CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Vaughn didn’t know what Annabelle had planned for tonight, but his adrenaline was pumping big-time anyway. He’d returned home, showered and now he was heading for the lodge. He walked out of his bedroom and found Yank waiting for him, suitcase in hand.
“You’re leaving?” Vaughn asked, surprised.
The older man nodded. “I’m not getting any work done here and I can’t keep avoiding Lola forever.”
Vaughn chuckled. “If you want to try, you’re welcome to stay here.”
Yank’s expression softened suddenly. “You’re a good man and I’ve missed you,” he said, taking Vaughn by surprise.
“I missed you, too, Pops.”
Without warning, Yank pulled Vaughn into a bear hug, squeezing him tight. The gesture meant even more because, like Vaughn, the other man wasn’t big on expressing emotion or his feelings.
“At least we’ve started making up for lost time,” Vaughn said, stepping back. He eyed Yank carefully, wondering how far to push, then decided to go all the way. “You can’t really get back time that’s long gone, Yank. Go home to Lola and make things right.”
“When you’re single too long you get set in your ways.”
Vaughn snorted. “You’ve been set in your ways since the day you were born. Lola knows everything about you and loves you anyway.”
“You deserve someone like that,” Yank said, pinning him with his blue-eyed stare.
“Yeah, in another lifetime maybe.” Thoughts of Annabelle drifted through his mind. She was waiting for him, but she’d understand if he was held up giving advice to her uncle.
“Did I tell you I met your parents while I was in town getting coffee?” Yank asked.
Vaughn stiffened. Now that was one scenario he hadn’t counted on. “How’d you know it was them?”
“I was flirting with that pretty girl behind the counter and she laughed ’n said I reminded her of you, only older. I said that’s because you’re my boy.” Yank grinned, practically beaming at the notion.
Damned if a lump of appreciation and love didn’t lodge in Vaughn’s throat. He couldn’t speak right now if his life depended on it.
But Yank had no such problem. “That’s when I heard it. The snooty voice sayin’, I beg your problem? Brandon’s our boy. I turned to see a woman dressed haughtier than Lola at her prissiest and a man in argyle. From your descriptions in the past, I knew they were your folks.”
“And they actually claimed me?” Vaughn asked wryly.
Yank nodded. “Long enough to put me in my place, and then once Joanne introduced us, to blast me for encouraging your interest in sports. Like you were a little kid they could mold in their image.” Yank shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry they never came around.”
Vaughn cleared his throat. “Me, too.”
Before either man could say more, Vaughn’s cell phone rang, interrupting them. Annabelle was right. There was always one interruption or another around here. No wonder she’d opted for privacy at the lodge. A place he was heading to now.
“Listen, Yank I’m late for an appointment.”
“Hot date?” the other man asked.
Vaughn’s gaze darted from his. “Sort of.”
“Annie must be busy working, so tell her goodbye for me and I’ll see her in New York for the party.”
“Will do,” Vaughn said, feeling somewhat guilty for not telling Yank the truth. But what could he say? I’m sleeping with your niece? With a shake of his head, he pushed his uneasiness away and grabbed Yank in a bear hug. “Take care,” he said to the other man.
“You, too. See you in a few days.”
Vaughn nodded, and while Yank headed back to face his problems in New York, Vaughn took off for a promising evening with Annabelle.
* * *
As Annabelle loaded the animals into Vaughn’s SUV for her trip back to New York, her heart pounded in her chest and regret filled her. She found it hard to leave Vaughn behind, especially with their night at the lodge so fresh in her mind. She’d intended to take him away from all the pressures in his life and bring him to the one place where he could be himself. Instead, she’d found a place where she felt more herself as well. As they’d laughed, playing twenty questions about each other, she’d realized he already knew the answers. The man understood her insecurities and admired her strengths in a way no man had before.
They’d shared the dinner she’d brought along with a bottle of wine and watched the sun set beneath the tree they’d settled under. It was another perfect memory to add to the others. Which only cemented this separation as a darn good idea. She didn’t need to get any more attached to the man than she already was.
Their time together had been intimate and special, leaving Annabelle with her needs sated, both physical and emotional. Oh yes, she thought. Distance was very necessary right now. Better she turn her attention to the family fun fest that awaited her. She’d promised her sisters she’d come a couple of days before the party to help with the last-minute details and to shop for something to wear.
“Tell me something,” she said as she slammed the trunk of Vaughn’s truck closed and tried to sound nonchalant.
Vaughn was lending her his vehicle. He planned to drive down with Nick and Mara the day of the party so he wouldn’t have to leave the lodge for too long a time.
“What?” he asked.
“If this party is something we throw every year, why does it seem to get more complicated and make me more nervous each time?”
He walked her around to the open driver’s side door and paused, one hand on the window. “Maybe because this year you invited an extra couple of dozen people?” He brushed her hair off her face. “Which you didn’t have to do, but I appreciate anyway.”
“I know. That’s why I did it. For you.”
He smiled that killer smile. Not the sinful grin that made her knees melt or the sensual twist to his lips he used on many people but which meant nothing. No, he smiled the one-hundred-percent genuine smile, focused on her alone. The one that made her feel alive, special…and even loved. Yet he’d promised her everything but.
Loved.
She blinked into the glare of the morning sun. The morning after she’d spent the night in Vaughn’s bed, his arms wrapped tight around her, her animals surrounding her, and when all had been right with the world. Because she was in love.
Love.
Oh, no. She was obviously a complete idiot, she thought. Because she’d gone and done it again. She’d fallen in love when she’d sworn she would keep her heart under lock and key. And she’d fallen in love with Brandon Vaughn of all people, the egocentric, football jock who couldn’t see beyond his own self-importance.
Hah. She wished those words were true. If only the description she’d thought pegged Vaughn was accurate, her heart wouldn’t be in jeopardy right now.
“Are you okay? You spaced out on me for a minute.”
She pasted a sunny smile on her face. “My mind’s already on the trip and everything I have to do once I get to New York,” she lied.
“Then you should get going.”
“I should.”
But he didn’t step aside, still blocking her access to the driver’s seat.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Say goodbye, Vaughn,” he said, his voice dropping a husky octave.
“Goodbye, Vaughn,” she heard herself repeat, mesmerized by his voice. His compelling gaze. By him.
He leaned in closer. “Goodbye, Annabelle.”
I’m going to miss you, she thought but didn’t say so out loud.
And when his lips closed over hers, she thought he’d miss her, too.
* * *
After Greenlawn, New York City felt like another planet. Annabelle walked into a department store to meet Lola and her sisters to shop for outfits for the party. What would normally be a near orgasmic experience for her since she loved shopping in the extreme felt like a chore because it didn’t involve Vaughn. She knew she had it bad.
“Annabelle, darling!” Elizabeth, her personal shopper, met her before she’d reached the cosmetics counter not three feet from the door.
“Hi,” Annabelle said, greeting her with a warm, brief hug.
“So good to see you! It’s been way too long, so either you’re cheating on me or you’ve repeated the outfits in your closet one too many times,” Elizabeth chided.
Elizabeth had dressed Annabelle for events from black tie fund-raisers to afternoon picnics and lawn parties.
Annabelle laughed. “I’m not hitting other stores, I’ve just been busy.”
“Well,” she said, linking her arm through Annabelle’s, “let me show you some of the special things I’ve pulled. I spent hours choosing just the right outfits for each one of you so Lola, you and your beautiful sisters will all stand out from the crowd.”
“I’m sure I’ll love everything,” Annabelle murmured.
Elizabeth steered Annabelle toward the private back room. “While we’re waiting for the others, tell me who you’re working with now.”
Annabelle forced a smile. Normally she loved indulging the other woman’s taste for gossip about the athletes she worked with, though she never revealed anything Elizabeth couldn’t find in the papers. But everything Annabelle felt for Vaughn was fresh and new. Most of all, her feelings and emotions were too private to share.
She hoped her sisters would get here soon and deflect interest off her. Thankfully, within minutes, her wish was granted. Lola arrived, followed by Sophie, who had a cell phone tucked against her ear and a pad and paper in hand, then Micki, who predictably grumbled about having perfectly fine clothes in her closet and wasting her time shopping.
Elizabeth had her hands full getting Sophie’s attention between phone calls, and Micki’s fondness for pants drove the saleswoman insane. Then there was Lola, who shocked Elizabeth by waving a dismissive hand at all of the conservative clothing the other woman had picked based on her past choices.
“Keep trying,” Lola repeatedly said, sending Elizabeth back to peruse her inventory.
By choice, Annabelle went last, content to watch her family and the chaos surrounding them. Normally this was when she was happiest, watching her family interact, laugh and act just like she expected. Normally this made her feel safe and secure. Normally she wasn’t thinking about Brandon Vaughn.
Somehow he’d come to mean something to her beyond a fun time in bed. She’d come to understand what made him tick. Knowing that, she chose her outfit carefully with Vaughn in mind and holding on to the knowledge that she had to make a lasting impression because too soon, the police would find the saboteur and Vaughn wouldn’t need her for damage control. She’d be able to do her PR from the office and her time with him would come to an end.
* * *
Annabelle had only been gone for two days. Not even a full forty-eight hours and Vaughn’s entire mood had changed, and not for the better. He was anxious and edgy, and lonely in a way he’d never been before.
Vaughn used to like peace and quiet. He used to enjoy solitude and privacy, but no longer. For someone who’d always lived alone and loved it, after having a brief taste of not just company, but what felt like family, he hated knowing he was walking into an unoccupied house. Everything felt empty without Annabelle’s vibrant smile and quiet understanding.
Even the silence echoed. Hell, he had to admit to himself, he actually missed the damn cat.
At least the lodge was proceeding quietly for a change. He threw clothes and a few other needed things into a duffel bag and glanced at his watch. Almost time for Nick to pick him up for their overnighter in New York.
Almost time to see Annabelle.
* * *
“I think the only time this restaurant glitters more is during Christmas in the city.” Annabelle plucked a mimosa off a passing cocktail waitress’ tray. She turned back around to Sophie and felt the shimmer of air on her bare thighs when her short, pleated skirt lifted slightly, then dropped against her legs.
She’d liked the flirty sensation so much, it had been the main reason she’d picked the first thing Elizabeth had shown her. That and the fact that her sisters had begun to focus not on each other but on her, and Annabelle hadn’t wanted to talk about her relationship with Vaughn. Not even with those closest to her.
Sophie smiled. “You’re biased because this is our party.”
“And what a party it is.” Annabelle glanced around the Terrace Room that The Hot Zone had rented for their summer event.
Dazzling Waterford crystal chandeliers hung from a hand-crafted plaster ceiling, and surrounding them was a glass pavilion overlooking a private garden that they’d rented out as well. To top it all, they had a panoramic view of Central Park on a clear sunlit day.
She took a sip of her drink and licked the fruity taste off her lips. “A good number of Vaughn’s foremen and employees showed up,” she noted. She was pleased to see them soaking up the festive atmosphere, including the disc jockey playing hits for those who chose to dance.
She’d wanted his employees to take a break from the daily grind, to enjoy good food, drink and a day in Manhattan, and to head home happy to be working for Brandon Vaughn. She’d accomplished her goal and she raised her glass in the air in a silent toast to a job well done.
Sophie’s glass clinked against hers. “We just had to switch from the Park Room to this one in order to accommodate the extra people. Luckily this one was available,” Sophie said. “So. Where is Brandon Vaughn? I’m dying to meet him.”
“He’s not here yet.”
“Maybe he got caught in traffic. What time did he start the drive?” Sophie asked.
“He didn’t say.” In truth, Annabelle hadn’t asked him.
She hadn’t spoken with Vaughn at all in the two days since she’d left town. When she’d called, she’d either missed him at home or at the office. What little business she’d done for the lodge, Mara had been able to handle. Was this how it was going to be from now on? Annabelle wondered, as she polished off her drink.
“I don’t remember you as a guzzler.” Randy Dalton, Annabelle’s ex-boyfriend and Sophie’s current client came up beside them.
Annabelle narrowed her gaze.
Sophie did the same.
“Shut up, Dalton,” both sisters said simultaneously.
He stepped closer to Annabelle. “You know I’m sorry, darlin’” he said in that good old Texan accent that used to make her weak in the knees. Now it just made her sick.
“Sorry you cheated? Sorry you got caught? Sorry you dumped me? Or just plain sorry for living, Randy?”
Sophie choked and Annabelle was sure her sister was trying not to laugh.
“Come on, Annabelle. We had absolutely nothing in common and you know it. So it ended sooner rather than later. I’m sorry.” He placed a hand beneath her chin. “Forgive me?”
Annabelle looked into the eyes of the man she once thought she’d loved. Those feelings paled in comparison to anything she felt for Vaughn. Dammit, she thought and tried to swallow down the fear that particular thought caused her.
Before she could accept Randy’s apology or even tell the two-timing snake he’d never meant that much to her, either, someone smacked his hand away from her face.
“Stay away from her, Dalton.”
Randy stiffened, poised for a fight just as Annabelle realized she recognized that voice.
“Vaughn,” she said, so happy to see him, her soaring emotions should have been illegal.
“So this is the infamous Brandon Vaughn.” Sophie’s voice filled with awe. “I’ve been dying to meet you.” She held out her hand. “I’m Sophie Jordan, Annabelle’s middle sister.”
“The brain and the busybody all rolled into one package,” Annabelle said, grinning.
They shook hands, then Vaughn turned to Randy, a scowl on his handsome face.
“I take it you two don’t need introductions?” Annabelle asked the men.
“I recognize him from newspaper photos,” Vaughn said, his disgust evident. “That’s enough for me.”
“Man, you’re uptight.” Randy shook his head and laughed, breaking the testosterone-filled tension. “I know you’re retired, but you should really think about still working out. It relieves stress.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said to Dalton, then turned to Annabelle. “You seriously were involved with this guy?”
Annabelle groaned. “How’d you know that?” Because for all the things she and Vaughn had confided in one another, Randy’s name had never come up. Just showed how insignificant a part he’d played in her life, Annabelle thought.
“I read the papers.”
“And do you always believe everything you read?” She tipped her head to the side and said, “You’ve had enough experience with reporters to know their stories don’t always give the most flattering of portrayals.”
“She’s got a point,” Randy said.
“Shut up,” Annabelle muttered.
Vaughn pulled her away from Randy, closer to his side. “I know better than to believe the rags, but the fact remains you two were an item, he hurt you and now if he doesn’t stay the hell away, I’m going to hurt him.”
Annabelle’s eyes opened wide, shocked at this display of primitive emotion.
“Come on, Randy,” Sophie urged. “Let’s go get a drink.” She pulled at his hand, then gave Annabelle a look of apology. “We’re still working on his foot in mouth problem,” she explained. “Nice to meet you, Vaughn. Maybe we’ll get a chance to talk later.”
In Sophie-speak, Annabelle knew that meant Sophie wanted to grill Vaughn about his feelings. For Annabelle. And that would not be happening, Annabelle thought, and glared daggers at her sibling.
“Or not.” Sophie grinned and grabbed Randy’s hand. In fact, she laced her fingers through his in an intimate, comfortable manner as she led him away.
As a waiter passed, Annabelle placed her empty drink on his tray.
“Your sister and Dalton look like they’re an item,” Vaughn said.
Annabelle burst out laughing. “No, Sophie just knows how to work an idiot like Dalton.”
Vaughn met her gaze. “If there was something going on would you be jealous?” he asked, surprisingly real questions in his gaze.
“Heck no!” she answered honestly. “Believe me Randy’s my—”
“Ex. I know.”
She grinned. “Very ex, and it’s nice to see you again,” she said, changing the subject. “Make that very nice.”
Vaughn’s smile reached his eyes, as he answered. “It’s damn good to see you, too.”
“Do you mean that?” she asked, knowing her insecurity was obvious and not caring. “Because if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding my calls.”
Vaughn reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand. That was Annabelle, he thought. Astute as always. He had been avoiding her, hoping his need for her would disappear.
Seeing her now, he knew that would never happen. For better or worse, most probably worse, she was a part of him. “I mean it,” he said gruffly, and to prove it, he lowered his mouth to hers.
As he slipped his tongue inside her parted lips, the kiss felt like he’d come home after being away for far too long. Though he was mindful they were in public and her family and invited guests surrounded them, he still poured everything he felt into the one kiss. It seemed to go on and on, neither of them wanting to part again.
“Excuse me.” Lola’s voice interrupted them.
Annabelle jumped back, and as if she were a teenage girl caught making out with her boyfriend, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
Her gaze darted between Vaughn and Lola. “Caught me,” she said, laughing.
“Yes, but that isn’t why I’m bothering you. I need to talk to you and your sisters.”
Vaughn immediately recalled the conversation Annabelle had overheard between Lola and her uncle. The one that had caused her to break down. He knew she was hoping that Yank would come around and admit he loved Lola, but the older man was as stubborn as they came. Vaughn didn’t hold out the same hope. The possibility of Lola’s leaving still remained.
Annabelle’s glance darted around the room. “Can we do it after the party?” she asked, ever the professional.
But Vaughn heard her voice crack and saw the struggle to remain composed. She’d already assumed the worst.
Lola grasped both her hands. “I suppose we can, but it’s important.”
Annabelle nodded. “Okay,” she said in a whisper.
“I’ll let Micki and Sophie know not to rush out after the party ends.” With a last squeeze of Annabelle’s hand and a slight nod acknowledging Vaughn behind her, Lola strode off to find Annabelle’s sisters.
“Lola was always good at reading my emotions.” Annabelle turned to Vaughn. “And just now, I know she picked up on my feelings. She knows I’m upset.” Annabelle bit down on her lower lip. “But she chose not to tell me everything will be okay.”
“That’s because she knows you’re strong. You can handle whatever it is,” Vaughn said, thinking of Yank’s degenerative condition.
“I’m going to strangle my uncle.” Annabelle shook her head, frustrated.
“You can’t change how Yank feels.”
“But he loves her! And he’s still obviously going to let her just up and leave us!” Her voice rose along with her obvious panic.
Vaughn wrapped a strong, supportive arm around her shoulders. “First, it’s his choice to make, and second, you’re not twelve anymore. Lola might leave The Hot Zone, but she’ll always be a part of your life. You know that, right?”
Annabelle nodded and drew deep, calming breaths. “I’m sorry I’m acting like a child.” She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin.
He was proud of her. “That isn’t what I said. Your emotions automatically regress back to your childhood. I’m sure that’s normal when you’ve suffered the loss of your parents. I just want to make sure you view things in their right perspective now.”
Annabelle treated him to a grateful smile. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she said and pulled him into a hug.
He inhaled her fragrant scent and emotions swamped him. He refused to answer that comment. He didn’t know what he’d do without her, either, but like Yank, everyone had decisions to make.
“So, what do you say we enjoy this party and worry about what Lola intends to do later?” Worry about what he intended later. He smoothed his hand over the back of her hair, trying to calm her.
“I say it’s a deal.” She picked up another mimosa from a passing tray and downed it in one continuous gulp.
He wanted to stop her, but he sensed she’d need it for the night ahead. And he’d be there after Lola dropped her news.
There was nothing that could keep him away.