The Groom's Revenge (13 page)
He didn’t know whether to be flattered or irritated. “But the P and Ls, and the taxes. You’ll need that. I’ll tell you what—I’ll do the computer work for you.”
“You can’t do my work and yours. We’d never have time together.”
“We’ll work it out.” He climbed off the bed, intending to turn off the water. “I ordered you a laptop to keep downstairs on the counter.”
“It seems like a waste of money when all I’d use it for is e-mailing my husband ten times a day to tell him I love him.”
How could he tell her that was worth millions to him when he couldn’t even offer her the words in return? He cared about her. He didn’t want her to be hurt. He wanted to make her life better, easier than it had been. He wanted to make up for everything her father hadn’t given her. Was that love?
Or was that rescuing a damsel in distress?
After turning off the water, he walked back into the bedroom.
“I thought of a compromise,” she said. “We can buy a house.”
He’d lived in hotels all his adult life. A house meant forever. Responsibility. Time. He couldn’t spread himself that thin.
“Soon,” he said, then noted her disappointment “When this business with Knight Star Systems is resolved.”
“How long will that be?”
“Not too long.”
“Until then, can we at least eat dinner at my apartment before we come back here for the night?”
“Sometimes. Sometimes we can go out.”
“And I will do the laundry.”
He laughed. “Deal. Now, the water’s ready and waiting.”
Mollie stood up on the bed, intrigued by how casually he undressed in front of her, wishing she felt that easy. When they were making love, she didn’t have much problem with it. And for some reason, after they were done she could sprawl on the bed as if they’d been together forever. She started to unbutton her blouse, forcing herself to relax, but staying on the bed rathe than being down on the same level, close to him.
Nervous, she bounced a little as she pulled off her blouse He’d gotten rid of his shut and shoes and was unbuckling hi: belt. He glanced at her at that moment; his hands stilled. She bounced a little higher. Then higher still.
“Care to join me?” she said, using the bed as a trampoline now.
“No, thanks.”
“Haven’t you ever jumped on a bed? It’s fun.”
He pulled his belt through the loops and put it aside. “Keep undressing, and maybe I will.”
No way. No way could she do that. Her blouse was gone but that was all. “Come up here with me,” she said.
He shook his head.
“I’m not stripping for you.”
He grinned, almost irresistibly. Almost. “Then come down here and let me strip you,” he said invitingly.
She thought about it a minute, then she bounced to the edge of the bed. “Catch me.”
“Don’t—”
She launched herself at him. He caught her with a grunt, hi arms under her rear, her legs around him, making him stagge a step.
“Idiot. What if I’d dropped—”
She kissed him. Hard. Thoroughly.
“You scared the hell out of me,” he said against her mouth then got distracted by the warm, fragrant skin above her bra. He pulled down one strap, then the other, the cups sliding down her, leaving her exposed. He hefted her a little higher, clamped down on an inviting nipple, then ran his tongue around her ten derly until she moaned. “Coming at me at that speed is like two cars hitting head-on,” he said, remembering to make his point
“You should’ve joined me on the bed.”
He dragged his mouth to the other breast. “I told you would.”
“Only if I stripped.”
“Offer’s still open.”
“That’s blackmail.”
“Whatever works.” He stood her on the bed. “Now or never.”
Which is how Gray added two new adventures to his evergrowing list of lifetime learning experiences: bouncing on a bed and making love on the bathroom floor, which is where he finally caught up with his wife when she cheated by jumping off the bed before he’d gotten her underwear off her.
He figured he got the best end of the bargain.
Twelve
E
very Bloomin’ Thing was jammed with people, thanks to the media’s interest and Tasha’s telephone chain relaying the ho news. Gray had turned on CNN as they dressed that morning in time to catch the announcement of their marriage as a Top Story stunning Mollie, then making her laugh. No one had providec the press a photo of her, so only Gray’s image had flashed on the screen. The phone started nnging soon after. She was glad to escape, then had found herself inundated with people—she wasn’t sure how many were actually customers—the minute the shop opened, including reporters from two national television stations, plus the
StarTribune.
very Bloomin’ Thing was jammed with people, thanks to the media’s interest and Tasha’s telephone chain relaying the ho news. Gray had turned on CNN as they dressed that morning in time to catch the announcement of their marriage as a Top Story stunning Mollie, then making her laugh. No one had providec the press a photo of her, so only Gray’s image had flashed on the screen. The phone started nnging soon after. She was glad to escape, then had found herself inundated with people—she wasn’t sure how many were actually customers—the minute the shop opened, including reporters from two national television stations, plus the
StarTribune.
She called Gray, told him to come deal with the press, then she ordered more flowers from a couple of local distributors to replace what Tasha’s friends were buying. Mollie was grateful that they, at least, felt a responsibility to buy something, not just check her out.
Business was starting to settle down when Kelly Fortune arrived at noon with Annie. Gray had maneuvered the press outside and was holding an impromptu news conference in front of several cameras and microphones. Mollie had stood beside him for the first few minutes, squeezing his hand, feeling the comfort of his touch, then returned to her shop with the excuse of too much work to do.
The questions had shifted from their marriage—“Yes, it was sudden, but when something’s right, there’s no reason to wait”—to a new project having to do with encryption that he was working on. Someone had the nerve to ask if she’d signed a prenuptial agreement, and Gray let them know that their personal life was just that.
Grateful, she’d escaped, afraid those inquisitive reporters would ask her a question about his project, which she couldn’t answer. She realized that he rarely discussed his work with her, but he was always busy with it.
“You’re royalty,” Kelly said, strolling up to the counter, wonder in her eyes.
Mollie reached for Annie, needing to hold on to her, needing something normal and sane to do. Tasha had everything else under control, as if she’d worked there forever, only needing to be taught how to use the cash register.
“It doesn’t appear you can ‘do lunch’ today,” Kelly said, looking around.
“As soon as the interest lags, I’ll be free. Tasha’s a wonder, so maybe in a couple of days I can swing it.”
Kelly looked out the window. “He handles the media well.”
Mollie heard something in her voice. “But?”
There was a long stretch of silence, then Kelly smiled a little. “Nothing. Nothing at all. He’s also even more attractive in person.”
“I think so.”
“I should’ve recognized him last week. I don’t know why I didn’t. Are you happy, Mol?”
Mollie frowned at the sudden change of subject. “Absolutely. Why?”
“You look frazzled.”
“So would you, if you’d been inundated by the press and most of the people listed in Tasha’s address book. It’s been an amazing couple of hours.” She pulled Kelly aside a little. Annie stuck her fingers in Mollie’s mouth and giggled. “You sweet thing. Let me talk for a minute, okay?” She stared hard at her old friend. “You’re not telling me something.”
Kelly looked out the window again. “How much do you know about his business dealings?”
“Only what I’ve read”
“Have you heard him talk about Knight Star Systems?”
Mollie went on full alert. Gray hadn’t asked her specifically not to say anything, but she guarded him instinctively. “Why?”
“Some weird stuff has been happening there.”
“Weird in what way?”
“I didn’t hear the whole conversation between the men or Sunday, so I don’t know all the details, but apparently Knight Star has been losing business lately—No. Vendors, I think Also, Gray’s bought a lot of their stock.”
“And there’s a connection between the two?”
“They were speculating about that possibility.”
“Why are any of the Fortunes interested in what happens with Knight Star?”
Annie started to fuss, so Kelly lifted her into her arms and gave her a teething ring. “Stuart Fortune owns it.”
Mollie looked away and swallowed. Her mind went blank a minute, then she tried to remember exactly what Gray had said about the company, when she’d asked whether he was going tc buy it or take it over. What had he answered? Whatever works? Was that his response?
Don’t ask me, Kelly. Don’t put me in the middle.
She was Mollie’s only connection to the past, their shared history a precious and necessary part of her life. But Gray was her husband
She was Mollie’s only connection to the past, their shared history a precious and necessary part of her life. But Gray was her husband
“I wish I could tell you more, Mol. You weren’t mamed tc him yet, so their discussion didn’t mean much to me, especially since it has nothing to do with Mac or the Fortune Corporation.”
“You mean it’s not a Fortune company?”
“It’s Stuart’s baby all the way, the result of a push for something of his own. I don’t know much about it, except that he’s been in charge of it for twenty-five years or so, along with his duties at Fortune.”
Mollie noted the long line forming in front of the cash register “I’ve got to rescue Tasha. Hang around and I’ll introduce you to Gray.”
“Okay. Although I should be furious that you didn’t introduce me the last time I was here.” She looked around the shop. “Well, I think I’ll do you a favor and
not
buy anything today.”
not
buy anything today.”
“Ah, the sacrifices a friend will make.”
Gray was holding his last one-on-one interview with the press when a black limousine pulled up in front of the shop and Kate Fortune emerged. He didn’t know her exact age, but she seemed ageless. He’d danced with her at the ball, had been impressed with her grace. Matriarch was a good role for her, one she performed proudly and well. Another person he was sorry he would hurt. But she’d survived worse, he supposed.
He excused himself from the reporter and made his way to her side as she awaited him.
“Good day, Mrs. Fortune.”
“Mr. McGuire.” She shook hands with him, her gaze direct. “You’re in the news a bit these days. Pulled a fast one, didn’t you, getting married without a photographer in sight.”
“Kept it secret for twenty-four hours, too,” Gray said, leading her into the shop and the shade.
“Quite an accomplishment.” She studied his face. “I’ve had the opportunity to spend a little time with your new bnde in recent months. Been popping up at various Fortune events. Always brings sunshine with her.”
Gray locked gazes with Mollie as she stood next to a customer who was admiring a display of ceramic frogs. Her smile warmed him. “Yes, she does.”
“Hi, Kate!” Tasha waved. “Got myself a job.”
“So I see. You’ll have to tell me how that happened.”
“Kate!” Kelly hurried over and kissed her cheek. Kelly’s baby—he couldn’t remember her name—turned positively gleeful, pitching herself toward Kate.
“Mind your manners, young lady,” Kate said, although her face softened and she took the baby in her arms. “Have you met my grandnephew Mac’s wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Annie?” Kate asked Gray.
“We haven’t been introduced, no.” He shook hands with Kelly.
“We should have been, but Mollie was keeping him to her self.”
The woman being discussed wandered up, then slipped he hand into his. “You’ve met everyone, I see.”
“I danced with Mrs. Fortune at the ball. And I remembe Kelly.”
“Now, don’t you all gang up on me,” Mollie said, thei turned to Kate. “Is there something I can do for you or did you just follow the parade?”
Kate smiled in sympathy. “I was curious to see how you were faring, but I was coming here, anyway. Kelly, you can join the conversation, if you’ve got the time. In private, if you can find us a spot, please, Mollie.”
“We can go upstairs, if you like. Tasha can take care of things for a little while.”
Gray watched the women walk away. He smiled to himself Their ignoring him was exactly what he’d needed to knock him back to earth. The spotlight made him crazy. He turned to re arrange a shelf of knickknacks suffering from too much han dling.
“Here. Good practice for you.”
Gray turned around. Kate plunked Annie in his arms the strode away. He could see Mollie watching for his reaction and wondered if it had been her idea, but she pointed to Kate as she passed by, then hurried to follow.
“Ever held a baby before?” Tasha asked as he settled the blond beauty in his arms. The shop was strangely empty.
“No.” Annie pulled his tie into her mouth and chewed con tentedly, her big blue eyes looking right at him. “But I won’ drop her.”
“I wasn’t worried.” Tasha moved around the shop, straight ening and reshelving She looked over her shoulder. “Is this uncomfortable for you, my working here?”
“Not at all. Does it bother you?”
“What, because I got stinking drunk and made a pass at you and you turned me down? I can’t imagine why that might em barrass me.”
“You weren’t yourself that night, Tasha.”
“I guess it’s a good thing you didn’t accept my...invitation.”
“Don’t give it another thought.”
“You were kind to me, Gray. Kinder than I deserved. I was feeling pretty unlovable.”
“I didn’t turn you down because I wasn’t interested.” Annie dropped his tie to stick her fingers into his mouth instead. He pulled them out and gave her a stern look. She giggled. “I turned you down,” he said to Tasha, “because you didn’t know what you were doing.”
Her expression said otherwise, but he wanted the conversation :o end. He’d met with her twice before the ball to discuss donations for the auction, then at the ball itself. It was only because he’d escaped Samantha Simeon by hiding out in the smoking room that he’d been around at the end of the evening. By then, Tasha had been feeling sorry for herself for too many hours. He’d offered her a ride home, walked her to her door, turned down her offer as gently as possible, and that was the end of it. But he hoped Mollie never found out—for Tasha’s sake.
“Well, you could’ve knocked me over with a look when I discovered you were married to Mollie.”
“I’m still a little in shock, myself.” He touched noses with Annie, who slapped her hands against his face and promptly gifted him with a raspberry, spattering baby spit all over him.
Tasha handed him a tissue, then patted his arm. “She’ll be good for you. Life’s too short not to have fun.”
Gray smiled at her, then looked up, spotting Mollie, who’d returned and now stood as still as a statue.
“Kate sent me back down. We figured you would have had enough of Annie by now,” she said coolly.
He walked to where she waited, scrutinizing him. “She’s fine. Aren’t you, Annie?” Delighted by the bubble she’d just blown md burst, Annie clapped her hands and blew another one. “But [ should get back to work. You can take her.”
He passed Annie to her, then bent to kiss Mollie goodbye. She pulled back. Panic jumped two-footed into his soul, bringing a crippling fear that she would leave him, like his father had the only other person who’d loved him.
“Is there a problem?” he asked, already feeling barriers go up, trying not to let them get too high. This was Mollie. The one person he
could
be sure of.
could
be sure of.
“Should I be jealous of something?”
Her directness threw him. At least he would always knov where he stood with her. “No,” he said quietly. “Not in the least”
She looked over his shoulder at Tasha, who was greeting a customer. “Am I going to regret hiring her?”
He kissed her then, answering her in a way he thought she would most believe.
“Okay,” she whispered. “Okay.”
He rubbed his thumb along her cheek. “I have a past, Sun shine. It’s not huge or complicated. And it doesn’t include Tasha I won’t ever cheat on you. You have my word I wouldn’t risl what we have for anything. ”
“I must seem like a baby to you sometimes.” She tucke Annie a little closer.
“Mollie, that’s the last word I would use. You are all woman to me.”
Her eyes expressed her relief. “You’ll be back at closing time for dinner, right?”
“Probably earlier than that. Your laptop should be delivered pretty soon. I want to install your Internet server, at least”
She touched his arm as he turned to leave. “I’m sorry jumped to conclusions.”
“Forget it.” He saw Annie’s eyes flutter shut, her body going limp against Mollie. “I’m not surprised you’re such a natura with kids. See you later, Sunshine.”
Mollie watched him go, her heart aching.
A black belt in playing the field.
She wished Kelly had never planted the doubt in her mind by using those words. Of course it was harmless with Tasha. Of course. She climbed the stairs to her apartment wishing she believed the words beyond a shadow of a doubt wishing she could just trust her instincts. She believed him. Be lieved in him.
A black belt in playing the field.
She wished Kelly had never planted the doubt in her mind by using those words. Of course it was harmless with Tasha. Of course. She climbed the stairs to her apartment wishing she believed the words beyond a shadow of a doubt wishing she could just trust her instincts. She believed him. Be lieved in him.
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