Windy City Romance: Boxed Set: Prequel - Book III

by Barbara Lohr

  “Sorry. I’m right here. So, are you excited?”

  “Beside myself.” The bride-to-be squeezed her eyes shut. “I can hardly believe it.”

  After the night before, Vanessa wanted to warn her friend not to risk it.

  But of course she didn’t.

  “Of course she’s excited. The right man and a honeymoon in Italy can do that to a girl.” McKenna gave Amy a hug as Prissy swished toward them with the dresses encased in plastic. “Holy cripes, do you think we made a mistake with the black?”

  Amy paled, and Prissy didn’t look much better as she hung one dress in each room.

  “Black is sophisticated,” Vanessa said, shaking her head slowly at McKenna. Amy didn’t need any drama right now.

  “Absolutely,” McKenna agreed, indecision disappearing from her face. “A color you can wear again.”

  “Oh, good.” Amy’s sunny cheerfulness returned, and McKenna disappeared into a fitting room.

  Pulling her curtain closed behind her, Vanessa quickly stripped. For the past twenty-four hours, activity had been her friend. “Didn’t you wear a black dress at the gala, McKenna?”

  “Navy, remember?” McKenna’s voice sailed over the divider. “Borrowed it from my sister-in-law, who wore it for a wedding.”

  “About that gala.” Amy poked her head into Vanessa’s stall. “McKenna tells me that Alex guy was really a hottie. What gives?”

  “Hottie?” Yes, Alex was that. So hot that now she’d never be able to forget him. What had she been thinking when she’d gone to his condo?

  Amy stared her down as Vanessa shimmied out of her clothes. “Are you holding out on us?”

  Vanessa's stomach churned. Amy and McKenna were her best friends, but if she started to tell them about what had happened, she’d lose it. Not the time or the place. “Alex is my, my mentor,” she stuttered.

  Holding up the hem of her dress, McKenna barged into the fitting room.

  “Didn’t you bring your strapless bra?” Amy chided her. McKenna was wearing a sports bra, an odd combination with the strapless gown.

  “Of course. Give me a minute.” McKenna turned her attention to Vanessa. “Mentor? What are you talking about? He didn’t look at you like he was in classroom mode.”

  Amy glanced from McKenna to Vanessa.

  “Sure, he's a good-looking guy,” she finally eased out from a throat as tight as the bodice of this dress. How would she get through the next few months? “This is just business.”

  Her two best friends stared at her.

  “Girls, are we ready?” Prissy stood behind them, a measuring tape in her hands.

  Leaving McKenna to change bras, Vanessa traipsed out to the showroom and climbed onto the viewing block. She always needed her hems taken down. Pin cushion on her wrist, Prissy got to work.

  She didn't want to talk about Alex. The hurt was too deep.

  Who was that woman? And was there only one?

  When they stopped at Petersen's later for ice cream, she fell back on her old standard, a hot fudge sundae. But she was just going through the motions. Amy and McKenna darted concerned glances her way.

  The ice cream filled her sugar craving but couldn’t fill her heart.

  Chapter 15

  Alex wouldn’t stop calling. For days, Vanessa avoided her phone when it rang and fell back on texting. She needed time to think things through. Time for this feeling of betrayal to fade.

  What had she expected?

  But tonight she had to meet Alex at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. There would be no avoiding him. They had to find some private time to talk. She hadn’t eaten in two days, just thinking about that conversation.

  The bakery had gotten crazy busy.

  The computer hummed with orders, and Cindy handled everything so beautifully, thank goodness. The girl was energized by a challenge. Definitely the right person for this job.

  “Can you work a little bit later tonight?” Vanessa asked her. “Elise has a class, and I’m shorthanded. Have to run downtown for a Chamber of Commerce event.”

  “Sure, I can stay. Not a problem.” Cindy smiled up at her. The college girls were a steady support.

  Although she’d broached the subject of the Chamber event to Jillian, her sister was busy managing the press for one of her client events. How heartening to see her at work, even though it took her longer. Soon she’d be her old self. Vanessa had to believe that.

  She dashed upstairs to change while Bo watched her from the bed. She’d decided on a black skirt with subdued ruffles and a lime green silk knit top. Her black sling-back heels accented her long legs. Funny but Alex’s attention had her thinking about her hair, her clothes—stuff she hadn’t bothered about for a long time.

  But after that night at his condo, what did it matter?

  “Pretty,” Bo told her.

  “You are such a sweetie.” She swept him up.

  In the living room, she handed Bo to Grandpa. Christine had come over and was sitting next to him on the sofa. They were so cute together.

  “We’re going to watch TV together,” Christine said, smiling over at Grandpa. “Maybe I can help with the little guy. I brought some children’s DVDs.” She switched on Dora the Explorer, which immediately got Bo’s attention.

  “Thanks. You’re such a big help.” When Vanessa hugged Christine, the older woman smelled of Heaven Sent, the perfume her grandmother once wore.

  Christine cupped one worn palm against Vanessa’s cheek. “I just wish I could help you more.”

  Grandpa cleared his throat. “Nessie, I, ah, we have something to tell you.” He glanced over at Christine, and she nodded. “Christine and I, well, we’re getting married.”

  Vanessa plunked down into the rocking chair. “That’s wonderful. Fantastic.”

  The two of them looked so content, making what Grandpa would call googly eyes at each other.

  Grandpa Joe nodded. “Going to tell Jillian tonight too.”

  “She’ll be so happy.”

  But Vanessa didn’t feel happy.

  She felt stunned. Marriage. But then, unlike her parents, Grandpa Joe and Grandma Lottie had been so happy together. Getting married probably seemed like a natural next step for Grandpa. Finding her legs again, she pushed herself up and kissed his forehead. “Congratulations, both of you. Sorry that I have to run. Maybe we can talk about the details later.”

  Grandpa’s news shook her. Her mind raced as she hurried out to her car. Horns blared when she stalled at a green light on Harlem. Pressing the accelerator, Vanessa snapped on some music. This was no time to zone out. Tonight she needed a clear head.

  The Chamber After Hours meeting was being held in the Lincoln Park area, just north of downtown. She had to circle the block three times to find a parking space. Members took turns hosting the event, and tonight the meeting was held at a design firm in Lincoln Park. After filling out her name and company on her name badge, she began to circulate.

  “So…your schedule opened up?” The words were warm against her neck. The faint scent of coconut soap unleashed dread in her stomach.

  Stretching a smile across her face, she turned to face Alex. She’d been evasive about coming. “Funny how that happens.”

  Dressed in a pale blue sport coat that set off his tan, he fingered his red bow tie. Underneath the tan, he looked pale. “How about some wine?”

  “Chardonnay would be great, thanks.”

  As Alex headed for a bar with his long-legged stride, more than one woman tried to snag his attention. The pride that might have flared in her chest a few days ago was totally inappropriate. After all, he wasn’t hers.

  “Randall's Cakes?” An attractive woman with auburn hair and startling green eyes introduced herself as Molly Katz. “I loved those when I was a kid.”

  “We ship them frozen anywhere in the country.”

  “No kidding? We stopped at that bakery every Sunday morning after church when I was growing up. My mother always said she couldn’t fix a dessert
as good as Randall’s Whipped Cream Cake. Why try?”

  “My grandfather will love that story. Thanks for sharing.”

  “Let’s do lunch.” Molly handed Vanessa a business card. “I run a concierge service.”

  “Absolutely. And thanks.”

  As Molly departed, a tall fellow who could have been a model sidled up to her. “Haven’t I seen you on TV?” His smile was framed by ebony hair, probably sprayed into place.

  “Um, I was on Eye of the Tiger a while back.” Everyone in business knew that show.

  “Right. How did that work out for you?” His eyes reminded her of a snake.

  “Pretty well.” No need to give details.

  “Did they ante up any big bucks?” The dismissive note grated.

  “As a matter fact, they did.”

  His surprised smile almost made her laugh. When he leaned closer, a heavy wave of cologne nearly gave her a coughing fit. “You have to watch out for those guys. Everyone knows they’re out for themselves.” His voice sank to the temperature of sticky syrup. “I’m David Holt. Holt Enterprises.”

  Good lord, he obviously thought he was sex on a stick. “Nice to meet you, David. Guess I should mingle.” She began to edge away.

  “Here’s my card.”

  “Thank you.” Taking his card, she didn’t offer hers.

  “David, haven't seen you in a long while.” After handing Vanessa a glass of white wine, Alex clapped a hand on David’s shoulder. The other man winced.

  Swallowing her smile, she took a sip of the chardonnay.

  Alex hugged her to his side. “So you've met Vanessa, David. Jack Delamerced and I think she's got a product with tremendous potential. But you already know that. You’ve been talking to her for five minutes.”

  The corners of David’s smile twitched. “Right. Well, hey, I see a friend I was supposed to meet. Vanessa. Alex.” With a parting nod, he took off.

  “What was that about?” Irritation prickled inside her.

  “He’s the kind of guy you should stay away from.”

  “Good to know. But I guess that should be my call.”

  Alex bit his lower lip. “Okay, is that how we’re going to play this? There are some people here you should meet. That is, if you’re game.”

  “Lead the way.” She had to get Alex alone tonight for another business matter, but now definitely wasn’t the time.

  For the next few minutes, Alex maneuvered her around the room, introducing her to business people who might have an interest in Randall's Cakes. Everyone greeted him with a warm smile. With his hand in the small of her back, she was welcomed to the inner circle, or at least, that’s how it felt.

  At one point, Alex’s sister appeared, breathless and beautiful. “So, big brother, what brings you here?”

  Alex smiled. “Touching base with old contacts and introducing Vanessa.”

  Facing brother and sister felt overwhelming. The room was too noisy, too crowded, too everything. The temperature had ratcheted up, but a cooling breeze wafted in from the open French doors.

  “Excuse me for a moment.” Vanessa felt Alex’s eyes warm on her back as she escaped through the crowd. She had to keep it together. The envelope burned a hole in her small black bag.

  Outside, she perched on the stone edge of a raised flower bed. Her hand trembled as she pushed her hair back behind her shoulders. Earlier in the day, it had rained and she breathed in the earthy scent of mulch.

  “Everything all right out here?”

  Turning, she managed a stiff smile as Alex approached. God, he was gorgeous. “Just needed some air.”

  He set his glass on the edge of the flower bed. “Vanessa, we should talk.”

  Her stomach growled. When had she last eaten?

  “Why don’t we stop for a quick bite?” he suggested.

  “Sure, ah, some place quiet?” She really didn’t want an audience.

  His smile looked hopeful as he brought out his phone. “There’s a great restaurant nearby.”

  Nerves jumping, she wondered how he’d take the news. Her mind started to spin.

  ~.~

  The Grotto was always a good place to talk. Glancing in his rearview mirror, Alex made sure Vanessa stayed behind him and didn't get caught by any stoplights. Alex pulled into the restaurant’s parking garage, and Vanessa parked next to him.

  Although he’d tried to restrain himself when he talked to Rhonda, he was pretty short with her. Still, that message on his answering machine had really thrown Vanessa. He didn’t blame her for being upset.

  The aroma of garlic and basil greeted them when they hit the front door. They were shown to the cozy, secluded booth he’d requested. Vanessa’s face was flushed but beautiful, her dark hair fanning onto her shoulders.

  A man magnet and she didn’t know it. Tonight she seemed especially preoccupied.

  The waiter left them with wine menus, but there was no hurry. “So what did you think of the Chamber event?”

  Sliding a napkin onto her lap, Vanessa shrugged. “I’ve been before, but thank you for the introductions, Alex. I’ll be sure to follow up.” Blushing, she pushed back a soft ringlet. Her long lashes flicked up, and his chest tingled. He made a fuss about tightening his bow tie. His mother had always told him to slow down when he had something important to say.

  But Vanessa jumped right in.

  “I can't thank you, or Kate, enough for your support.” she said, her voice low and hesitant. A delicate line appeared between her brows when she mentioned his sister's name.

  “Kate wants you to succeed. We all do.”

  Vanessa's blue eyes brimmed. She was clutching her purse as if she wanted to leave.

  “Wine?” He opened the menu. Nodding, she set her tiny handbag next to her place setting. “Why don't you order.”

  “No problem.”

  Vanessa began fussing with her hair, like suddenly it was a mess. A soft wave of her understated perfume rolled toward him. Damn, he wanted to kiss her. He had to make things right. But first, he had to get her mellowed out. She was so tense, her hands jerking as she pulled her fingers through her hair.

  Of course, he’d be tense too if he heard another man on her answering machine. He’d nearly taken David Holt’s head off tonight. “Merlot? Cabernet?”

  She nodded without giving an answer. After the waitress left the table, for the life of him he could not recall which wine he’d ordered.

  Vanessa began studying the dinner menu.

  A cabernet arrived, and after the waitress left with their orders, Alex lifted his glass. “To partnership.”

  “Partnership,” she echoed in a soft voice.

  He’d rather taste her lips than this wine. Just looking at her across the table, he doubted that he’d be able to eat until they got this settled.

  A bread basket arrived, along with saucers of olive oil with pesto. She swirled a corner of fresh bread in the oil and lifted it to her mouth. Her lips closed over it like an obligation.

  “Is this any good?” He plucked a chunk of bread from the basket.

  “Um, I guess so.”

  Any meal with Vanessa was usually distracting. Unlike other women who might nibble, she ate with gusto. He liked it. Loved it, in fact. But tonight she was playing with her food.

  “You know, we never really had a date. Did we?”

  “Kind of, if you count the gala.” Her cheeks flared as she continued to mess with the bread. “I don’t think you could call Vegas a date…or after the gala. Or our afternoon after the golf lesson.” A frown appeared.

  He swallowed and cleared his throat. “We should talk about that.”

  “Not necessary.”

  “But we will.” Where to start?

  In the last few days, he’d been wondering about her feelings. And his feelings. Something new for him. Usually after two dates, women were talking about their feelings. It always felt way too fast and fake. Vanessa wasn’t like that. He imagined that when she did bring up feelings, it meant someth
ing.

  The Vanessa he’d rediscovered in Chicago had more depth than the wild woman in Vegas. She was hard-working and loyal to those she loved. He respected her.

  “Maybe we can consider this our first date,” he quipped, taking a deep gulp of his cabernet.

  She swallowed. “Alex, this isn't a date.” Her voice dropped so low he had to lean closer to catch her words.

  He pushed his bread plate aside. So this was how she was going to play it. Waiting for him to open the conversation when he was so bad at that. “Okay, this isn’t a date. I’m sorry, okay?”

  The waitress stopped at their table, and Vanessa held up one hand while the woman shook open a serving stand. The tray she set down carried enough food to feed a small country. The platters of manicotti looked like more than either one of them could polish off.

  Conversation stalled, and they both tried to eat. The forkfuls of pasta hit his stomach like rocks. She didn’t seem to do any better. Nervous, she kept touching her damn purse. He tugged at his tie a couple times, searching for the right words for this apology. He wasn’t about to grovel, but he had to make her understand this thing with Rhonda was really over.

  Over coffee might be better.

  The longer he sat here, the more he considered groveling.

  She was so damn beautiful. And he’d hurt her.

  After the waitress cleared their plates, Vanessa agreed to try their signature spumoni. The small bowl of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream arrived. Sitting there sipping coffee, he hesitated, afraid to spook her. He’d rehearsed this at home, but now he couldn’t remember all of it.

  “Alex, I, ah, have something to tell you.”

  This didn’t feel good.

  Vanessa’s lips tightened, and she clicked her bag open. No, not good at all.

  “You’ve asked me several times about Bo’s father.”

  “Right, David. Or was it Dan?”

  Nostrils flaring, Vanessa finally made eye contact. “I thought I knew who Bo’s father was. I didn’t want you to think for a minute you might be his father because, well, you weren’t. Everything pointed to the other man.”

  He could swear the floor moved.

  Vanessa’s eyes side-swiped his again and veered away. “I had a DNA test done from a pop can you used at the beach.”