A Gentleman’s Offer (7 page)

“Now that you’ve explained it, it’s all right.”

“You’re very understanding. Kim would have…” He shook his head, ashamed. “I’m sorry. You won’t see me like this again.”

Yvette wondered who Kim was, what she meant to him and if she was the cause of his sleepless nights. She wanted to tell him that she was sorry she’d thought the worst of him and that she was grateful for this opportunity, but instead she focused on the activities down the street. She saw a woman who looked familiar in the distance. When she noticed the hat she was certain it was Margaret. “Wait, I know that woman.” She pushed through the crowd. “Excuse me,” she called as she drew closer to the woman.

The woman turned, saw her, then started to run.

“I don’t believe this.” Yvette took off her heels and chased after her, darting through the crush of people. At last she reached her and spun her around. It wasn’t Margaret.

Yvette stepped back, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else.”

“Then no wonder she’s hiding from you,” the woman said as she caught herself from falling over.

“I really am sorry,” Yvette said, but the woman hurried away. She covered her face. “Damn.” She looked down at her stockings and grimaced. They were torn with a hole over the right big toe.

Nate came up behind her. “What was that about?”

Her hands fell to her side. “I thought that lady was Margaret. James’s owner. She left him with me at the shop to get groomed and never picked him up. I’m looking after him right now, but I have to give him away.”

Nate gently led Yvette over to a bench nearby and they both sat. “Why don’t you keep him?”

Yvette slipped her shoes back on. “I don’t have the time. By tomorrow he’ll either be adopted by Greg’s brother or taken to the shelter. I’ve done my seven days commitment.”

“You have other pets?”

“No.”

“Hmm.”

“Do you?”

He shook his head.

“Then you understand that animals take care and time, which I don’t have. I’m too busy trying to be successful.”

“Seems odd for a groomer not to have pets. It’s like a chef who hates to cook.”

“I don’t take my work home with me.”

“Why did you choose to be a groomer?”

“I like animals and discovered I had a knack. Dogs were my true friends growing up.”

“You didn’t have many friends as a child?”

“Hardly any.” Yvette smiled without humor. “Not much has changed.”

“Why? You look like the type who would have been one of the most popular girls in school.”

She shook her head. “No, I was the most unpopular.”

“Why?”

She hesitated. “I had a speech impediment. The kids made fun of me and soon I stopped talking completely. My parents put me in a special program where we would read to Cindy, a lovely golden retriever, and she didn’t judge us and I soon gained my confidence.”

“With animals, but not with people.”

“Animals never intentionally hurt you.”

“True.” He watched the crowd, then said, “You must have worked very hard. I don’t detect an impediment.”

She sniffed. “Yes, but you haven’t asked me to read anything aloud. That’s still a struggle. Every time I do I hear the echo of kids laughing at me.”

“I see.” Nate pulled out a small brown book from inside his jacket pocket, flipped it open, then handed it to her. “Go ahead. Read to me.”

Yvette took the book and looked at the words scribbled inside, intrigued. “You carry a book of poems with you?”

“It’s full of poems, quotes and sayings. I write down anything I find interesting. It keeps me focused. My grandmother said words are good for the soul.” He pointed to a poem. “Here, read this one.”

She handed it back. “No.”

He gently pushed it toward her. “If you mess up, you can blame my handwriting.”

“I really don’t think—”

“Go on.”

Yvette began, her voice starting to constrict. She stumbled over a few words and stuttered on others. But when she looked at Nate’s face his expression didn’t change. She couldn’t detect mockery or amusement. He just sat there, almost impersonal, and it helped because he didn’t pretend that her reading was great or hint that it was horrible. He just listened and soon the words on the page were no longer her enemy and began to flow from her mouth.

“Read another one,” he said when she stopped.

She made mistakes again, but not as many as her first attempt, and when he had her read a third poem there were no errors at all. She closed the book and handed it back to him.

Nate placed it back inside his pocket. “The third time was the best.”

“I know.”

“That’s the power of confidence.”

“Were you popular in school?” she asked, already sure of his response.

He leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees and gazed at the distance. “I’ve always been popular.”

“Oh,” she said, again seeing the chasm between them. “Did you like being popular?”

“Yes, I did.”

“But you don’t anymore?”

He turned to her. “It just doesn’t matter to me as much,” he said in a tired voice.

“Have you ever tried reading poetry before you sleep?”

Nate’s jaw twitched and his gaze grew hard, but his tone, although soft, was filled with anguish. “I’ve tried everything.”

Yvette gripped his hands, a bold move that surprised them both, but he didn’t pull away. “You must keep trying. I struggled for years with my speech. One pathologist thought I would never improve, but I did. One day you will sleep and the nightmares will be gone.” She said the words with such passion that it seemed to ignite a fire between them.

“My God,” Nate said with wonder. “You understand.” He pulled her close and kissed her. His mouth covered hers, not as a man who’d been offered hope, but one with a fierce desire, as though he wanted to claim her passion as his own. He kissed her, unafraid of stoking the fire between them that threatened to turn into a blaze.

Yvette trembled under the delicious assault. His lips, like him, had the sting of danger but felt very real. She could no longer deny how he affected her. When he finally drew away she could have sworn the world had started spinning faster.

“I wonder if I’m going to regret this,” he said.

“Kissing me?”

A brilliant genuine smile spread on his face, lifting her heart. She wished he smiled more. “No. I don’t regret that. You’re an extraordinary woman. Beautiful, talented, courageous, but…” He bit his lip. “I hope I’m doing the right thing.” He stood up and began to walk.

She hurried after him. “What do you mean?”

“Money changes people.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t change.”

He spun around and cupped her face in his hands. “Make me that promise,” he said with an intensity that frightened her. “Promise me that our plan won’t change you.”

“I won’t change,” she promised, unsure of why he needed her to.

He kissed her again, this time with a hunger that almost made her crumble. He drew back and whispered, “I should stop kissing you.”

“I don’t mind,” she said, trying to be nonchalant. “I mean it’s just a friendly kiss.”

The corner of his mouth kicked up in humor. “If you think that then I’m not very good.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

His hands fell to his sides. “I know, but we can’t move forward without being honest. There’s no chance of us being an item. We have a month and then I will return to the east coast and my life there. A life that is drastically different than yours.”

“Yes, and I will go back to my previous life.”

“Do you still want to do this?”

“Do I get to keep the money I don’t spend?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

Yvette thought for a moment. But not for long. She may never see him again, but she had the chance to finally live the life she wanted and knew she would have the money that would maintain it. She’d dreamed of what she would do with a million dollars many times. There was no turning back. She extended her hand out to Nate, as though he were already her valet. “Definitely.”

He bent down and kissed it. “Then I am at your service.”

T
hree days later Greg looked at Yvette helplessly. “My brother can’t take him.”

Yvette glanced down at James, who had his eye on a docile rottweiler in one of the cages. She’d taken care of everything. Her apartment was secure. Mrs. Cantrell had promised to water her plants. Her mail had been redirected, and she had given Greg all the instructions on how to run the store in her absence and now she had to take care of one minor problem: James.

“I’ve already had him for two extra days.”

“I tried.”

“Then I guess it’s the shelter.”

“You mean you can’t keep him?”

“No, I’m about to embark on a wonderful journey and there’s only room for one. No dogs allowed.”

Greg shook his head, disappointed. “You two make a great pair.”

“And he’ll make someone else very happy.” She patted Greg on the arm, ready to leave. “Now you’re in charge. Good luck.”

“You, too.”

But luck wasn’t on her side that day. At the Delores Fry Animal Shelter they told her they didn’t have room. She drove an hour and a half to another location, but a moment after she entered the overcrowded waiting room filled with an assortment of dogs and cats and their disgruntled owners, who shouted or cried at the frazzled clerk, Yvette and James returned to her car.

“Okay,” she said as she drove away. “I guess I’m stuck with you for a little while longer.” She glanced at him and thought she detected a canine smirk. “We will find you a new home soon. Unfortunately, that has to wait. I have a date with destiny.”

The Golchester Apartments were not hard to spot. They were a large stately structure near the heart of the city down on the water with a guard at the gate. She’d been to the residence before to groom a bichon frise. The guard smiled as she passed him. Inside the building, Yvette struggled with her luggage, a bouquet of now-wilted flowers and James on a leash. When she reached 2641 she used her elbow to ring the doorbell.

Nate opened the door. When he saw her, his face turned to fury. “What the hell is going on?”

Yvette squeezed past him, trying not to trip over King and Queen who came up to greet her and James. “I know I told you I wouldn’t have James, but things became complicated.”

He took her bags. “I’m not talking about the dog. I mean someone should have helped you with your luggage.”

“I didn’t see anyone when I took the elevator.”

He paused. “Which elevator did you take?”

“The one around back close to the parking lot. I’ve taken it before.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Was it really large?”

“Yes.”

He sighed. “That’s the delivery entrance. You’re supposed to go to the one in front.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll have to show you later.”

She shoved the flowers into his chest. “Here.”

“What are these for?”

“I thought it would be nice to brighten up the place and…” her words died away as she caught a glimpse of the apartment. The lush exotic plants that decorated the living room made her bouquet look like weeds.

“I’ll find a place to put these.” He made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “Do you like it?”

“No,” she said in a flat tone.

He nearly dropped the bouquet. “What?”

“It’s too wonderful to like.” She glanced up at the crystal chandelier that resembled a burst of fireworks, looked at the African game rug which complemented the Zuni baskets and the array of sculptures and fine artwork, probably originals, that graced the walls. She pointed to a room off to the side. “Will I be sleeping in there?”

He nodded.

“Well, it’s just too big and gorgeous.” She left the living room and went into the kitchen. “Too well equipped.” Yvette could hardly contain her excitement. Each room looked like a page out of
On the Town
magazine. She walked past the dining area to the living room and then stood in front of one of the large windows. “The view is too expansive.” She turned to him and winked. “I don’t know how I will endure staying here for four entire weeks.” She sunk into a couch. “But I will try my best not to complain.”

Nate wouldn’t complain, either. He was going to have a lot of fun looking after Yvette. He was already enjoying her tight jeans and fitted shirt and he could never get over her smile. He would make sure to keep her very happy this month. But he knew he’d have to remind himself to keep his hands off her. His mouth, too. He had no regrets. At that moment when she made him believe his nightmares would end he couldn’t help himself.

He had behaved at the restaurant, at least he’d tried. He’d kept his gaze off her instead of secretly undressing her like he wanted to. Okay, he probably shouldn’t have played with her under the table, but it was a chance he didn’t want to pass up. He thought a walk would have helped. It should have.

Then she went chasing after a woman, bravely read poetry although he knew she felt awkward, then touched him and spoke to him as though she knew his struggle—as if she’d been with him during the sleepless nights—and something in him just opened up. It hadn’t closed since. He watched her as she sat on the couch with her arms out, head back and eyes closed.

He grabbed his keys. “I have to run an errand. If you need anything you have my number.”

“Don’t worry about me.” She waved him away. “I don’t plan to move from this spot for the next hour.”

Cathleen Kerner didn’t get phone calls. So it came as a surprise when her housekeeper, Juanita, came into the living room where she sat with her mother and made that announcement.

When she handed Cathleen the phone, her mother stayed close by, making it clear that she planned to eavesdrop.

“Hello, this is Cathleen,” she said, tentative in case the caller had made a mistake.

“Hi, this is Lewis. The photographer. I was at your house last week.”

Cathleen gripped the phone, her breathing growing shallow. He didn’t need to remind her of who he was. She already had a picture engraved in her mind. His handsome face grew prominent. “Yes, I remember you.”

“The pictures are done.”

“Okay.”

“I’d like to show them to you.”

She glanced at her mother, then squeaked, “To me?”

“Yes, would you be interested?”

Cathleen swallowed; she could feel her mother moving closer. Soon she’d be close enough to sit on her lap. “That would be nice.”

“I think you’ll be pleased. Perhaps we could go for coffee afterward.”

“Okay.” She rolled her eyes.
Why couldn’t she think of anything else to say besides okay?

“See you at four tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“I look forward to it.” He gave her directions to a café not far from where she lived, then hung up.

Cathleen pushed the receiver button, then set it aside. He wanted to show her the pictures and take her out? She couldn’t believe it.

“Well?” Penny demanded. “What was that about?”

Her mother’s harsh voice brought her back to reality. Cathleen took a deep steadying breath, but her words still came out in a rush. “That was the photographer. The pictures are ready. I just have to go pick them up.”

“The photographer called
you?
What do you know about photography? He must have made a mistake. Those artistic types are never organized. I’ll pick them up.”

“Mother, please. I really don’t mind. Your schedule is so busy.”

“It’s not that busy. You’re staying here and I’ll pick them up. When will they be ready?”

Cathleen licked her lips. “Wednesday.” Her lie nearly choked her. She’d never lied to her mother before and if she found out, Cathleen knew she’d be very angry. It was Friday; her mother was always busy on the weekends with her friends. Perhaps she could come up with a good excuse later. Or maybe her mother would forget about the pictures completely. No, she wouldn’t. She’d remember on Wednesday and be angry. The thought of her mother’s anger nearly forced her to tell the truth, but she was already getting ready to leave.

“Wednesday is fine. I’ll straighten him out when I get there.”

The moment her mother was out of the room, Cathleen jumped up and began to pace. Guilt and relief were at war within her.

“What are you doing?” a familiar voice asked.

She spun around, saw Nate and her mood lifted. Any time he came by she never felt alone. She rushed forward and threw her arms around him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

He gave her a kiss and tenderly patted her back. “What’s wrong?”

She drew away. “I just lied to my mother,” she said as though confessing a crime.

“So what?”

“It wasn’t for a worthy cause or anything big.”

“What was the reason?”

She lowered her gaze.

He lifted her chin. “You know you can tell me.”

“So I could see a man,” she whispered.

“Good for you.”

She frowned, certain he was making fun of her. “This is serious.”

“I know.” He sat and sank into the couch. “What’s his name?”

“Lewis.” She sat down beside him, nervously pressing her hands between her knees. “He’s a photographer. You might remember him. He came to take the pictures of Binky.”

“Yes, I do remember.” Nate clicked his tongue in sympathy. “Aunty would never approve.”

Cathleen wrung her hands. “I know. Perhaps I should tell her—”

Nate straightened. “No, you won’t tell her anything.” He rested a brotherly arm around her. “Go out. Have fun. You’re a grown woman.”

“But I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Sure you can.”

She kept her gaze on her lap. “I’ve never been on a date before. I’ve never been out on my own with a man. Although it’s not really a date, it’s going to sort of feel like a date, even if it’s just coffee. I don’t know why he would want to have coffee with me.” She looked up at Nate in panic. “What should I say or do?”

Nate gently squeezed her. “You’ll be fine. Be yourself. That’s the person he wants to see.” He kissed her on the forehead. “I approve. He obviously has excellent taste.”

“Thank you. You always make me feel better.” Cathleen hugged him tight. Tighter than she needed to.

Nate pulled away. “Don’t.”

She brushed away tears. “Sorry, I can’t help it. When I think about last year. It was so horrible.”

“Then don’t think about it.”

“It’s not that easy. I don’t know how you can be so apathetic about it.”

He glanced toward the patio. “I don’t have a choice.”

“Still don’t want to talk about it?”

He stood, his voice harsh. “I never want to talk about it.”

She looked up at him. “But it still bothers you. You’re still not sleeping. I can tell. What did the doctor say?”

“What she always says.”

“Will you—”

He rested his hands on his hips. “I didn’t come to talk about me.”

“Why did you come?”

He scratched his head. “I have to ask your mother a favor.”

Cathleen bit her lip. “Oh, dear.”

“I’m optimistic.” He held his hand out to her.

She took it and he lifted her to her feet. “Why?”

“Because you’re going to help me.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“I need to convince her to do something.”

Cathleen laughed. “Convince my mother? That will take a miracle.”

“Perhaps, but first let me tell you what I’m up to.”

“Absolutely not,” Penny said. She stared at her nephew as though he’d just asked her to walk naked down the street. “Introduce some dog groomer to my friends?”

They sat in the sunroom where a crystal pitcher of iced tea, bite-size sandwiches and pastries were displayed on the table. “She only does that as a hobby,” Nate said. “She’s come into some money and needs the right connections.”

“Well, they won’t be my mine.”

Nate took one of Binky’s paws. “I see they’re not as tender as before. You took her advice.”

Penny stroked Binky’s coat.

Cathleen reached over to touch Binky, but her mother slapped her hand away. Cathleen rubbed her hand. “She seems happier.”

“Nobody asked you.” Penny looked at Nate. “The girl knows dogs. I’ll give her that. But that’s all. I don’t care how much money she has come into, there’s a difference between being rich and being wealthy and it’s called class.”

Nate took a sip of his iced tea and cringed. “Where’s the sugar?”

“Sugar is a Southern thing. That’s why they’re all fat down there; they put sugar in everything. Drink it natural.”

Nate pushed his glass away, wisely not glancing at her plump figure or reminding her of their Southern ancestors. “Now about Yvette—”

“No.”

“What was the name of your first husband? Didn’t his father slaughter hogs or something?”

His aunt sent him a warning look. “Nathaniel.”

Cathleen shook her head. “No, they were turkeys.”

Penny stared at her daughter, outraged. “Cathleen!”

Nate tapped the side of his glass. “I guess that means you’re just rich.”

Penny pursed her lips, then became resigned under Nate’s intense stare. “Ellen is holding a get-together. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if that girl attended.”

“Her name is Yvette and you will refer to her as Yvette.”

She made an impatient gesture with her hand. “Very well.”

“I know you two will get on.”

“We’ll see,” she said, doubtful.

Nate’s tone hardened. “I know you two will get on.”

Penny nodded, hearing the warning in his tone. “Yes, we will.”

“Good.” He stood and kissed her cheek.

She brushed him away. “Your father called me.”

He shrugged.

“He wants to know if you’ve come to a decision.”

“He’ll get it when I have one.”

“He told me Kim also—”

Nate glanced at his watch. “Damn, I’m going to be late. See you later.” He dashed out of the room.

Cathleen followed him to the front door. “Why are you doing this for Yvette?”

“It’s a little experiment.”

“Some experiments tend to blow up.”

“Maybe, but I’m willing to take the risk.”

“Is that the only risk you’re willing to take?”

He paused. “Yes, for now.”

True to her word, when Nate returned to the apartment Yvette was sitting in the same position he’d left her. Except her legs were up and she was resting her head on a large velvet pillow.