by Unknown
“Thank you,” Shane said, helping her inside. As soon as the driver pulled off, he opened a waiting bottle and poured two glasses, handing her one. “Sparkling cider for now, champagne for later. To a memorable evening and night.”
Paige clicked her flute to his, her hand slightly trembling. “It has certainly started out that way.”
“And it is only going to get better.”
The Carrington Estate was ablaze with lights in the windows and thousands of twinkles in the trees surrounding the home. Paige was pleased to see the long line of red-coated valets waiting for the guests. Their limousine pulled up in front of the awning, and a waiting hand opened the door.
Shane emerged first, then helped her out. The strong callused hand curved around her waist the moment she straightened, sending goose bumps skipping up her spine.
“The banner looks good.”
It took a moment for Paige’s mind to grasp what he was talking about. Then she saw the sixteen-by-three-foot blue-and-white banner stretched beneath the arched entryway. On either side was an airplane with the sponsor’s logo. The middle said WELCOME AND HAVE A GOOD TIME in English and French.
They had barely taken a step before one of the off-duty flight attendants Paige had hired approached. “Welcome to A Night to Remember Masquerade Ball. Enjoy the evening and please enter to win a trip to any of our destinations around the world. There will be someone in every city to take your entry. Good luck.”
“Thank you.” Paige accepted the white card and checked out the printing. Perfect. She handed it to Shane. “I can’t enter, but you can.”
Shane slipped the card into his pocket. He didn’t say anything until they stood in front of the heavy double doors at the entrance. “If I win, what are the chances that you’ll go with me?”
She turned, brushed her lips across his. “I’d say your chances are excellent.”
His eyes darkened with desire. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“I’m counting on you to.”
Shane kissed her on the cheek, then escorted her inside. They walked from London, to Paris, to Rome, and finally to Monte Carlo. Each destination was lavish and had its own unique charm and appeal. Although she’d never gambled in her life, the roulette table appealed to her. “I’m trying that before the night is over.”
“Why wait?” Shane asked.
“I couldn’t.”
His eyebrow lifted over deep black eyes she could gladly drown in. “Why?”
She laughed. “Because I’m the chairman.” “All the more reason for you to check it out first to make sure everything works. Don’t you think?” he asked the croupier.
The young man grinned. “Sounds reasonable to me.”
“We don’t have any chips.”
“I’m sure the establishment will stake us,” Shane said. The dealer obligingly pushed four fifty-dollar chips across the green felt.
“Place your bet.”
She looked at Shane. He smiled and nodded. She took a deep breath, then placed all the chips on black 27, the date they’d met.
The dealer set the wheel in motion, sending the steel ball spinning. Then, as it slowed, it bounced, finally landing on black 27.
“I won!” Paige screamed, then launched herself into Shane’s arms, laughing up into his smiling face.
“I’d say we both did.” He stared down at her, his mouth inches from hers.
Her head rested briefly on his chest. “You make me weak.”
His arms tightened around her. “I can’t say that I’m much steadier.”
“Your winnings, ma’am?” the croupier said. “Place your next bet.”
Paige looked from the stack of chips in the man’s hands and back to Shane. “I think I’ll hold what I have. You can keep the chips, and thanks again.”
Shane chuckled. “Where to next?”
She didn’t even think of telling him he didn’t have to go with her. She enjoyed being with him. “To thank Charles for his impeccable taste and attention to details, then outside. I don’t want the cars getting clogged up. Thanks to you, we can scan the invitation into the computer or check by name. Charles and I thought it a good idea to have waiters at the entrance with a choice of chilled wines.”
“You certainly know how to plan an event.”
“Thank you. I guess it’s from sitting home reading about them. And I like to see people have a good time.”
“I certainly plan to.” He nodded toward the entrance to the room. “Looks like your mother decided to arrive early.”
They quickly crossed to her. Mrs. Albright looked lovely in a long mint-green sequined lace gown. Shane kept his arm around Paige’s waist. She was delighted her mother had accepted that they were attracted to each other.
“Hello, Shane. Paige, you look beautiful,” her mother said, looking happier than she had in a long time. Part of it, Paige knew, was because Russell was out of her life. She just wished his own mother would stop calling and making excuses for him.
“Thank you,” Paige said. “I thought you were coming later with Bitsy.”
“I decided to come early in case you needed me.” Mrs. Albright looked around the beautifully decorated room and smiled. “I can see I was worried for nothing.”
“Ms. Albright, is everything to your satisfaction?” asked Charles, dressed in a black tux. He joined the group, his notebook clutched to his chest.
“It’s fabulous, Charles. Just as I envisioned.” Paige turned to her mother. “My mother, Mrs. Albright. Charles White, the executive manager of the Carrington Estate.”
“Good evening, I can certainly see you take great pride in what you do,” her mother greeted.
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to work with someone like your daughter, who knows what she wants,” he said.
Paige cut a glance at Shane, shivered when their eyes met. She had what she wanted, and tonight she was going to show him.
“Paige had her debutante ball here,” Mrs. Albright told him. A brief frown touched her brow, then was gone.
Paige saw it and thought she knew why. “Mother, why don’t I show you around before the place gets crowded? We can finally visit London, Paris, and Rome together.”
Sheer delight crossed her mother’s face. “I wondered if the cities were just a coincidence when I saw the bags. Thank you.”
“I’ll go check on the parking situation, if you’d like,” Shane offered. “Charles can go with me.”
“Thank you both. I’ll meet you out front shortly.” She glanced at the thin diamond watch on her wrist. “I want to be there to greet the first guests.”
“You’re certainly going to be running around a lot,” Shane said.
“I’m used to it. See you in ten.” Taking her mother’s arm, Paige started toward another room. She felt Shane’s searing gaze on her all the way.
The ballroom sparkled with lavish crystal chandeliers, the shimmering gowns, the jewels the women wore, the crystal and china on the table. Again and again people stopped Paige to tell her what a wonderful time they were having. As she’d guessed, Monte Carlo was popular, but the couture stores in Paris, with actual gowns for purchase, ranked a close second.
“Paige, you’ve outdone yourself,” Jackie said, looking pretty in a long silver gown. Aaron, in a tux, had his arm around her waist. “Everyone is having a good time. I’ve even been asked if this could be a yearly event.”
“I’ve already booked the estate,” Paige confessed. “Aaron, you’re down for the programs. I wish I could give it all to you, but I want to spread the business around.”
Before she’d finished, he was already shaking his head. “I’m just thankful you included me at all. I’ve already gotten several inquiries for other jobs.”
“That’s wonderful,” Paige said.
“It sure is,” Shane agreed.
“If you’ll excuse us, we’re going to see if the line for pictures in the Eiffel Tower is shorter,” Jackie said.
“Catch you later,” Shane
said. “We’re headed back to the roulette table.”
Aaron shook his sandy-blond head. “I wish you better luck than we had. Wiped us out in ten minutes.”
“I have a secret weapon.” Shane, his arm around Paige’s waist, stared fondly down at her.
She was definitely walking on a cloud. She’d won almost a thousand dollars at the roulette table before switching to baccarat and then craps. She was on a winning streak and feeling invincible, and it was all because of the man who hadn’t left her side all evening. Things couldn’t get much better, she thought . . . until she looked up and saw Russell’s mother’s furious gaze directed toward her. Again.
“Ignore her.” Shane stepped in front of Paige to block out the other woman. He’d been guarding her from Tess all night.
“Trying to.” Paige shook her head. “I just can’t get over her trying to get me to forgive Russell after what he did or being so mean-spirited as to attack your character. Her behavior is inexcusable.”
Shane’s forefinger gently swiped at her jutted chin. “I have a thick skin.”
She leaned closer and whispered, “Not on the places I’ve felt.”
Shane sucked in his breath. His eyes heated, darkened.
“Excuse me, sir. Don’t I know you?”
Shane and Paige turned around to see a tall, rawboned man with a shock of white hair. Shane wanted to curse, but his expression didn’t change. He should have thought of the possibility of someone recognizing him. Things were too dicey with Paige for mistakes, especially with Russell’s mother watching their every move.
“Hello, Mr. Gaines,” Paige greeted warmly. “This is Shane Elliott, a houseguest of mother’s, and a close friend. Mr. Gaines is an investment banker.”
“Hello, Mr. Gaines.” Shane extended his hand. “I’ve only been in the city a short while.”
“Perhaps you saw him at church or with me around town,” Paige offered.
The older man frowned, his blue eyes studying Shane. “I’m usually good with faces.” He chuckled. “I have to be in my line of work.”
“I’m sure you’ll remember,” Shane said, hoping the man didn’t remember that he’d flown out to Blade’s headquarters in Tucson to try and interest him in a business venture last year. Blade hadn’t been interested, but Shane had been in the office at the time. “In the meantime, if you’ll excuse us, we were headed to the casino in Monte Carlo.”
“That reminds me. I better find my wife before she buys something else.” He lifted his flute. “Great party as always, Paige.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gaines.”
Shane glanced over his shoulder and saw Russell’s mother making her way toward Gaines. Time might have run out for him and Mrs. Albright. “I thought this was over at one. It’s half past.”
“It was supposed to be, but people are still here,” Paige said, staring at the throng of people who showed no signs of going home. The live band kept people on the dance floor or milling in groups. Luckily, the estate had a private wine cellar so there was no chance of running out of wine.
“I suppose you have to stay until the last straggler goes home,” he said, only slightly relieved to see Mr. Gaines disappear into the crowd without Tess speaking to him.
“Yes.” She faced him. “I’m sorry.”
He smiled. “I’m not. I get to hold you in my arms that much longer.”
When 2:00 AM rolled around and half the guests were still there, Paige and Jackie decided to shut down the band and stop serving alcohol, leaving the partygoers little choice but to finally leave. Among the last group was the CEO of the airline, Frank Tate, and his wife, Lisa.
“We had a fabulous time,” Lisa said. “We’ve decided to go to Europe next month for our thirtieth wedding anniversary.”
“I’m delighted you enjoyed yourself, but the generosity of Mr. Tate made this night possible,” Paige said, meaning every word.
“Thank you, Paige, but you went beyond our contributions.” He smiled fondly down at her. “The ticket to anywhere we fly wasn’t part of our donation. It shows you trust our airline.”
Pleased, Paige smiled. “I do. You’re the airline of choice, not chance.”
“Hmmm,” he said, his thin face thoughtful. “I like that. Mind if I toss it out to our marketing team?”
Paige laughed. “Of course not. The foundation owes you so much.”
“I’m always glad to help.” The executive nodded to Paige and Shane. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Paige said, then turned to Shane. “I know it’s late, but everyone should be out of here in half an hour.”
“Then I’ll have you all to myself.”
A hot shiver ran through Paige. “I can’t wait,” she admitted. She had a surprise for him. The night would be all that she had ever wanted. She just had to be brave enough to reach out and take it.
Thirty-three minutes later Paige watched the last car head down the mile-long drive. A bus followed with the valets. In less than a minute Paige and Shane were alone. Her heart beat fiercely in her chest.
“You ready to go?” Shane asked.
She moistened her lips. “I want to show you something first.” She glanced nervously toward the chauffeur, who stood by the limousine. There were several other cars there as well because the estate had guest suites available.
“Are you all right?”
“Wonderful.” Taking his hand she started back through the entrance, but instead of going down the stairs, she went out a side door, then up an outdoor white stone staircase. Her body trembled, her heart thumped.
“Paige?”
“I want to show you something,” she said, glad she didn’t have to go much farther. His hand tightened on hers as she opened the French doors and stepped into the luxurious bedroom. A king-sized bed dominated the room done in pale shades of creamy beige and blue. A bottle of champagne peeked from a silver ice bucket.
“Pai—”
She pressed her finger to his lips, silencing him. then replaced it with her lips. He tasted of the after-dinner wine, rich and sweet and delicious. She concentrated on that, and not the wobbling of her knees.
Lifting her head, she reached for his black bow tie. His hands stopped her. “You wanted to wait.”
“I want to be with you,” she told him, meaning it. If they only had one night, she was taking it.
His large hand cupped her cheek. His thumb brushed across her lip. “What if I want to wait?”
For a second, she couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe. “What—what do you mean?”
Pulling her hands from around his neck, he held them tightly in his as he stared at her. “Paige, I want to ask you something, but I have to settle something first.”
Her thudding heart refused to steady. “Why—why can’t you ask me now?”
His large hands tenderly palmed her face. “You don’t know how badly I wish I could. You’re courageous, beautiful, unselfish. You’re so incredible. I never lived until I met you.”
“Shane.” She trembled as his hands lowered to circle her waist. “I was the one only half alive until you touched me, until I felt the connection with you, felt the sensual awareness that I had waited so very long to feel, and was so afraid I wouldn’t.”
“I’d fight the world for you.”
Tears of joy sparkled in her eyes. “I know.” Her lips touched his. She felt the warmth, the fire, and always the passion. “I’m your woman.”
His nostrils flared, his hands flexed. “Never forget it. We better get out of here while I can.”
“I won’t forget,” Paige said, allowing Shane to lead her back out the way they had come. She had been right—it was a night to remember.
Shane didn’t sleep all night, but he had put the time to good use, he thought as he packed the next morning. Phase one of his plan was complete. Phase two was going to be a little dicey.
He didn’t have to be a genius to know Paige expected him to ask her to marry him. That she would give up her dream of marrying
with her virginity intact humbled him and convinced him all the more he had made the right decision when he’d spoken with Blade and Rio last night, and again this morning.
He wanted to marry Paige. It surprised him how much. He didn’t want to think of her not being an integral part of his life. But it wasn’t fair to ask her until everything was out in the open. Convincing Mrs. Albright was going to take some doing.
He knew it would be tricky for her to explain without divulging Marshall’s abusive and adulterous behavior, but it was a chance she had to take. He just hoped letting her know he wanted forever with Paige would sway her.
Placing the last pair of pants in his bag, he zipped up the suitcase, then started from the room. He was leaving today and, tomorrow, regardless of how things went, he’d put the third phase of his plan into action.
In the hallway he heard voices. They weren’t clear, but he could tell one was Paige, while the other belonged to a man. Earlier, Shane had heard Paige and Mrs. Albright going downstairs. He had hoped to meet with Mrs. Albright, but hadn’t had the opportunity because of another conference call he’d had that morning.
A few steps farther on, Shane recognized the male voice as Russell’s, then heard Gaines’s name mentioned. Shane took off running. He thundered down the stairs three at a time to see Paige with Russell.
“You’re so into trust, I thought you might like to know that Elliott has been lying to you,” Russell said snidely. “Last night Mother found out from Mr. Gaines—”
“Russell, I don’t want to hear anything your mother or you have to say,” Paige said, trying to close the front door.
“But he’s an imposter.” The flat of Russell’s hand kept the door from closing.
“I warned you, Crenshaw,” Shane growled, coming off the bottom step.
Paige glanced over her shoulder. “Yes you did. Do you want Shane to help you to your car?”
“I’d be happy to.” Shane started around Paige.
Russell yelped in fear and scrambled back. “Ask him about Blade Navarone.”
Paige stiffened, then slowly turned to Shane. Her face was pale. “W-what is he talking about?”