by Gina Wilkins
“So meeting her family tonight, huh? The big audition.”
Standing on a ladder outside his parents’ home, Scott looked down at his older brother, who stood below him, steadying the ladder. “I’ve met Tess’s sister before. They don’t have much family left except for a cousin I’ll meet tonight.”
“You’ve met the sister as Tess’s boss, not her boyfriend,” Eli pointed out. “That’s different.”
“True.” It was still a bit odd to hear himself referred to as Tess’s boyfriend, but he supposed that was a close-enough description outside the office. For now. “Okay, the bulb’s replaced. Mom can quit fussing now.”
He and Eli had both just happened to drop by that afternoon. Taking advantage of their presence, their mother had talked them into replacing a burned-out bulb on the strand of Christmas lights strung over the portico entrance. That dark bulb had been driving her crazy for the past week since they’d paid a neighborhood teen to hang the strand. Scott’s dad had wanted to take care of it, but only three months past knee-replacement surgery, he’d been forbidden by his wife and sons to climb the ladder.
Scott descended the rungs, then jumped the last couple of feet to the ground. He brushed off his hands on his jeans and reached for the ladder. “Grab the other end and help me carry this around to the shed,” he ordered his brother. “Then I have to get out of here and get changed into my party clothes.”
Eli chuckled and gripped his end of the ladder. “If you’re anything like me, you’re already tired of Christmas parties. I’ve lost track of the number of invitations Libby has accepted on our behalf. And that doesn’t even count the open house we’re hosting at the clinic next weekend.”
“Know the feeling. Tess and I have already been to several.”
“So the family’s still trying to figure when and how you and Tess got together. It’s as though one day you were business associates and the next day you’re a couple. Unless it’s been going on awhile and you’ve been keeping it quiet for some reason?”
“No. It’s a recent development.” He’d found himself using those words a lot lately. Maybe he should think of a new phrasing.
“Mom’s a little worried.”
Frowning, Scott stopped walking, causing his brother to stumble at his end of the ladder. “Why is she worried? I thought Mom liked Tess.”
“Dude, give me a heads-up when you’re going to stop like that, will you? Almost gave me whiplash. And Mom likes Tess very much. Which is why she’s concerned.”
“Because...?”
“She said you aren’t acting like a man at the early stages of a romance. She said she remembers how I was when I fell for Libby. Goofy. Distracted. Kind of hyper.”
“Young,” Scott added with a shrug. “You were just a kid when you met Libby.”
“I was in med school. Not that young.”
“A decade younger than I am now. I’m a little past the goofy, hyper stage.”
“You and Tess are hardly a couple of senior citizens,” Eli scoffed. “You’re both younger than I am—and trust me, Libby still knows how to make me go all goofy.”
Scott opened the door to their dad’s backyard garden shed. “You can spare me the details, thanks.”
Now that he thought about it, he was a little distracted today. He’d had to focus a bit more than usual on conversations because his mind kept wandering to a condo on the other side of town. He could hardly remember what he’d eaten at his breakfast meeting, but he still vividly recalled every touch, every taste, every sensation of making love to Tess. But that was only to be expected, right? He was a red-blooded guy with a healthy appreciation for great sex—and sex with her had most definitely been great. He wasn’t the type to kiss and tell—or bag and brag, as a few of his buddies termed it—so he wouldn’t discuss his intimate relationship with Tess even with his brother, but it had reinforced his certainty that he and Tess were well-matched in every way.
They stored the ladder, then brushed off their hands as they stepped back. “Anyway,” Eli continued, seemingly determined to make his point, “Mom is worried that you aren’t fully emotionally invested in this courtship, or whatever you’re calling it. She thinks you’re following your usual pattern of getting involved more because you think you should than because you’ve lost your heart.”
Taking after their dad in personality more than appearance, Eli had always been the most sentimental of the Prince brothers. He’d had his heart broken, or at least painfully bruised, a couple of times before he’d found his Libby. So was he expressing their mother’s concerns—or his own?
“You can tell Mom to stop fretting. My heart is exactly where it’s supposed to be,” Scott replied lightly. Losing one’s heart—what a weird saying, he mused. His beat steadily in his chest. It had most definitely raced when he’d made love with Tess, but he’d never felt in danger of “losing” it. He knew what the metaphor meant, of course, but it had just never seemed to apply to him.
“She’s afraid you’re going to hurt Tess.”
Scott heaved an impatient sigh. “Everyone keeps saying that. Isn’t anyone concerned that maybe the opposite could happen?”
“No, not really.”
“Thanks a lot. But you can all quit worrying. As I have said to anyone who’s expressed concern, I’m not going to hurt Tess. I would never hurt Tess. She and I have talked extensively and we both know exactly what we want, what we’re doing.”
“So you are thinking long-term?”
“Yes,” Scott replied simply.
“Okay, then.” Eli nodded and locked the storage shed. “I’m happy for you, bro. Tess is a fine woman who’ll fit right in with our family. You’re damned lucky she’s interested in you. Don’t screw it up.”
It might have been nice for his brother to have a little more faith in him, but still Scott was satisfied that his family approved of his choice. As Eli had said, Tess fit in well with the independent, capable women in the Prince family. Everything was falling into place very nicely. As he knew it would. When he had one of his brilliant ideas, he was very rarely wrong.
Which didn’t explain the odd feeling that had hovered in his belly since he’d left her place after making love with her Wednesday night. He still remembered that moment when the words “I’ll miss you” had left his mouth, before he’d even realized he was going to say them. When it had hit him that he would, indeed, miss her, even though he would be gone only one night.
He’d made trips before, several considerably longer than one night, and yet it seemed different now. Like an inconvenient necessity from which he couldn’t wait to return. What the heck was that?
He’d done it again last night. Blurted out a thought he hadn’t taken time to consider. He’d come close to suggesting that Tess move in with him. Granted, it was the logical progression of this courtship, but were they really ready for that just yet? He hadn’t been flattered by the way she’d all but jerked back from him in response to his hint. She kept assuring him she was on board with his long-term plan—and she certainly seemed more than amenable to exploring all the possibilities—but there had definitely been doubts in her eyes when he’d even hinted that they give up their separate homes.
He and Eli walked into the kitchen to say goodbye to their parents—then both recoiled in exaggerated horror at finding their mother bent back over their dad’s arm being soundly kissed.
“Jeez, I didn’t need to see that,” Eli grumbled, waving a hand in front of his eyes as if he’d gone blind.
“Get a room, people,” Scott muttered, copying his brother’s gesture.
Laughing, their parents straightened, though their dad kept his arm around his wife’s soft waist. “Holly just said she’ll make fettuccine Alfredo for dinner. I’ve had a hankering for that for weeks, and I’ve finally worn her down.”
Shaking her head i
n exasperation, his wife muttered about all the rich foods they’d be eating during the holidays, but she was already pulling supplies out of the pantry.
“And garlic toast on the side?” their dad asked hopefully. “With plenty of butter? Maybe a chocolate cake for dessert. I’ll make the cake.”
“Don’t push your luck.” Their mom looked at her sons with a roll of her eyes. “You see what I have to put up with? Tomorrow I’ll have to nag him onto the treadmill to make up for this meal and he’ll pout like a toddler. Mark my words.”
“She takes good care of me because she’s crazy about me,” their dad boasted, winking at his smiling bride. “I’m a lucky man.”
His sons heartily agreed.
* * *
Dressed for the party in a sport coat and slacks, Scott drove into Tess’s parking lot, eager to see her again. He frowned as he turned toward her unit and saw a dark compact parked in her slot. Frowning, he checked to make sure he hadn’t made a wrong turn, but the painted numbers assured him he was in the right place. Noting a rental car sticker on the back bumper of the compact, he parked beside it. Was Tess’s car in the shop?
She opened the door to him with a smile that showed no evidence of awkwardness. He kissed her in greeting.
“You look nice,” he said with a glance at the boxy black jacket she wore with a silver tank, subtly striped black and charcoal pants and chunky jewelry. Another outfit from her friend’s store? Wherever it had come from, it looked great on her. But then, everything did.
“Thanks. So do you,” she returned with a cheeky pat on his jaw.
He chuckled, then asked, “So what’s with the rental car downstairs? Where’s your car?”
She groaned and rolled her eyes as she collected her bag and coat. “I was in an accident this morning. My car had to be towed to a body shop. I’m waiting to hear about the damage.”
Scott froze, trying to process her words. “Wait. What? You were in a wreck?”
“Yes. Obviously I was unhurt, and so was the guy who ran a stop sign and hit me, but it was a nuisance to have to deal with it. I had groceries in the car that had to be salvaged and a few other things I had to take out before it was towed off. Now I’m sure I’ll have to fight the guy’s insurance company to get everything I should—you know how they try to pay as little as they can get away with. I hate that part.”
He was still trying to wrap his mind around this. “How did you get the rental? Was it delivered to you at the scene?”
“No, I called Stevie. She came to pick me up and drove me to the rental lot.”
His jaw going tight, Scott made a show of pulling his phone from his pocket and checking the log.
Tess raised her eyebrows. “What are you doing?”
“Just checking my missed calls. I thought maybe I hadn’t heard you trying to reach me.”
Something in his tone must have warned her he was annoyed. She eyed him guardedly when she said, “I didn’t try to call you.”
He stashed the phone again. “You had a car accident and you needed help. Why didn’t you let me know?”
“I guess I didn’t even think about it. I knew you had that meeting this morning and Stevie was—”
“You didn’t even think about it,” he cut in to repeat slowly.
“As I said, I knew Stevie was available and she wouldn’t mind helping me out. She was just the first one I thought of.”
He told himself he had no reason to be angry with her. No right, to be honest. But still it irked him that she’d turned to someone else for help. He drew a deep breath and touched her arm, searching her face. “You’re sure you’re okay? Any pain or discomfort?”
“I’m fine. Really, I wasn’t hurt at all, just shaken up.”
“So you still feel up to the party?”
“Of course.”
“If you get a headache or anything...”
“Scott.” She patted his hand on her arm. “I’m fine.”
He nodded, trying to lighten his expression, though he wasn’t sure he succeeded. “We should go, then.”
She moved toward the door and he followed, still trying to decide why it bothered him so much that she hadn’t even thought to call him after her accident.
Chapter Eight
Tess had always been able to read Scott’s moods fairly accurately. Some of their coworkers claimed to have a hard time telling what he was thinking when he got quiet or preoccupied, but it had always been easier for her. She couldn’t read his mind, of course, but she could usually tell when he was working out a problem in his head, when he was making mental lists or plans, even when he just wasn’t feeling well. Tonight she could see he was annoyed—and his irritation was directed right at her.
It had never occurred to her that he’d be upset with her for not calling him after the accident. Stevie was almost always the one she called when she needed a hand, and Stevie knew, of course, that Tess would gladly return the favors. That was what one did in a personal predicament such as a fender bender—call a friend, a family member, a significant other.
Not the boss.
Apparently she was still in the process of adjusting to the major change in her relationship with Scott. Was that why he was so cross with her? He’d taken her unintentional slight as an indication that she wasn’t invested in their relationship. But seriously, shouldn’t the past week have convinced him otherwise?
She turned to ask him, but they’d arrived at their destination. Dana’s party was being held in her west Little Rock home, a sprawling Mediterranean modern–style house built beside a golf course in a gated community. Dana had married into money, becoming the second wife of a considerably older investment banker who indulged her shamelessly. Though she considered her cousin rather materialistic and showy, Tess still liked her well enough. In small doses.
“Nice house,” Scott commented as he parked among the other cars in the big circular drive. Knowing Scott as she did, Tess was sure he thought the place was overdone, particularly when it came to the holiday lights and decorations that covered nearly every square inch of the house and grounds.
“Dana does like her flash.”
“I see that. I’m sure your sister approves.”
“My sister is so jealous her brown eyes turn green here,” Tess corrected him wryly.
He looked a bit puzzled. “So Nina won’t be here this evening?”
“Oh, Nina will be here to spend time with her dear cousin Dana. Snuggly selfies will be taken and posted to Facebook before the evening is over. Probably in front of a sixteen-foot Christmas tree done up in real gold and crystal.”
Scott laughed. “Okay.”
“Trust me. My sister will bask in our cousin’s social glory all evening, even as she secretly hopes every bite Dana nibbles goes straight to her thighs.”
He laughed again. “Sounds like a fun party.”
“Well, I can assure you the food will be amazing. Dana always puts out a great spread.”
“That sounds promising anyway.” He unfastened his seat belt and reached for his door handle. “Tell me again how she’s related. Your mom’s side or your dad’s?”
“Her mother and my mother were first cousins. But they were very close, almost like sisters, so we saw Dana quite a bit growing up. She’s five years older than I am.”
“Got it.” He opened the door and climbed out.
At least he’d seemed to have put her car wreck out of his mind for now, she thought. She needed to do the same. She’d worry about insurance and repairs and a man’s prickly ego after the party.
She had to admit it felt good to walk into the soaring foyer with Scott at her side. The two-story entryway was anchored by a curving staircase laden with garland and lights leading up to a balcony-railed second floor. Beyond the staircase was the ballroom-size
great room, from which guests could see into the formal dining room and elegant music room. The whole place looked as if Christmas had exploded inside, coating every surface with glitter and garland.
She couldn’t help noticing the women whose eyes widened in appreciation at seeing Scott, then in surprise at recognizing her with him. It occurred to her that she’d attended the last social gathering here solo, and she’d been perfectly comfortable doing so—but she didn’t mind having a polished, handsome escort, either. Was that shallow? Probably. She’d do some sort of penance tomorrow to make up for it.
Nina spotted them almost immediately, most likely because she’d been watching the door. Tess saw the startled expression on her sister’s face when she recognized Scott. And then Nina shook her head. Tess knew her well enough to recognize the expression. Why was Nina exasperated with her now? Seriously, what could she possibly find to criticize about Scott?
Towing Ken in her wake, Nina made a beeline straight for them. “I’m glad you could finally make it, Tess.”
It was all of five minutes past seven, Tess thought with a stifled sigh.
“And Scott. It’s so nice to see you again.” Nina offered her right hand with its gaudy profusion of diamonds. “Such a nice surprise.”
He shook her hand lightly. “It’s good to see you, too, Nina. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” He’d met her a few times during the past six years when she’d dropped by the office.
“Yes, it has. Tess doesn’t invite me to join her for lunch very often these days.”
“Actually, I’ve invited you to lunch several times in the past few months,” Tess refuted evenly. “You’re the one who always has something else to do.”
Nina heaved a sigh. “Oh, hon, I know. When you’re the mother of three popular and active students, it seems as if there’s always a demand on your time.” She turned to Scott.
She turned then to Ken. “Scott, I don’t believe you’ve met my husband, Ken Wheatley. Ken, this is Tess’s boss, Scott Prince. Wasn’t it nice of him to do her a favor and accompany her this evening?”