She glanced over at him with a sly smile. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was meant as one.”
They chatted about her business until they reached a quaint little café called The Oyster House. Once they were seated and given a menu, she said, “All the seafood here is delicious. However, I’m partial to the seared tuna with wasabi-butter sauce.”
“That sounds good. I’ll go with your recommendation, but we have to try the oysters too. How about a half-dozen raw?”
Despite pursing her lips, she said, “I’m game.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to eat something you don’t like.”
“It’s not that. My ex-boyfriend used to order them all the time, and I’ve tried to wipe all thoughts of him from my mind, but now and then a memory is triggered.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take you to a bad place.”
“It’s okay. It’s been a little over a year, and I’m not pining for him or anything like that. The last thing I needed was to get too involved with another rotten apple.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle at her words. “Is that what you call men?”
“Not all men. Just the liars and cheats.”
“That doesn’t only apply to men. There are women like that too,” he remarked softly. The flash of ivory skin covered only by strands of jet black hair made him grit his teeth. The last thing he needed was the nightmare of Bryony’s death to take over his thoughts. Luckily, the sound of Lizzy’s voice brought him back to the present.
“Oh, I know there are. Only I seem to attract the wrong kind of men like a magnet, but those days are over. I’ve been a lot happier since joining the No Brides Club.”
His brows shot up. “What kind of club?”
“The No Brides Club. It’s a group of successful women who’ve sworn off men and have decided to concentrate solely on their careers. It works great for me. I have all the time in the world to devote to Happily Ever After, and boy, do I need it. My sister is head-over-heels in love and doesn’t spend the time she used to on the business.”
“So I take it she’s your partner?”
“And my twin. We might look identical, but we’re quite different. She’s a neat freak, and I certainly am not. She’s also a great cook, and I can barely boil water. Emilia is a homebody, and I’m, I guess you would call more of a free spirit.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“I like to think not, but it did seem to draw me to the wrong type of men. But like I said, that’s all in my past. I’m more grounded now.” Her lovely eyes held his. “Enough about me. What about you? Is there a special someone in your life?” Her gaze drifted down to his left hand.
‘No.” Thankfully, the waiter came by and took their order so that he didn’t have to elaborate. However, when he left, Lizzy’s questioning glance indicated she expected Maxi to say more. The last thing he wanted to do was to discuss being single, so he permitted himself a withering stare, and it was enough for her to change the subject.
They chatted about silly things, and it lightened the dour mood he had been about to fall under. When the oysters arrived, he watched Lizzy take a tiny fork and move the oyster around in its liquid-filled half shell, making sure it was detached, then she set down her fork, picked up the shell and slurped down the oyster from the wide end. “And that’s how a pro does it,” she said, after chewing the seafood once or twice before swallowing it. “Letting it slide down your throat without biting into the oyster, won’t allow you to get the full flavor,” she went on to say.
“I’m impressed. Not sure I can duplicate your technique, but I’m going to give it a try.” Maxi copied what Lizzy had done, and she was indeed correct about the flavor. “From now on, I will always chew my oysters. I have to admit I do enjoy them better that way.”
“I knew you would. I might be a free spirit, but I know what I’m talking about.”
“You’ve made that very clear today. Everything you’ve shown me for Scarlett’s wedding has been spectacular. Rosemont Castle is the perfect venue, and you certainly know about food,” he said with a wink, “so I don’t see any reason to prolong my stay here. I might as well head back to Kent and give Scarlett a glowing review.”
Lizzy seemed quite pleased with that, and when dinner came, they both were relaxed and able to enjoy a wonderful meal. Afterward, she dropped him off at his sister’s townhouse, and before he got out of the car, they exchanged cell phone numbers.
“If anything comes up before I get back next Friday, please call me and not Scarlett. She’s got a lot on her mind and doesn’t need any added stress.”
“Of course. And if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Dale.” When she slid her warm, soft hand into his, a dizzying current raced through him. There was no denying that he was attracted to her, but he also couldn’t deny that nothing would ever come of it. Both he and Lizzy were damaged goods. End of story. Tomorrow he would fly home, and his life would go on as it had for the past ten years.
5
When Lizzy opened her front door, she was immediately greeted by Newton. Before she could stop him, he jumped up and placed his giant front paws on her chest, nearly knocking her over. “Easy, big boy. You don’t know your strength.”
“He’s been waiting for you to come home,” Emilia said, strolling into the foyer.
“I guess so.”
“Are you hungry?” her sister asked. “I’m baking a chicken.”
“It smells delicious, but I had a late lunch, and I’m stuffed. Maybe I’ll have a little later.”
“Did you have lunch with Scarlett’s friend?”
“I did,” Lizzy replied, following Emilia into the kitchen, where she plopped down at the table. “Here I was dreading his coming, and he turned out to be a nice guy.”
“So, he liked everything that we’re doing?” Emilia opened the oven and peeked inside.
“He loved it. I took him to Port Washington to see Rosemont Castle.”
“He must’ve been impressed with that.”
“Dale loved it. He told me that Scarlett’s brother had wanted her to get married at Harte Manor, the family estate, but she wanted to be married here. However, after he saw the castle, he thought it was a better choice anyway. He said it suited her perfectly.”
“And it does,” Emmy said with a smile. “Well, I’m glad today went well. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”
“Just work as usual.”
Emilia looked surprised. “Won’t Dale be tagging along?”
Lizzy shook her head no. “You told me to charm him and send him packing, and that’s what I did.”
“Really?”
“Not exactly. I don’t know if I charmed him at all, but we did hit it off and had a very nice time, however he decided to go home tomorrow. Said he’d seen enough. That we had everything under control, and he would set Scarlett’s mind at ease.”
“That’s great. I didn’t think he’d go back so soon. Actually, I kind of thought he’d stay through the week, seeing as the wedding’s next Saturday.”
“I’m sure he’s a busy man. As it is, it’s very nice of him to come all this way for Scarlett.”
“Sounds like you like him.”
“I do. He’s not like any of the guys I’ve dated. He’s much more mature, British, very distinguished, and easy to talk to. Oh, and let me say once again, he’s British.”
Emilia turned off the oven and then came over and sat down beside her. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you had a crush on him.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You know that’s not possible. No men ever again! That’s my motto, and I’m not going back on it, no matter how handsome or suave he might be.” Despite her protests, Lizzy’s cheeked warmed.
“So, he’s not married?” Emilia’s direct gaze bore into her.
She took a deep breath. “Nope. He’s single.”
“Ah, that means he’s avai
lable.”
Lizzy groaned. “Don’t get any matchmaking ideas. Just because you’re sickeningly happy with Chase, doesn’t mean every single woman should have a man.”
“Not every single woman, just you. I can’t believe you’re still a member of the No Brides Club. I thought for sure after a few months you’d be back to dating.”
“You were wrong, and I have no intention of going back to my old lifestyle.”
Emilia rolled her eyes. “Sure. If Mr. Suave didn’t live an ocean away, you might be singing another tune.”
“Not so. He might be single, but there’s something in his past that he hasn’t gotten over.”
“He told you that?”
“He didn’t have to. I could tell.”
Emilia quirked a brow. “You got to know him that well in one afternoon?”
“Just because I gave up men, doesn’t mean I stopped reeling them in.”
“I see. So you’re still a flirt, you just don’t carry through.”
Lizzy grew serious. “It wasn’t like that. Dale is a nice guy, and I wouldn’t mind getting to know him better…as a friend, but as you so bluntly put it, he lives an ocean away, so that’s not gonna happen.” She pushed out her chair and stood. “I’m going to go take a shower. Enjoy your chicken, sis.”
Newt followed her into her room and flopped down on the bed. “You’re the only man for me,” she said, sitting down beside him. However, her pulse pounded as she visualized Dale’s handsome face. It was too bad that he lived so far away, but he’d be at the wedding next week so she’d have another opportunity to see him, and who knows… Maybe he’d come to visit Scarlett in New York now and then.
Worried that her thoughts were traveling down a dangerous road, she got up and headed into the bathroom. Best that Dale White was flying back to Kent tomorrow.
6
Surprised wasn’t an emotion that Maxi felt very often. His world consisted of the mundane, and he liked it that way. However, because of Scarlett’s insistence that he come to New York and meet with her wedding planner, something unexpected happened. He enjoyed himself today. Lizzy Sullivan had managed to chip away at some of the ice that had encapsulated his heart for the past ten years, and that was no easy task. She was a vivacious young woman who made him feel young again. Not that thirty-five was old, but having shut himself off from any of the things he’d once taken pleasure in had aged him beyond his physical years.
He’d been tempted to prolong his stay in the city so that he could spend more time with her. Luckily, though, common sense stepped in, making him realize that would be a huge mistake. If he was drawn to her after only one afternoon, how would he feel after a few days or a week? Opening himself up to feelings that he’d thought were long since dead would only make returning to his drab life at Harte Manor that much more difficult. Bryony haunted him day and night. If he hadn’t been able to put her behind him after all this time, he never would. Best to return to the world he’d created and not complicate things.
After checking to see if he had any messages on his phone, it dawned on him that he hadn’t seen Tiffany since he got back to the townhouse. She was probably asleep on the bed, but when he turned on the light in the spare room, the cat wasn’t there.
He checked each room on each floor. It was a big place, so there were many spots a cat could hide. Maybe she’d come out for food.
Maxi went into the kitchen, and as he was taking the cat food box out of the cabinet, he noticed a note on the counter from the housekeeper. It said she’d put fresh towels in the bathroom and changed Tiffany’s litter box. Warning spasms of alarm erupted within him. Could she have unknowingly let the cat out?
His fingers tightened around the cat food box, and he shook it hard while calling, “Here, kitty! Want some food?” He did that several times, then listened for any little sound, but heard nothing. Panic began to take hold. How was he going to tell his sister that her cat was missing?
He needed someone to talk to. Someone other than Scarlett. Maxi reached into his pocket and pulled out the paper with Lizzy’s number. She answered on the second ring.
“Hi! Is something up with Scarlett?” she asked with a slight quiver to her voice.
“Not Scarlett. Her cat,” he said flatly.
“What’s wrong with her cat?”
“It’s gone. I can’t find it anywhere. The last thing I want to do is tell Scarlett her cat is missing.”
“Stay calm. Her place is huge. Cats like to curl up in the weirdest places. I know. I’ve had many of them, and there were plenty of times that I felt like you do now, and then all of a sudden, the cat would appear with a yawn and a stretch, like it had gotten up from a long nap somewhere.”
“I don’t know. I don’t have a good feeling.”
“Relax. I’ll be right over, and we’ll find the cat.”
“Thanks, Lizzy!” While he waited for her to arrive, he thoroughly searched the first floor, but with no luck. He had just started on the second when the doorbell rang.
Lizzy had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and wore a gray sweatshirt and faded jeans, making her look more like a college student than a successful business owner. He liked this casual look as much as he had her professional one.
“I checked everywhere possible on this floor, and part of the second, but I didn’t do the bedrooms a second time. Want to start there?” he asked.
“Sounds good to me.”
They scoured Scarlett’s room and then went into the spare that Maxi was using. Lizzy headed over to the bed and got down on her knees to look under it, while he checked inside the closet.
“No cat there,” she said as she got up. “How about you, any luck?”
“Nope.” When he glanced over at her, he noticed her gaze had settled on the bedside table where he’d put his wedding band. An expression he couldn’t decipher washed over her face. He had to say something, or she’d think he had lied when he told her he was single. “I’m a widower,” he blurted.
He heard her quick intake of breath as intense astonishment touched her pale face. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. My wife passed a number of years ago, but I haven’t been able to let go of this.” He scooped up the ring and placed it in the table drawer. “Why don’t we head up to the next floor?”
Maxi led the way, but there was no cat there, or on the other floors either. They even checked the rooftop deck. There was no sign of Tiffany. He was going to have to face the fact that the cat had gotten out and could be anywhere by now.
He ran his hand over his face in frustration. “Scarlett is going to be devastated.”
“Let’s not give up hope yet. Maybe one of the neighbors found her.”
“Good thinking.” Together they raced down the stairs and then out the front door.
The next-door neighbors on both sides hadn’t seen Tiffany, and Maxi’s heart began to sink. Lizzy remained positive, though, and he was thankful for that, but after checking with every house on the block and looking down every alley, he could tell she was beginning to get discouraged too.
“Maybe someone picked her up and took her to a shelter,” Lizzy said. “I’ll make a list of the closest ones. It’s too late to call tonight. They’ll be closed, but we can start first thing in the morning.”
“Tiffany is a gorgeous lilac ragdoll. I hate to say it, but the odds are more that if someone found her, they might just keep her,” Maxi said sadly.
She put her hand on his shoulder. “I have faith that if someone did find her that they’ll do the right thing.”
“I hope you’re right.” He went into the kitchen and filled a kettle with water. “Would you like a cup of tea?”
“That sounds nice.” She slid onto a stool and rested her elbows on the counter. “Do you know how the cat could’ve gotten out?”
“Scarlett’s housekeeper was here today.” He picked up the note at the other end of the counter and waved it.
“Cats can be pretty sneaky. When I was a
kid, we had an orange tabby that was always disappearing. I would find her in the strangest places. One day I was out riding my bike, and when I got home, she was out on the sidewalk licking her paws. I have no idea how that cat got out.”
“Looks like I won’t be going home tomorrow after all.” There was a note of disappointment in his voice, but when he glanced at Lizzy, his mood brightened a bit. He could think of worse things than spending a little more time with her.
“I don’t mind.” Her slate-colored eyes met his, then her heavy lashes swept down, shadowing her emotion.
The kettle began to whistle. After he poured them each a cup of tea, he sat down beside her. “I appreciate your coming over tonight,” he paused, and then added sarcastically, “even though we weren’t able to find Tiffany.”
She took a careful sip of tea before shooting him a dirty look. “Guess my magic didn’t work tonight. Seriously, though, try not to stress. I’m confident we’ll find her.”
“Scarlett loves that cat. Here she was worried that something might go wrong with her wedding, yet thanks to you, that’s all under control. Instead, something worse happened.” He gave her a narrow glinting glance.
The amusement died from her eyes, and she regarded him with searching gravity. “We’ll spend the entire day tomorrow searching for Tiffany.”
He appreciated her offer, but he’d already taken up enough of her time. This was his problem. He’d handle it alone. “You’re a wedding planner. Isn’t Saturday your busiest day?”
She spoke with quiet but deliberate firmness. “One of the nice things about owning your own business is you can set your hours. We have a wedding tomorrow, but it’s my sister’s client. I’m sure she can handle it alone.”
Her eyes searched his face, and mixed feelings surged through him. He definitely could use her help…wanted her help, but he wasn’t used to someone putting their interests aside to do something for him.
As if aware of his conflicting emotions, she said, “I want to do this for Scarlett and you.”
No Time for Intrigue (The No Brides Club Book 13) Page 3