Falling For the Millionaire

by Merrillee Whren

  Sometimes he wished he could be anonymous. He wanted to be liked for himself and not his connection to the Conrick millions.

  Hudson had promised himself that his presence here tonight would end the bowing and scraping to his father’s wishes. He wanted to prove to his dad that he could be his own man and not have to depend on the family business. How could he make his father understand? He could thank his money and Ian for one thing. Melody Hammond. When he’d knocked on her door and found a beautiful woman on the other side, his resentment over having to attend this fund-raiser had dissolved.

  Although Melody was with him tonight because of the donation his family had made to The Village, she didn’t hang on him or try to impress him like so many women did. There was something different about her—something he couldn’t decipher at the moment, but it was something he liked.

  Her less-than-genuine smiles puzzled him. He could always look on the positive side of things and believe she was merely nervous about the success of this event. From what his father had told him, lots of dignitaries and movers and shakers were here. He’d been to plenty of these types of functions—most of them boring. But he was looking forward to his evening with Melody.

  The sight of her in that red evening gown, with a skirt that swished and flowed around her like the cape at a bullfight, had set his heart racing. The color accentuated her blond hair swept away from her face in a fancy hairdo, set off with some kind of sparkly stuff that matched her dangly earrings. She reminded him of the storybook princesses his nieces were so fond of. As far as blind dates went, she was a ten.

  “Look what the cat dragged in.” Ian’s voice shook Hudson from his musings.

  Hudson stood and shook his friend’s outstretched hand. “Good to see you. It’s been a long time.”

  Ian glanced around. “Where’s Melody?”

  “She went to check on something and should be right back.” Hudson looked at the petite dark-haired beauty standing next to Ian. “Who is this lovely lady?”

  “My wife, Annie.” Ian smiled as he looked lovingly at her. “Annie, I’d like you to meet Hudson Conrick.”

  “Nice to meet you, Hudson. Are you associated with Conrick Industries? I did some consulting with one of their companies years ago.”

  Nodding, Hudson shook Annie’s hand. He couldn’t even meet an old friend without his family connections being brought into the conversation. “Yes, my great-grandfather started Conrick Industries in the early 1900s.”

  Before anyone could make another comment, Melody returned. “Ian, Annie. I’m glad you’re here. Where are you sitting?”

  “Table three.” Annie pointed to the table next to them.

  “Oh, good. We’re right here.” Melody placed a hand on the back of her chair. “We’ll be able to talk after the formalities are over.”

  Hudson took in the relief on Melody’s face. Was she merely happy to have her friends nearby, or was she uncomfortable with him? The woman was a riddle—confident and self-assured, yet vulnerable.

  “I see my parents.” Annie looped her arm through Ian’s. “We’d better say hi to them. Talk to you later.”

  As they walked away, Hudson looked over at Melody. “Ian and I haven’t been in touch much since we left law school. I thought I remembered him getting a divorce. Is Annie his second wife?”

  Melody stared up at him with her light brown eyes flecked with green. She looked as though she didn’t know how to answer. “I’m not sure what to say about that. It’s complicated. Maybe you should ask him rather than me.”

  Shaking his head, Hudson let out a halfhearted laugh. “Did I step into a minefield with that question?”

  Melody’s face turned ashen, and she took a deep breath as she placed a hand over her heart. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry.” Hudson motioned toward their seat. “Let’s sit down and forget I made the inquiry.”

  Melody nodded, the color still not returning to her cheeks. He pulled out her chair, and she sat down without saying a thing. As he took his seat, Hudson tried to figure out why the discussion had triggered Melody’s reaction. Had she and Ian been involved before he married Annie? While Hudson stewed over Melody’s reaction, two middle-aged couples approached their table. Melody got up and hugged them all.

  Hudson stood as she turned to him and introduced him to Ian’s parents, Doreen and Jordan Montgomery, and to Adam Bailey, the administrator of The Village, and his date, Debra McCoy. After the two couples left, Melody greeted the folks who would share their table, an advertising executive and his wife, a couple who owned a printing business and a couple who were both doctors.

  The laughter and conversation that buzzed through the ballroom came to an end as Adam Bailey greeted everyone from the podium at the head table. After Adam’s greeting, Jordan Montgomery gave a blessing for the event. Immediately following the prayer, the waiters and waitresses served the food.

  The discussion during the meal centered on the ministries of The Village. Hudson admired the way Melody maneuvered their talk toward supporting The Village without being pushy. Thankful that she controlled the conversation, he sat back and watched. He didn’t have to say a thing, and he appreciated that. Best of all, no one asked him about his family connections. That made for a perfect dinner.

  While the servers removed the plates and brought out the desserts, Adam Bailey came to the podium once again and gave a quick talk about The Village. Jordan Montgomery followed with a short but motivational speech that encouraged people to look beyond themselves and help those in need. Soon after, they began the auction of donated items, as well as the silent auction that would be going on during the evening.

  The auctioneer entertained the crowd as he moved each article along. Hudson watched Melody’s joyous reaction as a quilt made by Lovie Trimble, the receptionist at The Village, garnered five thousand dollars.

  When the auction concluded, Adam came back to the podium. He thanked everyone for their participation, then turned and picked up something from a nearby chair. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to honor someone tonight who deserves a lot of credit for this evening’s activities. She’s the dynamic force behind this project. Please give a huge round of applause for Melody Hammond.” Adam looked down at their table. “Melody, come on up here.”

  The surprise on Melody’s face as she stood made Hudson smile. He’d learned from the discussion tonight that her whole life revolved around the women’s and children’s ministries at The Village. She obviously deserved this award. While she made her way to the stage, the applause grew louder.

  Adam gave her a hug and handed her a plaque when she reached the podium. “Considering all the work you do, this isn’t much, but we wanted you to know we appreciate everything you’ve done for The Village.”

  Taking the plaque, she wiped a tear from her cheek as she faced the audience. “This is certainly a surprise. I want to thank everyone who came out tonight. Thank you for your support of this very important project. You’re helping women and children have a better life. I want to especially thank my coworker, Annie Montgomery. Thanks again.”

  People stood and more applause filled the ballroom as Melody made her way back to the table. Hudson resisted the urge to give her a hug. He didn’t know how she would take it. Despite her giving nature in regard to The Village, she seemed personally guarded. He wanted to find out why.

  After Melody resumed her seat, Adam announced the dance portion of the evening. When two of the couples from their table went to the dance floor, Ian and Annie came over, sat down and congratulated Melody on her award.

  Melody picked up the plaque and looked at Annie. “Did you know about this?”

  Annie shook her head. “Adam said he wanted to do something for you, but he never said what.”

  Melody put the plaque back on the table. “It wasn’t necessary.”

&n
bsp; “Yeah, but it’s always nice to get some recognition.” Ian nodded his head. “The auction went very well. It brought in a lot of funds.”

  “I wish Lovie could’ve been here to see her quilt produce so much money.” Melody rubbed a hand across the shiny face of her plaque. “She’s attending a grandchild’s birthday tonight.”

  Hudson took in the discussion, his admiration for Melody growing. She’d rather have recognition for a coworker than for herself. He’d been hanging around the wrong kind of women.

  “So what are you doing with yourself these days?” Ian looked at Hudson.

  “Not much.” Hudson shook his head.

  “You could join us at The Village. We could use another attorney now that our financial situation has improved.”

  “Ian, I’ve never used that law degree. I wouldn’t be of much help.” Hudson wished he had a better plan for his life, but he wasn’t interested in being a lawyer or a corporate executive. He wasn’t sure where he belonged, but he wanted an adventure of his own, not one his father had planned for him. “When the weather gets warmer, I intend to do some skydiving instructions with an outfit near here that does tandem jumps. Anyone want to give it a try?”

  Melody’s look slipped from astonishment to fear. “You skydive?”

  Hudson nodded. “I was a paratrooper in the army. Since I left the service, I’ve become a certified skydiving instructor. I missed doing that when I was working overseas, so I aim to get back into it. And I have plans to do some race-car driving.”

  “Wow! Impressive, but I’m not sure I’m that brave.” Annie chuckled.

  “Enough of this discussion.” Standing, Hudson waved a hand toward the dance floor, hoping Melody didn’t think he sounded like a spoiled rich kid. But he probably was. “There’s some good music playing, and I’ve got a beautiful woman to dance with.”

  “I’ll definitely take the dancing over the skydiving or racing cars.” Melody stood.

  Hudson chuckled as he held out his hand. “While we dance, maybe I can change your mind.” When Melody put her hand in his, the rush he felt was as good as skydiving or speeding around an oval track. How had this woman triggered his interest in such a short time? He’d better be careful or he’d be jumping without a parachute. His experience with Nicole had taught him caution when it came to women.

  “Hardly. I don’t have to leave the ground when dancing.”

  “Then, you’ve never danced the jitterbug with me.”

  “Not something I plan to do in this evening gown.”

  “Probably not.” Hudson put an arm around her as they joined the other couples dancing to a slow romantic tune.

  She looked up at him. “I have to let you know the last time I danced was at Ian and Annie’s wedding.”

  “Never fear. Just follow my lead.”

  “Easier said than done. I’m not used to following.”

  “Somehow I knew that.” Smiling, Hudson guided Melanie across the dance floor.

  “You do dance very well.”

  “I should. I had enough lessons when I was a kid. While the other boys were out playing ball, I was gliding around Miss Smithers’ dance studio with some girl I didn’t like and hating every minute.”

  Melody laughed. “Must’ve been rough being you.”

  Happy to make her laugh, Hudson let the sound wind its way into his heart. “It’s always been tough being me. I was the youngest kid with three older sisters. Three. They ganged up on me constantly.”

  “But they must’ve been a window into the lives of women.”

  “I never thought of it that way.” Hudson shook his head. “I should’ve taken notes, but sadly I didn’t. I was too young to appreciate the knowledge I could’ve gained. I was merely a nuisance to my older sisters.”

  “I can see that.”

  “You wound me, and here I thought you were a kind person.”

  She laughed again, and the sound filled his chest with warmth. He pulled her a little closer as another slow number started. For a few moments they danced without talking. He hadn’t felt this unguarded in years. This was one date he wished didn’t have to end.

  Chapter Two

  Nothing had prepared Melody for her attraction to Hudson Conrick. Did she believe in love at first sight? Never. How had that crazy question popped into her mind? With everything she had to think about tonight, her mind must be playing tricks on her. Sure he was handsome, a good dancer and a gentleman, but he also liked to skydive and race cars. Who knew what other crazy things he liked to do? No way could she be having romantic feelings about a man she’d met only a few hours ago.

  Attraction at first sight was plausible but not love.

  The music faded, and Melody gazed up at him. “I apologize, but I have to check with Adam about the silent auction now.”

  “I’ll tag along if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure.” Melody found it difficult to concentrate with Hudson by her side. Thankfully, the meeting with Adam lasted only a few minutes. As Melody and Hudson returned to their table, they received a few speculative glances from a couple of her coworkers, but she ignored them. She didn’t want to add to the conjecture.

  While the band played a lively number, Hudson tapped his foot. “Can I convince you to dance again, or do we have to stick to the slow dances?”

  Melody gripped the back of her chair as if it was a lifesaver in the sea of her own uncertainty. Would she encourage his interest if she agreed? This date contained no future commitment, and he certainly expected to dance with his date. Enjoying this time was what she needed to do, but she couldn’t let her attraction to Hudson show.

  “You seem dubious.”

  Melody’s halfhearted smile skidded into a grimace. Did she dare say what she was thinking? “Most of the men I know, including my brothers, don’t like to dance.”

  Hudson held out his hands. “Hey, what can I say? I have to make use of those lessons.”

  Melody couldn’t help laughing. “Okay. I wouldn’t want them to go to waste.”

  Hudson grabbed her hand. “And we wouldn’t want to waste this good music, either.”

  Letting the music and Hudson whirl her away, she focused on the here and now. She wouldn’t think about the future, and she wouldn’t think about the past. Tonight she would live in the moment and relish every aspect of it.

  The time with Hudson sped like one of his race cars. When the band announced the last dance, she couldn’t believe the evening was about to end. Despite her vow only to think about the present, had she let herself get too involved?

  No. Tonight wouldn’t translate into anything for tomorrow. One and done like her other blind dates. That philosophy kept her heart safe from disappointment.

  Hudson escorted her off the dance floor. “Do you have any last-minute things you have to do?”

  “I do. I’ll check with Adam to see if they have a job for me before I leave. I hope you don’t mind waiting.”

  “Not at all. I’ll get your things and meet you there.”

  “Thanks.” Melody hurried to the back of the room where Adam and Annie sat at a long table.

  As Melody drew nearer, Annie looked up, a little frown creasing her brow. “What are you doing here? You should be with your handsome date.”

  Glancing at the pile of receipts, Melody ignored Annie’s reference to Hudson. “I thought you might need me for something.”

  Annie shook her head. “Got it under control, and you’re going to like my report on Monday. Now get out of here and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  “Okay.” Melody went around the table and gave Annie a hug. “Thanks for all you’ve done.”

  “You’re welcome. Now go, go, go.” Annie shooed Melody away with her hands. “You have a date to take care of.”

  “Ok
ay, okay. I’m off.”

  When Melody turned, Hudson was standing a few feet away as he held her purse and wrap. A momentary image of Christopher flashed through her mind. Hudson didn’t resemble her former fiancé in the least. Christopher had been shorter with light brown hair and blue eyes. So why had his image come to mind when she looked at Hudson? She couldn’t begin to answer that question.

  She tried to shake off the pain in her heart. Thoughts of her old love usually didn’t bring as much hurt these days, and she thought of him less often. No one could ever replace Christopher. He’d been her life, and now he was gone. Her only comfort lay in knowing she would see him again in heaven.

  “Ready to leave?” Hudson’s question snapped her out of her sentimental thoughts.

  Melody nodded. “Annie assures me that I’m not needed here.”

  “Good. I’ve called James. He should have the car at the front door when we get there.”

  “James? Really?”

  “Yeah. That’s his name.” A frown puckered Hudson’s eyebrows as they entered the lobby.

  Melody shrugged. “When I was a kid we used say, ‘Home, James,’ to my dad when my brothers and I were strapped into our car seats in the back and we were pretending that he was our chauffeur.”

  “Oh, I see.” Hudson stood aside as Melody scooted through the door ahead of him.

  He probably didn’t see the same humor that she saw. He didn’t have to pretend to have a chauffeur. Why had she told Hudson that story? It only underscored the differences between them.

  The inadequate feeling she thought she’d overcome slithered through her mind. She tried to push the unwelcome thoughts away, but they kept intruding. She remembered how the popular rich girls had befriended her, and she’d been on top of the world. But they’d made her the butt of their jokes. The reality of the situation had been a cruel awakening.

  As a grown woman, she was stupid to let old hurts color her perception. But that incident popped into her thoughts more often than she would like. Once they were settled in the limousine, Hudson poured himself another glass of water. He raised his eyebrows as he gazed at her. “Would you like one?”