Secret Wish

by Victoria Pinder

  “My brother is better. I promise.”

  “I guess.”

  He sipped some champagne and then swallowed.

  "Another set of eyes on my sister’s case might make her happy, but I don't want to impose."

  Her small hand in his sent a positive vibration through him. A warmness that came from genuineness hit him hard. He squeezed her hand again as she said, "Get me as many details as you can, and I'll ensure Rafe is in touch with your sister, tonight. Plus I'll keep your sister in my thoughts and pray she gets her baby by Christmas."

  "That would be a miracle." Caro was everything he ever wanted in a woman. Clearly his fascination with her still existed, not that he could tell her that. Instead he pressed his lips together. "Thanks..."

  She tilted her head and glanced away. "You don't want to talk about this, do you?"

  One kiss wasn't enough. He took out his wallet to pay for the meal and then said, "Not anymore. It's always so sad, and the nightmare never ends. Would you dance with me?"

  She glanced around the restaurant as she shook her head. "What? No one is dancing here."

  Once again he lost his head with her. He waited till she stared at him. "Not here. Near the restaurant there is a dance studio, and I paid for a class."

  A smile grew on her face. He hoped that meant she approved. "You did?"

  He nodded. The waitress came with the bill. He handed her cash so they wouldn't have to wait. Then he put his wallet away.

  Once they were alone, he kept his voice low. "I wanted to rent a sailboat, but I wasn't sure that was a good first date idea. You might have turned into a nightmare in the years we were apart."

  An even bigger smile greeted him. The way she radiated her goodness stirred parts of him he had forgotten. She'd be amazing in bed, but it was far more than physical desire when he saw that sparkle in her.

  She brushed her shoulder to his as they stood. "Good call. I'd have been a little nervous on a ship at first, but honestly, Luke, I'd have gone. I spent years wishing I had one more chance to tell you that I always wanted you to be the one."

  He placed his hand on her shoulder, and she didn't flinch. They walked to the door that he held open for her.

  "Perhaps we didn't miss our opportunity then. I've spent my lifetime imagining you as my wife."

  As they stepped into the evening sky, Luke's breath caught in his throat at the vision Caro truly was. He swallowed and refused to let her see how much he desired her.

  "You did? Luke, I want to believe you."

  "For tonight, let's not doubt." Touching her might not be the best idea, but he couldn't imagine not at least trying. Her arms around his neck were worth trying for.

  Chapter 6

  Her mother would approve of Luke. He was handsome, a doctor, and caring. Her heart still pattered near him. This time she'd kiss him and not lose him. This time, she'd be clear.

  The night air was a refreshing break from the humidity, though as she walked toward the dance studio, electricity was in the air. The moon and the night sky somehow painted a magical view of the parking lot.

  Luke held the door open for her as they slipped into the small studio with a white glittery tree to represent the holidays. His huge muscles made no sense for a doctor. Perhaps this dance would lead to him taking her home and to bed.

  With Luke she'd never forget the moment.

  Beyond tonight, she couldn't think. She had her chance with her dream guy. Tomorrow she'd be there to launch her brand if she could, but tonight, she could simply be Caro. Her heart skipped as his hand slipped around her waist.

  "The teacher is here. Are you ready for our lesson?"

  You could just take me, right here, right now. The words she'd never say out loud. Despite all these thoughts, she wasn't this person. Luke had once known the real her.

  She slipped her arm around his waist. "Let's go."

  They followed the super skinny, tall Russian guy who must have studied ballet all his life. He walked like a swan. Her hips swung too much to ever be that graceful, and Luke walked too straight.

  As they made it into the white-walled room with light that poured on them from a ceiling vault, the instructor circled them. "Hello, my name is Pyotr. I'll be your dance instructor."

  She inched closer to Luke, who smelled woodsy and perfect. And his hand went around her waist as he took her hand in a dance pose. Her body trembled as he intended to lead in the dance.

  She then bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you."

  Luke's phone began to ring, and the sound echoed off the floor.

  Pyotr crossed his arms and shook his head. "Please turn off your cellular device."

  Luke dropped his hands from her body, reached into his back pocket, and took the phone out to glance at it. He held his finger up and stepped away.

  He pressed his hand on her arm and whispered, "Sorry. It's my sister. I need to take this."

  With luck his sister, somehow, had her baby back. Christmas was full of miracles and a return of an innocent baby must take precedence over even her own romance. Caro couldn't imagine how any of them felt. Her heart twisted as she saw the genuine torture in his eyes. He must feel helpless.

  She nodded. "Of course."

  He walked toward the front door and whispered on the phone.

  Pyotr came closer as we both stared at Luke's muscular backside. "Your man is very handsome."

  With luck and time he might finally be hers, but she had to find out if he was still the same guy she remembered. If he was still a fraction of the man she had once loved and lost, then she had to find a way to be there for him.

  Her cheeks warmed as she turned her head. "He is."

  Pyotr lightly elbowed her side. "Any chance he's gay?"

  Now that would be disappointing, but that year in college where she was oblivious to her best friend's charms rushed through her.

  Caro shook her head. "Not from what I can tell."

  Luke turned and his feet clamored on the wooden floorboards. His blue eyes held his pain, and she instantly reached out to take his hand in hers.

  "My sister also received a note."

  Again the nightmare flashed, and she had no idea how she'd survive if the situation were reversed. An emptiness grew inside her every time she thought about what his sister must be feeling. There had to be a way to help.

  She pouted her lips. "What? Do you need to go to her?"

  He glanced over her head to the instructor, and then met her stare. "I told her to send a PDF to the detectives."

  No. Her brother would help. They had other things to do, and Luke clearly wanted to be with his sister. His skin color was whiter than it had been at dinner.

  "Are you okay?"

  His baby blue eyes widened. "What? Me?"

  "Yes." She dragged him to the door. "We can dance later. Do you want to go to your sister?"

  The cold air conditioner was above her head as they stood near the exit. Once home, she'd call her brother for an update on what she might do to help. Rafe solved many crimes for the Morgans, so he could help with Luke and his family too.

  Luke swayed on his feet. "I don't want to disappoint you."

  She tugged him to the door as she shrugged. Her instinct had been to hug him, but he seemed lost and unsure at the moment.

  "I'll go with you."

  His face became even whiter. "My sister's not up for company."

  "Don't worry. I am going to pray that your family gets good news soon." She squeezed his hand. "We'll see each other Sunday, and I'll get you the details and ensure you have an appointment to speak to Rafe."

  As he held the car door open for her, he nodded his head like he had made a decision. "Caro, I should go to my family."

  She slid inside as she saw his shoulders straighten. As he took the driver's seat she told him, "I cannot imagine what she's going through. If there is anything I can do, just ask."

  He started the ignition. "Thank you for being understanding. I'll take you home."

&nbs
p; She let her body relax into the unusually comfortable seat. "Home is great. I’ll see you Christmas for that coffee."

  They drove away from the complex. She watched the passing palm trees that lined the street before she turned to him. "What kind of family event do you have planned for tomorrow? Will it help your sister cope?"

  His face whitened again. "Doubtful. She'll be looking to find someone else to work on her case."

  Of course. She'd be doing the same thing. In that situation, her goal would be to find anyone that might be able to help.

  She reached out and patted his arm that held the steering wheel. "I'd not sleep while combing through every angle. Can I ask how the kidnapping happened?"

  His entire body stiffened, and she swore he clutched the wheel harder. He pressed his lips together like he'd not tell her. She held her breath and didn't expect anything.

  Then he took a deep breath. "My sister was in the mall. Another woman came up to her and asked her questions. She took her hand off the stroller for a second to get something in her pocketbook for the woman. I guess she wanted to write out directions. Then someone stole her baby, and the woman disappeared into the crowd."

  That didn’t sound like a random kidnapping. It sounded as if it had been carefully planned. She covered her chin with her hand. There were no words to describe how horrible that moment must have been. It was one of those setups that should only happen in a movie.

  "That is a nightmare," she said.

  He reached over and brushed his hand against her knee. He kept his eyes glued to the road in front of him. "When I was in California, a detective I hired had video of her son on a plane heading to Miami, which brought me here, but the trail for him has gone cold."

  A week ago might be too late already. She wasn't a cop, but she knew the best one on the force. Her hands trembled as she reached into her pocketbook.

  "I'm calling my brother. Take me to your sister's now, and I will get Rafe there. Miami PD needs to be involved."

  "They are." His eyebrow arched. "I already told you, there’s a case officer."

  "Who clearly isn't doing his job." Her fingers trailed her favorites on her phone until she touched Rafe's name on the screen. "My brother is better. I promise. The House of Morgan calls him all the time.”

  His jaw clenched. “Are the Morgans that notorious in Miami?”

  “They are always in the news. Let me talk to my brother.” She then spoke a few words in Spanish over the phone. He stayed silent for a few minutes then she said, “He'll meet with your sister tonight and work on this case. The letters are important clues, I'm sure. What's her address?"

  "It’s 72 Starr Island Drive. If he's the best on the force then my sister will want him." He shifted in his seat and then gripped the wheel harder.

  She pressed her lips together and called her brother. "Give me a minute."

  Her brother answered, and again, in Spanish, she told him to get over to Luke's sister's house. She hung up the phone and placed it in her pocketbook.

  Then she reached over pressed her hand on his shoulder. "He'll help find your nephew. My brother is good. Rafe's on his way."

  He turned onto the highway that led to Star Island, where she worked and no one lived except the elites and celebrities. Sparks flew in her head. Luke curled his fingers with hers, lifted her hand and kissed it.

  "Caro, I don't think I've ever had a date that went like this before. Thank you."

  Having gone to college together meant they had once known each other well. He didn't think of her as the Morgan's maid, and honestly it was nice to be with a hot guy who appreciated her. It had been a while.

  She nodded. "We were friends at least a little. Just give all the facts to Rafe, and tell your sister we're there to help."

  He turned onto Bridge Road and her heart skipped. She didn't tug her hand away, but now would not be the best time to reveal her job.

  "This is my sister's house."

  "Starr Island?"

  Her lips pursed. She had said that a minute ago. Her mind raced. Her brother wouldn't say her job. Peter Morgan, her boss, was probably too busy preparing for his wedding tomorrow to stop at a neighbor's. It was possible his sister would recognize her, but no one ever peered too close at someone in a uniform.

  She steeled her nerves. "I didn't put it together, Luke. Your sister has some serious cash. The kidnapping might be extortion."

  "That is the general theory, though one private investor who found the video thought there was something more than just extortion."

  "I hope we find your nephew soon." She blinked as they drove past the Morgan estate. "It's just that doctors normally don't live here."

  He turned onto a different driveway. "Yeah, I live in Coral Gables. It's closer to work. This is my mom and sister's.”

  "Of course."

  She unbuckled her seatbelt. Luke’s family, The Marshalls, clearly had more money than she assumed.

  Without warning, Luke leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. With his intake of breath, she understood he needed reassurance. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and kissed him harder than she intended. Luke tugged her closer to him, and for a second the world faded around her. All she could see, hear and feel was his heart beating with her own.

  Chapter 7

  Caro adjusted her Christmas dress as she stepped out of the car. At least the neckline was conservative. She'd have chosen another outfit to meet his family for the first time.

  Luke walked closer to her from around the car and offered his hand. She gripped his fingers and followed him onto the stony pathway lit with Christmas lights that led to the mansion. Her skin was itchy with the fear that someone might out her as a maid. Should she tell Luke her day job now? She pressed her lips together and held her tongue. Now was not the time, but she shouldn't have made it secret.

  Perhaps it wasn't anything to stress about, but if his family had this kind of money then they'd want him with someone of their equal.

  A maid was never welcomed into old-school families in any story without the baby in her arms or something dramatic like that. Or perhaps she had watched so many of Jennifer's telenovelas that they now affected her brain.

  Her heart raced as Luke rang the doorbell that echoed down a long hall.

  A moment later, Ashley Romero, the maid, opened the door. Her eyes widened as Luke escorted her inside. Despite Caro’s bravado, her body shook, and she hugged her stomach. Caro prayed Ashley kept quiet until she had a moment to talk to her peer.

  Without a word, Luke dragged her down the hall and into the Morgan family matriarch. Her stomach flipped as Isabelle Morgan, her boss's mother, reached up and hugged Luke.

  "I'm so happy you're here."

  "Me too, Mom."

  Mom? She lost the ability to breathe. His name was Luke Marshall, not Morgan. She slipped her hand out of his and stared at him with her eyes wide.

  Luke must not have understood as he placed his hand on the base of Caro's back and said, "Mom, I'd like to introduce a friend of mine, Carolina Soliz. We were out together when Liz called."

  His mother smiled at her like everything was perfect in the world. "Caro, you are much prettier without that uniform of yours."

  Uniform. Her face felt hot. She should have told Luke. There wasn't a good reason why she had kept her job a secret. Goosebumps grew on her arms as she lowered her head.

  "Thank you, ma'am."

  Luke massaged her lightly as he pressed her forward, despite how her shoulders slumped, and she glanced at him when he asked, "What uniform?"

  This was it. It was time. Now she'd sound like she lied. She pressed her lips together and somehow wished she could avoid this moment. Her insides felt like they shook. His mother knew. If she didn't say anything, she'd be toast.

  She swallowed. "I'm Peter Morgan's maid. I took the job when my mom retired to help pay the bills."

  Luke's blue eyes slightly opened. Her hands trembled and her skin grew colder at the thought that he wo
uld judge her.

  Then he blinked, and a smile grew on his face. "So you know my new family, probably better than I do."

  The House of Morgan was an institution to be admired, not a family. Her knees buckled. She placed her hand on the table so she'd not fall as she shook her head.

  "I thought your last name was Marshall."

  His mother then stepped closer, and Caro saw how her wrinkles formed a look of concern as she turned toward her son. "Did you lie to her, Luke?"

  "No." He shook his head furiously and then reached out for her hand. "Caro and I were catching up."

  She slipped her hand into his. At least he didn't throw her out for working. She wouldn't work for Peter forever or anything, though it fit into her dreams to work with Victoria.

  Luke continued to speak as he held her firm. "Mom, Caro and I went to undergrad together. I thought my last name was Marshall at the time. She knew me as that and I hadn’t had time to explain my name change yet."

  "Ahh, you're that Caro. I like you even better now, and Luke, you should have made the time."

  Caro's face felt less hot now as her eyes narrowed. "That?"

  Luke averted his eyes.

  His mother stumbled. Luke let go of her hand and grabbed his mother to hold her steady.

  Mrs. Morgan covered her hips. "Caro, I wanted my children to have the best, and their father wanted them in his life. He sent them to boarding school and away from me, but I had told my children their last name was my maiden name. I wanted to protect them."

  Memories of how her own mother spoke about her old boss flashed in her mind. "I remember Mitch Morgan, ma'am."

  "Then you understand."

  The day Luke called her at the hospital, he had been paged on the speaker. There were clues. Caro's mind cleared as she nodded.

  "Of course. Please sit down, Mrs. Morgan. Can I get you a cup of tea?"

  "That would be lovely," she said as she slipped into a chair that might double for a throne. She closed her eyes as if resting. "And we are sorry we interrupted our son on an important date with you, Caro. It's not often I get to meet a special woman in his life."