Authors: Collette Scott
“Scary, isn’t it?”
“Well, yes. There’s got to be a storm brewing.”
Devlan’s brows rose over his piercing blue eyes. “I can see what you’re getting at, but I have a plan that will ensure my forgiveness. Tomorrow I plan to shop Rodeo Drive to find the perfect ring. I want to make this legit.”
Mike’s eyes widened in surprise, but his face broke into a wide smile. “Glad to hear it, sir. She’s a fine woman.”
“Yes. The finest I’ve ever met.”
“Quite a catch when she doesn’t give a hoot about your money.”
“No,” he said with a chuckle. “Actually she would rather I didn’t have any. That’s one of the best things about her. She accepts me for the man I am, not the money I have. That’s a rare feat.”
“And she’s a rare find. I’m very happy for you, and I hope you’re both happy.”
“Thanks, Mike. As soon as I can get Roxanne out of the way and work on my retirement I plan to make her very happy indeed.”
“Retirement? Does that mean…”
Devlan smiled at Mike. “It does. I’m cutting back on my work. I want to take care of my family. I want to spend more time with them.”
Mike let out a low whistle.
“Let’s take the Mercedes. I hate to get Wills out of bed for this.”
“Very well, sir.”
The two men strode to the garaged vehicle, and Devlan slid behind the driver’s seat. As the engine purred to life, Devlan gave one more glance at Mike. “If you were me, Mike, what would you do?”
“I would grab her before somebody else does.”
Devlan nodded, a smile brightening his angry countenance. “I thought so. Now I just need to explain all this to Roxanne. ”
Chapter 16
Diana sat by the wall of windows in the white living room, the soft leather of the couch caressing her skin like a warm glove. The heavy rain pattered rhythmically against the ceiling high window. The droplets cascaded down the shining glass, and the small rivers caught her attention. With a finger, she traced the path of a single raindrop as it slid down the glass like a lone tear streaming down a smooth cheek. The day was as gloomy as she felt, for Christmas was approaching fast and she had still not seen Devlan since the night on the beach.
Sighing deeply, Diana returned her gaze to the hardcover book on her lap. She was already halfway through, and she had only bought it yesterday. She, Hannah and Lani had gone to Beverly Hills the day before, shopping for Christmas gifts and just to have fun. Although the area was not quite what she had envisioned from the movies and television, it was the shopping trip of a lifetime. It was yet another moment in her life that she would remember always.
Not willing to forget her host, Diana and Hannah had chosen Devlan’s Christmas gifts. Hannah had picked a sweatshirt that sported a child on a man’s shoulders and read ‘World’s Greatest Dad’. Although Diana had objected, her stubborn child was adamant and stomped her feet so hard that tears had flooded her eyes.
Diana had also found the perfect gift for him. It took her a lot of soul searching, for what could she buy for the man who could have whatever he wanted? But she knew the one thing he could not just take, one thing that he could only borrow. Hannah and Diana had treated themselves to a photo session dressed in fancy new clothes. To go with it, Diana purchased a costly frame with her own money and was having the items delivered on Christmas Eve.
The day had been perfect, although Diana had run out of steam a lot faster than the others did. It seemed to be the growing trend. Lately she was tired all the time, with absolutely no true reason for it. She had no idea why.
Of course now it was getting easier to go out with Hannah since she was continuing her recovery. She had put aside her cane, and Diana was sure that with Lani’s help she would regain the full use of her leg in a matter of weeks. As good as that sounded, it also meant that she would be free to leave Malibu – and Devlan.
With growing trepidation, Diana faced the reality of it all. Her fairytale existence was fast coming to a close. As hungry as he had been for her during their vacation, his desire for her did not overpower the demands of his friend and his work now that they were back on the mainland. He had always been so charming and open, but not once had he given her any indication of wanting her to stay when Hannah was better. In fact, his last reference to their relationship was that of a fling, and he appeared to have completely forgotten about them both now that their trip was over. That certainly did not bode well for any type of future.
Devlan had taken Roxanne to the hospital the night of the beach incident, and stayed in the city for the next two days. He had called to tell her that Roxanne was going to be fine, but he was too busy at work to come home. Then he was again called to New York. It had been two weeks already and he had yet to return.
Christmas was now only four days away. Devlan had called Mrs. Maclean the afternoon before and told her to hire a cook for a large Christmas dinner. With bated breath, the entire household assumed he would try to be home for that, but Diana felt that she would believe it when she saw it.
“Mrs. Somerset?”
Diana glanced up to see Mrs. Maclean standing in the doorway. Diana smiled in greeting and placed down her book. “Hello, Mrs. Maclean.”
“Mrs. Somerset, you have a visitor,” Mrs. Maclean said. The older woman appeared nervous, with her hands first twisting her apron and then smoothing it down.
Diana frowned in surprise and came to her feet. “I have a visitor?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said, her gray head bobbing. “It’s Miss Lemieux.”
Diana’s breath caught. Suddenly the room began to feel warm. “Roxanne?”
“Yes, ma’am. She’d like to speak with you.”
Before Diana could reply, the raven-haired beauty strode in. She appeared devastatingly beautiful in a white fur sweater and black leather pants. Her hair was flowing loosely down her back, and a wide red belt cinched in her narrow waist. Diana suddenly felt awkward and small next to this highly polished professional. She hated to admit that Roxanne Lemieux’s startling beauty was perfect for Devlan’s debonair good looks.
“Hello Miss Lemieux, it’s nice to meet you,” Diana said, holding out her hand.
Roxanne entered the room, leaving behind her the lingering smell of a costly perfume. She took in the magnificent living room with its fifteen-foot ceilings and smiled in approval. As she looked around, Diana stepped forward to greet her. She dismissed Diana’s hand with a wave and entered further, crossing to the tall windows and glancing out at the pool below.
“You know, Devlan and I picked out this house together. It was to be our home when we married. Malibu is private, and you know how much Devlan likes his privacy.”
Diana watched Roxanne with a pained expression. She was no fool to realize that Roxanne was here for a reason, the question was - what?
“You would know better than I,” she answered carefully.
Her hand fell to her side where it brushed against her tattered jeans. Next to Roxanne she felt plain, ugly, simple. It was like a glass of cold water in the face. Roxanne glanced at her with a sly look. It was the look of a cat that had swallowed the canary. Despite the outward show of friendliness, there was a palpable tension filling the air. Diana felt ill at ease.
“I do, don’t I?” she said with a smile. “And I am just learning quite a bit about our handsome mutual friend.”
Diana felt the urge to sit down, so strong was the dread settling in the pit of her stomach. She was too tired to fight, and she assumed that was why Roxanne was here. Taking in a shaky breath for courage, she attempted to smile. “You are?”
“Yes, well word leaked out today in the papers about his Christmas plans. Have you heard yet?”
Roxanne spun around to look at Diana, and her wide gray eyes watched for her reaction carefully. Seeing this, Diana schooled her features to remain impassive. After all those years with Peter and his ridicule, Diana was sure that she could maintain a poker face. With every ounce of strength she had within her, she held herself proud and emotionless.
“I don’t usually watch TV,” she admitted with an apologetic shrug.
Roxanne again smiled, knowing full well that Diana had watched the night of her birthday. It was the night that Roxanne had called; the night of the charity when Devlan had left her home alone. Diana remembered clearly what Roxanne had said.
“Ah, I see. Well, I had a minor accident a couple of weeks ago and had to go to the hospital. Dev realized just how close he was to losing me and proposed right there on the spot. Now our little secret is out. He picked up the ring a couple of weeks ago. He had told me that he wanted to talk to you and his niece first, but I figured that since he was out of town I’d stop in to say hello and pass on the good news.”
Diana’s heart came to a sudden stop before starting again in a rapid tempo. Her chest felt tight, as though a ton of bricks prevented her from breathing. Her head was spinning as she considered whether Roxanne was telling the truth.
Had there been any indication?
Yes, she thought wildly, Devlan had told her he needed to speak with her. It had been the very last thing he had said to her. Perhaps all this time he was afraid to tell her. Maybe that was why he had stayed away. Roxanne’s chatter echoed in her ears, slowly drawing her attention back.
“I was so excited and just had to tell someone. I figured we should start to get to know each other. Especially since we’ll be in close quarters until your daughter gets better.”
Diana’s world slid out from under her feet. She began to tremble in earnest. As badly as she longed to collapse into the soft sofa, she continued to hold her ground. Still, it was a tremendous effort to stay on her feet.
“Well, uh, congratulations are due you then,” she stammered. Her voice sounded miles away, shaky and hoarse.
Roxanne’s gaze never left hers, and she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Thank you. I’m glad that we’re going to be family. Even if it’s only for a short time. I hear that your trip to Hawaii last month really did wonders for your daughter.”
“Yes, she’s healing quickly.”
Not quickly enough!
“I think that’s great news. She’s a good influence on Devlan. He’s suddenly more perceptive to children. I’m really so glad you’re here.”
“I’m sure,” Diana muttered.
“Yes, because now he’s eager to have his own children. You know, to pass on his name. I told him that he’d have to wait at least a year or two. I’m still in my prime, you know.”
“I can see that.”
A sleek eyebrow lifted before she smiled again. “Ah, well, as much as I’d love to stay and chat, I really have to get going. I’m planning on moving my things over after the holidays. I have to go to Italy, but when I get back we’re going to start making plans. It’s so exciting.”
A pained smile passed over Diana’s lips, but she nodded in understanding. “I know. I’ve been there once myself.”
“That’s true. You have already been married. Well, me too. Second time is always the best they say. We’ll see.”
“I wish you the best,” she murmured.
“Yeah, thanks.” She raised her brows. “You know, Devlan told me how beautiful your daughter is. Maybe we can find a spot for her in the wedding party.”
“Maybe,” Diana echoed, although she knew she and Hannah would be gone by then.
“Again, we’ll see after the holidays.”
Diana could feel the tears welling in her eyes. It was getting increasingly difficult to hold them in. Children? Had he not panicked when they had unprotected sex? Did he not tell her that it would have to be something discussed and agreed upon?
Apparently only when it involved her.
“I understand that Mrs. Maclean already hired a chef for Christmas dinner, so I guess I can leave you to handle the rest of the dinner plans for now. I’ll be working right up to Christmas Eve.”
All of Roxanne’s chattering was driving her to distraction. Right then she desperately wanted to do was go and lie down. She nodded distractedly. “Of course.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you in a couple of days, Diana. May I call you Diana?”
“Naturally.”
“Well good, Diana. Tell Hannah her Aunt Roxanne said hello and happy holidays.”
“I will, thank you,” she muttered.
Roxanne slipped out as easily as she had sailed in, leaving behind her the lingering smell of her strong perfume and the tattered remains of Diana’s heart.
Pleading a migraine, Diana remained hidden for the rest of the day. At one point she began to doze, her sleepiness overpowering her will to think. After a brief nap on the living room sofa, Diana sat silently with her chin resting on her knees. She stared blindly out into the rain, watching the wind tossed waves crash onto the beach. Tears blurred her vision and filled her eyes as sadness washed over her.
All along you knew this would happen.
However, Devlan’s callousness had taken her completely by surprise. He had always been so courteous and open. Why could he not tell her himself?