by CC MacKenzie
The way those dark eyes flicked to Louise, gave a brief nod of hello before returning to Coco, popped annoyance up another click.
For the life of her she could not understand the little dance of excitement skittering up her spine.
Then the way his dark, dark eyes took a stroll from the fascinator on her head, down her silk dress, the way they lingered possessively on her small breasts and back to her face made her eyes narrow into slits.
As the face of Coco cosmetics she had lots of attractive men look at her, desire her.
Plenty.
And she knew how to handle them, too.
Dream on, Rafael.
Something must have shown in her face because that long mouth with the full bottom lip twitched as if trying very hard not to smile.
Her brother Ethan moved to his side, said something in his ear.
Rafael responded, but the way his eyes never left hers had a shiver run over her skin.
“Might’ve known they’d been invited,” Louise said in a tone of utter disgust.
Dragging her eyes from Rafe’s, Coco took a deep cleansing breath.
“They went to school with Alexander. It’s a free country. We can avoid them if we want to.”
“Still not speaking to Ethan?”
Coco’s chin rose. “Nope.”
“It’s been a week. Don’t you think you’re being a little bit childish?”
Not many people got away with talking to Coco Monroe in that tone. They’d been friends since that very first day at kindergarten. After years of education in the same establishments Louise was more than her best friend, more than a sister. They worked together, played together and were a strong team. Honesty was a big part of what made them tick and Coco knew Louise wasn’t being nasty or bitchy. She was simply stating the facts as she saw them.
“He voted to keep me off the board,” Coco reminded her.
“Ethan will always back your father’s decision. It’s his company, therefore his rules.”
Angry betrayal burned too hot in her belly, in her heart. “Yeah? Well, I’m a Monroe, too. I’ve a right to be there. I’ve the qualifications, the experience. All I’m missing is a penis.”
Since she’d heard it all and more before, Louise simply nodded.
“What happened to you scared us, Coco. But it’s been hardest of all on your father. He needs to wrap you up in cotton wool. He’ll come around eventually. He always does. You just need to give him time.”
Louise was right.
Her father always gave in but never without a fight to the death.
Although father and daughter clashed, the love and respect they had for one another usually managed to overcome all disagreements. Over the years they’d learned to compromise. But since the night she’d been attacked her father had become completely unreasonable. He brooked no argument or defiance. His word was law and that was that. No debate. No discussion. She had her place and by God she would stay there.
Coco had no intention of doing any such thing.
And she was sick and tired not only of the battle but of the war.
Sick and tired of having to emotionally prepare for every little skirmish with her larger than life parent. She was tired of fighting for her independence, for her very soul.
Her life now was split into two distinct parts, before the night she’d been assaulted and after.
When her father found out what she’d recently been up to he’d never forgive her for keeping him in the dark, but it couldn’t be helped. She had a life outside of Monroe Industries, a life outside of Coco cosmetics. A life she was desperate to embrace.
Since she’d sent her letter of resignation five days ago, she’d heard nothing. And that was typical of how her parent played mind games. But the truth was that by resigning in sheer temper after their show down she’d hurt him. A steel band of anxiety, of regret, meant her stomach muscles were now burning tangled ropes. She pressed the flat of her hand against her midsection. And recognised the ache for what is was, the driving, desperate need to please her father - an unattainable goal.
From outside the Chapel the sound of happy laughs, cell phones and camera flashes brought her back to her surroundings.
This was neither the time nor the place for these thoughts or this discussion.
The Chapel was almost empty.
Coco hung back, deciding to wait until the official photographer was finished.
She was more than aware that anyone rubber necking the wedding might be distracted if Coco Monroe was among the guests and started snapping. Today was about Rosie and Alexander. She didn’t want anyone selling photos of their special day to the tabloids.
Being the only daughter of one of the richest men in the country meant the paparazzi had always been an issue. Add in social networks and camera phones, and these days her life was not her own. She might bitterly resent the intrusion at times, but since there was nothing Coco could do about it she’d learned to live with it.
Louise slung an arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug.
“It’s not too late to change your mind.”
Coco shook her head. “No way. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to...”
Louise bit down hard on her bottom lip as anxiety entered her green eyes.
“I know. But if we get caught...”
“We won’t,” Coco told her with absolute certainty. “We can’t stand by and do nothing.”
Now Louise nodded. “I know. But I’ll sleep better once it’s all over.”
Coco’s eyes met hers.
“You and me both.”
Chapter Two
The spectacular wedding cake made by Bronte and Rosie’s company, Sweet Sensations, had been cut, the speeches made and now the party was in full swing in the ballroom of Ludlow Hall.
With his two-year-old daughter in his arms Nico Ferranti danced her around the floor. Little Sophia was dressed in a tiny bridesmaid’s dress and wore white leather ballet pumps with bells on her chubby feet. Beaming with pink-cheeked delight into her daddy’s face, she looked like a tiny blonde fairy.
Sitting at a table with Louise, Coco chatted to another school friend Janine Faulkner who was rocking her baby.
“She asleep?” Coco asked, craning her neck to peek inside the ivory fleece blanket.
Little Daisy Boo, what a crazy name, was four months old with jet curls. For a baby Coco reckoned she was okay. It wasn’t as if she did anything except eat and sleep. At four months old dogs were much more interesting. At least you could throw a dog a ball and they’d fetch it.
Janine nodded, her knee bouncing, eyes darting uneasily around the room as she sipped a mineral water. She was still breast-feeding so no alcohol for her.
After the tragic loss of her husband and the discovery she was pregnant and penniless, Janine had been to hell and back. Coco had nothing but sympathy for the girl, but she was finding it hard dealing with the changes in her. The old Janine had been a larger than life character; a chatty Cathy who’d talked with her hands. She’d had a full head of strawberry blonde hair raining down her back and a body to die for.
She was still exquisitely beautiful, but the new version was too thin.
Her hair was viciously cropped and she couldn’t string two words together.
“Hey girls, looking very fine.”
Joshua Erichsen nodded to Janine, bussed the cheeks of Coco, Louise, and slid into a vacant chair at the table.
Janine’s knee stopped bouncing.
Since he was not only her architect but also one of her favourite people, Coco grinned at him.
“Hey Josh, looking very fine and handsome yourself. I saw you dancing with a very hot lady. Her fingers were tickling the hair on your neck.”
His wide smile changed him from handsome to gorgeous.
He shook his head. “Too hot for me to handle. She’s part of Jacob Del Garda’s management team. He’s running Ludlow Hall for a few months while Alexander runs Jacob’s resort in th
e Bahamas. She’s Spanish and her name’s Elena Rocas.”
“She’s taller and more built, but she reminds me of Penelope Cruz,” Louise said as they all watched the woman bat her big dark eyes at Nico Ferranti. Then in a move so subtle they almost missed it, she slid her magnificent silk clad breasts across Nico’s arm holding his daughter.
Bloody hell.
“Did you see that?” Louise said in a stage whisper.
“See what?” demanded an oblivious Josh.
The girls simply gave each other big eyes.
Men were so blind at times.
“Nothing,” Coco interjected and aimed a glittering look of warning at Louise.
There was nothing worse than gossip and innuendo.
If anyone understood how whispers spread it was Coco.
By the way Nico gave Elena a cold look and stepped back, Bronte’s husband had it all under control.
Coco turned to Josh and knew exactly how to divert his attention from Nico and Elena.
“You did a fabulous job of the house. Furniture’s arrived. It’s looking wicked. Come down and check it out.”
The distraction worked.
His smile popped again and this time she caught sight of a single dimple next to his fine mouth. The man looked like a Viking warrior. He was wide of shoulder, long of leg, with a fabulous face. He was a stunner all right and she wondered what the hell he was doing still single. Over the two years he’d designed and built her house, Josh had become a good friend. Coco had lots of time for a man who was not only talented, but a lovely, lovely guy.
“Good to know. The design’s reached the quarterfinals for the house of the year. Thanks for letting me enter it. Appreciate it.”
“I love it,” she said sincerely.
His eyes, the colour of pale denim, went sharp. “No problems?”
Coco shook her head, but all the time she had one eye on Elena who was now talking to Bronte. The way her friend’s face flushed, the way she took a step back made Coco frown. She had a nose for trouble and her nose was twitching.
But she returned to Josh who was waiting for a response.
“No problems. I’m a very happy client.”
Janine stood. “Coco, would you hold Boo for a minute, I need to visit the restrooms.”
Not much scared Coco Monroe but her belly jittered in a way that made her blink up into Janine’s face.
“Me? You want me to hold it?” she said in a squeaky voice that made Josh chuckle.
Louise jumped up. “I’ll come with you,” she said to Janine, and sent Coco an evil grin. Traitor.
“I’ll take her,” Josh offered as he stood.
If Coco hadn’t been too busy feeling relief the indecision on Janine’s face, the way she clutched her baby to her breast, would have been comical.
Holding out his arms Josh stared dead into Janine’s eyes.
“I’ve two nephews and have managed not to kill Sophia or Luca Ferranti. I won’t drop her, Janine. Honest.”
Face pale, her friend handed her daughter to Josh. “I won’t be long.”
Josh simply gazed down at the sleeping baby.
A sweet smile tugged his mouth.
“Take your time, no probs.”
Holding the baby close, he sat in the seat next to Coco, gave her an elbow nudge.
“Not feeling maternal?”
Coco gave him big eyes. “Are you kidding?” She risked another peek at an oblivious Boo. “She’s beautiful.”
Josh stroked a finger softly down the baby’s velvet cheek.
“Just like her mama,” he murmured under his breath.
Coco had ears like a bat and now her eyes met his.
“Aha, you have a thing for Janine?”
His cheekbones and the tips of his ears went bright red. Aww, she’d never seen this side of Josh before and it was so cute.
The shrug he gave was of the jerky variety.
He shook his head.
“She won’t give me the time of day. You know I’m working on her house, The Grange?”
“Really? I hadn’t heard.”
“She’s moved into the Annexe at Sweet Sensations. Less noise and dust. It’s a better environment for the baby. The idea is to split The Grange into two self-contained properties. I’m thinking of putting in an offer for one as a place to live and work. There’s plenty of space. The rents are crazy in the city. With Ludlow Hall next door, it’ll be handy for client meetings, workshops.”
He had it all thought out Coco realised.
Josh gave the sleeping baby another gentle stroke on her velvety cheek and continued,
“I see Janine regularly to discuss progress. Every time I try to get near her she jumps like a rabbit under the gun.”
By the frown and the tight jaw Coco recognised that Janine wasn’t making his life easy.
“You’ll need to give her time. She’s been through a lot. I can’t get two words out of her.” Real anxiety entered her voice. “The change in her is giving me the willies.”
Now those blue eyes went sharp on hers.
“Yeah? What was she like before?”
“Glamorous, sexy, full of fun.” She sighed. “It’s as if a light’s been switched off. Has Bronte said anything?”
He shook his head. “But I know from Nico they’ve been worried about her. I have feelings for Janine and they’re not going away. But I don’t want to make it a big thing.”
Coco glanced over his shoulder.
“They’re coming back. I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“Thanks, Coco.”
Unlike her Louise adored babies, she wiggled her fingers at Josh. “Gimme.”
Josh rose, handed her Boo, while Janine stood by looking as if she’d had a root canal.
And Coco caught the man’s sigh of utter frustration.
“She still has all her fingers and toes. No bumps or bruises.” The harsh tone he used made Janine go even paler.
Louise frowned at the tension in the atmosphere. “Sit down, Janine. I’ll take Boo on a visit to see Bronte.”
Now Josh turned to Coco. “I’ll call and make a date to come down and see the house.”
He walked off in the general direction of the bar.
“She’s a cute kid,” Coco said to Janine and eyed her too pale face. “Fancy a drink?”
Her gaze glued to Josh’s back, her friend simply shook her head.
What on earth was the matter with her?
“Josh is a lovely guy,” Coco said and received a shrug for her trouble.
Hmm.
Grasping for patience she tried again.
“How are you? In yourself?”
Turning to her, Janine’s eyes went wide with something like surprise.
“Me? I’m fine. Working with Bronte and Rosie is a gift. I love it.”
Coco nodded. “Today must have brought back happy memories, been hard for you.”
It was a logical statement. But again Coco read surprise.
“Not at all. I’m delighted for them. They make a wonderful couple and are utterly besotted with each other. They’ve a good chance of making it work.”
But something about the way Janine shrugged, shook her head, made Coco’s brows snap together.
“What the hell happened to you?”
Now a flush burned up her friend’s neck, into her cheeks.
Janine opened her mouth, and then closed it with a snap. Her gaze found the bride and groom. “Alexander will be good to her. Look at how Rosie’s father has his arms around them. The men in her life absolutely adore her. And that’s how it should be.”
Coco studied Rosie and her family and understood what the girl was referring to.
Janine was estranged from her father.
The man was an absolute nightmare.
A horrible sickly feeling, guilt, burned in the region of Coco’s heart.
“I’m having trouble with my father, too,” she admitted.
Janine turned to stare at her.
“Compared to mine your father’s a big pussycat.”
“He’s just as controlling. Can you imagine any man measuring up to what he wants for me?”
Now her friend’s eyes went dark as she sipped her water.
“He wants what’s best for you. To protect you,” Janine said in a tight little voice.
Yes, but father’s can’t protect us from ourselves, Coco almost said.
But then Janine’s last statement and the way the words were spat, had Coco eye her carefully.
“Your father didn’t protect you?”
Again heat flashed into Janine’s face then bled away, leaving her too pale, too vulnerable looking.
“He did everything he could to destroy me,” she whispered.
Big eyes stared into hers and what she read there, more than pain, more than hurt, turned the blood in Coco’s veins to ice.
Janine’s eyes filled.
She took a deep breath, swallowed audibly.
“Don’t look at me like that. And don’t waste your pity on me either, Coco. The day my husband died was the best day of my life.”
Chapter Three
Shock held Coco utterly still as Janine shot to her feet.
She reached out, but her friend shook her hand off and sped through the dance floor, heading for the restrooms.
Frowning now, Coco kept a worried eye on her, watching her brush off Josh who wanted to know what was the matter. Janine turned and spoke to him and the way Josh flinched had her wonder what the hell was going on.
But she’d seen a flash of something dark in those sad, blue eyes.
Something familiar.
Too busy trying to remember where she’d seen the look before, Coco missed the approach of the one man she’d managed to avoid being alone with for months.
And found her wrist taken in a strong grip.
“Dance with me,” a deep masculine voice commanded in her ear.
Another hand spanned her waist and she was hauled to her feet.
Her head tipped back to stare up into the face of Rafael Cavendish.