Running from Fate

by Connelly, Rose

  Devon sighed dramatically. “I can tell that this is going to be a long story. Grab a table and I’ll get us another drink.”

  Half an hour later the beer was starting to make his speech a little slurred and his thoughts a bit fuzzy and the food was now just a fond memory, but still James talked. He told Devon of the tiny, bedraggled Mira with dirt on her hem who tagged after him. He mentioned the very sweet, pudgy girl who wanted so desperately to transform into a beautiful swan. He spoke of the scared teenager in jeans and a band shirt who had run to him for reassurance when her parents had told her she was going to boarding school. But, most of all, he talked about the smart, stubborn, sexy woman who blazed back into his life, firing his blood and clouding his thinking. When he finally wound down, he was no closer to a decision and, had he been sober, he would have been embarrassed by his effusiveness. Still, he felt surprisingly better.

  “So,” he asked his friend. “What do you think?”

  “I think,” Devon replied in a vaguely slurred voice. “That I’ve never heard you say that much at once. In fact,” he added. “I don’t think that you’ve spoken that many words to me in the whole time I’ve known you.” He rested his head against the palm of his right hand and gazed blearily at James. “I’ve got to say that I’m impressed.”

  “I’m trying to be serious here.” James leaned back in his chair and felt it starting to tip backward. He wind-milled his arms and just managed to catch the edge of the table. The chair teetered, but stayed upright. Unfortunately, the bowl of peanuts resting on the edge of the table weren’t so lucky. It fell with a clunk, scattering its contents all over the immediate floor space.

  Devon leaned back and laughed like it was the funniest thing he had ever seen.

  When his friend’s humor finally abated James cleared his throat and tried again. “What do you think I should do about Mira?” he prodded.

  Devon shrugged. “I don’t know. You could always treat her like all of your other women — a convenient bedmate and an occasional social asset.”

  “I can’t do that.” James sighed and rested his cheek on his palm.

  “Ah. Could it be that, even though you think she lied to you, you still feel something for her?”

  “Perhaps,” he admitted. “Plus, she flat out refused to even consider anything as casual as that.”

  “Listen buddy.” Devon stood up and slapped James on the shoulder, almost knocking him over again. “You already know what you want to do. Besides, from what you’ve told me I don’t think Mira deliberately set out to hurt you. Now, you can stay here and brood into your beer, but I’m calling a cab and going home. I’m beat.” With carefully measured steps, he turned and walked toward the door.

  James stayed at the table and called for another drink. If he was going to do any proper brooding, his brain needed lubrication. Granted, he might not make a smart decision, but at least he would be doing something.

  **********************************************************

  The tree looked really tall and the branches that were close enough to grab were swaying dangerously. Or, he admitted fuzzily, perhaps that was him. Oh well, James told himself as he rubbed his hands together, he had once been a champion climber. How hard could it be?

  With his first hesitant leap, he managed to grab a branch. He was already smugly congratulating himself when his hands slipped and he dropped down, scraping his palms on the rough bark. The second jump didn’t produce any better results, but through sheer willpower he eventually managed to haul himself up to Mira’s window, where he swayed dangerously for several moments and clung to the trunk for dear life. When he felt a little more stable, he carefully reached up, grabbed an acorn and threw it.

  The tap at her window, followed by a loud string of curses, jolted Mira from a sound sleep. She sat up in bed and hugged her knees, wondering if she should call the police, but whoever was outside was obviously not a burglar. He was making way too much noise and, if she wasn’t mistaken, the voice held the trace of an Irish accent.

  “Damn it,” she muttered as she climbed out of bed and stubbed her toe on the nightstand. Whatever the fool wanted he could just go home and forget it. He had already interfered enough today. With righteous anger already simmering in her veins, she marched over to the window, flung it open, and froze. He wasn’t standing on the ground. He was perched on a creaking branch grinning at her.

  “What the hell are you doing you daft man!?” she yelled. “You’re not a boy anymore. Get down from there before you fall. And go home. I have nothing to say to you.”

  “Hello darlin’,” he drawled. “You’re looking lovely. Why don’t you let me in and we can have a wee,” he paused and winked, or tried to, “chat.”

  Mira narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “How much have you had to drink?” she asked. “It must have been a lot if you think I’m stupid enough to fall for that kind of flattery. For god’s sake, my hair looks like I stuck my finger in a socket and my t-shirt must be at least 10 years old and three sizes too big.”

  “Ah, but you’re wrong,” he crooned. “A fine beautiful woman you are with your hair like a halo around your glowing face and your shirt slipping, showing off your lovely shoulders.” His eyes deepened and his mouth turned down, making him appear to be the epitome of a dejected man. “Me, now, I’m a right brute of man. No even worthy to kiss your feet. I was a stupid man to let you go, but I need you. Could you no find it in your heart to give me another chance?”

  Mira searched his eyes, seeking the truth of his words, but she couldn’t get past his expression. He looked like such a lost puppy that she wanted to laugh. Instead, she forced her lips into a frown and crossed her arms. “Why should I do that? You didn’t give me one.”

  “Ah, Mira, I’ve missed you.”

  Her treacherous heart swelled with longing, but she stubbornly pushed the feeling away. She was not ready to let him hurt her again. “Are you saying that you forgive me?” she asked suspiciously.

  “Have I no just said so? Now, why don’t you let me in,” he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, “and we can make up.”

  “I haven’t said that I forgive you yet James Kelly.”

  “All right,” he sighed dramatically. “Will you at least have dinner with me? I’ll even do the cooking.”

  “Can you cook?” she asked suspiciously.

  “Come over on Saturday and you’ll find out.”

  “Fine,” Mira relented. “I’ll have dinner with you. Now get out of that tree before you hurt yourself.”

  “Till Saturday then.” With a grace and agility that belied his age and level of intoxication, James shimmied down the tree and walked away. A cheery whistle drifted after him.

  Chapter 26

  Mira wasn’t exactly sure what to expect since, despite the extent of their relationship, she had never been to James’ house. It wasn’t that she hadn’t asked, because she had several times, but he had always come up with an excuse. She had started to suspect that there was actually something wrong with the house. Maybe he still lived like a frat boy with dirty clothes and empty pizza boxes on the floor. She knew several single men who were like that. Or perhaps, she mused as she turned into Crescent Estates, he lived in an extravagant monstrosity that was a shrine to wealth, but appalling to anyone with a smidgen of taste.

  Her mind was so focused on her inner ramblings that she completely passed the address and had to execute a three-point -turn, almost hitting a Lexus parked on the other side of the street. When she finally pulled into the driveway and caught sight of the house, she breathed a sigh of relief. Yes it was quite big with two stories of red brick, but it wasn’t ostentatious. She parked her car and actually made it to the porch before her steps hesitated as her sense of self-preservation finally kicked in. If she actually went through with this and she was wrong the potential for heartache was immense. She turned on her heel, but before she could take a step the big double doors opened.

  The man who stood there could eas
ily have worked for the British nobility. He had a somewhat battered face, which looked like it could have belonged to a boxer, but his spine was military straight and, except for a slight dusting of white on one sleeve, his black suit was starched and impeccable. She almost expected him to bow, but instead he greeted her in a crisp English accent, ushered her into the elegant dining room, and left her to wait.

  James heard the front door open and quickly pulled on a new shirt. His first was currently in the wash after an incident in the kitchen. He really should have heeded his own advice and ordered takeout. The sauce, the chicken, and the pastry he had spent hours on were all in the trash, burned almost beyond recognition. In the end he had to rely on Winston, his ever efficient butler, to salvage the meal. Thankfully, the man was also an excellent chef and had managed to whip up a meal very quickly. Right now a lovely Alfredo sauce was just starting to thicken, chicken was already grilled, the fettuccine was almost done, and homemade bread was warming in the oven.

  In fact, he thought, glancing at his watch, everything would be ready soon so it was about time he made an appearance. With a last glance in the mirror above his dresser, to check that he had managed to get all the flour out of his hair, he straightened his collar and walked out the bedroom. After a quick search he found Mira in the living room admiring the painting of King Arthur that hung above the fireplace. Rather than interrupt, he stood silently in the doorway and just watched.

  Tonight she was dressed in a simple black cocktail dress that covered her arms and fell to just below her knees. It was refined and sedate, but still managed to make her look sexy. Hell, he thought, she had looked sexy with half her hair plastered against her head and wearing the previous night’s clothing. Her shook his head, pulled his mind out of the gutter, and quietly stepped forward.

  With her head tilted to the side and a dreamy look on her face, she reminded him of the young girl that she used to be. He paused at the thought, examining his emotions for a trace of the anger that he had felt earlier. It wasn’t there. In its place was a remembered feeling of warmth and companionship that he hadn’t experienced in many years. With a light step he crossed the room and stood behind her.

  “That’s one of my favorite pieces,” he told Mira. “I’ve always been fascinated by that period of history.”

  “I remember,” Mira replied. “I spent most of my eighth year practicing sword fighting with a broom, but you never did let me play knights with you.” She paused and smiled in remembrance. “You called me ‘my lady’ for three whole months that year. I wanted to bash you over the head with something.”

  “If you thought you could have gotten away with it I’m sure you would have. You were always a bit of a tomboy.”

  “Not so much now,” she said softly. “Anyway,” turning, she looked him in the eyes. “There have always been women warriors so I don’t see why it has to be a man’s domain. Not all women are weak.”

  “You will agree though, won’t you,” James murmured as he moved closer, “that there are some benefits to the softer side?”

  “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” Mira tilted her head and unconsciously leaned forward, her earlier caution eclipsed by the heat emanating from his body and feelings of remembered pleasure. “Why don’t you show me?”

  “Why don’t I?” He reached out and slowly pulled her against his chest.

  “Dinner is served.” Winston announced from the doorway.

  Mira sprang back like a guilty teenager and banged her head against the wall, shaking the picture. She raised a hand and rubbed at the sore spot.

  “Damn it,” James muttered as he spun toward the doorway. He had been so close to assuaging the thirst that had been haunting him. “Couldn’t you see that I was busy?”

  “Excuse me sir, but I wasn’t aware that you would be ‘occupied’ so quickly. Besides,” Winston said blandly, “we wouldn’t want the dinner you worked so hard on to get cold, would we?” He turned on his heel and walked out.

  Well, James sighed, the moment was lost. There was nothing else to do but get on with the evening. “My lady.” He held out his arm. “Would you care to join me?”

  “Certainly.” She hooked her arm around his and they strolled out of the room.

  Mira had been worried about James’ culinary skills, but the meal turned out to be excellent and her host kept her entertained with stories from his college years and amusing tales of their childhood together. By the time dessert was served, a fluffy pastry concoction filled with fruit and cream, she was feeling relaxed enough to ease into the topic of the argument that had split them up. If a reconciliation was going to happen, and she was beginning to hope for one, they needed to clear the air.

  “You know,” she said carefully as she sat down her fork and leaned back. “I went to see your dad before I came to Raleigh.” He made no comment so she felt it was safe to continue. “He was actually the one who suggested that I look into EcoSpace. You know, he’s very proud of what you’ve done with your life.”

  “Look,” James interrupted. “I may have rethought the situation and forgiven you, but he does not deserve the courtesy.” He laid down his own fork and looked her in the eye. “I won’t say that you can’t talk to Patrick Kelly, but I don’t want to know about it. In fact,” he added. “After this conversation, I never want to hear his name again.” He had no wish to be harsh with her, but if there was any chance for them she had to leave the subject alone. Her expression had hardened, however, and she looked ready to argue. He lowered his voice almost to a growl and narrowed his eyes, exuding an aura that made his rivals tremble. “Is that clear?”

  “I’m not going to let you threaten me,” Mira said coolly. She didn’t realize it but her expression and her posture were now mirroring his. “If a relationship is going to work we have to be on equal footing. However,” she added when it looked like he would interrupt. “I will agree to your condition. At least until you come to your senses.” For a brief moment it looked like he was going to explode, but at the last second, his expression shifted and instead of yelling at her he bent over convulsed in laughter.

  “What’s so funny?” she demanded. She didn’t mind a joke, even if it was aimed at her, but she better damn well be in on it. And if he didn’t shut up soon she was going to hit him over the head with her dessert bowl.

  “You should see the look on your face,” James chuckled as he wiped his eyes with a convenient napkin. “If you had a gun, I’d swear you were going to shoot me.”

  “The thought did cross my mind,” she growled. “What did you find so amusing?”

  “You.” She lifted up the bowl and actually looked like she was going to use it. From previous experience he knew she had a good throwing arm. “Now wait a second.” He held up a hand. “Don’t get riled up. I didn’t exactly mean that like it sounded.” He watched as she sat the potential weapon down and tapped her fingers on the table. He needed to think of a way to get out of the hole he’d dug. If he was trying to re-establish anything with Mira this was definitely not the way to go about it. In his own defense, he had momentarily forgotten how volatile her temper could be. Of course, from childhood experience he also knew that she was pretty quick to forgive, especially if you had a good explanation, and wasn’t one to hold grudges.

  “I’m waiting,” Mira said impatiently.

  He cleared his throat and tried to come up with the best way to phrase things. “I’m sure by now that you must be aware of my reputation,” he began.

  “What does your predilection for going through women like water have to do with anything?”

  “The media exaggerates, as you should well know and anyway, I was talking about my business reputation.”

  “The fact that your employees all seem to have great respect for your abilities, but half of them live in fear of incurring your displeasure?” He looked so uncomfortable that Mira found her anger beginning to disappear. Of course, considering his recent behavior, it wouldn’t hurt to let him strug
gle along by himself. She leaned back and crossed her arms.

  “Are they really scared of me?” James asked curiously. He had noticed that some of his employees acted a bit wary around him, but he had always attributed it to the fact that he was he boss. It was a little surprising to find out he was wrong, but he shrugged it off. A little wariness would keep them motivated. Plus, he reminded himself, it wasn’t good to become too familiar with one’s employees. Mira was the exception to that rule.

  “Anyway,” he continued. “I was talking about my reputation among my possible business rivals or anyone who thinks they can cheat me.”

  “Ah, you mean the fact that you’re considered to be quite ruthless?” Mira said, deciding to give him a little help. “I’m still not sure,” she continued with sham seriousness, “what any of this has to do with you laughing at me.”

  He pushed his fingers through his hair in frustration and tried to think of a way to get through to her. It was strange, he thought, because she was usually much quicker than this. The Mira he had once known would already be laughing at his convoluted attempt to disentangle himself. He glanced across the table and narrowed his eyes in speculation. The glitter in her green eyes wasn’t anger, he finally realized, it was amusement and there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

  Relief poured through him and he found himself wanting to laugh again. He stifled the urge. “I don’t intimidate you at all do I?”

  “Not in the least,” she replied. “Besides, if you did, you would either walk all over me or want nothing to do with me.”

  “You’re probably right. Now,” he said as he stood up and rounded the table. “Would you like to adjourn to the library for a nightcap?”

  “The library James?” Mira said with a laughing glance. “Isn’t it supposed to be the parlor? And for that matter,” she continued. “Aren’t you supposed to go to a separate room so you don’t offend my delicate sensibilities with your drinking and smoking?”