Walking to the elevator in the middle of the suite, he grabbed the last accessory to his outfit: a small, blue velvet box he’d carried with him for a week.
* * * *
“Are you sure he has no idea?”
“Trust me.” Lauren swooshed her hand over her head. “Totally clueless.”
“You look stunning, sweetie.” Jac fingered a long, blonde ringlet dancing down Lauren’s back. She wore an aqua tank dress made of a fine nylon mesh, but fully lined in stretchy silk that fell to her knees. It featured a double v-neck and all-over beaded design with satin insets around the neckline, side seams and hips. She looked angelic.
“I can’t hold a candle to you, Jac. My dad’s heart is literally gonna stop.”
“Do you think so?” Jac nervously ran her hands across the silky satin black Nicole Miller strapless floor length dress. The gold and ivory floral brocade embroidered around the center emphasized her small waist and the scoop back showed off her toned shoulders. Although apprehensive about wearing the gown with stitches in her arm, Lauren had affixed a flesh-colored bandage and the wound was barely noticeable. Thank goodness the scar across her stomach was completely covered.
She snapped simple gold hoop earrings into place and patted her mass of hair piled on her head in a riot of fat curls. A few stray tendrils coiled around her face, softening the effect. Jean Luc had driven to Indy to style their hair and apply makeup. He so loved a romance.
Knock, knock.
“That’s Dad. Hide.” Lauren pecked Jac on the cheek. “I’ll see you in hour, okay?”
“You bet.”
Lauren gifted her with a smile and skipped to the door.
“You look breathtaking, Lauren.”
“Thanks, Dad. So do you.”
“Are you ready, my dear?” He made a grand gesture to present his arm.
“Why thank you.” She slid her arm around his. “I have a feeling this will be a night to remember.”
Jac peeked around the corner and watched Matt lead his daughter away. When the door closed, she placed a hand against her stomach. Fear wielded one sword, excitement another and they currently dueled in her belly.
Would Matt be happy to see her? Surprised? Angry? She was making herself a nervous wreck. She needed a distraction. She flipped on the television and surfed the channels, but she wasn’t able to concentrate. Her hand unconsciously strayed to her gold beaded evening bag, her fingers delving inside to retrieve the note she’d carried with her for twenty years.
Sweetheart, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t beautiful. Matt Dianetti.
Forty-three
The gala was held in the restaurant/conference center on the thirty-eighth floor. Similar to the penthouse suite, this floor featured wall-to-wall windows. An expansive ballroom was decorated for the event. Several couples swayed to the string quartets’ soft melodic tunes, including his parents.
Matt turned to see Luke, Logan and Dan saunter in, each escorting a beauty on his arm. He excused himself from a group of city officials and strolled over to greet them.
“Nice shindig,” Luke said approvingly, shaking Matt’s hand. He introduced the statuesque redhead on his arm and Matt frowned when she winked at him. He turned his attention to Logan and his perky blonde date. She was stunning and obviously thrilled to be with Logan, batting her baby blues at him adoringly and barely acknowledging Matt’s greeting. He smiled at the disconcerted look on Logan’s face. Dan’s date was a willowy, exotic creature with long black hair. Matt recognized her as a nurse from the hospital.
Lauren appeared at his side and hugged the three men, who commented on how lovely she looked. When her gaze met Dan’s date, her brow puckered. Tossing her hair, she excused herself and fled. Matt frowned. He suspected she had a crush on her temporary bodyguard, but Dan obliviously led the nurse to the dance floor and pulled her tightly against him.
“My brother can be insensitive and clueless sometimes,” Logan observed. A waiter carrying a tray of champagne passed and they each snagged a glass.
“She’s young,” Matt rationalized. “She’ll get over it.” He hoped. Dan was way too old and experienced for his baby girl.
“Logan,” the perky blonde purred, “let’s dance.”
“Maybe later,” he said absently, trying to shift from her suffocating grip. She moved with him and he huffed a sigh.
“The hotel is incredible,” Luke complimented.
“Speaking of incredible…” Logan’s eyes were glued to the doorway.
Luke let out a low wolf whistle.
“What?” Matt spun around to see what was making all the men in the room stare approvingly.
The world around him stopped.
All the noise fell away and the throng of people disappeared. It was as if he stood in a tunnel, the only sound was his heartbeat, the only sight the gorgeous woman standing in the door, searching the room. When their eyes met, hers lit up and a slow smile spread.
Matt’s heart stopped beating.
He didn’t even remember moving forward. Luke said something but he hadn’t a clue what. The crowd parted, or to a man in a trance, it seemed that way. He was one side of a magnet, helpless to stop the force pulling him to join his mate.
Then she was in his arms and he rejoiced, feeling complete and happy and whole. He cradled her head against his shoulder, stroked her bare back. “God, I’ve missed you,” he whispered.
She lifted her head to meet his gaze. “I’ve missed you, too.”
Matt crushed his mouth to hers, uncaring of their amused audience. He possessed her lips with demanding mastery, would have kept on tasting her except for the hearty back slap and familiar voice that ended the sweetest kiss of his life.
“Son, this is a hotel. I’d suggest you make use of it and get a room. Ha, ha.”
Barely pulling back, Matt snarled, “No offense, but get lost, Dad.”
His mom shoved him aside to stand directly in front of Jac, her eyes narrowed. Matt dropped his head back and groaned.
“So this is the woman who turned my son’s and granddaughter’s lives upside down.”
“Mother,” Matt warned, “it wasn’t her fault.”
She shooed him with her hand. “I know that.” She raked Jac up and down and then pursed her lips. Finally, she nodded. “You’ll do.” She yanked Jac forward and enveloped her in a hug. Stunned, Jac hugged back.
“Sure is a pretty thing,” his dad observed. Jac blushed.
“That’s enough.” Matt eased them apart. “You can get to know her later. Right now,” he clasped Jac’s wrist, “we need to talk.”
“I hate to tell you, Son, but that wasn’t talking we observed earlier.”
Matt scowled at his father, who grinned unabashedly. Matt tugged Jac to a secluded booth in the restaurant and slid in beside her, framing her against the window. He tucked a fat curl behind her ear.
“Your parents are very nice.”
Matt waved that away. “First, how are you feeling?”
Jac fiddled with her hair. “Fine, but I guess I won’t be wearing a bikini anytime soon.”
“You are perfect no matter what.” He paused, soaking in her radiant beauty. “I need to explain why—”
“I hope you aren’t mad—” Jac said simultaneously. They chuckled and Matt’s hand framed her cheek, his thumb softly stroking her lips.
“Hi, Jac, what are you doing here?”
Matt narrowed his eyes and glared at his beloved offspring. “Lauren, honey, could you…?” He stopped mid-sentence, his head ping-ponging between the two women giggling conspiratorially.
“You set this up,” he accused.
Lauren feigned innocence and blinked, her hand covering her chest. “Moi?”
“Yes, you.”
Lauren deftly changed the subject. “Doesn’t Jac look stunning, Daddy?”
“Breathtaking,” he agreed, easily sidetracked. With his eyes still drinking Jac in, he said to Lauren, “Princess, mind telling me w
hen you planned all this?”
“I’d love to stay and discuss it but it’s time for your speech. I’ve been sent to find you.”
“Damn,” Matt mumbled, remembering his commitment. “We’ll talk soon,” he promised Jac as he led the women to the ballroom. He moved to the podium and called for attention. He proceeded to introduce and thank several people, point out the hotel features and encourage guests to eat, drink and take the guided tour.
Once finished, he was swamped with well-wishers. He shook hands and murmured the appropriate responses. The mayor spoke to him briefly and when he turned around, Jac was gone.
Forcing a smile, he fought his way through the swarm and scanned the room. His gaze flitted past a couple on the dance floor and snapped back.
Matt’s temper flared, anger thinning his lips. He stalked to the pair, darting around dancing couples. He almost ran over a petite blonde standing off to the side with her arms crossed, her three inch stiletto heels tapping furiously, not even attempting to keep the beat. Her blue eyes clawed at Jac like talons. He indulged in a smile and whispered, “Don’t worry, she’s mine.”
Patting Logan on the shoulder, he said, “Mind if I cut in?” Logan grinned knowingly, handed Jac over and stepped aside.
“You are stunning,” Matt murmured huskily.
“Right back at you.” She smiled up at him, her heart in her eyes.
He wrapped her in his arms, dropped his cheek to the top of her head and they swayed to the music. Lauren caught his eye and he lifted his head to see her giving him the thumbs up as she danced with Logan. He searched the perimeter and caught the blonde slamming back a glass of champagne. She stopped a passing waiter, grabbed a refill and sat her empty on his tray. She proceeded to watch Logan broodingly. Matt chuckled.
Eventually the crowd thinned as people took advantage of the guided tours, gourmet restaurant and reduced room rates. Matt insisted on free dinners for Luke, Logan, Dan and their dates as well as complimentary accommodations. Hey, he was happy, why shouldn’t everyone be happy? Logan looked ready to pass out when Matt mentioned the rooms, especially when the blonde’s face lit up like a Times Square billboard and she tugged him to the elevator against his protests.
Matt thanked people as they left, keeping Jac plastered to his side the entire time. He managed to shuffle his parents to their room with little protest—he wasn’t sharing Jac tonight—and when the last patron left, he collected Lauren and Jac to leave.
“I’m hungry, Dad,” Lauren said artlessly. “Can’t we all have a nice dinner in the restaurant?”
“Call room service,” he instructed, practically sprinting to the elevator. He didn’t see the laughing smiles pass between the two women. He punched Lauren’s floor and tapped his foot while they ascended. Lauren coughed to cover her giggles. The doors slid open and Matt asked Jac to hold the elevator while he escorted his daughter to her room. Lauren flashed Jac a huge smile over her shoulder and gave her a thumb’s up. When they reached her door, Matt escorted her inside.
“Princess, we need to talk.”
“I love her, Dad,” she said, knowing exactly what he was about to say. “Please don’t let her get away. Because of me, you haven’t been happy and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“Lauren, sweetie, I am happy. Incredibly happy. Thankful to the Lord happy. I have you.”
She walked into his arms. “I’m eternally grateful for all you’ve sacrificed for me, but you know what I mean. I’m talking about the happiness between a husband and wife. You deserve to love and be loved in return.”
He smoothed his hand down her back. “When did you grow up on me and how did you get to be this smart?”
“I had the best mom and dad in the world, and I’m not talking about Corinne.”
Matt inhaled with deep emotion. “I love you, princess.” He paused. “I wouldn’t have invited Bradley if I’d known he’d show up with that woman glued to his side.”
Lauren sighed dramatically. “It’s okay. It’s just a silly crush. I know he’s way too old for me.”
“Yes, he is,” Matt agreed. He kissed her on the forehead. “If you need me, call. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the morning. Lock the door,” he instructed as he turned to leave.
“Dad?”
He stopped and faced Lauren again. “Yes?”
“I don’t want to share you with many people. But with Jac, we both win.”
He smiled. “Yes we do, Lauren. Yes we do.”
* * * *
Jac chewed her thumbnail and paced anxiously. Matt had been gone a while. She stuck her head out and scanned the hall. Still no sign. Maybe he left her here. But he acted glad to see her. Hopefully he would be able to forgive her meddling into his and Lauren’s life. After Lauren’s explanation, she now understood his motivation and although she came to terms with the fact that they could never have a relationship, she didn’t want to part with hard feelings. She would beg for absolution and then hold her head high and gracefully walk away. Her heart would be in ribbons, but her conscience would be assuaged.
She was engrossed in her thoughts and didn’t hear Matt return. She jumped on an inhale when he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
“Miss me?” he whispered as he started nibbling her ear.
Chills ran down her body. “Um-hmmm,” she managed as his tongue darted inside.
He kept up his ministrations while sticking his key in the slot next to the penthouse suite and pushing the button. The elevator slowly ascended to their room and after he removed his key, he swept her in his arms and carried her through the opening.
“Matt,” she protested, “put me down.”
“Never again,” he murmured roughly. He padded to the bedroom, lit romantically by strategically placed candles. Fresh roses perfumed the air and soft music hummed in the background. He carried her to a small balcony and deposited her at a table arranged with champagne in a silver bucket, two crystal flutes, glowing candlesticks and tasty treats ranging from truffles to chocolate covered cherries.
“When…? How…?”
He brushed a kiss across her lips. “I have an in with the owner.” He peeled off his tux jacket and draped it across her bare shoulders. Dropping into the seat across from her, he lifted her hand and pressed his mouth to the inside of her wrist. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“I-I’ve missed you, too,” she echoed weakly. That kiss sparked an inferno low in her belly and she was having a hard time concentrating. She needed to feel those firm, sensual lips again, but with great effort, she reined in her rioting hormones. “I’m sorry, Matt.”
“Shh, you have nothing to apologize for. That’s my job.”
His lips worked their way up her arm and she had to tug gently to pull free in order to focus. “I should have never interfered in your life, pushing you to let Lauren attend the dance. Tasha never would have gotten to her if I hadn’t meddled.”
“I don’t accept your apology.”
Jac sucked in an audible hiss and pressed her lips together. Tears stung her eyes but she valiantly fought them. This wasn’t going how she’d hoped. Squirming in her seat, she forced a feeble laugh. “I don’t blame you. I put your daughter’s life at risk. After what happened when she was—”
Matt’s mouth stopped her revelation that she knew all about Sue and the incident that occurred when Lauren was seven. His kiss was so poignantly sweet, the tears returned. He gently pulled back.
“You didn’t let me finish.” He brushed away the wetness with the pad of his thumb. “I don’t accept your apology because you have nothing to apologize for. I want …need…your opinions, your feedback, even your arguments. That’s how a family works.”
Jac’s breath hitched. What was he saying?
“I’ll tell you what I mean in a minute.”
Obviously she’d spoken the words aloud.
“First, know how sorry I am.”
She blinked bewilderedly. “Why are you sorry? You saved my life…again.�
��
He seized her hand. “I have a hell of a lot to apologize for. I will never, ever forgive myself for the horrible things I said to you the night Lauren disappeared. I know you care deeply for her and after what you went through earlier in the evening, the things I said, the way I treated you…well, it’s just inexcusable. Completely unforgivable. It wasn’t your fault she went to the dance. It never was. I could have sent her away but I didn’t. My only defense is that I was absolutely terrified. I lashed out at the one person I should have clung to in a storm. I will always regret it.”
The November air stirred the candle flames and fluttered the linen napkins. Matt’s thumb traced lazy circles over hers and he watched the movement. “I don’t blame you if you send me away again.”
She reached over and covered his hand with hers. “Oh, Matt, I never sent you away. I lost my voice and I could only eke out one or two words. I never wanted you to leave.” She lowered her lashes. “But after you did, I thought it was for the best since I almost ruined your life.”
“I’d have given anything to take your place on that bed,” he rasped. “If something had happened, if Tash succeeded, I don’t know what I would have done.”
“Oh Matt.”
“I need to explain to you why I snapped and how come I have a hard time trusting women.”
“You don’t need to explain—”
A finger against her lips silenced her protest. “I do because I need you to understand. It’s important to me.”
“Lauren already told me about Sue.”
Matt blinked. “She did?”
Jac nodded somberly. “I never would have interfered if I’d known. You had every right to be upset that night and I understand why you can’t risk a relationship. I would feel the same way.”
She gasped when Matt shot from his seat. He knelt down and clutched her hands. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, her stomach pitching wildly.
“Matt?” she questioned softly.
His gaze met hers, his eyes assessing and sincere. “Because of Corinne’s abandonment and Sue’s duplicity, I thought I couldn’t commit to another woman, possibly ever again. But I was wrong. I hadn’t met you yet. You made me see what has been missing in my life. You’re everything that is right and good and I feel incomplete without you. I don’t want to lose you. I love you, Jac. I think I have since that day twenty years ago when a sweet little girl wrapped her arms around me. Please, Jac,” his voice cracked, “don’t ever let go.”
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