Love and Trust

by Jean Oram

  The child thought about that for a moment while the auntie in question stiffened beside her. He could feel her becoming defensive.

  “Do you have candy?” the girl asked. “Auntie Maya’s boyfriend, Mr. MacKenzie, always has some. And Auntie Hailey’s boyfriend, Mr. Alexander, he bought me this dress.” She twirled, making the skirt flare out. Maybe Tristen should have worn something more like that. It would hide his narrow hips and maybe not show off his physique as much. Although he might look like a scary version of Little Miss Muffet. And that was not a cool look. On anyone. Well, unless you were under the age of about seven.

  “Do you?” the girl prodded.

  “Tigger, let him be.” Melanie tried to shoo her into the house.

  “It’s okay. I think I have something.” Tristen hurried to his truck and dug through the glove box, desperate to win the girl over, in hopes it would help Melanie change her mind about him coming to the party. He sorted through the random rocks he’d collected, choosing a cold, pink stone before rejoining the gals on the step. He held out his closed fists. “Pick a hand.”

  The girl lightly tapped his right hand. He opened it to reveal the heart-shaped pink quartz.

  The little girl squealed, her eyes bright as she snatched the stone, then held it to her chest. “For me?”

  “If you’d like it, yes. It’s pink quartz and I found it while working in the Parry Sound—”

  “My fairies are going to love it!” She whirled, bouncing into the house. “Mom! Look what the man gave me!”

  “That made you popular.” Melanie crossed her arms and leaned against the metal railing.

  “I do what I can.”

  Had he scored a point with her? It was difficult to tell.

  “Is she going tonight?” He didn’t expect danger, but he knew how distracting a child could be when professional bamboozlers were playing their game. In fact, he wouldn’t be surprised if Aaron used the little girl’s presence against them, sweet-talking them into signing a noninterference agreement, twisting everyone’s words and intentions, knowing the women wouldn’t create a fuss in front of Tigger. Tie their hands, duct tape their mouths by using their own family against them. He’d seen that happen more often than he’d like to admit. Find a soft spot, then utilize it to one’s own advantage.

  Loud laughter came from the house, practically shaking the windows.

  “Her mom hired a babysitter.”

  “Good.” One less Summer to worry about.

  “Tigger is certifiably awesome.”

  “Just like the other females in her family.”

  “But I don’t think that a party is appropriate.”

  They stared at each other for a moment.

  “Don’t play me,” Melanie said.

  “I’m not. You are something else, Melanie. And I’d like to come and help you. I won’t cause a scene, but in order to help, I need to know what kind of games they’re playing. Which punches they might pull. It’s in everyone’s best interests.”

  “Tristen,” she said in a gentle voice, likely meant to let him down easy.

  “You can’t go alone, Melanie. There are no ifs, ands or buts. End of story.”

  “It’ll be fine.”

  “No, it won’t. They will try and bulldoze you.”

  “I’m stronger than you assume.” Her hands were on her hips, her cheeks flushed.

  “I know that, but I also know how these men work. Plus I have a pretty good idea that you would do whatever it took to protect your sisters. You’re a loyal sister, missy.” He chucked her gently on her chin. “Let me come along and be your wingman. I can be the heavy, if you need one.”

  “They’ll figure out who you are.”

  “I’ll be quiet and hide in the back, unless you give me a sign.”

  “You still sound like you.”

  “What about this?” He lowered his voice so it was husky and had a come-hither quality.

  “Okay, that just messes with my brain.”

  “You like that, baby?” He gave a little sway and nudged his fake chest up against her. She laughed and looked away.

  “You are too much, Tristen Bell.”

  “I won’t make a scene, I promise.” He put up a hand, knowing he was getting close to a yes. “Scout’s honor.”

  “And are you a Scout, Mr. Bell?”

  “Okay, so I never was. But I am a man of my word. Take me along. I can redirect conversations or create a screen or distraction. Whatever you need.”

  “Nobody ever notices me, so a screen isn’t really necessary.” She pointed at him. “Don’t argue with me. I know my life. I am invisible and nobody would notice if I got in a boat and never came back.”

  “I would notice. Let me come along and keep you safe.”

  Melanie sucked her cheeks in. “If you are worried about my safety, then you shouldn’t come and put yourself at risk. You have a daughter. I have nobody.” Her voice went low and his heart ached for her. How could she feel as though she had nobody? She had the whole world eating out of her hand. Everyone from bikers to little old ladies were ready to defend her. She lived in a house that was currently shaking with laughter.

  He gently cupped her cheek, worried she’d pull away. He looked deep into her blue eyes. “You really can’t see yourself, can you?”

  “Tristen…” She pulled away.

  “No.” He tightened his grip so she couldn’t escape. “You’re like those antiques you talk about. Unique. Special. You’ve made it through life, and instead of breaking and getting worn from the challenges that have been thrown at you, it’s made you better. Given you a shine and a sparkle that makes you valuable and sought after by those who know what to look for.”

  She leaned into his touch, her weight gently resting against him. “And are you looking, Tristen?”

  His familiar line escaped. “Always looking, but never seeking.”

  Her posture stiffened as she caught his meaning. She turned away, and he knew he’d lost her again. He was a man used to being in control, but with Melanie, being in control was darn near impossible.

  CHAPTER 9

  Melanie stood on the dock, uncertainty causing her to hesitate. Patio lanterns hung on a wire strung above, and an antique water taxi waited for them. Tristen was at her side, doing heavens only knew what with that skirt of his. In the end, she hadn’t much of a choice about him coming to the party, after Daphne exited the house, all smiles and welcoming, having heard he’d given Tigger a stone. For the first time in days, Daphne was acting like her old self, and Melanie had quickly relented, allowing Tristen to come play superhero.

  “This is really twisted,” she whispered to him now. He had stopped adjusting his clothes and was smoothing his wig repeatedly.

  “Why?” His daughter’s perfume wafted over her instead of his usual cologne as he leaned close to hear her.

  “Just very twisted.” She wondered what he’d done to prevent a male-like bulge from appearing in the front of his dress. Being attracted to a man who was currently wearing women’s clothes was messing with her mind every time she started to check him out—which apparently was a new, unbreakable habit of hers.

  “Right,” he agreed, his voice rough.

  “Shhh. You’re talking like a man.”

  “How do you stand these heels?”

  “How did you even find those? Your feet are enormous.”

  “Used clothing store. I like your dress.”

  “Okay, we are not doing this.”

  “Doing what?”

  “The whole girl thing where we compliment each other on things, to see where the other one shops, while secretly thinking we could do better in some small way.”

  “Women do that?”

  “Yeah, and good luck getting your hands on this dress, buster. Simone designed it for me specially. One of a kind.”

  “I can tell. It looks as though it was made for you. It hugs your curves in a way that shouts to the world that you are all woman.”

  �
��I can’t decide if I should shove you in the water or thank you.”

  “A kiss would be fine.”

  She glared at him and he laughed, rich and low.

  Remind her again why she thought this silly man was sexy?

  “Ooh. Nice outfit, Tristen,” Hailey called, joining them on the dock.

  Melanie shushed her sister with enough vim and vigor to catch Aaron Bloomwood’s attention as he arrived. “Trista,” she reminded her sister.

  “We’re so glad you could be our guests tonight.” Aaron appeared at Melanie’s elbow, his white suit looking very Miami Vice. The sky behind him was streaked with pinks as dusk settled in, a storm on the horizon. Perfect weather to go hang out on an island with the enemy. A cool breeze ruffled Melanie’s dress and she shivered, bringing her arms around herself. Tristen had his own wrap—provided by Maya, to help mask how broad his shoulders were—around her in seconds, and she turned to give him a round-eyed what-are-you-doing look. He was going to blow his cover before they even got to the dinner.

  Melanie slipped the wrap off her shoulders, handing it back to Tristen as Maya, laughing, with fingers pressed just above her cleavage, complimented Aaron on his attire, thereby drawing his attention away from the garment exchange.

  Aaron reached past Melanie—invisible, thank you very much—and clutched Hailey, giving her a cheek kiss. Another for Maya. Daphne. And even Tristen.

  “See?” Melanie whispered to him, as their host waved Mario over.

  “See what?” he whispered back.

  “Never mind,” she grumbled. Of course he wouldn’t notice that she was invisible. He’d gotten a cheek kiss of approval from their host. If anyone was to guess who was the man in drag, it would likely be her getting the votes. It didn’t help that Maya had given Tristen some body language lessons, including how to do the sexy, swaying hip walk. If Melanie were a man, she’d be all over Tristen. She hadn’t asked what he’d slipped down the front of his dress, but he definitely fell in the well-endowed bombshell category.

  “And who do we have here?” Aaron’s attention was stuck on Tristen. Not good. He wasn’t supposed to notice Tristen. If Aaron figured out that the woman he was ogling was actually his old cutthroat competitor from Toronto…no, Melanie most definitely did not want to think about that, nor the possible consequences.

  Mario was leaning in, drawn to Tristen, as well. Aaron’s guard dog was wearing an impeccable black suit that disproved the theory that black was minimizing. In fact, the man’s bulk might actually be enhanced. His scowl definitely had been. Well, until he’d seen Tristen. Now he was all smiles.

  “You are so very tall,” Mario said, his voice deep and accented.

  Tristen placed a hand on his chest and gave a bashful eyelash bat that made Melanie want to barf, especially when she saw how well it worked on Mario.

  “This is our cousin Trista,” Hailey said. “I hope you don’t mind her coming along tonight?”

  Maya gave their host a lovely smile and Hailey moved to clutch his arm, adding her own lovely smile.

  The man didn’t stand a chance.

  “Perfect,” he said. “The more the merrier, if she doesn’t mind us talking business?”

  Tristen gave a demure shoulder shrug, which seemed to satisfy Aaron. The way he was studying Tristen’s shoulders made Melanie uneasy, however. “I like strong women. Do you work out, Trista?”

  Tristen swallowed hard and Melanie hoped Aaron failed to notice his large Adam’s apple.

  “How much can a gal like you bench press?” Aaron looked as though he was going to give Tristen’s arm a squeeze, but Melanie stepped in, deflecting him.

  “Oh, is this the boat we are taking? It’s simply exquisite. I do love antiques. Was this in the boat show?”

  Aaron frowned. “Oh, uh, yes, I think so.”

  “Shall we set out?” she asked brightly.

  “I suppose we should, since everyone is here.”

  Mario began ushering them into the boat as Aaron began a sales pitch on how wonderful their evening was going to be. Tristen waited for Melanie, hand extended to allow her onto the boat first. She gave him a pointed glare and a shove, forcing him to go ahead. It was endearing how gentlemanly he was, but he was going to blow it. Big time.

  Tristen sat beside her on one of the boat’s bench seats, giving her leg a quick squeeze. “You okay?”

  She gave a barely there nod.

  “We can leave early.”

  Melanie pulled her shoulders to her ears and scooted over. “You’re breathing on my neck and sitting too close. It’s like we’re lovers, not cousins.” This was not the time to enjoy how near he was.

  “I thought women acted all cozy.” He drifted farther away and she immediately missed his body heat. Tristen glanced around the boat’s cabin, then grabbed his bra under his fake breasts and heaved it back and forth, like a cow with a major itch trying to relieve the agony on barbed wire.

  “Oh, my word, would you stop that?” Melanie smacked his arm, loudly enough to make Hailey turn and stare.

  “You two okay?” she asked, a crease forming between her brows. She’d straightened her hair and it fell over her shoulders in a glossy wave that made Melanie envious. Self-consciously, she ran a palm over her own curls, hoping they weren’t frizzy, but knowing there was a fair chance they had sucked a good portion of the evening’s humidity from the air, adding to its volume. She was definitely going to look like a drag queen by the end of the night.

  “We’re fine,” she said.

  Tristen clasped his massive hands in his lap and Melanie sighed, waiting for the inevitable disaster to hit.

  * * *

  The water taxi dropped them off in a small inlet where a screened-in room sat nestled along the shore. The lights inside, reflecting on the dark water’s moving reflection, beckoned in welcome. It was a private restaurant that Melanie hadn’t even known existed. A whole other world.

  “Oh, Nate’s,” chirped Tristen. “Love this place.” He gazed at the building as though taking in a long lost friend. “Incredible garlic bread.” He took Melanie’s hand and helped her out of the boat. She shook her head and let him. They might be able to teach him how to walk in heels, but apparently some habits were too ingrained. And if she was honest, she was secretly glad of that. He turned and helped the rest of the sisters, going so far as to playfully scold Mario for not being a gentleman and forcing “Trista” to step in.

  The man had the grace to look sheepish, and hurried ahead to hold the door to the restaurant for the group, as the wind picked up.

  Melanie sat through the meal, watching as Aaron and Mario sucked up to her sisters and Tristen. She was pretty sure they weren’t succeeding. Daphne had a glazed smile. Hailey was playing with the light and shadows caused by her dessert fork under the chandelier’s glow. Tristen was spending more time trying to avoid Mario’s admiring looks than offering quiet commentary. Only Maya seemed half-interested. She was nodding politely, fist under her chin, adding the odd, “Is that so?” But even she didn’t seem to be into it.

  “When will you be breaking ground?” Melanie asked.

  “As soon as everything is in order,” Aaron replied, barely sparing her a glance.

  “Will that be long? Summer is almost over.”

  “We’re doing all we can to expedite the process.”

  “I hear the permit process can be very time intensive. Your investors must be frustrated.”

  Aaron gave her a glance, falling back into a rehearsed speech full of glitz and innuendos. Basically, he was using “look at this and ignore that” misdirection—the very thing Tristen had warned her about and was common in the courtroom. Add in a few reassurances meant to placate them and that about summed up Aaron.

  “It must be so exhausting dealing with all that bureaucracy,” Maya said. “I hope you know someone in the municipal office who can help you expedite things.” She was toying with her fork, watching the men from under her lashes in a way that made Melanie wish
she could do that without looking mentally deficient.

  Aaron smiled, but didn’t give more than with a noncommittal shrug and another canned reply.

  Tristen hissed in her ear, “Can you believe this?”

  “Yes.”

  “How stupid do they think you are?” He adjusted the linen napkin laid over his lap. “On principle, you should storm out of here. They won’t say anything unless it is part of their prepared speech. I know I promised to remain silent, but I really think I should intervene.”

  “Don’t you dare.”

  Maya topped up the men’s wine, filling her own glass as well, which was swiftly swapped with Daphne’s when they weren’t paying attention. So far, by Melanie’s count, the men had had about four or five glasses each and Maya about two. Daphne, however, was starting to look a tad tipsy from helping her out. Melanie wiggled her fingers at Daphne for the full glass, which made its way down to her. She set it in front of Tristen. This would be his third or fourth, as she’d placed a few glasses in front of him when the men insisted the sisters drink up. “This is how you help out.”

  He sighed and took a delicate sip so as not to smear his lipstick.

  Maya tried a few more ways to get the men talking, leaning forward as she laughed at an inane joke.

  “He’s staring down Maya’s dress!” Tristen hissed under his breath. He shoved his chair back and slammed the wineglass onto the table. Melanie quickly placed a hand on his arm.

  “Are you okay, um, Trista?”

  The sisters shot them panicked looks.

  Tristen cleared his throat and Melanie quickly asked, “Did you need to powder your nose?”

  “Yes. Excuse me.”

  Tristen’s eyes widened and he half sat as he realized where he’d have to go in order to keep up the pretense.

  Melanie took him by the arm. “Let’s go, sweetie.” She led him away from the table, adding merrily over her shoulder, “Poor gal can’t hold her wine! But she’ll be a blast later!”

  The men laughed and waved them away, their attention already back on Maya.

  Hoping Tristen might have some strategy ideas, she accompanied him to the ladies’ room. She watched as he pushed open each stall door, an irrational bubble of laughter squeezing its way up her chest. “Did you shave your legs?”