She arched a brow in surprise.
“To the anonymous part,” he explained. “You’re just visiting here. You can do whatever you want, and no one will know or care. That’s got to be appealing.”
She shifted her gaze away from him and stared into her drink. Being so shy, she’d never had many friends. She didn’t socialize—never had until she met Tom, but then her whole world collapsed when he died. Her fingers tightened around the cup.
“I’m sorry. Have I upset you?”
Beneath his concern, she thought there was a slight change in tone, maybe even a faint hint of sarcasm, but she couldn’t be sure. Had his suspicion of her resurfaced? Why?
Alice looked over at him and forced a smile. “No, no. I’m fine.” To keep him talking about himself she asked, “How did you end up here?”
Jack shrugged and waited while the waiter refilled their cups before answering. “The nightlife wasn’t for me, neither was the traffic or the stress that went along with it. I longed for a small town—one like where my Aunt Stacy lives. As a boy, I spent my summers with her. She’s the complete opposite of my mother.” He raked his hair off his forehead. Alice knew this was a difficult subject for him. “My parents liked to travel…without a child to cramp their style. So I want what Stacy has…a life where family comes first.”
Alice poured some cream in her coffee, then stirred it with a spoon. “She sounds wonderful.”
“Indeed,” he answered. His eyes darkened, and she knew he was missing her.
A few moments later, his mood seemed to brighten. “Alice keeps me from getting too homesick,” he said with a smile. “She reminds me of my aunt. There’ve been many nights I’d sit in Alice’s parlor, listening to music and playing gin rummy with her.”
She remembered those nights fondly. Jack was almost as good at the game as she.
“Do you play cards?” There was no misreading the hopeful gleam in his eyes.
She ran her hands over the napkin on her lap and tried to rid herself of the ridiculous thought that he might be able to read her mind. “A little.”
“We should play sometime. But I have to warn you, although I’m not a sore loser, I like to win.”
“Do you always?” she asked.
The waiter brought over the check, and Jack handed it back along with his credit card. “What? Win?”
“Yes.”
He laughed. “It seems only when Alice lets me.”
Her mouth twitched. She fought hard to hold back a smile. How did he know she would sometimes throw a game? And she’d thought she’d done such a good job keeping it from him. “It seems like you’ve settled in here.”
Jack slipped the credit card the waiter returned to him into his wallet, then scribbled his name on the receipt. “I love this town. I could see myself spending my life here. Now, all I need is to find that special someone.” His gaze locked with hers.
The warmth in his eyes grew to a steady heat that echoed through her and made her wonder where this night might end.
“We should probably get going,” she said softly.
Jack rose and stepped around the table to pull out her chair. His hand brushed her arm, and a tingle ran up the back of her neck. She hurried through the restaurant, suddenly feeling the need for fresh air, but before she could reach the door, her heel caught on something. She started to fall forward. Grasping for anything to keep her balance, her fingers locked on to one of the decorative trees flanking the entrance. As she careened headfirst into the plant, strong arms encircled her waist, putting her back on her feet.
“Darn these shoes,” she muttered under her breath. She should’ve known better than to try to wear three-inch heels. She’d nearly lived in slippers for decades. A little practice at home before venturing out in public would’ve been smart.
“Are you hurt?” Jack held her firmly, his vivid blue eyes flicking over the cleavage showing from the top of her scoop-neck blouse, then up to her face.
“I’m fine, thank you.” But that wasn’t true. She thought she might die right there of embarrassment.
His breath tickled her neck. He was holding her a little too close. She began to tremble and didn’t know whether it was from the accident or his nearness. Either way, she needed air. “Please, may we go now?”
His eyes glistened dangerously, and he tilted his head in toward her. Oh Lord. He was about to kiss her. She parted her lips slightly and waited. With his arm still wrapped around her waist, he spun her around and led her out the door. If she’d been embarrassed before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now.
She kept her gaze on the pavement as he guided her to his car. There was no way she could look at him. Maybe he hadn’t noticed how desperately she wanted him. Wishful thinking. She couldn’t have been more obvious if she’d kissed him herself.
Jack opened the car door and helped her in. She slid down into the seat, wishing she could disappear. She watched him walk around the front of the car but turned her head to look out the side window when he climbed into the driver’s seat. He started the engine, and they were heading back to Silvercreek. An uneasy silence loomed between them, so different from the comfortable quiet they’d shared when driving to dinner. Alice wrung her hands in her lap. He was probably regretting this date.
She watched as they left the lights of the city far behind. The scenery changed as they entered her small hometown. Hartford’s large gray buildings were gone, replaced with charming old homes billowing smoke from their chimneys. She imagined families sitting before roaring fires, telling stories. A sense of loneliness washed over her. She’d missed out on so much.
As they wound down Main Street, she spotted her old Victorian. Its blue paint was cracked and peeling, but the house was still magnificent despite showing its age. She was glad to be home.
Jack pulled the car in the driveway. After he turned off the engine, he placed his large strong hand over hers. She risked a glance at him, and what she saw in his eyes set her heart pounding. With a look more intimate than she’d ever seen, he leaned over, and this time, he kissed her.
Soft at first, his kiss deepened into a passionate expression of feeling Alice hadn’t expected. The tips of her toes tingled. She curled her arms around his neck, despite her inner voice warning her to be careful. His lips seared a fire over her skin, moving from her trembling mouth to the curve of her neck.
She pressed him close. Her doubts were lost in a deep pool of desire. A soft moan of delight escaped her. He caressed her throat, then moved his tongue along her ear. While her pulse raced, tiny pangs of guilt began to take root, forming a knot in her stomach. What if Jack’s feelings matched hers? What then? How could she be so selfish? She knew her fate, but Jack had no idea what was going to happen come New Year’s Day if she hadn’t found true love. And how in the world could she hope to build any kind of relationship with him based on secrets and lies?
Alice pulled back and ran a finger over her lips. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” She swung the door open and bolted toward the house without looking back.
Once inside, she headed straight to the parlor and sank wearily into the overstuffed armchair. She stared at the top of the Christmas tree where the tin angel used to sit and said, “I’m such a fool. I can’t imagine what Jack must be thinking. All he did was kiss me, and I ran away. He has no idea of the guilt I’m feeling. He must think I’m an idiot, or worse, that I’m not interested in him.” She covered her face with her hands.
“And rightly so.”
She fanned open her fingers. “What?” Her startled gaze scanned the parlor, but the voice seemed to come out of nowhere. “Who said that?”
“Open the door. I’m in the closet.”
Alice flew across the room, then into the hall and yanked open the coat closet. Inside, the tin angel fluttered like a moth trapped in a jar.
“What are you doing in there?” she asked with surprise.
“I don’t always land exactly where I plan to.”
“Great. I’ve got an angel who can’t tell direction for my guide. I hope when my time’s up, you take me to the right place.”
The angel’s melodious laughter chimed. “Don’t worry, heaven and hell are far enough apart that even if I’m off a bit, the worst that can happen is you’ll wind up in purgatory, and they don’t keep you there very long.”
“Well now, that’s reassuring.”
The angel giggled again. “I’m glad to see you’ve kept your sense of humor.”
“I never knew I had one of those,” she said glumly.
The angel floated nearer. “Don’t put yourself down like that. You’re a wonderful person; however, you’re doing a fine job of confusing Jack.”
“I know,” Alice moaned. “But I don’t know what to do.”
“Tell him the truth. You’ve never been one to lie.”
She opened her eyes wide. “How can I? He’ll never believe it.”
The angel’s brow furrowed. “How do you know that?”
“Because he doesn’t trust me.” She began to pace the floor. “Sometimes he looks at me with such scorn…”
“And why do you think that is?”
Alice shrugged.
“Use your intuition.” The angel studied her intently. “What is your heart telling you?”
Alice hesitated a moment before answering. “I don’t know. At times I don’t think he likes me much, and at others, well… Maybe I’m wasting my time on Jack. I’m not even sure if he’s the one.”
“You won’t know if you keep running away. Remember, you only have until New Year’s Day to find true love. Time is slipping away. Use what’s left wisely. Take chances and enjoy yourself.”
She stopped pacing and stood in front of the angel. “You make it sound so easy. I’ve been alone so long I don’t know how to let my guard down. How to let a man get close to me.”
“Just be yourself, and everything else will come.”
“Thank you,” Alice said softly. She reached out to touch the angel, but the gossamer wings fluttered, and an instant later, the tin angel was gone.
Chapter Three
Daryn Cramer touched the gas pedal and watched the speedometer rise. The BMW handled like a breeze. He liked fast cars, fast women, and fast money. Living on the edge was his way of life. Always had been. He was his mother’s son, after all. He pressed harder on the accelerator, and the car raced through the sleepy town of Silvercreek. He could almost hear her raspy voice nagging at him. “Slow down, son. We sure don’t need a ticket. Remember the rules of the game. Whatever you do, don’t bring attention to yourself. You can drive your fancy cars and wear your designer clothes, but do not tangle with the law.” Damn, he missed her. She’d been gone nearly two years, and not a day went by that he didn’t think of her.
He glanced over at the passenger seat to the beauty beside him. She had long, sleek red hair, a small upturned nose with a sprinkling of freckles, and gorgeous hazel eyes. She was a hot, sexy diversion. That was for sure. And she was good at the game. Almost as good as he.
Cassandra Black looked at him, her lovely mouth turned down in a pout. “I’m hungry. I need some food.”
He knew there was only one answer that would suffice. If he said no, he’d never have a moment’s peace. “Sure, babe. Let’s just get out of this town, though. We’ll be on the highway in no time, and I promise to stop at the first rest area.”
She snorted. It was a sound you wouldn’t expect to hear out of a woman whose goal in life was to appear refined. “Fast food? You’ve got to be kidding.”
His instinct was to ignore her, jump on the interstate, and get as far away from this hick town as possible. They’d been here too long as it was. Exhausted all prospects. Hadn’t his mother taught him not to linger? Once the job was done, move on. It wasn’t wise to stay in one place for too long. That was how you got caught. Besides, he longed for Atlantic City. Jersey was only a little more than four hours away, and there were bound to be plenty of targets there. But the way Cassie tapped her foot and clicked her long nails on the dash made him think twice. “Oh, come on, sweetie. It’s only one meal.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.
She snatched it away and ran her fingers along her shapely thigh. “You like the way I look, don’t you?”
He chuckled. “You know I do.”
“Then you know better than to try to get me to eat junk food,” she hissed.
They were on the outskirts of town and nearing the entrance to I-91. He took his foot off the gas pedal, and the car began to slow. Daryn debated what to do. It had begun to snow. December weather in New England was unpredictable. What started as a few fluffy flakes could quickly become a blizzard. They really should be on their way now.
As if reading his thoughts, Cassie ran her hand over the side of his cheek and said softly, “Honey pie, my stomach is growling. Come on, let’s get some food. I’ll make it up to you later in a way I know you’ll enjoy.” She smiled at him seductively.
He took hold of her hand and kissed it. Oh, what the hell? It was only dinner, and Cassie could be dessert later in the backseat of the Beemer.
He spun the car around, doing a U-turn in the middle of the road. “Okay, you win. I don’t have the energy to argue with you right now. But know this, if something goes wrong, it’ll be your fault.”
“Don’t be so dramatic. What could go wrong? We’re only stopping to eat.”
“With you, something simple can become a nightmare in no time.”
“Nice, hon. Real nice.” She jabbed her finger into his side.
Daryn shot her a look that said he’d had enough. Thankfully, Cassie got the message and turned her attention out the window. When they reached the center of town, it was snowing heavily; exactly what Daryn had feared.
“Looks like we might be here longer than just dinner,” he said dryly.
Cassie shrugged. “That’s fine with me. Give me a bottle of wine, some good food, and a soft bed.”
He smiled to himself. If they were going to spend another night in Silvercreek, he was going to enjoy it. Cassie would make sure of it.
Without much trouble, they found a place to stay—the Wayside Inn, a quaint hotel across from the town green. He parked the car, then reached in back and pulled his briefcase off the seat. After placing it on his lap, he snapped it open. Inside was a mountain of fake IDs, birth certificates, and various other falsified documents. He took a moment to rifle through them, careful not to send them sliding onto the floor, before selecting two driver’s licenses.
For their last swindle, they’d pretended to be husband and wife and wore disguises, so Daryn wasn’t too worried about being recognized by anyone, but it never hurt to be cautious. For all he knew, the police could be looking for them right now. He was a pro, though. An expert at covering his tracks. This time, they’d pose as brother and sister—Ross and Taryn Saunders.
They checked into two connecting rooms. Cassie went into one, and he into the other, not wanting to arouse suspicions. A moment later, he unlocked the adjoining door.
Cassie sat on the edge of the bed, her short skirt hiked up across her thighs. He walked over to her and ran his hands over her smooth satiny skin. “Why don’t we get comfortable and just order room service?”
“Um, we could do that,” she said and began to unbutton his shirt. “What do you feel like having?”
“You.” He brought his mouth down on hers. She responded to him instantly. As they kissed, he pushed her back onto the bed and straddled her. Soon he had her panties off, his jeans undone, and was ready to enter her. There were times to make love, and there were times for just pure, raw sex.
This was one of those times.
* * *
Cassandra tucked the sheet around her naked body and studied the man asleep beside her. Daryn was Hollywood handsome and knew it. But that arrogance was one of the things she loved about him. When he entered a room, every woman took notice. She was the lucky one, though. He belonged to her. T
he others could look and drool all they wanted, as long as they didn’t touch.
She was fully aware of her own sex appeal—attracting men had never been a problem. They made a smoldering couple…in every way. To call their relationship tumultuous was an understatement. They were like oil and vinegar, yet, when shaken, a delicious mix.
She listened to the quiet rhythm of his breathing. He was the only man she’d ever known who didn’t snore. Daryn was damn near perfect. She didn’t even mind the fact that he always fell asleep right after they made love. So much for ordering room service. As if on cue, her stomach let out a loud rumble.
She needed to eat something. Now. Cassandra pushed back the sheet and climbed out of bed. Before she walked over to her suitcase to get her clothes, she scrutinized her flawless body. Her breasts were large and firm, exactly as Daryn liked. Her stomach flat. Her hips generously rounded. She was the image of womanly perfection, and she needed to be sure to retain that so Daryn never got the urge to trade her in for a younger model.
Cassandra dressed quickly, took a twenty-dollar bill from Daryn’s wallet, and slipped quietly from the room. A minute later, she perused the hotel gift shop. She found a fashion magazine, a can of herbal iced tea, and a bag of SunChips. As she strolled toward the checkout line, she passed an aisle with a large display of cereal bars. She ran her hand across the wrappers, and her fingers curled around an oatmeal-raisin cluster. Without hesitation, she dropped it into her handbag. The rush that followed was exhilarating. It happened every time. And this was no exception.
* * *
Jack flipped through the Christmas cards he’d received from his students, then tossed them in a pile on his desk. He leaned back in the swivel chair, glad he didn’t have to return to school until after the New Year. He stared out the bedroom window at the falling snow. The flakes coming down were the big, fluffy kind that stuck easily. The oak tree at the side of the house was covered in white. Its branches sagged. A few thin ones blew back and forth in the wind, scraping along the windowsill.
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