Once Upon A Mattress

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “I’m glad you’re here helping her,” the guard said. “I think she works down here by herself too much of the time, and with all those sexy beds she could easily draw the attention of some psycho.”

  “Good point. I’ll tell her.” Will made a note to tell her in no uncertain terms that she shouldn’t stay down here late at night by herself anymore, and not just because the security guard didn’t like it. Will didn’t like it.

  “Plus, I’m sure the lady’s got bucks. Somebody who needs drugs could get ahold of her and force her to write them a big fat check.”

  “That too.” Reality began to descend upon Will. He had no right to tell Amelia not to work late at the store. He was her employee. She was his boss. Now that he wasn’t blowing her mind with sexual satisfaction, she was probably starting to remember that fact.

  “Guess I’ll continue making my rounds,” the guard said. “Have a good night.”

  “Thanks.” Will figured he’d had all the good night he was going to have. Now he had to face the consequences of what he’d done. Besides overstepping his boundaries with his boss, he’d also forgotten all about Leanne in the excitement of finally holding Amelia in his arms. Amelia must think he was a real piece of work. For days he’d been dreaming up tempting gifts for Leanne, and he’d already ordered a dozen roses to be delivered to her at the store on Valentine’s Day.

  But in the meantime he’d grabbed a chance to seduce his boss. Yeah, Amelia must think he was a prince, all right. He couldn’t back out of the dinner with Leanne, and he hated the idea that he’d led her on only to let her down. Because he would have to let her down. Whether or not Amelia wanted anything more to do with him, he couldn’t pretend an interest in Leanne when his whole being was consumed with thoughts of Amelia.

  With a sigh he walked back into the storeroom and closed the door behind him. Then he stood staring at the floor, hands shoved in his pockets, as he tried to figure out what to say to Amelia that wouldn’t sound completely lame. He should never have let himself get involved with her while he still had unfinished business with Leanne. He’d really screwed up this time.

  ———

  AMELIA FINISHED DRESSING and belatedly wondered if she should have sent Will off to investigate alone. She’d never had a problem with a break-in, but San Diego had its share of criminals. Of course, burglars usually didn’t knock before breaking in.

  Running her fingers through her hair, she ventured out into the showroom. She heard indistinct voices coming from the loading dock and relaxed a little. Will must be out there talking to someone, probably the security guard, just as he’d thought. She edged closer to the door leading into the storeroom. Then she heard the guard leave. Will came back inside and closed the back door.

  She stepped into the storeroom, intending to thank him for being so gallant and allowing her to get herself together while he dealt with the guard. The sight of him staring at the floor, shoulders slumped, brought her up short. Oh, God. He regrets everything. Pain hit her mid-section. She clutched her stomach and closed her eyes against the onslaught of shattered pride. He was trying to figure out a gentle way to let her down.

  Although her insides felt shredded to bits, she straightened her spine and forced brightness into her voice. “And Bedroom Fantasies claims two more victims. I can’t believe we allowed that to happen, can you?”

  His head came up. For a brief moment he looked uncertain and confused. Then he glanced away, and by the time he turned back to her he wore a mocking grin. “Just shows you what a little atmosphere can do. I guess you’d have to say your Valentine display works.”

  “Yes, I guess I would.” She cleared her throat. “Listen, as far as I’m concerned, this never happened.”

  He nodded. “Gotcha. I mean, we were both tired, not thinking straight.”

  “That’s so true. You’ve been stressed with school, and I’ve had this franchising thing preying on my mind.”

  “Are you going to New York?” She tried to detect any hidden meaning in the soft-spoken question. He’d probably be relieved to see her go. “Yes. Yes, I am. And you ...will have your date with Leanne in three days.”

  “That’s right.”

  She hurt so bad she wondered how much longer she’d be able to stand upright. “She’s a great gal.”

  “Yeah.” He gazed at her for an agonizingly long time. “I’d better take off.”

  “Of course. I’ve kept you long enough.” The stock phrase sounded ridiculously impersonal, considering that only moments ago he’d been— no, she mustn’t think about that. “Amelia...”

  She held her breath, foolish enough to hope she’d misread his dejected posture just now. “Do you ...want me to quit?” Hope died. “Don’t be silly. We can be adult about this, can’t we?”

  He studied her for several seconds. “Yes,” he said. “See you in the morning.”

  “In the morning.” No doubt he’d leave another gift for Leanne in her center desk drawer. And she would deliver it, no matter how much it hurt, because that’s what adults did with obligations they’d agreed to carry out.

  He walked over to the door and opened it, letting in the scent of rain.

  When he paused and turned back, her heartbeat kicked into high gear again. She was such an eternal optimist. Maybe he’d cross the room and take her in his arms again. Maybe he’d confess that he couldn’t live without her. Maybe— “Please lock this behind me,” he said. Then he closed the door with a firm click.

  ———

  “LOOK OUT, MAN!” Gabe grabbed the wheel of the delivery truck Will was driving and jerked it to the right. The truck swerved back into the right-hand lane, narrowly missing oncoming traffic. “Pull over,” Gabe snapped.

  Shaking from the near collision, Will did exactly that, swinging into the parking lot of a seafood restaurant. He braked the truck and sat clutching the wheel and taking deep breaths. “Get out and let me drive,” Gabe said. Without replying Will climbed out of the cab and walked around the front of the truck.

  Gabe met him halfway, blocking his path. “What’s up with you?”

  Will just shook his head and tried to move around Gabe.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Gabe held out both arms. He wasn’t very tall, but he was muscular, and at the moment he looked determined not to let Will get by until he explained himself.

  Will wasn’t going to wrestle his way past Gabe. He didn’t have the energy. “Nothing’s wrong,” he muttered.

  “The hell it isn’t. You’ve been driving like a zombie all morning. I didn’t say anything when you almost backed into that Jaguar, and I didn’t mention the stop sign you ignored. I was cutting you some slack, figuring you were low on sleep. But you just about got us killed, and that gives me the right to find out what’s eating you.”

  Will took off his sunglasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. He hadn’t had much sleep, but he’d learned to function without it. No, sleep wasn’t his problem. He replaced the glasses, using them as a shield as he looked at Gabe. “I’m sorry about the way I’ve been driving. You’re right—I have no business being behind the wheel. If you’ll take over, we can still make the delivery to the Hamiltons on time.”

  “I don’t give a rat’s ass about being late for that delivery. Something terrible has happened to you. Is it school? Did you flunk out?”

  “No. Listen, Gabe, I—”

  “Money? I got a few bucks put aside, if you need a little help.”

  The one thing Will didn’t need was this kind of compassion. It only made him weaker. “Thanks, but I’m fine. Can we get on with it?” Gabe ignored him. “Then it’s women. That’s the only thing left. I know for a fact that Leanne’s looking forward to her dinner date with her secret admirer, so that’s not the problem.” Gabe stroked his chin. “So it’s gotta be the boss lady.”

  Unconsciously Will stiffened. Once he realized that his body language was giving him away he forced himself to relax, but it was too late.

  Gabe nodded. �
��Uh-huh. I thought as much. I’ve been watching you for the past few days. In spite of all my excellent advice you’ve gone and developed a megacrush.” He shook his head. “Not very bright, baby doc.”

  “You’re telling me.”

  “So obviously you don’t want to go out with Leanne, considering you’re hung up on the boss lady.”

  “It’s a nightmare,” Will admitted. “I need to stop this farce now, before Leanne walks into that restaurant to find a guy who has no interest in being there with her because he’s...”

  “In love with someone else?” Will’ s gut wrenched at having the truth laid out so plainly. Yeah, he was in love, for all the good it would do him.

  “Your silence speaks volumes, as they say.” Gabe stared off into the distance. “Look, I can’t take care of your problem with the boss lady. That’s up to you to figure out. But I think I can fix things so Leanne won’t have to spend her Valentine’ s Day crying her pretty little eyes out.”

  Will grabbed at the first hopeful thing he’d encountered recently. “You’ll go to the restaurant in my place?”

  “Not me. But I think the Troyman might be persuaded.”

  Will winced at the idea of his personal screw-ups being exposed to Troy. “How much would he have to know?”

  “Only that the secret admirer had a change of heart. I’ll tell him that the way’s clear and he can step right in and be a hero.”

  “Yeah, but if he’s supposed to be the secret admirer, wouldn’t I have to describe the gifts and give him copies of the poems I sent along?” The thought of such a discussion with Troy wasn’t the least bit appealing.

  “Are you kidding? Leanne’s boasted about every gift and read aloud every poem to whoever would listen. Troy’s been paying attention. In fact, he took some notes the other day. I figure he plans to steal your material to use on some other woman.”

  Will felt the weight on his heart lighten a little. “Then I guess that’s the answer.”

  “I can probably even get him to pay for the roses you ordered for tomorrow.”

  “No, that’s okay. I’ve already paid for them, and it’s a small price for being let off the hook. I owe you one, Gabe.”

  “Nah. I got you into this, so I feel responsible for getting you out. But are you sure, now? Really sure? Because you’re throwing away a great chance with Leanne, and she just might make you forget this other insanity of yours.”

  “You know, Gabe, if I thought she could, I would be the happiest guy alive. But I know there’s not a chance in hell of that happening.” Gabe stared at him. “You got it bad, boy.” Will didn’t need Gabe to give him that particular news flash. It had been running through his brain relentlessly ever since he’d left Amelia at the store that night. He’d thought of little else. As for Amelia, she showed no sign of strain. She’d greeted him the next day with a cool, impersonal smile. As near as he could tell, she’d put the whole thing completely out of her mind.

  Chapter Eight

  AMELIA WAS UNLUCKY enough to be in the showroom helping a customer on Valentine’s Day morning when the bouquet of red roses was delivered to Leanne, so she couldn’t avoid the spectacle of Leanne’s response. No one in the store could avoid it, in fact.

  “Oh, I’m in love!’ Leanne waltzed through the displays holding her vase of roses like a dance partner. “My secret admirer has such wonderful taste.” She giggled. “But of course he does. He picked me.’

  The woman Amelia was helping smiled benevolently at Leanne. “How sweet. A secret admirer. That’s such a romantic idea.”

  “Isn’t it?” Amelia gritted her teeth. “Now, Mrs. Delaney, you understand that the Jungle Fever bedroom grouping is on a six-month lease. If, after that time, you decide to switch themes, then—”

  “Troy, read this note,” Leanne said, excitement raising the pitch of her voice until it carried throughout the store. “He’s asked me to be his Minnie. Can you believe it? He really knows what I like.”

  Amelia thought she might throw up. His Minnie? How could he? Especially after ...but that night had meant nothing to him, obviously. Fool that she was, she’d kept hope alive by imagining that he’d reveal himself to Leanne and tell her it was all a mistake, that he’d started the secret admirer campaign before he realized his strong attraction to Amelia.

  The arrival of the roses had pretty much killed that hope. Will obviously planned to go through with the dinner, and with whatever might happen after dinner. Amelia wanted to scream.

  Mrs. Delaney touched her arm. “Excuse me. Is there a problem with my contract?”

  “What?” Amelia glanced at the woman and realized she’d forgotten all about her. “No, no problem. Sorry. I was distracted there for a minute.”

  “I just wondered. You looked rather... upset.”

  “Just a touch of indigestion,” Amelia said. “Now, let me make sure we’ve gone over everything.” It had been a banner day for sales, she reminded herself. Holidays were usually great for business, and Valentine’s Day, catering as it did to couples, was a natural for the store. Peterson seemed impressed with the holiday surge and would probably open the Fifth Avenue franchise even if she refused to encourage a personal relationship.

  She needed to focus on what was going right in her world. Unfortunately, the one part going wrong seemed to blot out everything else.

  Mrs. Delaney offered to pay extra to have the bedroom suite delivered that afternoon as a Valentine surprise for her husband, so Amelia excused herself and went back to the storeroom to find out if Will could work the extra delivery into the schedule. She caught him just as he and Gabe loaded the last piece on the truck for an order that was due out on Coronado Island by noon. As usual he looked like a California god dressed in his snug T-shirt and worn jeans, his sunglasses on a cord around his neck. Thank heaven she would soon be going to New York and wouldn’t have to torture herself this way much longer.

  She decided it was safer and less personal to direct her statement to both of them. “I can offer you guys a bonus if you can work a delivery and setup of Jungle Fever into your schedule this afternoon.”

  Will leaned one hand against the side of the truck and wiped his forehead on his sleeve. “Where does it go?”

  “Pacific Beach.”

  Will glanced at Gabe. “Are you up for that?”

  “I can always use the extra money, but I gotta be finished by six. I don’t want to be late to Gina’s.”

  “I think we can work it all in,” Will said. “I don’t want to be late tonight, either.”

  Because he had to hotfoot it over to the restaurant to meet Leanne, Amelia thought bitterly. “Shall I tell the customer we can do it, then?” she asked.

  “Sure.” Will put on his sunglasses and gave her a brief smile. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint someone on Valentine’s Day.”

  She stared at him. Was he really that callous, that he’d throw his date with Leanne in her face? And to think she’d imagined he was sweet and sensitive. She lifted her chin. “No, we certainly wouldn’t.” Fighting tears, she turned and walked quickly out of the storeroom and straight to her office.

  In the doorway she stopped, her mouth dropping open at the stunning bouquet of flowers sitting in the middle of her desk. Whoever had sent them hadn’t been satisfied with traditional red roses as a Valentine’s Day tribute. Someone had decided that the occasion demanded orchids.

  Amelia had a bad feeling that Peterson had done this. She’d thought she’d made herself clear, but a man like Peterson might enjoy the challenge of trying to change her mind. He certainly had the money to spend on orchids.

  Breathing in the delicate scent of the flowers, she pulled an envelope from its plastic holder and read the name written there to make sure the bouquet was for her. No use getting excited if an overburdened florist had made a mistake today.

  But there was no mistake. The flowers were in the right place. She had to admit the gesture was classy, but there was no way she’d ever be interested in Jonathan
Peterson. Only one man claimed a place in her heart, and he was completely out of reach. She glanced at the card, fully expecting Peterson’s name to be at the bottom. It wasn’t.

  As orchids seek the fire of the sun, so I must seek the fire in your eyes, my love.

  Watch for me tonight.

  Your Secret Admirer

  Amelia crumpled the card and held it to her chest. Peterson couldn’t know how impossibly cruel his note was. No doubt Leanne had told him, along with half the free world, about her secret admirer. He probably thought it would be cute to try the same thing with her, not realizing that for her the term Secret Admirer conjured up a picture of the one man she was trying to forget.

  She tossed the card and envelope in her wastebasket. Peterson could show up at the store tonight if he chose to do so. She couldn’t very well prevent him from doing that. His approach had been imaginative and the wording of his message quite beautiful—she was somewhat surprised that he’d managed to be so poetic. But all the orchids and poetic phrases in the world wouldn’t change the fact that he left her cold.

  ———

  IT HAD BEEN THE MOST successful Valentine’s Day promotion in the history of Bedroom Fantasies, Amelia noted as she tallied up the receipts after everyone else had left. She turned off her computer and glanced at her bouquet of orchids. To her surprise, Peterson hadn’t come to the store, after all. She’d never invited him to her condo, but he had the address, so maybe he imagined he’d show up and be asked to come in. If so he was going to be disappointed.

  She took the orchids home with her. They’d caused quite a bit of comment during the day, and everyone had agreed with her that Peterson was the likely candidate. Leanne had even said that she was sure he’d thought of it because of all the talk about her secret admirer.