by Girard, Dara
“I don’t know what to say.”
She hugged him. “Good.”
He took out his checkbook and wrote out an amount. Monica saw it and shook her head. “That’s too much. I told you I don’t need your money.”
“This is business. Take the money.”
She took it. “I’ll frame it then.”
He snatched it back. “No, if you’re just going to put it on a wall, I’ll invest it for you.”
And they let the conversation drop, not wanting to spoil their limited time together.
JD was amazed with the transformation of the house. Monica had spent a lot of time and money decorating every room with Christmas decorations. He especially liked the pair of “holiday” briefs she had placed at the edge of his bed wrapped with a large red bow. Beginning with the large wreath hanging on the front door, to the red-and-green-striped shower curtain, bathroom mat and towels Monica brought back memories of the wonderful Christmases he had spent with his grandparents during the holidays.
That morning they sat in front of a roaring fire, the scent of a cinnamon broom Monica had purchased filling the air, and exchanged gifts. Monica’s gift to him was a coupon for a massage.
“I wasn’t sure what to get you,” she said.
He flipped the coupon over. “Where do I have to go to redeem this?”
She grinned. “You don’t have to go anywhere.”
He lifted a sly brow. “Am I looking at my masseuse?”
She rubbed her hands together. “I’ll take good care of you.”
“You always do,” he said, and then he followed her to the attic alcove, their favorite spot to make love.
It took them several hours before they returned to the family room, where JD gave Monica her gift. He sat on the couch wearing just a towel while Monica wore a full white terry robe. She opened the box JD handed her. Her heart fell when she saw the object. “A cell phone?”
He nodded. “So that I can reach you any time and you can call me. I have my private numbers programmed in. I don’t like you alone at the farmhouse with only that landline to depend on. And you’ll like this. I gave it a special ringtone. Listen.”
JD dialed and soon the sound of the catbird filled the air. Monica laughed, realizing how wonderful his gift was. It was unique and it had been made just for her. She’d been used to expensive clothes, designer chocolates, pearls, large bouquets of flowers, but this moment would always stay with her. She hugged him. “Thank you.”
“I also have another project for you. I have a friend who wants a special jewelry set her for her wedding. Do you think you could get something together in three weeks?”
Monica feigned a frown. “Should I worry about all these female friends of yours?”
JD nuzzled her neck. “Not a chance. No one compares to you.” And the next several days he made sure she believed him.
Since Monica refused to travel, JD brought the world to her doorstep. On New Year’s Eve, JD surprised her by having a selection of famous Southern dishes prepared by a world famous chef and delivered that day. Early in the morning he surprised her with a gift.
“Open it.”
“JD, what is it?”
“You’ll find out.”
Monica gingerly tore open the wrapping paper to reveal an exquisitely embroidered summer dress. She knew it had cost him a fortune.
She held it against her. “It’s beautiful, but I have nowhere to wear it to.”
“Yes, you do. You’re going to wear it tonight. Be ready by 6:00 p.m. sharp. I’ll pick you up then.”
“JD, you know I don’t want to go out…”
“I know. Trust me. I have it all planned.”
That evening, JD drove up in his small sports car. Monica wore the lime-green cashmere coat he’d bought her, hiding the new dress underneath. He drove her to the back of their property, where a small white tent had been erected.
When JD raised the door flap to the entrance, Monica stood speechless. Inside was an elegant dining setting: a glass table, two chairs, white silk tablecloth and napkins, and fine chinaware. Off to the side stood a row of heating containers where the food was being kept warm. Propane lanterns lit the intimate setting while soft music played in the background.
“When did you do all this?”
“I have my ways.” He held out his hand. “Madam, are you ready to begin?”
“Certainly.”
“May I remove your coat?”
She did, and it was JD’s turn to be speechless. “Just like Cinderella.”
She sat down. “And you’re my prince?”
“I’m trying to be.”
“You already are.”
JD played the role of the waiter, and later that evening her lover. It was a night to remember. Neither knew when the New Year arrived, and neither cared.
On Valentine’s Day JD gave her a trunk full of the most elegant bedroom boudoir sets Monica had ever seen. She wore a different one for the three nights he was there. Monica began to believe that a love this strong couldn’t be broken and that she had nothing left to fear. But she was wrong.
“You don’t look happy to see us,” Crystalline said when JD opened the door to his apartment.
“I’m just busy.”
She kissed him on the cheek and stepped inside. “You have three bigger places than this. Why do you stay here?”
“Because I like it.” He knew his mother thought the place was too small because she liked a lot of space, but she’d have thought the Titanic was just “cozy.”
“Yes, and you’re always busy.”
“But this time more busy than usual,” Donnie said, following behind his mother.
JD scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s just an observation,” Crystalline said to ease the tension between the two men. “No reason to get upset.”
“I’m not upset.” JD closed the door and watched them take a seat.
“We just haven’t seen you. It’s almost summer and every time I try to reach you, you’re out of town.”
“What have you been doing?” Donnie said bluntly.
JD sat on the couch that faced them. “Working.”
Donnie picked up a book resting on the coffee table. “Not just work.” He held up a book about eye disease and shook his head in disgust. “Don’t tell me you’re still seeing that dumpy, I mean Dulane lady,” he hastily corrected when his brother shot him a look. “I know that after that she-devil Stacy anything would look good, but—”
“We just want you to be happy,” Crystalline said.
“I am.” He laughed, surprised by the admission. “Yes, I’m actually happy.” Dad, I finally did it! I’m happy. Just thinking about Monica put a smile on his face. He found himself thinking about her at the strangest times. Once he’d found himself in his office remembering the feel of Monica’s soft skin, her smell, the softness of her fingers as they roamed the length of his body, when he was supposed to be closing a major investment deal.
Her succulent kisses could make him hard for days. Even in the darkness, he knew she was a thing of beauty, and he wondered why she kept her exquisite body hidden. He wanted to draw her out, but he knew that would take time. One day he’d see all of her.
“I hope she knows how lucky she is,” his mother said.
“I’m the lucky one.”
His mother forced a grin, but the expression in her eyes showed worry.
Donnie noticed that look as he and his mother left JD’s apartment. A light April rain fell outside.
“You’re really worried about him, aren’t you?” he said.
“He’s a grown man, I know. It’s just something about her.”
Donnie nodded, but he didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t understand why a plain woman like Monica would concern his mother and have his brother fall head over heels. But something was definitely up. It was rare that his mother invited him to have a “family chat” with JD. Usually it was the other way around, with
JD and his mother coming to his place to try to set him straight on an issue. But he loved his brother and didn’t want to see him made a fool of. He’d find out what that Dulane woman was all about.
Chapter 12
Gerald suppressed a yawn. The woman didn’t stop talking. He looked around the house of Lavinia Walker, an attractive socialite in her mid-fifties who’d moved in Venus’s circles. She was easy to flirt with and desperate for attention. The more he complimented her, the more information she gave him. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the information he wanted. He set down his coffee cup and feigned interest as she rattled on about her husband’s travels. He glanced around the sitting room, and his gaze fell on a newspaper lying on the side table. He picked it up to hide another yawn.
He blinked his eyes and was about to put it down, but he stopped when he saw a pretty woman in a wedding dress wearing an extraordinary necklace. He recognized the design and pattern. No other woman had that distinct style. After researching Venus’s life for over a year, he could recognize her work from the sketches she’d done while married to Delong; she utilized the unmistakable style of her great-great-grandmother. “Who is this?”
Lavinia looked at the picture he held up. “Oh, my niece. She just had a fabulous wedding in Portugal. You should have seen—”
“That’s an amazing necklace she’s wearing,” Gerald said before she could change the topic.
“Yes, a gift from a dear friend of ours.”
Gerald felt his palms tingle with anticipation. Could this be it? Could he finally have found a trail that wasn’t a dead end? Had Venus sent this anonymously? “Then you’re very fortunate. I know my girlfriend would love something like it.”
“Exquisite, isn’t it? It’s one of a kind and—”
“Yes,” he said quickly, wishing she’d stop referring to the damn necklace and give him a name. “Who gave it to her again?”
“It’s from a brilliant new designer who is slowly emerging. I don’t know her name.”
“She sent it to your niece anonymously?” he asked, trying to get the story straight.
“Oh, no,” Lavinia said with a laugh. “I told you it was from a friend of ours.”
Gerald took a deep breath. “Which friend?”
“JD Rozan, of course,” she said as though he should have been able to guess. “He’s been talking about her for months. He’s very proud of his new discovery.”
Gerald grinned, wanting to kiss her. The chatterbox had given him a new lead. “I bet he is.”
Monica heard a car drive up just as she finished drying Baxter after his bath. It wasn’t a holiday. She’d just seen JD on Memorial Day, when they’d spent time together remembering those they knew who had served in the military and those who still served. So she knew it wasn’t JD and she wasn’t expecting anyone else. She glanced out the window and saw a silver car she didn’t recognize. Breathe, she told herself. I’m sure it’s nothing. She took off her apron and glanced down at Baxter. She pointed to the front door. “Attack!”
Baxter wagged his tail.
Monica rested her hands on her hips. “You have absolutely no guard-dog instincts.”
The doorbell rang.
Monica took another deep breath and answered.
Donnie flashed a wide grin and took off his sunglasses. Behind him the hot June sun blazed bright. He radiated good looks and charm, accentuating his devil-may-care attitude with a leather jacket and jeans. “Hello, Monica. I was just in the neighborhood and I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”
They both knew it was a lame line, but Monica didn’t argue with him. “JD’s not here.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.” He glanced down at Baxter. “Is he friendly?”
“Sometimes.”
Donnie bent down and petted him. To her annoyance, Baxter rolled over on his back for a belly rub. Donnie laughed and obliged him. “He’s a lamb.” He looked up at her. “So are you going to let me in or do I have to ask?”
He was family. He had more right to the place than she did. Monica opened the door wider and Donnie sauntered in with his thumbs hooked in his belt loops. “You’ve really added a nice touch to this place.”
“What do you want?” she said in a flat tone.
He looked at her, offended. “Why would I want anything?”
Monica rested her hip against the door and waited, not willing to play his game. “What do you want?” she repeated, this time slowly.
“A drink would be nice.”
She closed the door. He was as infuriating as his brother. She released a fierce sigh and said, “I don’t have any liquor.”
“Yes, you do. You just don’t know where to look.” He went into the family room and walked over to the bookshelf. He hit a side panel and a bottom door swung open. He pulled out a glass and a bottle of brandy. “Want some?”
“No, thanks,” she said, trying to hide her surprise. She hadn’t even known Nadine liked to drink.
“This is my grandpa’s secret,” Donnie said as if he’d read her mind. “I saw him do it once and coerced him to tell me the trick. I helped him stock it.”
“And empty it, no doubt.”
Donnie shrugged, unfazed by her disapproval. “Wouldn’t want it to go to waste.” He poured himself a drink then sat down. “Yes, you’ve made it real cozy here.”
Monica folded her arms. “Do I really have to ask you a third time?”
He grinned. “I heard that’s the charm.”
“What do you want, Donnie?”
Donnie took a long swallow then set his glass aside. “Okay, since you’re not one for small talk, I’ll tell you why I’m here.”
She took a seat. “I’m listening.”
“You’ve put my brother under a spell, and I want to know how you did it. And what you’re up to.”
“I didn’t do anything and I’m not up to anything.”
He poured himself another drink. “See, I want to believe you,” he said with a sigh of regret. “But the Rozan brothers aren’t really lucky when it comes to women. We can get them, we just can’t trust them. I can tell my mother doesn’t trust you. My brother trusts you with his life.” He set his glass down and leaned forward. “I’m here to find out who to believe.”
“I don’t have to prove anything to you.”
His charming features turned hard, and the look in his eyes sent a chill through her. “That’s where you’re wrong. I love my brother. He’s a good man and I’ve seen women use him. I’m not saying he’s gullible or anything. He knows what they’re about and doesn’t care. I mean with Stacy he learned early that she was using him because she hoped that she could persuade him to use his money and influence to protect her father. She found out she was wrong. He doesn’t let his heart get involved. But this time—with you—it’s a different story. I won’t let him get hurt. He’s got money, power, prestige. Which one are you after?”
“I’m not after anything.” She stood. “Are we through here?”
Donnie rested back and crossed his legs at the ankles. He glanced around. “What do you two do around here? Watch the grass grow? Count pebbles?”
Monica bristled, defensive. “We go for bicycle rides, long walks, watch the sunset, eat good food. Enjoy each other’s company.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s all I’m going to tell you.” She headed for the door.
“He’s worried about your eyes, you know.” He nodded when she turned to him in surprise. “He’s got a bunch of books on eye care, and I won’t be surprised if he’s also gone online and spoken to specialists.”
Monica sighed, both exasperated and pleased by how much JD cared. “He doesn’t need to worry about me. I get along fine. Always have.”
Donnie sat up and sniffed the air. “Mmm…something smells good.”
Monica checked her watch. “I almost forgot my zucchini bread.” She ran into the kitchen and pulled it out. She set her oven mittens aside and checked to make sure it was done.
“It has to cool first.”
He rested his arms on the kitchen island as if he had all the time in the world. “I can wait.”
“I don’t feed men who don’t trust me.”
“How about men who trust you a little?”
“I can give them a crumb.”
Donnie laughed. “I can see why my brother likes you. Okay, I believe you, but it’ll take more to convince my mother.”
“She doesn’t have to worry about JD and me. It’s nothing serious. No one was even supposed to know about it.”
“JD didn’t say anything, it’s just that we knew something was up and made a guess.” He looked at the bread. “Is it ready now?
“Give it another two minutes. Try to keep yourself busy.”
“Doing what?”
Monica glanced down at the dog by his side. “Play with Baxter.”
Donnie got down on all fours and played with Baxter, who jumped around him and tugged on his favorite toy. “He’s great.” He stood and picked him up. That’s when Baxter peed on him.
“I change my mind.”
Monica saw Donnie’s face and burst into laughter.
“You think this is funny?”
Monica laughed harder as the stain continued to spread on the front of his jeans.
He set Baxter on the floor. “You trained him to do that, didn’t you?”
“No. You got him overexcited. Come on, I’ll get you another pair to wear and put those in the wash.”
“Just get me a towel. JD’s clothes never fit me. And I’m not leaving until I get a slice of that zucchini bread.”
“I’ll give you two.”
JD first noticed the car then he heard the laughter. He’d wanted to surprise Monica, but it seemed he was the one in for the surprise. He opened the front door and was greeted by a deep masculine laugh mixed with a lighter feminine one. He’d never made Monica laugh like that, and a cool, possessive anger slowly swept through him. He briefly petted Baxter, who had come up to greet him, then set his bag down. Monica and her companion were so engrossed in each other they didn’t even hear him enter. He turned the corner and saw Monica and Donnie on the couch gripped in peals of laughter. The scene tore at him. He’d never seen such pure delight on her face. He’d never been able to make her laugh like that.