by Nora Roberts
He streamed into traffic, decided everybody in Baltimore had opted to go to the grocery store after work. All it took was dire whispers of snow, and every mother’s son and daughter jammed the aisles. Maybe he could skip it, make due with what he had.
Or just order in a pizza.
He had to go over his drawings for another job, and the supply list for the house he and Brad had just settled on.
His time was better spent . . .
He glanced idly to his left as the traffic in his lane stopped.
At first all he saw was a woman, a really pretty woman driving a dark blue Chevy Blazer. Lots of hair, curling hair the color of light caramel, springing out from under a black watch cap. She was tapping her fingers on the steering wheel in a way that told him she was keeping time to something on the radio. His was rocking with Springsteen’s “Growin’ Up.” And from the rhythm of her fingers, he thought she had the same station going.
Funny.
Entertained at the thought, he angled so he could get a better look at her face.
And there she was. Dream Girl. The cheekbones, the curve of lips, the little mole.
His mouth dropped open, and shock had him jerking, stalling his truck. She flicked a glance in his direction, and for a moment—a kind of breathless moment—those long, tawny eyes met his.
And once again, the music stopped.
He thought, Holy shit!, then she frowned, turned her head away. Drove off.
“But, but, but—” His own stutter brought him back. He cursed himself, turned on the engine. But his lane was stuck, and hers was moving right along. Horns blasted irritably as he dragged off his seat belt, shoved open his door.
He actually had the wild idea of running after her car. Just running down the street like a mental patient. But she was too far ahead. Too far, he thought, furious with himself, for him to even read her plate.
“There you go again,” he murmured, and simply stood, horns blaring around him, as the first flakes of snow fell.
Anyway, it was weird.” Reena leaned on the counter in the kitchen at Sirico’s, where her mother was back, manning the stove. “I mean he was really good-looking, if you discount the fact that his mouth was hanging open wide enough to catch a swarm of flies, and his eyes were bugged out like somebody’d just rammed a stick up his butt. I mean I could feel him staring at me, you know? And when I looked over, he’s like this.”
Reena mimed the look.
“Maybe he was having a heart attack.”
“Mama.” With a laugh, Reena leaned over to kiss her cheek. “He was just weird.”
“You keep your doors locked?”
“Mama, I’m a cop. Speaking of which, I caught another case today. Couple of kids broke into their school, set fires in a couple of classrooms. Didn’t do a good job of it, lucky for them.”
“Where are the parents?”
“They’re not all you. Fire-setting like this is a big problem with kids. Nobody was hurt, which was a godsend, and the property damage was minimal. O’Donnell and I rounded them up, but one of them—I’ve got a bad feeling about him. I think the psych eval’s going to back me up. Ten years old, and he’s got that look in his eyes. Remember Joey Pastorelli? That look.”
“Then it’s good you caught him.”
“This time. Well, I’ve got to go spruce myself up for my date.”
“Where are you going tonight?”
“I don’t know. Luke’s being very mysterious about it. I’m ordered to wear something fantastic, which is why I was hitting the mall for a new dress and had my weird-guy sighting.”
“Luke. Is he the one?”
“He’s the one right now.” She rubbed a hand down her mother’s back. He wasn’t the long-haul guy, she knew that already. “You’ve got Bella and Fran tucked in and giving you grandbabies.”
“I don’t say you have to be married and having babies. I just want you happy.”
“Me, too. I am.”
He’d chosen upscale and French, so Reena was glad she’d sprung for the deep blue velvet. And the way his eyes had warmed when he saw her in it took the sting out of the price tag.
But when he ordered a bottle of Dom Pérignon and caviar, she stared.
“What is going on. What’s the occasion?”
“I’m having dinner with a beautiful woman. My beautiful woman,” he added, taking her hand, kissing her fingers in a way that softened every muscle in her body. “You look amazing tonight, Cat.”
“Thanks.” She’d certainly worked at it. “But there’s something going on. I can see it.”
“You know me too well. Let’s wait for the champagne. If they ever get it to the table.”
“No hurry. You can pass the time by telling me again how amazing I look.”
“Every inch. I love when you wear your hair that way. All straight and sleek.”
Which took endless time, made her arms ache from fighting the curls away with the round brush and the hair dryer. But since it was the look he favored, she didn’t mind indulging him now and then. He nodded to the waiter who brought the bottle to the table, revealed the label. And tapped his own glass to indicate he’d do the tasting.
When it was approved, poured, Luke lifted his glass. “To my delicious, delectable Cat.”
“I’m willing to be on the menu, when I’m served with this.” She tapped her glass to his, sipped. “Mmmm. Sure beats the hell out of the house sparkling at Sirico’s.”
“The wine cellar there doesn’t exactly run deep. The one here’s extraordinary. An exceptional French like this doesn’t go with pepperoni pizza.”
“I don’t know.” She chose to be amused. “I think it’d be a nice complement to both. Now, we’ve got our wine, had our toast. What’s going on?”
“Nosy, aren’t you?” He tapped his finger to his nose. “I got a promotion. A big one.”
“Luke! That’s great, that’s wonderful! Congratulations. Wow, here’s to you.” She lifted her glass again and drank.
“Thanks.” He beamed at her. “I don’t mind saying I worked for it. The Laurder account was the last card in the deck. When I sewed that up, I had it. Would have been smoother if you’d helped me schmooze them, but . . .”
“You managed it yourself. I’m really proud of you.” She reached over to lay her hand on his. “So, do you get a new title, another office? Let me have all the details.”
“Fat raise in salary.”
“Goes without saying.” She set her glass down, and the waiter appeared like magic to top it off.
“If you’re ready to order—”
Reena’s hand squeezed Luke’s as his tensed. “Why don’t we? I’m starved, and then you can tell me every tiny detail while we eat.”
“If that’s the way you want it.”
She waited until they’d given their choices—and maybe it was a little pretentious for Luke to order in French. But it was cute, and he was entitled to a little leeway tonight.
“When did it happen anyway?” she asked him.
“Day before yesterday. I wanted to set tonight up before I told you. Reservations here can be hard to come by.”
“And what do we call you now? The king of financial planning?”
The pleased grin spread over his face. “That’s next. For now, I’ve settled for a VP slot.”
“Vice president. Wow. We should have a party.”
“Oh, I’ve got some plans. You know, Cat, you might put a bug in your sister’s ear again. Now that I’m in this position, maybe she can convince her husband to throw his account my way.”
“Vince seems satisfied where he is,” she began, and saw his eyes cloud. “But I’ll mention it. I’ll see her on Sunday, for Sophia’s birthday party. You never told me if you were going to be able to make that.”
“Cat, you know how I feel about those big family things, and a kid’s birthday on top of it.” His eyes aimed toward the ceiling. “Spare me.”
“I know, it can be overwhelming. That’s fine.
I just wanted you to know you’re welcome.”
“If you think it would help sway your brother-in-law . . .”
This time she tensed, then deliberately relaxed again. “Let’s keep family and business separate, okay? I’ll see if I can talk to Vince about meeting with you, but it’s, well, it’s tacky to try to scoop his account at his daughter’s party.”
“Tacky? Now I’m tacky for trying to do my job and give your brother-in-law good financial advice?”
She let him stew while their first course was served. “No. But I can tell you Vince wouldn’t appreciate you talking business at a family event.”
“I’ve been to some of your family events,” he reminded her. “There’s plenty of business discussion. Pizza business.”
“Sirico’s is family. I’ll do what I can.”
“I’m sorry.” He waved a hand, then patted it on hers. “You know I get wound up when it comes to my work. We’re here to celebrate, not to argue. I know you’ll try a little harder to bring your brother-in-law around.”
Had she said that? she wondered. She didn’t think so, but it was smarter to let it go. Otherwise they’d just go in circles, and she’d lose her appetite.
“So, tell me more, Mr. Vice President. Will you be heading a department?”
He told her more, and while she listened she enjoyed watching the animation on his face. She knew what it was to work toward a goal, then reach it. Exhilarating. The little ripples of tension smoothed away as they ate.
“This fish is fabulous. Want a bite?” As soon as she said it, saw his expression, she laughed. “Sorry, I always forget you don’t like eating off each other’s plates. But you’re missing out, let me tell you. Oh, I didn’t tell you I caught another case today. There—”
“I wasn’t finished. I haven’t gotten to the most important part.”
“Oh. Sorry. There’s more?”
“The big bang. You asked if I’ll be getting a new office. I will be.”
“Big and splashy?” she said, playing in.
“That’s right. Big and splashy. And on Wall Street.”
“Wall Street?” Stunned, she set down her fork. “New York? They’re promoting you to New York?”
“I’ve been busting my ass for this, and now I’ve got it. The Baltimore office is chump change compared to the setup I’ll have in New York.” His face was grim as he drank more champagne. “I earned this.”
“Absolutely. I’m just surprised. I didn’t know you’d hoped to relocate.”
“No point in talking about it until it’s done. And it’s not just relocating, Cat. It’s a major leap for me.”
“Congratulations all around.” She smiled as she tapped her glass to his. “I’m going to miss you. When do you leave?”
“Two weeks.” His eyes warmed, and his lips curved in the smile that had first caught her eye months before. “I’m taking the train up tomorrow to check out some apartments.”
“Fast work.”
“Why waste time? Which brings me to the second part of all this. Cat, I want you to go with me.”
“Oh, Luke, that would be great. I’d love a quick trip to New York, but I can’t take off tomorrow. With a little more notice I could—”
“I don’t mean tomorrow. I’ve got a realtor working with me, and I know what I’m looking for in an apartment. I mean I want you in New York with me. Cat.” Even as she opened her mouth to speak, he took her hand. “You’re exactly what I want. You’re the icing on this cake. Come with me to New York.”
Her heart tripped as he took a small box out of his pocket, thumbed it open. “Marry me.”
“Luke.” It was a staggering solitaire. She didn’t know anything about diamonds, but she knew staggering when it was blinding her. “It’s gorgeous. It’s . . . Well, wow, but—”
“Classic, like you. We’ll have an amazing life together, Cat. Exciting. Rich.” He glanced away from her for an instant, gave a little nod. Then his eyes were back on hers as he slid the ring on her finger.
“Wait—”
But the waiter was there with a fresh bottle of champagne and beaming smiles. “Congratulations! We wish you every happiness.”
Even as he poured there was applause from neighboring tables, and Luke was up and coming around to her to stop any words she might have said with a long, warm kiss.
“To us,” he said as he sat back down. “To the beginning of the rest.”
And when he tapped his glass to hers, she said nothing.
There was a knot of distress in the pit of her stomach. Trapped, she thought. That was how she felt. Trapped into accepting the congratulations and good wishes from the restaurant staff, other diners as Luke led her outside. The ring on her finger sparkled like a mad thing in the streetlights, and weighed like lead on her finger.
“We’ll go to my place.” He caught her in his arms beside his car, bent his head to nuzzle her neck. “And really celebrate.”
“No, I need to go home. I need to be at work early, and . . . Luke, we need to talk.”
“Have it your way.” He kissed her again. “It’s your night.”
Far from it, was all she could think. The knot in her belly was beginning to make her queasy, and the leading edge of a tension headache cut at the base of her neck.
“I’ll take some digitals of the apartments so you’ll have an idea.” He drove with a smile on his face. “Unless you want to ditch work now and run up there with me. Be more fun.” He turned his head, winked at her. “We could go shopping. I can get my assistant to book us a suite at the Plaza, get us some tickets to a show.”
“I can’t. It’s just too—”
“All right, all right.” He shrugged a dismissive shoulder. “But don’t complain when I sign a lease on a place you haven’t seen. I’ve got three places earmarked in Lower Manhattan. The one I’m leaning toward is a three-bedroom loft. Realtor claims it’s a great space for entertaining. Just came on the market, so my timing’s good. Close enough to the office I should be able to walk to work in good weather. Price is stiff, but with my new position, I can afford it. And I’ll be expected to do some entertaining. Traveling, too. Going places, Cat.”
“Sounds like you’ve got it all planned out.”
“What I’m best at. Oh, I want to throw a little party before we go. We can make it a combination farewell and engagement deal. If we want to have it at my place, we’ll have to put it together fast. Have to start packing up.”
Again, she said nothing, just let him ramble as they drove to her apartment over Sirico’s.
“Let’s hold off making the big announcement.” He nodded toward the restaurant. “I want you all to myself for tonight. You can show off your ring tomorrow.”
He came around to open her door. It was one of the gestures he always made, gestures she’d always considered sweet and old-fashioned.
When they were inside, he helped her off with her coat. Nuzzled her neck again. She stepped away, taking a breath before she turned to face him. “Let’s sit down.”
“Wedding plans.” He laughed as he spread his arms. “I know women like to dive right in, but let’s just concentrate on being engaged tonight.” He stepped forward to trail his fingers down her cheek. “Let me concentrate on you.”
“Luke, I need you to listen to me. You didn’t give me a chance in the restaurant. One minute you’re showing me a ring, the next the waiter’s pouring champagne and people are clapping. You put me in an impossible position.”
“What are you talking about? You don’t like the ring?”
“Of course I like the ring, but I didn’t accept it. You didn’t let me. You just assumed. And I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, Luke, but you assumed too much.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Luke, we never even mentioned marriage before tonight, now suddenly you have us engaged and moving to New York. I don’t want to move to New York, for starters. My family is here. My work is here.”
“For Christ’s sake,
it’s a couple hours on the train. You can see your family every few weeks if you want to. Though it’s past time you cut the cord there, if you ask me.”
“I haven’t asked you,” she said quietly. “Any more than you’ve asked me. I’ve recently gotten promoted myself, which it occurs to me we never bothered to celebrate.”
“Oh, for God’s sake. You can’t really compare—”
“I’m not. I’m just taking stock.” Long past time to take it, she admitted. Her fault. “You couldn’t have been less interested in my work, but you assume I’ll resign from the unit here and happily move off with you to New York.”
“You want to keep playing with fire? I hear they have them in New York, too.”
“Don’t belittle what I do.”
“What do you expect?” He shouted now. “You’re putting your job ahead of me, ahead of us. You think I can afford to turn down this promotion so you can stay here in Baltimore and cook up spaghetti on Sundays? If you can’t see why my career’s more important, then I’ve seriously misjudged you.”
“I can’t, so you have. But even that’s beside the point. I never said I wanted to get married—and I don’t. Not now. I never said I would marry you. You didn’t bother to let me answer.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” His face was ruddy, as it became with temper. And was moving toward red. “You sat right there and accepted. You’ve got the ring on your finger.”
“I didn’t want to make a scene. I didn’t want to embarrass you.”
“Embarrass me?”
“Luke, the waiter was right there.” She lifted her hands to scrub them over her face. “And those people at the next table. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“So, what, you just strung me along?”
“That wasn’t my intention. It’s not my intention to hurt you now. But you’ve made all these plans without consulting me first. Marriage is . . . I’m just not ready for it. I’m sorry.” She pulled the ring off her finger, held it out to him. “I can’t marry you.”
“What the hell is this?” He gripped her shoulders, gave her a quick shake. “You’ve got some sort of hang-up about leaving Baltimore? For God’s sake, grow up.”
“I’m happy here, and I don’t consider that a hang-up.” She pulled away. “My home is here, my family is here, my work’s here. But Luke, if I were ready to get married, if I wanted to get married, and leaving here was part of it, I would. Marriage isn’t on the table for me right now.”