Love's Deception (7 page)

L
iz spent the day thankful Carissa hadn’t come into the office. Since she hadn’t had time to find a new day care, she had no choice but to bring Darius to work with her. As usual, he remained quiet and stayed out of the way for most of the day. Whenever a coworker attempted to speak to him, he’d retreat behind his mother’s chair and refuse to speak.

Liz was at a loss to explain his behavior.

“Well, he seems to be a sweet boy,” Adelle replied, shaking her head. “He’ll grow out of it. I know my son was shy at his age. By the time he reached five, he’d turned into a hellion.”

“Darius
is
five.” Liz exhaled.”

“Oh.”

“But maybe you’re right. He can still grow out of it,” Liz said, looking up to her coworker and friend. “There are days I have my doubt. I wonder if it’s because there isn’t a father figure in his life.”

“Now, honey, don’t go blaming yourself. Everything will work out. Take my word on it.” Adelle patted her hand and strode off.

Darius eased from behind her chair and returned to the coloring book spread out at the end of her desk. Sadly, she watched him out of the corner of her eye. Maybe she should check into taking him to a child psychologist.

Expelling a frustrated sigh, she wondered where on earth she’d find money for that in her budget. Lord, she was tired. Between her job, her grandmother and Darius, the candle she burned at both ends had finally met in the center.

“Well, baby, it’s almost five o’clock. Mommy has to run these reports over to Hunter’s secretary, then we can go home. Can you sit here and be a good boy until I get back?”

Darius looked up and nodded. “Are we still going to McDonald’s on the way home?”

“Yes, sir. A promise is a promise,” she said, standing. “I’ll be right back.”

Quietly, Darius began putting his crayons back into the box. But no sooner had his mother turned the corner than a heavy baritone voice caused him to jump out of his skin.

“Hello there, little fella,” Nathan greeted him,
smiling down at the boy. “Can you tell me where I can find a Ms. Townsend?”

The boy just stared up at him.

“I was told her office was up here.” Nathan frowned. “Do you happen to know who I’m talking about?”

Still there was no response.

“Okay.” Nathan rubbed the side of his head to ensure he hadn’t grown an extra head. “I bet your mommy taught you not to talk to strangers, didn’t she?”

To his amazement, the boy nodded.

“Well, that’s a good rule. I’m sure your mommy is very proud of you for being obedient.” He gave the boy a genuine smile. “Now it seems I still have a bit of a problem. I’m lost and I really don’t want you to get in trouble with your mother.” Nathan stroked his chin as if in deep thought, and then he noticed the coloring book.

“I know.” He snapped his fingers. “How about you draw me a map to Ms. Townsend’s desk. You think you can do that?”

Darius smiled, then shook his head.

Nathan playfully eyed him suspiciously. “I’m beginning to think that you don’t even know Ms. Townsend.”

“Yes, I do,” Darius blurted out, then slapped his small hand across his mouth.

Nathan mimicked him. “Uh-oh. You spoke.”

Darius giggled behind his hand.

“I guess that means that you have to go ahead and tell me where this Ms. Townsend is.”

The boy’s eyes seemed to twinkle during the brief silence.

“She’s my mommy.”

“Well, how about that.” Nathan crossed his arms while maintaining his smile. “I would have never thought that Ms. Townsend had raised such an impressive-looking young man. You must be what—eight years old?”

“Five.”

“Is that right?”

“I don’t believe what I’m hearing.”

Nathan looked up to see an attractive woman approaching them, smiling.

“My son never speaks to strangers.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get the little man in any trouble.”

Darius grabbed his mother’s hand. “He said he was looking for you, Mommy.”

“Is that right?”

Nathan watched the exchange, puzzled by the woman’s sudden tears. “Ma’am, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, no. You haven’t upset me.” She sat behind the desk and reached for a tissue.

“That remains to be seen,” he mumbled under his breath.

“Oh, Mommy is so proud of you.” She pulled her son into a fierce hug and rocked with him.

Nathan looked around, half expecting a camera crew to announce that he was the subject of some practical joke.

“I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” she asked, releasing her son and offering him her hand. “I’m Elizabeth Townsend, C. J. Cartel’s administrative assistant. You must be Nathan Edwards.”

He accepted her hand. “How did you guess?”

“You bear a striking resemblance to your father.”

Their hands lowered as Nathan nodded.

“I want to thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I know it may seem a bit odd, but I just want to know what happened.” He noticed her smile falter, but it quickly returned.

“Won’t you have a seat?” She gestured to a chair to the right of her desk.

She was stalling, he knew, but he managed to return her smile and accept her offer. “Thank you.”

“Well, there isn’t much to tell,” she began. “Cartel Enterprises has recently acquired your father’s company, Edwards Electronics. However, Mr. Edwards wasn’t too happy about the acquisition.”

“So it was like a hostile takeover?”

“I guess you can say that.”

He could tell the conversation made her uneasy. “Then what happened?”

“Mr. Edwards came here pretty irate the other day and stormed past me to see Cartel. For a couple of minutes I could hear him yelling from my desk.”

“So they were in a heated argument?”

Liz shook her head. “Cartel is not one to yell. And like I said, your father’s voice was the only one I heard out here.”

Nathan pictured this Cartel to be one tough businessman. In the back of his mind, he wondered where he’d heard the name C. J. Cartel before.

“Anyway,” Liz continued, “the next thing I know, the office was quiet. A minute later, my boss buzzed me over the intercom to call 911.”

“I see,” he said, crossing his arms. He stared at her to evaluate whether there was something she wasn’t telling him.

“I wish there were more I could tell you.” Her sympathetic gaze returned his stare.

“Where is your boss now?”

Liz blinked. “Cartel’s not in today.”

“When will he be in?”

She hesitated, and he wondered what she was hiding. “I’m not sure.”

“Is he out of town?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You’re not sure?” He thought of Gina and couldn’t imagine her not knowing where he was at all times. “I tell you what. Why don’t I leave my name and number and you can relay to your boss that I would like to schedule a meeting with him.” He smiled. “If that isn’t too much to ask.”

Liz nodded and took down the information. “I’ll make sure that he gets this.”

“Thank you.” His gaze shifted to her son. “I’ll see you around, little man.”

Darius smiled. “Bye.”

Liz’s mouth fell open.

Carissa was exhausted. She hated shopping—always had. And after her aunt had dragged her to more than a dozen stores, her feelings were reinforced. Especially since, in the end, they only purchased a bottle of her aunt’s favorite perfume.

By the time they arrived at Justin’s, she was famished.

“I’m having a wonderful time,” Helena said, picking up a menu. “After we eat here, I’d like to go over to Club Mirage. I hear the Black Chippendales are performing tonight.”

“You want to go to a club—to see strippers?” Carissa asked, astonished.

Helena chuckled. “Don’t tell me that the party train has rolled to a stop. I thought we were going to paint the town red tonight.”

Carissa held up her hand. “Okay, okay. A promise is a promise.”

“Good.” Pleased, Helena smiled. “Trust me. We’re going to have a great time.”

“I just bet we are.”

“Sweetheart, why don’t you ever wear your hair down? You have beautiful hair.”

“Thanks. But I like it up.”

“You’re too uptight. I’m going to make it my personal goal to loosen you up by the time I leave.”

“Is that right?”

“I see I have my work cut out for me. But I’ve never been able to walk away from a challenge.”

Carissa laughed. “At least we have one thing in common.”

A waiter appeared. “Can I get you ladies something to drink?”

While Helena placed their drink orders, a familiar face caught Carissa’s attention out of the corner of her eye. When she leaned over to get a better view around her aunt, the image disappeared.

“What is it?” Helena turned to follow her gaze.

“I guess nothing.” Carissa shrugged. “I just thought I saw my VP. That’s all.”

“I know what you need.” Helena clapped her hands, already jumping to the next subject. “A makeover. Wouldn’t you like that?”

“What’s wrong with the way I look now?” Carissa asked defensively.

“Nothing, sweetheart. I think you’re beautiful. I just thought that you’d want to try a
new
look.”

The waiter reappeared with their drinks, allowing Carissa time to cool down. At this rate, she doubted if she would survive this visit.

“Besides, sweetheart. A woman should look her best at all times.”

“You’re starting to give me a complex.”

“I mean it, Risa. When was the last time you were on a date? And I don’t mean a business date. I mean a
real
date.”

“I don’t have time for a relationship right now. Hell, I’m practically married to Cartel Enterprises.”

Helena shuddered. “What a dreadful marriage.”

“It’s not that bad. There’s a lot of satisfaction being president of a successful company. I mean, there are plenty of women who’d love to be in my shoes.”

“I can’t think of a single person,” Helena cut in. “What about success as a woman? Don’t you ever dream of settling down and raising your two point five children?”

“What on earth is half a kid?”

Her aunt gave her a stern look. “You know what I mean. You’ve already confessed to being tired of the rat race of corporate America. Now you’re trying to recant and tell me how much you love the business.”

“Okay, so it’s more like a love-hate relationship.” Carissa shrugged. “I mean there are days I’m proud of all the things I’ve accomplished.”

“And you should be. I have to admit, I didn’t think that you’d last this long. But I miss my old Risa. The one that wanted to be a dancer.”

Carissa laughed at that. “Trust me. My dancing days are long gone.”

Helena watched her intently. “Don’t you ever wonder what could have been?”

“Living in the land of ‘what ifs’ can drive a person insane. You, of all people, should know that.”

“Now what is that supposed to mean?” Helena asked indignantly.

“Six marriages?” Carissa whispered above her
drink. “I love you dearly, but do you really think that you’re the one to counsel me about marital bliss?”

“Cheap shot.”

“Be that as it may, I’m right.”

Helena’s smile became forced. “All right. So I may not have been exactly successful in the marriage arena. But one of these days I plan on changing that.”

“By painting every town you visit red?”

“It’s better than cozying up to a cold laptop every night and suppressing my dreams.”

Carissa leaned back in her chair and stared at her aunt. “Are we fighting?”

“It wasn’t my intention.” Helena took a sip of her margarita and, once again, reined in her temper. “I just want to see you happy. Is that too much to ask?”

For the first time that night, Carissa’s smile was genuine. “No. It’s not too much to ask.”

In the next instant, Carissa’s heart stopped at the sound of a familiar voice.

“Carissa?”

Both women turned and looked up into the handsome features of Nathan Edwards.

“N
athan?” Carissa questioned in a voice that she didn’t recognize. “What are you doing here?”

“Believe it or not, I’m actually going to eat a meal. I decided to take your advice and wean myself of coffee.”

Helena cleared her throat.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Aunt Helena, I’d like for you to meet Nathan
Edwards
. Nathan, this is my aunt Helena.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” His head descended to kiss the back of her aunt’s hand.

“What a charmer.” Helena’s eyes sparkled with delight. She lowered her hand and looked around him. “Are you here alone?”

“Actually, it seems I’ve been stood up. My stepfa
ther left a message with the host that he’d been called away on business.”

“I can’t imagine anyone standing you up.” Helena flirted with expertise.

Carissa’s gaze shot to her aunt as her brows heightened. The woman was shameless.

“Well, you’re more than welcome to join us. I’m sure Risa won’t mind.”

Carissa sent a swift kick to Helena’s shin.

“Ouch.”

“Risa?”

Carissa cringed. But when his dark gaze centered on her, her pulse rose.

“I like it,” he said. “It suits you.”

She returned his smile, yet felt too embarrassed to respond.

“Well, it does appear that I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go. And I am famished.”

“Then that settles it,” Helena declared. “You’ll have dinner with us, right, Risa?”

Carissa’s mouth fell. This was a train wreck waiting to happen. Helena and Nathan waited for her to speak.

“I’d love it if you could join us,” she finally managed to respond.

“Great.” Helena’s smile brightened.

Nathan took a vacant seat. “It looks like we ended up having dinner together after all.”

“Well, I hope you don’t mind my chaperoning.” Helena forced herself into the conversation.

“Not at all.” Nathan returned his attention to her.
“I’m dining with two beautiful women instead of one. What man can ask for more?”

“You are adorable.” Helena edged her chair closer.

Carissa watched her aunt’s outrageous tactics, surprised by the instant pool of jealousy swirling in the pit of her stomach.

Helena reached out to pat Nathan’s hand. “Risa told me about what happened with your father. I’m truly sorry.”

“Thank you.” He turned back toward Carissa. “Except for our rocky introduction, your niece has been a great shoulder to cry on.”

Another wave of embarrassment darkened Carissa’s face.

“My father is a lucky man to have you in his life.”

“Come again?” Helena’s eyes widened, then darted between the couple.

“Please, don’t mention it. I feel honor-bound to visit him while he’s in the hospital.”

“Sir, can I get you anything to drink?”

While Nathan was distracted placing his drink order, Helena passed Carissa a stern look as she mouthed the words, “What’s going on?”

“Well, ladies. Have we decided on what to order?” Nathan asked before Carissa could answer her aunt.

The waiter stood waiting.

“I have,” Carissa lied, then called out the first thing her eyes landed on in the menu.

“Why is everything served with grits?” Helena inquired, surprised.

“I guess it’s a Southern thing.” Nathan laughed, then placed his order.

After they’d made their orders, Carissa was relieved that the conversation shifted to Nathan and his career as a photographer. She listened, fascinated, as he told stories of his travels abroad.

Then Helena took the wheel, and within five minutes, she wheedled out of him that the man wasn’t involved in a serious relationship, he was financially secure, and he had no children. Carissa was impressed, but suspected that any moment her aunt was going to request references. She had spent a whole night talking to the man, and had come up empty.

Dinner arrived and Nathan’s animated stories continued. Carissa was soon imagining herself in the wilds of Africa, or the mystic beauty of India. Better yet, what would those places be like with a man like him?

As he talked, she couldn’t help but study his features. It didn’t seem right that a man possessed such long curly lashes. And that smile. The man could easily be a poster ad for Colgate.

“Well, enough about me. I must be boring you ladies.” He did manage to look embarrassed at his conclusion.

“Not at all,” Helena reassured him. “I swear if I were a few years younger, I’d try my best to convince you to take me on one of your wild adventures.”

A few years?
Carissa frowned.

“I would be more than happy to take you anytime you like,” he boasted.

Jealousy reared its ugly head and Carissa struggled to pacify the demon. Why didn’t she inherit her aunt’s flirtatious nature? In fact, she downright felt like the ugly goose sitting next to Helena. Maybe she should reconsider that makeover.

“You know, Risa knows quite a bit about modeling,” Helena bragged.

“Let’s not talk about that right now,” Carissa warned. She would absolutely die if her aunt started regaling Nathan about her short modeling stint when she was a toddler.

“Is that right? I had a feeling you were a model. I bet the camera just loves you.” His gaze slid over her features. “I know I would love to photograph you.”

Helena cleared her voice. “I think I need to powder my nose. Risa, do you mind coming with me?”

Carissa blinked to break the hypnotic spell of his eyes. “Uh, yes. Of course. Will you excuse us?”

“Sure.” He stood as they left the table.

Seconds later, Helena had her cornered in the restroom. “That man is crazy about you. You’d be a fool to toss that fish back in the pond.”

“Cut me a break, Auntie. The man thinks I’m involved with his father. Nurse Anne probably told him I’m Travis’s fiancée.”

“Then tell him the truth. I’m sure he’ll understand that you had to lie about your relationship in order to visit his father.”

“Oh, really?” Carissa crossed her arms. “Do you
also propose that I tell him that I’m the reason his father is lying in the hospital in the first place?”

Helena bit her lip.

“I didn’t think so. Like I told you before, the best thing for me to do is steer clear of him. I shouldn’t be dining with him, pretending to be someone I’m not.”

“But the man is obviously fond of you. Surely—”

“Trust me, Auntie. I know what I’m doing on this. After tonight, I have no plans on ever seeing that man again.”

Nathan stood and pulled out their chairs when they returned.

“I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long,” Helena said, taking her seat.

“Of course not. I was afraid I had actually chased you ladies off. I tend to get a little carried away when I start talking about my work.”

“Don’t be silly. We’ve enjoyed your company.”

He glanced toward Carissa, puzzled by her tight smile. Something was wrong. The group fell silent and retreated to their own private thoughts.

“You know, there is something I would love to show you,” Helena exclaimed, startling Nathan at the sudden outburst.

“Risa, can I see your car keys? I want to get something from the car.”

“What?” Carissa eyes her suspiciously.

“It’s a surprise.”

Carissa’s eyes narrowed.

“Please? I promise it’s nothing that would embarrass you.”

Nathan wasn’t sure of what was going on, but he sensed Helena was up to something.

Reluctantly, Carissa retrieved the keys from her purse.

“Thank you. I’ll be right back.” She stood, then winked at him as she strode from the table.

She’s definitely up to something
, he confirmed to himself.

Once they were alone, Nathan leaned forward. “I hope I haven’t done something to upset you. I’ll feel terrible if you really didn’t want me to join you. I swear I don’t make a habit of imposing on people.”

His apologetic look made her feel ashamed of her behavior. But heaven knew she couldn’t help it. Whenever the man was near, she went from a strong, independent woman to an insecure, jealousy-prone idiot. “There’s really no need for you to apologize. It’s me. I just really had a rough day. I’m glad you joined us for dinner.”

Nathan had his doubts.

“Really,” she added, covering his hand for emphasis. But the moment her hand made contact, her heart skipped a beat.

His gaze lowered. Then he placed his free hand atop hers.

She felt dizzy at the exquisite feel of his caress.
How was it possible that such large hands could feel so soft?

When his gaze returned to her face, his brows were heightened with curiosity. “No engagement ring?”