The Wedding Venture: 5-hour read. Marriage of Convenience, Romantic Comedy (Colorado Billionaires Book 3)

by Regina Duke

  Vicky’s breath caught. There it was again, that electric hum deep inside. She felt her color rising. She mumbled, “No problem.”

  Once Jason left the room, the cold and dreary decor settled around her. She wondered how Dolores could stand it. Was the emptiness she felt a result of Gloria’s influence?

  The front door opened and slammed shut.

  “Excuse me, Dolores. I’ll see who that is.” Vicky moved toward the entryway.

  Gloria Mercer nearly bowled her over at the doorway. “Get out of my way, you imposter.” Her eyes flashed fire. “How dare you come here and pretend to be good enough for Jason?” She pressed forward, forcing Vicky back into the parlor. “I know what you are, you money grubbing nobody. If you think you have a future here, you are wrong, girlie. You might as well leave now.” She pointed at the door, her hand shaking with fury.

  Vicky stepped behind a tall arm chair to keep some distance between her and Gloria, but she felt surprisingly calm. The woman’s vituperation was no match for the fits of artistic pique she’d dealt with from competition judges, not to mention from competitors. Her inner survival mechanism kicked in without waiting for instructions. “You seem overly excited about something. Can I help you resolve it?”

  Dolores began to tremble. Her tea cup rattled in its saucer.

  Vicky moved smoothly to stand next to her and placed a calming hand on Dolores’ shoulder. “You’re upsetting Mrs. Darby. I think you should take your anger elsewhere.”

  Gloria’s tone was sharp enough to cut flesh. “I’m not the one who’s leaving. You are. Pack your bags and get out.”

  “I have no bags to pack.” Vicky never thought she’d be grateful for growing up with a volatile stepfather. All that practice was sure coming in handy. “And I won’t leave Mrs. Darby alone to take the brunt of your hostility.” Her mother used to say nearly the same words to her stepfather. Deep inside a part of her felt that was very funny and threatened to launch a giggle. Vicky squashed it. This was no time to turn over control to her nerves. After all, it wasn’t like having her piano skills judged by a panel of strangers. This was just a woman with a temper. She wasn’t even bigger than Vicky.

  Emboldened by that realization, Vicky took a step forward and raised her own arm to point calmly at the door. “You must leave at once. You are Mrs. Darby’s employee, and Jason will be furious when he learns that you’ve upset her. Go now, or I’ll have him fire you immediately.”

  Gloria’s eyes bulged with indignation. “You insolent cow. I should scratch your eyes out.”

  “In that case, I would have the unmitigated pleasure of filing an assault complaint with the police.” Vicky was unmovable. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that Dolores was much calmer. She even sipped at her tea. She was drawing courage from Vicky, just as Vicky had done as a child when her mother’s steely resolve protected her from her stepfather.

  Gloria took a step back. As if Vicky had never spoken, she sputtered, “Besides, Jason can’t fire me. I work for Dolores.”

  The old woman snapped at her, “My employees call me Mrs. Darby.” Her eyes were sharp and her voice was crisp.

  Gloria foundered, struggling to find a facial expression that reflected respect for Dolores and contempt for Vicky. She failed and settled on a mottled simmering anger.

  “That ex-boyfriend of yours told me everything,” she seethed.

  Now Vicky had to control her own rising anger, although it was focused on Darius, not Gloria. She visualized her molten rage encased in a giant ice cube and waited for it to fizzle out before she spoke. “That man is a cad and a cheat. I’m lucky to be rid of him. Since he did nothing but lie to me ever since I met him, I can’t imagine him changing stripes and speaking the truth to you. So I caution you. Only a fool would believe a word he says.”

  Dolores threw her head back in a papery laugh. “Brava, my dear. Gloria, you are dismissed.”

  Gloria gawked. She shifted her gaze from Vicky to Dolores and back again. “But Dolores—I mean, Mrs. Darby—you said I was perfect for your grandson. Remember? I’m an old friend of the family. You can’t send me away.”

  Vicky humphed. “Of course she can. She hired you. She can fire you. Or send you away. Whatever she likes.”

  Dolores’ eyes sparkled and her white cheeks were flecked with rosy color. “That’s exactly right. I don’t know why I’ve let you boss me around. This is my house. I’m the boss. And you are fired.”

  Vicky watched Gloria’s features churn through a string of feelings, from shock and disbelief to dismay and panic. They finally settled into resignation. “Fine,” she snapped. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.”

  “They’re my lawyers,” said Dolores. “I suggest you hire a different firm.” She picked up a cookie and crunched into it. “Goodbye.”

  “What about my things?”

  Jason’s voice drifted from the door. “I’ll have them packed up and sent to you. Email me an address.”

  Clutching at a last straw, Gloria sputtered, “I’m owed a week’s wages.”

  “I’ll review the books and send you what you deserve.” He stepped aside and swept an arm in the direction of the front door. “And Gloria? Never slam the door of our house again.”

  Gloria left. Her exit was all stomp and no sway.

  Vicky let out a relieved breath. “Is it my imagination or did the room just get brighter?”

  Jason crossed the room and gave her a hug. “Thanks for helping Gran.”

  Vicky leaned into his embrace and inhaled deeply of his fresh, clean scent. There was a hint of aftershave mixed in, but she couldn’t quite identify it. His arms were strong but gentle, and he pulled her close. She tingled with desire, and wished the hug would last forever. But Dolores interrupted them.

  “A little decorum, please. Young lady, I think your cell phone is ringing.”

  Reluctantly, Vicky stepped away from Jason and pulled her phone out of her jeans pocket.

  “It’s Madlyn.” She answered the call. “Hey, Madz. What’s up?”

  “My house is on fire!”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Jason and Vicky had just decided they had no choice but to bundle Dolores into the car when Dee arrived for her five o’clock meeting. Jason let her in.

  “What a nice surprise.” Dee smiled up at him.

  Jason said, “This is Vicky.” He added with emphasis, “My fiancée. We’ve got an emergency and we have to run. Grandmother is in the parlor. Would you do me a favor and stay here until we return?”

  “Of course.”

  As they rushed out the door, Vicky said, “Nice to meet you.”

  Vicky stayed on the phone with Madlyn as Jason drove the Jaguar like a race car to her house. When they arrived, they spotted Madlyn talking into the phone and to a fireman at the same time. Vicky told her they had arrived and put her cell away. She got out of the car and ran to hug her friend, with Jason right behind her.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. They called me at the shop.” Madlyn’s hands were shaking.

  A blue pickup screeched to a halt across the street, and Office Dare got out. He was in jeans and a flannel shirt. He trotted over and gave Madlyn a hug.

  “Thanks for coming, John.” Her voice shook.

  “Good to see you, John,” the fireman said. “I was telling Madlyn that the house will be fine. It was a toaster. It short circuited and a spark hit a sweater on the counter. We took care of it, but the counter and the cupboards will need some repairs. And there’s a lot of smoke damage in the kitchen.” He patted Madlyn’s arm. “You got lucky.”

  “Thanks, Dave. Vicky, do you remember Dave from high school? We all had geography together.”

  Vicky tilted her head and tried to place the fireman’s face. “Yes, I do. It’s great to see you, Dave. I see you’ve found a calling.”

  Dave grinned, then resumed his serious fireman face. “We’ve got a few details to take care of. The house is safe to live in, but y
ou might want to give it a night to air out. Stay at a hotel or something.”

  Jason said, “No need for a hotel, Madlyn. Come stay at the house. You know we have room. Unless—” He broke off and shot John a questioning glance.

  Madlyn answered his unasked question. “John has a roommate who doesn’t need to see my undies hung in the bathroom.”

  Vicky said, “As soon as they let us into the house, Madz, we can pack our bags. And if it’s okay, Jason, I’d like to bring my keyboard.”

  “That would be great.”

  Madlyn’s forehead creased. “Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?”

  “Not at all. As it turns out, you’ll be doing us a favor,” said Jason. “We need more people around, especially until the regular staff is back on the job.”

  “What’s going on?” Madlyn shot Vicky a questioning glance.

  “Jason had to fire someone today, and rehire a bunch of people who were fired by her.”

  “Oh, that Gloria woman.”

  “You know her?”

  “She’s the one who encouraged my mother to retire. Mom wanted to stay on until the new maid was hired so she could train her, but Gloria got really snippy and said that was none of her business.”

  Jason looked grim. “I hope we can repair the damage she’s done.”

  Madlyn looked uneasy as she added, “Mom said she was concerned about Mrs. Darby. She said sometimes in the mornings she would get really confused.”

  Jason nodded. “Thanks, Madlyn. We’ve had a taste of that ourselves today. Gloria had whittled the staff down to a couple of days a week, and I’m trying to get a full crew back on board. You girls go get your things, and I’ll call the cook and let her know we’re going to have some guests.”

  As Vicky and Madlyn conferred with a fireman about going inside, Jason made his call to the cook. “Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. I know this is short notice.”

  “Thank goodness you’re home, Mr. Darby. I am delighted to be back full time. That Gloria woman has probably destroyed my kitchen.”

  “There’s not much food there.”

  “I may need some help,” Mrs. Thomas said hesitantly.

  “If you can find someone to fill in for the short term, please do so. We’ll conduct formal interviews later.” As he hung up, Jason had a feeling of déjà vu. Then it came to him. He’d heard his father say those very same words when he was a boy. He smiled ruefully at himself and shook his head. Memories of his parents kept floating back to him. He knew it was because he was home again, but they came at the oddest moments. He had a vivid image of his mother sitting at her dressing table with Wilhelmina helping her fix her hair. He could see their faces in the mirror. Wilhelmina was talking, her attention fixed on her mistress’s hair, and his mother made a funny face at him in the mirror.

  Maybe if he asked nicely and made it worth her while, Mina would be willing to help. He took a minute to find her shop number, then called.

  “Mr. Darby, twice in one day. This is a pleasure,” said Mina.

  Jason took a moment to describe the situation at his grandmother’s home. “I know you have a business to run, but if you still have friends or acquaintances with some experience as household staff, I’d appreciate suggestions. Gran needs a housekeeper and a maid. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but if things work out, it could be.”

  “Hmmm. Let me think. Give me your number, and I’ll call you back in about an hour.”

  “Perfect. Thanks.”

  Jason hung up and took a deep breath. He was beginning to think he might actually be able to salvage the mess that Gloria had made.

  His optimism was dashed when he saw the expression on Vicky’s face. She was approaching fast, pulling her keyboard case behind her. Madlyn tried to keep up, but she was struggling with two suitcases.

  Jason met them in the middle of the street. “Vicky, what’s wrong?”

  She set the case on the pavement and sought refuge in Jason’s arms. Her breath squeaked in and out, and she stomped her feet as if killing a dozen bugs. Then she wrapped her arms around Jason and pressed her face against his chest. “Do you think a jury would convict me if I killed Darius?”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Not him again. Madlyn, I’ll help you with those bags.” But Jason couldn’t move at the moment with Vicky in his arms.

  Madlyn’s cheeks were as red as her hair. Her eyes sparked with anger. “That jerk left a message on my phone, saying that he was going to expose Vicky as a fake.”

  Jason felt Vicky calming beneath his hands. He rubbed her back gently and marveled at his own bad timing as his imagination wondered how much hotter it would be to hold her against his bare chest. He cleared his throat.

  “She’s not a fake. She’s my fiancée. And we’re going to make it legal as soon as possible. Right, Vicky?”

  She nodded, and in doing so, rubbed her cheek against his pecs.

  Jason drew a sharp breath and, under the guise of reaching behind himself to take her hand, gently loosened her grip on his waist.

  Vicky pulled herself together. She looked embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m okay now. I’m still homicidal, but I promise not to shoot at you because you’re male.”

  Jason grinned.

  Madlyn’s hands were balled into fists. “He wants to destroy your chances at being a concert pianist.”

  “I thought she didn’t even play in that last competition.” He pushed a lock of blond hair behind Vicky’s ear.

  “He’s trying to smear her in the world of music.”

  Vicky glanced up at Jason, then away. “He couldn’t ruin our engagement, could he? His phone message hinted at the lies he told Gloria after the police let him go.”

  Madlyn shrieked, “Police! What in the world have you two been doing?”

  “Not us,” said Jason. “Just everyone around us.”

  Vicky nodded. “That’s what it feels like.”

  John Dare hovered in the background. Jason caught his eye and waved him over.

  “John, I’ve invited Madlyn to stay at my grandmother’s until her house airs out. I just wanted to let you know you’re welcome anytime.”

  John seemed to relax. He nodded. “Thanks.” He said to Madlyn, “I’ve got to get ready for work, Madz. Are you okay?”

  Madlyn nodded. “I’ll be fine. You stay safe tonight.”

  “I have a couple days off starting Thursday,” he began.

  Madlyn’s face brightened. “Are we still on?”

  John grinned and nodded.

  “Call me,” urged Madlyn.

  “Count on it.” He touched two fingers to his forehead in a mock salute and headed for his truck.

  Jason said, “He seems like a nice guy.”

  Madlyn nodded eagerly. “He’s a sweetheart.” She nudged Vicky. “And he really likes me.”

  Vicky hugged her friend. “I’m happy for you.” Then to Jason, “What are we going to do about Darius?”

  “There’s so much to deal with for Gran today, let’s let Darius twist in the wind for a bit.”

  Madlyn’s eyebrows rose in a question mark. “Are you two talking in code?”

  “Not really.” Jason avoided her question, steering her in a different direction. “Are you ready for me to get those suitcases in your car? And do you have room for the keyboard? Last time we put it in the Jaguar, Vicky was a tad uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, yes, lots of room.” She headed toward her minivan.

  “What about the firemen?” asked Vicky.

  “They told me one of them will be watching to make sure the fire is completely out. And I have to call the insurance company.” She sighed heavily. Then her eyes opened wide, her pupils mere pinpricks. “I have to call my parents.”

  Jason said, “No one is hurt. Talk to the insurance company first. Maybe you can get everything restored before they get back.”

  Madlyn looked relieved. “That’s a great idea.”

  “We’d better get back to the house. Gran’s meeting
with Dee probably lasted all of fifteen minutes. I should rescue the party planner.”

  Vicky smiled, but said nothing.

  Jason said, “Madlyn, you know the way to the estate, right?”

  “After my mother worked there for so many years? You bet I do.” She started to get in her van, then clapped her hands together. “Can I stay in the Peach Room? Pretty please?”

  Jason grinned. “You bet. Let’s go.” Just then his phone pinged and he groaned. “What now?” With a heavy sigh, he checked the caller ID, then answered.

  “Mrs. Johnson, what’s up?”

  He listened intently for several seconds. Then, “Don’t worry. It’s not your fault. I’m on my way.”

  He ended the call. “Vicky, can you ride with Madlyn? It seems Gloria has been at it again. I have to go rescue the cook.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Once in Madlyn’s van, Vicky shook her head. “I had no idea it was so much work being rich.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Poor Jason has been dealing non-stop with rehiring employees, setting up meetings with lawyers, and firing that Gloria woman. And now he has to go help the cook with something.”

  Madlyn’s red do nearly brushed the top of the van. Her mousse was losing its oomph and her curls were beginning to droop in places. She had her eyes glued to the road and she drove slightly hunched over the wheel. She wrestled with the stick shift at a stop sign and said, “I thought rich people had other people to handle all their problems.” She pushed her glasses higher on her nose.

  Vicky raised her eyebrows. “Me, too! I was hoping all that money would make life easier.”

  Madlyn pulled into the drive-through at The Nest, a quaint mom-and-pop drive-in at the west end of town. “I need a diet cola. What about you?”

  “Iced tea, please.”

  Madlyn placed their order. When it came, she parked at the end of the lot and pinned her friend with a look that was all business.

  “You know, Vicky, you can’t just go off half cocked and marry the first guy who comes along.”