by Ella Jade
“We have all weekend.” She kissed his cheek. “It was so nice to meet you.”
“Ah, Spencer, you’re lucky I’m not younger or I’d steal this pretty little thing right from you.”
“Small favors and all.” Spencer brought Coda closer to him and began to sway to the music with her as his grandfather made his way off the dance floor.
“Grandpa’s got game.” She giggled. “He’s great.”
“He didn’t say anything to offend you?”
“No, he’s harmless.”
“He didn’t try to pay you off?”
“Pay me off? Why would he do that?”
“Tyler thought our grandfather had been influenced by Pierce. Ava expressed her irritation over me having a date, and we thought maybe Grandfather was trying to get you to leave.”
“How ridiculous. It’s like a soap opera around here.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I got you mixed up in all of this.”
“Are you kidding? I’m having a blast.”
“Still, my family can be somewhat obnoxious.”
“I wouldn’t have taken the payoff.” She looked down at her feet. “I don’t play that way. I have a deal with you.”
He tilted her chin so she had to look at him. “I appreciate that.”
She looked over his shoulder and then back to him. “Time to do some convincing.”
“Ava?”
“She’s staring at us from the bar.” Coda giggled out loud in an attempt to make it look like Spencer had said something funny. He’d become fond of that sound. “We should make her think we’re having a good time.”
“I DON’T HAVE TO PRETEND that.” He stared into her big brown eyes as he pulled her closer to him. “I like dancing with you.”
“We didn’t get to finish that kiss in the boutique today,” she reminded him.
“No, we didn’t.” He leaned into her, breathing in her sweet smelling body wash. “Are you up for it now?”
She looked over his shoulder again. “Yes, I think I am.”
Once her warm breath caressed his lips, he couldn’t hold off any longer. He pressed his mouth to hers. When their flesh met, he hadn’t expected to feel so invigorated. The connection ended much too soon, but they were in public and he didn’t want to seem over-the-top in front of his relatives.
When he broke the kiss, Coda’s eyes remained closed as she rocked into him. He held her by the waist. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She opened her eyes. “I guess the champagne has gone to my head.”
“Not my kiss?” He pretended to be offended.
“I guess you’ll have to work on that.”
“You’re teasing me.” He laughed because he liked it. These days no one really saw him as anything but the fierce CEO in charge of making everything right. No one cared if he laughed.
“You’re an easy target, Mr. Cannon.”
“That may be so, but now we have to discuss how we’re going to avoid talking about you as a graphic designer. My grandfather got his start many years ago in a small agency drawing coffee ads. You picked the wrong profession to pretend.”
“I didn’t pretend. I know who Jack Cannon is. I’ve written a few papers on him for my advertising courses.”
“You have?” Spencer wondered what he was missing.
“I’m a little disappointed, Mr. Cannon. I would have bet you did a background check on me before inviting me to spend a weekend with you.”
“Should I have?” He arched a brow. “What don’t I know?”
“You think you found a waitress and a cleaning woman, but I have a degree in graphic arts from NYU. I’m in the process of looking for a job.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that?” There was so much more to her than he realized. Something about her had pulled him the moment they met, but now he needed to know who she really was.
“I had planned to on the ride here but you were on your phone most of the time.”
“Are you any good?”
“I think so.”
“Then why are you cleaning the office and not working in the art department?”
“You’re so out of touch.” She ran her fingers along the back of his neck, stirring something inside him. “You own one of the most prestigious ad agencies in the country. How often do you think you hire recent college grads with little to no experience?”
“I’d have to look at the numbers.”
She giggled again. “You’re cute when you’re analytical.”
“We have an intern program. Did you apply for that?”
“When I was in college but I didn’t get it. Your program is very competitive. I ended up interning for the now defunct Sage Agency.”
“We bought them out.”
“I know. I probably could have had a job with them if they were still around.”
“Have you applied to my agency?”
“I’ve interviewed for your company twice, but I haven’t had any luck. The job market is tough. I took a job with the cleaning company hoping I’d have a better shot if I heard about openings while I was there. There are some really nice people in your art department. Friendly and helpful.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll make sure they accommodate you on Monday when we get back.”
“You don’t have to do that. Vince is helping me with my portfolio. He’s teaching me some new programs. He works late so he’s there when I am.”
“He’s a good guy. He’s been with the company for twenty-five years.”
“He told me he worked in the mail room when Pierce gave him a shot. He says he’s paying it forward.”
“I’d like to help.”
“I don’t want any favors. I can do this on my own.”
“I believe that.” He spun her around. “I have a feeling you could do anything you set your mind to.” He held her against him. “You’re pretty amazing.”
“You take after your grandfather.” She glanced over at Jack. “You’re very charming.”
“You have no idea how charming I can be.”
“You have a few days to show me.” She brushed her lips across his causing a bit of a commotion inside his boxers. “But now I think I’d like another glass of champagne. It’s really good.”
“Anything your heart desires, Ms. Vercelli.” He placed his hand on her back and guided her to the bar.
I’ll give you anything you want.
Chapter 5
After breakfast on Thursday morning, Spencer walked Coda down the path that led to the spa. The property covered several acres. Coda hadn’t realized there were even more suites and buildings in the back of the mansion where they were staying. The place could accommodate hundreds of guests.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Spencer took her hand when they stopped in front of the spa. It surprised her that he’d make contact like that when no one was around to witness it. “This is going above and beyond our terms.”
“I think I can handle a day of pampering.”
“If anyone asks, you can say we met at the Sterling Charity Gala last month. I was there on behalf of the agency. I went alone and stayed about an hour.”
It didn’t make sense that a well-educated, attractive man would seem so lonely.
“You don’t have to go into the details but my mother may ask. I wanted you to have an answer.” He ran his thumb over the top of her hand. She looked down at their connection, indulging in his tenderness. “You have my cell number if you need me.”
“I’ll be fine, but thanks for being so sweet.” She stood up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as his mother and two other women came toward them.
“I told you they were adorable,” Jenna said to her two companions. “Spencer, love, let Coda come hang out with us. I promise we’ll give her back to you.”
“I told you this went above and beyond.” Spencer rolled his eyes. “Those are my aunts.”
“Hi.” Coda let go of Spencer’s hand.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Coda said. “I’m really looking forward to this.”
“We’re so happy you could join us,” Michele said. “Spencer, you better get to the course. The boys are waiting for you.”
“Your friend will be in good hands,” Anna said.
“Go easy on her.” He looked at his mother. “You especially.”
“Oh, please.” Jenna grabbed Coda’s hand. “What do you think we’re going to do to her?”
“See you later.” Coda turned to leave but Spencer reached for her arm, turning her to face him.
“Have a good afternoon.” He kissed her, lingering at her lips a bit longer than she expected. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah.” She bumped into the door when she stepped back. “You too.”
His mother and aunts whispered how sweet the two of them looked together. Heat settled in her cheeks.
“Bye.” Spencer winked as he turned and walked down the path.
Coda watched as he left. They had kissed two times but this was the first time he had initiated it. It meant nothing. He wanted to put on a show for his mother and aunts. Wasn’t that why she was here? To convince his family he had moved on?
“Come on.” Jenna took her hand again. “You can spend time with my son later. Right now I need to get to know the woman who has captivated him.”
“Captivated him?”
They walked into the serene building. The check-in area was small but quiet. The aroma of spearmint assaulted them as soon as they entered. The sound of running water, like a fountain or a waterfall, echoed throughout the hallway.
“I’ve never seen my nephew so taken,” Anna said. “I saw the way you interacted on the dance floor last night. It’s nice to finally see him with a girl who makes him smile.”
“We shouldn’t gossip,” Jenna said. “It isn’t polite.”
“You didn’t like her either.” Michele snickered.
“My sister-in-laws aren’t fond of Ava, if you couldn’t tell. I don’t think she’s a bad person, she’s just not right for my son. My father-in-law and Pierce try to shove her toward him every chance they get. Spencer has tried to be polite about it.”
Now he’s hired me to help him.
“It’s for the good of the company.” Anna laughed. “My father always wants what’s best for the company.”
“My son is that company,” Jenna said. “He gave up Juilliard for it, so they better let him run it and stop worrying about his love life.”
“Juilliard?” There was so much about Spencer that Coda didn’t know. So many things she wanted to know. Would he tell her if she asked?
“Spencer didn’t tell you? He wanted to be a musician, like his father, but after my husband died, my father-in-law was devastated—”
“We all were,” Michele said. “My brother was a good man.”
“Spencer felt bad for his grandfather and wanted to please him. Jack talked Spencer out of Juilliard and into Princeton. Not that I’m complaining. Spencer is brilliant at what he does, but he gave up what he really wanted to do. He would never admit this, but I know he harbors some regret.”
“The boy had a gift,” Anna said. “I can still remember going to all of his concerts when he was in high school.”
“The piano,” Coda said. “He wanted to play professionally?”
“He would have made his dad so proud. I wish he would have pursued it.” Jenna’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry.” She wiped her face. “We’re here to have a good time. I don’t want to talk about my late husband or that girl. It’s rude. I’m sorry, Coda, we shouldn’t have brought up Spencer’s ex. That’s not fair to you.”
“It’s okay.” Coda didn’t mind because Spencer wasn’t hers to begin with. “I’d like to hear more about Spencer and his music.”
“He doesn’t talk about it anymore,” Jenna said. “I hope one day he finds it in him to resume it, even if just as a hobby.”
A woman came out to greet them. “Hello,” she said. “Sorry for the wait, but we’re ready for you ladies now. We have a relaxing day of pampering and primping scheduled for you.”
“I hope you have alcohol too.” Michele rolled her eyes. “This is going to be a long weekend.”
“Right this way, ladies.” The hostess motioned for them to follow her down the hall. “I’ll get you some wine and cheese once you’re settled.”
“Perfect,” Jenna said. “Come on, Coda. I want to hear all about you and my son.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Coda said. “We’re pretty new to one another.”
“That’s when everything is exciting.” Jenna placed her arm around Coda’s back as they walked to the changing room. “Remember to enjoy every second of falling in love.”
THE DAY OF RELAXING had done Coda some good. Her tired neck, shoulders, and legs got the attention they so desperately needed under the expert hands of the massage therapist. Her toenails and fingernails donned the same silver polish, her skin practically glowed from the exfoliation treatment, and her dead ends were a thing of the past. She’d gotten two inches trimmed from her hair. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a proper haircut. That was a luxury that hadn’t been in her budget for a long time.
Coda enjoyed Jenna and Spencer’s aunts. She felt bad deceiving them into believing she and Spencer were a couple. They seemed thrilled he’d finally found someone. Coda wished he really wanted to pursue a relationship with her. There was so much more she wanted to learn about him. After the weekend, he’d go back to being the CEO and she’d be the cleaning woman. It would be as if the days they had spent together had never happened. The proposition would last until Sunday. Those were the terms. She’d have to make the most of the time they had together.
“What’s got you so lost in thought?” Spencer asked.
“Nothing.” She smiled at him. “I was thinking about the wonderful time I had today.”
“I’m glad my mother didn’t drive you crazy.”
“She’s great.” They walked through the lobby. Dinner had been quiet. The bridal party and their immediate families attended the rehearsal for the ceremony and separate dinner. The rest of the guests were invited to a buffet. Most were still at the bar.
“Would you like to go for a walk along the lake?”
“I’d love to.”
“I saw a fireplace out on the patio. We could sit out there for a bit.” He took her hand and led her out the back entrance of the hotel. “It’s a nice night.”
“This place is incredible. When I go to a wedding it’s usually at a banquet room or a fire hall. It only lasts a few hours, not four days.”
“This is pretty elaborate, even for my family. The governor wanted someplace secluded. Tara and Ben wanted to do an on-going celebration. As much as I love my cousin, I think this whole thing is too much. I think the wedding should be about the future. A beginning.”
“They’re young and in love. They’re also very blessed to have family and friends who could take the time to celebrate with them.”
“Do you come from a big family?” They walked down a well-lit path along the lake. The stars twinkled around the full moon, creating a magical effect over the water.
“It’s me and my mom. I have a few cousins and an uncle, but that’s about it.”
“You said your father was a musician.”
“I don’t remember too much about him. He died when I was four.”
“I’m sorry.” He tightened his hold on her hand.
“Don’t be. He had problems. My parents were young when they had me. He struggled with alcohol and drugs. He played guitar in a band.” Coda remembered Jenna saying Spencer’s dad played for the New York Philharmonic. Their dads couldn’t have been more different. “He got mixed up with the wrong people. He overdosed.”
“That must have been difficult for your mother.”
“Yeah, it’
s always been the two of us. She worked hard to support us. She helped me get through college, but I had to take out some loans. My mom’s been sick. Before we got a solid diagnosis as to what was actually wrong with her, we hit some tough times but it isn’t anything we’re not used to. She had to have a lot of tests.”
“Would you like to sit here?” He pointed at the large brick fireplace in an out cove by the lake. “Doesn’t look like anyone else has claimed it.”
Alone could be good.
“It looks cozy.” She sat down on the bench in front of the hearth. “I love the smell of burning wood, especially in the fall. I’d love to have a fireplace someday.”
“I have two in the penthouse, but neither is wood burning. I debated whether I should buy a house out in the suburbs away from the city.”
“Would you like that?”
“I think I would, but I need to be close to the agency. Emergencies come up all the time and I can’t be forty minutes away.”
“You need to have your own life.” She reached for his hand. “You can’t be the CEO all the time.”
“Is your mother okay?” He sat close enough to her that their thighs touched. She shivered from the contact. Without missing a beat, he pulled his jacket off. “Put this on.”
“No, you’ll be cold.”
“I’m fine.” He draped the jacket over her shoulders. “I want you to be comfortable.”
She tilted her head to the side and breathed in his scent he’d wrapped her in. “Thank you.”
“Better?”
“Much.”
“About your mom...”
“Right. She has MS. It took some time to diagnosis her, and finding the right treatment course has been challenging. It makes it hard for her to waitress. She hates not being able to work. She worries all the time about the rent and the other bills, but I told her I’d take care of things. She needs to focus on feeling better.”
“You’re a good daughter.”
“What else can I do? You have to take care of your own.”