Dreaming With A Broken Heart (Hollywood Legends #1)

by Mary J. Williams

  “She’s scary.” Garrett closed the door. “Eyes in the back of her head scary.”

  “Impressive.” Jade corrected. “In another life, I want to be Sable Ford.”

  “I like you exactly the way you are.” Garrett slipped behind her, his arms circling her waist. “Perfect for me.”

  Jade turned in his arms, giving him a sweet, lingering kiss.

  “Give me the grand tour.”

  Jade couldn’t remember having a dream house. Oh, she dreamed of living anywhere but with her father. Or her husband. When she fantasized about that, there was never a specific place. Her only thought had been anyplace but here. As she looked around Garrett’s house, she realized what this was. A house to build a dream on. As long as the man came with it.

  One entire wall was nothing but glass. Sunlight filled every corner of the room. Hardwood floors gleamed. The smell of citrus filled the air. Not that fake, cleaner smell. Actual citrus.

  “I smell lemons.”

  “There’s a big bowl in the kitchen. I have three trees in the backyard.”

  “Callie once told me that you love fresh lemonade.” Jade picked up one of the yellow pieces of fruit, bringing it to her nose. “It’s one of my favorites too.”

  “Serendipity.”

  “Do you believe in such things?”

  “Call it what you want,” Garrett said with a shrug. “I believe we fit.”

  “Maybe.”

  “What do I have to do to convince you?”

  Jade cupped his face with her hands. There it was. That little catch she felt in the rhythm of her pulse when she looked into his eyes. The love she saw in the purple depths.

  “You’re doing it,” she sighed against his lips.

  “I love you, Jade.”

  “I know.”

  Jade deepened the kiss. Without a trace of hesitation, Garrett kissed her back. Loving him would be so easy. If only she could let go of the doubts. Not about him. About herself. As far as she had come, there was still a part of her trapped in that house — a woman who couldn’t find the strength to walk away from the pain and humiliation. Did she deserve a man like Garrett? Until she could answer with an unequivocal yes, she could never give him what he wanted. Her absolute love and commitment.

  “Want to see the bedroom?” Garrett gave her an exaggerated leer.

  Jade laughed. “Yes, please.”

  “It isn’t exactly a den of iniquity, but with your cooperation, I have hope.”

  Garrett grabbed Jade’s hand. They were halfway to the stairs when his phone rang.

  “Take it,” she said when Garrett hesitated.

  “Wyatt knows where we are,” Garrett told her. “He wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important.”

  “Go,” she urged. “I’ll check my messages. You have to love the cellular age.”

  “Not when it interrupts some naked time with my woman.”

  “Who said we were going to get naked?”

  Garrett gave her a knowing look. “Naked. Pantyless. Potato. Potahto. I’m good either way.” With a wink, he answered the phone. “What’s up?”

  Smiling, Jade scrolled through her missed calls and texts. Nothing that couldn’t wait. A caterer she was lining up for Agnes Stern’s party. A few interviews for the assistant job she decided she needed to fill. It was the last text that gave her pause, turning her happy expression pensive.

  “Something wrong?” Garrett asked. Whatever it was Wyatt needed, it must not have taken very long.

  “Not wrong,” Jade said slowly. She handed the phone to Garrett.

  “This Stacy is reminding you about a party tomorrow night? You don’t want to go?”

  “I do.” Jade took back the phone. “It’s a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Foundation. I helped with the preliminary organization.”

  “I think Mom and Dad are going to that. It’s something we all contribute to. We can meet at their place, and then all go together.” When Jade hesitated, Garrett tugged on her hand. She gladly went into his arms. “What’s the problem, Jade?”

  “The venue.”

  “What—? Oh.” The light finally dawned. “Your father’s house?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we’ll send a big, fat check. We’ll plug in a movie. Pop some corn. Make out.”

  “With Sable watching?”

  “She’s cool,” Garrett pointed out, pulling Jade closer. “She won’t mind going to bed early.”

  It was tempting. Garrett gave her the perfect out. A quiet night at home. No prying eyes. No drama. When Jade walked out of her father’s house, she swore she would never set foot in it again. At the time, she meant it. Now, thinking back, it seemed a bit melodramatic. It was just a house. Unless she faced it, and her father, the progress she had made was wasted. It was as her therapist said; problems get bigger and bigger the longer you put off dealing with them. Sometimes the only way to move forward is to retrace your steps.

  One more time, Jade decided. It was just a house. Her father was just a man.

  “I need to go, Garrett.”

  “Then we’ll go.”

  Just like that. No questions asked. Garrett had her back. He also had her heart. Whatever doubts Jade had clung to dissolved in that instant. What was she waiting for? The heavens to open up? Neon lights to flash the news in huge multicolored letters? Nothing was going to change. Tomorrow wouldn’t be better than right now. She was through being a fool. At least where Garrett was concerned.

  “I love you.”

  “Say that again?”

  Getting close to his ear, Jade said in a clear, steady voice, “I. Love. You Like it or not, you’re stuck with me, Garrett Landis. I have you and I’m never letting go.”

  Garrett picked Jade up, swinging her around. His laughter filled the room. “Honey, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “POPCORN IS SOUNDING awfully good about now.”

  Garrett squeezed Jade’s hand. “Say the word, honey. We can be back at the loft before you know it.”

  Having that in the back of her mind was what would get her through tonight. That and Garrett. Plus most of the Landis clan. Callie, Caleb, Wyatt, and Nate were there to support a worthy cause. At the same time, they were there for Jade.

  “I didn’t expect your brothers to come.”

  “Nothing could have kept them away.” Garrett handed Jade a glass of wine. “If Colt weren’t in Australia, he’d be here too.”

  Jade shrugged. “I feel like they barely know me and I’m already turning out to be more trouble than I’m worth.”

  Garrett’s eyes sharpened to a steely gray. “First? We’re a family. Rallying around is what families do. Second? Never question your worth.” He lightly kissed her lips. “Priceless.”

  Jade felt a warmth spread through her body, chasing away the chill that had tried to settle in her bones from the moment they entered her father’s house. Remember, she told herself, you get to leave at the end of the evening. With Garrett. If nothing else would get her through, that thought alone would.

  Looking around, Jade was surprised nothing had changed. As soon as the idea popped into her head, Jade realized how silly it was. She had only been gone a short time. Just because she wasn’t the same woman who walked out didn’t mean her old, velvet-lined prison would transform as well.

  “I’ll be watching from a distance,” Sable informed Jade. “I have your back so enjoy the party. As much as the situation allows.”

  Watching her bodyguard casually navigate through the crowd, Jade was struck once more by how looks could be deceiving. In her long, crimson gown, Sable blended in with ease. Her grace and beauty drew plenty of attention. To the casual observer, she was another guest. Only a select few knew that her beaded handbag contained a deadly weapon. Almost as deadly as the woman herself. Those men considering hitting on Sable might reconsider if they knew she was capable of snapping them in two with her bare hands.

  “I like that smile,” Garre
tt whispered, his breath gently caressing her ear. “Want to share what put it there?”

  “What do you think would happen to all those admiring looks if they found out what a hard-ass Sable is under her designer gown?”

  “Some would be scared off,” Garrett admitted. “Some would call her Mistress and beg her to walk across their back with her four-inch stilettos.”

  “As long as you don’t go there with me, I could care less about other people’s kinks.”

  “No stilettos,” Garrett assured her. “I prefer…” He leaned close to Jade’s ear, whispering his sexy request.

  Jade’s eyes widened. “Really?” She asked.

  “Doable?” Garrett took her hand, his thumb tracing a small circle on the back.

  “Remind me when we get home.” Jade’s smile let Garrett know she was very much on board with his sexy suggestion.

  “How much longer do we have to stay?” Garrett looked at his watch. “From the moment I saw you in that dress, I’ve been fantasizing about removing it. Those thin, crisscrossing straps are driving me crazy.”

  It wasn’t an elaborate gown. It consisted of a whisper of purple silk and cords of braided satin that weaved an intricate pattern down her back. It skimmed the ground as she walked, the high side slit showing off a hint of long, shapely leg. She chose the design because it was comfortable while flattering to her figure. She chose the color because it reminded her of Garrett’s eyes. The color of love.

  “One more hour should do the trick,” Jade said, running her hand down his arm. Lord, he looked handsome in a tuxedo. A look that worked for most men. On Garrett’s tall, lean frame, the tailored suit showed her man off to mouthwatering perfection.

  Jade was aware of how much attention she and Garrett were drawing. Let them look, she thought. Seeing a particularly interested woman giving Garrett the eye, Jade deliberately moved a little, not so subtly brushing against him.

  “I won’t last another ten minutes if you keep that up,” Garrett growled under his breath.

  “I’m staking my claim. There are too many beautiful, young women here who want to get their lacquered claws into you.”

  “My skin is claw-proof,” Garrett assured her. “Always has been. I was waiting for a woman with brains and a core of steel to match her beauty. Add killer legs? Is it any wonder I’m putty in your hands.”

  “Putty, huh?”

  “A goner,” Garrett’s eyes met hers, letting her see what he was feeling. “Is it too corny to say you had me at hello?”

  “Definitely,” Jade nodded. “Is it weird that I like corn? When it’s coming from you.”

  “I’d say that makes us a practically perfect pair.”

  “Practically.” Jade smiled. “I like that. Absolute perfection would be boring. Not to mention, a little creepy.”

  “Hey, you two.” Nate joined them, casually draping his arm over Jade’s shoulders. “I hate to break up the lovefest.”

  “Then go away,” Garrett told him.

  “Charming. It isn’t too late, Jade.” Nate pulled her close. “Mom and Dad are crazy about you. They won’t object if you switch brothers midstream.”

  “Jade has taste, Nate. Go find a woman without any. You know, the kind you usually date.”

  “Sorry to interrupt this sidesplitting comedy routine,” Jade chuckled. “There is a very animated man across the room trying to get your attention.”

  “Which one of us?” Garrett asked, scanning the crowd.

  “My guess is both,” Nate said. Plastering on a fake smile, he waved back. “Landon Weeks.”

  “Well, shit.” Garrett sighed. “He’s an old friend of our father’s. We have to say hello to the gassy windbag.”

  “Gassy?” Jade asked.

  “As in he lets out gas. Periodical, smelly, silent farts,” Nate grimaced. “Dad thinks it’s hilarious. Mom puts up with it for Dad.”

  “And you guys?”

  “Three hours trapped in a car with Uncle Landon. No air conditioning.”

  “Enough said.” Jade laughed.

  “Save yourself,” Garrett said, kissing Jade’s cheek. “You can meet him at the wedding.”

  Garrett and Nate were halfway to Uncle Landon before his words sank in. Wedding? What wedding? Whose wedding?

  “I’m surprised you had the nerve to show your face tonight.”

  Mandy. Her father’s assistant had poured herself into a strapless black satin gown. Her breasts spilled out of the top in such a precarious manner, Jade worried that if the other woman inhaled too vigorously, they might plummet out. Since it was impossible to estimate how much damage the surgically enhanced balls of saline might do, Jade shifted to the side, removing herself from the direct line of fire.

  “I’m surprised you care,” Jade countered.

  “I don’t,” Mandy sniffed disdainfully. “All of my concern is for your father. Haven’t you caused him enough pain?”

  Jade wondered if they were talking about the same man? Pain? Anson Marlow? Either Mandy had no concept of the man she worked for, or she was shooting smoke up her ass for the hell of it. Jade guessed it was a little of both. Happy to leave Mandy with her twisted illusions, Jade shrugged.

  “I won’t be here much longer. Call this my last farewell. Lose the sour look, Mandy. You can relax. I’m never coming back.”

  Flagging a passing waiter, Jade set her half-empty glass on his tray. Without another word, she headed to the open balcony doors. After her little run-in with Toxic Mandy, she needed some fresh air.

  All evening, Jade had been waiting for some feeling of nostalgia. Even the slightest tinge of a happy memory. How fitting that when it finally happened, it was because of Garrett. She ran her hand over the smooth oak railing. This was the spot, almost three years ago, where she first flirted with him.

  Running away, even for a few hours, had been so unlike her. Exciting. Forbidden. The possibilities seemed endless. Until she let reality sink back in. If she had gone with Garrett. Given into temptation. Would they have fallen in love? Would they still be together? There was no point in such speculation. Jade was a different person now. A better match for him. Stronger. In mind and body.

  The hell with staying another hour, Jade thought. She had told herself that she could come back here without falling apart. Who cared what anyone else thought? Garrett and his family— No. Their family. What their family thought was all that mattered to Jade. Callie, Caleb. Wyatt, Nate, and Colt. They opened their arms, welcoming her in with a warm acceptance that took her breath away.

  Jade smiled. Time to go home. As she turned toward the ballroom, the sound of raised voices froze her in her tracks. Not just any voices. Her father. Jade shivered. And the man she hoped to never see again. Her ex-husband. Stephen Marsh.

  “WHAT THE HELL do you think you’re doing?” Anson Marlow seldom showed an outward demonstration of anger. He prided himself on always having a tight grip on his emotions. It made him sloppy. Sloppy led to mistakes. Mistakes cost money. Money was his religion. Power his God. He refused to let temper or sentimentality loosen his grip on either.

  However, there were exceptions to every rule. When his ex-son-in-law appeared out of nowhere, Anson Marlow came as close to losing control as he could ever remember. It was all he could do not to strangle the idiot. They were in the garden. The freshly turned soil in the rose bed would make a perfect place to bury the body.

  “I knew I would find you out here.” Stephen tried not to slur his words. Half a bottle of vodka was nothing. He wasn’t drunk. He was… relaxed. “Such a creature of habit, Anson. Why do you insist on hosting these ridiculous parties when you hate to socialize? Like clockwork, you disappear into the garden to smoke one of your godawful cigars. I knew if I waited, it would only be a matter of time before you strolled by.”

  “Where is Teresa?”

  “You mean my handler,” Stephen sneered. “Shoving me from one shitty town to another?”

  “She was keeping your ass out of jail. With my he
lp and money, I might add.”

  “Stop making it sound like you were doing me a favor. Everything you do is for the good of Anson Marlow. No one else. All those lofty promises you made when I married your cold fish daughter. Someday you’ll take over, son.” Stephen’s voice took on a singsong quality. “In another ten years, all this will be yours. Bullshit. You never planned on giving me anything.”

  “I thought you might be groomed for the top spot. It didn’t take you long to show how worthless you are. I could overlook your marital problems,” Anson shrugged. “As long as you kept it behind closed doors. It was your drinking I found untenable. Did you honestly believe I would hand over my empire to a lush? You had vodka with your Corn Flakes. Whatever hope I had in the beginning, dissolved with every drink you took. Along with your few remaining brain cells.”

  “I know things, Marlow. Things you don’t want the Feds to get wind of.”

  “Which is why you have money in the bank.”

  “Not enough.” Stephen swayed slightly, blinking to refocus his eyes. “My new girlfriend and I want to leave the country. That should make you happy, Daddy-in-law.”

  “Girlfriend?” Anson spat the word out with disgust. “What the hell is wrong with women?”

  “The heart wants what the heart wants, Anson.” A tall, sturdily built blonde stepped out of the shadows. She was dressed head to toe in black. In her right hand, she carried a gun — pointed directly at Anson Marlow.

  “If your heart wants a worthless fall-down drunk, Teresa, be my guest. Coming back here is the best way for us all to end up behind bars.”

  “Your problem has always been overconfidence, Anson.” Unlike Stephen, Teresa was steady as a rock. “Face it; you aren’t always the smartest person in the room. We want twenty million dollars and a private plane to take us to South America.”

  Anson barked out a laugh. “The hell with the plane. Why don’t I get Tinker Bell to sprinkle you with fairy dust so you can fly there under your own power?”

  “Sarcasm? Really?” Teresa moved closer. “You aren’t in any position to mock us, Anson. How long do you think all this would survive if Stephen and I made a deal with Uncle Sam? Orange isn’t your color, old man.”