Be My Love Song (3 page)

Madeline bristled. “You know, I’m too smart to let a man
seduce me just so he can get his hands on this piece of real estate—no matter
how much money he’s offering.” She straightened her shoulders and glared at her
sister. “I’ll not whore myself to pad your bank account.”

To Maddie’s dismay, Morgana laughed. “I’m not sure you have
what it takes to interest a man for free—much less for money.”

“Well, I never!” Madeline huffed off.

“Exactly my point.”

Her sister’s pointed phrase reached Maddie’s ears as she
slammed the bedroom door.

Chapter
Three

Weston Rogers threw the aluminum storage tube in the
backseat of his Jag and headed west on Seawall Boulevard. All he had to do was
drop off these drawings and he was free through the weekend. He hadn’t made any
plans to speak of, not even a date for Valentine’s Day. A nice, quiet, peaceful
weekend—drama free. Maybe he’d have lunch with his brothers. Dallas needed a
break from his new law practice and Aiden rarely took a day off from his
construction business. Hell, they all needed a chance to unwind. After his less
than friendly break-up with Sunny, West had no plans to get serious about
another woman for a long, long time. He was so tired of self-centered women who
cared more about their hairdo and lip gloss than they did about just carrying
on a conversation or getting to know him.

The sun was setting as he drove toward Sandhill Shores where
the upscale Bed and Breakfast was located. It was the lone original structure
set in a neighborhood of upscale homes that would rival the Hamptons. The
conversations he’d had with the owner, one Madeline Cross, suggested that she
would do anything to protect her home. So, he’d done his very best. The
undertaking would be massive. From the blueprints, he could see that the hotel
rose four stories but the ground floor was sheltered parking and outdoor living
areas, all of which could be protected or evacuated if a storm blew in. What he
was proposing to do was reinforce and add pilings, digging them down into the
sand some eighteen feet to anchor the structure in case of high winds and
rising water. As far as the rest of the hotel, he was suggesting welding
supports to the main beams of every floor. Some of the siding would have to be
removed and replaced but it would be worth the major outlay it would cost. He
and his family supported one another. West drew up the plans and Aiden and his
crew brought them to life. Dallas was there if they needed permits, deed
searches or some other legal advice. They were lucky.

Turning on the radio, he listened to Easton Corbin sing
Baby,
Be My Love Song
. He loved to sing, so he let loose. “Baby, be my ‘oh
hell-yeah’!” As he sang about a guy finding the girl who would be just what he
needed, West felt lonely for the first time in weeks…

About five miles behind Weston, Rod Long glanced at himself
in the rearview mirror—dang, he looked good. What was his name again? Wesley
Roberts? Winston Rodman? Oh, well—it didn’t matter. He’d just smile and flex.
That usually worked. He just hoped the woman who hired him was a hottie. He
wasn’t above turning down the job if the client wasn’t a looker. Rod Long
didn’t do ugly. He couldn’t get it up. Anyone would understand that…

In the B&B, Tilly and Elaine were going over some last
minute details. “Are you sure you understand?” Tilly asked, nervous about
leaving Elaine in charge.

“I’ll be fine.” Elaine assured her as she clicked her nails
on the counter. “Everyone is checked in but Room 11 and they’re not due till
early in the morning.”

“True, but you have to keep alert in case someone loses
their key or needs help of some kind.”

Elaine pointed to the room behind the desk. “I am a light
sleeper. If I happen to doze off on that comfy bed in there, the least little
thing will wake me.”

“Don’t even think about lying down until after midnight. And
then, keep your clothes on. If you have to come to the desk, you don’t want to
do it in a bra and thong.”

“But I look really good in a bra and thong—or nothing.”
Elaine stretched sensuously. “Quit worrying, this will be a piece of cake.”

Tilly wondered at the wisdom of hiring Tweedledum as she’d
heard a guest refer to Elaine today. “Just be careful, I’m ultimately responsible
and we have to take care of Madeline, she depends on us.”

“Believe me, Madeline is my priority.” Elaine winked at her,
which confused Tilly to no end.

“Well…okay.” She hadn’t decided whether Elaine was an angel
to the rescue or the devil in disguise…

Upstairs, Madeline was putting the finishing touches on her
makeup. Frowning, she made a face in the mirror, then busted out giggling. “Why
are you getting so excited about this? The man doesn’t have to think I’m good
looking, I’m paying him.” In reality, she was dressing up and acting for
Morgana’s sake more than her own. Leaning close, she examined her eyelashes.
Maybe she ought to invest in some false ones. Maddie batted her eyes at her own
reflection. Nah, that would be dumb. If she was going to buy something fake, it
would be smarter to opt for boobs. Men cared more about breasts than they did
eyelashes.

“Magpie, you’d better check what’s in the oven, I smell
something!”

“Dang it,” Maddie muttered as she swooped out and skidded across
the wooden floor on her stocking feet. “It’s my rosemary roasted potatoes.
Smell good, don’t they?”

“Yes, you can cook. One of your few redeeming qualities.
Don’t brag.”

Madeline snatched the oven mitts and pulled out the hot
cookie sheet. “Perfect.” Setting the aromatic side dish on the top of the
stove, she turned to look at Morgana and her jaw dropped. “Oh, my God.” Her
sister was dressed to the nines with a skin-tight dress and four inch stiletto
heels. Her cleavage was eye-popping and the dress was short enough to be
classified as a bib. It was obvious her sister was dressed to tempt a man. And
the only man she’d see tonight was the one Madeline had hired for her own sake.
“And this,” she gestured at her sexy sibling, “is why I’m an old maid. You can
never resist playing with another person’s toys.”

Her chastisement didn’t seem to faze Morgana. “Don’t blame
me for your short-comings. This…” she let her hands flow down her body, “is
just the way I look. I can’t help because I’m sexy.”

Throwing her hands up, Madeline decided she was going to
fight for what she wanted—or what she’d rented. “Fine. May the best woman win.”
Rod Long/Weston Rogers wouldn’t know what hit him by the time she was through
turning on the charm—and the cash.

Outside…West took a moment to study the Windswept. He
smiled. Now, he understood her enthusiasm. This beautiful Victorian lady was
definitely worth protecting. Quickly, he bounded up the steps and opened the
double decorative doors. The moment he stepped into the lobby, he felt a sense
of peace and homecoming. He hoped they could come to terms, Weston wanted the
job.

Walking to the desk, he touched the bell, summoning the
clerk. Only a few seconds passed before a hot, sexy little cutie came to his
call. “May I help you?”

“Yes, I’m Weston Rogers, here to see Miss Cross.”

Elaine winked at him. “Go right up. Take the elevator. She’s
on the top floor. Miss Cross is expecting you.”

“Thanks.” West nodded and headed for the elevator.

A few minutes later, another handsome man came through the
door. Elaine brightened up. “How may I help you?”

“I’m Watson Rodriguez,” he mumbled, “or something. I’m here
to see the lady of the house.” Rod gave her a brilliant smile and a wink. “I’ve
got lots to offer.” He held out his hands like he was the prize in a contest.

Elaine pursed her lips. What to do? What to do? “You found
her, sweet cheeks.” Madeline didn’t need but one of these hunks, she’d take the
other one—no problem.

* 
*  *

Knock. Knock.

Madeline jumped. Morgana posed. He was here! Racing around
to find her shoes, Madeline almost tripped getting them on her stocking feet.
“Coming!”

“You wish.” Her sister snorted.

“Hush.”

She threw open the door and there he was! Damn, he was good
looking. He resembled Aaron Rodgers, the football player except his hair was
longer. Jackpot! “Weston, I’m so glad to see you!” Madeline threw her arms
around him, whispering in his ear. “Please, please, play along. I’ll give you a
bonus if you do.”

West was stunned. He’d been expecting a business meeting and
he’d gotten a lover’s welcome. A dark-haired sprite had almost knocked him
down. She was adorable and his body felt like celebrating as she pressed
herself against him. He felt his manhood wake up and take notice. What was
going on? Oh well, he’d play along until he figured out what the game was. “I’m
glad to see you too…sweetheart.” Or at least parts of him were.

“Madeline, introduce me to this good-looking hunk,” Morgana
piped up from right behind her.

“Sure, as soon as I welcome him properly.”

West wondered if he had his holidays mixed up. This was more
like Christmas. The sweet armful he was holding looked up at him with eyes full
of hope and touched her mouth to his. Oh, so gentle—oh, so sweet—carefully, as
if she expected to be pushed away. Her lips were so soft, she tasted like spun
sugar. Something inside him thawed, warmed, and he couldn’t stop. He placed a
hand on the back of her head to hold her in place and kissed her back. Carnal
kisses, claiming kisses, kisses filled with erotic promise.

Madeline held on and rode out the storm. Holy Moly! Her toes
curled, her knees went weak and all of her feminine parts were singing the
hallelujah chorus.

“Ahem!” Morgana said loudly. “Pardon me!”

West didn’t just stop, no. This was too good. He let his tongue
slide along hers and kissed her once more—deeply—before winding down with a few
tender touches to her mouth. He didn’t want this to end.

Maddie felt boneless, like a limp noodle. She’d expected the
heat of a tea candle and got the blast of a volcanic eruption. “Oh, my stars
and garters.” She panted. Hugging him tightly one more time, she whispered
again, “You’re worth every penny.”

West was confused. Did that mean he had the job? His
enthusiastic client moved a few inches away, yet she still held on to his hand
as if she was afraid he’d make a run for it. “Weston, please meet Morgana
Cross, my sister. Morgana, this wonderful man is Weston Rogers, my boyfriend.”

Weston had been reaching for the blonde’s hand when the word
‘boyfriend’ waylaid him.
WTF?
He was just about to protest when the
kewpie doll on his arm stepped between him and her sister.

“Why don’t we sit on the couch? I’ll fix you both a drink.”

Letting himself be led from the foyer to a comfortable,
slightly cluttered living room, West couldn’t help but feel like he’d stepped
through the looking glass. The centerfold was eyeing him like he was a cut of
prime beef and his ‘girlfriend’ was busy making a comfortable place for him to
sit on the couch. “Here, I’m sure you’re tired. You can put your feet on the
ottoman and there’s a pillow for your back. Would you rather have a beer or a
glass of wine?”

“Uh, a beer would be good.” He eased himself down, and
Morgana came to sit by him. She sat a little too close for comfort, considering
he was ‘seeing’ her sister.

Madeline came back carrying his beer and a glass of white
wine for her sibling. Upon noticing their seating arrangements, she sighed and
handed them both their drinks. West was surprised when she didn’t cause a fuss
but sat in a chair catty-corner to the couch. “I’m so pleased you could come.
Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

Dinner? “Actually, I brought the plans.” He pointed to the
tube by the door.

“Maybe your date is having second thoughts, Maddie?” Morgana
drawled.

“No, no.” She leaned over and patted his knee. “I made the
beef tenderloin special for him. He’s just tired. You work hard, don’t you,
sweetie?”

Sweetie nodded slowly. “I like beef.”

“So, tell me, Mr. Rogers.” Morgana tittered. “How did you
two love birds meet?”

Madeline squirmed in her seat. “We met—”

“Let Weston answer.” Morgana was quick to interject, then
she smiled at Weston. “If you don’t shush her up every once in a while she will
drive you crazy.”

“Well, I’ll tell you.” West was still feeling his way
blindly. Something was definitely rotten in Denmark. He cleared his throat and
then just decided to tell what he knew. “We met when she called to get an
estimate on making some structural changes to the Windswept.”

Madeline took a deep breath. He was good. “That’s right.
He’s been very helpful. If I can afford his rates, we’ll be spending a lot of
time together.”

“You don’t get a lover’s discount?” Morgana sniped. “Or does
he charge you more to make up for…the hardship. It can’t be easy trying to make
an eyesore appealing.”

Madeline blushed, knowing Morgana was speaking of her rather
than Windswept. “Business is business, Morgana. I wouldn’t ever expect
favoritism.”

Trying to diminish the confusing tension in the air, Weston
lifted his beer toward Madeline. “Aren’t you going to have anything to drink?”
She was as nervous as a small deer in a room full of jackals. He swore he could
see her trembling from where he sat. It was obvious he was playing some kind of
role, he just hadn’t figured out why yet.

“I’ll have something with dinner,” she answered with a kind
smile. “Did you have a hard day, West? Do you feel all right?” Madeline asked
him sincere sounding questions with big eyed innocence.

“My day was pretty rough. I traveled over to Bolivar to
check on a restaurant we’re building on the peninsula and the ferry was slow. I
got stuck waiting at the dock for a half hour. But I feel good, I’m looking
forward to the weekend.” She seemed satisfied with his answer, but her sister
chimed in.

“Do you two have big plans for Valentine’s Day?”

He was about to bumble around and make something up when
Maddie spoke up. “Oh, no. Tonight will be our celebration. Weston has other
plans he couldn’t get out of.”

“On Valentine’s Day?” Morgana asked snidely.

“Uh, well, it’s complicated.” West couldn’t think of
anything else to say. He wondered what kind of a boyfriend he was supposed to
be if he’d made other plans for Valentine’s Day. And why did this cute little
doll have to rope a stranger into pretending he was her date?