Jack took the gun. “Tell that to the police. You held a gun to her head, almost drowned her, and aimed a pistol at us. And you broke into Mr. Farrington’s safe and stole the contents.”
Sam’s hands clenched into fists. “You were ruining my life. And James Farrington helped you.”
“How can you blame me? I haven’t even taken control of McAlister yet? Whatever is going on with your company has nothing to do with me. All I know is that you made your plans to steal from Mr. Farrington, pretended to leave the estate a few days ago, and then snuck back, and now have your pockets stuffed with valuables from his safe. And I know that gift you sent was just a distraction so you could pull off the robbery. Now take the jacket off,” Jack ordered.
Sam stripped off his jacket and began to whine. “And I couldn’t even have Abby. I saw you two together when I was out in the woods!”
“So you were at the gazebo?” Abby blurted, her face flaming in spite of being cold.
“Yeah, I happened upon you and Jack in that moment that made me want to kill you…just as you were—”
“Pervert!” Abby blasted.
Sirens sounded in the night air.
“Good, the police are on their way.” Jack swung Abby up in his arms. “Let’s go back to the house, Abby.”
Trent picked up Sam’s jacket with the pockets still full of his grandfather’s stolen money. “No wonder he couldn’t swim. He’s lucky he didn’t drown.”
Unconcerned about the loot, and thinking only of Abby’s safety, Jack carried her to his car.
“You’re alive,” he said in a raspy voice. “I want you to know that I was scared as hell he was going to kill you.”
“I’m very much alive, Jack.” She raised her trembling lips to his. When he gently lowered his mouth to hers, she was rewarded with a passionate kiss that sent tingles through every nerve ending. She hugged him and never wanted to let him go.
“I thought I’d lost you—again, Abby. I think I’m going to get gray hair early. You know how much I love you?”
“Jack!” she said, smiling through her tears. “You said it again.”
He smiled. “Get used to it. I do love you. Now, let’s get warmed up.”
“I am so cold, Jack.”
They left Trent and Chris to deal with the police and the arrest of Sam.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
After Jack and Abby put on dry clothes, they stepped outside the mansion and gave their statements to the police. Then they crossed the lawn with a plan to return to Carly and Miles’s party. However, they were just in time to see Monica standing next to a cab. Abby couldn’t believe the nerve of her ex-roommate to show up at the house again.
Monica gave Jack and Abby a hateful look. “Well, I see Abby survived. I hope you two will be very happy—not.”
“We hope the same for you and Vince, in return,” Abby quipped.
Monica blew out a deep breath. “But, Jack, Vince and I... We never…”
Abby could tell Monica wasn’t through lying to Jack, but it was clear he could see through her now, too, because he snorted and shook his head.
“You never quit.” Jack crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s a good thing you’re leaving because the police are nearby. It wouldn’t take much for me to call them over and make a report on what you did to my rental car, and how you threatened Abby with a bat. Remember, we have plenty of witnesses—a ballroom full.”
Monica’s chin jutted out. “You wouldn’t.”
“Monica, mark my words: If you ever come around Abby or me again, the first thing I’ll do is get a restraining order against you.”
When he opened the door to the cab, Monica sent Abby a threatening look that sent a chill down to her toes.
Abby tensed, and was very glad Monica lived in another state.
“Maybe next time, Monica,” Jack said, “you’ll think before you hurt other people with your manipulations. But somehow I doubt that.”
Monica’s mouth twisted into a bitter line before she complied and slid into the cab. She didn’t glance out the window as the cab passed Jack and Abby.
Abby sighed. “Whew! I’m glad she’s gone.”
Jack put his arm around her. “Let’s hope she’s gone back to Florida for good this time. Come on.” They walked back toward the house.
Mr. James Farrington, his grandson Trent, and a few of Jack’s cousins were out on the patio discussing the events of the weekend.
Jack’s Uncle James blew out a deep breath. “It’s a sad day for me. The police just informed me that Ralph Preston’s body was found in his study. They suspect his stepson must have stolen money from him, and that he found out about it, as well as what he was planning to do here. Sam must have drugged him so he could have enough time to get out of the country without Ralph alerting the police. Perhaps knowingly or unknowingly, Sam gave his stepfather just enough drugs to kill Ralph. His mother is distraught and telling the police everything she knows.”
Dizziness washed over Abby. “So Sam really did murder someone?”
Mr. Farrington nodded. “But let’s don’t say anything until after this weekend ends—for the sake of Carly and Miles.”
Abby nodded. “Yeah, we need to salvage the rest of the wedding celebration and make this a happy memorable occasion for them.”
The cousins all agreed.
As they headed back to the house, Trent said wryly, “Now, Grandpa, you see why it’s doubtful that I’ll ever marry. This entire weekend has been one big bad omen. So don’t expect a wedding for me.” Then Trent grinned widely and teased, “Although please do host all the weddings you want for my cousins here.”
Mr. James Farrington’s body language revealed his disapproval. “Trent, we’ll see about that. I just know one day, you’ll meet the right girl, and you’ll be eating those words. Soon after, I’ll hear the pitter-patter of my great-grandchildren’s little feet. And my dear Eliza will look down from heaven and be so happy.”
Trent’s brow furrowed. “Don’t throw Grandma into this.”
“You will marry someday, Trent,” Jack said in agreement with Uncle James. He wrapped his arm firmly around Abby. “When you find the right woman.”
Alex sighed. “Well, I, for one, agree with Trent. If I’m ever granted my divorce, I’ll avoid marriage for the rest of my life.”
Chris cocked his head and added his two cents. “More and more I see that women can sometimes be treacherous. Monica was a good example. I’m not sure if I can see myself getting married in the future either.”
Jack smiled. “All you guys will eat your words. I should place bets on this and make some money.”
Carly stepped out of the French doors from the ballroom, and everyone hushed to silence, not wanting to ruin her night. “You won’t believe what happened. Uncle Peter just got engaged to Mrs. Arlington. I don’t know if you met her, but she’s the widow of the mega-millionaire Mr. Arlington of Arlington-Dress Enterprises.”
Jack’s grinned. “Well, I hope it’s for love.”
Carly shrugged. “But I think he just met her for the first time tonight—and they’ve both had too much to drink.”
“Well, I’m going to give Uncle Peter the benefit of the doubt,” Jack said. “He’s had it a bit rough lately.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Carly said.
Before they could respond, another couple stepped out of the French doors and onto the patio and headed for a secluded area. Abby noticed it was the guy with the comb-over hair—the one who she’d thought had been stalking her. Tonight, he held the hand of a giggling and smiling woman—Carly’s shy cousin Stella.
“Who is that guy, Carly?” Abby whispered.
“That’s Miles’ cousin Phil. Did he bother you? I hope not. His wife died five years ago. He has a hard time in social situations and is really awkward, so I introduced him to Stella. You know how shy she is. They seem to be hitting it off.”
Abby smiled. “Good. I’m so glad. It seems like love is in bloom aroun
d here.”
Mr. James Farrington, Trent, Alex, and Chris went on inside the mansion.
“Abby are you and Jack coming back inside, too?” Carly asked.
Abby nodded. “But before we go in, I want to thank you for what you were doing this weekend, trying to throw Jack and me together. Surprisingly, it worked. However, I’m sorry if Monica ruined things at your reception.” She didn’t say a word about the theft, her hostage taking, and Sam killing his own stepfather.
Carly chuckled. “Ruined things? It wouldn’t be a family affair if something exciting didn’t happen. So other than getting rid of Monica, what else happened tonight? You all took off. You even changed your clothes.”
“Nothing much,” Jack stated. He linked his arm to Carly’s, and took Abby on the other side. “I’m sorry Monica ruined your cake.” He effectively changed the conversation and steered them toward the French doors.
“That’s okay, Jack,” Carly quipped. “As you probably don’t know, because you are a man, we always make two cakes, one for a backup, and another one to start serving. It’s a tradition because you never know what’s going to happen at one of our family events, or to one of our cakes. There’s been several brawls that have landed in the cakes, so nothing surprises me.”
“The part with Monica was my fault,” Jack admitted. “I brought her here. I’ve should have known. What a fool I was.”
Carly grinned up at him. “You, my dear cousin, are just a man. You can’t be expected to know everything about women like Monica. I’m just happy for you that you’ll not live your life with that mistake. Frankly, none of us could stand her. You dodged a bullet, dear cousin.” She gave him an impish grin. “Well, I’d better go inside. Coming?”
Jack nodded. “Just give Abby and me a moment.”
When Carly had gone into the house, leaving them alone, Jack gathered Abby in his arms and beamed down at her. “We did dodge a bullet, literally. What a night. Are you warm now and happy?”
“Yeah. Very happy and happy to be alive, Jack.”
“I can’t wait to take you to our home.”
“I like the sound of that, but we don’t have one.”
“You want to start looking tomorrow? I have a particular property I’d like you to see. Another, smaller, historic house that was in the McAlister family. It comes with thirty acres. Needs lots of renovation, but it has great potential and a stable. I think you’d love it, and we can make it our own. Matter of fact, the only reason I wasn’t going to buy it was because I couldn’t picture myself there with anyone but you.”
Jack took her hand and pulled her to a private part of the patio. Warmth washed over her that he would be hers again—as her husband.
He laid a hand on her breast and squeezed, copping a feel, and sending shivers through her. “I deserved that before we go back inside. So much has happened. It seems like forever since last night when we were together.”
Abby chuckled. “Yes, it does.” She returned the pleasure and copped a feel right back at him.
Jack groaned and stepped back. “We’d better go inside for a while—for appearances sake—then we can head for bed.” He smiled and took her hand, pulling her back toward the house. “I’m going to let all my cousins be the ones to complain about marriage. I want us to be husband and wife, as soon as possible.”
“Yes, boss. And we’ll never let anyone come between us again, right, Jack?”
“Yeah, or work. I’ll never let work come between us again either, Abby. I promise to always make time for you. I’ll be working hard, but my workaholic days are over. I’m going to take time to smell the roses.”
“Wait. One more thing. One more kiss before we go inside, Jack?”
“Yeah.”
Abby stepped into his embrace. He took her chin in his hand, then lowered his mouth to hers. She circled her arms around his neck.
A thrill of desire and happiness flowed through Abby. When he raised his lips from hers, she said, “Jack, I can’t wait for our lives together to begin again. You’ll always be my white knight. It looks like I’m getting the fairytale after all.”
THE END
*****
Page forward for more from Debra Andrews:
MORE ABOUT DEBRA’S BOOKS
Thank you for reading WEEKEND WEDDING DECEPTION (Dangerous Millionaires Series). I hope you enjoyed the story.
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"Glitzy, Sexy Romances with a Dangerous Twist"
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debra Andrews loves to write stories with a lot of romance, conflict, action, adventure, and suspense. When she’s not writing, she’s enjoying her family and pets.
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*****
BOOKS IN THE DANGEROUS MILLIONAIRES SERIES:
(Books can be read in any order and are stand-alone stories)
WEEKEND WEDDING DECEPTION http://amzn.to/1GrT5Th
DANGEROUS PARADISE http://amzn.to/1GodmsW
DISGUISED WITH THE MILLIONAIRE http://amzn.to/1YUfDr9
HIS WYOMING LAIR (Coming 2016—to be notified when released, sign up for a new book release alert: http://eepurl.com/ZKIsb )
****
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
DISGUISED WITH THE MILLIONAIRE - BLURB
She came to the company to find a Killer:
After Kate Meyers’ brother dies in a construction site accident involving faulty equipment, and the handsome owner Trent Farrington is cleared of wrongdoing, she lands a job with the company to do her own investigation. While Kate searches for evidence to convict Trent, she has to work with him—too closely— only to find that nothing in the company is as it seemed…
DISGUISED WITH THE MILLIONAIRE - CHAPTER ONE
Kate Meyers rushed through the glass doors leading into the hospital’s emergency waiting room. “I’m here to see Matt Jackson,” she said breathlessly as she reached the main desk. “He was brought in by ambulance a few hours ago.”
The receptionist glanced over wire-rimmed glasses. “Next of kin?”
Kate blinked back tears. “Yes, I’m his stepsister. Is he going to be all right?”
“Miss, I’ll notify the doctor that you’re here. Now, please, take a seat.”
“Kate.” She turned at the familiar voice of Matt’s good friend and co-worker.
“What happened, Bobby?” she asked.
Dressed in a t-shirt, jeans and scuffed construction boots, he ran his fingers through his brown hair. “Matt was working on the fifth floor. His harness broke and for a few minutes he dangled from the line. Then his tether snapped. I’m sorry, Kate.”
She gasped. “You mean he fell five floors?”
“A tree broke his fall, and he’s alive. We’ve got to hold on to that.”
Kate collapsed onto a couch and dropped her tear-stained face i
nto her hands. “Last week, he told me he’d discovered a piece of equipment he’d used was nearly worn out, and some of the materials seemed sub-standard. He promised me he’d be careful when he worked at those heights.”
She shuddered and went on, “Something was going on there, Bobby. Matt told me that when he asked about the condition of some of the supplies, his supervisor said Trent Farrington must be trying to save money and he was told to keep his nose out of it if he wanted a paycheck.” Sniffling, she pressed a tissue to her nose. “I pleaded with Matt to leave such a dangerous and corrupt outfit.”
“Kate, in my department, I’ve never seen the Farringtons run anything but a reputable company,” Bobby said.
“Ms. Meyers.” The receptionist waved Kate over to the desk. “They moved him to ICU. You can go back to be with him now.”
When she reached Matt’s door, a doctor in green scrubs stepped out. “He’s stabilized, but in critical condition. We’ll know more, if he makes it through the night.”
If he makes it through the night. Kate’s knees nearly buckled. “Is he awake?” she asked in a shaky voice.
“He’s been in and out, but he hasn’t fully regained consciousness.”
When she stepped into the room, her stomach clenched at the bruises marring her brother’s face. Swathed in bandages, he lay on the bed, hooked to an IV and numerous monitors.
Tears blurred her vision as she walked on shaky legs to his side. “Matt, it’s me—Kate.”
His eyes flickered open.
Relief rushed through her. Swiping away the wetness from her cheeks with the back of her hand, she leaned closer. “I love you.”
Through each labored breath, he rasped out the words, “The supplies…grandson… Trent…tell…found…”
Weekend Wedding Deception (Dangerous Millionaires Series) Page 14