Weekend Agreement (13 page)

She didn’t bother adding that Judy’s comment had since colored every thought she had. She and Daniel had left the soda shop shortly after her comment. With Daniel’s walls fully in place, she regretted saying anything. His silence on the way home only fueled her thoughts. Why did she feel such a pull toward him? Was she imagining the connection?

“I don’t want to see you hurt, is all, and the way you were talking last night, I was afraid you were getting caught up in Moretti’s web.”

Too late
. “I told you last night, Daniel isn’t the shark you think he is.” Or spider, or whatever animal was today’s description.

“Yeah, right. He’s just misunderstood. I remember the conversation.”

“It’s true. I spent the day with him and—”

“You what?”

“He planned to spend the day working; it didn’t feel right. Anyway,” Charlotte continued, rushing her words before Judy could interject again, “he’s really a very complex man when you get to know him.”
With the soul of a poet.
“I think he feels very alone in this world.

“And I’m not over-romanticizing,” she added. “If you were here, and saw how alone he is, you’d understand what I was talking about.”

“According to those clippings, he’s seldom alone.”

Charlotte’s attention switched from the mirror to the file open on her dresser. She’d been flipping through the pages since they’d returned, looking for answers in the photos. Behind the smile she could see the distance, the false bravado. Did people like Valerie Pinochet see it too? Did they even look?

“There’s a big difference between having someone on your arm and having someone who cares.”

On the other end of the line, she could almost hear Judy’s lips drawing taut. “I knew this would happen. You’re smitten with him, aren’t you?”

“I told you, modern people don’t use the word ‘smitten.’”

“You’re a historian, so the word fits. And you haven’t answered my question.”

“I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe.” Yes. In spite of his hoops and his crankiness and his prickly defenses, Daniel Moretti had gotten to her. Big time.

Judy sighed. “He hasn’t tried to make you the next clipping, has he?”

Recalling the touch of his lips on her skin, Charlotte’s insides quivered. “No.”

“But something did happen.”

Were her thoughts that transparent and loud? “Well, there were a couple moments, but nothing overt.” He’d kept to his end of the bargain.

“You’re treading a dangerous line, you know that, right?”

Charlotte knew. The danger didn’t have anything to do with any propriety agreement, either. “If you could see the vulnerability in his eyes, Judy.” God, did she really just say that? She
was
smitten.

“Of course he seems so vulnerable to you. He’s figured out that’s the way to get to you. Have you, in your romantic haze, stopped to consider that?”

Dozens of times. “I’m a big girl, Judy. I know the downsides.”

“Good. Remind yourself of them while you’re playing Cinderella at the ball. What are you wearing, by the way?”

“The peach dress that I wore to the Historical Society’s Food and Wine Festival.”

“Sexy.”

“That’s not why I picked it.” The dress hung on the wardrobe door waiting for her to slip it over her head. At the time, she selected the filmy silk shift over several more conservative ones to prove to Daniel she didn’t need wardrobe assistance. “Have you ever heard of a magazine called
High Life
?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Some society magazine, right? Covers all the big parties.”

“Apparently they’ve sent a reporter to cover this one.”

“Well, then, good thing you brought the peach number. You’ll look good in the next clipping. Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.”

Charlotte sighed. “Think of the situation this way. If I do end up in the clipping pile, the publicity will help book sales.”

“If I thought you could really be that casual I’d wish you luck.”

The soft sound of violins drifted under the closed door. Charlotte’s stomach fluttered. “The party’s starting. I have to finish getting dressed. Wish me luck.”

“I’ve been doing that since you made this silly agreement. Call me in the morning, okay?”

Charlotte promised and clicked off the phone. Then she slipped her gown off the hanger. The soft peach silk rustled as it fell down over her body.

Was Judy right? Was Daniel simply tapping into the role he knew would land her in his bed?

If so, then he was as good an actor as he was a businessman because Lord knows, the gentle sadness she witnessed in his eyes sure as hell looked real.

Smoothing her gown over her hips, she gave herself one last check in the mirror. The soft material, designed to flow when she walked, swirled around her ankles. She draped a matching peach scarf around her neck, letting the ends flow down her back with her hair. She smiled, pleased with the effect. She might not be a Valerie Pinochet, but she could hold her own.

Exhaling one last sigh, she closed the research file and headed out to the party.

…

At the top of the stairway, she paused, astounded by what she saw. Vivian and her caterers had certainly worked their magic. What had been utter chaos only a short while ago had become an English garden. Rose garlands draped the stairwell, filling the air with a sweet aroma, while tiny lights mingled with the buds, twinkling like fireflies. A white trellis transformed the foyer walls into a gazebo. Still more roses filled the entranceway, standing sentry in tall trumpet vases and spilling over bowls on side tables. A garden paradise designed to take your breath away.

Nothing, however, was as breathtaking as the man at the foot of the stairs.

Leaning against the wall, one hand tucked in his tuxedo slacks, head tilted in conversation, Daniel was the picture of regal elegance. Suddenly unsure, she smoothed the front of her dress.

As if sensing her presence, Daniel stopped speaking and looked up in her direction. Her heart stopped along with her breathing. Her gaze fixed, she took a step closer.

“Do I make a suitable escort?” she asked, harking back to their first conversation.

“More than suitable.” He scanned her length with blatant appreciation. “You’re perfect.”

Charlotte tingled at his words. If he was playing her, she suddenly didn’t care. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Moretti.”

“This old thing? Just something I keep in my closet for command performances.” He smiled, and the air grew quite warm. If there was a crowd around them, Charlotte didn’t notice. The people would have paled in comparison with Daniel anyway.

“Did I interrupt an important conversation?” she asked, remembering the man with whom he’d been chatting.

“Nothing that can’t wait until we’ve had a glass of champagne.”

If the entranceway looked breathtaking, then the ballroom was out of this world. Outside, Charlotte knew rain was falling in buckets, but inside, the world was as peaceful as a summer night. The lights had been dimmed to a soft warm glow, giving one the impression of walking outside in the moonlight. Stars dotted the sky, thanks to an overhead canopy dotted with Christmas lights, while the air smelled sweetly of roses and honeysuckle. Gone were the portraits and Ferncliff heirlooms, replaced with rose-bedecked trellises and flowing greenery. Charlotte half expected to hear the quiet chirps of katydids. Instead, she heard a string quartet, tucked discreetly in the corner, playing softly.

“Looks like your mother got her wish,” she said to Daniel. “People will be talking about this room for weeks.”

“Question is,” Daniel’s breath tickled her ear, “what would Aunt Esther think?”

“You’re the descendant. You tell me.”

In the dimly lit room, Daniel’s eyes were nearly black, but there was no mistaking their heat. Charlotte shivered as his gaze ghosted across her skin. “I think—”

“Daniel?” A sultry British voice crashed the moment, breaking it. “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

In a flash the heat vanished, as Daniel’s brow furrowed in confusion. He whirled around.
What the hell? What is she doing here?

Valerie Pinochet, star of the TV series
Forensic Detail
and current romantic comedy ingenue, burst through the doors in a curve-flaunting satin gown. She threw her arms around Daniel’s neck just as the event photographer snapped their photo. “Your timing is perfect. They’ve just started dancing, and you know how I love to dance.”

Timing indeed. She’d managed to bring the event photographer with her. What on earth was the actress doing here?

It seemed as though Daniel had the same question. As a photographer snapped away, he attempted to disentangle himself from Valerie’s embrace. “What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” she said, tossing her blond bangs out of her eyes. The move was a little too affected for Charlotte’s taste; she’d seen it a dozen times on Valerie’s show. “You didn’t think I’d forget your parents’ anniversary party, did you? As soon as I hung up with your mother, I told my producers I was taking a long weekend and hopped the first plane to the East Coast.”

“You spoke with my mother?”

“Yesterday morning. She wanted to make sure I had transportation from the airport. You were off doing something this afternoon so I went straight upstairs and took a nap. I figured I’d surprise you.”

“You certainly did that,” Daniel drawled.

So Valerie was the original date, the one who canceled, setting up the entire weekend. From the looks of it, she hadn’t canceled after all. Charlotte tried to catch Daniel’s gaze, hoping to find a clue in his expression, but his face was a mask. She did notice that the two of them made a stunning couple. Even more so than the photographs in Judy’s file.

She cleared her throat, reminding them of her presence. Third wheel or not, she refused to stand there like an idiot while the reunion played out.

“Hello,” Valerie greeted with a smile. “You must be Charlotte. Vivian mentioned Daniel had brought along a friend. It’s so nice to meet you.”

No wonder she was Hollywood’s It Girl; she was good. Charlotte took note of the way the actress had positioned herself with one shoulder touching Daniel’s arm. Staking the territory without being obvious. The question was, did Daniel mind? Looking at his poker face, she couldn’t tell.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” she said. Valerie wasn’t the only one who could dole out a fake smile. “I’m a big fan.”

“Thank you, but tonight I’m just another party guest. I’m not interested in playing the star.”

No, she only wore the most eye-catching dress in the room.

What now? Charlotte wondered. Did she excuse herself and leave? Or did she stand her ground and insist Daniel continue with their date?

Arrangement, Charlotte.
Whatever feelings she sensed growing for the man couldn’t erase the fact that theirs wasn’t a date. It was a business arrangement created because Daniel’s real date canceled. The sobering thought shot straight to her stomach.

“I never did get that glass of champagne,” she said. “I think I’ll go get one now.”

“Let me.” Daniel took a step back, but she stopped him.

“That’s all right,” she said. “I’ll get it. I believe Valerie wanted to dance.”

Leaving the pair behind, she crossed the ballroom, hoping the bar was as well stocked as the other night. She’d have a drink or two, stay long enough that Daniel wouldn’t be able to say she didn’t live up to her end of the agreement, then hightail it back to her room. Tomorrow she’d be on the first ferry out of here. Daniel could mail the deed to her farm.

From the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of red. Valerie and Daniel dancing, no doubt. She shivered, this time from an inner chill. Amazing how situations could change so quickly.

Chapter Ten

“Now there’s a travesty if ever I saw one.”

Charlotte had made it made it as far as the corner bar when Cole appeared at her elbow, brandishing two flutes of champagne. His eyes sparkled too brightly, far brighter than the hour warranted.

“I’m pretty sure a beautiful woman alone and without a drink is considered a crime in most civilized countries,” he said, handing her a glass. “Let me remedy that situation.”

“Thank you,” Charlotte said, “but won’t your date be upset at you giving away her drink?”

“She won’t mind, because she’s not here.” Chuckling to himself, he took a sip, then winked over the rim. “I never bring a date to these types of affairs. After all, you never know when a woman might find herself looking for company.”

He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “Besides, a little birdie told me I wouldn’t be the only one flying solo tonight.”

“That so?” How nice of Vivian to give her son advance notice.

“Turns out the birdie was right. I’m glad. Why should Daniel get all the wealth, right?” He took another sip, punctuating his swallow with a satisfied smack. “And since fate has tossed us together, there’s no reason not to make the most of it.”