When Love Arrives

by Johnnie Alexander

  “The incompetent pilot killed—no, murdered—my parents.”

  After spending the day with him and his family, she’d almost forgotten why she had waited outside his office yesterday afternoon. Why she had stalked him to the hospital.

  But his public denouncement of her mom had opened up a Pandora’s box of grief and torment. The only way to close it was to publicly humiliate him.

  He had to pay for the things he’d said, the hurt he had caused. He’d glided through life on his handsome looks and appealing charm for too long. She was determined to get even with him.

  She just needed to figure out how.

  Guilt caught in her throat as she glanced at Shelby and AJ.

  She couldn’t hurt Brett without hurting them.

  When the banquet ended, Brett stood beside Dani’s chair. She reached to adjust the strap of her shoe, and her bracelet caught on the ebony lace edging her dress. The lace ripped, though she barely moved her hand.

  Great. The most expensive dress she’d ever owned was ruined. Biting her lip, she tried to see the rip without making it worse.

  “Need help?” Brett knelt beside her.

  “I can manage, thank you.” She struggled with the clasp, but it wouldn’t open. She didn’t need to look at Brett to know his blue eyes were boring holes in her. Probably wondering what kind of dork he’d gotten stuck with.

  She grasped the clasp again, almost got it open, then ripped the lace another inch.

  “Hold still.” Brett reached for her hand, and she jerked away. Half the lace edging tore with a horrendous rip.

  “That’s never happened before.”

  “What hasn’t?”

  “The ladies usually let me take their hands.”

  “I guess I’m not a lady.”

  Amusement flickered in his eyes, and he gestured toward the bracelet. “May I?”

  She hesitated, then glanced at Shelby and AJ. Their backs were to her as they chatted with another couple. At least they weren’t witnessing her disaster. “Go ahead.”

  Brett’s hand brushed against her leg as he fiddled with the lace-entangled clasp. Thank heavens she had shaved.

  “This is what I was talking about earlier,” he said. “You’re dying inside over something we’ll be laughing about tomorrow.”

  Except we won’t see each other tomorrow.

  “So why not take it in stride now?”

  “You want me to pretend it doesn’t matter I tore my dress?”

  He raised his eyes to hers. “I want you to smile because this”—he pointed to the hem—“can be fixed. Plus I got to play the gallant rescuer to a lovely damsel.”

  Beguiled by the warmth of his eyes and his seductive voice, she favored him with a smile. He tapped her chin with his knuckle. “That’s my girl.”

  Her smile froze in place as he focused on disentangling the bracelet. She wasn’t his girl and never would be. She was a fraud and a thief who wanted vengeance.

  If only he’d been the nasty, conceited snob she’d expected him to be. Maybe then revenge wouldn’t taste so bitterly cold.

  “All done.” He stood, cradling the bracelet in his palm. “This cost someone a bit of change. Gift from an old boyfriend?”

  Let him think that. She stood beside him and held out her hand. “May I have it back, please?”

  He circled her wrist with the bracelet and clasped it. The feathery touch of his fingers stilled her heart. The room seemed to grow silent, and the bustling crowd around them faded into shadows. His hand closed around hers, and his expectant gaze weakened her knees.

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “You’re welcome.” The whispered words, charged with emotion beyond their simplicity, drew her closer to him. His head lowered; his mouth hovered near hers. “I’m glad you came with me tonight.”

  “Me too.”

  A long second. Then another.

  He dropped her hand and retrieved the plaque he’d been given from the table. “I guess I should hang on to this.”

  The room burst to life as the noise of the crowd surrounded her. The paused moment, when only the two of them existed in their own private place, had ended. Her heart yearned to relive the mystery of it, but now wasn’t the time.

  “What will you do with it?” she asked.

  “Put it in my office. I’ve got a wall—”

  “Brett, old buddy.” The stranger, stereotypically tall, dark, and handsome, clapped Brett’s shoulder. He’d been given an award too, but Dani didn’t remember his name. “Congratulations.”

  “Congratulations to you too.”

  “These old-timers need to watch out. We’re going to take over the city.” The stranger placed his arm around the statuesque redhead beside him. Her little black dress encased shapely curves and barely covered her hips.

  “Hi, Brett,” she said.

  “Hello, Minerva.” Brett rested his hand at the small of Dani’s back. “This is Dani Prescott. Dani, Minerva Allen and Zach Shrouder. He’s an old college buddy who inherited his dad’s BMW dealership.”

  “You must be Brett’s latest receptionist,” Zach said. Dani could tell from the superior expression in his eyes that his appraising gaze found her wanting. “Did he tell you what happened to your predecessor?”

  “I don’t—”

  Brett jumped in. “Dani produces documentaries.”

  “In Columbus?” Zach eyed her again. “What are you working on?”

  “I’m, um, between projects right now.” She smiled brightly.

  “I see.” Skepticism laced his words. “Minerva has done some modeling. Keep her in mind for your next . . . project.”

  Out of Zach’s vision, Minerva rolled her eyes. The unspoken message was clear: the guy’s a jerk.

  Bolstered by this feminine unity, Dani lifted her chin. “I’d be glad to. We’re always on the lookout for talent.”

  “Sure you are.” He snickered. “Brett, can I have a word with you. Alone?”

  “Of course.” Brett pulled Dani into a side hug. “I’ll be right back.”

  After the men stepped away, Minerva shook her head. “Why do we do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Put up with these smug baboons.” The corner of Minerva’s bright red mouth lifted in a self-deprecating smirk. “Okay, I know why we do it. But they do get tiresome.”

  “Brett and I aren’t really dating. We’re just”—she hesitated and shrugged—“friends.”

  “With men like Zach and Brett, there’s no such thing as being ‘just friends.’”

  “I don’t think Brett’s like that.” As if, after only a day, she knew him so well.

  “Tell that to Tracie.”

  “Who’s Tracie?”

  “His last receptionist.” Compassion filled Minerva’s eyes. “I tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t listen. We went through two cartons of Chunky Monkey the night he kicked her out of his place.”

  “He did that?”

  “It’s what they all do. Brett. Zach. The other members of their little club.”

  “The Monday night thing?” What had Shelby said? Something about them trying to hang on to their college days. Playing a game.

  “They meet every week at a wings place downtown. Boys’ night out. They compare notes on their weekend dates and buy beers for the guy with the best story.”

  Dani glanced to where the men were standing. Brett reached into his pocket and handed something to Zach. A coin, perhaps? The smile of a smug victor creased Zach’s attractive features as he made a show of kissing the item then pocketing it. Meanwhile, Brett appeared impassive, almost stoic. Yet something in his stance, the way he held his shoulders—he wasn’t happy with whatever was going on between him and Zach.

  “Tracie wants payback,” Minerva said. “But I told her to let it go. Guys like them never get what’s coming to them.”

  Dani silently agreed. “Why do you stay with someone like that?”

  “There are perks.” Minerva’s face lit u
p. “Expensive presents. Fabulous vacations. Most of all, connections with all kinds of people I wouldn’t have a chance of meeting otherwise.”

  Dani rubbed her arms, suddenly feeling a chill. “It sounds so—”

  “Selfish?”

  “I was going to say sad.”

  “That too, I suppose.” She shrugged. “But it’s been worth it. Zach doesn’t know it yet, but I’m moving to New York in a couple of weeks. My big break may be just around the corner.”

  “When are you going to tell him?”

  “The night before I go.” Minerva’s expression softened. “Be careful, Dani. Brett will trample your heart if you let him.”

  The men rejoined them before Dani could answer. Minerva pasted on a simpering smile, then cuddled beneath Zach’s arm and smoothed his tie. His hand slipped past her hip, but his eyes focused on Dani.

  “Let’s go, darling.” Minerva’s sultry voice purred. “I’ve planned a private celebration for just the two of us.”

  Zach directed his self-satisfied smirk at Brett. “See you at Gallagher’s, buddy.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Brett stared after the departing couple, then rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry about Zach. He’s a moron.”

  “You don’t need to apologize for him.”

  “He’s interested in you.”

  “That’s not the impression I got. Besides, what about Minerva?”

  “Would you go out with him?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Good.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. You?”

  Dani tilted her head as she noted the tension in his jaw and the tiny lines around his eyes. She gingerly laid her hand on his upper arm.

  “Are you dying inside over something we’ll laugh about tomorrow?”

  His eyes momentarily relaxed, and his dimples flashed. “It’s a bit more complicated than a torn dress.”

  “What is?”

  “Nothing you need to worry about.” He glanced around the room, then offered his arm. “AJ and Shelby are near the door. Shall we join them?”

  As he escorted her around the tables, her thoughts circled around Minerva’s warning. He couldn’t break her heart unless she gave it to him. And that she’d never do.

  – 18 –

  As they waited near the valet stand for their vehicles, Brett’s phone beeped. He slid it from his pocket and glanced at the screen. “It’s Amy.”

  “Probably calling to congratulate you,” AJ said.

  Brett tapped the button. “Hey, sis.”

  A deep voice replied. “Is this Brett Somers?”

  “Who’s this?”

  “I’m an intern at Dayton Regional. This phone number is listed as the medical emergency contact for Amy Somers. She was brought into the ER a few minutes ago.”

  “Amy’s in ER?”

  “You are Brett Somers?”

  “Yes, yes. What happened to Amy?”

  “She collapsed. I’m not sure of the details, and there’s not much I can tell you at this point.”

  “Can I talk to her?”

  “She’s being evaluated at the moment. Perhaps later if you want to call back.”

  “I’d rather you tell me now what’s going on.”

  “All I know is that she’s here. Alone.”

  “I’ll be there soon. Tell her I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “I’ll do that. Thank you, Mr. Somers.”

  Brett ended the call and stared at AJ. “It’s Amy. She’s . . .” His brain wouldn’t cooperate with his mouth. “I don’t know, she’s in the ER.”

  “What ER? Where?”

  “Dayton. He said she was in Dayton.”

  “What’s she doing there?”

  “Who knows?” Brett looked around wildly for his car. “I’ve got to go.”

  “I’ll go with you,” AJ said.

  Brett nodded, then glanced at Dani and Shelby.

  “Don’t worry about us.” Shelby gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ll take Dani home.”

  The hovel Dani called home broke through the cloud surrounding Brett’s thoughts. “No,” he said firmly. “No, you can’t.”

  “Of course, I can,” Shelby insisted.

  “It’s not safe. Go to my place.” He reached in his pocket for his keys, then realized the valet had them. “Or stay here. I’ll get rooms for you.”

  “What do you mean, it’s not safe? That’s silly.” Shelby said. “We’ll be fine.”

  Dani stepped closer. “Shelby doesn’t need to drive me. I can get a taxi.”

  Brett shot AJ a “help me out here” look, counting on him to remember what he’d said earlier about Dani’s so-called home.

  “Here’s what we’ll do,” AJ said. “You head to the hospital, and I’ll take Dani and Shelby home. By then, we should know more about what’s going on with Amy. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “That’s really not—” Shelby began.

  Brett held up a hand. “Yes, it is.”

  “I just don’t think you should be driving all the way to Dayton by yourself.” Shelby crossed her arms. “This is ridiculous.”

  “Shelby’s right,” Dani said. “If you’re worried about the electricity, I’m sure it’s back on by now.”

  “You don’t know that,” Brett snapped, then immediately regretted it. He flashed a warm smile at Dani. “Wouldn’t you like to stay here? Order room service?”

  Indecision furrowed around her eyes, and her thoughts seemed to open before him. She didn’t want to be the reason why AJ couldn’t go with him; she didn’t want Shelby to see her place; she didn’t want him to feel responsible for her.

  Too late for that.

  He stepped closer. “Please let AJ take you home. If your electricity is still out—”

  “It’s not going to be.”

  “Probably not. But I can’t leave here until I know you’re going to be okay.” He’d said please once already. Now its foreign taste threatened to choke him. He bit the inside of his lip, then cleared his throat. But the plea remained silent.

  Except in his eyes.

  She scrutinized his face then nodded. His heart flipped with relief.

  “There’s your car.” AJ pointed to the line of vehicles snaking in front of the hotel. “Call me when you get there.”

  “I will.” Brett led Dani to the Lexus. “I had planned to invite everybody back to my place. I’m sorry the evening ended like this.”

  “Who could have known?” The warmth of her comforting smile momentarily calmed his restlessness. “Your sister needs you. Go.”

  He gave the driver a tip, removed her bag from the car, then handed it to AJ. Pulling her into his arms, he whispered, “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

  Without giving her a chance to respond, he hurried around to the driver’s side. Before opening the door, he caught her gaze. He wasn’t sure if he saw hope or relief in her eyes. A faint smile lifted the corners of her lips.

  The desire to feel their soft lusciousness overwhelmed him.

  He slid into the seat, berating himself as he pulled away from the curb. Tonight was supposed to be the end of this little tryst. He should never have made her that promise.

  Dani stood at the window, thankful her electricity had been restored, as the Jeep left the parking lot. Much to her dismay, Shelby and AJ had insisted on walking her to the door. They had hidden their reactions behind polite smiles, but Dani knew they weren’t happy about leaving her here. Shelby had even urged her to come back to Misty Willow for the night.

  She’d have liked that and almost said yes. But pride had stiffened her shoulders, and she’d refused. Besides, it was better this way. AJ’s parents had died in that plane just like Brett’s. If—no, when they realized her mom had been the pilot, any thought of friendship would be ended.

  Dani slid off the strappy heels, then changed into pajamas. After examining the torn hem, she hung the dress in the narrow closet. But the mem
ory of Brett kneeling at her side, carefully untangling her bracelet, wrapped around her.

  Such lovely moments. But what a strange day.

  She retrieved the amethyst ring from her jeans and placed it and the bracelet in her jewelry box. The painted ballerina rotated on her slippered toe as the metallic notes faltered. A cheap keepsake from her childhood that now sheltered a stolen ring.

  Not stolen. Just accidentally borrowed.

  She shut the lid, ending the ballerina’s pitiful pirouette, then plopped on the bed and hugged a pillow to her chest as she relived the evening.

  Brett had promised they’d see each other again. But why? Because he felt sorry for her? Or because there was a nice guy beneath that sophisticated veneer?

  The conversation with Minerva replayed itself in her mind and cemented her first impressions. Brett only cared about one person—himself.

  And Jonah. And Amy. And AJ and Shelby. And Elizabeth and Tabby.

  Okay, he cared about a lot of people but only those closest to him.

  That would never include the daughter of the pilot who’d killed his parents.

  Brett hurried through the big double doors of the emergency room. A few people, looking drained and unhappy, were scattered around the waiting area. A maintenance man maneuvered a large round sweeper along one side.

  Brett wanted to bury his nose in his sleeve to avoid catching some weird virus, but refrained. Instead he strode to the central desk and impatiently waited for the clerk to acknowledge him.

  When she did, his voice was businesslike. “Amy Somers. Where is she?”

  “And you are?”

  “Her brother.”

  “ID, please.”

  He went through the identification process and slapped a visitor’s sticker against his shirt.

  “She’s in room 3. Just down that hall.” The clerk pressed a button, and an automatic door to the side of her desk swung open.

  “Thank you.”

  Finding the room he wanted, he slipped through the closed curtain. Amy lay on a narrow bed, her eyes closed. Brett sidled between the bed and the wall.