Her brother Kevin had been her parents’ pride and joy, and although they loved her too, Christine had always known she wasn’t the favorite. Kevin had been perfect in every way. Bright, handsome, athletic, and yet sweet and charming too. How could one not love someone like that? Christine had adored him as much as anyone else.
There had been times when she’d been hurt by her father’s lack of interest in her less than stellar achievements, like making a B on a math exam, or getting only the second lead in a high school play, and she’d wished he would take more notice of her. She had wanted the praise that Kevin got, and it shamed her now that she had been envious of him.
Christine put her pitching wedge away and picked up a seven Hybrid. She started hitting balls past the hundred yard pin, watching them go straight and long.
If she had been better at golf, had practiced more, maybe she could have gone on tour. Her father had always bragged about her to his friends that she would be the youngest player to win the US Open. But she’d dropped out of college to have Nicole, and she became a hairstylist. No bragging rights there.
After Nicole was born she never golfed with her father again. She used the excuse that she had a baby to take care of, and he used the excuse that his arthritis was acting up. But the truth was she was a disappointment.
Luckily he hadn’t been around to see the mess she’d made of raising her daughter. Nicole had turned rebellious when she was sixteen, around the time he had his first heart attack. She’d gone Goth for a while, wearing only black, including her makeup, and had one eyebrow pierced, as well as her lip. Christine had wanted to ground Nicole and force her to take those horrible piercings off her face, but Jim had defended Nicole’s right to look the way she wanted.
Luckily, that phase had lasted only a year, and she had been a perfect daughter for awhile. Until Brett came along. Christine had tried to tell her daughter how important an education was—to insist that she get, at the minimum, a four-year college degree, but her daughter had looked at her and Jim and said, why?
Christine had no answer. Both she and Jim had made good money in their chosen fields, and neither had finished college. That was not the example she had wanted for her only child.
Then Jim walked out, and she’d gone through a bitter, ugly time. Nicole hadn’t even wanted to be around her, and perhaps that was part of the reason she’d quit school and moved to California with Brett.
In short, Christine had failed as a daughter, as a wife, and as a mother.
She grabbed her driver and started hitting the balls as far as she could.
She would not fail any longer. She was going to make a success out of this dating business and not disappoint anyone again.
The one thing she wasn’t going to do was toss her obligations away because some guy got her all hot and bothered. No matter how sexy Derek was—and attractive, and funny, and kind—she was not going to start a relationship with him. Not even a simple friendship. Their only connection was business. Period.
She sent another ball flying and wished she believed herself.
***
Nicole returned from her three mile run, took a shower, and checked her emails. Her heart started skipping. There was one from Jake. She was almost afraid to open it and filled with anticipation and dread.
She had been honest when she told her mother that she needed a break between men. Her relationship with Brett had been awful for the past year. At the beginning, things had been wonderful, but then their fights became more frequent, and the barbs more deliberate. She was afraid of getting into that cycle again.
What did Jake want? Did he want to know why she’d broken his brother’s heart, or did he want a piece of hers? What would her answer be if he did? She chewed her bottom lip, thinking of how many nights she had laid awake imagining what his kisses would be like. With guilty pleasure she’d wondered what his hands would feel like on her breasts, between her thighs.
She forced herself to walk out of her bedroom and rummage through the freezer to find something for dinner. She found a pork tenderloin and stuck it in the microwave to thaw. She dumped it on a plate, added a ginger-teriyaki marinade, and left it to sit. In the pantry she found a package of Uncle Ben’s wild rice, and some broccoli in the refrigerator. When her mother came in, they could sit down to a quick and easy meal.
With nothing left to do, she wandered back into her room and stared at the computer. Oh, damn. She clicked on his email and read it quickly, then reread it, and reread it again, and each time her smile got bigger.
“Nicole, I wish I could say that I’m sorry you left Brett, but I’m not. I know he’s my brother and I should pretend that I side with him, but the truth is he didn’t treat you right, and you deserve someone who will. I also have a personal reason for feeling the way I do.”
He signed it, Fondly, Jake.
Fondly. She looked at the word and slid it over her tongue. It sounded nice. Love would have been better, but it wouldn’t have meant as much. He didn’t love her. The whole time they’d known each other, she’d been his brother’s girlfriend. Love would have been wrong. But she’d been attracted to him and had thought the attraction was mutual. Now she was sure of it. He was “fond” of her. Perhaps more than fond.
She emailed him back and included her cell phone number. Ten minutes later, he called.
She answered with apprehension, wondering if the ease and friendship that had grown between them would translate over the distance of three thousand miles, especially when they’d had no contact for a couple of months. Yet within minutes she was chatting comfortably with him, and her heart felt lighter than it had since he’d left. She’d missed their talks. She missed him so much.
“Jake,” she confessed finally, “I was afraid of what you’d think of me when you found out I left Brett.”
“I was hoping you’d leave. I wanted to call you the moment I heard from Brett that you’d moved out, but then I thought you might have had a completely different reason for leaving than the one I hope you had.”
Nicole’s stomach did a slow cartwheel. “Really,” she teased. “And what reason would that be?”
“I was kind of hoping it might be because of me,” he said bravely.
She laughed with relief and a happiness so deep, she wondered how her chest could contain it. “It was,” she said softly. “At least it was part of the reason. The other part was that I don’t love him anymore. I haven’t in a long time. I think we became a habit with each other.”
“Well, I know he’s pretty upset, but I think some of his anger is a cover-up. No man likes to be dumped, and so he’s making things up, saying stupid things, like you were screwing around.”
“He told you that?” Nicole jumped off the bed and began to pace. “That worm. I would never—“
“No one believes him, Nicole. At least, I don’t believe him.”
She sat back down. “Thank you. That’s all that counts, at least to me. But I don’t want his friends or your family to think that of me. It isn’t true.”
“I know that. You’re not that kind of girl.”
“Glad you noticed.” She smiled. “I miss you, Jake. When will you be back?”
“Thanksgiving. Unless I can swing a few days leave sometime sooner.”
“Oh, I hope you do. Two months is a long, long time.”
“I know, Nicole, but the dust will be settled by then, and hopefully Brett will have moved on and won’t take it so hard.”
Her heart beat was racing again. “Take what so hard?”
“Us.”
***
Saturday morning, Christine was having her second cup of coffee and eating a bowl of cereal, when the phone rang. It was Jim.
“What’s up?” she asked in lieu of a more personal greeting.
Without preamble, he blurted out, “I left Keri.”
“You did?” Well, that was news. But why did it make her smile? She didn’t want him back, that was for sure. “So, what happened?”
“You won’t believe this.” Jim cleared his throat. “I came home in the middle of the day and found her in bed with her personal trainer.”
“No kidding.” She tried to keep the elation out of her voice. It wouldn’t do to let him see how happy the news made her. He’d clam up, and she wouldn’t get any juicy details. Oh, but it was such sweet justice. “That’s awful,” she lied. “What did you do?”
“Well, I told the guy to get the hell out of my house, and Keri told me he wasn’t going anywhere. After she insulted me some more, I packed my bags and I was loading them in the car, when she came flying out of the house and told me to leave the key to the house and the car. The bitch wouldn’t even let me take the Bentley.”
“Holy crap, Jim. That really is awful.” Christine managed to do a happy little jig while maintaining a subdued tone. “Aren’t you going to get anything out of this marriage?”
“I don’t know. I need to see an attorney. Look, I’m kind of upset about all of this, and I really need to speak with you. Will you let me buy you dinner tonight?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Christine was floored. She didn’t know how to answer. Finally she muttered, “Uh. Sure. I guess.”
What did he want to see her for? Hell. What if he wanted to come back? What would she say? Was it possible he was actually sorry he left? Had he finally realized she was a wonderful person and he’d been a fool to let her go?
Naw. Not likely. And she didn’t want him in any case. Or did she? He’d been the love of her life, a good father and husband, right up until he ditched her. Could a woman ever forgive such a betrayal? She didn’t think she had that much forgiveness in her, and wouldn’t want it if she did.
“Look, I’ve gotta run, Jim. I’ve got a busy morning. Where do you want to meet? And when?”
“Name the place.”
“I haven’t been to the Breakers in a while.” She tapped her toe, feeling both anxious, excited, and a tad mean.
“Hell, Christine. Couldn’t you pick someplace cheaper?”
“Well, if that’s too expensive for you. . .we could make it Applebee’s,” she said sweetly.
“Funny. Oh, to hell with it. I still have a credit card and a joint banking account. She hasn’t taken that away yet.”
Christine laughed. “Good. We’ll do it up right then, won’t we?” Ha. It would be fun to have a very expensive meal courtesy of the woman who stole her husband. She’d enjoy every bite.
“Okay. Meet me in the lobby at seven.”
“You got it.”
The moment Christine hung up, the phone rang again. This time it was her mother, calling from Venice. Within a few short minutes, Christine heard all about Venice and about Salvatore. “I can’t believe that this wonderful man is really interested in me.”
“Mom, why wouldn’t he be? You are a wonderful person and anyone with a brain in his head would know that.”
“Well, I am so glad to be here on this trip. I can’t thank you enough. It’s a thrill of a lifetime.”
She could hear the happiness in her mother’s voice and wanted to caution her. Who knew what the man’s intentions were? They might and probably were entirely honorable, but on the other hand, he might be a louse, and she didn’t want her mother getting hurt.
“Great. I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself. Just don’t go falling in love,” she warned. “We don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t. My family means everything to me.”
Christine knew that, but still it lightened her heart to hear it. “Good, because we love you so much. Have fun, Mom, and when you get home, I’ll see if I can find you another wonderful man like Salvatore.”
Her mother laughed. “Oh, I’m too old for romance.”
“No one ever is.” Except herself, of course.
Christine briefly updated her mother on the dating business, and then told her about Jim’s call.
“What does he want?” her mother asked.
“I have no idea. I don’t think he wants to get back with me. Do you?”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Christine. I don’t want you to be disappointed again.”
“No need to worry about that,” Christine said, forcibly banishing images not of her ex-husband, but of Derek.
By the time she got off the phone, Christine had to hurry to get to the golf course. She had a game at nine. In the pro shop she ran into a nice man she hadn’t seen in several months. Allen Forbes was a computer programmer who owned his own multi-million dollar company. He was quiet and not very good around people. The moment she saw him, she knew she had to introduce him to Nora, Emily Perkin’s niece.
She chatted with Allen for a few minutes, eventually working the conversation around to her new business. “I have a client who I would love for you to meet.”
“I’d rather take you on a date,” he said, smiling goofily.
She laughed, pretending it was a joke. “I adore you too, but I don’t date. No time. No inclination.”
“Jim was a fool to leave a woman like you.”
“I agree with you, but he did.” She smiled and managed to flirt a little. “Allen, you’re one of the nicest and most sincere men I know, just the sort of man my client is looking for. I realize you don’t date, but I really think you two would enjoy meeting each other.”
He looked as though he was going to say no, then changed his mind. “Tell me about her.”
She did, and Allen, very gamely, told her he’d do it.
***
Christine’s nerves were stretched as tight as a violin wire as she got ready to see Jim. She took extra time with her appearance, to please herself, not him. She wore an elegant but simple honey-colored dress and a stylish pair of shoes with three-inch heels, which made her legs look long and lean. It also put her at the same height as Jim, which would be to her advantage. Her blonde hair fell straight to her shoulders, and even to an unkind eye, she could pass for five years younger.
She pulled up in front of the Breakers, a landmark in Palm Beach and one of the world’s most beautiful hotels. A valet helped her out, and she was disappointed that Jim wasn’t around to see her Mercedes convertible. She’d bought it after the divorce, when they sold their home at the peak of the market. She’d love him to see her in it, especially now that he was walking.
He was waiting for her in the lobby, pacing in front of the doors that led to the center courtyard. He looked agitated and nervous, but as handsome as ever. He was just under six feet, with a fit body, light brown hair that was only beginning to recede, and a likeable face with a strong chin and devilish dimples that women found endearing.
Damn him anyway.
Her heart jumped skittishly and seemed to get stuck in her throat. Please don’t let him ask to come back. She wasn’t ready for that. She hadn’t had long enough to think it through, and was afraid of what she might say.
Would she laugh or cry? Or both?
The thought of humiliating herself was enough to make her square her shoulders and march over to where he stood.
“Jim. Hi. Hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”
“No. I’m early.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “You look nice.”
“Thanks.” She didn’t comment on his appearance. He was vain, and thought enough of himself without flattery.
“I’m dying to hear what this is all about,” she added. “Why are we having dinner exactly?”
He took her arm and led her toward the dining room. “I’ll explain my plan over a cocktail.”
She ordered a Cosmopolitan and he had a double Grey Goose vodka martini, with three olives. He sucked on one of the olives and used the other two to stir his drink.
“Thanks for agreeing to dinner, Christine. I didn’t know who else to turn to. You’ve always been my rock.”
What the hell? If she’d always been his rock, why had he slipped out from under it, like the snake he was?
“Nicole says to say hi.” She kept her voice neutral. �
��She’s as curious as I am to what this is all about.”
“Let’s order first, shall we? I’m sure our conversation will be a little more palatable once we’ve had something to digest it with.”
“You are being very mysterious.”
He smiled and handed her a menu. “You’ve always loved lobster. Why don’t you have that tonight?”
“I might. Thank you.” She folded her hands on the table and smiled at her ex. What a strange night this was going to be!
“No, thank Keri.”
Christine picked up her drink and saluted him. “To Keri.”
Toasting the woman who’d stolen her husband away should have been difficult, but wasn’t. Christine’s heart felt light.
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you,” she said to Jim. “I really am.”
“You’re being such a good sport about everything. I’m glad that you and I can still be friends.”
Friends? She didn’t think so. He was Nicole’s father and for that reason she kept things civil, but she would never count him as a friend.
They ordered their dinner, and after the salad she couldn’t wait any longer. The suspense was killing her, and she wanted a good appetite for her lobster.
“So, I’m ready, Jim. Tell me what you’ve come here to say.”
“Uh, sure.” He looked down at his empty glass and signaled the waiter over. “Could we have a Chardonnay for the lady, and I'll have another martini.”
“Yes, sir.” The waiter scurried away.
Jim took a sip from his ever full water glass. “This is a bit awkward, I must admit.”
“Jim, just say it. I think I know what this is about, anyway.”
“You do?” He looked relieved. “I was surprised when Nicole told me you were running a dating service. She explained about your mother and how she and her friends were losing money hand over fist, and that you’d stepped in. I know you have business smarts and that this will really take off.”
“Thanks.” She frowned, puzzled. “So, are you saying you want in? As an investor?”
“No.” He laughed. “That’s not why we’re here. I want to sign up. As a client. You know the kind of women I find attractive. Find me someone really hot, someone who’ll make Keri insanely jealous.” His lips twisted in a sneer. “Two can play that game.”
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE TRILOGY Page 36