Her eyes flared with shock at his words, as if she’d never expected him to be so accommodating. As the tension left her body he knew that he’d dodged a bullet. A bullet that could’ve proved to be fatal. He left the phone where it was. “No, don’t call her. Let’s talk about it tonight.”
He pulled her in and dropped a kiss on her lips. She softened and moaned and he tightened his hold as he deepened the kiss. He couldn’t get enough of her. He didn’t deserve the second chance she was giving him.
It took all his strength to break the kiss. “I don’t deserve your easy forgiveness, but thank you. I’ll call you as soon as I’m finished. Hopefully I can deal with this painful client and we can do something this afternoon.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her briefly on the lips. “Bye, sweetheart.”
As he walked away from her, Marco thought that he was leaving a little piece of him behind with her. He knew that piece would be safe with her, but it was disconcerting to feel that way. What if she thought about what he’d done and when he got home she wanted to end their relationship?
• • •
Marco tapped his pen impatiently on his notepad. His client was asking the most infuriating questions.
“So how can we get the council to get on board and make these allowances for me?” The other man’s voice almost sounded whiny.
“Look, Roger, I don’t think we can expect the council to allow these chan — ” Marco broke off and looked down at the file again. The name Roger White glared up at him from the paper. Surely it couldn’t be the same Roger White that Phoebe had been talking about just this morning? It seemed too much of a coincidence to be true, White was a common last name.
“You were saying something?” Roger asked.
Marco gave himself a mental shake. He needed to get this issue finalized and then he would ask the question that was now burning brightly in his mind.
“Right, as I was saying, the council won’t allow these changes and I’m not even going to try and get them to make allowances. They’ve set these restrictions to keep the integrity of the house.”
“Well that’s not acceptable to me. I will take my business elsewhere. I’m sure I’ll get a better firm of architects anyway.”
For once the thought of losing a client didn’t bother Marco. He had a reputation to uphold and he wasn’t going to compromise it for a client who didn’t listen.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Roger, but I wish you luck. I’ve seen situations like this a lot, and the council never makes allowances.”
“We shall see. Everyone has a price.”
As the other man stood to leave, Marco spoke. “Before you leave, Roger, I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“Do you happen to know a Phoebe Fitzgerald?” Marco had no hesitation in asking — Phoebe’s name wasn’t common. It was highly unlikely there were two Phoebe Fitzgeralds and two Roger Whites who knew each other.
“Yes, I know a Phoebe Fitzgerald. Why?”
Marco was surprised to hear the suspicion in the other man’s voice. There was no way he was going to give too much away about his relationship with Phoebe. “I was with her recently and she was talking about a dear friend of hers, who I believe was your mother, when she mentioned your name. At the time I didn’t know it was you and I only just made the connection.”
“Right, well I don’t know how well you know her but I wouldn’t waste my time with her. She tried to scam my mother out of her money. I’ve heard she’s a nurse but she’s probably lying about that too.” He was so smarmy it took everything Marco had not to punch him out. He also tried to not let the comment about Phoebe trying scam Mrs. White out of her money get to him.
“Actually, she’s a damn good nurse. I’ve seen her in action, so she’s not lying about that.”
“Well, whatever, it’s probably just a cover until she can snag herself a rich man and then she’ll quit and bleed the poor sucker dry. She’s a user. Always telling a sob story so someone will want to help her out. She’s a good con artist, if you ask me.”
Marco wouldn’t let Roger’s words bother him. He knew Phoebe. He believed her side of the story more than this man’s. He wanted the loser out of his office, but there was one thing Marco wanted to ask. One thing he needed to find out before he told the jerk to get out and never come back.
“Phoebe mentioned a necklace your mother used to have — it seemed special to her.”
“Of course it was special.” Roger sniffed as if he’d gotten a whiff of garbage. “It was worth a fortune. She’d have sold it off to the highest bidder the moment she could have. I made sure she didn’t get the chance.”
There was a smugness about him that grated on Marco. He seemed almost pleased that he had the chance to discredit Phoebe. He wouldn’t believe that Phoebe could be so callous. Not the woman he knew and loved.
He stood a little straighter as he let the thought float through his mind. I love Phoebe. The depth of his feelings for Phoebe was a lot stronger than anything he’d ever felt for Veronika.
I love Phoebe.
Yes, it was totally true. That was the reason why he had been so determined to find her and convince her they were meant to be together, after she broke their engagement. Not hurt pride. He couldn’t imagine his life without her in it. Her smile. The way she cared for people. She was an amazing woman, and he was glad that she was his and no one else’s.
Suddenly he wanted the other man as far away from him as possible. Marco opened his door. “Well, thanks for the opportunity of doing business with you, Roger. I’m sorry we couldn’t come up with an agreeable solution to your requirements.”
“Whatever,” the other man brushed off Marco’s words. “But a friendly word of warning — don’t trust Phoebe. My mother could’ve been seriously hurt by her actions if I hadn’t have stepped in.”
As Marco closed the door, he thought back over the conversation. One thing stuck out to him — Roger’s use of past tense when talking about the necklace was interesting. Did that mean Roger had ended up giving the necklace away? Or perhaps he’d sold it himself. Marco definitely wasn’t going to let the comments about Phoebe being a scam or con artist bother him. There was no way he could be fooled twice. Especially not by the woman he loved.
CHAPTER 14
Phoebe sat at the outside table of her and Sophie’s favorite café, waiting for Sophie to join her. The day was warm but not overly so. The seasons were changing and summer would be upon them soon.
As she reached for her cup of coffee her phone rang. She picked it up and saw that Sophie was calling her.
“You’re running late?” Phoebe said as she answered the phone.
“I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel, Phoebs.”
Disappointment arrowed through her; she was really hoping she could talk to Sophie about everything that had happened between her and Marco within the last forty-eight hours.
“Oh okay, is everything alright?”
Sophie’s sigh reached down the phone to her. “Yeah, I was about to walk out the door when Louisa threw up. She’s got a bit of a temperature now too. She had her immunization shots yesterday so I think it might just be a reaction from that, but I’m don’t want to leave home.”
“Oh, Soph, I totally understand. I hope she’ll be okay.”
“I’m sure she will, but I’m disappointed to let you down. Why don’t you come over instead? I really want to see how you’re doing.”
Phoebe wanted to take Sophie up on her offer. She really needed her best friend at that moment. But if Louisa was unwell she didn’t want to put any burden on Sophie.
“I want to see you too, but if Louisa’s unwell I won’t bother you. Plus if it’s some dreadful plague I don’t want to catch it.” She finished with a laugh. Fortunately Sophie jo
ined in her laughter.
“This is your goddaughter you’re talking about.”
“I know, I love her, just not enough to share her germs. I’ll leave that for you and Alex.” She paused and licked her dry lips. “But seriously, it’s fine — we can catch up tomorrow or the next day, you let me know.”
“Okay, but answer me this. Are you and Marco back together or are you finished? I can’t tell from your voice and I’m surprised that you’re back from my dad’s house. I thought you were going to stay there for a couple of weeks at least.”
Phoebe had known that the questions would be coming, but she still wasn’t prepared for them. She was still a little annoyed at Marco for his high-handedness in calling the planner and telling Sonya to ignore her text message. On the other hand she couldn’t help but feel that it was a sign that he really cared for her. Sometimes actions speak louder than words and that action was screaming loudly at her.
“Phoebe?”
“Sorry, Soph, I was just thinking.” She took a deep breath and began to answer Sophie’s questions. “Well, to start off, Marco and I are back together and we are going to get married. You’re right, Soph, I love him and I don’t want to live without him.” A smile broke out on her face. It felt so right to tell Sophie that she loved Marco.
“Oh, Phoebs, I’m so happy for you. I knew once you got away by yourself that you would sort things out. When did you tell Marco? When you got back?”
Phoebe was surprised at Sophie’s questions — she was sure her friend had known that Marco had chased after her. “I told Marco last night, after we returned from the beach house. Surely you knew that he arrived at the house two days after I did.”
“No, and I didn’t tell him where you were — I swear, Phoebs, I wouldn’t betray you like that.”
“I know, Soph, I know. But surely Alex told you we were together. Marco and I came across a wreck and Marco sent a text to Alex for help.”
“No, my husband didn’t tell me that and I shall be asking him the moment he gets home why he failed to mention something so important to me. So how did Marco find you then?”
“He used an app on his phone to find me. I’d forgotten that we both downloaded the app.”
“Well, I don’t quite know what to say about all of this, except that that is the action of a man in love.” A cry sounded down the line and Phoebe knew her time of talking with Sophie was up.
“Look,” Phoebe said. “I’ll call you tomorrow and if Louisa is okay I’ll come by and see you.”
“Sounds good. Phoebe, I’m so glad everything’s working out for you. I couldn’t be happier. Bye.”
“Bye, Soph.”
Phoebe laid the phone on the table and picked up her now cool cup of coffee. There was no point in ordering a new one since Sophie wouldn’t be joining her; she might as well go home and chill out. She went to stand when a shadow loomed over the table. She looked up and wished that she’d finished her conversation five minutes earlier. A sense of déjà vu washed over again.
“Hey, Phoebe, you’re not getting ready to leave are you?”
John Allen stood by her table. He was the last person she wanted to see. She gathered up her bag. “Yep, I’ve got an appointment to get to.” It was a little lie but a necessary one.
His hand landed over hers where it rested on her handbag. “Please, Phoebe, can you spare me a few minutes? I’d really like to talk to you.”
She sighed. There was a thread of sincerity in his voice and she couldn’t ignore it. “Fine. You’ve got five minutes.”
John pulled out the chair opposite her. “First off, I want to say sorry.”
Those were the last words she expected to hear from him.
He chuckled and she knew she hadn’t kept the surprise off her face. “I see I’ve surprised you.”
“Somewhat, considering the last conversation we had, you were still being a jerk.”
His expression sobered and he leaned forward and grabbed her hands in his. She felt nothing. There was no spark. No fission of excitement, like Marco’s touch had always given her. She relaxed slightly, knowing that no matter what he said now she was sure of her feelings. And her feelings were all for Marco. Only for him.
“You’re right, I’ve been nothing but an idiot since I arrived back in town. My actions have caused nothing but pain for you. I arrived back and thought I could just pick up where we left off.”
“Why on earth would you think that? You left me without a backward glance, John. Then you come back after no communication in months and profess you love me. What were you thinking?”
Phoebe looked at him and tried to see if there was any indication he did love her. But as she looked into his eyes they looked the same clear hazel they always had.
“I wasn’t really thinking. I’m ashamed to admit that I was feeling a little lonely and thought if I came back here you’d still be waiting for me. When I found out you’d not only moved on but were engaged, that triggered some jealous, competitive part of me. I was immediately convinced that we were meant to be together, and I think I figured if I said I loved you, it would make a difference. Clearly it didn’t, but I kept saying it and kept going after you because I didn’t want to lose. I realized though, after I spoke to you on the phone again and you sent the text, that what I was doing was wrong. I was practically forcing you to feel things you didn’t and never would.”
Phoebe opened her mouth to say something but he held up his hand.
“No, don’t say anything. I was being a complete asshole. I should’ve respected you when you said no. I have no excuses and I totally understand if you don’t want anything to do with me. I wouldn’t want anything to do with me if I was you. All I can do is say sorry again.”
Looking at the man in front of her, Phoebe knew he meant every word he was saying. Yes, he’d been a jerk. Yes, he had done things he shouldn’t have. His only saving grace was that he owned up to it.
“I accept your apology, John.” She laughed ruefully. “If truth be told, you turning up again was a good thing for me and for my relationship with Marco. It made us realize a few things about our relationship and where it was headed.”
“You really love him, don’t you?” John asked. She didn’t know whether it was the way she said Marco’s name or something else that gave her away, but it was definitely the truth.
“Yes. Yes, I do. And I can’t wait to marry him.”
John still had hold of her hands when he stood and she had no choice but to stand as well. In the next instant she found herself wrapped up in a friendly hug from John. He kissed the top of her head. “I’m really happy for you, Phoebe, and I wish you nothing but good luck and a long and happy marriage.”
“Thank you. I’m happy too.”
“I really am glad you’re getting married, Phoebs. I remember Marco from Sophie’s wedding. He seems like a good guy.”
“He is.” The urge to see Marco was strong and she checked her watch. He should be back at her place by now. “Look, I’ve got to go. Take care with whatever you’re going to do.”
“It was good to see you and sort this out. I was hoping that I would have a chance before I headed out of town again.”
“Off on another adventure?” she asked, extremely glad that Marco had pursued her. If he hadn’t she could’ve still be sitting at the beach house wondering if she and John might have had a chance at a future. How stupid she had been.
“Yeah, I’m off for another stint overseas.”
Phoebe reached over and gave him another hug, a goodbye hug. “Good luck and stay safe.” She then reached up and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Bye.”
She turned and walked away from John, not feeling bereft but rather full of energy at the prospect of seeing Marco soon.
• • •
Marco didn’t know what
he was feeling as he watched Phoebe walk away from John. As he’d watched them interact he’d noticed the relaxed way they responded to each other. He’d wanted to march over there and punch the guy out when he’d reached out to take Phoebe’s hands. He’d controlled his urge when he saw that Phoebe, instead of pulling her hands away from his touch, left her hands where they were. As if she was happy to have them held by John.
The words from his earlier conversation with Roger White came roaring back to life. He didn’t want to think of Phoebe as a scam artist or a gold digger only after him for his money. But as he stood and watched the conversation progress and the hug and the kiss she and John shared afterwards he couldn’t help but think that there might be a grain of truth to Roger’s words.
It seemed too convenient for John to have just stumbled upon Phoebe at her favorite café. Marco only knew she’d be there because he’d received a text from her letting him know she had decided to meet Sophie. It could only mean one thing. That instead of meeting Sophie, she was actually meeting John.
What had they been discussing? Had they been making plans?
He tried not to let his mind get away with the thoughts that were spinning through it, but it was impossible. He had just acknowledged to himself that he was in love with Phoebe, and then he saw her with John and he wasn’t sure what to think. He really wanted to believe the meeting was accidental. His heart was telling him to give Phoebe the benefit of the doubt — it was probably a coincidental meeting, there was nothing malicious about it. But his mind was screaming at him not to be an idiot, not to give her the power to hurt him. She had contemplated leaving him for John once — she could do it again.
“Marco!” He found himself enveloped in a hug and he recognized the scent of the woman hugging him. Phoebe.
He tried to act natural, tried to not give away his tumbled feelings that were swirling about him.
Lovers Unmasked: The Complete Series Page 52