At the top of the stairway, she paused, astounded by what she saw. Vivian and her caterers had certainly worked their magic. What had been utter chaos only a short while ago had become an English garden. Rose garlands draped the stairwell, filling the air with a sweet aroma, while tiny lights mingled with the buds, twinkling like fireflies. A white trellis transformed the foyer walls into a gazebo. Still more roses filled the entranceway, standing sentry in tall trumpet vases and spilling over bowls on side tables. A garden paradise designed to take your breath away.
Nothing, however, was as breathtaking as the man at the foot of the stairs.
Leaning against the wall, one hand tucked in his tuxedo slacks, head tilted in conversation, Daniel was the picture of regal elegance. Suddenly unsure, she smoothed the front of her dress.
As if sensing her presence, Daniel stopped speaking and looked up in her direction. Her heart stopped along with her breathing. Her gaze fixed, she took a step closer.
“Do I make a suitable escort?” she asked, harking back to their first conversation.
“More than suitable.” He scanned her length with blatant appreciation. “You’re perfect.”
Charlotte tingled at his words. If he was playing her, she suddenly didn’t care. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Moretti.”
“This old thing? Just something I keep in my closet for command performances.” He smiled, and the air grew quite warm. If there was a crowd around them, Charlotte didn’t notice. The people would have paled in comparison with Daniel anyway.
“Did I interrupt an important conversation?” she asked, remembering the man with whom he’d been chatting.
“Nothing that can’t wait until we’ve had a glass of champagne.”
If the entranceway looked breathtaking, then the ballroom was out of this world. Outside, Charlotte knew rain was falling in buckets, but inside, the world was as peaceful as a summer night. The lights had been dimmed to a soft warm glow, giving one the impression of walking outside in the moonlight. Stars dotted the sky, thanks to an overhead canopy dotted with Christmas lights, while the air smelled sweetly of roses and honeysuckle. Gone were the portraits and Ferncliff heirlooms, replaced with rose-bedecked trellises and flowing greenery. Charlotte half expected to hear the quiet chirps of katydids. Instead, she heard a string quartet, tucked discreetly in the corner, playing softly.
“Looks like your mother got her wish,” she said to Daniel. “People will be talking about this room for weeks.”
“Question is,” Daniel’s breath tickled her ear, “what would Aunt Esther think?”
“You’re the descendant. You tell me.”
In the dimly lit room, Daniel’s eyes were nearly black, but there was no mistaking their heat. Charlotte shivered as his gaze ghosted across her skin. “I think—”
“Daniel?” A sultry British voice crashed the moment, breaking it. “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
In a flash the heat vanished, as Daniel’s brow furrowed in confusion. He whirled around. What the hell? What is she doing here?
Valerie Pinochet, star of the TV series Forensic Detail and current romantic comedy ingenue, burst through the doors in a curve-flaunting satin gown. She threw her arms around Daniel’s neck just as the event photographer snapped their photo. “Your timing is perfect. They’ve just started dancing, and you know how I love to dance.”
Timing indeed. She’d managed to bring the event photographer with her. What on earth was the actress doing here?
It seemed as though Daniel had the same question. As a photographer snapped away, he attempted to disentangle himself from Valerie’s embrace. “What are you doing here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” she said, tossing her blond bangs out of her eyes. The move was a little too affected for Charlotte’s taste; she’d seen it a dozen times on Valerie’s show. “You didn’t think I’d forget your parents’ anniversary party, did you? As soon as I hung up with your mother, I told my producers I was taking a long weekend and hopped the first plane to the East Coast.”
“You spoke with my mother?”
“Yesterday morning. She wanted to make sure I had transportation from the airport. You were off doing something this afternoon so I went straight upstairs and took a nap. I figured I’d surprise you.”
“You certainly did that,” Daniel drawled.
So Valerie was the original date, the one who canceled, setting up the entire weekend. From the looks of it, she hadn’t canceled after all. Charlotte tried to catch Daniel’s gaze, hoping to find a clue in his expression, but his face was a mask. She did notice that the two of them made a stunning couple. Even more so than the photographs in Judy’s file.
She cleared her throat, reminding them of her presence. Third wheel or not, she refused to stand there like an idiot while the reunion played out.
“Hello,” Valerie greeted with a smile. “You must be Charlotte. Vivian mentioned Daniel had brought along a friend. It’s so nice to meet you.”
No wonder she was Hollywood’s It Girl; she was good. Charlotte took note of the way the actress had positioned herself with one shoulder touching Daniel’s arm. Staking the territory without being obvious. The question was, did Daniel mind? Looking at his poker face, she couldn’t tell.
“The pleasure’s all mine,” she said. Valerie wasn’t the only one who could dole out a fake smile. “I’m a big fan.”
“Thank you, but tonight I’m just another party guest. I’m not interested in playing the star.”
No, she only wore the most eye-catching dress in the room.
What now? Charlotte wondered. Did she excuse herself and leave? Or did she stand her ground and insist Daniel continue with their date?
Arrangement, Charlotte. Whatever feelings she sensed growing for the man couldn’t erase the fact that theirs wasn’t a date. It was a business arrangement created because Daniel’s real date canceled. The sobering thought shot straight to her stomach.
“I never did get that glass of champagne,” she said. “I think I’ll go get one now.”
“Let me.” Daniel took a step back, but she stopped him.
“That’s all right,” she said. “I’ll get it. I believe Valerie wanted to dance.”
Leaving the pair behind, she crossed the ballroom, hoping the bar was as well stocked as the other night. She’d have a drink or two, stay long enough that Daniel wouldn’t be able to say she didn’t live up to her end of the agreement, then hightail it back to her room. Tomorrow she’d be on the first ferry out of here. Daniel could mail the deed to her farm.
From the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of red. Valerie and Daniel dancing, no doubt. She shivered, this time from an inner chill. Amazing how situations could change so quickly.
Chapter Ten
“Now there’s a travesty if ever I saw one.”
Charlotte had made it made it as far as the corner bar when Cole appeared at her elbow, brandishing two flutes of champagne. His eyes sparkled too brightly, far brighter than the hour warranted.
“I’m pretty sure a beautiful woman alone and without a drink is considered a crime in most civilized countries,” he said, handing her a glass. “Let me remedy that situation.”
“Thank you,” Charlotte said, “but won’t your date be upset at you giving away her drink?”
“She won’t mind, because she’s not here.” Chuckling to himself, he took a sip, then winked over the rim. “I never bring a date to these types of affairs. After all, you never know when a woman might find herself looking for company.”
He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “Besides, a little birdie told me I wouldn’t be the only one flying solo tonight.”
“That so?” How nice of Vivian to give her son advance notice.
“Turns out the birdie was right. I’m glad. Why should Daniel get all the wealth, right?” He took another sip, punctuating his swallow with a satisfied smack. “And since fate has tossed us together, there’s no reason not
to make the most of it.”
Plucking the glass from her fingers, he set it on the table, putting his down after draining the contents. “Dance with me, Charlotte.”
It turned out that in spite of the champagne, Cole danced like an expert. He twirled and guided her around the dance floor with the ease of a professional. Good thing one of them knew how, because Charlotte wasn’t paying a lick of attention. She was busy looking for Daniel. A perverse part of her wanted to see if he looked at the actress with the same smoldering intensity he showed her.
“Have I mentioned how beautiful you look?” Cole was asking.
“Several times. Keep it up and you’ll turn my head.” In more ways than one. A red dress caught her attention, but before she could focus, Cole spun her around.
“Good to know. Maybe I’ll be able to tear your attention away from my brother.”
Never going to happen. In a way she felt sorry for Cole. He had to know he was a bland substitute for his older brother. “How are your business plans coming along?”
“Business?” He frowned.
“Your racing boat idea.”
“Oh that. Coming along. Right now it’s still in the funding stages. Once we have the investors, my friend and I will look at finding someone to draw up the design for it.”
“You won’t do it yourself?”
“I’m more of the idea man. You know, the guy who dreams up the concept. I’ll let other people handle the actual business end of things.”
Charlotte nodded. She understood now why Daniel had been reluctant to invest.
Where was Daniel anyway? She looked around the room again. Finally she spotted the actress—how she’d missed her before Charlotte didn’t know—but she was dancing with William. Daniel was nowhere to be seen.
Cole’s large hand moved upward, splaying on the center of her back and pulling her closer. “Daniel missed out. You’re not only beautiful, you’re a terrific dancer.”
They twirled, and Charlotte used the momentum to slide back from his grasp slightly. “Don’t you think you could do better than spend the night hitting on your brother’s”—she almost said “date”—“companion?”
Cole’s smile turned oily. “I can do lots of things better than my brother.”
Thankfully the song ended, and begging off a second dance Charlotte loosened herself from his grip. His drunken flirting might be benign, but it still made her uncomfortable. Cole in general made her uncomfortable. She supposed it was because she saw too much of Vivian in the man.
After telling Cole she was going to take a quick walk around the room, she headed toward the windows, hoping to spy Daniel. She was in luck. He stood not far from her destination, locked in conversation with his mother. Daniel’s back was to her, but it was obvious from the look on Vivian’s face that the conversation wasn’t a pleasant one.
“Good Lord, Daniel,” she heard Vivian say, “must you see conspiracies in everything?”
“When it comes to you, yes,” he answered. Hearing the bleakness in his voice, Charlotte’s heart constricted. He’d said the same thing this afternoon. And now here he was, faced with them again. “I’m sure the minute Valerie heard the words ‘magazine spread’ she jumped right on board.” He shook his head. “You really are a piece of work, you know that? Both of you.”
“I wouldn’t have to go to such trouble if you’d simply cooperate once in a while. But, no, you have to make everything about you. Your dates, your money. Tell me, does this cynicism of yours apply to your professor friend as well?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I’d like to know too,” Charlotte asked aloud.
Two pairs of eyes turned in her direction, Vivian’s glittering as hard as the jewels around her neck and Daniel’s wide and indecipherable. “This is a family matter, Professor Doherty,” Vivian said, ice coating her words. “It’s none of your concern.”
“On the contrary, you mentioned me. I’d say that it does concern me very much, and I’d appreciate you keeping your thoughts to yourself.” Folding her arms, Charlotte returned the woman’s stare, chill for chill. “In addition, whatever Daniel thinks of me, or doesn’t think of me, isn’t your business either.”
Vivian looked like she’d been slapped. Like a pro, however, she quickly recovered her bearings, superior air and all. “Well-played,” she said, patting her hair, then, she brushed past them.
Daniel didn’t say a word. He remained with his back to her. Outside, the storm winds rattled at the window. The storm was rattling inside too. No matter what Vivian did, she was still Daniel’s mother and insulting her may—scratch that, probably did—cross the line.
“I can apologize if you want me to,” she told his back.
“Don’t, Charlotte. Don’t say another word.” When he turned, his eyes were blacker than she’d ever seen. But not with anger. No. An emotion far stronger churned in their depths. So strong Charlotte’s heart leap to her throat.
His arm slipped around her waist. “Dance with me, Professor. Right here, right now.”
She melted into his arms and found herself enveloped by the same feeling of rightness that came from holding his hand. Their bodies swayed in synergy, locked in a private little dance their bodies instinctively recognized. Like two peas in a pod.
Or two lovers. Charlotte shivered.
“Cold?” Daniel’s voice was low and honeyed. As he spoke, he stroked her spine. He knew full well the real reason for her reaction.
Shaking her head, Charlotte gave herself over to the pleasure accompanying his touch. One song blended into another and still they danced. Neither of them said a word. The possessiveness of his embrace said all she needed to know. Lifting her head, she saw him gazing down at her through heavy-lidded eyes. One hand broke free long enough to caress her cheek. A tremor ran through her as his feathery touch traced the outline of her jaw. His thumb played with the swell of her lower lip. Anticipation replaced the sound of music in the air. She tried to whisper his name, but the ability to speak, along with her breath, had died in her throat.
It seemed an eternity, but at last his head dipped toward hers. When their lips finally touched, the kiss was lighter than a breath. Still, to Charlotte it tasted like water in a desert. Dimly, her closed eyes sensed the flashing of the storm. The crackle of thunder mingled with the blood pounding in her ears.
And then the room went dark.
…
A collective groan filled the room. Daniel couldn’t agree more. He’d suspected the storm would eventually knock out the electricity, be he had to say the power grid’s timing truly stank. Reluctantly, he let go of the woman in his arms, again agreeing when he heard Charlotte sigh.
“Guess the storm is closer than I thought,” he said, brushing a tendril from her cheek. In more ways than one, he added to himself.
“What do we do now?”
He knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to finish the kiss he started, but with a couple hundred people panicking around them, that wasn’t possible. Instead, he slid his hands down Charlotte’s bare arms and maneuvered her away from the crowd. “Stay here,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”
Thanks to the candles and tealights flickering away, the room wasn’t completely dark and he could navigate his way to the staging area with ease. Across the throng, he thought he saw William attempting to do the same, but he was bogged down by Vivian and unfortunately had to deal with her first. And Cole… Well, Cole would have a delayed reaction time by this hour, so there was no knowing where he was.
“No need to worry,” he said in a loud voice as he stepped in front of the band. No point using the microphone. “We’ve got an emergency generator for exactly this kind of problem. I’m on my way to turn it on right now. No sense traipsing about in the dark. Stay here, find a glass of champagne, and the party will resume before you know it.”
The fuse box was located in the basement, off the kitchen. Grabbing a candelabrum off a nearby table, Daniel set out, again cursing
the timing. He already missed the scent of Charlotte’s skin—vanilla and spice. And her warmth. His fingers missed the sensation of her sheer silk gown as they traced across her back.
He knew when he saw Charlotte on the stairs, looking like a Greek goddess come to life, that she’d test the physical limits of his desire. But when she told off Vivian… Good God! Her outrage pushed his arousal into overload. Suddenly he didn’t give two hoots about some stupid clause or the money he’d lose out on. He wanted her. Tonight. Now. Imagining her splayed across his sheets, he quickened his pace, jogging down the corridor and into the kitchen where Paul and the catering staff were panicking.
“Thank goodness,” Paul gushed when Daniel pushed through the door. “Please tell me you know where the generator switch is.”
“Going to turn it on right now,” he said, and yanked open the basement doors. The only room he was interested in keeping dark was his own.
Halfway down the stairs, a hand wrapped itself in his. A smile curved his lips upward. “I thought I told you to…” Smelling gardenias, he let the sentence drift off.
Valerie.
“You’re a hard man to catch up with,” she said, coming into his line of vision. “Do you know how difficult it is running in these heels?”
“Why were you chasing after me in the first place?” He’d hoped his quick dismissal of her earlier gave her the message he was no longer interested.
“I don’t like the dark.”
“So you left a semi-lit room to run through a dark house?” The excuse was transparent, even for her.
She offered a practiced, shy smile. “I thought I’d feel safer with you. Besides, this will give us a chance to be alone to talk.”
“We talked upstairs.”
“No, I mean really talk. I know you’re upset about Steven, but you have to know, he means nothing to me.”
That, thought Daniel, as he stepped off the bottom stair, might be the first truthful comment to ever leave her lips.
“I didn’t even want to go to that premiere.” Which, naturally, she followed up with a lie.
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