Feeling him hovering behind her, she swung to confront him. “What do you want, Connor? Why are you here in the first place?”
“I want to help you.” His voice rang rich with sincerity and his emerald eyes bored into her as if nothing mattered more than she did.
For one surreal instant she believed him. The next she remembered that lawyers learned early to fake sincerity.
“Please, Venus, for your sake hear me out,” he asked with that same note of concern.
Again, the feeling that this moment must be an omen, like what she’d felt in the café with Bridget, rushed into her numbed mind. Someone had committed this horrible act against her, but because of it she now had this opportunity to get closer to Connor.
Only by getting close to him do I have any chance of learning the truth and helping Dad.
She took a deep breath, hating when it sounded so ragged. “I’m listening.”
“Ed Mahoney has been Clayworth’s insurance specialist for years. And his father before him. You’ll need his expertise when it comes to your clients’ stolen property and your liability.”
“Venus!” Her father’s deep voice called to her from the top of the staircase before he started down the steps.
“Dad!” she screamed, and flew into his open arms.
“I was at home working on my goddess book when Diana called. I’m so sorry. I know how much Pandora’s Box means to you.”
Venus untangled herself from her father’s warm, loving embrace. Sensing he hoped she’d behave well and needing to be nice for her own reasons, she forced herself to smile up at Connor and bat her eyelashes. Tears she hadn’t realized were still there flicked hot and stinging on her cheeks.
“Everything’s a mess, Dad. But Connor… Connor has offered to help us.”
The tenseness across her father’s shoulders seemed to relax. Seeing it made her sacrifice worth it.
He turned to Connor. “Thank you. Ed has arrived. He told me you’ve asked him to help with the insurance. He’s waiting upstairs for you.”
Her father’s coolness couldn’t be more different from his manner toward Connor before this whole mess started. Venus felt his sadness in every cell of her body.
“Thanks. I’ll go talk to him now.” Connor stared into her eyes with the same open, intent look that earlier had momentarily thrown her off balance. “Venus, I promise this will work out.”
Determined to wipe the defeated glaze out of her father’s eyes by uncovering the truth, Venus focused on making it happen. Hoping she looked like a damsel in distress Connor needed to rescue, she smiled faintly at him and then watched him bound up the staircase.
Her father pulled her tight to his side. “I know this is difficult for you because of me. Despite the trouble between our families, I believe you’ve made the right decision in allowing Connor to help.”
More confused than ever by his feelings for the Clayworths, Venus twirled a piece of hair around her fingers. “I don’t understand how you can still trust any of them after what they did to you.”
Sadness settled in the depths of his eyes and etched itself on the strong bones of his face. “Venus, I wish I could tell you more. I can only say again that I became entangled in their troubles. Which are deep.” He pressed a kiss on the top of her head. “Trust me, my impetuous Venus, Connor will help with your problem if he can.”
Thinking of her father’s problem and not the store’s, she laid her cheek on his shoulder, fingering the mermaid hanging on a chain between her breasts. “Oh, I hope you’re right, Dad, and Connor will help me.”
Torn by her love for her father and her absolute heart-and-soul certainty that he would try to stop her from finding out the truth through Connor, she vowed to do it regardless of the cost to her or the Clayworth family.
Trust me, Dad, I’ll do whatever it takes to convince Connor to absolve you of all wrongdoing.
Even after all these months, when Connor saw Alistair it still felt like he’d been punched in the solar plexus, the one blow guaranteed to bring a man to his knees. The way he’d felt when he’d finally realized how Alistair had betrayed him and his family. He’d never trust anyone again as much as he had Alistair. Connor had hated what he’d had to do as much as Venus appeared to hate him for doing it.
Now I have a different Smith problem to solve.
Putting on his lawyer facade, he walked to where Ed stood talking to Diana near the large front window. Through the glass Connor saw a few people were still curiously peering inside.
“Thanks for getting here so quickly, Ed.”
“I came as soon as I received your message.” Ed’s face appeared ruddier than usual above his tight white starched shirt collar and he sounded out of breath.
“This is most disturbing,” he declared in a deep rumbling sigh. Frowning, he clasped one of Diana’s hands between his wide palms. “I deeply regret this violation of your beautiful establishment. My dear Maxie is one of your most devoted clients. I’m sorry my first visit must be under these circumstances. With your permission I need to examine the premises before I review your insurance documents.”
“Thank you. Do whatever you need to do.” Diana smiled as Ed headed to the broken back door.
Watching Ed, Connor tried to reassure her. “Don’t be fooled by his flowery manners. He’s the best and tough as they come.”
“I know.” Diana sighed. “Calling him in was a great idea. I really do appreciate it. And I know Venus does, too. She feels responsible for finding good homes for all the treasures here. She thinks of them as the discarded dreams of others that are getting a second chance at making people happy.”
Yeah, I get it, and now she’s under my skin in a different way.
He shrugged, trying to rid himself of the way Venus made him feel. “Glad I’m here to help you both. What else do you need?”
Diana glanced around the wrecked room. “A cleaning crew.”
Remembering his meeting with Gregori about his doing additional community service by cleaning the gym, Connor smiled. “You’ve got it. I’ll go take care of that now.”
“Before you leave I need to know why you came here this morning, Connor.”
Diana’s eyes seemed to grow larger, filling her tiny face. Again, he had the craziest feeling she could read his thoughts.
“Did you come about Bridget’s mermaid brooch? It’s so beautiful and old it must be a family heirloom.”
He jerked back his head in shock. How did she know? “I did come about the brooch. Yes, it is special. I’m sorry I’ll have to tell Aunt Bridget it was stolen.”
Diana shook her head. “It surely would have been stolen if it had been here. It’s safe. Venus is wearing it as a pendant under her blouse. She swears she’s never taking it off.”
Chapter 5
Bridget walked into Connor’s office at Clayworth’s while he was still on the phone ordering clean-up equipment to take to Pandora’s Box.
“Why is Gregori workin’ out in your private gym? I thought it was you in there punchin’ away at that bag, makin’ all the racket.”
Connor hung up the phone and moved quickly around the desk to her side.
“He’s going with me to help clean up Pandora’s Box. It was burgled last night or early this morning. The thieves took all their most expensive pieces. Plus jewelry belonging to customers left there for repairs.” He watched for her reaction, hoping to get a clue to what in the hell might be going on. “Your mermaid brooch is safe, by the way. Venus is wearing it.”
Abruptly, Bridget dropped down into the black leather chair in front of the desk. “I knew Venus wanted the brooch for herself. It seemed special to her. I’m glad it’s safe.” She shook her head. “This is awful news. Tony’s company installed the security system in their store. It’s top of the line. He’ll want to know about this. How are the girls takin’ it?”
Remembering Venus’s eyes luminous with tears, Connor shook his head. “Venus is taking it hard. I’m going over there now to help get the plac
e back in order. The thieves trashed it.”
His aunt tilted her head, studying him. “You’re goin’? Why don’t you send a cleanin’ crew from the store?”
“Drew would expect me to help Athena’s sisters.” If he had other reasons he needed to keep them to himself for now.
“And you always do what’s expected of you.” Sighing, Bridget rose slowly to face him. “I’m not disagreein’ about helpin’ the girls. They’re all three dear to my heart. But you’re goin’ to be busy the next few weeks. Your mother called to arrange for the corporate jet to pick her up in Palm Beach and fly her to Chicago. She’s bringin’ a friend. Mugsy Osborn. And her daughter, CeCe.”
“Perfect.” Sighing, he leaned against the edge of his desk, recalling his mother’s last visit. “At least she’s only offering up one candidate. Last year she brought home twin sisters.” He smiled. “I must admit they presented some interesting moments.”
Bridget gave him one of her stern looks, but her mouth curled up. “You know your mother and I have never agreed on much. God forgive me but I understand her wantin’ you to find a wife. But I’m for lettin’ you do the choosin’. She has her idea of the right type for you and nothin’ will change her mind.”
“Thank you, Aunt Bridget, for finally trusting me to be old and wise enough to find my own mate.”
After last night, it felt good to hear her rich real laughter.
“Don’t try to be funny, Connor. Save your sense of humor for your mother. You’ll need it. She’s bought a table for the Service Club Gala next Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel. You’re to escort all three ladies.” She kissed his cheek and chuckled. “But don’t you worry. Tony and I are also her guests. You know how we love to run interference for you.”
Resigned to the inevitable, he straightened, flexing his shoulders. “I look forward to it. But now I have a more important date to keep, with Venus.”
Venus sent Ed away with a thick folder of insurance papers clasped to his chest. But her dad resisted her efforts to be alone.
He cupped her face with his palms. “You’ve always been my staunchest helper. I want to be here for you.”
She gazed up into his dear face, determined to say and do what she thought best for him.
“Dad, I know you’re always in my corner. But remember, I’m the expert on vintage jewelry, so I must inventory the damage myself. There is nothing you can do here. Honestly.”
He kissed her nose, as he’d done for as long as she could remember when she frustrated him but he was giving in. “You got your stubbornness from your mother.”
“Remember, you told me that’s good.” She laughed.
Sighing, he stepped back. “Yes. Very good indeed. All right, I’m leaving. But I’m only a phone call away. Love you,” he whispered.
“Love you so much,” she whispered back, watching the door close behind him. “Okay, you, too.” She turned to her sister. “We set our meeting early this morning so you wouldn’t miss your appointment at Clayworth’s to work on the windows. Go before you keep your staff waiting. You hate that.”
Diana gave her a quick, tight hug. “I know you want to be alone. I’ll be back as soon as I finish. Promise.”
Venus locked the door against the curious people who still stopped to peer through the window. Turning her back, she moved deeper into Pandora’s Box. She didn’t want anyone to hear her sobs or see tears dribbling down her hot cheeks while she wandered between the two rooms.
The first item she picked up off the floor was a small black velvet hat by local milliner John Koch. His little designs, all handmade and unique, were customer favorites. Everyone called them happy hats because John’s creations made everyone smile. Now this little confection of lace, veil, and velvet looked sad. She untangled the twisted fine netting, being careful not to tear it. Pleased she’d restored the hat to its elegant state, she placed it carefully back on the shelf.
A brown alligator bag from the 1960s lay half hidden under balls of white tissue paper. Before she stuffed more tissue back into the handbag to help it keep its shape, she examined it for any damage. She repeated the same routine with a small black beaded evening bag.
Inconsequential actions compared to what lay in wait for her in the next room.
Knowing she had to face the disaster that had been her jewelry displays, she turned back to it.
Trying to view the wreckage as dispassionately as possible, she made a mental list of what she’d need to clean up the mess.
Number one. Rent an industrial-strength shop-vac to get the glass off the rug.
But first she’d have to carefully pick up every single piece of jewelry and examine and gently clean them all.
Rummaging through the back room, she located latex gloves and thick towels.
Determined to get started, she slipped on the gloves, placed two towels on the rug, knelt on them, and heard glass crush under her knees.
She untangled a gold-plated 1970s Dior necklace, picking tiny shards of glass from the settings of paste cabochons and faux pearls. Holding her breath, she checked the clasp and links. If broken, the metalwork could rarely be resoldered. Soft base metals couldn’t be reheated.
At last, satisfied that this piece hadn’t been damaged, she sighed and placed the necklace on the extra towel beside her.
Amidst the colorful jewels strewn across the Oriental rug, a semimatte Russian gold bracelet by Joseff of Hollywood, a copy of one worn in her favorite Cary Grant film, To Catch a Thief, caught her eye.
How appropriate!
A loud rap on the front door again sent a hot wave of fear through her. She swung around to face it.
Shock rooted her to the towels.
Why is Connor back?
Completely ignoring the tape she hadn’t yet removed, he stood outside with a young man, a monster red shop-vac, and huge padded blankets like those movers used to wrap furniture.
The second time he knocked and motioned to the shop-vac, she forced herself to scramble to her feet and yank open the door.
“Hi. This is Gregori. He works out at my Golden Gloves Gym. We’ve come to help clean up.”
Too stunned to stop him, Venus allowed Connor, carrying the padded blankets, to stroll past her into the store.
The teenager dragging the shop-vac stared at her, his mouth open, a tiny diamond winking at the tip of his tongue. “You’re the lady on Mr. O’Flynn’s TV.”
Utterly confused, she turned to Connor. She’d never noticed before how his blush started at the tips of his perfect ears.
“Gregori saw you on Rebecca’s show last night at the gym.”
“Yeah, you looked smokin’ hot.” He shifted from sneaker to sneaker. “That’s a compliment, you know.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. Needing to understand why Connor had come back, she looked at him rolling up the sleeves of his blue striped button-down shirt.
“Tell us where to begin. We need to pick up jewelry first, right?”
“We?” she gasped.
“Sure. I told you, Gregori and I are here to help. I would have sent a cleaning crew from Clayworth’s but I know how delicate some of these pieces must be and how much they mean to you.”
A strange, powerful warmth filled her chest and she caught her breath. “What’s going on, Connor?” Regardless of the fact that she felt a little light-headed, she stared him down.
He shrugged, staring right back at her. “I asked Diana what I could do to help. She said clean up. Here we are.”
For reasons Venus would never understand, Diana still insisted on working for Clayworth’s and loved it. Given that Diana owned as much of Pandora’s Box as Venus did, how could she refuse?
“We’re cool, right? Me and Mr. O’Flynn brought gloves and everything. Want us to start where you were workin’?” Gregori threw the thickly padded large mover’s blankets on and around her towel.
“Sure,” she muttered, feeling as if she should pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming that Connor Cl
ayworth O’Flynn, one of the most powerful men in the city, was down on his knees picking up jewelry in her ransacked store.
He glanced up, his eyes a bright green in the beams of sunlight streaming through the large window. “Where should we put these pieces?”
For one insane moment he looked so sweet and sexy she felt such a tug of attraction she needed to run away.
“I’ll get trays.” She fled to the basement, retrieving jewelry trays and her sanity.
I’m supposed to make him like me, not the other way around.
Deliberately picturing her father’s face, calling up all her old feelings of dislike and betrayal, she put them on like armor. She staggered back upstairs, laden with confusion and trays.
If she’d had a third hand she’d have been playing with her hair, a dead giveaway that she hadn’t figured this out yet.
Gregori jumped up to help her. “Let me take this stuff. Me and Mr. O’Flynn been talkin’. Don’t want you to cut yourself or nothin’. We’ll do the dirty work, but we’ll be real careful. Then you can wash your stuff off and put all the pieces nice and pretty on the trays.”
Did Connor know she could read the plea in his eyes not to rain on Gregori’s chivalry?
As if I would.
“What a fabulously kind idea, Gregori. Thank you so much. Please place only a few pieces on each tray so nothing becomes tangled.” She pointed to the brown velvet swag beyond the counter. “I’ll be back there cleaning while you pick up.”
Presenting it like a gift, Gregori held out the first tray, with two brooches, one bracelet, and two pairs of earrings spaced neatly apart. “Cool. I’ll bring the trays to you as quick as we fill them up.”
She gladly fled behind the curtain to escape Connor’s grateful smile. Obviously she must be in shock or having some kind of meltdown. Why else would she have this warm, fuzzy feeling watching Connor on his knees, talking softly to Gregori while they helped her? If Connor wanted to charm her he was close to succeeding despite her armor of protective dislike and distrust.
But why would he bother? He never has tried before.
Those questions ran over and over in her head while she took a very small soft brush plus water mixed with a tiny amount of gentle liquid cleaner and gave each piece of jewelry a few strokes, then rinsed and patted each dry with tissue paper, making sure none were left damp to rot the foil backing behind the stones.
All I Want Is You Page 5