
She didn’t want to deal with the package, not now. Instead, she’d relax for a little
while.
A few minutes later she and Buffy were happily ensconced on the balcony. With
sketchpad in hand, she focused on one of her orchid plants that bloomed in
abundance in the tiny space. Soon all the stress from her hideous day melted away,
and she lost herself in the magic of creating with pencil and paper. Buffy curled up
next to her feet, the warm May sun glinting off her bright white fur as she dozed.
Hours passed and the light began to fade as the pair blissfully pursued their
relaxation. By the time a light tap came at Zenith’s door, she’d finished two small
drawings of orchids, and colored in a third drawing of a butterfly that caught her
attention.
She didn’t hear the knock; Buffy’s growl of warning alerted her. Hushing the dog,
she went to see who was there.
Her stomach fluttered in anticipation. Brad did say that he’d keep his distance
from her, but if she was honest with herself, she hoped he’d break his promise.
It wasn’t Brad but Chadwick. Strangely disappointed, she plastered on a
welcoming smile and opened the door.
“Hello, darling.” She kissed his cheek as he walked past. Surprisingly he pulled
her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
“Chadwick?” She smiled hesitantly. “Are you okay?”
She leaned away from him, gazing into his familiar face. The smile he usually
shared with her didn’t appear; in its place was tenderness and something else she
didn’t quite understand.
“Hello, darling.” He released her, walking into the living room. “Sorry I didn’t call
first; I came over to talk. Did I interrupt anything?”
“No, of course not,” she assured him. His behavior puzzled her. Her footsteps
halted as he gazed somberly at her.
“Chadwick? Can you tell me what’s wrong?”
He sighed, running his fingers through his golden locks. That startled her;
Chadwick was usually very particular about his hair. She didn’t think she’d ever seen
him so unsettled.
Why are you marrying me?”
Her eyes widened in shock at his question. “Why are you asking me this now?”
His smile was bitter. “You know, I always wondered what happened between you
two. When we were kids, you idolized him. Then, when you came back from school,
you were so cold to him. I always thought that something more had gone on than a
disappointing crush.”
Her mouth popped open. Who was he talking about? “Chadwick, I think you lost
me right around ‘hello’.”
She crossed to him, touching his arm. He smiled at her, but there was no humor
in his eyes.
“Zenith, when we were children, I’d look at you and think, ‘There’s a beautiful
fairy-tale creature, and she’s my friend,’ and I thought I’d always be content with that.
Then you grew up into such an incredible young girl, so bright and talented, with
visions of making a difference. I knew you were far out of my reach, but I was content
being your friend.
“When you came back from England, you were.... Different, somehow. I don’t
know how to explain it. And you seemed to enjoy my company. I thought, ‘This is a
good thing,’ and I didn’t ask why. After all, why question a gift? But I always
wondered where that young girl went.”
His eyes searched hers. “I saw her when you were so worked up over that book.
I saw the high spirits, the wheels spinning in your head and the fire in your eyes. I’ve
heard it in your voice whenever I’ve talked to you the last couple of days. You’ve
been fierce, angry and determined. So much more alive and vibrant. And now I think I
understand why.”
Sadness crept into his voice. “You’re hung up on Brad Pearce, aren’t you?”
Her breath caught in her throat and a terrible chill filled her. For a wild instant she
thought he knew about her evening spent with Brad, laughing, fighting over popcorn
and teasing each other. And kissing. She’d never forget the kissing.
She forced her words through frigid lips. “Why on earth would you say such a
thing?” Chadwick was her closest friend, but she felt as if he were miles away.
“It makes sense. You had a crush on him; when you came back, it somehow
changed. Maybe he was seeing someone, or he gave you the cold shoulder, or he
didn’t seem impressed with the new you. I don’t know. You reacted by closing
yourself off, by using all that polish they taught you at boarding school to hide the
pain. And dumb, unobservant me, I never picked up on that.”
Zenith shook her head in denial, although her heart recognized some truth in his
words. “I admit that I once suffered from a case of hero worship. But I’ve been over
that for a long time.” Or at least she’d thought so, until Brad had kissed her. She
knew those kisses were meaningless to him. She wouldn’t allow herself to fall for
him. Never mind that his caresses drove her over the edge into sweet oblivion. She
mentally shook herself; now was no time to be thinking of Brad Pearce!
Yet… Chadwick’s kisses had never forced her to question the vow of chastity she’
d willingly made to her Grandma Rose. Brad, however, tested her resolve with each
sensuous touch and sizzling glance. But to him she represented a challenge,
something to win, then discard when she no longer excited him.
“To answer your question, I’m marrying you because you’re my best friend.
Spending time with you makes me happy.”
His smile seemed filled with sadness. “I think that a marriage takes more than
mere friendship. You’re a woman who needs purpose. Otherwise you’ll just float
through life, disconnected and empty. Don’t you think I see those wistful looks and
hear those deep sighs?”
He stroked her cheek tenderly. “You need fulfillment. Being married to me isn’t
going to do it for you.” A self-deprecating grin appeared. “Besides, I don’t want to be
married to a woman of purpose. Too unsettling. I want someone who can relax with
me, who can help me spend my family fortune without looking for deeper meaning to
life.”
is fingers turned her hands over gently, exposing a dark streak of pencil lead,
where her hand had rubbed over her drawings for the last few hours. “You’re driven,
even if you don’t recognize it. You have a talent that needs to be fed, and an inner
spirit you’ve denied for too long. Don’t marry me just to fit into the role you think you
belong in.” His face tightened. “And don’t marry me if you’re in love with Brad
Pearce. You are attracted to him, aren’t you?”
Her eyes couldn’t deny his words. She nodded slightly, eliciting a deep sigh from
him. His finger skimmed over her cheek.
“Then we can’t get married, darling. Not when you’re feeling this way.” His sad
expression spoke of finality in his statement.
Zenith’s hands shook as his words sank in. “Chadwick, are you breaking up with
me?”
His startled eyes leapt to her pale face. “Breaking up? Why, I guess I am!” His
smile grew. “I’m braver than I thought. Willing to face the wrath of our parents for
you.”
She stared at Chadwick as she reeled from his words. Her clamoring senses told
her that he was sincere.
“We’re not getting married.”
He shook his head. “No, sweetheart, we’re not.” Chadwick tapped her chin
lightly. “We’ll still be best friends. Besides, I’m thinking of all the mileage I can get out
of being Zenith Somersbee’s jilted fiancé.” His laughter was soft, and Zenith felt tears
burning her eyes.
I t felt too sad, letting go of her future with Chadwick. Yet, as she thought about
not marrying him, something inside her broke loose and started whispering, think of
the possibilities.
She kissed his cheek. “I do love you, you know.”
He planted a swift buss on the tip of her slightly upturned nose. “Yes, I do know.
I’m the brother you wish Taft was.” They both laughed, then Chadwick’s eyes lighted
on the present sitting on the coffee table. “Hey, what’s this?”
Following his gaze, Zenith’s lip curled. “Another one of those horrid sex gifts.”
The grin her ex-fiancé gave her was the most mischievous one she’d ever seen on
him. “Let’s open it and see what fun thing your ‘admirer’ has given you this time.”
He pulled it to him and tore off the wrapping paper with barely a glance. Opening the
box, he revealed a –
“My, it’s very.... true to life, isn’t it?” He picked it up by the handle, and flipped the
switch. A soft whirring sound emitted from the device, and it shook exuberantly.
“Oh, turn it off! That is gross!” Zenith exclaimed, bringing a hand up to block the
sight of the garish rubber pink and blue vibrator. Obligingly Chadwick flipped the
switch to off and tossed the toy back into the box. A card lay there, and he picked it
up, removing it from the small white envelope.
“Well, this one’s from me as well. Sick little devil, aren’t I?” He studied the card
for a moment. “Say, do you have the other cards still?”
Zenith shrugged. “I threw the first one away, but it’s probably still in the garbage
under the sink. The second one is with the book – “ Her hand flew up over her
mouth, her eyes widening as sudden realization struck her. “Oh, no! I left the book
with Brad!”
“You gave the book to Brad? My, there’s a Freudian slip if ever I saw one!”
“No! I just forgot – “ Her cheeks flamed as she remembered why all thoughts of
the little red book had flown out of her mind. Brad’s kisses had turned her world
upside down, causing all coherent reasoning to fly straight out of her head.
Her heightened color was a dead giveaway to Chadwick. “Oh, yes, a definite
Freudian slip.” He grinned at her, obviously happy with his new role as her ex. “Go
see if you have the other card. I have a theory. If it isn’t there, we can always call
Brad up and see if he can bring the other card over. I’m sure he’s done reading the
book by now.” His laughter chased Zenith all the way to the kitchen.
It took her a few moments, but she retrieved the card and brought it to him. He
compared the two signatures carefully.
“They’re identical, Zen. Someone’s copying my signature. I wonder where they
got it from.” He eyed her speculatively. “Do you have anything else I’ve signed? Like
a gift card?”
She puzzled over his question for a moment, then smiled in triumph. “I think I
have a card that came with some flowers you sent me right after we became
engaged.” She trotted into the bedroom to retrieve it from her dresser drawer.
When the two compared the three signatures, it became clear that they were
indeed identical. The signatures were ink and not photocopies, but Chadwick
explained that there were cheap tracing devices that would accomplish that
easily.
“They just took a few gift cards home, dummied up the signature, then took the
cards back in to be put with the gifts. Kind of clever, if you think about it.”
Zenith frowned. How did someone get the card from her undies drawer in her
bedroom?
“Someone must have broken in here! Should I call the police?”
He shook his head. “I’m thinking they had access without resorting to breaking
in. Who has keys to your place?”
“The cleaning service, of course. But they’re contracted with the building; they
wouldn’t do something like this. The dog walker, but I trust her. She’s been taking
care of Buffy for three years, since she was a puppy.” Her eyes widened as the final
possibility occurred to her. “Luna.” She slapped the cards on the table. “It has to
be!”
“Your baby sister?” Chadwick leaned back into the comfort of the leather
cushions. “Actually, that would explain a few things.” He reached into his pocket and
pulled out some neatly folded papers. Opening them, he handed them to her. “I
received this in the mail this afternoon. This is what started me thinking about our
situation.”
She began to read, her brain not quite understanding what she was seeing for a
moment. Horrified, she recognized the handwriting. “Chadwick, these are written by
me! But I don’t remember writing – “ The green of her eyes brightened as memories
stunned her. “Oh, no! These are from my diary! The diary I wrote when I was
fifteen!”
Chadwick laughed. “The little brat! She really wants us apart! That’s why they
were sent to me; so I would think you wanted Brad and break up with you in a jealous
rage!”
“Oh, I’m going to kill her! I’m going to shred her the moment I see her! I’m going
to make her –“
“Whoa! You really are on fire, aren’t you?” He grasped her hands, holding them
still. “Let’s not act hastily. Actually, she did us a favor by getting us to talk things out.
Who knows when we would have realized that we’re not suited together?
“However, what she did was wrong. Let’s make her suffer a bit longer. We don’t
want her to know that you and I have come to our senses right now, do we?” He
smiled; the mischief in his grin was infectious, and Zenith found herself smiling back.
“Oh, you’re right. Think of the possibilities...”
^^^^^^^
When she arrived at Brad’s office the next morning, he was deep in discussions
with Riley. She decided to wait in the outer office.
She’d dressed prepared for anything. A loose white cotton blouse was tucked
into plain black slacks; her sleek blond hair was clipped loosely at the base of her
neck.
She rifled through the magazine pile, hoping something would catch her interest.
Being alone with her thoughts while Brad was so close was something she didn’t
want. Even though she was now free, that didn’t change Brad’s ideas concerning
marriage.
The phone rang; Zenith started slightly, wincing at memories of her disastrous
attempt at being a receptionist. She knew now that she’d mishandled all the
transferred calls; instead of connecting them to their desired party, as she’d thought
she was doing, she’d hung up on them! She’d forgotten to press a button before
typing in the extension number, then pushing the ‘transfer’ button. She wasn’t ready
to repeat that experience.
“Miss Somersbee, it’s for you.” Ms. Reynolds held out the receiver. Zenith was
surprised to hear her aunt’s voice. For a moment, she felt confused - why would Lydia
call her here? Then she realized that she'd left her cell phone on its charger back at
the apartment.
She never forgot it before. Something - or someone- truly had her rattled.
“Oh, Zenith! Thank heavens I’ve found you!” Zenith had never heard Lydia so
upset. “We’ve got a serious problem with your gown. Could you come right away?”
The dress that had once been her pride and joy no longer held any glamour for her,
but Lydia didn’t know that. “Aunt Lydia, I’m waiting for Brad.”
“I’ll tell him where you went,” Ms. Peterson offered, not shy about the fact she’d
been eavesdropping.
“Okay, I’ll be right there.” She smiled her thanks at the secretary and headed out
of the office at the very instant Brad appeared.
“Zenith!” His voice floated after her, and her senses leapt as his tones twisted
her stomach into knots. She quelled her desire to pretend she didn’t hear and waited
in the hallway as he approached her.
“Is something wrong? You took off like the hounds of hell were after you.”
I wish it were that simple, she thought to herself. The feelings that he evoked in her
weren’t something she wanted to deal with; cranky dogs would be much easier.
“Aunt Lydia called. There’s a problem with my wedding dress. She sounded
pretty upset.”
Brad nodded, clasping her elbow firmly. “I’ll go with you.” Her arm tingled where
he touched her; even through her blouse’s sleeve it felt like coming in contact with a
live wire.
When they arrived they discover two hysterical women. Lydia’s assistant,
Angela, stood wiping away tears and Tiffany appeared to be inconsolable.
“Where’s Lydia?” Brad demanded. At the sound of his voice, Lydia dashed out
of the back room and flung herself at him.
“Mama, what’s wrong?” He hugged her tightly, catching Zenith’s eyes over the
top of Lydia’s head. His head flicked towards the assistant and Tiffany. Zenith
nodded and went over to the two distraught women.
Pulling the pair into the back room, she soon felt like she was in the middle of a
hurricane.
Tiffany rounded on her with eyes bright with tears and anger. “This had to be
your doing! I tried my dress on first, so this happened after I left!”
Zenith sighed; she didn’t want to deal with Tiffany’s animosity today. “Tell me
what’s wrong, please, so I can understand what’s going on.”
“What’s wrong? My wedding is ruined, that’s what’s wrong!” She gestured
towards her gown, displayed on a mannequin. With a sinking feeling, Zenith
approached it.
Wiping away an errant tear, Angela walked over to the dress. “I don’t
understand what happened,” she murmured through her tears. “I know I put the
correct alteration slips on the dresses. But somehow they were switched, and now
they’re ruined!” She wrung her hands. “Oh, this is a disaster!”
Zenith didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Tiffany, a good three inches taller
than her, wore a slender size three. Zenith, however, was a size six and bustier than
the other girl. As a result of the mix-up, her dress would be much too tight, and
Tiffany’s dress would be too short. Angela had spoken the truth. It was indeed a
disaster. With less than one month from the weddings, it would be difficult to repair
both gowns.
Not that she’d need hers. But Tiffany’s – her situation was horrible. The dress
had suited her perfectly, and now, she didn’t have enough time to get it repaired back
to its former glory.
Unless....
Zenith turned towards Angela. “Could you bring my dress out here, please?”
The woman nodded and left the room.
“Can you believe this?” Tiffany fumed, swiping at an errant tear angrily. “I
should have known better than to trust anything that has to do with you. Now my
wedding is ruined; there’s no way I’m going to find anything on such short notice, and
your aunt tells me it would take at least two weeks to get new material from Spain!"
Angela returned with the dress and placed it on another mannequin. Zenith
stood silently until the woman finished.
“Thanks, Angela. I want you to know I don’t hold you responsible for this. I’m
sure the mix-up happened elsewhere.” She had a sinking feeling who’d been
responsible. Luna. The little brat had been here when they’d tried on the dresses.
But she didn’t remember her ever being alone with the gowns…
“Could Tiffany and I have a few minutes alone, please?” she asked. Angela
nodded as she left.
Tiffany glared at Zenith. “You seem very calm for someone who has no dress for
her wedding.”
“The dress doesn’t matter, Tiffany. What matters is who you’re going to marry.”
She gazed at her dream gown, now ruined for her. It was indeed exquisite, right out
of a fairy tale.
“Remember what you said the other day about my dress being so beautiful?”
Her rival looked at her balefully. “Yes, I do remember that. Why?”
Zenith smiled softly. “I want you to have it. I think it would look wonderful on you.
With your coloring, you’ll positively glow!”
Tiffany’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth, but only a choking sound
escaped. She shook her head vehemently, then stared at her once more. “Excuse
me? I just thought I heard you say you’d give me your gown.”
Zenith smiled. “You heard me right.” Her smile softened. “You deserve a good
wedding, Tiff. One of us does.”
Tiffany reached out, touching the beautiful dress. “At least we know it will fit,” she
quipped, and Zenith laughed.
“Yes, we do know that. Here, let’s get it on you and see how it looks.”
Tiffany stripped down to bra and panties, then Zenith lifted it carefully over her
head.
Fastening the back, Zenith turned her around to face the mirror.
The effect was dramatic. The soft rum peach color of the dress complimented Tiffany’
s coloring perfectly. It heightened her cheekbones and caused her blue eyes to
glow. She was indeed breathtaking.
Tiffany stared at herself for several moments before she spoke. “Are you sure?”
Her eyes traveled in the mirror to Zenith’s, whose chest constricted at the sight of her
former best friend looking so elegant.
“Tiff, you are so beautiful. You always were,” she added wistfully. “I was always
jealous of your looks, now I’m bursting with envy!” She softened her words with a
friendly smile as she straightened the skirt out. “I don’t know what color your
bridesmaid dresses are, but you’re welcome to mine.”
Tiffany’s mouth formed an ‘O’. “But...what about your wedding? Did you want to
wear my dress?”
Zenith wasn’t sure she would ever need a wedding dress. How could she find
someone who suited her as well as Chadwick? Brad’s face flitted through her mind,
and she quelled that idea. At thirty, he’d never once come close to marriage.
There’d be little chance he’d change his mind over her. A few kisses probably meant
nothing to him.
“With my coloring, a white dress would wash me out,” she said softly. “Come on,
let’s show Aunt Lydia.” She grasped her hand, and poignant memories of the many
times as children when they’d held hands, just like this, came flashing back.
Tiffany pulled away. “Zenith, you can’t just give me your wedding dress. It might
be repaired. You have to wear something for your own wedding.”
Her face became so distressed that Zenith took pity on her. “Tiff, I know you can
keep a secret, and this one is huge.”
Tiffany nodded, sobered by Zenith’s serious tone. “You can trust me.” And
Zenith knew she could.
It was easier than she thought it would be to say the words. “Chadwick and I
have called off the wedding.”
Tiffany’s eyes became as large as saucers. Zenith would have laughed if she
hadn’t thought the girl might faint. She grasped Tiffany’s arm to steady her.
“Oh”, Tiffany gasped. “I never thought you two were right for each other, but this
is so sudden!”
Zenith’s brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you think we were right together?” Since
Tiffany seemed capable of standing on her own, she let go of her and stepped back.
“Because there was never any spark. You just...settled.”
Zenith barked a laugh. “And you and Derrick spark?” She couldn‘t imagine the
dignified bespectacled man as sexual.
Tiffany’s giggled. “Only when my mom’s not looking.”
Zenith chuckled. “Derrick – who would have thought?”
“Oh, Derrick is very....sensual. It’s the quiet ones who are the shockers.” She
cast a knowing glance at Zenith. “Unlike your Brad, who sizzles all the time. Are you
going to tell him the engagement’s off?”
Feeling a blush creeping over her skin, Zenith shook her head. “No, I’m not
telling anyone right now. I have a few things I need to take care of. And he’s not
mine. I don’t think anyone will ever be able to claim Brad Pearce.”
Tiffany smiled, her eyes disagreeing. “If the looks he gave you when you tried on
this dress mean anything, I think he’s ready for the picking.”
Despite her denials, Zenith had to laugh. “I don’t see Brad as a low-hung fruit,
Tiff.”
Tiffany cackled. “Oh, the visions your words bring up.”
Zenith groaned. “Come on, let’s show the others your new dress.”
“No, wait.” Tiffany held still. “I want to say thanks. And that I’ve missed you as a
friend.” Her cheeks flushed slightly at the admission. “It’s nice to see the old Zenith
back.”
Zenith shook her head. “The old Zenith was dull and naive. This Zenith is very
happy as she is.” A small niggle of doubt ate at her as she said that.
Tiffany reached for Zenith’s hand and squeezed it. “I thought the old Zenith was
wonderful. Why tamper with perfection?” She turned to go.
“Wait.” Zenith swallowed, then barged on while she still had the courage. “Why
did we stop being friends?”
Tiffany goggled at her; her eyes wide. “Are you serious? When you came back
from Europe you never had time for me!”
Zenith shook her head. “That’s not true! I called you several times, we made
plans –“
“That you broke all the time! You were too busy with your friends from Europe
and all your committees and charity events. It was the night that I waited for you for
two hours at a movie theatre that I told myself ‘enough.’”
Zenith’s hand clasped over her mouth. “I really did that?”
Tiffany nodded. “Oh, yes, you really did that. And it hurt, Zenith.” Her eyes
glimmered with tears.
“Oh, Tiff, what a bitch I was. I was too stupid to notice.” She wanted to hug her,
but instead squeezed the hand she still gripped. “I’m sorry.”
The tears were absent when the two emerged a few moments later. Lydia
surged towards Tiffany, gasping in delight.
“It looks so wonderful. The color really accentuates your eyes.” She turned to
her great-niece, concern apparent in her gaze. “What will you do, darling? Will you
wear Tiffany’s gown?”
She shook her head as Tiffany fought to hide a knowing smile. “No, I’m going to
have to hunt for a new one. The white would wash me out too much. But it’s
okay.”
She forced a smile that with long practice she knew would fool
everyone.
“Because of Grandfather’s challenge, I’m going to have to spend a lot of time
working. Chadwick and I decided it made sense to postpone the wedding for a
while.” For forever, she amended silently. The relief that enveloped her felt
right.
She knew that they were making the right decision.
She risked a swift glance at Brad; his presence at her ‘performance’ made her
want to squirm. She could tell by his thoughtful frown that he doubted her. She’d
have to watch her step until she was ready to announce her engagement’s demise.
“Well, that might be for the best,” Lydia replied vaguely as she primped over
Tiffany. “That way, we can find you something truly unique.”
Her smile faded as her aunt hugged her. Her reaction didn’t escape Brad’s
intense gaze.
^^^^^^
“I’m going with you today,” Brad informed her as they waited for the elevator that
would take them back to his office. “You’re going to be working at a golf course
cleaning the grounds. Usually you’d start very early to get it done before the golfers
show up. But since we’ve gotten a late start, you’ll be responsible for raking the sand
and retrieving balls from the water traps. Can you drive a cart?”
She stiffened at his words. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
His lips twitched. She was so determined not to bend. He wanted to smile at her,
to gently tease her about her desire to succeed, but felt certain she’d react strongly.
He didn’t want any displays of passion, angry or otherwise. Just standing next to her
sorely tested his will.
The elevator opened and several people surged out, sparing their boss a
welcoming smile as they rushed away. They stepped into the elevator, finding
themselves alone.
“I’m not babysitting you, Zee.” His lips curved mischievously. “I’m simply making
sure your beloved Chadwick doesn’t sue me when you kill yourself while on our
payroll.” Her face froze at his words. His brows lifted in inquiry, but she didn’t reply.
“Zee, are you all right? I thought I’d at least receive that icy glare you’re so
famous for. You know the one – the one that turns a man’s ardor to frozen crystals.”
Did her lips tremble? No, it couldn’t be, yet when he tipped her chin towards him
with his thumb, he could swear he saw tears shimmering in those incredible green
eyes of hers.
“Please don’t cry,” he whispered softly, “or I won’t be able to stop myself from
pulling you close.”
Her voice was little more than a hint of sound. “What if I wanted you to?”
His control shattered as those sparkling pools of emerald pulled him into her. His
mouth dove to hers. It wasn’t a gentle kiss; all his desire, need and frustration filled
it. His need to be with her caused him to deepen the kiss, to fuse his lips with hers.
A moan escaped her as her fingers dug into the back of his neck, exciting him
further. He couldn’t get enough of her: her taste, her smell, her need for him all
drove him over the edge.
Neither noticed the elevator sliding to a halt, the doors opening, or the pair
witnessing their fervid embrace.
As Brad’s hand slid downward, one voice, recognizable as his assistant, Riley,
moaned a disgusted ‘Oh, no!’.
The other figure, chuckling as the pair jerked apart, said nothing. He was just
happy that his granddaughter was finally on the right track.
