Her Surprise Engagement (Sorensen Family)

by Ashlee Mallory

  “Thank you for the advice,” Daisy said, all grace. “I’ll definitely keep your words in mind.”

  “No problem, sweetie,” Julia said, almost preening. Instead of moving on, however, she began waving to someone coming out of the hotel. “Would you two mind holding still for one minute. Stan!” she called in a shrill voice.

  Jack could see Stan coming, a tall, gangly guy in tow, and he managed not to groan. He’d just escaped the man’s suffocating presence to finally have a moment with Daisy and now he was going to have to converse with him again.

  “Stan, this is Daisy, the soon-to-be governor’s future First Lady,” his wife said, and Stan took Daisy’s hand in an exuberant shake before nodding toward Jack in greeting.

  Although there was no reason to still have his arm around Daisy, he found that he was enjoying their closeness, and he squeezed the side of her waist slightly. What he didn’t expect was her to jump and squeal ever so slightly.

  Ticklish? He glanced down to see her biting her bottom lip, trying to recover. If the others noticed, they were good at disguise as Julia Daniels caught her husband up with the discussion, who seemed to agree with whatever she said.

  “I hope you don’t find me too presumptuous,” Julia said, “but I would love it if maybe we could get a picture with you two?”

  “Not at all,” Jack said and waited as the older couple sidled up next to them, turning wide cheesy grins to the camera.

  “Perfect. In fact, I think it would be a shame, what with you two looking so darn handsome, if we didn’t take a couple of just the two of you.”

  “Sure,” he said, after catching Daisy shrug slightly. The sooner he complied, the sooner these people would move on and leave Daisy and him alone again. Plus, he didn’t mind having reason to hold on to Daisy a little longer.

  Two more shots flashed.

  “How about just a little kiss?” Julia said slyly. “After all, you’re newly engaged and in love and everyone is dying to see you two together.”

  The impromptu photo shot was finally getting interesting.

  He cleared his throat as he glanced down at Daisy, her cheeks noticeably flushed. “I suppose a quick kiss would be okay…”

  She smiled easily and tilted her head up, as close to permission as he could see. Her lips were warm and soft in the flash of a second they were on his before the kiss was over. They turned expectantly toward their audience.

  “Come now. That’s the best you two can do?” Julia cajoled.

  It wasn’t as if they hadn’t already discussed this possibility. Having to show some display in public.

  He grinned, not trying to hide his own enjoyment at the prospect of satisfying his long desire to actually kiss Daisy. But if he was going to give her any sort of a decent kiss he needed to make a few adjustments.

  His hand still around her waist, he pulled her closer, giving her a moment to adjust to their close proximity. He kept his eyes on hers as he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a more leisurely way than before.

  Her eyes widened at their touch, something he could relate to as a current of electricity rushed through him. Instead of pulling away, however, he grew bolder. After all, the full soft lips he’d been thinking about kissing since he saw her were finally his, even if only under this forced public moment. Letting instinct take over, he applied more pressure until her mouth opened. She tasted sweet and fruity, like the champagne they’d been sipping, only better.

  Daisy, who’d been tense before, melted against him, and those dark shining eyes fluttered. Whatever he’d been expecting from having this woman in his arms was nothing to the feelings that overwhelmed him in those few seconds.

  He felt complete. Happy—no, joyous. He wanted to be able to kiss this woman every day.

  Someone chuckled and it was enough to break the spell as Daisy’s eyes opened and, realizing they’d lost themselves over to the kiss, they broke apart.

  Stan was saying something else but Jack didn’t hear him. He’d done what he was asked to do, played the part, and now he just wanted these people to leave so he could be alone with Daisy.

  There was only one way he could manage both.

  “Actually, if you don’t mind,” he interrupted. “I promised my fiancée that we’d have time tonight for some dancing.”

  Without waiting for a response, he held his hand to Daisy, who took it without hesitation, her expression a blend of relief and…shock, might be a better way to describe it. A few other couples were already dancing in the middle of the patio and, returning his other hand to her waist, he eased them alongside the rest.

  Words escaped him as his heart beat hard and fast, almost as if beating for the first time in a long time. Kissing Daisy had shaken him more than he would have thought. The thrill and joy he’d felt during the seconds of that kiss were still with him, however, buoying every step they took on the floor.

  He could apologize, he supposed. For having to put her in the position where they had to give in to such a public display of affection but…he was far from sorry and he couldn’t say otherwise. Instead, he smiled, wanting to reconnect with the quiet woman in his arms, make her smile back.

  “It’s a pity really,” he started, waiting for her to meet his eyes, which she did, uncertainty in hers. “A pity in that Glenda wasn’t here to give us some sort of rating on our performance.”

  Her face was inscrutable as she processed this, before she sputtered and laughed. “I’m sure she would have found some room for improvement. Might even have stepped in my place to show us exactly how we could improve.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I think we nailed it pretty well, for a first kiss and all.”

  “Cocky,” she said, raising her brows, still smiling.

  “I’m nothing but honest. But I could be wrong. Maybe there is room for some improvement. I’m game for some practice. You know, in case we get called to perform again.”

  “I bet you would.”

  The final notes of the song played but instead of releasing her, he held her hand closer, enjoying the weight of it in his. “There’s no way I’m going to let you slip away just yet, you know.”

  On cue, the music of the next song started up.

  She laughed. “Since I love dancing and you seem to be a passable dance partner, I’ll let you get away with it.”

  “Passable, huh? I have a few more moves that just might surprise you,” he said, his tone tinged with innuendo.

  “I am sure you do.”

  And like that, any worry or stress he’d had at the prospect of faking this engagement disappeared. The feelings he had were real and he hadn’t felt this happy and hopeful in a long time.

  This was fate. This woman was meant to be with him.

  And she might not recognize that just yet, but he had time to show her otherwise. Starting tonight. He stepped lightly to the side, spinning her around, and she laughed as she came back into his arms.

  Yeah. This just might work after all.

  Chapter Ten

  Daisy sighed as she looked out the window, the hotel disappearing from view as they rounded a curve. Her head was spinning from too much champagne, but with the kids tucked safely in bed, the stars shining down above her, and the magic of the night, she’d allowed herself the indulgence, just this once.

  In fact, the entire night had felt like one indulgence after the other, beginning with the ring placed on her finger—even if it wasn’t hers forever. But it had been fun pretending that for a little while, this ring—and this man—were both hers.

  Then there’d been the kiss followed by dancing under the stars. She couldn’t have imagined the night being anymore perfect.

  She sank back farther into the seat, aware of Jack lost in his own next to her, and she remembered the kiss that had left her wobbly. And the warmth and electricity that sparked the moment their lips had touched, despite their audience.

  Even now, with him just a few inches away, she wondered whether they could recapture that same
spark, and more than anything, she wanted to close the distance, lean into his side, and accept his warmth and strength a little longer.

  Just as quickly, she dismissed the idea.

  What was she thinking? Soon, all of this would end and she’d be on her own again while Jack returned to his busy and important life.

  Except this time she’d have something more—she’d have the money to finally start her own business.

  That’s what she should be thinking about right now. Thoughts about empanada fillings and menu combinations, colors and textiles she might use to design her very own bakery.

  Not Cinderella fantasies but real life possibilities.

  Jack’s hand suddenly settled over hers, his thumb lightly skimming over it and sending a shiver through her. She couldn’t look at him, instead she closed her eyes, wanting this moment to last forever.

  He seemed to understand, and for the next twenty minutes, they rode in silence, their hands joined together.

  It was only when Rogers pulled the car into the driveway and got out to get the door, that Jack finally spoke. “Thanks for going with me tonight. I know it probably wasn’t easy, but you were perfect.”

  “Perfect. High praise indeed. And you’re welcome. I actually had a great time.”

  Rogers opened the door, and Jack released her hand and climbed out. He spoke to Rogers for a minute, something about the other officer taking Ollie outside before relieving Rogers for the night. Then Jack was back, helping her out.

  The house was still when they got inside and made their way down the hall, the light from the kitchen offering enough of a glow for them to see. At the bottom step, she slipped her heels off, dangling them in her hand before taking the lead as they crept up the stairs. They stopped outside the kids’ room and peeked in.

  A night-light was still on above Lily’s bed, a book resting on her chest as if she’d nodded off in the middle of a page. Daisy’s kids were also similarly asleep, although Paul stirred for a moment before flopping over to his belly.

  Jack slipped inside and went to his daughter’s bed where he took the book from her chest and set it down. Then he leaned over, taking a moment to brush some hair from Lily’s face, before placing a kiss on her forehead. He paused, studying her, something that Daisy had done millions of times with her own kids, but seeing him repeat that familiar gesture brought a large lump in her throat.

  This was a good man.

  A warm, kind, generous man who loved his child. Who was there for his child, despite whatever pressing engagements he had. He was someone dependable, not to mention someone who made her insides melt whenever he looked at her.

  Someone she could fall hard for.

  Holy Mary, Mother of God…someone she was pretty much certain she had fallen for.

  She watched him as he stared at his daughter, her heart hammering in her chest, before he flipped the light off and the room went to darkness. It took her a moment to make out his form coming toward her. He pulled the door closed behind him and turned to meet her gaze.

  She couldn’t move.

  “Are you okay?”

  But she was unable to find words as she stared into eyes that she knew were bluer than the lake outside the window even though they were drawn in shadows now. He took another step toward her, and she stepped involuntarily back until she felt the wall behind her.

  Her breathing was so loud now, and she worried that he could hear her heartbeat as it thrummed loudly in her chest. It was as if he saw something in her eyes, the way the glint entered his eyes, and he took another step so he was towering above her.

  “Daisy.” But he didn’t say anything more as he raised his hand, caressing the side of her face. Then he kissed her, only this time it wasn’t a soft, tentative kiss like earlier tonight. There was no hesitation as his mouth swept over hers, hard and demanding, and she found herself returning the kiss with just as much passion.

  She gripped his shoulders, the heel of a shoe still in her hand digging against her palm, but she needed the anchor that his strength provided as she felt like she’d be swept away from the rush of feelings that rolled over her.

  Desire. Excitement. Nervousness. And most of all…something close to love.

  It was as if someone pulled the needle back on an old record player.

  What was she doing? God, this felt good, and she could easily just give into the passion and make this a night she’d always remember.

  But just as much as she would remember it, she could very well feel regret.

  She wasn’t Jack’s fiancée. She wasn’t even his girlfriend. She was his business partner. And if she wanted to continue to be his business partner, she couldn’t cross the line from professional to romantic, no matter how much her body—and maybe even her heart—was telling her to.

  She’d given in to the desires of the heart once before and look where it got her.

  With reluctance, she slid her arms from Jack’s shoulders and stepped back into the known.

  The safe zone.

  “I…I just can’t, Jack,” she whispered softly, pleading silently with him for understanding.

  He took her hands in his own, smiling down at her. “We’re both grown adults, Daisy. Both of us single. There’s no reason we can’t do this.”

  She closed her eyes.

  Be strong. You know that this is what’s right. For you, your kids, your future.

  “Yes, we are.” She opened her eyes again. “But we’re also business partners, playing a part in order to achieve what we both want. Protecting our kids. Establishing our careers. Sleeping together would be crossing a line that would only complicate everything.”

  “It would also be amazing.”

  “Maybe. At least until we return to our own worlds and realize it was a mistake.” And she’d be left with a massive broken heart and her dream of having her own bakery a pie in the sky once again.

  No. What was practical and rational would be for them to keep things as they are.

  Instead of expressing disappointment or frustration, or even another attempt to convince her otherwise, Jack grinned, taking a moment to brush a wisp of hair from her face. He was taking this better than she’d hoped.

  “I understand. You need time to get accustomed to the idea that you and I are inevitable.”

  Or not.

  He sounded so certain, though, and she smiled back despite the seriousness of the moment before slowly shaking her head. “Not inevitable. Believe me. There’s nothing I’d like more if it was just about you and me and this moment. But it’s not. There are just too many variables that it’s not something I can risk.”

  “I understand.” He still grinned, and she wondered if she had spoken another language. He appeared so…upbeat.

  “All right then. I guess I’ll see you in the morning?” she asked, pulling her hands slowly from his.

  “Most definitely. Sweet dreams, Daisy.”

  With a last glance back to him, she walked down the hall then into her room, where she leaned against the door as she caught her breath.

  Because even now, with her body still tingling and her head filled with memories of tonight, she wondered how she’d had the strength to say no.

  …

  Jack woke up with a strange sense of renewed hope and happiness the next morning. Last night might not have gone exactly the way he’d hoped, but as he saw it, he had the rest of the week—hell, the rest of his life—to prove to Daisy that what was happening between them was real.

  And was worth the risk.

  He slid out of bed then threw on some clothes, laced up his shoes, and left his room for a quick run. Ollie was sitting outside his door, undoubtedly needing to be taken outside, and after finding his leash, they headed out.

  The brisk cold air was just what he needed as he kept a steady pace running along the beach, Ollie at his side.

  Sure, his spirits could be low. His disappointment acute that she’d rejected him. But he didn’t see last night as Daisy’s reje
ction of him. Because she wanted him as surely as he wanted her. Of that he was certain. No, what Daisy was rejecting was something else, something tied up in her old life and that asshat of a husband who’d made her question her own value.

  He didn’t need a degree in psychology to know that she was afraid of what would happen if it didn’t work out. She’d trusted her heart before and look what happened.

  Which was why he could be patient. He needed to show her that he wasn’t like her ex-husband. He wouldn’t ever leave her. And if she let him, they could both make each other happy, provide for each other in a way she probably had never experienced firsthand. They’d take care of the other.

  A large log rested on the beach and he leaped over it with renewed vigor. He’d show Daisy how things could be.

  Did he think there would be difficulties? Of course. He’d admitted as much to himself when he first met her and felt her draw. He was going to be a busy guy. He would have a lot of responsibilities in the coming months and years, and he couldn’t tell whether he’d have the time to always give her what she deserved. But he also knew that he didn’t want any of it, that it wasn’t worth it, if he couldn’t be happy.

  And Daisy could make him happy.

  A little while later as he reached the house, he looked up to see Officer Kenney watching him from the deck above, trying to keep an eye on him. He’d doubted the older man would ever have been able to run the beach, which was part of why he’d snuck out so early, so the guy didn’t feel guilty.

  He nodded to the officer, who smiled a little warily and said, “Good morning.”

  From over the man’s shoulder, he could see into the kitchen where Daisy was already whipping something up in a bowl.