For just a brief second there was a hush at the table.
Mrs. Lambert forced a smile on her lips. “Thank you, Mr. Rexford. That would be lovely.”
He pushed her chair back and held out his hand. He took her hand and led her to the floor. What was really weird was that there were a couple of people who recognized him, but for the most part he just blended in with these people. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He slipped his arm around her making sure to maintain a respectful distance from her.
“So you were able to find my daughter after a brief meeting with her?”
Travis smiled and whirled her around. “What man wouldn’t want to find her again?”
“She is a sweet girl. I live in fear that men will try and take advantage of her kind nature.”
This made Charlotte seem like some wilting flower who didn’t have the brains of a cotton ball. “I don’t know Charlotte well, but she does have a strength to her. She’s no pushover.”
She seemed to consider what he said for a moment. “Are you close to concluding your business in the city?”
Okay so she was feeling him out, seeing if he was a threat to her daughter. “I’m going to be here for at least another six months.”
Her lips thinned and her nostrils flared. “What business are you in?”
Now he just wanted to string her along a bit. “I’m in the entertainment business.”
“What kind of entertainment?”
Part of him wanted to say porn star. The other part figured this woman knew every bit of information about him all the way down the merit badges he got in boy scouts. But she was a cool one and she was going to see if he slipped up. He could play her game. “I’m a musician.”
“Are you with the symphony?”
For a brief second he pictured himself with the oboe. He only knew what that was because his fifth grade girlfriend, Leah Christianson, played that instrument and he had to lug it around for her. “No, I’m in a band.”
“What kind of music do you play?”
“Rock music.”
Her face scrunched up like she was sucking on a lemon. “I don’t listen to that sort of music.”
Yeah, he kinda figured that. “I didn’t think that you did.”
“Are you playing around the city?”
“No, we’re recording a new album.” At this rate he’d be here for the next three years, but what a great three years it would be.
“Are you successful?”
He didn’t need Charlotte’s money. “Very.”
“It doesn’t seem like a stable profession.”
“For most, it’s not. The band has been together for twelve years. This will be our seventh album.” For the first time in the last year he was hopeful there would be a seventh.
“Do you like it?”
These were the questions he was always asked, but damned if this didn’t feel like a cross-examination. Soon she was going to be pulling out his fingernails. Good thing he got a manicure. “I do.”
Her left eyebrow rose. “Do you think you’re the right man for Charlotte?”
“Charlotte is an amazing woman. You should be very proud of yourself for how she turned out. There isn’t a man in this room who is good enough for her.”
“Then why are you courting her?”
He opened his mouth to answer when the cavalry showed up.
“May I cut in?” Henry asked. “Everett is just dying to dance with you.”
Mrs. Lambert smiled. “Of course.” Then she stepped into her son’s arms and danced away from him.
Travis smiled and took Henry in his arms. “Thanks for the rescue.”
She laughed. “Someone had to save you. Although, you remembered the most important thing about facing the beast.”
“What’s that?”
She leaned forward. “You didn’t show fear.”
“She’s not that bad, but she did tell me I’m not good enough for Charlotte.” Okay that was a lie, he about pissed himself with fear.
“She must really be threatened by you.”
“How did you manage to get into the family?”
“British nobility will trump old Southern money every time. Besides she wants to see her grandsons on a regular basis, so she has to play my game.”
He twirled Henry in a circle. “Is she really that bad?”
“She loves her children. She just wants them to be what she wants them to be. Everett is very good at playing her game, at least on the surface being the son she wants him to be. Viv didn’t even try. She went her own way and paid a very high price for that. Charlotte, on the other hand, never had the nerve until after Viv died, to defy her mother. That list Viv gave her was sheer genius.”
“You know about the list?”
“I wish I’d have thought of it.”
He did like Henry. “I’m grateful for the list.”
“It’s really exciting to watch Charlotte challenge her mother’s authority. Although she is so very kind about the entire thing. It must be driving her mother insane.”
“You are enjoying this too much.”
She almost looked guilty. “Maybe a little.”
“You are bad.” But he meant that in a good way.
“You have no idea.”
“Actually, I kinda do.”
The woman didn’t even blush. “Oh, the Shane thing.”
Travis suspected Shane was in for a treat. “Drunk Charlotte is truthful Charlotte.”
“I’m so ashamed. After this dance we should find our way to the bar so I can drown my sins.”
“I could use a drink.”
Henry led him off the floor. “Feel free to ply me with liquor and I’ll tell you all about Charlotte.”
Now that was a deal he could hardly turn down.
Charlotte had been doing her best to avoid her mother and not seem rude, but there were only so many times a girl could go and powder her nose. When she returned to the table, she saw Travis dancing with her mother. Although her mother had her pleasant I’m-enjoying-myself face on, she could tell she was furious. Well, it’s not like she didn’t know this would happen when she brought him to a family event. At least her mother cared about maintaining a semblance of decency. She would bite her own tongue off before she embarrassed herself. No, her retribution would come later when they were alone. Charlotte took a deep breath. She was a grown woman. If she wanted to date a rock star or a mechanic, that was her right. Her mother didn’t support her nor did she need her advice on how to conduct her affairs. She was going to go and have a drink and wait for the fat to hit the fire. She could handle this situation. Couldn’t she?
Charlotte watched Henry, Everett, and Travis walk into the bar area of the reception a few minutes later. Henry spotted her and waved. They walked over and Charlotte did notice they seemed very chummy which pleased her. They sat around her table.
Henry patted her hand. “Ducks, Travis and I came up with a brilliant idea.”
Why did that sound so scary? “Do I really want to know?”
Henry laughed. “We’re not going to take over the world, we’re just going to do you a big favor.”
Let me have it, she thought, right between the eyes. “And what big favor are you going to do for me?”
Travis smiled looking so proud of himself. “I volunteered the band for your bachelor auction.”
Did Travis just say what she thought he said? “I beg your pardon?”
“The band wants to help with your auction. Gavin wants to know if he has to wear long pants.”
Oh my God they would bring a fortune. She had to update the website right now. “Really?
Henry lifted her hand to get the waiter’s attention. “We lost Haverford so we needed to fill his spot.”
Travis smiled. “It’s for a good cause.”
Charlotte couldn’t quite smile just yet. “Yes I know, but …”
Henry eyed her strangely. “We thought you’d be thrilled.”
Then Charlo
tte knew what it meant if Travis was in the auction. Her chest went tight. “I am. It’s just that …”
“Spit it out Charlotte,” Everett demanded.
“Everett, give her a minute. What is it, Ducks?”
“I’m the host and I don’t want,” she looked at Travis, “anyone bidding on Travis.”
The waiter came over and they all gave their drink order.
When the waiter hurried off, Travis asked, “Why can’t you bid on me?”
“Because, it’s the rules.”
“I don’t want anyone bidding on me either.”
Now the good girl had to kick in. “But it’s for charity and I don’t want to seem greedy.”
“You know there is a solution to this.” Henry said.
“What?”
“You just find yourself a secret bidder.”
“I don’t know any woman who wouldn’t want him for herself except you Henry, because as we all know, Everett is perfect.”
Everett smiled. “I am, aren’t I?”
Travis raised a hand. “Was that a question?”
“Did it sound like one?”
“Just checking.”
Charlotte smiled. It absolutely delighted her that her brother and Travis seemed to be getting along. Viv would have loved him too. A lump formed in her throat. It just occurred to her that if Viv were alive, she would have never met him. And her life would be the same boring loop that it had been.
“Charlotte, are you alright?”
Before she could answer the waiter came back with their drinks.
She looked at Travis and smiled. “Yes, I was just thinking about how much my sister would have liked you.”
Henry patted her knee. “She would have.” Henry lifted her glass. “To Viv.”
“To Viv,” they said in unison.
Charlotte swallowed the lump in her throat. “I would love having all of you in my auction. I will figure out a way to ‘buy’ Travis and tell Gavin he doesn’t have to wear long pants, but he can’t wear flip flops unless he gets a pedicure.”
Travis took out his cell phone and texted Gavin. “He’ll do it. I think he has a crush on you.”
“On me?”
“You mother him and feed him.”
Charlotte splayed her hand on her chest. She liked that Gavin had become her friend. “I feel rather special.”
“Just remember you’re my girl.”
Charlotte pouted. “If I’m your girl why is that you’ve danced with practically every woman at this wedding besides me?”
Travis looked to Henry who said nothing.
Charlotte waited for him to answer.
Everett reached out and put his hand on Travis’s shoulder. “Travis, as an older married man and the older brother of the lady in question, may I give you some advice?”
“Yeah.”
“Smile, agree, and fix the problem quickly.”
Travis smiled and turned his blue eyes on her. “You’re right. I’ve been neglecting you. My only excuse was that I was spending time fixing the auction problem and winning over your mother. Will you forgive me?”
Oh, he was good. “Very nice. What do you intend to do to remedy the situation?”
“Ask the band to play something special just for you.”
Everett nodded. “Very good. Now take my sister to the dance floor and cut a rug with her.”
“And that, boys and girls, is why I am a happily married woman.”
Travis stood and extended his hand. “May I?”
“Of course.” Charlotte took his hand and stood, letting Travis lead her to the dance floor. “What do you have in mind for me, Mr. Rexford?”
“Do you know how sexy it is when you call me Mr. Rexford?”
“Yes, I do.”
“I’m ready to have you right here,” Travis leaned toward her and whispered.
Charlotte giggled. Actually, she was ready too. All of those predatory glances shot his way were getting her hackles up. She didn’t even know that she had hackles until this moment. “That would take one more thing off of my list.”
“I have an idea about that thing.”
“Not here!”
“No, if your mother found out, she’d just come after me and it could be considered justifiable homicide on her part considering all the things I want to do to her beautiful, seductive daughter.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Are you going to tell me?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
He placed his hand on the small of her back. “Tonight, I’m going to show you.”
“Do I need to be afraid?” She wasn’t really. She was quite excited about the mystery the night might hold.
“No, although Henry did hook me up.”
“Now, I am afraid.”
“I think you’ll like it. We have a reservation after the wedding.”
“Are you going to tell me?”
He shook his head. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“I normally don’t like surprises.”
“I hope you like this one.” He stopped at the edge of the dance floor. “Wait right here.”
Charlotte watched him walk up to the bandleader and whisper in his ear. Then he turned to look at her with a wicked smile on his face.
“Where did you find him, Charlotte?”
She turned to face her cousin, Gloria, standing next to her. As if she was going to tell her gossipy cousin anything. It would be all over the city by noon tomorrow. Charlotte wouldn’t even be surprised if she postponed her honeymoon to make sure. “You wouldn’t believe me.”
“He doesn’t seem like your type.”
And that was a point in his favor. “My type wasn’t working for me. I had to try something new.”
“Do you think my wedding was the place for you to announce to the world that you’re slumming?”
“Slumming? I don’t think so. He’s an artist and well-off, he doesn’t need me. He wants me, unlike some men I could name.”
Gloria’s face went still.
Charlotte knew she’d hit a nerve. It was no secret that Gloria had bought herself a husband. She was pretty enough, but had it not been for her daddy’s wallet, she would never find a husband. She was mean and snobby.
“You have developed claws.”
Had she? She had to stop herself from apologizing.
There was respect in Gloria’s eyes. “Vivienne would be proud.”
“Gloria--”
She held up her hand. “Don’t you dare apologize.”
Stunned, she didn’t quite know what to say, and then she finally admitted. “I wasn’t.” A hand settled on her back. She turned to see Travis.
“Ladies.”
Gloria smiled. “I hope you save another dance for me, Travis.”
Travis smiled. “Of course.”
“If you will excuse me, I have to mingle.”
“What was that?”
“I’m not sure.”
Music began to play and Charlotte recognized the beginning of the Tango. She turned to Travis. “The tango?”
“May I have this dance?”
“Oh yes.” She went into his arms. This was one of her favorite things. And he made it happen just for her. How could she not be in love with this man?
Chapter Sixteen
Declan finished the last crunch, his muscles screaming. He looked down at his taut six-pack abs. Damn it hurt, but it was worth it. He guzzled the last of his water and tossed his bottle in the trash can. He walked out of the workout house and across the yard, then into the house through the kitchen. He wrapped the towel around his neck and headed to the stairs, wondering what he was going to do for the night’s entertainment. He could go out to a club and find a playmate like he’d done almost every night he’d been here. His ego needed it after the ass-chewing the band had gotten this afternoon from Cherry. She loved the new song Travis had written and liked the rough recording they sent he
r, but she wanted more done by, like, the next day. Luckily, Travis wasn’t here because she would be hounding him. Although he did say she’d sent him a text. This came after the band agreed to be in Charlotte’s bachelor auction. To be honest, in the weeks since she’d been here, she’d managed to have them all wrapped around her finger. Even Shane finally came around. They seemed less tense lately. Not back to the way things were, but it was better.
“Oh, fuck, man down! Man down!” Gavin yelled from the living room.
Declan headed in there to find out what was going on. “Dude, what the hell’s up with you?”
Gavin jabbed his finger at his laptop. “See for yourself. He’s done, man, he’s done.”
Declan looked at Malcolm sitting next to Gavin. “As predicted, it’s happened.”
“What?”
Malcolm shook his head, a look of disgust on his handsome face. “Stupid bastard went and fell in love.”
Okay, the Brothers Grimm were starting to get on his nerves. “Who fell in love? Travis?”
Gavin threw his hands into the air. “Yeah. He’s in love with magic pussy Charlotte.”
Declan looked at the screen. On it, a fan had posted a video on the Scorned website of Travis and Charlotte dancing at the wedding. Damn, Travis could dance. It took him forever to learn how to tango and he’d been taking dance lessons since he was five. He still practiced a couple of times a week. Not that anyone but his dance teacher knew. He kept his tap, jazz, and ballet skills tightly under wraps. Malcolm knew, but he was a good enough friend not to mention it. “Holy shitballs. Look at the way he’s touching her.”
“You’re surprised? Seriously?” Malcolm folded his hands over his chest and leaned back on the couch.
He had his suspicions, but he’d kept them to himself. Now that he was confronted with proof, he knew he’d better come clean. Malcolm would ferret the information out of him anyway. “I kinda got the idea when I read his songbook.”
Malcolm sat up and pushed hard him in the shoulder. “You read his songbook?”
In the past he’d always been respectful of Travis’s songbook, but he had to know if he was back in the game or just playing around. “Hell yeah, I had to see where his head was going.”
You Shook Me All Night Long (Scorned Lovers Book 1) Page 18