Secret Bet (The House of Morgan)

by Victoria Pinder

  Chapter Nine

  Nothing made sense. Belle's arms were wrapped around Peter's shoulders, and she pressed her lips to his for another kiss. There was something manly and full of testosterone that made him taste far better than anyone else, including Colt.

  Electricity charged through her veins. He was everything a woman could ever desire in a man. A shiver rushed through her as she detangled her limbs from around his back.

  She sighed and swallowed. "Peter, this was a mistake."

  He blinked, but his hands fell to his sides. "A kiss?"

  Too hot to handle kisses were not in the cards for her. She swallowed, and the taste of him lingered.

  "That was only a kiss to you? I felt fireworks and that's bad."

  "Fireworks are bad?"

  "Yes."

  "You're confusing." He leaned against the door. "Belle, it's not bad to be attracted to each other."

  Every cell in her body yelled she ought to rip her clothes off and find out what would happen next. She'd never been this carnal about any man. It wasn't like her. She averted her gaze and made her hands into fists.

  "Not bad for you. It's a horrible idea for me."

  "Why?"

  The question made her glance at him. She swayed on her feet. His brown eyes were like a rich dark chocolate that her insides quivered to taste. "For one, you're Colt's brother."

  "Yes, he’ll be my brother-in-law tonight, that cannot be changed."

  She squared her shoulders. "I fully intended to pretend Victoria and Colt never existed in my life for the next hundred years."

  He scratched his chin and stood straighter. "I thought you forgave them. You came to this wedding for closure."

  "I did and then the plan was to pretend they never existed, Peter."

  “Forgive them and forgive yourself.”

  She had come to their wedding because the fire inside her would continue to eat at her if she stayed mad. Songs about loss and losing love were on her playlist for the next year. She had intended to have a good long wallow.

  "Look, I'm trying, but forgiveness and seeing things thrown in my face are two different things. I hadn't moved on yet."

  "Is there any other reason other than Victoria and Colt?"

  Not if he continued to stare at her with those big saucer eyes. She unclenched her hands and straightened her blouse and skirt.

  "Yes. It's more important to me that our lives don't mesh. You're a fancy dinner, and at the end of the day, I'm hot dogs, beer, and a bag of M&Ms."

  His tapped his finger to his lips. "M&Ms?"

  Mouth-watering delicious kisses from that mouth of his sent a twinge down her spine. She'd not feed that craving. She fixed her hair behind her ear.

  "The candy was created for American soldiers, so they had a sugar rush while invading Europe. I don't know anything other than war and how to prepare to fight in one. It's why I work for Century Arms."

  "Belle, you are trembling."

  Her legs were wobbly. This wasn't good. She widened her stance. "There is more."

  "M&Ms are one of my favorite candies." He licked his lips. "And an attraction between two consenting adults means we get to live on the edge and see where the spark leads. It doesn't have to be more than that."

  The empty walls needed a portrait, so she could stare at it and not at him. A distraction would stop the flutters in her chest.

  "There is something in the air that goes into my brain, and I keep seeing a flashing sign to not trust you."

  His cheeks blushed. "I don't know what to say."

  "Okay, I'll bend. I want to go to the wedding tonight, and not let myself panic. But no more fancy gifts."

  He shrugged. "We can have lunch? I am hungry."

  A whirlwind spun in her mind. She took his arm and pressed her lips together. "Okay, let's go. I have luxuries at the hotel waiting for me upon my return."

  He unlocked the door and escorted her into the hallway. None of the business people that rushed past them noticed anything unusual. She lifted her head as they walked toward a restaurant next door.

  "Victoria decided to open a dress shop and take over a fashion empire. Handlers for people who want her good favor send free clothes all the time."

  “That’s why you had women’s clothes on speeddial.” She swallowed as the staff escorted Peter to a table in the corner. "But why did you tell me that, now?"

  “Trust.” He waited for her to sit and then sat next. "Because you seem to care where the money comes from, and I don't want you to worry. The suite you're staying in is already leased to my company in case I need to fly anyone in, ever."

  "You could have said that earlier too." The lightheadedness she felt near Peter meant she should never drink. She gazed at the menu and not at him. "Okay, so the clothes didn't cost you anything."

  "No, I didn't spend a dime, but I want to make sure you're prepared for when people speculate about us. Would you like to look at the menu?"

  She'd be the girl people stared at in the checkout line. A few of the faces of those celebrity photos of some of the most gorgeous people in the world also had poses of the same celebrity looking hideous. The last thing she ever wanted was to be one of them.

  Her toes tapped on the floor. Her thoughts were vain, and she intended to change this topic. She gazed up from her menu and stared at the door.

  "I thought we were meeting someone?"

  He reached into his back pocket and stared at his phone screen. Then he put it away and gazed into her eyes. "They aren't here. My secretary texted that they have rescheduled for coffee later."

  She had come to call this whole thing off with him. She half closed her menu. "So do you want to stay?"

  "With you, yes."

  The waitress brought bread and water. She shrugged. "I'll order some sort of chicken or salmon. I need something light and not heavy if I'm to fit into something form fitting."

  The waitress nodded. "I suggest the salmon, ma'am. It's wild, not farmed, and it practically falls off the fork."

  For this one moment, Belle's mind cleared. She nodded. "Perfect."

  Peter offered the waitress a smile. She kicked the table, though he simply said, "Make that two."

  Belle's cheeks pricked like she blushed as the waitress bounced away saying, "I'll be back with your orders."

  Peter stared at her, and the heat in her skin grew everywhere. "So you're calm about tonight?"

  She gulped her entire glass of water. It didn't cool her insides. Her legs were restless and almost brushed against his under the table.

  "I guess. Why do you want to spend all this time with me?"

  He broke the bread and offered her a piece. "Most people don't fascinate me."

  “Again!” What might she say that made any sense? She shook her head, but then took the bread. "Lose that word when you talk about me. I don't know what that means."

  He nodded. "Belle Jordan, you and I might not make sense on paper, but I don't care. You're opinion on things makes you the most unashamed and honest woman I've met in a long time."

  There must be a blush on her face now. She couldn't meet his gaze. "Thank you, but I'm just being myself."

  The waitress brought out the salmon plates and left. She dared to glance at him, and he frowned.

  He waited until they were alone and said, "Don't thank me."

  "Why not?"

  "There is something I should admit."

  She leaned against her seat. She saw how his eyebrows darted. She dropped her napkin in her lap and tilted her head.

  "You're a strange one. Whatever it is, just spit it out, so we can keep this peace that is growing between us."

  "You expect honesty and give it in return."

  A smile broke on her face and then she covered her lips to hide it. "True, so what is it that makes you seem guilty?"

  "Guilty? That's not it." His gaze narrowed. "I don't know right now. You confuse me."

  This was perhaps the most elegant two dates of her life, and the pin
nacle moment came tonight. She'd go through with this. Reality could wait till after the holidays.

  "At least it's not just me then. I can toast to that."

  He ran his hand through his hair. "Belle, tomorrow, after the wedding, there is something we have to discuss."

  She swallowed as tingles on her lips grew again from how he stared at her. She nodded, but then said, "The no kissing rule is back on, then. There is something I have to figure out."

  "Deal. Not unless you ask."

  She licked her lips, but this wasn't nearly what she wanted. Instead she chose her fork and gritted her teeth. "I used to make fun of girls who wanted all these things. Now here I am."

  "I'll pick you up from the hotel tonight. Will you be ready by eight?"

  This was it. She was going. Christmas Eve for a wedding would make everything better. She blinked and let her body stilled. Then she met his gaze.

  "Sure."

  Her word was all she had to give. There was no going back.

  Chapter Ten

  The trio of hair, makeup and clothes all rushed out of her room at quarter to eight. The red Valentino dress she wore might cost more than a few months' paychecks. The Christmas-themed wedding meant she could wear this vibrant color. She had skipped the prom back in high school, so this was her big moment.

  She let out a giggle as she gazed out her balcony to the white lights that circled palm trees. The night air still had a tinge of warmness to it, and she stared into the distance at the waterfall and the party of people who drank on a patio with jazz music that floated to her window. Whoever those people were, they seemed to be having fun.

  As she made her way inside, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She stepped closer to truly see what had happened to her. Her once frizzy mop of hair was now smooth, and she almost seemed glamorous. Julia Robert's dress in Pretty Woman seemed so old fashioned compared to the gown Belle now modeled. The most surprising thing of all, though, was how the makeup didn't change her entirely. Belle saw a glimpse of herself, but all the skin flaws she sported everyday were gone.

  She glanced at the time. Peter would be here soon. She rushed to get her phone and wish Em a Merry Christmas. She hoped she liked the selection of dresses she had sent, but she had never called to confirm.

  The phone rang and a moment later, Em said, "Belle, can I keep all of these?"

  "Yeah, I guess."

  Em squealed.

  Belle sent a selfie through the phone and bit her lip.

  A moment later Em said, "Oh my goodness. You will steal the bride's thunder."

  She backed into the wall. "I should change then."

  "Don't you dare. She stole your fiancé and then invited you to witness it. Let him eat his heart out."

  Belle ran her hand over her hair. She didn't want to knot anything and ensured her fingers didn't mess anything up too badly.

  "Colt loves Victoria. I don't hate people for following their hearts."

  "Even though it ripped yours out and then sent it through a blender?"

  She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes. "Did it? If it did, how did I wind up here?"

  "You had me as your best friend for one."

  Belle covered her lips, but then whispered how she felt, "True. Em, my heart is racing."

  "Why?"

  The concern made her heartbeat echo louder. She closed her eyes. "'Cause Peter will be here in a moment."

  "Your big date with the billionaire who is on track to be one of the first trillionaires?"

  Her eyes widened, and she couldn't even blink. "What?"

  "I read a Wall Street Journal article on him today. I'll come over for a selfie with you both. Don't ignore me."

  "I would never." Her stomach knotted. "And thanks for making me jitterier."

  "Don't you dare. You look like you could handle a trillionaire tonight."

  A dress and a hair style didn't change who she was on the inside. Belle clenched her hands and leaned on a table.

  "I'm a fraud."

  "No more than any other woman there tonight, hoping to catch his attention."

  She pushed herself off the table, and fumbled with her pocketbook. "Why am I doing this? I should be at the table with you and the boys."

  "Me and the boys will get a glimpse of you all dressed up. We're excited to see your hot date."

  A calmness took hold of her body. Belle unclenched her hands and sat on the couch. "My life is so not its norm right now. I am glad you're around, even if we have missed each other."

  "Just don't fall in love."

  The words fell out of her mouth without a filter. "I don't have a heart, remember? If I did, I'd be devastated and not here, at this wedding."

  "Or you like pretending you don't."

  She sat straight, but then a knock rang in the air. She glanced at the clock, and it read exactly eight o'clock. Belle stood.

  "Em, I have to go."

  "I'll see you tonight."

  Friends were a good reality check. Her knuckles cracked as she crossed the floor to the door.

  "Perfect, I'll see you then."

  She ended the call and threw the phone in her pocketbook. Perhaps she shouldn't answer holding her bag, but there was no place to lay it down. She clutched it and threw open the door.

  Peter stood there in a gray tuxedo and held a box in his hands. Her fingers itched to grab his collar and tug him into her room for a long kiss. She shook off the visual. Lightheadedness remained though she tried to steady her feet.

  "You look nice, Peter."

  He lifted the box in his hand. "You need a few more things."

  Clearly their thoughts didn't align, which was good. The no kissing rule had to stay for now. She licked her lips and stared at the box that obviously held jewelry.

  "We agreed no more presents that make me uncomfortable."

  He opened the box and diamonds glittered brighter than the moon outside her window. "Then tonight, when we're done, give them back to me. Consider this a loan."

  "I swear you are looking for my price tag. If you are, jewels and clothes aren't it."

  "What would be?"

  "I don't know, opening your heart and being vulnerable."

  Peter followed her into the suite larger than her apartment at home. "You drive a hard bargain."

  "You have no idea."

  The lightness moved to her chest as she fingered the diamond necklace. It was thicker than anything she'd ever worn.

  "Tomorrow can we have brunch?"

  He shoved the box into her hand.

  She blinked. “Why would you want to meet me tomorrow?”

  “You know why.”

  "That's right. You had to tell me something." Adrenaline rushed through her. "Or you could skip the anticipation and anxiety and tell me now."

  "No. Tomorrow is better. Tonight's my sister's wedding."

  She stared at the inside cover of the box and recognized the name, Harry Winston. "Fair enough, though honesty is always the best policy."

  "Your world and mine are different. I find very few honest people in the world."

  She needed a mirror for the clasp. "Give me a minute."

  As she walked away, she saw how his shoulders slumped. She fastened the earrings and attempted to clasp the necklace. The latch didn't work, and Peter's strong fingers brushed against her neck as he locked the necklace.

  Her face had tinges of red in it from a blush, so she turned from the mirror and stared into his sexy brown eyes. The smell of oak and the tingle of his kiss earlier made every cell in her body alive.

  "How does it look?"

  "Perfect."

  As she stared into his gaze, she saw a kaleidoscope of color. She turned her head toward the ground. Then Peter lifted his elbow.

  "Give me your arm."

  Her arm wrapped around his arm and followed him to the door. As he opened it, she swallowed. "Okay. Peter, I'm scared and I’m never scared of any situation."

  “At some point, we’re all ou
t of our natural element.” He slowed his pace. "You’ll be fine though. You’re a tough as nails Marine who saved the groom's life, remember?"

  "I wasn't wearing anything like I am tonight."

  "Underneath, you are the same."

  "Glad you think so."

  She pressed the elevator button. This honesty she had near him was like she had no filter. She should. He was supposed to be reserved and a womanizer. Yet she couldn't stop.

  She sighed. "I don't want to make a fool of myself, tonight."

  He led her inside the elevator as the sound of jazz music grew louder. Her heart hammered with the sound of the saxophone as he said, "It's a wedding. Once we get inside, all eyes are on the bride."

  “Good.” A kiss would send her right into orbit. She pressed her lips together to not say that. "You're right."

  "And you did promise to dance with me, so that should be fun."

  The elevator dinged as she lifted her eyebrows. "I agreed to be your date. We didn't say dancing."

  His wink was hypnotic. "It's part of being my date."

  Tomorrow always comes. She'd live for today. "I suppose the agreement can be amended."

  "Always contracts and agreements with you. Let's have fun."

  As they crossed through the lobby, and she stayed on his arm, the mouths of people around them fell open. Despite how she thought something was going on with him, she let her guard down. She turned to stare at his profile.

  "People are staring."

  "You're beautiful. It happens to women like you."

  The prettiest words. She knew better than to let fantasy mess with her reality, but she licked her lips.

  "Hardly. Just hold my hand and let's get to the limo."

  He lowered his arm and took her hand. His fingers laced with hers, and her heart thumped. For one night, she'd drop her guard. He was right that she never let herself have fun.

  He said, "This way."

  Her breath hitched as she scooted inside the limo. He slid in seamlessly after her. "Peter."

  "What?"

  Impulses couldn't be stopped at the moment. She came closer to him as the driver took off. Her hand brushed against his face as she said, "I'm going to kiss you on the cheek, but don't take it as anything more than that."