by Dara Girard
Both women jumped.
“Aaron,” Martha gasped, covering her mouth.
He looked at Martha in her simple cotton dress and strict hairstyle. She was a vast contrast to Rebecca, whose wild hair would rebel against such a conservative bun and whose body could make a plain robe look sexy. “Did I surprise you? I guess scary guys can have their moments.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Martha said in a rush. “You misunderstood. Let’s talk about this later.”
“What is there to talk about?”
“I don’t know what you overheard.” She stood close to him, gently touching his arm.
“Enough to know how you feel about me. Or rather, about my money and my son.”
“I care about you, too. It’s just—” She stopped and looked away.
“It’s just what?” he pressed.
Martha looked at him, and her eyes filled with tears. “You’re so hard to read.”
He leaned forward, his dark gaze holding hers. “And that’s what frightens you?”
“You’re not like other men,” she said, staring back at him with wide eyes. “You’re so controlled. I never really know how you feel about anything, even me. I know you took me out and showered me with gifts, but you never once kissed me.”
He stood and lifted her to her feet. She stiffened. “That’s why,” he whispered in her ear.
“What?”
He released her. “That’s why I never kissed you. Every time I came toward you, you did that. You either stiffened or drew away. I thought I was being considerate by not rushing you.”
“No,” she said, lightly touching his sleeve before he could turn. “I was just nervous.”
“And you’re still nervous?”
She glanced at her friend, who looked at them, both mesmerized and confused, then met his gaze. “No, I’m not,” she said, hugging herself.
“You’re lying,” he said, a cynical grin touching his lips. “But that doesn’t matter now.”
“Please don’t,” she begged, grabbing the hem of his jacket when he turned.
“Keep your dignity and let me go,” he said softly.
“I don’t want to lose you,” she said, tightening her grip. “I was wrong. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I want this to work. We are really good together. Let’s try again.”
“What for? You know why my first wife left me. I’m not going to give another woman the chance to do the same.”
Aaron turned around and walked out of the room without another word, jumped in his car and left the school, unsure whether he should be angry, annoyed or amused. He’d been the perfect gentleman with her. What did she mean he was too hard to read? Ina had once said that to him, too, except with a laugh instead of tears.
You’re a lot wilder than you think, Candace had told him. But he didn’t know what that meant. At least now he wouldn’t feel guilty about his waning feelings for Martha. His sister had been right. He had been settling, but he’d seen no harm in it. Passion had ruled him once, and he didn’t want it to reign again. His love for Ina seemed to bring out only the worst in him. Aaron swore, then accelerated. His personal life had to be put on hold. He had to make sure that the fashion show didn’t face any more troubles.
A half hour later, he entered the large exhibit hall where the fashion show was scheduled to be held. Whoever was in charge of decorations was an extremely skilled artist. The entire hall had been transformed to look like a magical wonderland, a paradise. Enormous, colorful set designs lined the entire hall, leading up to the stage, which was decorated with a series of silk, hand-embroidered curtains in an assortment of dazzling colors, depicting the theme of the show, which was called Loving Adventure. Off to the side, a series of brightly painted life-size whimsical creatures were being prepared and put into place. He knew Brandon would be thrilled to see what was going on, but he also knew he wouldn’t be interested in seeing the fashion show itself. Down the middle of the expansive hall was the runway, covered with plush royal blue carpeting.
He saw Rebecca talking to one of the lighting crew. One of the volunteers went up to her and asked her a question, which she answered before moving to a stagehand and pointing to one of the decorations. She certainly was a busy woman, and he wondered where her assistant was. He walked to the stage, convincing himself he was just doing his job, although he knew he wanted to see her for completely different reasons.
* * *
“Looks good.”
Rebecca turned at the sound of Aaron’s voice, surprised to see him looking up at her from the front of the stage, his golden-brown gaze drawing her in. Her heart started racing immediately, and she cleared her throat to keep her voice from shaking. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“Just wanted to check on things.”
Right, he was just doing his job, Rebecca quickly reminded herself. He hadn’t come to see her. She had to be as professional as he was. “Nothing to worry about, thank goodness. Everything is set. There was one minor lighting issue, but it’s being addressed.”
“Good.”
She folded her arms and grinned, unable to miss the polite tone in his voice. “You don’t like it.”
Aaron raised his brows, surprised. “I didn’t say that.”
“I can tell by your face. You think it’s too much?”
He looked around and shrugged. “It’s art.”
Rebecca’s grin widened. She liked how uncomfortable he looked, and she enjoyed teasing him. “You’re good. I’m not sure if that’s an insult or a compliment.”
His voice lowered, and his gaze grew serious. “It’s whatever you want it to be.”
Rebecca squatted so that they were at eye level. She knew it was a dangerous move, but she couldn’t resist it. “Just wait until you see the clothes. They will blow your mind.”
Aaron took a step closer, his gaze dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes. “Promise?”
Her heart pounded in her ears, all other sounds and sights falling away, except for him. “Do you want a guarantee?”
“No, I—” he said, then his face changed. He grabbed her, lifted her off the stage and covered her body with his just as she heard a loud crash. She stood sheltered by his warm, strong embrace, but she still felt the force of the impact and saw debris flying past. An eerie silence fell before Aaron looked down at her, his eyes searching her face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she said, stunned. “What happened?”
“That’s what I plan to find out,” he said in a grim tone. He turned to the stage and swore.
Rebecca looked at the stage in shock. Broken glass and fragments from some of the large wooden rods that were holding up the expansive curtains lay scattered everywhere. One of the main painted panels that had been near the back of the stage had fallen and was completely torn, damaging the other panels when it fell. Rebecca stood paralyzed while Aaron marched over and talked to security and one of the stage crew. She could imagine what would have happened if he hadn’t been there. But she didn’t want to think about that. It was just another accident, right? Except now she wasn’t so sure. They’d have to completely redesign most of the stage; there was no way they could get an exact replacement in time. There were only ten days before the show.
“Go home,” Aaron said.
She gripped her hands into fists. Those were the last words she’d expected from him. “You want me to quit? I’m not going to cancel.”
Aaron shook his head, looking chagrined. “Sorry, wrong choice of words. I meant, go back to your villa.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll call you.”
Rebecca nodded, then noticed the cut on his arm. “You’re hurt.”
He glanced down. “Damn glass.” He removed a tiny shard from his skin. “Don’t worry.
It’s nothing.”
Rebecca winced when he removed a second piece. “You need to have it cleaned and bandaged right away.” She pointed to a volunteer. “Get me a first-aid kit.”
“I don’t—”
She grabbed a chair. “Sit down.”
“Rebecca—”
“Let me do this,” she said when the volunteer handed her the kit. I owe you my life—again. It’s the least I can do. “Your sister told me to take care of you.” She opened a bottle of antiseptic and put some on a dry cotton ball, then cleaned the wound.
Aaron grinned. “My sister wouldn’t say something like that.”
“Why not?” Rebecca said, wrapping the bandage.
“Because she knows I can take care of myself. Always have, always will. My sister acts like my little sister most times. She doesn’t worry about me.”
“She did once, and I was foolish enough to believe her,” Rebecca said under her breath.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“We’ve met before, haven’t we?” He studied her face. “There’s something familiar about you,” he said in a low, husky tone.
“Yes, but that’s ancient history,” Rebecca said, determined not to be affected by his words or, even worse, by his tone, which seemed to lure her to lean in closer. She stood. “And now I have to figure out how I am going to remedy this disaster. Excuse me.”
He grabbed her hand before she could leave. “You don’t have to pretend that what just happened didn’t frighten you.”
Rebecca avoided his gaze, the heat of his hand against her skin making her stomach flutter. “It was just a stage malfunction,” she said, keeping her voice even. She didn’t want him to see how frightened she really was. How worried and afraid she was that she’d made a mistake in seeing him again. That he’d once again see her as a burden or someone to be pitied one moment, then tossed aside the next. She wanted him to see only her strength. “It would have been worse if this had happened during the fashion show,” she added, trying to add a note of humor.
“No, it would have been worse if it had fallen on you.”
“Oh, yes, that, too,” she said, keeping her voice light, although his steady gaze made her voice waver. “But at least it didn’t.”
“So you’re not worried?”
No, she was terrified. Terrified by her desire to have him wrap his arms around her again and shelter her from all her fears. Terrified by her longing to press her lips against his and taste the sweetness of his kiss. But what terrified her the most, as she boldly met his steady golden-brown gaze, was that she’d already fallen for him all over again, even though she was doing her best not to. “No.”
“I am,” he said in a flat tone, though his gaze grew more heated. “It’s my job to make sure my guests are safe.”
A guest. That’s all she was to him, of course, and that’s all she ever would be. “I’m not going to sue, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“No, that doesn’t worry me. I—”
She pulled her hand free. “I really have to get back to work.”
“You can’t stay here.”
She spun around and glared at him. “I have no intention of leaving. This show is going to be a success, and nothing is going to stop me.” She pointed to the ground. “I have no plans of leaving this island until that happens. I’m not scared.”
“I know,” he said with a note of respect. “I meant, you can’t stay in the exhibit hall.”
“Oh,” Rebecca said, feeling some heat steal into her cheeks, wishing she didn’t keep jumping to the wrong conclusion with him. “I’ll be in my villa,” she said in a clipped voice, then walked away.
But when she got back to her villa, she couldn’t work. Instead, she jumped on her bed and called her sister, Rachelle. “How’s Gran?” she asked once her sister answered.
“What’s wrong?”
“Why should anything be wrong?”
“Because you know that Gran’s fine, and you should be too busy getting ready for your show to be worried about her anyway.”
“Nothing’s wrong,” she said, hoping her lie sounded sincere. She squeezed her eyes shut against building tears. She didn’t want to fall in love again. She didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. “I was just checking in.”
“You’re lying. The last time you came back from that island you were depressed for days, but never told me why. And now I hear the same note in your voice.”
She opened her eyes and rested her head against the headboard. “I may have to cancel my show.”
“Why?”
“A lot of things have gone wrong.”
“Can’t you fix them?”
“I’m trying, but I don’t know anymore,” she said, letting her tears fall. “I can’t afford to fail here. I can’t let him see me as a failure.”
“Who?”
She sniffed and wiped her eyes, annoyed that she’d let her true fear slip. “Just people.”
“But you said ‘him.’”
“I didn’t mean anyone specific. I meant ‘them.’ Just those designers and critics who hate my work.”
“Hmm,” her sister said, sounding unconvinced. “It’s just nerves, I’m sure. I know the show will be a success. The bigger the obstacle, the bigger the triumph, right?”
Rebecca managed a laugh. “Yes, that’s right. What was that?” she asked when she heard an unfamiliar sound in the background.
“What was what?”
“I thought I heard a red-throated cokoboro bird singing.” The bird was native only in the Caribbean and South America.
“Oh, it’s just the TV.”
“I’m amazed at how clear the connection is. You almost sound as if you were here.”
Her sister laughed. “Stop making me jealous. I wish. I’m watching a nature show and preparing my favorite oven-baked catfish recipe so that I can pretend to be having as much fun as you. How is the resort? Is it the same as you remembered?”
Yes. She sighed. And there are so many things I want to forget. “It’s beautiful, but I don’t have time to truly enjoy it. Fortunately, one of the owners has been very resourceful, and he’s helped a lot, but things have been stressful.”
“I’ll bet. What’s he like?”
“There’s not much to say.”
“Which means the exact opposite. I want details.”
“I didn’t call to talk about him.”
“It’s not just the show that’s worrying you, is it?”
“I don’t know anymore. I guess I wanted to hear you say that everything will be okay.”
“It will be okay. Your show will be sensational because you’re amazing. We Cromwell women always are.”
“Thanks,” Rebecca said, feeling some of her courage return.
“And don’t let him—whoever he is—break your heart this time.”
Her sister knew her too well. Rebecca sighed. She couldn’t fool her; she knew that her anxiety was about a man. But not just any man.
“I won’t,” she said, making her words sound like a vow.
Chapter 6
Aaron called Harvey and had him gather all the workers together. Once they were there, he pointed to the demolished set. “This is unacceptable. What happened?”
“It came loose,” one of the workers said.
“I can see that,” Aaron snapped. “My question is why?”
“We’ve looked it over many times and can’t find a reason!” another worker shouted.
“Then you’re not looking hard enough.”
“But—”
Aaron rested his hands on his hips. “Did you feel an earth tremor that I missed?”
“No, sir.”
“Then stop with excu
ses and find me a reason.”
Another man stepped forward, clearly the leader of the group. “It was just an accident.”
Aaron folded his arms. “Why are you doing that?”
“Doing what?”
“Handing me a reason to fire you? I don’t mind mistakes, but I don’t like people who don’t take ownership. That’s what leaders do. I don’t want to hear the word just pass your lips again. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir,” the man said, taking a step back.
Aaron was about to dismiss the men when he saw one of the younger workers looking restless and anxious. “Do you have something to say?”
“He’s a good leader, sir. And we all worked really hard on this. This is good work. The pay is great. We did our best.”
“So why do you think this happened?”
“The rumors.”
“That’s enough,” the leader said.
“What rumors?” Aaron asked.
“That the show is cursed,” the young worker said. “That it’s not meant to be.”
Aaron looked around at the group. “How many of you believe that?”
They all raised their hands.
“Fine, you’re dismissed. There’s no need to return tomorrow.” He turned and left.
Harvey followed him, running to keep pace. “Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?”
“I don’t have time to indulge in childish fantasies. Rebecca nearly got killed, and there’s a rational reason for it. I don’t have time to listen to superstitions or rumors.”
Harvey pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his forehead. “But these men are some of our finest workers.”
“They are also scared workers, and that makes them dangerous.”
Harvey rubbed the back of his neck. “But to fire them—”
Aaron spun around and pinned him with a hard glare. “What would you have done with people who refuse to give you a reason for a major panel and support beams falling down? They’re so busy defending themselves and worrying about their jobs that they’re not thinking. Something went wrong, that’s obvious.”
Harvey hesitated, then dropped his gaze to the handkerchief in his hand. “Let me talk to them.”