Dreaming With A Broken Heart (Hollywood Legends Book 1) (28 page)

Garrett gave her a knowing look. “Naked. Pantyless.
Potato. Potahto. I’m good either way.” With a wink, he answered the phone.
“What’s up?”

Smiling, Jade scrolled through her missed calls and texts.
Nothing that couldn’t wait. A caterer she was lining up for Agnes Stern’s
party. A few interviews for the assistant job she decided she needed to fill.
It was the last text that gave her pause, turning her happy expression pensive.

“Something wrong?” Garrett asked. Whatever it was
Wyatt needed, it must not have taken very long.

“Not wrong,” Jade said slowly. She handed the
phone to Garrett.

“This Stacy is reminding you about a party tomorrow
night? You don’t want to go?”

“I do.” Jade took back the phone. “It’s a
fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Foundation. I helped with the preliminary
organization.”

“I think Mom and Dad are going to that. It’s something
we all contribute to. We can meet at their place, and then all go together.”
When Jade hesitated, Garrett tugged on her hand. She gladly went into his arms.
“What’s the problem, Jade?”

“The venue.”

“What—? Oh.” The light finally dawned. “Your
father’s house?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’ll send a big, fat check. We’ll plug in a
movie. Pop some corn. Make out.”

“With Sable watching?”

“She’s cool,” Garrett pointed out, pulling Jade
closer. “She won’t mind going to bed early.”

It was tempting. Garrett gave her the perfect out. A quiet
night at home. No prying eyes. No drama. When Jade walked out of her father’s
house, she swore she would never set foot in it again. At the time, she meant
it. Now, thinking back, it seemed a bit melodramatic. It was just a house.
Unless she faced it, and her father, the progress she had made was wasted. It was
as her therapist said; problems get bigger and bigger the longer you put off
dealing with them. Sometimes the only way to move forward is to retrace your
steps.

One more time, Jade decided. It was just a house. Her father
was just a man.

“I need to go, Garrett.”

“Then we’ll go.”

Just like that. No questions asked. Garrett had her back. He
also had her heart. Whatever doubts Jade had clung to dissolved in that
instant. What was she waiting for? The heavens to open up? Neon lights to flash
the news in huge multicolored letters? Nothing was going to change. Tomorrow
wouldn’t be better than right now. She was through being a fool. At least where
Garrett was concerned.

“I love you.”

“Say that again?”

Getting close to his ear, Jade said in a clear, steady voice,
“I. Love. You Like it or not, you’re stuck with me, Garrett Landis. I have
you and I’m never letting go.”

Garrett picked Jade up, swinging her around. His laughter
filled the room. “Honey, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“POPCORN IS SOUNDING awfully good about now.”

Garrett squeezed Jade’s hand. “Say the word, honey. We
can be back at the loft before you know it.”

Having that in the back of her mind was what would get her
through tonight. That and Garrett. Plus most of the Landis clan. Callie, Caleb,
Wyatt, and Nate were there to support a worthy cause. At the same time, they
were there for Jade.

“I didn’t expect your brothers to come.”

“Nothing could have kept them away.” Garrett
handed Jade a glass of wine. “If Colt weren’t in Australia, he’d be here
too.”

Jade shrugged. “I feel like they barely know me and I’m
already turning out to be more trouble than I’m worth.”

Garrett’s eyes sharpened to a steely gray. “First?
We’re a family. Rallying around is what families do. Second? Never question
your worth.” He lightly kissed her lips. “Priceless.”

Jade felt a warmth spread through her body, chasing away the
chill that had tried to settle in her bones from the moment they entered her
father’s house.
Remember
, she told herself,
you get to leave at the
end of the evening. With Garrett.
If nothing else would get her through,
that thought alone would.

Looking around, Jade was surprised nothing had changed. As
soon as the idea popped into her head, Jade realized how silly it was. She had only
been gone a short time. Just because she wasn’t the same woman who walked out
didn’t mean her old, velvet-lined prison would transform as well.

“I’ll be watching from a distance,” Sable informed
Jade. “I have your back so enjoy the party. As much as the situation
allows.”

Watching her bodyguard casually navigate through the crowd,
Jade was struck once more by how looks could be deceiving. In her long, crimson
gown, Sable blended in with ease. Her grace and beauty drew plenty of
attention. To the casual observer, she was another guest. Only a select few
knew that her beaded handbag contained a deadly weapon. Almost as deadly as the
woman herself. Those men considering hitting on Sable might reconsider if they
knew she was capable of snapping them in two with her bare hands.

“I like that smile,” Garrett whispered, his breath
gently caressing her ear. “Want to share what put it there?”

“What do you think would happen to all those admiring
looks if they found out what a hard-ass Sable is under her designer gown?”

“Some would be scared off,” Garrett admitted.
“Some would call her Mistress and beg her to walk across their back with
her four-inch stilettos.”

“As long as you don’t go there with me, I could care
less about other people’s kinks.”

“No stilettos,” Garrett assured her. “I
prefer…” He leaned close to Jade’s ear, whispering his sexy request.

Jade’s eyes widened. “Really?” She asked.

“Doable?” Garrett took her hand, his thumb tracing
a small circle on the back.

“Remind me when we get home.” Jade’s smile let
Garrett know she was very much on board with his sexy suggestion.

“How much longer do we have to stay?” Garrett
looked at his watch. “From the moment I saw you in that dress, I’ve been
fantasizing about removing it. Those thin, crisscrossing straps are driving me
crazy.”

It wasn’t an elaborate gown. It consisted of a whisper of
purple silk and cords of braided satin that weaved an intricate pattern down
her back. It skimmed the ground as she walked, the high side slit showing off a
hint of long, shapely leg. She chose the design because it was comfortable
while flattering to her figure. She chose the color because it reminded her of
Garrett’s eyes. The color of love.

“One more hour should do the trick,” Jade said,
running her hand down his arm. Lord, he looked handsome in a tuxedo. A look
that worked for most men. On Garrett’s tall, lean frame, the tailored suit
showed her man off to mouthwatering perfection.

Jade was aware of how much attention she and Garrett were
drawing.
Let them look
, she thought. Seeing a particularly interested
woman giving Garrett the eye, Jade deliberately moved a little, not so subtly
brushing against him.

“I won’t last another ten minutes if you keep that
up,” Garrett growled under his breath.

“I’m staking my claim. There are too many beautiful,
young women here who want to get their lacquered claws into you.”

“My skin is claw-proof,” Garrett assured her.
“Always has been. I was waiting for a woman with brains and a core of
steel to match her beauty. Add killer legs? Is it any wonder I’m putty in your
hands.”

“Putty, huh?”

“A goner,” Garrett’s eyes met hers, letting her
see what he was feeling. “Is it too corny to say you had me at
hello?”

“Definitely,” Jade nodded. “Is it weird that
I like corn? When it’s coming from you.”

“I’d say that makes us a practically perfect
pair.”

“Practically.” Jade smiled. “I like that.
Absolute perfection would be boring. Not to mention, a little creepy.”

“Hey, you two.” Nate joined them, casually draping
his arm over Jade’s shoulders. “I hate to break up the lovefest.”

“Then go away,” Garrett told him.

“Charming. It isn’t too late, Jade.” Nate pulled
her close. “Mom and Dad are crazy about you. They won’t object if you
switch brothers midstream.”

“Jade has taste, Nate. Go find a woman without any. You
know, the kind you usually date.”

“Sorry to interrupt this sidesplitting comedy
routine,” Jade chuckled. “There is a very animated man across the
room trying to get your attention.”

“Which one of us?” Garrett asked, scanning the
crowd.

“My guess is both,” Nate said. Plastering on a
fake smile, he waved back. “Landon Weeks.”

“Well, shit.” Garrett sighed. “He’s an old
friend of our father’s. We have to say hello to the gassy windbag.”

“Gassy?” Jade asked.

“As in he lets out gas. Periodical, smelly, silent farts,”
Nate grimaced. “Dad thinks it’s hilarious. Mom puts up with it for
Dad.”

“And you guys?”

“Three hours trapped in a car with Uncle Landon. No air
conditioning.”

“Enough said.” Jade laughed.

“Save yourself,” Garrett said, kissing Jade’s
cheek. “You can meet him at the wedding.”

Garrett and Nate were halfway to Uncle Landon before his
words sank in. Wedding? What wedding?
Whose
wedding?

“I’m surprised you had the nerve to show your face
tonight.”

Mandy
. Her father’s assistant had poured herself into
a strapless black satin gown. Her breasts spilled out of the top in such a
precarious manner, Jade worried that if the other woman inhaled too vigorously,
they might plummet out. Since it was impossible to estimate how much damage the
surgically enhanced balls of saline might do, Jade shifted to the side,
removing herself from the direct line of fire.

“I’m surprised you care,” Jade countered.

“
I
don’t,” Mandy sniffed disdainfully.
“All of my concern is for your father. Haven’t you caused him enough
pain?”

Jade wondered if they were talking about the same man?
Pain?
Anson
Marlow
? Either Mandy had no concept of the man she worked for,
or she was shooting smoke up her ass for the hell of it. Jade guessed it was a
little of both. Happy to leave Mandy with her twisted illusions, Jade shrugged.

“I won’t be here much longer. Call this my last
farewell. Lose the sour look, Mandy. You can relax. I’m never coming
back.”

Flagging a passing waiter, Jade set her half-empty glass on
his tray. Without another word, she headed to the open balcony doors. After her
little run-in with Toxic Mandy, she needed some fresh air.

All evening, Jade had been waiting for some feeling of
nostalgia. Even the slightest tinge of a happy memory. How fitting that when it
finally happened, it was because of Garrett. She ran her hand over the smooth
oak railing. This was the spot, almost three years ago, where she first flirted
with him.

Running away, even for a few hours, had been so unlike her.
Exciting. Forbidden. The possibilities seemed endless. Until she let reality
sink back in. If she had gone with Garrett. Given into temptation. Would they
have fallen in love? Would they still be together? There was no point in such
speculation. Jade was a different person now. A better match for him. Stronger.
In mind and body.

The hell with staying another hour
, Jade thought. She
had told herself that she could come back here without falling apart. Who cared
what anyone else thought? Garrett and his family— No.
Their
family. What
their family thought was all that mattered to Jade. Callie, Caleb. Wyatt, Nate,
and Colt. They opened their arms, welcoming her in with a warm acceptance that
took her breath away.

Jade smiled. Time to go home. As she turned toward the
ballroom, the sound of raised voices froze her in her tracks. Not just any
voices. Her father. Jade shivered. And the man she hoped to never see again.
Her ex-husband. Stephen Marsh.

“WHAT THE HELL do you think you’re doing?” Anson
Marlow seldom showed an outward demonstration of anger. He prided himself on
always having a tight grip on his emotions. It made him sloppy. Sloppy led to
mistakes. Mistakes cost money. Money was his religion. Power his God. He
refused to let temper or sentimentality loosen his grip on either.

However, there were exceptions to every rule. When his
ex-son-in-law appeared out of nowhere, Anson Marlow came as close to losing
control as he could ever remember. It was all he could do not to strangle the
idiot. They were in the garden. The freshly turned soil in the rose bed would make
a perfect place to bury the body.

“I knew I would find you out here.” Stephen tried
not to slur his words. Half a bottle of vodka was nothing. He wasn’t drunk. He
was… relaxed. “Such a creature of habit, Anson. Why do you insist on
hosting these ridiculous parties when you hate to socialize? Like clockwork,
you disappear into the garden to smoke one of your godawful cigars. I knew if I
waited, it would only be a matter of time before you strolled by.”

“Where is Teresa?”

“You mean my handler,” Stephen sneered.
“Shoving me from one shitty town to another?”

“She was keeping your ass out of jail. With my help and
money, I might add.”

“Stop making it sound like you were doing me a favor.
Everything you do is for the good of Anson Marlow. No one else. All those lofty
promises you made when I married your cold fish daughter.
Someday you’ll
take over,
son.”
Stephen’s voice took on a singsong quality.
“
In another ten years, all this will be yours
. Bullshit. You never
planned on giving me anything.”

“I thought you might be groomed for the top spot. It
didn’t take you long to show how worthless you are. I could overlook your
marital problems,” Anson shrugged. “As long as you kept it behind
closed doors. It was your drinking I found untenable. Did you honestly believe
I would hand over my empire to a lush? You had vodka with your Corn Flakes.
Whatever hope I had in the beginning, dissolved with every drink you took.
Along with your few remaining brain cells.”

“I know things, Marlow. Things you don’t want the Feds to
get wind of.”

“Which is why you have money in the bank.”

“Not enough.” Stephen swayed slightly, blinking to
refocus his eyes. “My new girlfriend and I want to leave the country. That
should make you happy, Daddy-in-law.”

“Girlfriend?” Anson spat the word out with
disgust. “What the hell is wrong with women?”

“The heart wants what the heart wants, Anson.” A
tall, sturdily built blonde stepped out of the shadows. She was dressed head to
toe in black. In her right hand, she carried a gun — pointed directly at Anson
Marlow.

“If your heart wants a worthless fall-down drunk,
Teresa, be my guest. Coming back here is the best way for us all to end up
behind bars.”

“Your problem has always been overconfidence,
Anson.” Unlike Stephen, Teresa was steady as a rock. “Face it; you
aren’t always the smartest person in the room. We want twenty million dollars
and a private plane to take us to South America.”

Anson barked out a laugh. “The hell with the plane. Why
don’t I get Tinker Bell to sprinkle you with fairy dust so you can fly there
under your own power?”

“Sarcasm? Really?” Teresa moved closer. “You
aren’t in any position to mock us, Anson. How long do you think all this would
survive if Stephen and I made a deal with Uncle Sam? Orange isn’t your color,
old man.”

“All you had to do was stay away,” Anson reminded
Stephen. Knowing the weak link in this duo, he chose to ignore Teresa.
“You’re wanted for attempted murder. Have you forgotten that little
fact?”

Stephen laughed. “What was it you said to me after your
man hustled me away?
If you were going to stab her, why didn’t you finish
the job
?”

JADE’S FEET FELT like they were frozen to the ground. The rest
of her was pure, horrified, angry heat. She thought there wasn’t anything her
father could say or do that would shock her. She was wrong.

Why didn’t you finish the job
? How cold could another
person be? Jade’s death held no meaning for Anson Marlow. Except it would have
made his life easier. No wonder he fired the maid who discovered her bleeding
body. It wasn’t because the woman had been traumatized. It was a punishment for
finding Jade too soon. Another half hour, maybe less, and problem solved. A
dead daughter was something he could have worked with. The fake grief. A huge,
elaborate funeral. The press would have eaten it up. Instead, he found himself
stuck with a live, damaged daughter and the persistent rumors that he knew
about the abuse that led up to the stabbing. If Jade had done the right thing —
if she had died — all of that could easily have been swept under the carpet.