Gareth let out a disgruntled noise. "Okay," he said with a stiff nod. "Have it towed to the closest body shop, and have them send me the bill."
"Yes, sir."
Gareth stepped away from the intercom without another word.
"Gareth," Jane said apologetically. "You don't have to pay for it. I have insurance."
"No need, Jane," he replied firmly. "I'll take care of it. This happened while you were on the clock, and I don't want your insurance rate to go up because of this." He let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. "I don't know what this town is coming to, first my car, and now yours, Jane. I don't understand it. I've never had a problem at The Glass House or here before, but I guess crime can happen anywhere." He made a pained expression. "I'm sorry, Jane. I'll take you home tonight."
"Nonsense," she said with a wave of her hand. "I don't want your dinner with Malory ruined. Jared can take me home after he brings Reggie back."
"Very well," Gareth replied with a frown. "But I'll have a driver take you back and forth until your car is fixed."
Jane opened her mouth to argue, but Gareth cut in.
"I insist," he said decisively with an uncompromising look.
"Alright," Jane answered with a small nod. "Thank you, Gareth," she added gratefully. She turned to the stove and peered into the skillet that was simmering on one of the burners. "Dinner is almost ready. Have a seat and I'll serve it in a moment."
"Thank you, Jane," Gareth said as he eyed her with a soft expression. When he turned to offer me a hand, his face softened even more as warm affection filled his dark eyes. "Shall we?"
I nodded as I took his hand, his fingers warm as he gripped mine firmly. He picked up my wine glass and led me to the already set dining table. He pulled out a chair for me. After I sat down, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my temple before taking a seat himself. He took a small sip of my wine before setting it on the table between us to share. It made me happy that he was that comfortable with me.
"How's your father, beautiful?" he asked with obvious and genuine concern.
"He's doing just fine," I replied, my confidence growing and banishing my earlier discontent and uncertainty in this burgeoning relationship. I couldn't help smiling widely at him as I picked up the glass to take a sip myself. Jane was right. No matter how moody or unpredictable Gareth might be, down deep he was a good man who took care of the people he cared about. And obviously one of those people was now me.
**********
"Hey, Malory," an excited male voice called out to me.
I turned in the desk chair of my little cubicle to see my boss standing behind me. Josh was in his late thirties and average height, but was stocky with broad shoulders. His thick dark hair was precisely styled, and he was smiling in a conspiratorial way that made me grin right back at him. He was a really great boss so far, even tempered and understanding. I was grateful I didn't end up with an asshole for a boss since I hadn't worked under anyone in a long time.
"What's up?" I asked curiously. It was almost noon, and I'd been just about to pull my purse out of my desk drawer to go to lunch.
"That computer update today is going to take longer than they expected," he said happily.
"And that's a good thing because?" I asked in confusion. Our productivity was going to be crap today if that was the case.
"Because it means we all get to take a long lunch, dummy," he replied with a smirk.
"Really?" I asked with a smile. "Like how long?"
"Like two hours instead of the usual forty-five minutes." He grinned happily. "I'm going to take my wife to lunch. I don't remember the last time I got to do that."
The man was adorable when he talked about his wife of eleven years, Sienna. It was obvious to anyone that he worshiped her. His face lit up whenever he talked about her.
"How about you?" he asked me curiously. "Are you going to have lunch with your new boyfriend."
New boyfriend? I fought down a groan. Amy had a big damn mouth, and this place was rife with gossip. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that everyone knew already. It was one thing I didn't miss from the last time I worked in an office setting. I almost sighed in annoyance, but his suggestion was a great idea.
"You know what? I think I will," I agreed. Gareth's office was in the building anyway, and I hadn't had a chance to visit him there yet.
"Cool," he said with a grin. "See you in a few hours." He hurried off with a bounce in his step. I shook my head and smirked at his enthusiasm. Then I grabbed my purse and coat before heading out of the office to go find Gareth's law office on the other side of the same floor.
Within minutes, I was standing in front of an expensive looking frosted glass door that had "Law Office of Gareth Caxton" etched into it in a bold and professional-looking font. I smiled wryly because it suited him perfectly. I sucked in a nervous breath before opening the door and walking in.
Gareth's office was beautiful, modern yet warm with clean lines and warm wood accents, masculine yet inviting with dark leather and soft earth tones. It was a perfect blend of professional and comfortable. It probably calmed his clients and gave them confidence in his ability. To my left sat a small sitting area with leather chairs and a glass coffee table. To my right, was a reception desk made of wood with a granite top. Behind it sat a woman, who looked to be in her mid-forties, with long blond hair and soft bangs. Her smile was welcoming, and her blue eyes were friendly.
"Hello," she said warmly. "How can I help you today?"
"Um...I'm here to see Gareth," I told her as I stopped in front of her desk, hoping he was here and this wasn't a waste of time.
She looked perplexed as she glanced at her computer screen. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Well, I was hoping I didn't need one since I'm his girlfriend." I smiled wryly.
"Oh," she blurted out as she turned back to grin at me with surprised curiosity in her eyes. "I'm Elaine, Gareth's legal assistant."
"I'm Malory, the girlfriend," I said with a smirk as I leaned on the granite desk top. "Is he here? I wanted to see if he was free for lunch."
Suddenly, before Elaine could even reply, a door to my left opened and Gareth walked out staring at his smart phone. "Elaine, I'm heading out for lunch with my fa-" He jerked to a halt as he glanced up and saw me smiling at him, his eyes widening in surprise before a slight furrow formed between his brows. "Malory," he said with little to no inflection.
"Surprise," I announced as my smile began to falter. Why wasn't he happy to see me? The furrow on his brow deepened, and his mouth formed a flat line and his eyes seemed cold to me. I suddenly realized this was a mistake. "I've...I've got a long lunch break today, and I...and I thought we could have lunch together...." I trailed off uncomfortably. "But...but we can do it some other time if your busy." I couldn't hide the vulnerable disappointment in my voice. "I'm sorry, I...I guess I should have called first." I turned to leave, blinking past the sudden burn in my eyes as tears threatened to fall. I hurried out the door, and started down the hall desperately trying to hold in the tears.
"Malory, wait!" Gareth called out in a worried tone.
I stopped and turned with a frown to see him striding after me with an apologetic expression.
"Please don't leave," he said softly as he stopped right in front of me.
He reached up to cup my cheek and caress his thumb along my lips just the way I liked. I leaned into his touch unconsciously even though he'd upset me.
"I'm sorry," he continued as his brow furrowed again, this time with concern. "You just caught me off guard."
"I just wanted to surprise you," I said quietly in disappointment. "I thought you would be happy to see me." My God, I sounded pathetic.
"I am, beautiful," he murmured softly. "It's just...just that my...my ex...she used to drop in at my work to surprise me, but she was really just trying to catch me cheating on her." He looked away with the same pained expression he got whenever he talked about his ex-wife. "She accused me of it all
the time, even though I was never unfaithful."
"Oh," I said as sadness fell over me. That horrid woman had hurt him so badly, and I couldn't help wondering if his memories of his ex-wife would always haunt him, and how that would affect our future together.
"I'm on my way out to meet my father for lunch," he continued.
"Okay," I replied dejectedly. "Um...we can do it some other time." My eyes burned again from the rejection, but damn it, I refused to cry. He watched my face pensively for a long moment before speaking again.
"Come with me," he finally suggested.
"I...I don't want to impose or anything," I said as I frowned up at him. I didn't want him to invite me out of pity or to placate me if I wasn't really welcome.
"You won't," he assured me. His other hand rose to cup my other cheek. "I want you to meet my father." He gazed at my face with affection in his dark eyes. "He'll love you, just like...just like...um...Jane did."
He blinked rapidly as a flash of fear crossed his features. Before I could even question it, he leaned in and gave me a brief heated kiss. I sighed and melted against him, loving the taste and feel of his soft lips. When he pulled away I was breathless and trembling.
"Let's go, beautiful" he said as he smiled roguishly down at me. He took my hand and led me down the hall to the elevators. I followed with a bemused smile, feeling better already even if I wasn't sure what had been going on with Gareth a moment ago.
A short while later, Gareth had his arm around my shoulders as he led me through the lobby of the swankiest hotel in town toward the swankiest restaurant in town. I'd never been here, but I'd wanted to for a long time. It wasn't exactly something I could afford. Sometimes I forgot just how wealthy Gareth was, but right now it was loud and clear. I tried not to feel out of place in my inexpensive khaki pants and cardigan. If it didn't bother Gareth, then it shouldn't bother me.
The host nodded at Gareth as we passed. Obviously, he'd been here before. We crossed to the far side of the room toward a table where a man who looked like an older gray-haired version of Gareth was seated. He looked familiar, and I'd probably seen him at the wedding where I met Gareth a few weeks ago. There was no denying that this was Gareth's father since they looked so much alike. He stood as we approached and gave us a shocked and awed expression that quickly morphed into a wide welcoming grin.
"Sorry I'm late, Dad," Gareth said apologetically. "And I hope you don't mind that I invited Malory." He smiled down at me warmly.
"Of course, I don't mind," his father said in a pleased tone as he stepped up to me with an outstretched hand. "I'm Gareth's father, Tom. It's so good to meet you, Malory," he gushed as he took my hand and squeezed it firmly. His brown eyes and smile were warm and sincere, and I was instantly at ease and grinning up at him. I liked him already. I couldn't get over how much Gareth looked like his father. Both men were so strikingly handsome, though Gareth had a dark intensity that his father lacked.
"I can't get over how much Gareth looks like you," I blurted out.
"I'd like to think that he inherited the best parts of me." Tom's grin widened as he glanced at his son with obvious pride and affection. "I raised a good man."
Gareth suddenly looked uncomfortable and instantly changed the subject. "I'm starving, so we should have a seat." He pulled a chair out for me.
I eyed him worriedly as I sat down. It was almost as if he didn't believe his father's words. I wondered if that had something to do with his ex-wife. She'd done a number on him in ways I was slowly discovering more and more. My God, I hated her.
The two men sat, and we all grabbed a menu. I looked it over for a minute, intimidated by the food and the prices, when I realized Tom was looking at me from across the table with a perplexed expression.
"Malory," he began in a curious tone. "You look very familiar to me."
"Well, I met your son at your stepdaughter's wedding," I answered politely. "You probably saw me there."
"I didn't realize you knew Natalie and David."
"Well, not really, but my sister and my brother-in-law are good friends with them."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, Andy and Lydia Purcell."
"Oh yes," he replied with an amused grin. "I remember them. Your sister's water broke during the reception and poor Andy practically had a panic attack before he remembered to take her to the hospital. They had a girl, right?"
"Yes." I smiled proudly. "They named her Alice. She's absolutely perfect and adorable."
"I love the name Alice." Tom said. "Where did they get it? Is it a family name?"
I nodded as my smile faltered. "It...it was our mother's name." I lapsed into painful silence as Tom watched me with a worried frown. I didn't want to start crying here of all places.
I felt Gareth take my hand under the table. "Her mother passed away from cancer a few years ago, Dad," he answered for me, and I was so grateful.
"I'm so sorry, Malory," Tom said with a deeply sympathetic expression. "A loss like that can still hurt, even years later." He glanced at his son. "We lost someone very dear to us too."
Gareth's hand tightened around mine. I looked over to see pain in his eyes and his jaw clenching as he fought it down.
"Gareth told me about Viv, and I'm sorry too," I managed to get out as I got control of my emotions.
Tom's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his son again. It made me realize even more, how much it meant that Gareth had shared his loss with me. I wondered if he'd ever talked about it to anyone besides his dad and me. Tom turned back to give me a soft warm smile. "Thank you, Malory."
The waiter showed up just then to take our orders, ending our emotional moment. I was grateful since I was on the verge of tears again. I looked at my menu once more, still at a loss what to order since everything was so expensive. I didn't want to be presumptuous that Gareth was paying since I'd practically invited myself.
"I recommend the Ahi tuna salad, Malory," Gareth's father suggested. "It's excellent. I order it all the time."
I looked at the price then about had a coronary and almost blurted out an obscenity over the exorbitant amount. I stared at the number in wide-eyed shock.
Gareth leaned in close to my ear. "It's my treat, beautiful. You can order whatever you want," he murmured reassuringly.
"Um...okay," I replied, even though I was still uncomfortable with ordering anything in this place. I didn't want to make a scene either, so I ordered the salad Tom suggested, and the two men ordered it as well.
After the waiter walked off, I looked around the room noting that everyone here was wearing designer clothes and suits. Gareth was in Tom Ford, and I'm pretty sure his father was wearing Armani. And here I sat in my department store special. I suddenly felt conspicuous, and like I didn't belong here. I nervously grabbed my water glass and gulped down a few swallows, thankful at least this was free.
"What do you do for a living Malory?" Gareth's father asked me curiously as I set my glass back down.
"I'm a copy editor for Cooper Media," I answered hesitantly, hoping he wouldn't think less of me for my job. I'm sure it was low paying compared to what he and his son made.
"Ah," he smiled wryly, with no sign of disappointment whatsoever. "I bet you've spent a lot of time with your nose in a book, haven't you?"
"Guilty," I answered, feeling relieved and unable to keep from smiling. He was such a nice man.
"She has an entire wall of books in her apartment," Gareth added proudly as he took my hand under the table again and beamed at me.
"No wonder my son likes you," Tom said with a laugh. "As a boy, it was all I could do to get Gareth's nose out of his books. Except for that summer after he read The Once and Future King by T.H. White, and became obsessed with King Arthur. Then I could barely get him to stop running around the mansion with his wooden sword long enough to eat or take a bath."
"Someone had to defend the castle," Gareth said defensively as he grinned broadly at his father.
Tom leaned conspiratori
ally toward me. "He crashed his bicycle into a hedgerow trying to joust with a lance he made from a tree branch and ended up with four stitches in his eyebrow."
"Battle scars, Dad," Gareth clarified. "Battle scars." He grinned at me and pointed to faint scar on his right eyebrow.
"It's not much of a battle against a hedge, especially when the hedge wins," Tom continued.
"I held my own," Gareth said in mock indignation.
I smiled as I watched the two of them spar playfully back and forth. Regardless of how much money they had ,or I lacked, they were no different than any other father and son who were close. Gareth had never been bothered by my lack of wealth, and his father didn't seem to care either, so why should I? I was being ridiculous again, trying to invent problems that weren't there. I just needed to chill and relax. Relationships were hard enough as it was, especially with Gareth's and my track records. I didn't need to keep making it harder by letting my insecurities ruin this for me. Nope, not this time. I breathed in determinedly, ignoring the fear and doubt that crept in because the ghost of Gareth's ex-wife was the real problem I should be worrying about.
23
GARETH
I parked my Range Rover next to the curb and just sat there with the engine running, rubbing at my face and wondering what the hell I was doing. I pulled my hands away and stared up at Malory's apartment building with a deep sigh. I should have just stayed home like I planned, no matter how much I missed her and needed her. I went home after work and tried, but after Jane left for the day, I didn't have anything to distract me from aching for her. So here I was, even though I shouldn't be, because God only knew what stupid thing I'd do to make her cry again. What if I couldn't fix it next time?
Yesterday, I acted like an asshole when she surprised me at work. She'd just wanted to have lunch with me, but all I could think about were the interrogations my ex-wife's surprise visits always turned into. The hurt look that I'd put on Malory's face when she ran out of my office had gutted me, so I invited her to lunch to make up for it. Besides, I really wanted Dad to meet her, but that ended up being a thoughtless mistake too.
Dark Dominion: Dangerous Desire Book 1 Page 27