Pushing her shoulders back, her cobalt eyes hardened. “You don’t get it. And that’s why he’ll break it off with you, like he does with everyone else. He can’t let anyone in, Lia. He’s incapable of it. You might think his guard is down but it’s not. You might think he loves you but he doesn’t. He just wants to feel close to someone until something better comes along. He’ll never marry you.”
“You are pathetic,” I seethed. “I have no time or patience to deal with your brand of crazy. Go to your fiancé before I make sure he knows what you’ve been trying to do behind his back.”
Olivia stiffened, glaring at me. “Sergio barely registers my existence half the time. I highly doubt he’d care what I do. All he wants is for me to look pretty and stand quietly by his side. You know all about what that’s like, don’t you? A politician’s girlfriend always knows her place.”
I balled my hands into fists, crushing the paper bag that held my lunch. Olivia casually sussed out where the photographers were standing and smirked. “We have an audience. I’m always at my best when cameras are around. Aren’t you?”
“From what I’ve heard you love performing in front of the lens,” I snapped.
Smiling with an air of confidence so powerful that it shook my nerves, she leaned close. “It takes two to make the performance unforgettable.”
All the air rushed from my lungs so fast I almost passed out. The world darkened around me.
“Miss Garrison. Come with me.”
Startled by the deep, male voice coming from behind me, I turned and saw Paxton. I’d never been so happy to see that guy. His imposing bodyguard frame practically filled the sidewalk, blocking out the sun. Nothing about his stance was welcoming. In fact, even I was a little rattled by his presence and he wasn’t here for me.
“Miss Garrison. Now.”
Olivia huffed, shooting me one last parting glance. “You’ll see I’m right, Lia. But by then it’ll be too late.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The cell phone rang and rang from the pocket of my coat. I sat in the main lobby of my building, focusing on nothing but my breathing. Businessmen and women walked by with purpose, on their way to meetings or for drinks or maybe even home. The ruined remains of my lunch lay crumpled in the paper bag on my lap. I didn’t have the brain capacity to work at the moment so I just sat here, staring at nothing.
“Miss Meyers.”
I looked up at the sound of Paxton’s voice.
“Here.” He handed me his cell phone. I put it to my ear and sighed.
“Amelia.” Alastair’s worried tone wrecked me. “Are you okay? Why aren’t you answering your phone?”
“I’m fine. I just didn’t feel like talking to anyone.”
He stayed silent for several seconds. “Take the rest of the day off. Paxton will bring you home. I’ll deal with Archer.”
I smiled. “That’s not necessary. I’m going up to my office in a minute. I wanted to—”
“I don’t want you there. I want you home, where I know you won’t be bothered.” The edgy, commanding pitch that now colored his words irked me.
“Relax, chief. It was just a run in on a sidewalk. Everybody’s still in one piece.”
I could tell by his muffled sigh that he was scrubbing his face with his hand. I looked up at Paxton, who waited patiently for me to make my next move.
“I want you to do as I say.”
“Hey,” I snapped. “Enough. I don’t need you ordering me around.”
“This isn’t negotiable, Amelia. I want you back at the house. Now.”
“You know what else isn’t negotiable? This.” I hung up and tossed the cell phone at Paxton. “If he calls looking for me, tell him I’ll see him when he gets home from London.”
For the second time today, I wanted to strangle someone. I loved Alastair to bits but his overprotective streak pissed me off to no end. I stalked to the elevators, leaving Paxton to deal with the ringing cell phone. Back in my office, I shut the door and silenced my own cell phone before throwing myself into show preparations. Barely an hour had passed before my desk phone started ringing non-stop. I shut off the ringer, watching the red message light blink furiously. I knew, without question, the photos from my curbside encounter with Olivia were now all over the internet.
The funny thing about it was I didn’t care.
* * *
Light from the candles flickered off the walls, giving the enormous bathroom a cozier ambiance. Music floated from the portable iPod station I’d sat on counter. I sank deeper into the warm water, swallowed by almond scented bubbles.
The ride home from work had been interesting. Paxton was silent, which led me to believe Alastair had laid into him about the whole Olivia thing. Poor guy. I stretched my legs. This egg-shaped tub was so huge I couldn’t touch the other end even if I wanted to.
Alastair hadn’t arrived home yet. I’d hoped he wouldn’t stay in London too late. Maybe it was for the best that he wasn’t here though. I did hang up on him and refused to take any of his calls for the rest of the day. He aggravated me so much sometimes that I ended up resorting to those less than adult ways of dealing with him.
I sighed, sinking farther under the bubbles. I stayed in the bath until the water turned cold and I couldn’t take it anymore. After toweling off, I dried my damp hair, threw it up in a bun and put on my pajamas. I sat on the edge of the bed not really knowing what to do next. It was almost nine but I wasn’t tired.
My body itched with nervous anticipation, reminding me of the first time I set foot in this room. The memory was so vivid and sharp. I’d been pulled into his orbit, craving him. But there was always that wall. That damned veil he used to keep me at arm’s length. What Olivia said about him not letting anyone in was true.
I shook the thought from my mind. Letting it run wild wasn’t the smartest thing.
The vintage watch sparkled on the nightstand. Need and want surged through me, striking my heart and taking my breath away. I wanted him here. I wanted him next to me. I wanted to feel his mouth on my skin and breathe in his scent. I wanted to lose myself in his love and never find my way back.
Seconds and minutes ticked away into hours. I must have carved a path through the house as I paced from room to room. By midnight, I resigned myself to the fact that he wasn’t coming home. I went over to the media cabinet and put on some music. Snow Patrol blared from the speakers, pleading with someone to open their eyes. A jolt of electricity shot down my spine. All the small hairs on my arms stood at attention.
“Lia.”
I turned and was enveloped in the most glorious hug I could ever want. He felt amazing. He smelled amazing.
Releasing me after a couple minutes, Alastair leaned his forehead to mine and smiled. “Hello, love. Sorry I’m late.”
Any trepidations or agitation I felt melted away. I combed my fingers through his hair. “You’re forgiven this time, chief.”
He held my face, kissing me soundly. “My Lia,” he whispered, running the pad of his thumb over my lips. “My angel.”
“Did everything go okay at your meeting?”
Shrugging, he nodded. “As well as can be expected. I don’t want to talk about work. I want to feel you close. Dance with me.”
“Here?”
He smirked. “Yes. You already have the music on so we shouldn’t waste it.”
“Whatever you say.”
Banding his arms around me, he pulled me close. I didn’t recognize the song that was playing but was haunted by the woman’s voice. Rather than break the mood and ask who it was, I sighed into his arms and let him guide me.
“Remember the last time we danced like this?” he asked.
“At the Kraft Azalea Garden. There wasn’t any music.”
He laughed. “You thought it was quite romantic though, if memory serves.”
“It was a redeeming moment in your cheesy repertoire.”
“Wow.” He squeezed my waist. “We’re back to cheesy now?”
“Afraid I might drop you?”
“Never.”
“Good.” He pulled me upright, lacing his fingers through mine and swaying his hips. “Are you looking forward to your birthday celebration?”
“I don’t know. Am I allowed to ask what we’re doing?”
“No, kitten, you’re not.”
“One of these days you’re going to give in to my curiosity.”
“Possibly. This is not that day.” He grinned.
“Control freak.”
He lifted my right arm over my head and twirled me. “Sexy girl.”
“Charmer.”
Gently holding my arms behind my back, he kissed me. “I know today wasn’t easy for you. I didn’t mean to make it worse.” The muscles in his jaw twitched.
“Your heart was in the right place. We’ll work on your overbearing nature some other time.”
“She likes to play mind games, Lia. She’ll say anything and make it sound so convincing you’ll second guess what you know is true. I don’t want her filling your head with doubts.”
I swallowed. “It’ll take more than her telling me you don’t let people in to fill my head with any doubts. I trust what you feel for me and I will never doubt that.” To drive my point home, I grabbed his tie and yanked him close, planting a brazen kiss squarely on his mouth. I think it surprised him. He moaned softly, holding the back of my head.
“Tomorrow,” he whispered as his lips brushed mine, “will be a day you’ll never forget. I can’t wait to spoil you. Now, come to bed.”
* * *
The magnificent aroma of pancakes wafted into the bedroom. I stretched under the blankets and squinted at the digital clock on the nightstand. Six in the morning? I groaned. I could get away with at least another half hour of sleep before having to be up.
My attempt to roll over and snuggle under the comforter was thwarted by some kind of lump. What the…?
I sat up and turned on the light, waiting for my eyes to adjust. A sizable box took up a good chunk of the bed next to me. The wrapping paper was a decadent red topped with a snowy white ribbon. A little card with the words ‘open me’ rested on the box. Grinning, I picked it up and shook it. Nothing rattled inside and the box was much too light for its size. Curious, I did what the card said and opened it.
Mounds of tissue paper filled the box. I dug through it, tossing some on the floor. The more I emptied the box, the more confused I became. Nothing was in there. I removed the last bit of tissue paper and saw a postcard at the bottom. A picture of a birthday cake was on it. I flipped it over.
IF YOU CAN FIND ME, YOU CAN EAT ME.
“For crying out loud,” I muttered with a smile. Someone was trying to be clever. I was never one to make a huge deal about my birthday. Sure, I loved the cake and the presents but I didn’t treat the occasion like it was a national holiday or anything. It was just another day. I should have known that would all change once Alastair Holden entered my life.
I tip-toed into the kitchen to catch a glimpse of my fiancé. He was already showered and dressed for work. I cannot articulate how hot it was watching a guy in a designer three-piece suit cook me breakfast. He even had a kitchen towel draped over his shoulder in case any of the batter missed the pan. I wanted to undress him with my teeth.
“You’re not supposed to be in here, kitten.”
“I can smell it from the bedroom.”
He turned, flashing his megawatt smile and making me go all melty on the inside. “Get back in bed. Or else.”
Good thing I did as I was told. He treated me to the most scrumptious breakfast in bed on the planet. Not only were the pancakes amazing, he’d garnished them with chocolate shavings and a dollop of whipped cream.
“We can use the rest of the chocolate and whipped cream later,” he said with a gleam in his eyes. “If you want that.”
“Works for me,” I replied.
“This is your day, Lia. Whatever you want, you’ll get it. Just ask.”
I sipped my tea and smiled. “I want you.”
His reaction bordered on bashful, which made me laugh. There wasn’t a shy bone in his body.
“I love the sound of your laugh.” He grinned. “Finish your breakfast.”
I picked up the postcard and held it next to my face. “Do I get to have any guesses?”
“As many as you want. But I’m not telling.”
“Fine.” I sighed in dramatic fashion.
He wouldn’t let go of my hand on the drive to work. Plus, his lips were permanently ticked up in a devilish grin as he scrolled through his cell phone checking emails. No matter how hard I tried, he wouldn’t budge about telling me what he had planned.
“I’m keeping you on a tight schedule today. Don’t be late for any of the times I’ve listed out for you. Understand?” His slightly raised eyebrow made me laugh.
“Whatever you say, chief.”
“Good girl.” He leaned close. “Happy birthday, my love. I’ll see you in a few short hours.”
I left a hefty amount of gloss on his mouth when I kissed him. I laughed, wiping it off with my thumb. “Plum isn’t really your color.”
“Probably not.” The left corner of his mouth perked up. “But I like having a reminder of you on my lips.”
I’m pretty sure all my bones liquefied as he ran his tongue over his bottom lip.
“You’re a dangerous flirt,” I breathed.
“You have no idea, kitten. Go to work.”
For the umpteenth time since moving here, I walked into my office on shaky knees with a racing pulse and fired up libido.
* * *
The closer the clock ticked toward eleven, the more fidgety I became. The first ‘surprise’ of the day was supposed to take place in minutes so I made sure to be at my desk as instructed. I read through scripts to pass the time, making adjustments when necessary. The ringing desk phone made me jump.
“Jesus,” I muttered before answering.
“Happy birthday, Lia.”
“Sydney?” I exclaimed.
“The one and only. You’re not busy are you?”
I was so happy to hear from my former co-worker in Orlando that I didn’t realize I was bouncing in my chair. “No, I’m just reading scripts. How are you? What are you doing up so early?”
“Violet has a class trip to Cape Canaveral today and is beyond excited. She woke up before the sun. I figured since I was up, I’d call my favorite cube mate. I miss you. How’s life in Scotland? How’s that gorgeous British boyfriend of yours? And congratulations on your engagement.”
“Life is good. Really good, actually.”
“I keep seeing you on the Sentinel website. You look amazing. The cold weather must be agreeing with you.”
I laughed. “Don’t be fooled. It’s hard to have a good hair day over here with all the rain. No different than Orlando with all the humidity, I guess.”
A little girl’s voice sounded through the receiver. I heard Sydney shush her.
“Sorry. That was Violet announcing that you need to come visit her immediately. She misses you like crazy.” She paused. “So do the rest of us. Wes and Tyler were asking about you the other day at work.”
The pang of sadness I always get when thinking of home struck. “I’d like to come visit before the end of the year. Maybe before Christmas. Alastair’s been so busy with work. I’m sure he’d appreciate some time off. We’ll see.”
“If you get a chance to come in December we’ll all have to go to Disney for our festive Christmas fix. Fake snow and all.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“Hopefully Stephanie can come, too.”
Another pang of sadness hit with a vengeance. “Hopefully.”
“Alright, well, I just wanted to call and wish you a h
appy birthday. Have a fantastic day, Lia. We miss you.”
I hadn’t expected to become so damn emotional from a phone call. I hung up feeling a bit empty on the inside. I missed my friends. Life had always been a series of new roads and experiences but I wished there could be a way for all the important roads to intersect.
Meredith interrupted my pity party for one with a knock at the door.
“This just arrived for you.” She smiled and placed a small box on my desk. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks.”
I held the box in my hand for a second before opening it. Inside was a silver chain with a key dangling from it. I had no idea what it unlocked or where I was supposed to use it. The accompanying note wasn’t any help either.
FIND THE LOCK AND WHAT LIES BEHIND IT WILL BE FOREVER YOURS.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The next birthday deadline rolled around much faster than I anticipated. The early afternoon had been filled with production meetings so by the time I made it back to my desk another neatly wrapped package was already waiting for me. This one had a single white rose accompanying it.
I inhaled the beautiful scent while tearing off the wrapping paper. Inside were my ruby red sparkly heels and the crystal encrusted ones he’d given me over the summer. Now I was confused. Why is he giving me my own shoes as a gift?
Maybe the card held another clue.
WEAR US UNDER THE NIGHT’S SKY.
I ran my finger along one of the heels. Where were we going?
2:11pm You’re killing me, chief
2:15pm Patience, love
The desk phone buzzed. “Miss Meyers? You have a guest in reception.”
Assuming it had more to do with my birthday surprise, I went out to see.
“Hi, Lia.”
Nope. Not what I wanted for my birthday. Emma Whelan stood smiling in my direction, eyes alight with determination.
“I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Sure. Why not. Come to my office.”
The sooner I listened to whatever it was she wanted, the sooner she’d be on a plane back to London and out of my life.
Effortless: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance Page 16