by Tamie Dearen
Before she could escape, he caught her arm and bent down to speak in her ear. “Charlie, that wasn’t your fault. He was a drunk and a jerk. Your dress is beautiful, and you’re beautiful in it.”
He tried to read the emotions on her face. Gratitude, embarrassment, maybe even desire, and something else. Was it regret? Sadness? Disappointment?
“Thanks, Josh. I... I want you to know that I... I wish you the best. You and Olivia. She’s a great girl, and you deserve each other.” She slipped from his grasp.
Upon reaching the table he noticed, with some regret, she donned a sweater that covered the expanse of her bare back.
Olivia had observed their approach with a broad smile. “Hi Josh.” Her voice was light and cheery. “Don’t you just love Charlie’s new dress?”
He frowned. Was she teasing him? Testing him to see if he’d remain faithful despite the fact that their marriage would be a business deal?
He pretended he hadn’t noticed the dress, glancing Charlie’s direction. “Sure. I guess it’s okay. But you look very nice tonight.” He bent down to give her a kiss, but she quickly turned her head, offering her cheek.
Olivia raised her eyebrow slightly and gave him a warning glare. “I thought I was clear about that.”
“If we’re engaged, we have to at least appear affectionate,” Josh whispered in her ear.
“Everyone’s going to know the whole story soon enough. Remember, I’m only committed for two weeks. Have you been working on an alternate plan?”
“There’s no good alternative. Remember? We discussed this. You’re my only real option.”
“You’ve tried reasoning with the grandparents?”
“No.” His voice darkened with his expression. “But it won’t work. It’s a waste of time.”
“I thought of some other nurses who’d agree to marry you.” Her eyes twinkled with secret mirth.
“Who?”
“Jenna Sanders, Ester Baldwin, Felicity Downing, Brianna Faulkner,” Olivia began naming girls, ticking them off on her fingers. She hid her amusement at his reaction, knowing that Josh wouldn’t find any of these choices the least bit attractive.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said through gritted teeth. “Those girls are... None of them are...”
She opened her eyes wide, feigning surprise. “It shouldn’t matter whether you’re attracted to them or not. You said yourself, it’s simply a business deal.”
“Yes, but I have to live with them and see them every day. And I’ll have to pretend to be in love when we’re in public. It’s a lot easier to do with a girl that’s beautiful like you are, than with... with a girl who’s... repugnant,” he finally spat out.
Olivia graced him with a serene smile. “Well, I’m flattered you think I’m beautiful. But surely you could think of some other girl who might be persuaded to marry you. Another girl you might find slightly attractive.”
“No, there isn’t anyone else. We have to make this work. Please!”
Olivia released an exaggerated gasp. “I just thought of someone.”
Suspicion flared in his eyes, and he responded with sarcasm. “Who are you going to suggest this time? Winnie Smith?” He named a fifty-year-old widow who worked on their floor at the hospital.
She leaned forward and motioned for him to put his ear close to her lips. “Why not Charlie?”
HIS HEART TUMBLED INSIDE his chest. Without thinking, his eyes slipped to where she was sitting across the table, her face deliberately turned away from them, clutching her sweater over her chest. He saw a man approach her, presumably to ask her to dance, and felt a surge of jealousy. But she shook her head and sent him on his way, as she turned to give all of her attention to a napkin on the table in front of her. His chest constricted at the thought of marrying Charlie. No. Was it possible? Would she consent to marry him? Was it possible she’d developed feelings for him after all this time? No. Her body responded to him, but not her heart. Only moments ago, she’d told him she was happy he was with Olivia. She would never trust him enough to marry him, even as a strictly platonic relationship.
“I’ve already told you that would never work.” He forced his eyes back to Olivia. “She’d never agree to it.”
“Maybe. But just hypothetically... Let’s say Charlie agreed to the same deal you offered me. You pay for a year of law school in exchange for a year of marriage. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real marriage. Strictly a business deal, totally non-sexual. Would you do it?”
Josh’s emotions battled within him. He tried to imagine himself living with Charlie, but not able to touch her, to hold her, to kiss her. Day after day. Wishing he could make love to her. It sounded agonizing. Better to marry Winnie Smith.
“No way. I couldn’t do it.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I said so. It just won’t work.”
“But—”
“I said no!” his voice rose. Charlie’s gaze was drawn toward the outburst, before she averted her eyes.
He lowered his voice. “I considered the possibility before I even approached you. You’ll have to trust me on this—it won’t work.”
“But—”
“This discussion is over.” He mustered all the authority he owned and crammed it into his words.
CHARLIE SWAM IN MISERY watching Josh and Olivia, who seemed to be in the midst of a heated discussion. She hoped Olivia hadn’t seen them dancing together after Josh rescued her. That might be all it took to convince Olivia she couldn’t trust Josh. And it wasn’t his fault he’d had to come to her rescue. If only she hadn’t worn this ridiculous dress that evidently made men feel she wouldn’t object to a little groping. If Olivia broke it off with Josh, she’d feel responsible.
A light bulb lit in her head. If Olivia saw her dancing with other guys, she would know Charlie wasn’t interested in Josh any longer. She turned and spotted the guy she’d previously blown off sitting at the table behind her. She steeled her nerves and approached his table.
The tall man with dark close-cropped hair and blue eyes appeared startled when Charlie tapped him on the shoulder. But his face brightened, and he accepted with a smile. He led her to the dance floor with a light touch of his hand at her waist. He seemed to be a nice guy, and Charlie noticed he was actually quite attractive, although she didn’t feel the startling physical response to him she had with Josh only moments before.
“I’m Derek, by the way.” His breath tickled her ear as he spoke over the loud music.
“And I’m Charlie.”
They danced for a while without further conversation, but Charlie did her best to paint an adoring expression on her face, for Josh’s benefit. When she grew too warm for the sweater, she dropped it off at the table, where Josh was now sitting alone. He did little to hide his scowl at her dance partner, who waited on the dance floor for her return. Fearing her lack of coverage would lead to a repeat of her earlier near disaster, she confronted Derek with a stern voice.
“Now you need to know that just because this dress is sleazy, it doesn’t mean I’m sleazy. So don’t try anything.”
“I would never try anything. And I don’t think you or your dress is sleazy. You look sexy and classy.”
“Sorry. I had a bad incident earlier tonight with a guy who got pretty handsy.”
“That’s awful. No wonder you’re worried, but I promise you’re safe with me.” He drew her into his arms for a slow dance. “Are you okay if my hands stay right here?” He grinned as he held her loosely with his hands near her shoulder blades.
“Sure,” she chuckled.
“On the other hand, I don’t want you to think I don’t find you tempting. So, if you change your mind...”
Charlie punched him, playfully. “No, I’m afraid I won’t be changing my mind. But if you want someone who’s more willing, you might ask that girl.” She pointed with her chin to a girl, gyrating in a dirty dance with two guys who had their hands all over her.
He raised his eyebrows,
but shook his head, turning his attention back to Charlie. “I prefer to stay with my present company.” He scrutinized her face. “Are you like a model or someone famous? I feel like I’ve seen your face before, in a magazine, maybe.”
“Does that line usually work?” She laughed, realizing she was having a good time.
His deep voice resonated in a chuckle. “I don’t know. This is my first time to try that one.” He squinted at her. “No, really. It was a legitimate question. Have we met before?”
“I don’t think so. I just moved here from Colorado.”
“That’s not a Colorado accent I hear.”
“No, it’s a Texas accent.”
“I like it. And what’s a Texas girl doing in New York City?”
“I’m going to law school at Columbia, starting in January.”
His face split in a huge smile. “No kidding? I’m two years ahead of you at Columbia. That’s awesome—my buddy won’t believe it. We’re here celebrating the end of the semester.” He paused and cocked his head. “Maybe I saw a picture of incoming students. I don’t know...”
“I’ve heard studying takes up most of your time in law school.”
“Only if you want to pass. Unless you’re one of those geniuses with a photographic memory.”
“No pictures taken in this brain. I’m sure I’ll have to study all the time.”
At the song’s end, he glanced over her shoulder where his buddy was now watching him from their table, laughing and making congratulatory gestures toward him. “My friend, Lance, is goofy, but would you like to meet him? Or better yet, do you have a girlfriend who looks just like you?”
Charlie noticed her group had returned to their table. “We don’t look just alike, but we’re both tall. Is that close enough?”
“Seriously? You’ve got a single friend? That’s awesome.”
Derek brought his buddy over to Charlie’s table for introductions.
“This is my sister, Emily, and her husband Spencer. And this is my other single friend, Hannah. And this is Olivia and Josh—they’re engaged.”
Olivia frowned. “No we’re not.”
Josh’s face was inscrutable. “Technically, we’re not. But we’re engaged to be engaged.” He reached out to hold Olivia’s hand, but she snatched it away.
“Eh-hem,” Charlie cleared her throat. “This is Derek and Lance. They’re third-year law students at Columbia.”
They chatted over the noise of the nightclub until Olivia suggested they go somewhere for coffee.
“It’s almost one o’clock,” Josh pointed out. “Maybe we should call it a night.”
“You can go home if you like,” said Olivia. “But I’m in the mood for Bubby’s Pie Company.”
With the enthusiastic agreement of the group, Josh was forced to tag along. Charlie hoped his mood would improve with the change of venue. Olivia was acting a bit irritated with him.
Joining the others in the back of the limousine, Derek peered at both Charlie and Emily. “So who are you, really?” he asked Charlie. I’ve seen a picture of both of you, somewhere. I just can’t place it. And you’ve got a limo, so...”
“They’re nobody,” announced Hannah with a grin. “But their father, I mean, their stepfather—”
“Has money,” Charlie interrupted, throwing a warning glance in Hannah’s direction. “Okay? Our stepfather is rich. But it’s not our money, so it doesn’t matter.” She really didn’t want to start her career in law school with the notoriety of being known as the stepdaughter of the famous billionaire, Steven Gherring.
“Whatever,” said Lance. “Cool limo!”
“Charlie,” said Olivia as she moved across the limousine, squeezing onto the seat between her and Derek. “I’m hoping I can borrow a pair of goggles for the ski trip. Do you have an extra?”
“Sure,” said Charlie. “I’ll bring all my extra’s on the trip.”
But Olivia had already turned her attention to Derek.
EMILY SAT BY SPENCER, fidgeting nervously with her ring. Things were not going well in the quest to help Olivia accept Josh’s proposal. Josh sat in the limousine, staring with undisguised irritation at Olivia’s overt flirtation with Derek. For her part, Charlie seemed miserable. After repeated attempts to break into the conversation, she’d finally conceded defeat, and pulled out her cell phone.
Emily felt her cell phone vibrate. She opened up a text from Charlie.
Help!
Emily turned up empty hands to indicate her lack of suggestions to improve the situation. Hannah was hitting it off with Lance, as he regaled her with stories that had her laughing until tears came to her eyes. Spencer was frowning at Olivia. He’d been doing that a lot lately.
She elbowed him to get his attention, whispering, “What can we do?”
“Someone needs to tell her to grow up and act responsibly. Did you notice she had rum in that coke she drank tonight?”
Emily’s whisper was harsh. “She’s pregnant. Doesn’t she know better?”
“She’s a nurse; she knows perfectly well. It’s one thing to have a moment of weakness and get pregnant, but it’s another thing to knowingly endanger your baby.”
“Are you going to talk to her?”
“I’ll call her out in public if she tries to drink alcohol or even caffeinated coffee at Bubby’s,” he muttered. “Otherwise, we’re going to have a little private chat after Sunday night dinner.”
“Do you have any ideas about getting her to pay attention to Josh instead of Derek?”
“I don’t know what to do. It’s like I don’t even know my sister anymore.”
Olivia’s laugh caught their attention, and she exclaimed, “Derek! You’re hilarious.”
Josh’s face reddened until it seemed certain steam would soon pour from his ears.
Emily received another text.
You’re not helping!!!!
JOSH MANAGED TO SECURE a seat next to Olivia in the restaurant. Although everyone else ordered food, some opting for breakfast while others chose from the delicious assortment of pies, he found he had no appetite whatsoever. He was irritated with all his companions at that moment.
Olivia’s sister, Hannah, ignored everyone else, focusing her attention on Lance. Josh estimated Lance to be a good bit older than her twenty-one years—too much older, in his mind. She was young and innocent, and Lance looked anything but innocent to Josh. Although she wasn’t his actual sister, Josh felt a brotherly responsibility toward her as he did all of Spencer’s sisters. He made up his mind to find an opportunity to warn her about relationships with older men.
Spencer and Emily seemed to be on a health kick, with Spencer specifically forbidding his sister, Olivia, from ordering coffee with caffeine. He’d personally known Spencer to drink large amounts of heavily leaded coffee in the past, so he wasn’t sure why he seemed to feel it was his place to police others on their consumption. Luckily, Josh had already planned to order decaf. In his present mood, he would probably have had a yelling match with his friend had Spencer dared to criticize his coffee choice.
Derek and Charlie were sitting across the table. Charlie was flirting with him like he’d never seen before. She seemed a bit uncomfortable with it, but determined to compete with Olivia for his attention. Meanwhile, Josh’s supposed fiancée was asserting her independence, obviously flaunting her interest in Derek for Josh’s benefit. Josh couldn’t decide which one bothered him most. He was upset with Olivia for her attempt to renege on their agreement. But his stomach was churning while watching Charlie fawning over Derek, casually touching his arm, leaning against him to study the menu, offering him a view of a lot more cleavage than Josh felt was appropriate.
Derek appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the attention, and it was all Josh could do not to knock the silly smile off his face.
“Derek,” Olivia asked, “have you been to see After Midnight? It’s the musical about Duke Ellington.”
“No. Law school doesn’t leave much time for attending
Broadway shows. Too much studying.”
“Well aren’t we just fortunate to have your company tonight?” remarked Josh with heavy sarcasm.
“Yeah!” Derek agreed, oblivious to his tone. “Finished until January. Practice Court was wicked.”
“I bet you could give me a lot of good advice,” said Charlie.
“Absolutely. It’s so lucky we ran into each other tonight.” Josh noted Derek’s gaze drifting downward toward the neck of her dress.
“Hey, buddy!” Josh snarled. “Her eyes are up on her face.”
Derek’s face reddened. “I haven’t done anything wrong. And what business is it of yours? Are you her father?”
“Ignore him, Derek.” Charlie glared at Josh. “He’s just afraid you’re going to make a move on his girl.”
Derek looked confused. “You and Josh?”
“No!” shouted Charlie and Josh in unison.
“Josh is in love with Olivia,” said Charlie, with an emphatic nod in her direction.
“Hey man, I’m not trying to take Olivia away from you,” said Derek.
“I wouldn’t worry about it if you were trying,” Venom spewed from Josh’s lips. “I just think you need to keep your eyes where they belong.”
Olivia sported a smug smile, while Spencer and Emily gaped in shock.
“Josh. You really should learn to control your temper,” Olivia said. “You aren’t very good at hiding your true feelings.” She gave him a wink.
“I’m not trying to hide my true feelings. You know my feelings for you. You know what you mean to me, sweetheart. You know exactly how important you are to my life.” He hoped he was getting his point across to her. “I couldn’t possibly make it without you.”
“Now, darling,” she said, batting her wide eyes. “I think we both know that’s not exactly true. But we’ll talk about it later. Right now I just want to hear what Derek has planned for his Christmas break.”
Derek pulled on his collar. “Uhmm... nothing special, really.”
“Maybe we could meet up again,” Olivia suggested.