by Day Leclaire
"Yes. It was in our local newspaper." Her smile glimmered in the darkness. "My sister showed it to me. She found it highly amusing."
"But you didn't."
Her smile faded. "No," she admitted. "It struck me as the perfect solution."
"Solution to what?"
An innocent enough question, yet it clearly hit a nerve. She clenched her hands, the fairy lights in the trees above ricocheting off her wedding band. "It's...it's a long story," she said at last.
"I have all the time in the world." He didn't exaggerate. He was determined to find out what the hell was going on, even if it took all night. "Talking about it might help."
She hesitated, and he could tell she was debating whether or not to answer. "I suppose complete honesty might be best... all things considered."
"I gather you don't always feel that way."
She turned her head sharply at the disapproval coloring his words. "Normally, I believe in honesty above all else," she asserted, her tone growing notably cooler.
"But whatever your story is—it involves a lie," he retorted. He didn't attempt to placate her. He couldn't. Not when she'd lied about something—something that might affect Eric's well-being.
She didn't hesitate. "Yes," she admitted. "It does."
"Tell me about it."
He endured another brief silence while she gathered her thoughts. Even in the short amount of time they'd spent together, he had noticed that quality about her— her control and precision, the care she took before speaking. She'd be a tough one to break, should it come to that.
"It's my own fault," she began in a low voice. "I never should have lied about being married."
Of all the possible confessions he'd expected to hear, this one didn't come close to making the list. "What did you say?"
She held out her hand, and her wedding band winked in the subdued lighting. "You asked me about this earlier. What I didn't explain is... it's pure decoration. I'm not married." A whisper of a laugh escaped. "I'd hardly be here if it were real, now would I?"
He was at a loss to answer that. Not until he found out more about this ball. "Then why the pretense?"
"The company I work for prefers married executives."
Who the hell had told her that? "So you decided to accommodate them?"
"I played with the idea. But not too seriously. At least not until—"
"Until?"
"There's a man at work. He's very sweet. Young,"
"He's interested in a personal relationship with you?" Was that possible? Could Loren and Delia have misunderstood the situation? Or was Nikki Ashton just a damned good liar?
"He's more than interested."
"I still don't understand. You faked a marriage because you couldn't tell him no? Isn't that a little extreme?"
"Not when the man in question is my boss."
He stood. The way she said it—with such detached candor—convinced him she spoke the truth. At least the truth as she saw it. Damn Eric! What the hell had he instigated? "Why are you here?" he demanded.
She tilted her head to look up at him and the silvery moonlight caressed the pale beauty of her face. Her expression appeared calm and serene. But her eyes gathered in the shadows surrounding them, their fathomless depths hinting at untold secrets. "I'm here for the same reason you are. To meet someone compatible enough to marry."
"Couldn't you do that in New York?"
"Possibly. But courtships are often lengthy affairs. By attending the Cinderella Ball, I can meet someone, we can marry tonight and return home in the morning. Problem solved."
He must have misunderstood. After almost thirty hours without sleep, it was a distinct possibility. His mouth tightened. He'd better have misunderstood, because he didn't like the sound of this at all. "The people attending this party...that's why they're here? To marry complete strangers? They meet, choose someone at random and marry—all in one night?"
"Of course," she responded, surprised.
"Of course." He realized then that she was serious. Dead serious. "If that's true, you people are in desperate need of reality checks."
She frowned, her brows arching in question. "Now I don't understand. Aren't you here because you want to marry?"
He had no intention of answering that one. "Let's focus on you right now," he suggested. "We can discuss my situation later." He didn't give her time to respond, but continued with his interrogation. "You're marrying because your boss won't take no for an answer. Is that about the size of it?"
"There's a personal reason, as well."
"Which is?"
Her lashes flickered downward, concealing her expression. "As I said.. .it's personal."
He fought to hide his impatience. "So because of this personal reason and because you can't handle your boss any other way, you're going to marry a complete stranger."
She inclined her head, the rich auburn tones muted by the darkness. "I know. It sounds insane. But you see, everyone already thinks I am married."
He folded his arms across his chest, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his tone. "And since they do, you're going to turn this fiction into fact. That makes sense."
"I have no choice," she retorted, stung. "I'm not interested in acquiring a husband. Ever." She drew back into the shadows, her voice low and pained. "At least not for something as illusionary as love."
That gave him pause. "If that's how you feel, then why go through with such a crazy scheme?"
"Because it's the perfect solution."
"That's open to debate."
Her temper flared again. "This isn't some half-cocked plan I've devised," she told him. "I've given this marriage idea a lot of thought. Aside from needing to resolve a private dilemma, I have a boss who thinks he's in love with me."
Jonah looked at her sharply. "And is he?"
"No. Eventually, he'll realize that for himself. But until he does, I need the protection of a real husband."
"How is this husband going to protect you from..." Damn, he'd almost slipped up. "What's his name?"
"Eric." She released her breath in a long sigh. "It won't be easy. I need someone sophisticated. Someone mature. Someone intimidating. Part of the problem is that I've told everyone that my husband has been out of the country for the past year. Unfortunately, it's left the impression that our marriage is in trouble."
"So you need a man who can dispel those doubts," Jonah said slowly. "With a real husband on the scene— someone who can act the part of a passionate spouse-Eric will realize there's no future in a relationship and get over his infatuation."
"Exactly."
"So where's the problem? If you're actually committed to going through with this crazy idea, why haven't you married already?"
Her laugh was half groan. "The problem is that no one I've met so far meets my qualifications. Either they're sweet, lovely gentlemen whom Eric would rip to shreds in no time or they're strong, independent types with their own agendas. And those agendas don't include moving to New York for the duration of our marriage."
"I can't believe that there isn't someone—"
"No? What about you?" She leaned forward, her gaze never wavering from his. "I can offer a home, a car and a modest salary. It doesn't even have to be a permanent arrangement. There was a man I met this evening who wanted a temporary wife. If you prefer, I'd be willing to agree to a short-term marriage, as well. I'll hire you to be my husband for whatever period of time is convenient, under whatever terms you deem fair, so long as my predicament with Eric is resolved by the time we get an annulment."
"Isn't this a little extreme? Can't you—" He broke off as a sudden thought struck him. "This Eric... is he harassing you? Has he said something—done anything—inappropriate? "
"No, no, nothing like that," she answered immediately. "He's...kind. Protective."
Jonah gave a short laugh. "Yes, I can see where that might be a problem."
"It's not funny! He's never touched me, at least not in any suggestive way. But I know h
ow he feels." The iridescent seed pearls decorating the bodice of her suit jacket sparked with each agitated breath she drew. "I'm not imagining all this. I'm not!"
He held up his hands. "All right. I believe you. But tell me, how do you know it's personal? Isn't it possible you've mistaken friendly concern for something more serious?"
She shook her head. "I wish that were the case, but it isn't."
"Convince me."
Her gaze flashed to his. "I don't know why I should have to."
"You're the one desperate for a husband. Convince me you really need one."
Again she took her time considering his request. After several tense moments, she inclined her head. "Very well. Can you tell when a woman is attracted to you?"
"Sometimes," he admitted. "If she's obvious about it."
"Well, Eric has been very obvious. Right from the start he signaled his interest."
"What did you do?"
"I... I told him I didn't share his feelings and that mixing business with pleasure was always a mistake. Needless to say, he thought he could convince me otherwise, and that's when I made my first mistake."
"You lied."
"Yes. I said I was engaged. Afterward, he remained ... hopeful." She shrugged. "I guess he thought he could change my mind. So out of desperation, I showed up one Monday morning wearing a wedding ring."
"Your second mistake," Jonah informed her caustically. "Didn't the wedding ring slow him down?" Unless his brother had switched personalities this past year, it should have.
"Yes, it did. He seemed to accept the futility of a relationship."
"But something happened to alter that. What?"
"A company banquet. I came alone, claiming that my husband was out of the country. Eric went along with it for the next several weeks. He'd even tease me about my husband's prolonged absence. But as time passed and I never brought him to any company functions, Eric changed." She hesitated as though searching for the appropriate description. "He became indignant on my behalf, and later angry. I think the anger changed to suspicion when I didn't share his distress. He senses I'm hiding something, and I suspect he's hoping my marriage is on the rocks."
"That still doesn't mean—"
"There's more," she interrupted. "He confides in me, although I do nothing to encourage it."
Jonah tensed. "What does he talk about?"
"His family. Mostly his older brother—how much he admires and tries to emulate Jonah, how it feels to lurk in someone's shadow, how tough it is to live up to a legend."
"Sounds like he sees you more in the light of a mother confessor than a potential lover."
"I wish that was all it were. But if I get too close to him, I can see how he fights for control. And when he looks at me..." She shook her head. "I can't explain it, except to say that a woman is able to sense these things."
Jonah had heard enough. "So you see marriage as the only solution."
"I don't like it, but I have no choice. I have to find a way to correct the situation before it gets any further out of hand. It's starting to affect our work. We're both making mistakes and eventually someone is going to catch on. I can't afford to lose this job. It's too important to me." She stood and approached. "Joe, please help me. Will you... will you marry me?"
He knew how much it cost her to ask. But that didn't change his answer. "No."
"Why not?" Desperation crept into her voice. "What is it you want?"
"What I want isn't at issue right now. Look, Nikki, you have two choices. You can go through with this ridiculous scheme to marry or you can do the smart thing."
"And what's the smart thing?"
"Tell Eric the truth. Tell him you faked a marriage because you didn't want any romantic complications at the office. Tell him you're not interested in anything other than work and that you want him to leave you alone. Ask for a transfer."
She spun away, wrapping her arms about her waist. "I can't."
"Why not?"
"Do you really think it's so easy?" Her temper flared, stirring the passions she obviously kept under such tight control. "I'm supposed to waltz into work and make this big announcement, and then what?"
"Then you're off the hook."
"No, I'm not. By the end of the day, it's all over the office that I lied about being married because I couldn't handle the situation with my boss any other way. By the end of the next day, our clients have heard about it, and by the day after that, so have our competitors. It would do incalculable harm to my reputation, Eric's reputation, as well as damaging the credibility of our firm. We'd be a bad joke. Thanks, but no thanks. Anything is preferable to that, even marriage."
Her attitude toward marriage bothered him. A lot. Perhaps if he'd had time to sleep on it, he might have been in a position to offer a more palatable solution. But since he didn't have that luxury... "Come on." Slipping a hand beneath her elbow, he drew her close. "Let's go."
"Where?"
"To find you a man. If you're so determined to buy a husband, I'll help you shop for one."
She resisted the pull on her arm. "I don't understand. Why are you doing this?"
"Let's just say I'm a sucker for a hard luck story."
"But what about you?" she protested. "It's getting late. Aren't you worried you'll miss your chance to find a wife?"
"Believe me, finding a wife is the least of my worries." The very least. He stopped in the middle of the walkway. "What's the problem, Nikki? Having second thoughts?"
A momentary hesitation disturbed the even tenor of her expression. It was quickly masked by a steely resolve. "No. I'm not having second thoughts."
"Then let's go."
The next hour only served to prove Nikki's point. No one they approached quite suited her needs. Most Jonah dismissed as being too weak. She was right—Eric wouldn't see them as a serious obstacle to his pursuit. If anything, he'd think he was doing her a favor. And those who would have held him at bay had their own requirements—which meant a wife to fulfill their criteria, not the other way around.
"There's a guy over there I haven't spoken to yet," Jonah said without much enthusiasm. The man in question was too old, too fat and too desperate. Eric would make mincemeat of him. But time was growing short.
"Don't bother," she replied with a shiver. "How about—" She broke off, her face paling. "Oh, no!"
"What is it? What's wrong?"
She twisted around, practically throwing herself into his arms. "Quick! Hold me."
His arms closed around her automatically and he tucked her close. His hand skated down the length of her spine, molding her more firmly against him. She felt like heaven, soft and warm, her unique scent filling his lungs. If he hadn't believed in jet lag before, he sure as hell did now. There couldn't be any other explanation for his reaction. It was too intense, too surreal.
Her breath came in quick, panicked bursts and he lowered his head close to her ear. "What is it, Nikki? What's wrong?"
She lifted her face, her mouth inches from his. For a crazy instant he thought she intended to kiss him. Then he saw her expression. Stark disbelief registered in the pansy blue of her eyes. "Eric's here," she whispered.
CHAPTER THREE
"I can't believe it," Nikki exclaimed. "How did he find me?"
Jonah grimaced. He had a fairly good idea. The all too efficient Jan seemed a safe bet. He chanced a quick look toward the reception area. Eric stood there, an earnest expression on his face, talking to the Montagues. Undoubtedly, he was attempting to charm his way into the ball. And knowing Eric, he had every chance of succeeding. Jonah swore beneath his breath. The situation was more serious than he'd suspected.
A lot more serious.
"Come on." He dropped an arm around Nikki's shoulders and swept her through the nearest doorway.
She'd turned ashen, her eyes huge and desperate. "What am I going to do now?"
Jonah set his jaw, trying to decide. He'd been a fool to drink even a single glass of champagne—particularly when
he hadn't slept for a day and a half. Right now he'd kill for a hot shower and eight solid hours between the sheets. Maybe then he could figure out an appropriate course of action. But tonight his exhaustion made that near impossible. Not that there were many avenues available to them. In fact, he'd only come up with one.
"It would seem we're out of options," he informed her. "If he's this determined, you need to marry someone he can't intimidate."
"We've canvassed just about everyone here." She scanned the assembly with an air of urgency. "Who's left?"
"Me."
It took a full minute for that to sink in. Astonished, she turned to look at him. "But you said—"
"Forget what I said."
"You're willing to marry me?" she asked in disbelief. "Why? I mean, don't think I'm ungrateful, but..." Skepticism gradually replaced her surprise. "Why would you be willing to help me now when you wouldn't before?"
"I ignored one damsel in distress this evening," he said with a hint of self-mockery. "It just isn't in me to ignore another."
"I won't claim to understand what you mean by that."
"That's a relief." He offered a bland smile and indicated a corridor leading to a back staircase. "Shall we get this over with? We'll need a marriage license. I overheard someone say they're being processed downstairs in the library."
A small frown puckered her brow and she shook her head, indicating she wouldn't be so easily persuaded. He almost laughed aloud at the irony. Here he risked alienating his entire family to resolve a problem she'd created—and she still wasn't satisfied. If she'd just told Eric no from the start, instead of concocting this whole ridiculous scenario, they wouldn't be in their present predicament. Now, if he wanted to ensure his brother's well-being, salvage the jobs of two of International Investment's key personnel, as well as straighten out their hopelessly muddled personal lives, he'd have to take serious action.
"I know I'm not in a position to argue," she was saying.
"That's for damned sure."