She couldn't think about that now, refused to let herself give in to fear. She would accept what they had and be happy for it.
And then he smiled at her and her heart shattered.
"Hey."
"Hey, yourself." She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to smile back. "Breakfast is ready."
"Smells great."
He walked toward her, made every piece of her heart vibrate with longing.
"It'll be on the breakfast menu of my restaurant in one year." She hoped her voice sounded as easy as she intended. "As soon as I have my space back from you, of course."
When he moved beside her and leaned close, her breath held, waiting for his kiss. But he reached past her to the table and snatched a slice of potato instead, then popped it in his mouth.
"Tasty."
"Thanks."
She was about to turn when he tugged her to him, then covered her mouth with his. She melted into the kiss, felt it sing through her entire body.
"Very tasty," he murmured against her lips and pulled her closer. "You know what they say, don't you?"
"What?" she whispered, sliding her arms around his neck.
"If you can't stand the heat—" he scooped her up in his arms "—get out of the kitchen."
Laughing, she wrapped her arms around him and held on as he headed for the bedroom. At the sound of keys jangling in the doorknob, Reid stopped and turned. Tina froze, watched in horror as the door swung open.
"Well, now, what have we here?"
Ohmigod.
Clutching her robe together across her bared breasts, Tina blinked, then sucked in a lungful of air and managed a weak smile. "Hi, Aunt Yana."
* * *
Seven
« ^ »
Aunt Yana? Reid glanced at the photo of Tina's aunt hanging on the wall, then back at the woman standing in the doorway. Yep. Aunt Yana, all right.
She wore a deep-blue, long, flowing duster over silk ivory pants. Colorful stones dangled from her ears and circled a long, slender neck. In spite of the incredibly awkward moment, it was impossible for Reid not to be stunned by the older woman's beauty. A short crop of thick, straight sable-brown hair accented high cheekbones, aristocratic nose and gypsy-green eyes.
Her mouth, wide and full, slowly curved up at the corners as she closed the door behind her.
"You … you're home early," Tina sputtered.
"My shoot finished ahead of schedule." Yana slid a large straw handbag from her shoulder and dropped it on the entry table along with her keys, slid her gaze from the tip of Reid's bare toes to the towel draping his hips, then up to his face. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, Katina?"
"I—oh, of course." Tina gulped. "This is Reid Danforth. Reid, my aunt, Yana Alexander Dimetri Romano."
Not quite certain what the proper etiquette was for the situation, Reid simply nodded. "A pleasure, Ms. Romano."
"I think just Yana would be more appropriate." Folding her arms, Yana glanced back down at the towel. Amusement danced in her eyes. "All things considered."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Reid," Tina whispered, her voice strained. "Could you, ah, put me down?"
"Oh. Right."
When her feet touched the floor, Tina tightened the belt of her robe. Her face had gone from pale to rosy pink. "We were just … ah, going to have breakfast."
"Of course you were." Yana's smile widened. "It smells wonderful."
"I'll set another plate." Tina shifted from one bare foot to the other. "Just give me … us, a minute, to ah—"
"I believe I hear something buzzing." Yana glanced at the sport coat lying on the sofa, then looked back at Reid. Though the sound was faint, it was definitely a buzz. "Yours, I assume?"
He'd have to kill whoever was calling him, Reid decided. Holding tightly to the knot of the towel, he stepped to the sofa and retrieved his cell phone from his jacket.
"Excuse me." He backed toward the bedroom where he'd left his clothes.
"Take your time, dear," Yana called after him. "My niece and I could use a minute alone to say hello."
Closing the bedroom door behind him, Reid snapped the phone to his ear. "Yeah."
"Reid, where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all morning."
"Kimberly?" He heard the stress in his sister's voice. "Are you all right?"
"You have to come to Crofthaven right away. In the attic. They, they were working there this morning, and found—"
At the sound of her quiet sob, fear snaked through him. "Found what, Kim?"
"They found a body."
* * *
At least a dozen patrol cars were already at Crofthaven when Reid pulled in front of the mansion's main entrance. Several uniformed officers standing outside turned at the sight of the black BMW screeching to a halt, then quietly returned to their conversations after Reid hurried past them.
The first officers on the scene had carefully taken in every detail of the activities at Crofthaven. Later they would have the inside scoop to give to the rest of the station, not to mention their friends and family. And if they were really lucky, they just might find their faces on TV or in the newspapers.
The public, not to mention Abraham's rival candidates, would eat up every tasty morsel of the juicy story.
"Reid." Ian was coming down the stairs as Reid stepped into the foyer. "Thank God you're here."
"Tell me what's happened." Reid met his brother at the base of the stairs. "Kimberly called and said they found a body in the attic, but I didn't get much more out of her."
"She's pretty shook up." Ian dragged a hand through his hair and sighed. "Reid, we think it might be Victoria."
It was like taking a punch in the gut, and it was a moment before Reid could speak. "Vickie?"
"'Fraid so."
Victoria Danforth had suddenly disappeared five years ago and, though there'd been a nationwide hunt and several private detectives had been hired, no one had ever found a trace of their cousin.
"How is that possible?" Just the thought of it made Reid's stomach clench. "How could she be up there all this time? We searched everywhere."
"That section of the house has been closed up for years," Ian said. "And it also appears there was some kind of hidden compartment. If Dad hadn't decided to reopen that wing and renovate, we might not have ever found the body."
"Are they sure it's her?"
Ian shook his head. "The coroner's up there now, taking pictures and running a few preliminary tests. It could be days or even weeks before we have a positive ID."
At the sound of hushed voices, Reid glanced toward the living room. "Uncle Harold and Aunt Miranda?"
"They're in the living room with Dad and the rest of the family. If it is Vickie, they want to know as soon as possible."
All the years of not knowing if their daughter was alive or dead. He couldn't even imagine the agony his aunt and uncle had gone through. But even through their devastating loss, even as the months and years had passed without a trace of what had happened, they, and the entire family, hadn't given up hope that one day Vickie would be found alive.
And they wouldn't give up hope now, either, Reid thought somberly. Not until they had tangible, physical proof.
"What about the press?" Reid was surprised they weren't already swarming the mansion like locusts. "What do they know?"
"Nothing yet. Dad's called in a couple of favors to keep this quiet for a day or two, but I doubt we can contain it much longer. Nicola will put together a statement today."
"And the police?"
"They want to speak with the entire family," Ian said. "Right now they're questioning Joyce."
Reid frowned. "Why Joyce?"
"Procedure." Ian shrugged. "I guess they figure the housekeeper always knows everything, sees everything."
"That's certainly true with Joyce," Reid said with a nod. "When we were kids, I always swore that woman had eyes in the back of her head and superhero hearing."
Reid managed a grin, then sighed. "We might as well settle in with everyone else. Looks like it's going to be a long day."
"Based on the fact you're still in the same clothes I saw you in last night—" Ian took in his brother's rumpled appearance "—it looks like your night was a long one, too. Want to tell me about it?"
"Not really." He wasn't ready to talk about Tina yet. Wasn't certain what his feelings were, though there was no question he had them. Stronger than any feelings he'd ever had for a woman before.
It was just as well that Tina's aunt had come in when she had, Reid thought. After the night they'd had, a little distance might be a good thing.
But even as Reid followed Ian to the living room, even as he told himself that his family needed him now, that there was a much bigger issue than anything happening in his own personal life, he still couldn't get Tina Alexander out of his mind.
* * *
"These potatoes are delicious." Yana speared a small slice and popped it in her mouth. "Your creation?"
Freshly showered and dressed, Tina sat down at the kitchen table. It was just like her aunt to avoid the most obvious question and discuss something as innocuous as potatoes. "Aunt Yana, I can explain—"
"I don't need the recipe." Yana waved her fork. "You know I never cook unless I'm absolutely forced to."
Tina almost smiled. It was also like her aunt to make light of an awkward situation. "You know what I mean."
"I'm forty-eight years old, Katina," Yana said. "I've been married twice. There's very little you could explain to me that I don't already know."
Tina dropped her gaze. "I … I just don't want you to think that I was … that I—"
"Katina. Look at me." Yana slipped a finger under Tina's chin and lifted. "I was there the day you were born. Such a pretty baby, all pink and bright-eyed. Now you're a beautiful woman. All grown up."
Tina shook her head. "You have to say that. You're my aunt."
"I say it because it's true." Lovingly Yana touched Tina's cheek. "I can see you don't believe me, but one day you will."
She didn't believe her, of course, but still it felt good to hear the words. Tina smiled at her aunt, then said shyly, "It was my first time."
"You always were the cautious one," Yana said with a nod. "And I can see you are still being cautious. What is it you're afraid of, Katina?"
"I—" It was one thing to think it, Tina realized, but to say it out loud was quite another. She drew in a steadying breath. "I think I'm falling in love with him."
"And why is this such a bad thing?"
"I don't know how I'll survive when he … when it's over," she said quietly. "But just thinking about it makes my chest ache. I'm not sure I'm strong enough."
"You're strong enough." Yana's expression was as patient as it was thoughtful. "But is he?"
Tina furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"Never mind, my dear." Yana patted Tina's hand and smiled. "Now tell me, was he a good lover?"
Tina nearly choked, felt the heat of a blush race up her neck and across her cheeks. She couldn't believe she was sitting here having this conversation with her aunt. But then, she still couldn't believe that last night had really happened at all.
Smiling slowly, she met her aunt's eyes. "He was wonderful."
"Nagyszeru," Yana said, smiling. "He is also very handsome. I would have liked to photograph him, especially in that towel." Her aunt's smile turned lusty. "Or without. Maybe you will ask him for me?"
Tina gasped at the outrageous request. But the thought of it also warmed her blood. She knew what that incredible body looked like firsthand, what it felt like against her own.
"Oh, Aunt Yana." Laughing, Tina threw her arms around her aunt and hugged her tightly. "I'm so glad you're here. Welcome home."
* * *
Every Sunday Mariska spent most of her day cooking a six-course meal for her family while Ivan watched sports from his easy chair in the den. From the time they were tall enough to see over the kitchen counter, all of the Alexander daughters helped in the preparation. Though the menu varied, the tradition was strict. Attendance was mandatory, no excuses accepted.
Today was no exception.
"Your mother wants the good silverware and china tonight." Carrying the wooden box that contained the silver set, Yana came through the swinging kitchen door. "Are we celebrating something?"
"She wants the crystal candle holders, too," Tina said, smoothing the wrinkles from the white linen tablecloth. She and Yana had walked in the front door only minutes ago and there'd been no time to find out what was going on.
"Maybe it's because she won at bingo last night." Rachel pulled plates from the cherrywood buffet and set them on the table. "She made chicken paprika and has a bottle of Putonos chilling."
"She's definitely got something she's happy about." Yana handed the silverware box to Tina, then winked at both her nieces. "I'll go see if I can pry it out of her."
When Yana went back into the kitchen, Tina moved close to Rachel. It was the first time since she'd walked in the door that they'd been alone. "Are you all right?"
Rachel nodded. "I sneaked in late last night after Mom and Dad were asleep."
Shaking her head, Tina sighed. "We're too old for this, Ray. We've got to talk to Mom and Dad, both of us."
"I know, I know." Then Rachel's eyes widened. "Both of us? Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"Yeah." Tina smiled slowly. "I am."
"What's going on?" Sophia swung through the door carrying the candlesticks. She looked at Tina, then Rachel. "No fair. You're telling secrets without me."
"Not me, Tina," Rachel whispered. "She and Reid—"
"Oh, heck—" waving a hand, Sophia moved next to her sisters and formed a circle "—tell me something I don't know."
Tina's jaw dropped. "How do you know?"
"I saw it on your face the minute you walked in, T. Your feet weren't even touching the floor."
"Don't be ridiculous." No one could tell something like that, Tina thought. Lord, she certainly hoped not. Shaking her head, she stepped away from her sisters and opened the silverware box. "But I will admit, it was a little interesting when Yana came home this morning and found Reid wearing nothing but a towel."
Gasping, Rachel clasped a hand to her chest and Sophia lifted a brow. When their father looked over at them from his easy chair, they all quickly turned their attention back to setting the table, then glanced up at each other and started to laugh.
Tina realized how important all this was to her. Family. Tradition. Sharing secrets with her sisters. She knew that no matter how much their lives might change, they would always be there for each other, all of them. Through thick and thin, through happy and sad. Tina could only pray that the happy times would be more plentiful than the sad.
They were nearly finished setting the table when Yana came back out of the kitchen carrying a marble trivet.
"Did you find out anything?" Tina asked.
"As a matter of fact, I did," Yana said. "Rachel, grab another plate and put it on the table, please, and another set of silverware, too."
"I already have six," Tina said, recounting to be sure.
"You'll need seven."
"Seven?"
When the doorbell rang, every head turned.
Yana smiled. "I'll get it."
Tina had a bad feeling as she watched her aunt walk across the living room. A bad, bad feeling.
When Yana opened the door, the bad feeling became a reality.
Reid.
He stood on the front step, the bouquet of roses in his hand bright pink, the dress shirt under his sport coat slate blue. Tina's heart stopped, then began to race.
"What's he doing here?" Rachel grabbed Tina's arm.
"I … I don't know."
Tina and Rachel and Sophia all looked at each other, then said at the same time, "Mom."
"Reid." With all the gra
ce of a queen, Yana held out her hand. "What a pleasure to see you again."
"Ms. Romano." Reid handed the roses to Yana, who lifted them to her nose and breathed in their scent. "How lovely. Please, come in. Mariska will be out in a moment."
"Thank you."
The house was open and warm, Reid noted as he stepped into the foyer of the living room. Beige walls, hardwood floors, a large burgundy sofa covered with tapestry pillows. Lots of framed family photos. The delicious scent of spices and chicken made his mouth water and reminded him he'd barely eaten anything since he'd left Tina at Yana's apartment that morning.
"Girls." Yana slipped her arm through Reid's. "Look who's here."
"Rachel, Sophia." When his gaze shifted to Tina, their eyes met and held. "Tina."
Lips softly parted in shock, she nodded back. It didn't take a genius to figure out that his visit had not been expected.
Though fewer than eight hours had passed since he'd seen her, it felt like days. He wanted to tell her how pretty she looked in a cardigan the same rosy blush as her cheeks and a simple black skirt, but he held himself in check. Knowing that he couldn't just walk up to her and kiss her, he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Reid!" Carrying a steaming casserole, Mariska burst out of the kitchen. "You are just in time."
"Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Alexander."
"Please, you must call me Mariska," she reminded him. "I am so glad you could come at such short notice."
He glanced at Tina again, who was staring at her mother in disbelief. "I assure you," Reid said with a smile, "it's my pleasure."
When Ivan yelled something rude from the other room, Mariska shook her head. "My husband and football. I have to pry him out of his chair if there is a game on."
Mariska set the casserole on the table, then frowned at her daughters. "Why do you all stand there like stones? Sophia, get our guest a drink. Yana, will you please tell your brother that supper is ready."
When Rachel started to move toward the kitchen, Mariska stopped her. "Rachel, you keep Reid company while Tina and I bring out the food."
"But—" Rachel cast a nervous glance at Tina, who shook her head "—all right."
When everyone scurried off, Reid leaned down and whispered, "Jason was great last night."
The Cinderella Scandal Page 9