Mistake number four.
Christina fell for Steven, hook, line, and sinker.
She spied the envelope sitting beside her jacket on the chair. Christina picked up the envelope and gripped it tightly, tearing it down the middle. She tossed the remains on the empty desk and grabbed her jacket.
Several fellow employees presented curious stares on her way out. She walked proud and held her head high. They’d all find out soon enough. Over the next few days, she’d be the talk of the office. Some would assume the lies were true and others might give her the benefit of the doubt. Either way, she’d prove them all wrong—particularly Steven.
As Christina stepped outside to the curb, she vowed to never make those same four mistakes again…not ever.
Chapter Nine
Waking from a hazy down-memory-lane dream, Christina’s eyes fluttered open. She squinted, focusing on the unfamiliar surroundings. The bedroom, containing an ivory love seat located by the window, a massive mahogany dresser and matching nightstand, was larger than the whole lower level of her apartment. The four-poster, king size bed she rested on took possession of the room with its Egyptian silver duvet and feather down pillows. For a moment she forgot where she was. How had she come to be in this exquisite bedroom?
Her head rested heavy against a soft pillow. She sighed as her body fought exhaustion. The all-too-familiar symptoms she had experienced many times before brought back the memory of an earlier migraine that pierced her temple. The afternoon’s events then returned, flooding her thoughts.
She remembered the flight, Tanya and Brian picking her up at the airport, and the humidity in the air on the drive to Brian’s parents’ house. Christina recalled the breathtaking view of the gardens as she arrived and the luxurious foyer. Then Brian introduced his parents. The rest was pretty fuzzy.
Hearing a squeak on the floorboard outside the door, Christina turned to watch the clear crystal handle twist and the door slowly open.
“Thank goodness, you’re awake.” Tanya sat on the edge of the bed and rested a hand on Christina’s forehead.
“Where am I? What happened?” She blinked, letting her closed lids linger before opening.
“You’re in Ottawa. Brian and I picked you up earlier today.”
That, Christina remembered. “What time is it?”
“At little after six.”
She squirmed to a sitting position against the headboard.
Tanya plumped a cushion behind Christina’s back.
“I’ve been out all afternoon?” She sighed.
“Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well? You scared the heck out of me. Not to mention the fright you gave Brian’s parents. His mother went as white as snow, and his father thought you were having a stroke when your hands started trembling.”
Tanya’s chatter droned on and on. Her sister, the master of sweet nagging, could drag a short explanation into a long-drawn-out lecture. Christina quickly learned how to block out the unnecessary stuff.
“Thank goodness, Steven reacted instantly. If not for him, you would have been face-first on the floor. I’ve never seen anyone move so fast. You barely teetered and he had you in his arms. He picked you up like you were a feather. Something right out of a movie. You have to let me tell this story at the reception…”
“Whoa.” Christina held up her hand. “Reel it back a bit.” She didn’t recall that part. “Who the heck is Steven?”
“Brian’s brother. He’s in town for the weekend. Promptness at family gatherings isn’t Steven’s thing, so we were all quite surprised to see him arrive early. We didn’t expect him to arrive until tomorrow.”
Christina covered her hands over her face, rubbing her forehead with her fingertips, urging the clouded memory to return.
“You don’t remember any of it? Steven carrying you up the stairs and placing you on the bed?”
She peeked at Tanya through her fingers and shook her head. “There’s something there, but the events are foggy. I remember turning and seeing someone. I think I know him. His voice was familiar.”
“Steven has the sexiest voice, deep and throaty. I can’t wait for you to meet him. You’ll get along famously. He’s just your type, a lawyer. Nose to the ground, all professional. Wait, maybe you have met him. Steven travels quite a bit on cases, but also works for a firm in town. What’s the name of that firm? Campbell? No, that’s not it.” Tanya frowned. “Carter?”
“Carvers Firm?” Christina’s breath caught in her throat. Her hands fell to her lap.
“Yes, that’s the one.” Tanya smiled.
The memory was returning. The voice she recognized through the migraine-induced fog. He was here and carried her to this room. “Who the hell is Steven?”
Tanya’s eyes widened. “Brian’s brother. We just had this conversation. Do I need to call the doctor?” She stood, lips pressed tight and furrowed brows creasing the top of her nose.
“I’m fine. My head’s a little confused, that’s all.” A true understatement for sure. “You didn’t tell me Brian had a brother.”
“And what, have you accuse me of setting you up? Been there, tried that, and you made me promise to stop.” Tanya tilted her head. “However, Steven is single, and...”
“Please don’t. I’m too tired right now.” She had enough to think about, and warding off her sister’s matchmaking would consume energy she didn’t have.
“You’ll soon see for yourself. Steven is a sweetheart. You won’t be able to resist him.”
Closing her eyes, Christina rested her head back on the pillow.
“Brian’s mother asked the cook to hold dinner. I’ll let them know you’re resting.” Tanya tapped Christina’s hand and then walked to the door. “Your bag is by the dresser, if you want to change.” She pointed to the door across the room. “And a private bath is through there.”
“Please extend my apologies. I’ll be down shortly.” Christina didn’t want to be an imposition. She had already caused enough commotion.
“You need to rest.” Tanya crossed her arms over her chest and glared.
“The pain is gone and I’m feeling much better. All I need is a quick shower.”
Frowning, Tanya gave her the once-over. “Okay, but take it easy. I’ll return when dinner is ready.”
Once the room was empty, Christina swung her legs to the edge of the bed. She rested her elbows on her knees, taking a moment to think. To process what might be. Could Steven really be here? And what connection did he have to Steven Peterson, other than sharing the same first name?
When the answers wouldn’t come, she undressed and stepped into the shower. She stood under the warm water, letting it cascade down over her. Her mind released the confusion. Was it possible Brian’s brother, Steven Peterson, was Steven Mitchell?
How would she tell Tanya her wonderful brother-in-law was the same man who had Christina fired five years ago? She had only supplied her sister with a few details of the man who had used her—got what he wanted and tossed her aside like trash. Tanya had wanted to confront Steven and give him the hell he deserved, but Christina stopped her...just barely. Her little sister despised that Steven almost as much as Christina did. If she told Tanya the evil swine from her past was Brian’s brother, the discovery could possibly upset the wedding. That’s the last thing she wanted.
When she emerged from the shower, Christina made a decision not to tell Tanya. Her sister would never make a connection from Steven Mitchell to Steven…whatever his full name was.
“I’ll pretend I don’t know him.” She brushed her hair, staring at her reflection in the mirror. But how would she do that? How could she pretend not to know the man she despised more than any other?
Her past had stepped into the present and she had no idea what to do next. She needed time to think. So much had transpired over the last forty-eight hours—too overwhelming to comprehend in a mere couple of minutes.
****
Steven swallowed a mouthful of bourbon, not
flinching as the burn traveled downward. His sour mood didn’t entail sitting in the library for idle chit-chatter with his family. He purposely arrived early this weekend to talk with Christina to rehash their past. He wanted answers only she could provide. While his family talked among themselves, he let his thoughts fade to that fatal day when everything right went terribly wrong.
His whole life had changed the moment he spied Christina from his office window—a vision of beauty, parking her sad car in the company parking lot. Her first day with Carvers Firm, and his last day of commitment-phobia, though he didn’t realize that at the time. His first instinct was to swoon her with his irresistible charm, but after dating Christina only a week, Steven wanted more than a fling. She was intelligent, business-minded, and damn gorgeous. He wanted her the first night they met, but she wouldn’t be had so easily. A spit-fire, she saw right through him and challenged him. He could actually have an intellectual conversation with her, which was rare with most of the women he had dated. Making Christina happy made him happy. She triggered emotions that were new, exciting, and, if he admitted so, scared the hell out of him.
Their first night together had been more than he imagined possible. He fell hard and wanted more. When he awoke and found her gone, Steven’s heart nearly tore in two until he spotted her note. He had promised not to get involved with her application in the open position at the firm, but he did the opposite. Just a small recommendation wouldn’t hurt. Ignoring her request to stay out of her business, he went to the office while she fetched breakfast.
Her familiar soft-spoken voice caught his ear when he stepped out of his office. His stomach knotted as he followed her voice. He didn’t expect to find Christina here. She probably suspected he’d poke his nose where it wasn’t wanted and applied for the job before he added his two cents.
He rounded the corner of the hallway and saw her, his smile quickly fading from his lips. A lump filled the back of his throat and his stomach lurched. Christina was in the arms of another man! Ben’s hands were wrapped around her small waist and held her close, as two lovers would embrace.
Steven stumbled backwards, turned, and raced to the elevator. When the doors closed, Steven finally let his breath escape. He slumped against the wall, gripping the railing as a heavy pressure slammed his chest.
He should have stayed and demanded to know what was going on, to give her the benefit of the doubt, but what he saw didn’t require an explanation. His woman in the arms of another man. Did their relationship mean nothing? Had she been playing him all along?
Bitterness soared like wildfire within him and a confrontation wouldn’t be wise. Christina’s betrayal sent him into an emotional upheaval. Betrayal was new to him and he didn’t know how to react.
Only riding three floors down, Steven felt his hurt and confusion subside, and anger quickly won. When the elevator doors opened, he didn’t get out at the lobby as planned. Instead, he jammed a finger on the Door Close button and headed upward once again. Revenge had required immediate action.
At that last thought, he swallowed the remains of his bourbon. His clever plan of action had been more an act of jealousy than revenge. His impulsive—completely stupid—reaction had Christina dismissed from her job. Her genuine shock and embarrassment had slapped him harder across the face than any physical connection. Regret anguished his mind the minute she had left the building. Could she have been innocent of his charges and not sleeping her way to the top? Had he misinterpreted what he saw? He should have retracted his statement, but the damage had been done.
The glare of insult and rage she had cast him before leaving now tormented his nightly dreams. He made a too-quick judgment that cost him the love of his life and sent him on a course with no destination…until now.
Steven forced a half-wide smile at his mother, who had been eyeing his silence with a raised eyebrow. His family could never know about his scoundrel actions, especially his mother. She would disown him for treating a woman the way he did Christina. He had a new plan, one he’d been master-minding the past five years. But first, he needed Christina’s silence.
Chapter Ten
Christina turned sideways, eyeing her mirrored image. She wore her favorite summer dress—sleeveless, dark blue, and ended just above the knee—perfect attire for a warm summer evening. She pulled her curly brown hair into a high ponytail, and after several attempts to have it appear somewhat-orderly, she gave up, leaving a few strands falling around her face. Not one to wear a lot of makeup, she applied a thin coat of raspberry-colored lipstick before heading to the library where Tanya informed her they were gathering for a pre-dinner drink. A glass of wine would hit the spot and hopefully improve Christina’s gloomy mood.
Entering the library, she stole a quick glance at the walls encased with cherry wood bookshelves, containing hundreds of gold-bound leather books. In this room, a person could unwind after a long day and lounge in one of the inviting leather reclining chairs arranged around a stone fireplace.
Tanya was seated in a recliner next to Brian and his parents sat together on a plush cream-colored settee.
Mr. Peterson stood and his wife tapped his vacated spot beside her. “Please, have a seat, Christina.”
“You gave us quite a scare.” Carson nodded.
Brian resembled his mother, whereas Steven, whom she sensed his presence, but refused to make eye contact with, was a younger image of his father. No mistake where those eyes came from.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Carson reached for a glass on the glass bar shelf.
“Wine would be lovely, thank you.” Christina turned to Theresa. “I’m feeling much better. I’m sorry to have worried everyone.”
“No need to apologize, my dear. I’m just relieved Steven reacted so quickly.” She smiled proudly at her son.
Steven leaned against the dormant fireplace.
Christina continued to ignore the swine, but was aware of his scrutinizing eyes on her. Through lowered lashes, she admired his casual grey pants and light grey, short-sleeved shirt. Refusing to allow any interest to surface, she snuffed the thought of how remarkably well the clothing fit snuggly over his muscled frame.
“Christina, please forgive my lack of manners.” Brian shook his head. “I should have introduced you to my brother when you came in.”
“It’s all right, Brian.”
Steven’s deep, husky voice chilled her skin with goose-bumps. She guessed what was coming next.
“Christina and I have met.”
Every brow in the room rose.
“Yes, we met this morning.” Christina pretended to pay no attention to Steven’s curious stare. “Of course, I didn’t know he was your brother. I was introduced to him as Steven Mitchell.”
“His birth name is Steven Mitchell Peterson,” Theresa explained.
Steven nodded. “With the criminal cases I handle, I prefer to keep my business and personal lives separate. If the press, and the criminals I’ve put behind bars, knew I’m a Peterson, they’d hound my family. My family’s privacy and safety is of upmost importance. Changing my name simplified the problem.”
Carson offered her a glass of Merlot. “Christina, Tanya told us you’re a lawyer and your specialty is domestic cases. You must come across some interesting situations?”
“Thank you.” She sipped the smooth fruity wine. “Yes, I do. Actually, Steven and I are opposing attorneys on my new divorce case.”
“Why are you handling a divorce case, Steven?” Theresa frowned, flicking her gaze between Christina and Steven.
“A friend asked me to help him out. I thought a change of pace would be nice.”
His answer was plausible, but Christina didn’t believe a damn word.
Carson chuckle and ran a hand over his clean-shaven chin. “I guess you two will be butting heads in the courtroom.”
“Christina will give you a run for your money, brother dear.” Brian pointed a finger at Steven and snickered.
“We’d avoid
a long drawn-out battle in the court house if Christina would just agree to my client’s terms.” Steven flashed a sinister smile. “But enough about work. This night is for Brian and his lovely Tanya.”
Christina bit her tongue to prevent her hand from slapping the smug smile off Steven’s incredibly handsome face.
Wedding plans monopolized the dinner conversation, and the food was delicious—double-cut pork chops with grilled peaches. Aware of a relatively quiet Steven seated at the end of the table, she relaxed, adopting a pretense that he wasn’t even there until his alluring gaze settled on her.
After dinner everyone, except Steven, returned to the library. They discussed the party planned for tomorrow evening.
An hour later, Brian stood and stretched before taking Tanya’s hand. He smiled at his bride-to-be. “If everyone wouldn’t mind, I would like to steal my fiancé for a stroll in the garden before we retire for the night.”
Christina suspected the blissful couple wanted alone time. Tanya had told her Theresa insisted they stay in separate rooms until after the wedding. Tanya respected Theresa’s family morals, and Christina teased her sister that their month-long celibacy would have them anticipating the wedding night even more.
Theresa soon announced her retirement for the evening. “Christina, I do hope you will join me for tea tomorrow morning in the garden.”
“Thank you, I’d like that. Goodnight, Theresa.”
Though she wasn’t ready for sleep, Christina thought returning to her room best just in case Steven decided to make an appearance. His departure after dinner made for a stress-free night, but his sudden re-entry in her life—twice in one day—was more than enough. She stood to leave.
Law Of Attraction Page 7