Then Came You (The Wilde Sisters #2) (3 page)

What was his angle? What did Grayson Montgomery of Montgomery Designs want with his child? After he left last night, she Googled him and the trail of money that preceded his name. The man was worth millions. There were hundreds of thousands of hits that followed his father’s and grandfather’s millions, his grandmother’s fashion industry connection, and the mysterious social life of the eligible bachelor.

Thyme spent over an hour clicking through hundreds of pictures of Grayson and the dozens of tall, thin models draped across his arm. The articles were vague, as if no one could catch an inside scoop on his private life, but there was lots of gossip. None of it conclusive.

No woman stuck around longer than a month or two. A few cycled through, showing up on his arm every few years or so, but no one was a regular occurrence. And no woman besmirched his reputation either. The man screamed bachelor and seemed to be proud of it.

So why have an affair with a married woman? An older woman. That juicy story was never picked up by any of the rags. And what would he do with the illegitimate daughter?

She gazed out the passenger side window of his luxurious rental car, the soft-as-butter seats reminding her of how different this man’s world was from hers.

After the library they went to the Bounce Gym where Maddie spent an hour bouncing on the inflatables, climbing the walls, sliding down the slides. Thyme figured the craziness of dozens of preschool-aged kids running around and screeching would send Grayson back on his fancy jet, but he’d stuck around. Maybe it was the lascivious looks he received from the moms and not his desire to get to know his daughter.

No, he paid no attention to the onlookers and even ate lunch at McDonalds, a place where he looked so incongruous she nearly laughed. Grayson wore the same gray slacks and light blue button-down shirt from last night, but lost the coat and tie. According to his story, he had no idea a daughter would be dropped in his lap and he hadn’t packed another set of clothes, assuming he’d jet back to his fancy digs in the city as soon as he claimed his inheritance.

There was no five o’clock shadow and his hair had still been a little wet when he stopped by this morning, so he must have asked the front desk of his hotel for a razor and some soap. She could smell the fresh scent of shower and…Grayson. There were no fancy colognes masking his scent. Granted he said he hadn’t packed for an overnight, but she didn’t notice any musky scents last night either. Just raw man. Fresh as newly fallen snow.

Shaking her head from the naughty thoughts her mind wanted to move toward, she turned in her seat to ask Maddie a question, but stopped when she saw her little head leaning over her shoulder, fast asleep.

Thyme chuckled.

“That doesn’t look comfortable.”

She turned around and righted herself in the front seat. “She falls asleep like that all the time. I used to try to pick up her head but she drops it down again.” Thyme shrugged her shoulders and played with the strap of her purse. “So, what now?”

“I figured I’d drive you two home.”

“And then what? Whisk Maddie away to your fancy penthouse in New York? Leave her here with a trust fund and a permanent nanny? Ship her off to St. Catherine’s Boarding School?”

Grayson’s head swiveled toward her and then, just as quickly, back toward the road. Damn, too obvious. He knew she looked him up.

“Yes, maybe, and no.”

“What?”

“Let’s get Madeline inside and then we’ll talk.” He turned on to Aster Lane and pulled into the Davenports’ driveway.

According to Summers, the Davenports left enough money to pay off their debts and most of the house. Maddie could stay there as long as she had a guardian to take care of her. There were times over the past few days when Thyme secretly hoped no guardian would show and she could play house with Maddie, caring for her, loving her, and taking care of her. Being Maddie’s nanny had made Thyme feel like she belonged. Like she was not only needed, but wanted as well. The little girl’s gorgeous eyes looked at Thyme with hero worship. Whether she was defeating monsters under the bed, making a gourmet—in Maddie’s eyes—meal from a box, or spinning tales of fairies and princesses, Maddie had a way of making Thyme feel like a warrior princess, valuable, appreciated, and wanted.

Thyme unbuckled her seat belt, but before she could open the back door, Grayson had made his way to the backseat and unfastened Maddie’s belt. He scooped her into his arms and followed Thyme into the house.

“Her bedroom is the second door on the right.”

A few minutes later Grayson came back downstairs, looking almost peaceful.

“She’s cute.”

“Yeah. I think so. She’s a great kid, Grayson. Please don’t—”

“Come to Aruba with me.”

“What?” Aruba? Was he whisking her away on some romantic vacation? Her body tingled in anticipation. But what about Maddie?

“I’m finishing up a job down there. Think of it as a vacation. I’ll be able to get to know Maddie better, and she’ll have you around to keep her comfortable. Please.”

Realization set in. He only needed her to help Maddie transition. Not for hot and sweaty sex. That was okay. She was used to being the filler girl.

When Rayne needed a temporary instructor for her Zumba or Yoga classes she’d call Thyme. Sage had a big event and needed an extra hand? Call Thyme. New brother-in-law Trent needed an extra hand at the bakery during the holiday season? Sure, little sis-in-law was available.

The Davenports needed a temporary nanny until they could retire and be with their sweet, angelic daughter full time? Sure, call Thyme. She was a great fill-in. The temporary fix to everyone’s problems.

And to Grayson’s as well. She couldn’t care less. She really didn’t like him anyway.

Chapter Three

Thyme

“You’re seriously going to Aruba with a stranger? You’re such a fool.” Sage clucked her tongue and scooped up another glob of salsa with her multi-grain tortilla chip.

“I think it’s romantic,” sighed Rayne.

“Of course you do.” Sage snorted. “Your hormones are still out of whack.”

“Ha! I was a romantic before I had Owen.”

“Don’t we all know it.”

“Besides, he said he’d be working. Thyme would be going down as Maddie’s nanny, not to partake in some illicit love affair.”

Thyme pouted. No, Grayson Montgomery had no desire to get naked with her. He just needed her to watch his kid.

Bastard.

“True, Thyme’s not as pathetically romantic as you are, Rayne, but she doesn’t always think with her head. Hell, she never does. Do you remember the time—?”

“Hello! I’m in the room. And so is Maddie,” Thyme whispered. “Show some decency, please.”

“Thyme is right.”

“Thank you, Rayne.”

“We need to be careful what we say in front of Maddie.”

Currently she was playing with baby Owen, very happy to take on the role of babysitter. Most likely she hadn’t heard a word Thyme’s sisters had said.

“I think Aruba would be good for Maddie. Besides the obvious change in scenery and weather, she won’t be faced with constant reminders of her parents. She’ll be able to get to know her…dad. And hey, if I catch a few rays and do a little sightseeing while I’m away, it’s another added bonus. Right?”

“I still say you’re a fool.”

“Thanks, Sage. I know I can always count on you to be one hundred percent honest about your feelings.”

“Yeah, well, if I’m the only sister who actually
thinks
before she acts, I can’t help it.”

“Sometimes you think too much. You need to learn to get a life.”

“Stop!” Rayne stood between Thyme and Sage, resting a palm on each shoulder. “Girls. Please. Sage, you’re a model citizen. A dedicated worker. No one can discredit that. Thyme, you’re fearless and take risks Sage and I are too scared to take. We
both
admire those qualities.”

“Oh, for crying out loud.” Sage knocked Rayne’s hand away and picked up the bowl of salsa, scooping up one last glob with a chip. “No more Pollyanna cheerfulness for me. I’ve got clients to meet.” She shoved the chip in her mouth before picking up her coat from the back of the kitchen chair. “You two go on living in the clouds, but don’t be mad when I say
I told you so.
Aruba with Mr. Rich Guy is
not
a good idea. You’re bound to do something stupid. Just sayin’.” Sage pushed her arms through her Burberry coat, wrapped her Coach scarf around her neck, and kissed both sisters on the cheek. “Love you, crazies. Gotta run.”

***

Of course Grayson Montgomery of
the
Montgomerys did everything with style. Maddie was nervous at first, knowing her parents died in a plane crash, but Thyme reassured her this plane was perfectly safe and their new friend Grayson would greet them in sunny Aruba. The flight attendants did an excellent job distracting her, doting on their tiny passenger and keeping a constant flow of Shirley Temples and strawberries dipped in chocolate on Maddie’s tray. Maddie and Thyme giggled like schoolgirls as they reclined in the spacious leather seats in First Class.

Thyme didn’t need much—a few strawberries and warm coffee was all her stomach could handle. She had no idea what to expect during this little “vacation.” Grayson took care of all the travel arrangements: plane tickets, car service, and hotel accommodations. All she had to do was show up. So far, so good. Their plane landed at the Queen Beatrix International Airport ten minutes ahead of schedule, where a mocha-skinned man held up a sign that read
‘
Davenport-Wilde’
. How cute that he put Maddie’s name first.

No, she wouldn’t use the word
cute
when referring to the multi-millionaire. More like manipulator. Home-wrecker. Man-whore.

They followed the chauffeur to a black Cadillac and slid in the back as he placed their luggage in the trunk. Thyme took in the view as Maddie glued her face to the window.

“Look! I can see the ocean. And it’s hot out so we can go swimming even though it’s wintertime.” She picked up Doggy and smushed her face against the window as well.

“I think it’s even warm enough for me to swim with you, princess.”

The car slowed as it pulled up to a remote resort. Of course Grayson didn’t book them into a tourist trap. Only the finest.

“You are already checked in, Ms. Wilde. Here is your key and my cell phone number. Please call if you would like me to drive you anywhere.” He handed her a business card before helping Thyme, then Maddie, out of the car.

“Thank you. I didn’t even catch your name.”

“Armand, at your service.” He bowed extravagantly and winked at Maddie as he stood again.

A bellhop in his mid-fifties, and in impeccable shape, dressed in a beige linen suit appeared and loaded their luggage on a cart. “This way, Ms. Wilde.” He smiled brightly and handed Maddie a lollipop. “For you, madam.”

Maddie giggled and looked expectantly at Thyme. “Yes, you can have it, but wait until we get to our room. No walking and eating pops at the same time.”

They followed him through the foyer, if it could be called that, and down a large, opulent hall. Marble floors, floor to ceiling windows, and fresh, exotic flowers decorated every nook and cranny. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting prisms of rainbows all around them. The decorations in the hallways alone had to have cost more than she’d earn in a decade.

“Your suite, my ladies.” The bellhop bowed and gestured toward the door, which had already been opened for them.

“Holy…wow.” Thyme did a three-sixty, taking in the sunken living room. The floors, some sort of light blonde wood, were expansive and flowed through to the eat-in kitchen. The stainless steel appliances, white granite counter, and fresh flowers made it seem more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room.

“Shall I bring your luggage to your rooms?”

“Oh, don’t bother. I can manage from here. Thank you.” Unsure if she should tip the man, she pulled out her wallet.

“No, thank you, Miss Wilde. That has been taken care of.”

“Oh.” Thyme put her wallet back in her purse. Of course Mr. Billionaire would have handled the tips as well.

“The master bedroom is to the left, the guest room to the right. If you need anything at all, more linens, groceries, restaurant suggestions, shopping advice, please don’t hesitate to ring the front desk. We hope you enjoy your stay at The Montgomery.”

But of course.

Once he closed the door behind him, Maddie squealed. “Can I see my room?” She ran down the hall to the left before Thyme could stop her.

Thyme found her jumping on the king-sized bed, the dozens of white linen pillows flopping up and down with each bounce. The room opened up to the beach—their own
private
beach—and pool area. Their own private pool. Adjacent to the pool was a sunken Jacuzzi.

Oh, she could get used to this lifestyle.

Maddie hopped off the bed and ran through the archway leading to an open closet and a bathroom.

“Look, I have my own bathroom. And it has a pool in it!”

Thyme followed Maddie into the master bath that was bigger than the Davenport’s master bedroom in Maine. “Wow. You could definitely learn to swim in that thing.” The whirlpool tub could easily accommodate a party of four. The marble shower stall had six showerheads set at different levels, and the toilet and boudoir were enclosed in their own room.

“Why are there two potties?”

“Well, one is your regular potty and the other, well, the other one kind of shoots water at your bum.”

“Ew, gross. It shoots pee water at you? Is that why people need such a big tub and shower?”

Thyme laughed. “Do you want to check out the other bedroom with me?” She had a feeling the little princess was not going to relinquish the master bedroom to her, but that was okay.

She followed a racing Maddie down the hall to the guest bedroom. Instead of a king, the bed was a comfortable queen. Donned with white bedding and dozens of pillows, it was perfect. This room, too, had doors that led to the pool and ocean and even had its own bathroom. The shower had a measly four showerheads placed strategically on the fancy tile wall and no boudoir or giant tub, but she’d survive. Thyme would rather soak in the Jacuzzi outside and take in the view rather than play in the bathroom, as lovely as it was.

“Which room do you want, princess?”

“I want the one with the big bathtub. Please?”

“Sure thing.” Thyme laughed. “It’s yours. After all, the Montgomerys are your—” she stopped herself just in time. Too excited to notice any slip of the tongue, Maddie ran through the suite giggling.

“Can we go swimming now?” Maddie opened up her suitcase in the entryway where the bellhop had left it.

“Slow down, sweetie. Let’s get our clothes unpacked and some food in our bellies. We haven’t had lunch yet and it’s nearly dinnertime. There’s plenty of time to swim.”

“Okay.” Maddie sighed and skipped toward her room.

After their clothes were hung up and put away in the dresser, Thyme checked out the contents of the kitchen.

It was well stocked with a variety of fruits and vegetables, crackers, granola bars, and kid-friendly food like mac and cheese and hot dogs. And three cans of whipped cream. Thyme laughed.

After a quick meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and mangos, they put on their bathing suits and swam in the pool. Then the ocean. Then the Jacuzzi. Maddie wanted to
swim
in her giant bathtub as well but Thyme suggested a quick shower to wash off the sand and chlorine before going to bed.

They both slept well, Maddie’s first restful night since her parents died. No nightmares or crying for Mommy. They repeated their water-hopping the next day, and the day after. For three days Maddie and Thyme played in the sand, swam, and splashed in the pool, and lived the life of luxury.

And not once did Grayson call, text, or stop by for a visit. No message saying he was super busy and hoped everything was okay. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Sage’s warning came rushing back to her. No,
she
wouldn’t get hurt by the inconsiderate jerk, but Maddie would.

Maddie continued to ask about her parents, if they would come back as friendly ghosts or as her fairy godmother, and little droplets leaked from her eyes at random times during the day. Thyme’s heart broke over and over for the little girl. She was too young and innocent to realize she had no one in her life, and that her biological father had abandoned her moments after meeting her.

The sweet angel was holding up better than Thyme could ever have imagined. Thyme, however, was a wreck. She’d cry at night for Maddie’s loss and the struggle she’d have when, older, she’d learn about her parentage. Hopefully by then she’d be living a very happy life with Grayson. As if. The man had completely ignored them, foisting them off to his butler or chauffer or whatever the heck Armand was. Sure, they were living in the lap of luxury, but Maddie needed more than that. Could he provide for her in a way she needed? With love and affection?

Pissed beyond measure, on the fourth day she picked up Armand’s card and called.

“Hey, Armand. I was hoping you were available today.”

“Oh, Ms. Wilde. I was wondering when you would call. Do you and Miss Maddie want to go shopping? Go snorkeling? Enjoy a sail around the island?”

“Um, no. Not today. I was hoping you could bring us to visit Mr. Montgomery.”

Silence.

“Hello? Armand?”

“Pardon me, Ms. Wilde. I wasn’t expecting that request. You would like to visit Mr. Montgomery at his work site, yes?”

“Yes. Please. Thank you.”

“Very well. I will pick you up in thirty minutes. Okay?”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

Thyme hung up and scratched her head. What was Grayson into? Why did Armand seem so nervous bringing her to visit him? Grayson didn’t come off as intimidating. Courteous, gentle, a tad-bit old fashioned. Or was that all for show? Once again Sage’s warnings echoed loudly through her head.

They looked like tourists, with Thyme in a turquoise sundress she got at Target and her hair pulled back into a ponytail, and Maddie in a cute little pink polka dot halter top with jean shorts and flip flops. Definitely not classy girls fit to stay in the luxury Montgomery Resort. But whatever.

Armand greeted them at the front of the resort and pulled out a lollipop from behind his back. “For Miss Maddie.”