After all, she had ended up marrying someone one day after his betrayal.
“Payton,” her mother started again but it was high and absurdly bright. Definitely hiding something. “Brad arrived almost an hour ago. As I told him when he knocked on the door, hoping to find you and get some time to finally talk, you had an early breakfast with Kate and a few of the others in the wedding party and would be along soon.”
Ahh. So her mother still thought their wedding could be saved. Payton actually felt a moment of pity for her. She wasn’t going to like what she was about to hear. But all in good time. First Payton owed the truth to Brad. And then she’d handle her mother.
Brad was still staring at her, almost in disbelief as he took in her barefooted appearance, the hair that was still uncombed and probably ratted in the back thanks to all the hairspray she’d used to keep the up-do for the ceremony. And possibly the bright glow that she felt emanated from every pore, she was that happy.
He scratched his head, barely mussing the thick dark blond mop on his head. “Payton? What’s going on? You went to breakfast like…this?” Even he didn’t sound like he believed it.
“Mother. Maybe you could check out the pool? Take a walk on the beach? It’s a glorious day outside.”
Just be anywhere else but here.
“I think I’ve had enough sun,” her mother said, ready to argue before taking a long pause. “But I would be happy to leave the two of you alone for just a moment. First, I need a word with you, darling. In private.”
“I’m sure that what you have to say can wait. Brad just—”
“No. It’s okay,” Brad said. “Look, Payton, I love you. I’m not going anywhere. Take a minute with your mother,” he said and walked to the door, “and I’m going to run to the front desk for a couple of bottled waters. We can talk when I’m back.” He gave her a reassuring smile, before opening the door, leaving them alone.
“Payton Elisabeth,” her mother now hissed, any pretense of goodwill and cheer gone. Payton finally looked at her mother. White linen pants and a short-sleeved matching top gave her mother a casual but elegant style that contradicted the fury on the woman’s face, her fingers clenched into fists. “Of all the ridiculous, short-sighted decisions you could make, you would choose the absolute worst. Dancing with that man like you did last night in such a vulgar display. I finally couldn’t bare it and had to retire to our room just to calm myself.”
Payton only smiled and shook her head, trying to be patient and understanding. But she was having a hard time of it seeing as how she was barely controlling her glee at what she was about to impart.
“You can wipe that smug grin off your face, young lady. I’m on to you. Onto everything. Had I not seen those photos of the two of you, I wouldn’t have believed it. Making a mockery of marriage like that in such a lewd, disgusting way. That behavior is deplorable and thank God I had the fortitude to look through everything and get on the phone with your father.”
“What are you talking about? What photos?” Payton asked, despite having a strong suspicion.
“You know very well which photos I’m talking about. After all, you went to great lengths to hide them from me, stuffing them in the back of that drawer like that. But it’s not the first time I had to search for the truth where you’re concerned, since I know I’d never get it from you. Honestly, Payton. I can’t imagine what on earth you were thinking. Getting married to a man when you are still betrothed to another.”
“I was thinking that for the first time, I was with someone who didn’t care about my lineage, my education, who my parents are…I was with someone who only saw me. Who made me happy.”
“You don’t even know him,” her mother said, coming dangerously close to a shout.
“I know everything I need to know about him. I know he’s honorable and smart, and he loves his family and wants only to make them proud. I know that when he looks at me, I can barely catch my breath. I know that with him I can finally be myself.”
“Now you’re being ridiculous. You don’t build a life with someone based on that. You and I both know that the only reason you did this was because you’re angry with Brad and hurt. But once the two of you finally talk and clear the air, get back home where you belong without the taint of this…adventure influencing you, you’ll see that Brad is who you want, who you’re meant to be with.”
“Whether I married Cruz or not, I still wouldn’t be getting back together with Brad, Mother. I don’t love him. I never really did. But right now, Cruz is my husband. He’s the man I married, the man I want to be with. And when we get back home in a few days—yes, that’s right, I’m staying here with him a few more days—we’re going to give this marriage a chance. Either with or without your support.”
Her mother smiled and shook her head as she walked over to the couch and took a seat. “Before you go shouting your intentions to the rooftops, perhaps there’s something you should know about this marriage of yours. Last night, after I saw that license I called your father immediately. He of course got on the phone with our attorney to try and figure out how to get you out of this mess. But it seems that my worries were all for naught. There is no marriage.”
“Maybe not in your eyes, Mother, and if that’s the way you feel about it, then I’m prepared to accept that. But it is real. And neither of us are ready to give up on it. I—I love him.”
She’d never uttered those words about any man before, not even to Cruz, but she knew with certainty that she did. And she’d never felt freer.
But whatever response she’d expected from her mother to this statement, her laughter was the least she’d expected. “The only marriage you two have is symbolic. Not legal. Trust me, honey. That little paper you have doesn’t mean anything.”
Payton didn’t believe it. Didn’t want to believe it. But there was something so definite in her mother’s tone that she found herself growing uneasy. “What did Daddy’s attorney say?”
“Something about filing paperwork and birth certificates, and some nasty business about blood tests before you’d even be given a marriage certificate. And even then, marriages can only be conducted by a civil servant—not some Mexican priest.”
The logic of what her mother was saying sank in.
Cruz wasn’t her husband. They were never married.
But it didn’t change how she felt. It didn’t change what was in her heart. “Be that as it may, Mother, it doesn’t change the fact that I love Cruz. That we want to be together.”
Her mother raised her brow. “You love him and you want to be together. How about Cruz? What does he want? Has he told you he loves you?”
Neither of them had spoken the words. It was too new, and they were still figuring this out. Not that any of this was her mother’s concern. “I’m not discussing the personal details of my relationship with you. In fact, right now I only have two people I need to talk to. Neither of them is you.”
Her mother examined her perfect manicure, picking off something invisible in the cuticle bed. “Very well, Payton. But let me remind you, less than twenty-four hours ago you were standing in that very spot telling me how you weren’t going to be like me. You weren’t going to settle on being second in anyone’s life. I’m warning you now. In the end, where men like Cruz are concerned, they’re always going to choose work first. Every time. And the sooner you resolve yourself to that inevitably, the less pain you’ll experience later on. Trust me, Payton. I know what I’m talking about. Cruz is no different than your father.”
She had thought she was impervious to whatever comments her mother could make. But she hadn’t expected this. To be likened to her mother? No.
She shook her head. “I’m nothing like you, and Cruz is nothing like Daddy.”
“Payton, do you think when I married your father that I was resigned to being the woman in the shadows of his life? That I was resolved to put up with whatever indiscretions he had over the years? To know that I would never—we would never—come
first? I was once just as bright-eyed and naive as you. I thought we’d be going through this life, side by side. But somewhere along the way, that changed. No, this isn’t what I ever envisioned for myself. But it’s what I’ve accepted.”
She came to her feet and stopped in front of Payton, resting her cool hand on Payton’s arm. “I know that you want to believe Cruz is different. That things will be different between you two. But I know how men like him are. Their ambition and insecurities blind them to the more important things in life. At least with Brad, you know what you’ll get. He’s not blindly ambitious, doesn’t suffer from insecurities in the least, dear boy. Both of which flaw him…that’s true. But he does love you. And he could make you happy. Think about it.”
Payton stood there another minute after her mother closed the door behind her, leaving Payton alone. To her thoughts. To her doubts. Doubts that she couldn’t shut out as she stood under the pulsating water from the shower a couple of minutes later.
She was wrong. Her mother was wrong.
Cruz would never be like her father.
Chapter Fifteen
Cruz heard someone knocking at the door but it took him a full minute to finally open his eyes and realize where he was. He reached for the bed next to him, where he’d last seen Payton, naked and smiling before he fell asleep. Empty.
He sat up.
The pounding on the door returned.
Had she left for something and gotten locked out? He grabbed his pants from the floor and slipped them on, aware that the bathroom door was open and it was dark inside. She wasn’t in there. Or the main room, as he looked around, before finally throwing the door open.
Brad’s familiar too-cocky face met him. What the—?
“Cruz Sorensen. Been a long time. What’s it been? Since high school?” The guy stood there with that same air of confidence and entitlement he’d always had, a few bottled waters tucked under his arm.
But Cruz wasn’t intimidated by his demeanor. Not anymore. He knew he was just as good as Brad, that over the years he’d come into his own, built Sorensen to what it was now through his own hard work and determination—not his daddy’s work or his family’s name. And then there was Payton. Who’d chosen him.
Cruz ran his hand through his hair, a lazy grin on his face. “Something like that.”
He looked up and down the hallway, curious as to where Payton had gone. Probably to go battle the dragon lady. Did she know Brad was here?
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here. Don’t worry, I’m not here to punch it out with you. Payton’s mother has given me some idea what’s been going on over the past few days between you two. Can’t exactly say I blame Payton for wanting to exact a little revenge. Tit for tat. And seeing her sneak back to her room a few minutes ago, it doesn’t take a genius to realize what you two have been up to. God knows if the opportunity landed in my lap like that, a beautiful, vulnerable woman like Payton, that I wouldn’t have done the same as you.”
“You and I aren’t anything alike, Brad.” Thank God.
“You say that like it’s a relief. There’s no need for hostility. I’m not here as an outraged fiancé ready to sucker punch you—not that I wouldn’t be within my rights. But, no. I’m here in more of an official capacity. As one business representative to another. Can I come in?”
He may as well hear whatever it is Brad had to say and get it over with. Nodding, Cruz stepped aside and let the guy in. He wondered how Payton was faring, if she’d gone to confront her mother. He wished she’d at least waited for him. He would have made sure the woman didn’t bully Payton, let her know they both were in this together, their eyes wide open. Well, as soon as he got Brad out of here, he’d go and rescue her.
Brad set the water down on the coffee table and reached inside his jacket, pulling out a thick white envelope. He dropped it to the surface. “That’s the contract. Some of the dates have been moved up since dad is anxious to see that shopping center ready by the Christmas season. But other than that, it’s all signed and ready to go. Just needs your signature on the dotted line.”
Cruz narrowed his eyes. What was this? “Just like that. You and Dick have decided to finally move this forward. And no hard feelings?” His tone was suspicious, justifiably so. He was waiting for the catch. There always was one.
“None on my part. The figures are sound; you’ve shown your company is more than qualified to pull it off. Besides,” Brad smiled smugly,“this thing with Payton? I know it’s only temporary. I know that in due time, she’ll come to her senses. Realize who the person she’s more compatible with is.”
“Is that right?” Cruz went to the table and picked up the envelope and pulled the papers out. He glanced through it, spotting Dick Eastman’s signature on the bottom. He also saw they wanted to break ground one month ahead of schedule. “You think Payton is going to want you? After you cheated on her? Good luck, pal.”
“It’s not luck. It’s just the way of things, Cruz. Payton and I are the same. We come from the same cloth, the same backgrounds. We understand things that you have no idea about. It’s that bond that brought us together the first time, and that same bond is going to bring us back together. Look, I know you probably think what you and Payton have is something special. Unique. You’ve had some fun the past few days. Easy to do when you’re both away from the daily grinds of your lives. But eventually you’ll both go back home. And all the problems that you two have been avoiding are going to be waiting for you. Have you even met her father?”
“Can’t say as I’ve had the pleasure yet. But from what I hear, it’s not really like the man’s in his daughter’s life much anyhow.”
“That’s just it. He’s not there, but with that absence, his footprint in her life is even stronger. He’s never going to approve of you in her life. And no matter how much Payton denies it, she desperately needs his approval. It will throw a wrench in whatever it is you think you have.”
“What I don’t understand, Brad, is why you’re even here, telling me all this, if you’re so certain she’s coming back to you.”
“Maybe because I know that you have Payton’s interests in mind. And to hope that you’ll step aside when the time comes. I know I messed up, and I feel horrible for the shit I caused her. But I love her. I’m going to make sure she knows this and that I’ll do anything to win her back.”
“Yeah. Well good luck with that. You’re going to find that Payton’s not the same woman she was when she left home. She knows what she wants now, and she’s willing to stand up to anyone who tells her otherwise. There’s also one other little detail you may not know about. Something that tells me that whatever you may think, Payton’s moved on and is ready to make a commitment with me. Payton and I are married.”
This time Brad’s face scrunched up into a smile. He laughed, two short brays that were almost as obnoxious as the guy’s smug grin.
“It’s true. I’m sure Payton will show you the certificate if you have any doubts. Maybe let you take a peek at a few photos too.”
“Man, I kind of feel bad for what I’m about to tell you. But it’s probably best to make it quick so you don’t continue humiliating yourself like this. This so called marriage of yours? It’s not real, dude. You’ve got to know that. And I’m not just saying it’s completely incredible, but because you can’t just up and marry anyone you want in Mexico. You’d think you would know that. Aren’t you part Mexican or something?”
“Here,” Brad pulled out a folded piece paper from his back pocket and handed it to Cruz who took it but didn’t make any attempt to open it. “When Payton’s mother called me last night to tell me about what was going on, I printed this off the internet from some destination wedding place here. It tells you what you need to have an actual legal marriage.”
The guy was really starting to piss Cruz off. Not just because the words he was saying, if true, were something that he’d need a moment to consider the implications of, but because the damn cocky way the son
of a bitch delivered the news and still stood there smug as ever. Cruz really was beginning to despise him.
“I’ll take a look at this. Don’t worry. But whether we’re really hitched or not doesn’t change the fact that Payton was here last night, spending the night with me. That she has chosen me. She may not be married to me now, but that’s just temporary. She’s never going to want to marry you.”
There was a flash of annoyance and anger in Brad’s eyes, but it was gone as fast as it appeared. “If you say so. Guess only time will tell. Anyhow, the contract is ready for your signature. Can’t wait to do business with you.”
Cruz nodded, not daring to say anything else that he would later regret, and watched as Brad Eastman crossed the room, stopping at the door for a parting shot. “What was the name of that girl again?”
“What girl?”
“That girlfriend of yours, the one with the big doe eyes and the rack that could put Pamela Anderson to shame? You know the one.”
Cruz clenched his fist. He would not let this prick get to him. “Angelina,” he managed to say between clenched teeth.
“Ah. That’s right. You do have good taste in women. But they always seem to know who the better man is in the end.”
With an obnoxious salute, Brad let himself out.
The paper was still in Cruz’s hand and as much as he wanted to rip it up and drop it in the garbage can, he couldn’t, not without reading it first. He opened it and scanned the words. It was as Brad said. Paperwork and birth certificates and application fees had to be filed before they could say I do. Followed by a civil ceremony to make it official.
He crumbled the paper and tossed it in the garbage. It didn’t change anything. Not for him and he was almost as certain not for Payton. But…he’d be lying if he wasn’t sweating just a little at what the prick had said. About Payton and her issues with her dad and trying to please him and that sour-faced mother until she was wrapped up like a pretzel with trying to please everyone but herself.
Her Accidental Husband Page 17