by Michele Hauf
“Where’s the limousine?”
“Where it belongs. In its parking place in the DIF garage, waiting for when Princess Charlene needs it. We use the SUV for regular errands like driving your guests.”
“About my guests—where are they now?”
“I picked up Brian from school and Natalie from downtown, where she went after her interview.”
“Thank you, Ken. Oh, one more question. What happened to the small packets you found last night?”
“Taken care of.”
Worried, Eric frowned. “Which means what? Did you give them to the police?”
“Not on your life.” Ken snorted. “They would have asked too many questions. I worked for Prince Philip and can’t afford to let a whiff of scandal smear his noble name. Prince Paul of Rensy Island would chop my neck at the slightest gossip in the papers.”
“Understandable. So, what did you do with the stuff?”
“Sorry. Classified information I can’t divulge.”
“I won’t say a word.” Eric raised his hand and touched his heart at the ironic arch of Ken’s eyebrows. “Word of honor of a prince of Rensy Island.”
Ken burst out laughing. “This coming from a man who shunned his past and all that belongs to the island where he was born.”
“But I always keep my word.”
“All right. I’ll tell you on the condition that no one, not even your dear Natalie or her young brother, learn about it.”
“A promise is a promise.”
“I put the stuff in an envelope addressed to Jonah Albert. Wasn’t difficult to get his address. I asked our pilot to mail it from Phoenix.”
“But the post office may X-ray it and find—”
“Of course they will. And they’ll notify the police, who will show up at Jonah’s house and ask a few questions. That’s the whole idea. I figured it wasn’t right for this skunk to push a young boy into drugs and use him as his go-between.”
“Ha... What if Jonah accuses Brian—”
“Of what? If he mentions a minor, he’ll be in deeper shit. But he won’t be able to track Brian or Natalie.”
“Thanks, chap. The punishment fits the crime. I like that and won’t say a word.”
Suppressing a grin of elation at Ken’s diabolical plan to punish Jonah and protect Brian, Eric strutted toward the elevator and his condo. As soon as he stepped in, Brian rushed to him with a big, happy smile.
“Had a good day, buddy?” Eric pulled Brian to his room to hear his report.
“Fabulous. I made three friends, Codi, Vincent, and Joshua. They admired your car. I did as you said. Not offering an explanation. When Codi said, ‘Your parents have a great car,’ I lowered my head and said I lost my parents and it was very sad. And I added that the car belonged to the very nice relative who invited me to live with him.”
“Perfect. You’re a smart one. What happened next?”
“They had me sit with them in the cafeteria. They talked about sports and activities. Joshua said I was tall like him and should try out for basketball with him tomorrow. I’m going to. And Vincent and Codi want me to apply for soccer. Should I do it? I played some at school, but nothing organized.”
“Sure. Try both.” Eric ruffled the boy’s hair. “What d’you have to lose? Maybe you’ll do well. Maybe not, but it won’t be the end of the world, right?”
“Right.” Brian bobbed his head right and left. “Now the beginning of the end of the world is that I have math homework, and I suck at math.”
Eric chuckled at Brian’s disgusted tone and expression. “No problem. We’ll work together after dinner. Let me check on your sister.”
“She’s in her room. Something’s wrong with her.”
“Damn. Why?”
Brian shrugged. “She just asked me if I was pleased with school, and then said, ‘At least it’s working out for one of us.’”
“Not good. Start on the other homework while I talk with her.”
Eric huffed. He and Brian were quite pleased with their first day’s experience. It would have been too much to hope that Natalie, too, would have a great first day in Boston.
Through the open door of her room, he saw her lying on the bed, in a white T-shirt and black leggings, her arms crossed under her head, staring at the ceiling.
“Hi.” He stepped in and sat at the edge of the bed. “How was your interview?”
“What interview?” she wailed in dismay. Her lips drooping at the corners, she jolted up to a sitting position, leaning against the headboard. “The old lady who received me in a dressing room barely glanced at my resume, and didn’t look at the pictures in my portfolio. She just told me, ‘My dear girl, this is the Conservatory of Boston, not the Las Vegas Strip,’” Natalie said with the pinched tone and high-and-mighty voice of a conceited snob. “‘We teach real music, opera, and ballet. I would advise you to take lessons here before imagining you can perform on our stage.’”
“What a b... I can ask Charlene to—”
“No, Princess Charlene has her hands full with her baby, her twins, her position as VP. Maybe that woman was right. Maybe the Conservatory is not for me. Too serious and restrictive.” Her mouth twisted wryly in a show of bravado. “Right now, I should earn a living, not seek the limelight and attract attention to Brian and me,” she added with a determined glint in her beautiful, huge eyes.
Eric considered her for a few seconds. “It makes sense. Give Brian time to settle into a healthy environment before the skunks of Las Vegas discover your whereabouts. Eventually, you’ll go back to dancing and singing on stage. You’re so good.” He leaned forward, caressed her cheek, and cupped her face in his palm. “I have pictures and videos to prove it.”
Raising her eyebrows, she laughed and blurted, “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. D’you want to see yourself performing?”
“Not now.” She lost her smile and eased out of his hand, all serious and unwavering. “I better look at other ballet schools. And do it the right way.”
“Exactly. I’m not an expert on ballet. But Charlene is the expert at hiring the right person for the right job. You should talk to her and listen to whatever advice she gives you. Go about it with an open mind, not with frustration or pride.” His gaze clung to hers, analyzing her reaction.
“But she’s so busy—”
“She’s never too busy to talk business. Tomorrow, come with me to DIF and ask for an appointment. You’ll see a businesswoman in action, one who manages to control everyone in the office and get things done her way with a smile and a good explanation.”
“All right.” She crawled to the edge of the bed, and he scooted over to make room next to him. “I’ll come with you to talk to your cousin. Besides, I’d love to see your office, meet your colleagues.”
“Sure.” He swallowed a curse, hoping that Natalie meeting his effusive colleagues didn’t generate a new kind of headache for him. “Meanwhile, can you relax and smile?”
She nodded and offered him a radiant smile that stole his breath. His throat suddenly dry, he couldn’t utter a single word and captured her warm gaze. She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for your patience and for...everything.”
With a swift movement of his arm, he caught her against him. “You call that peck on the cheek a real thank-you kiss?”
Her eyes widened. “What...” Sensuous sparks flew between them.
He molded his lips to hers, squeezing and teasing, then thrust his tongue inside her mouth to meet hers, play and taste. With a moan, she melted into him and wound her arms around his neck. Without interrupting their kissing, he hastily moved her onto his lap.
Brian’s call pierced through his dazed mind. “Eric, I need you.”
Still holding Natalie, Eric slid from the bed and supported her for a few seconds as they both struggled to regain control. “Coming. Wait two minutes for me.”
With a sigh, Natalie lifted her head from the nook of his throat.
Breathing hard, Eric
scrubbed his face to calm his racing pulse. “My amazing Natalie, I don’t know how I lived without you. But right now, I have two important things to take care of.” Holding her against him, he stroked her back, wishing he could lock the door and forget the whole world.
Her gaze flitted from his mouth to his eyes. “Two things?”
“To see Brian settled and satisfied in school, and to see you working and fulfilled, meaning dancing again.”
“Eventually.” She eased away from him and combed her hair with her fingers. “Now we have more pressing things. While you tutor my little brother, I’ll grill the steaks I bought this morning and bake potatoes au gratin.”
“After dinner, I’ll give you a tour of the building. We have an indoor pool and a gym.”
“A gym?” Her eyes glittered with excitement. And he suddenly understood that dancing wasn’t only a hobby for her. Dancing was her life. Exactly the same as immersing himself in computer or network programming was for him. It was their way of relaxing and expressing themselves.
And he promised himself he’d do his best to see her dance again.
11
Natalie removed the pan of potatoes from the oven and set the steaks on the grill, her mind still dwelling on Eric’s kiss. She’d tried hard to be positive, to hide her disappointment and frustration for his sake. He’d supported her non-stop since they’d arrived in Boston. Sometimes, she even wondered if his mind-blowing kisses weren’t part of his cheering encouragement.
At least Brian seemed happy. If it wasn’t for him, she’d have jumped on the first plane and returned to her old life. True enough, in Las Vegas, she’d had to fight every inch of the way, but she’d reached her goal, and that alone was worth putting up with the annoying people around her. Soon, she’d have been able to ignore them and fly on her own.
Hugh Callahan had offered her the world on a silver platter, the limelight on a stage in Las Vegas, and security and luxury as bonuses.
“Your kitchen smells so good.” Eric’s booming voice emanated from the living room, and with it a ripple of energy invaded her mind and soothed her heart.
“Almost done. Dinner in five minutes,” she answered.
Gee, Hugh’s security and luxury would never provide the excitement and joy Eric’s kisses had lavished on her. If she had to choose, would she follow her heart or her mind?
Don’t fool yourself, girl, a little voice warned. Hugh Callahan wasn’t a man anyone could put aside, especially not an inexperienced young woman like her. And yet, the sound of applause, the image of a standing ovation filled her with nostalgia.
Forget Las Vegas. Live in the present, in Boston. And be positive.
Natalie tossed a green salad in a bowl, added lemon, vinegar, and oil, and mixed it all. “Eric, Brian, dinner is ready,” she called.
Her two men arrived in a cacophony of chatter and laughter. “I got it,” Brian said. “I memorized the equation. I bet Codi and Joshua didn’t think of that.”
“Way to do it, buddy. Concentrate on your numbers and you’ll do great in the math test.”
They helped themselves to meat, potatoes, and salad. Brian brought his fork to his mouth and stopped short. “In school, they had us say grace before lunch.”
“Ah.” Natalie couldn’t believe her ears. They’d never learned any prayers at home.
“Good idea, buddy.” Never at a loss for words, Eric crossed his hands, a smile ruffling his mouth. “My mother always said grace at dinner. Let me see if I can remember the words. Bless us, O Lord, and bless this food...huh...we are about to eat, and huh...bless the cook. Amen.”
Natalie stifled an amused smile. “Amen.”
“Amen. It wasn’t like that,” Brian protested. “There was no mention of a cook in the lunch prayer.”
“There are different versions, buddy. I like mine.” Eric smirked with satisfaction.
“This is good, Natty. Not like the junk I ate at Jonah’s. Soup or beans or pasta.”
Her heart twitched with remorse. With every passing hour, she’d uncovered more sins to lay at Jonah’s feet, and more neglect on her part.
No matter what she’d decide about her future, Brian should never be returned to his nightmarish life in Las Vegas.
“Delicious.” Eric rewarded her with a wider smile. “We’re keeping our cook, right, Brian?”
“Oh, yes. If you continue cooking like this, Natty, Eric will keep us with him forever. Right, Eric?”
“For sure.” Eric’s grin flashed, dazzling her with its warmth and confidence.
The boys cleaned their plates, asked for seconds, and relaxed, their stomachs full. “Thank you, Natalie. Don’t move from your place. I’ll bring the dessert. Huh, what are we having?”
“Grapes and blueberries.”
“Great.” He brought the two plates. When they were done, he clapped Brian on the back. “Natalie cooked. You and I are doing the dishes. Fair is fair.”
“Okay. I’m an expert. I always cleaned up back home.”
Overwhelmed with guilt, Natalie closed her eyes. She’d never bothered to interfere in her young brother’s life, never discovered her stepfather’s abuse of the little boy with menial tasks, blows, insults, and later drug pushing. Since their arrival in Boston, Brian hadn’t stopped obeying Eric’s orders and trying to please him with his effort and determination.
“Well, buddy, I sure can use some guidance here.”
Brian nodded with importance. “First, you rinse with water, then you scrub with a soapy sponge, then you rinse again, and you’re ready to dry.”
“Too much work. Here, you rinse and arrange the dishes in this dishwasher that’ll take care of the washing and drying. Later, we have to empty it and put away the clean stuff in the cabinets and drawers.”
“Wow...so easy. Then I’ll put the clean stuff in place.”
“Thank you, buddy. We’re done for the moment.” Eric bumped fists with Brian.
“Tomorrow we should let Natalie help. She’s getting bored, not doing anything.”
“Hey, I cooked dinner.”
“We all deserve a break now. Brian is done with his homework. Shall I give you a tour of the building?”
“Yes.” Eager to see the gym, Natalie bolted from her chair.
On the first floor, they stopped by the indoor pool. “It’s heated. I used to do a few laps every night, before going to bed. So relaxing. What do you think, buddy? You’ll come with me?”
Disappointment swiped over Brian’s face. “I can’t swim.” Jonah had never bothered to take his son swimming when he was small.
Natalie caught the quickly suppressed frown of surprise on Eric’s forehead. “Big deal. You didn’t have an ocean close by. You’ll practice with me for a few days and you’ll soon become an expert. Swimming is the easiest thing in the world.”
“You think so? Okay.” Brian relaxed, and Natalie marveled at Eric’s ability to infuse her brother with self-confidence.
“I bet you don’t know how to ice skate either, considering you grew up in a warm city. But we’ll go on the weekends. It’s so much fun, and we’ll take Natalie, too.”
“I’d rather be dancing.”
Eric nodded with understanding. “Let’s go next door.”
The sight of the gym brought a big grin to her face. “All this equipment,” she exclaimed with enthusiasm.
“Several treadmills, stationary bikes, a rower and elliptical, you name it.” Eric pointed at the various exercise machines. “And a combo gym machine. And a whole set of weights.”
“I see a couple of padded mats for floor exercise. This is perfect for me. At least I can practice my steps here. When is the best time to have some privacy in this place?”
“Around seven or eight p.m. I don’t remember people coming here at night. Not that we had many who used the gym when I lived here three years ago. I don’t think it’s changed much. Is this open space large enough for your special steps?”
“Yes. Move against the wall and let me sho
w you.” Inhaling a deep breath, she smiled, removed her shoes, and started her difficult steps—a few pirouettes, a dozen renversés, followed by some battues. It was so good to dance again, to know she had a place to practice again.
“You like the gym, right?” Brian grabbed her arm. “Then can we stay with Eric? Please, say we can stay with him.”
“Brian, enough.” Why couldn’t he realize he was embarrassing her with this particular demand?
“Please, say you’ll stay with me.” Eric raised his hands in supplication.
“Don’t make fun of me.” Was he going to side with her brother every time she refused to give in to Brian’s whims?
“No one is making fun of you,” he answered, his voice rather crisp. “We’re begging you to live in my condo. It makes life easier for the three of us. We share the chores and help each other.”
“First let me get a job and then I’ll decide.”
Brian glared at her with a pout on his mouth and then turned to Eric. “Well, you have a few days to convince her,” he challenged. “Hope you can do better than that.”
Suppressing an obvious urge to laugh at Brian’s innocent comment, Eric pinned her with a scorching look. “I promise I’ll do my best to have her live here...with me,” he added in a softer voice that melted her insides.
Living here with him would be heaven if... She blushed at the impossible dream.
Lying on her bed, Natalie huffed for the tenth time in an hour. No matter how she tackled the problem, she couldn’t find an acceptable solution. There was no denying that living with Eric guaranteed safety and comfort for her and Brian, but they were playing with fire. How long could they continue to be roommates before she and Eric rolled onto the bed together?
With only two days of cohabitation, they were kissing as if their lives depended on it. And frankly, his kisses gave her an incredible morale boost.
When they’d returned from the gym, she’d rushed to her room and let Eric settle Brian for the night. She assumed they would bunk together again. And she wished she could do the same. Sleep next to Eric—really sleep—without sex, just to enjoy the blissful security of his presence.