by Regina Duke
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Ashley had to wait yet again for more of an explanation, as Warren arrived with their food. Dinner was a delight. Ashley was prepared for plastic microwave containers and little tubs of fruit juice. Instead, Warren revealed a fold-away table and set it for two. The china was delicate and the silverware was real silver. When Ashley demurred that she could not drink wine on top of her screwdriver, Warren supplied a chilled bottle of sparkling cider.
“I hope salmon and garlic potatoes is acceptable,” intoned Warren. “It’s one of Mr. Garrison’s favorites.”
Thor raised a questioning brow at Ashley. She made a circle with her thumb and forefinger.
“Perfect.”
“And asparagus, of course.”
“Of course,” said Ashley brightly. She felt like jumping up and down, just like Minion.
Thor watched her with affection throughout the meal. They made small talk about how many clients he had in Eagle’s Toe, and the kind of work his father did that would send him to Kuwait.
“Daddy doesn’t actually do the work anymore. He sends his crews over on jobs, and he goes several times a year to make sure everything is the way it should be. Last time he went, he said he threw a fit because the local company that was supposed to provide security for his people had cut back, and there were some firearms incidents in the hotel where they stay. But dad talked to the government officials who prepared his contract, and they fixed it right away.”
“His workers have to live in a hotel with heavy security?”
Thor nodded. “Not everyone over there wants foreign workers coming into the country. The hotel has armed guards at all times, and there are special buses that transport the workers to and from the job site. It’s not an easy way to make a living, but the money is amazing. That’s how dad got started, years ago. Then he decided he’d rather be the chief than one of the Indians. Started investing like crazy. Now he’s one of the biggest names in the oil industry. Connections all over the place. Ulysses is following in his footsteps.”
“Does that make you the black sheep?”
Thor smiled at the thought. “I guess so. But daddy insists on treating us equally. He has us both on his payroll, so to speak.”
“Oh? What’s your job for your dad?”
“I provide security for the company retreat.”
Ashley thought for a moment. “Oh, the cabin.”
“And I consult on fire safety. Lots of stuff. Lately, dad has been slipping more and more of the wealth to me and my brother. I have no doubt that someday I will end up back in Texas, closer to the family business. But by then, I hope to have a chain of security stores and managers all over the country.”
“Wow. You dream big.”
“Hitch your wagon to a star.”
“Ralph Waldo Emerson,” Ashley said. “‘Always aspire to do great things; do not set pessimistic goals.’”
Thor lifted his sparkling cider in a toast. “There you go,” he said softly.
“My dad’s family lives in Texas,” said Ashley. “The cousins I told you about? They’re scattered around the state. But I haven’t seen them in years.”
Thor set his cider down. “Then moving there eventually would not be a big problem for you?”
Ashley adjusted the hem of her blouse and tilted her head to one side. “Are you expecting our marriage to last longer than a year, then?”
Thor turned a hand over. “Just saying. You know, be prepared. Who knows? Handsome guy like me, beautiful woman like you, we could—” His voice faltered and he reached out to take Ashley’s hand. “We might fall in love.”
Ashley felt the tingle of his touch all the way up her arm. She felt a sudden urge to squirm in her seat, but forced herself to hold still. A pink blush stole across her features. She tried to keep the mood light and businesslike.
“Well, I suppose anything is possible,” she said. “Although it is a disappointment that you are not a gazillionaire. I mean, really. My lifelong goal was to marry a gazillionaire. I have a serious crush on Mr. Burns, you know.”
Thor’s brows knit together. “Mr. Burns? Of Family Guy?”
“Oh, yes. It’s narrowed down between him and Warren Buffet.”
Thor laughed out loud. Then softly, “That would be a terrible waste of an amazing young woman.”
Ashley giggled. “Sorry. Must be the vodka.”
“I guess I will have to aim for gazillionaire. How many zeros is that, anyway?”
Ashley waved a playful hand. “Oh, your financial people will know. They can figure it all out for you.”
“Excellent.” He leaned forward and pulled Ashley’s fingertips to his lips. “Until then, will multi-millionaire do?”
Ashley’s eyes popped wide open and she jerked her hand back as if on fire. “Are you kidding me?”
Thor’s eyes danced with fun. He shook his head. “Not kidding.”
“Wow. Well, you have thoroughly destroyed the relaxing effects of the alcohol.”
Thor refolded his napkin. “My wealth is that sobering?”
“No, no. Not that. I mean, hey, if you’re going to pay me to be your fiancée and your bride for a while, I’m glad you can afford it. But I was beginning to feel safe up here on this private jet. And now I realize I’m in more danger than ever.”
“I don’t get it.”
Ashley leaned forward and whispered, “From Britney Beth. She had her multi-millionaire all lined up for the march down the aisle, and I ruined that for her. She wants me dead.”
“Don’t worry. I’m your personal security advisor. Your bodyguard, even. I’ll protect you.” He lifted his glass in a tiny salute to Ashley.
Ashley returned the tribute. Thor’s eyes were incredibly blue, and they sparkled when he was having fun. He even had good skin. She wondered if men worried about that sort of thing. She couldn’t blame Britney Beth for setting her sights on Thor. She grew serious.
“You still haven’t told me the whole story about Texas and what Britney Beth is holding over your head.”
“I didn’t know that was part of the bargain. Are you backing out? Remember, this whole thing was your idea. You’re the one who grabbed my phone and started the ball rolling.”
Ashley made a face and crossed her eyes for a second. “I confess, I’m impulsive. It seemed like such a simple problem. Tell your mother you had a fiancée and they would get off your back. I guess things are never as simple as they seem.”
“Hardly ever,” said Thor. He grew somber. “I made a mistake in Texas. Two mistakes. One during the fire, and another one afterward. It was the darkest day of my life, and it’s hard for me to talk about it. I’m just not ready. Can you live with that?”
Ashley had a bad feeling. Had Britney Beth told her the truth? Had he really killed someone?
“Out with it,” said Thor. “I can see that this troubles you deeply.”
Ashley blurted, “Britney Beth said you murdered someone.”
Thor gaped. “She what?”
Ashley trembled. “She said I would be marrying a murderer. And frankly, that would be a deal breaker.”
Thor slapped his forehead with the palm of one hand. “That woman! Good God. No, I didn’t murder anyone. How could you believe anything she says after she forged that note?”
Ashley tugged at her bottom lip. “Oh, dear. I see what you mean. I’m sorry. It’s just that she planted that seed of doubt before the forgery, and it has been bugging me ever since. So you’re not a serial killer?”
A flicker of sadness dulled Thor’s gaze. “No. Not a serial killer. Not any kind of killer at all.”
Ashley squeezed his hand. “Please don’t be sad. I know we just have an agreement to marry for a year, but I really like you, Thor. I don’t want you to be unhappy.”
Thor’s expression brightened, then slipped into flirtatious teasing. “You know what would make me very, very happy?”
Ashley tried to pull her hand away but he held on tight. She wasn�
�t sure how to respond to his flirting. “Er, what would that be?”
Thor ran his tongue over his top lip, then pressed a button. Warren appeared immediately. “Warren, would you dim the lights in the cabin a bit? And leave us alone, please.” He held up a finger to hold Warren a moment longer and added, “Right after serving dessert and coffee. That would make me supremely happy.”
“Excellent, sir.”
Ashley threw her napkin at him. “Dessert and coffee? The key to happiness?”
Thor grinned and let go of her fingers. “Admit it. You want it, too.”
Ashley tossed her hair back. “Only if it’s rich and decadent and chocolate.”
Warren appeared with a tray full of choices and a fresh carafe of coffee. “If you need me, sir, just buzz. We’ll be landing in thirty minutes.”
Thor rubbed his hands together. “I’ve been waiting for this since we got on board. Be sure to drink lots of coffee. My business associates will be waiting for us at the hotel. We may need to be alert for a while.”
“Extra caffeine in chocolate,” said Ashley mischievously. She matched Thor bite for bite, and only felt a tiny bit guilty that she still hadn’t told him about the brochure.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
A limousine met them on the tarmac and took them to The Strip. Traffic was ten lanes and creeping along, as thousands of sightseers paid more attention to the casino lights than to driving. Ashley slid from one side of the limo to the other, trying to see all the lights at once.
Thor enjoyed watching her. Her beauty was thrilling, lit up with anticipation and excitement. He felt strange, sitting there in the limo with her. It took him a long moment to realize that strange feeling was happiness. He was happy that she was there, and happy that she’d been willing to jump on that jet with him. He pressed a button on the door and a sunroof slid open, giving them an unobstructed view of the casinos and all the neon.
“Better?”
Ashley squealed with delight. “This is so cool! And it’s so warm here. Come on!” She waved him up beside her as she stood to lean her elbows on the roof of the limo. “Amazing. Look at all those people in shorts. It’s bright as day with all these lights. Oh, you can hear music from every doorway.”
“The ultimate party town,” said Thor. “I’ll make sure we see some of it before we head back, okay?”
“That would be awesome. Where are we going anyway?”
Thor slipped an arm around her. Ashley did not resist. “The Bellagio. The fellows I’m meeting with are staying there this trip.”
“Do these guys own a casino?”
“Not yet. But they have several properties, and they’re planning to invest in a casino. My work for them will probably start in their other properties. These guys are big money.”
“Should I be intimidated? I mean, you’re a multi-millionaire, and you think they are ‘big money.’ Do I have to bow down or back out of the room on my knees or anything?”
Thor gave her a quick hug. “No, silly. You have cousins in Texas, right? Then you know what a good old boy is. These fellows think of themselves as good old boys who have accumulated a great deal of money. You just be yourself. They’ll love you.”
“If you say so. Oh, look! That must be New York, New York.”
Thor nodded. “Easy to spot, isn’t it? The Bellagio is further up the Strip.”
Ashley looked dismayed. “Everything is so far apart. Some of those poor people look like they’re about to fall over.”
“Distances are deceptive because the casinos are so huge. People think a place is just a block away, and then they end up hailing a taxi because it’s way further than they thought.” He glanced over at her. “Hey, why the glum face? You don’t have to hike anywhere. I promise.”
“Sorry. I just thought— Never mind. You’re right. I was just surprised at how far apart everything is.”
“There’s the Bellagio. This place is huge. You probably won’t even want to leave once you get inside.”
“Yeah,” said Ashley, subdued. “You’re probably right.”
Thor gave her another hug. “I will meet with these guys, and once that’s done, you and I will go out on the town.” He leaned close and murmured, “I told you you’d need lots of coffee.”
When the limo pulled under the portico, Thor spotted Tex, Jackson and Carlyle right away. Tex’s white Stetson made them easy to spot.
Thor introduced Ashley as his fiancée. She seemed a bit nervous and held her red coat folded over her arms.
Tex was plump and friendly. He held out a hand. “Hello, pretty lady. Miss Ashley, is it? So nice to meet you. I hear you and Thor here are going to be married soon.”
Ashley shook his hand. His gracious manner seemed to set her at ease. She offered him a warm smile.
Carlyle was tall and big boned, and he looked out of place in his expensive suit. But he was polite and soft spoken. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
Tex gestured to a muscular fellow with a shaved head. “Jackson here will get your bags. Let’s go inside. Have you had dinner?”
“Yes,” said Thor.
“Good. We can talk some business and then you can show Miss Ashley some of the sights.”
Tex fell into step next to Ashley.
Thor caught her eye. “You okay?”
Tex said, “I promise to be a perfect gentleman.” He leaned toward Ashley as they entered the elevator. “I know my hat is a bit pretentious, but it goes with my nickname. I don’t even wear it back home.”
Ashley took a moment to admire the Stetson. “I know what you mean. My father grew up in Beaumont, and he never wore a hat in his life until he moved out of state. He said it felt like his hat was his link to his roots.”
“That’s it exactly,” said Tex. “Thor, you didn’t mention your fiancée was a Texas gal.”
“I grew up in Colorado,” said Ashley, “but dad used to bring me down to visit the cousins. So I’m not a total alien.”
Tex laughed. “You’re a good girl.”
Jackson led the way into an expansive suite. The huge room was divided by furniture groupings into a quiet sitting area, a TV area, a dining area, and a wet bar. Everything was plush and yet classically understated. The floors were marble, the color scheme was cream and beige and dark woods. The view was stunning, as the room looked out on The Strip.
“Two bedrooms,” said Tex, as if Ashley had asked. “Over three thousand square feet. I like to spread out some when I travel.”
Thor strode across the room to the TV area where a big screen was playing an old movie. Seated before it in a wheelchair was a fine-boned woman with very dark hair and black eyes. Thor knelt down beside the chair.
“Lulamae. It’s so good to see you again. Did Tex drag you all the way to Vegas so you could double check his investment portfolio?”
Lulamae smiled and reached out with one bony hand to touch Thor’s face. “You look wonderful.”
“There’s someone I want you to meet.” He waved Ashley closer. “This is my fiancée, Ashley Clair. Ashley, this is the brains behind Tex’s business genius. Lulamae Franklin.”
Ashley approached and held out a hand.
Lulamae took a sudden breath. “Oh, my. Thor, she is the perfect bride for you. I saw her in a dream!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Ashley’s expression brightened. “Really? My late father was a big believer in the power of dreams.”
“Oh, cherie, sit here and tell me all about yourself. You don’t mind, do you? The men want to talk business, but I haven’t had any old fashioned girl talk since we left home.”
Ashley looked a question at Thor.
He nodded encouragement. “If you don’t mind,” he said, lowering his voice, “I think our business will move faster if Tex doesn’t have to edit everything he says because there’s a lady present.”
Lulamae laughed, a breathy sound. “That’s for sure. He thinks I don’t know he cusses to look manly, but he can’t keep nothing fro
m me.” She winked at Ashley.
Ashley pulled up a red and gold tufted chair and sat close to Lulamae. “I think we’ll have lots to talk about.”
“Uh-oh,” said Thor playfully. “I’m in trouble now. Lulamae, don’t talk her out of marrying me. She finally got mama off my back.”
“Well, that was quite an accomplishment,” said Lulamae. “You boys go on now. We’ll be fine.”
Tex approached and planted a kiss on Lulamae’s forehead. “Your nurse is down the hall. Don’t be afraid to wake her up, now, you hear?”
Lulamae waved the suggestion away. “I feel fine, love. You go on and entertain Rooster’s boy. But don’t keep him out too late.”
“Understood.” Tex smiled and nodded at Ashley. “Jackson wants to stay close by.” Then he and Carlyle and Thor headed out the door.
Lulamae straightened up in her wheelchair and threw off the blanket that covered her legs. She was fully dressed in a high-necked, long-sleeved black evening gown and black flats.
“Roll me over to the bar, cherie, and we’ll have a little something.”
Ashley had no problem with the wheelchair since her father had spent the last few months of his life in one.
“Are we doing something a tiny bit naughty?”
“Oh, hell, yes. My nurse won’t let me touch alcohol. Now don’t get me wrong, cherie. I’m not a big drinker. But the pastor of our church told me I could take some medicinally.”
“What would you like?” Ashley parked the wheelchair at the end of the bar and slipped behind it to look at the contents. “Wine? Champagne? Kahlua?”
“Don’t they have any gin back there?”
“Why, yes, they do.” Ashley picked up a bottle of gin and found a glass.
“Two fingers,” said Lulamae. “And fix something for yourself.”
Ashley mixed herself a hasty screwdriver.
“I’ll hold that,” said Lulamae, “while you push me over to the sofa. I want you to be comfy while you tell me all about yourself. Especially how you came to be Thor’s fiancée, since a week ago everyone back home was hearing that Britney Beth Beale was going to marry him very soon.”