by A. C. Arthur
“I’ll show you breeding and class.” Jade swung wildly in the woman’s direction but Linc had stepped between them, catching the blow against the back of his shoulder.
“Leslie, I think you should leave,” Linc said, while holding Jade back.
“Leave? Me? Why should I leave? She’s the one acting like a hood rat. But I guess we can’t really blame her since that’s all she knows.”
Jade moved around Linc this time. He extended an arm to keep her from swinging at Leslie again but Jade only held a hand up in his direction. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to hit the trick,” she said in a slow, menacing tone. “She’s not worth it. But know this, I may not be from your class and of your breeding but that’s not my loss at all. I’d rather be the strong, independent woman I am instead of a lonely, conniving, desperate wench like you.”
Linc moved his arm as Leslie gasped at Jade’s words.
“Are you going to let her speak to me this way, Lincoln?” Leslie asked in outrage.
“Lincoln—” Jade mimicked Leslie’s irritating voice “—does not control me or my actions. For your sake I’d advise you to steer clear of me and Lincoln for the duration of this week. Because the next time I might not be able to hold my hood rat tendencies in check.”
With that said, Jade walked up the stairs to her room.
“There was no stipulation in our new arrangement that said we couldn’t have a quiet dinner, alone,” Linc countered when she’d argued against the dinner in their room later that evening.
Jade stewed over her own stupidity. She should have outlined specific activities and she should have stated that they could under no circumstances be alone together. Now, more than ever, it was imperative that she kept a level head where Linc was concerned. But a good businesswoman wouldn’t go back to the negotiating table again on such a technicality so she sucked it up and gave him a stilted smile.
“You’re absolutely right. There is no reason why we can’t have dinner together. Alone.” After her embarrassing bout with tears their beach outing had taken a better turn. While she’d been ready to leave, Linc insisted that they stay. After he’d dressed, they’d shared the lunch of shrimp salad sandwiches and fruit prepared by the cook and talked about their time in college. They’d had a lot in common back then. It was funny how they’d never got around to figuring that out.
Linc, as she’d already come to see during the week, was pleasant to be around, if you could handle the strong, arrogant type who, instead of admitting defeat, issued a challenge. It probably didn’t help that she didn’t like to admit defeat, either and relished a good challenge. That’s why they’d arm wrestled for the last slice of water-melon and raced from one end of the beach to the other to see who would drive home since they were both stuffed with food and tired from the beaming sun.
He’d won and she wasn’t happy about it but the chocolate sundae he’d brought her after they’d arrived in their room made up for it.
“I’m sure your mother won’t be happy about us skipping dinner with them.” She gave one last shot at getting out of more time alone with him.
“No good.” He shook his head and smiled. “I suggested it to her and she thought it was an excellent idea. So you’re stuck with me, like it or not.”
She smiled because it wasn’t such a hard thing to do around him. “Then I guess you’re lucky that I like it.”
“Excellent.” He moved closer and lifted her hand to his lips, paused briefly, then kissed her.
“Before we eat I want to apologize.” She decided it was best to get it over with.
Linc looked perplexed. “Apologize for what?”
“For the scene I created with Leslie Kindle. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sorry about what I said to her because she deserved it. But I shouldn’t have gotten physical in your mother’s house.”
Linc chuckled. “I haven’t seen a chick fight in years.”
Jade couldn’t help but laugh herself. “And I’m sure you miss them.”
“It would have been interesting, that’s for sure.”
Jade groaned.
He touched her shoulders and looked at her seriously. “There’s no need to apologize. If some dude was pushing up on you right in front of me I’d hit him and talk later, too. So it’s cool. Besides, Leslie is irritating as hell.”
“Yes. She is.” Jade smiled. “But she had a point about the class thing.”
Linc cut her off quickly. “No, she didn’t, and I don’t want you thinking that anymore. I don’t care who you’re related to, where you were born or how much money you have. If I wanted to spend the week with a high-society airhead I have plenty to choose from.”
He cupped her face and dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “I chose you.”
Jade found herself anticipating the contact and, despite her resolve, wanting more. “Let’s eat,” she said before she grew any weaker.
She walked through the entryway leading to the living area of their suite. The sight before her made her pause. In the middle of the floor was a table draped in white linen with two chairs and a bouquet of peach roses. The lights were dim and scented candles—sandalwood if she wasn’t mistaken—were all over the place. She closed her eyes and inhaled.
Linc came up behind her but didn’t touch her, his lips close to her ear. “It’s for relaxation, correct? I figured since you were into massage therapy, aromatherapy was a given. The sweet, exotic smell is meant to warm the senses.”
And coupled with the man drive her absolutely bonkers! “Mmm-hmm.” She felt his closeness seconds before his arms brushed her shoulders and her eyes settled on the sterling silver chain being positioned around her neck. With a gasp she touched her hand to the heart-shaped pendant in the center.
“I told you I’d get it fixed,” Linc said as he clasped it at her neck.
Jade stared down at the necklace, her heart filling with an emotion she didn’t want to name. “But…it’s not the same. I mean, you changed it,” she whispered.
Linc moved around to stand in front of her. He looked down at the necklace then up into her eyes. “You said that it was a gift from your grandmother. I could see how much it made you happy when you thought of her. So I figured if I put my own special touch on it, it would make you happy when you thought of me.”
She looked away from him, afraid she’d cry again. What was with these pesky tears lately? Rubbing her fingers over the now diamond encircled heart she did feel happy thinking of him, thinking that he’d gone out of his way to do this for her. Carefully and with the effort of ten men tugging at her emotions she smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
Linc smiled and her knees buckled.
“Have a seat.” He motioned toward the table.
She groaned inwardly. Just looking at him in the dim light standing tall and handsome as a Greek god made her stomach perform a slow, very torturous somersault.
Unsure of what to say and rattled beyond reason Jade took a seat then leaned forward to smell the flowers. “I love peach roses.”
“Really? I would have never guessed.” He sat across from her, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Who told you? Adam or your mother? They’re the only two I’ve talked to enough to have let something that personal slip.”
“You can talk to me about personal things too, Jade.”
His tone was sincere. Actually he sounded a little hurt that she hadn’t shared anything personal with him. But she had. She’d told him about Noelle but only because he’d asked. Most importantly, she’d shared herself. “That’s not a part of our arrangement.”
“I’d like to think that when the arrangement is over and done with we can still talk and be friends.” He cleared his throat.
If he’d reached inside her chest and squeezed her heart personally, it couldn’t have been more painful. His words only confirmed her reasoning behind the new stipulations. “Of course we can be friends,” she lied. There was no use telling him that once she left this house on Sunday morni
ng she had no intention of ever looking back, of ever thinking about Lincoln Donovan and his perfect family again.
He poured wine and they exchanged small talk.
She fixed their plates and they ate in companionable silence.
He stood and moved to the balcony they hadn’t used until tonight. She remained seated until he sent a questioning glance prompting her to join him.
There was a light breeze when she stepped out beneath the indigo sky. Stars sprinkled the dark backdrop like confetti and she couldn’t help but smile.
“You’re too easy to please,” he said.
“What gave you that idea?”
“Roses, candles and starlight. You look happy, content. I like that.”
He wasn’t being sweet, he was simply noticing the obvious, she told herself. “Then I guess you’re right. I’m not difficult.”
“No. Just stubborn.”
She chuckled. “Grammy used to say that, too.”
He moved closer until their arms touched. “Tell me about her.”
Jade sucked in a gulp of night air and smiled. “My grandmother, Victoria Vincent. She passed away nine months ago.” No matter how much time passed she still felt a pang of grief when she admitted that Grammy was gone.
“I’m sorry that she’s gone.”
“Gone but not forgotten.” Jade tapped a hand over her heart. “I carry her with me here at all times. For so long she was all I had and now…” She broke off, looked away because she was afraid she’d cry again.
“And now you feel like you’re alone.”
She shook her head. “I know I’m not technically alone. I have Noelle. But I just needed her so much. And Linc, I miss her so much.”
“It’s not a crime to need someone, Jade. In fact, that’s a part of being in a relationship.”
She looked up at him, surprised that he’d said that. “What would you know about being in a relationship? You said you couldn’t actively participate in one, remember?”
“That was when I was nineteen years old. Besides, my parents are good role models. They need each other and they don’t make any qualms about admitting that fact.”
“Yeah, your parents have a great marriage.”
“Do you want to be married someday?” he asked.
“Nah.” She shrugged. “I don’t think I’m marriage material.”
“That’s ridiculous. Any man would be lucky to have you for his wife.”
Any man but you, she silently filled in the gap. “Obviously not.”
“Let me guess, you can’t find anybody who meets your standards.”
She frowned at that. “I don’t have high standards for a mate. In fact, my goals are simple and to the point.”
“And what are they?”
“You don’t need to know,” she said and continued to look out into the dark of night.
“Come on, if I were Adam or my mother you wouldn’t have a problem telling me. You said we’re friends and friends share things, so just tell me.”
What the hell, he couldn’t fill her qualifications, anyway. “I want the fairytale. I want the white knight to sweep me off my feet. I want him to be so in love with me he can’t think straight. I want him to promise me the world even if it’s just to make me feel better. Can you understand that?”
He smiled at her. “I can. But do you really think you’ll find that? I mean, is there any room for something a little less heroic than your expectations?”
“No.” She looked at him seriously. “Because that’s what I deserve.”
Chapter 10
Jade slept alone and awakened feeling a keen sense of loss. She knew it was her fault. She was the one to come up with the stipulations, and now she had to deal with them. After showering and dressing she’d gone into the sitting area of their room expecting to see Linc at his desk. But he wasn’t there.
Blankets were still on the sofa where he’d obviously slept, but the man was nowhere in sight. With purposeful steps she went downstairs and straight to the dining room where everyone usually gathered for breakfast.
Today must have been her day to be shocked because the huge table looked utterly solemn. While it was still full of food, fine china and steaming coffee, it lacked one key ingredient: people.
“Good morning, dear. It’s just you and I this morning,” Beverly said as she buttered a croissant.
Jade pulled out a chair and sat. “Where is everyone?” she asked when she was really only concerned with the whereabouts of one person.
Beverly looked her way with an arched eyebrow. “Henry’s with his horses. Adam had a date last night which I’m sure will keep him occupied until later this evening. Trent’s in the den working on a case. And—” she paused took a bite of her croissant and savored it.
Jade poured a cup of coffee realizing just what the woman was doing and refusing to hang on her every word. With an inward chuckle she realized she liked Beverly Donovan a lot more than she’d anticipated.
When she was finished chewing Beverly dabbed a napkin at the corners of her mouth. “Lincoln said something about an emergency at the casino.”
“The casino?” Jade paused, her coffee cup just inches from her lips. “So he’s not here?”
“He had to return to Las Vegas. But he said he’ll be back in the morning.”
He went back to Vegas and hadn’t bothered to tell her. She couldn’t pinpoint how she felt about this new development. On the one hand she still felt that loss, that same emptiness she’d felt a half hour ago upon waking. And now, she felt disappointed and a little perturbed that he’d leave her here, alone, when her sole purpose for coming to this house this week was to be with him.
“Why do I get the distinct impression that you’re not thinking of how much you’ll miss him while he’s away?” Beverly questioned.
Jade set her cup down, shaking her head at the same time. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was just thinking of something. Don’t mind me.”
With a tilt of her head Beverly looked at Jade seriously. “I don’t think anyone’s been minding you for some time now, Jade.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Why don’t we spend the day together? The men aren’t around and I’d like to get to know you better.”
A sense of dread settled over Jade and she racked her brain for a logical excuse as to why that wasn’t possible. Of course, with Linc gone there was none and that infuriated her even more. With a tight smile she looked at her hostess and said, “What did you have in mind?”
“So what’s really going on with you and my son?”
Jade almost fell off the lounge chair she’d been lying on. Her sunglasses had fallen from the table and she’d bent over to retrieve them when Beverly’s question had been asked. They’d been to the spa and had a swim. Now they were sitting poolside, enjoying the beautiful day. So far it had been pleasurable and now this.
“We’re, ah…dating…I guess,” she stuttered.
“Is that so?”
Repositioning herself on the chair Jade was about to slip her glasses back onto her face when Beverly touched her hand and shook her head. This, to Jade, meant that Beverly didn’t want her eyes shielded because she wanted honest answers. It reminded her a lot of Grammy.
Knowing she’d have to give Mrs. Donovan a little more information and still hating the fact of all these lies building up, Jade took a deep breath and decided to tell as much of the truth as she possibly could. “We haven’t seen each other in years. And when we bumped into each other last week we decided to take some time to get to know one another again.”
“Hmm. I sense a connection between you two. I wonder why you stayed apart for so long.”
“We were in college when we met and things just didn’t seem to work out for us.” Jade stared out toward the pool. “Linc had plans,” she said, remembering their talk on her first day here.
Beverly chuckled. “Lincoln has had plans since he was ten years old. I always wondered if he was ever going to slow
down and simply enjoy life. And I’ll admit that until this week I was still thinking the same thing.”
“He’s a very focused man. I guess I should have realized that back then.” She should have realized that he’d never be truly interested in a girl like her.
“Yes, he’s ambitious. But he’s also loyal and dependable. He has such a capacity to love. I just wish he’d get the chance.”
Oh, no. Jade’s chest tightened. She definitely did not want to be having this conversation with Linc’s mother. Keeping her head turned in the opposite direction she feigned interest in some birds flying overhead. “Love is not for everyone,” she said absently.
“It is if they make themselves available to it.”
Jade entwined her fingers, pulled them apart then twisted them back together again. She shifted in the chair wanting desperately to get up and leave. Then she stilled, a thought settling in her mind. “Sometimes it’s not that easy.”
She turned when she felt the soft swish of Beverly’s silk coverlet against her leg. The older woman had come to sit on the edge of Jade’s chair putting a hand over hers to stop the incessant motion. “You have to be still so it can catch you, dear,” she said soothingly.
Jade turned to her then and for the first time this afternoon took a moment to really look at Mrs. Donovan. A more beautiful woman Jade couldn’t remember ever seeing. But there was something more to her beauty. A calmness combined with a glow of completeness.
“If you love him, you need to tell him.”
She opened her mouth to speak, fully prepared to tell the woman she didn’t know what she was talking about. Her lips snapped shut and she thought better of that brazen lie. “It won’t matter. It’s not what he wants.”
Beverly threw her head back and laughed. “Child, please. Of all my children, Lincoln, who pretends to know exactly what he wants at all times, is the most clueless. He’s been so ambitious and so determined for so long he’s never really had the chance to experience any true emotions. Businesses fold, money gets spent and then what’s left? There’s something between you two, I can sense it and I know my son. If you weren’t in his heart in some capacity he would never have brought you to my home.”