Читать книгу The Mysterious Twin - Leona Karr - Страница 15

Kyle had been betting with himself that Jill Gordon would show up for dinner in some sexy outfit, but he wasn’t prepared for the sudden start he experienced when he saw her in the doorway. Her honey-blond hair was swept up in a casual twist, and silver earrings glittering like moving stars framed her lovely face. As she came toward him, the soft material of her red dress rippled over long silk stockings and clung to her waist and breasts.

“Lovely,” he repeated, and tightened the hold on his glass as he greeted her. She was one sexy female.

“Thank you. I wasn’t certain whether or not I should dress for dinner, but I see that I made the right choice,” she said as she let her eyes travel over his jacket, pleated white shirt and gold cuff links. Dark eyebrows accented his dark brown eyes and a generous mouth was nicely framed with a dimpled chin and firm cheeks. He was what Jill would have called “drop-dead handsome.”

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make this an occasion,” he answered smoothly. “Your first night here should be treated as something special. Putting our best foot forward, so to speak.”

“Do you do that for all the new help?”

He mentally stiffened. There was a depth to her eyes that was disconcerting. The usual bland flattery wasn’t working the way he expected. Above everything else, he didn’t want to alert her to the fact that her presence here was anything beyond her duties as a nanny.

“Hugo gave instructions to make you welcome,” he said smoothly. “May I offer you a drink? I don’t want to brag but my skills as a bartender are equal to any challenge.”

For some perverse reason, Ashley remembered a popular drink the college students had touted for a while. Before she had time to think about it, she said, “How about Sex on the Beach?”

He was tempted to ask if that was an offer, but he restrained himself. This was the good-time, party girl that he’d been expecting. In a way, he was relieved. Keeping Jill Gordon happy might be easier than he thought.

He set down his Scotch and soda. “Sex on the Beach coming up. I’ll make you the best one you ever had.”

That won’t be hard, since I’ve never had one, thought Ashley, already put-out with herself for not asking for her usual daiquiri. Now she had one more thing she’d have to warn her twin about when they switched places. Asking Jill what she was drinking nowadays had never occurred to her. It would be just like Jill to say, “I never drink anything but martinis.”

“Here you go.” Kyle handed her a bubbling pink drink, and waited for her to take a sip.

“Mmmm,” Ashley murmured, hoping she was making the right response. The drink had a pleasant punch flavor, but she worried about how much of a kick was hidden in its sweetness.

He picked up the small pitcher that contained the remainder of her drink, and set it on the dining table where two places had been set facing each other. “Gerta will be serving in a few minutes. She knows I like to enjoy a drink before dinner. Please sit down, Jill. May I call you, Jill?” he asked as he guided in her chair.

“Yes, of course,” she said, trying to quell a nervous tightening in her stomach. How in the world could she avoid the dangerous pitfalls inherent in any idle dinner conversation when the truth must be laced with lies?

“First names seem better all around even though Hugo frowns on too much familiarity amongst the staff,” he said. “We all toe the mark when he’s around, but you know the old adage—when the cat’s away.” He took the chair opposite her. “I’m delighted to have such a vivacious dinner partner. Since we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, we might as well get better acquainted.”

Ashley tried to keep a pleasant smile on her face as she fought off a rising sense of panic. Now what? He obviously expected some entertaining table conversation. What if he started asking her questions whose answers he already knew?

Deciding offense was her own defense, she asked, “Where’d you learn to tend bar?”

Kyle set down his drink slowly. The question took him by surprise because he’d expected the conversation to totally revolve around Jill Gordon. From what he’d heard, this gal pretty much commanded the center of attention wherever she went. “A pretty dull story,” he parried. “Not the kind to interest a pretty lady.”

“Try me,” she challenged, steadily meeting his eyes over the rim of her glass.

“All right.” He leaned back in the chair. “My father had a small tavern in a New York Irish ghetto, where I grew up. We lived in a flat above the bar, and I guess I was more at home working with my pa than upstairs with my five sisters and my mother. What about you? Where’d you learn to appreciate Sex on the Beach—the drink, I mean?” he added with a flirtatious grin.

“I’ve been to a few parties,” Ashley said lightly, resenting his suggestive tone. Jill’s personal life was none of Kyle Stone’s business. He was, after all, just an employee of Hugo Vandenburg, as she was. The way he’d deftly turned the conversation back onto her made it difficult to keep the questions going in his direction. She sensed that there was a war of sorts going on between them.

“What about your family?” he prodded.

She stalled, lifting her glass to her lips again, and suddenly realized that her drink was nearly gone. Never in her life had she drunk a cocktail so fast.

“Here, let me fill that up,” Kyle said as he saw her looking at her glass. She was a drinker, all right, he thought as he took the pitcher and filled her glass again. She had downed her drink in record time. His orders were to make sure that her stay as nanny was a successful one, even if he had to pick up the slack with the children. Keeping her on the job was going to be one heck of a challenge if she were a lush. Just his luck that he’d have to put an inebriated Jill Gordon to bed her first night here. Where was Gerta with the food?

As Ashley watched him fill her glass again, she realized that in her nervousness she’d consumed the first drink much too fast. The clear thoughts she needed so desperately in order to get through this dinner without a catastrophe were already becoming fuzzy. Her sister would never forgive her if she fouled up everything the first night here. I have to keep the talk general and away from any personal revelations, she told herself. She already had the feeling that Kyle knew enough about Jill to make any conversation a minefield.

As she let her gaze wander around the room, searching for some neutral topic, she murmured, “Very nice decor.”

“Hugo renovated the whole house last winter,” Kyle said, glancing at his watch.

Ashley pretended interest in the ivory-and-burgundy floral wallpaper and framed prints of southern colonial life hung in an artistic grouping above the mirrored buffet. As her gaze moved to a corner of the room, she suddenly stiffened, blinked and stared. Were her eyes deceiving her?

“What’s the matter?” he asked, seeing her startled expression.

“That freestanding corner cabinet…”

He followed her gaze. “Yes. What’s the matter with it?”

“It looks in perfect condition,” she answered without thinking as her eyes swept over the dark walnut wood. The only time she’d seen one like it was in the textbook she used to teach about life in the colonial period. The cabinet’s fluted pilasters and classical moldings revealed the close relationship between cabinetwork and architecture that was observed in the colonies as early as 1715. There was no doubt in Ashley’s mind that this was a museum piece. She opened her mouth to share this wonderful discovery and then realized from the look on his face that she’d stepped into quicksand. “My aunt had one like that,” she lied.

“Are you interested in antique furniture, Jill?” he asked with a rather mocking smile. “Mr. Vandenburg has a hobby of buying up old estates, you know.”

“No, I didn’t,” she answered truthfully. This was a surprise. From what Jill had said, Ashley hadn’t expected the wealthy man to be a collector.

“You’ll probably find quite a few pieces in the house, as well as old china and porcelain,” he said casually.

“Nice hobby,” she answered in what she hoped was a matter-of-fact tone that would hide her excitement. No telling what treasures the man had picked up if this lovely walnut cupboard was any indication of his tastes, she thought. Her historical studies had created an insatiable passion for beautiful antiques. Maybe she’d have a chance to see some of them before she and Jill switched places. Thinking about her twin brought Ashley up short. She knew it would be out of character for Jill to be interested in “old things.” In fact, she knew what her sister’s response to all of this would be.

“I bet they’re worth a lot of money,” Ashley said.

Kyle smiled. Money. For a few minutes there, her interest in the old cupboard had thrown him an unexpected curve. The pretty lady’s interest in an old cupboard didn’t fit in with the profile that he’d been given. Now, he knew her interest was centered on cold, hard cash.

“I guess there’s a market for that stuff,” he agreed, deciding he’d have to make sure that they kept temptation out of her way. Money was money, and he didn’t want her lifting any gold snuff boxes or rare coins. He knew she was financially stressed, and he’d seen the light of interest in her eyes when he told her about Hugo’s penchant for antiques. Yes, indeed, this gal was going to require a lot more attention than he’d been led to believe. Hugo would have his neck for sure if something happened to even one of his prize acquisitions.

At that moment Gerta came in with the dinner trays. The maid looked harried, and Kyle wondered if her uncle, the cook, had been at her again. Hugo had brought a distant relative of his, Hendrick Heinz, from Germany to cook for him, and Gerta, the cook’s niece, had come along, too. She was a very plain woman in her thirties, and Kyle had decided that she had a personality as colorless as her looks. The only time Gerta showed any animation was when she was fighting with her uncle, and the kitchen rocked as they spewed a volley of German curses at each other. Kyle had learned to give them a wide berth, leaving Mrs. Borsch to deal with the volatile pair. The only saving grace were the wonderful meals that the bombastic Hendrick prepared.

“Thank you, Gerta,” Kyle said, as she began to place covered dishes on the table. Then he smiled at Ashley, “You’re in for a treat. I’ll guarantee that you’ve never tasted better cooking anywhere. The menu is always varied, even when Hugo is gone. I hope you’re not watching that slim figure of yours so much you don’t enjoy good food.”

As his eyes lingered a moment on her tight-fitting dress, Ashley felt a spurt of irritation. Why did she have the feeling he was constantly baiting her?

“Oh, is that a problem for you?” she answered, looking at him with what she hoped was wide-eyed innocence. “Luckily, I’m able to eat whatever I want without worrying. I suppose some people have problems with over-eating.”

As Gerta placed a steaming bowl of lobster bisque in front of her, Ashley smiled at the maid, but she kept her head lowered and avoided any eye contact as she moved around the table.

“Wine?” Kyle offered as he took an iced bottle out of a wine bucket and reached for her goblet.

“No, thank you,” Ashley said quickly. She was still feeling the effects of her first drink, and was determined to keep her mind clear for the match of wits they were playing. “I’d prefer a cup of coffee with dinner,” she said.

“Yes, of course,” Kyle said, surprised. “Coffee for the lady, Gerta.” He saw then that she hadn’t touched her second drink.

Dinner wasn’t going at all the way he had imagined. He’d been prepared for a light flirtation on her part, accompanied by a lot of superficial chitchat. He was getting all kinds of mixed vibes from her. A deep uneasiness began to gnaw at him. What if she wasn’t the fluffy-headed yuppie that he’d been led to believe? That could complicate matters with frightening consequences. Maybe Jill Gordon had a hidden agenda of her own in coming here?

“Delicious soup,” Ashley murmured, and when the main course of medaillons of veal with creamed asparagus and sautéed sugar snap peas was served, she didn’t have to pretend to enjoy the delicious meal.

Her dinner partner had fallen strangely silent, and Ashley began to relax. She didn’t know how she was going to manage it, but she wasn’t going to put herself through this every evening. Using the baby or the children as an excuse, she’d keep her distance from Mr. Stone and make some other arrangement for dinner. Jill could handle the situation any way she wanted, but Ashley wasn’t up to any more games of cat-and-mouse.

When they had finished a mouthwatering cappuccino truffle for dessert, Ashley wiped her mouth with the linen napkin and said, “You were right. The dinner was wonderful. I’d like to thank the cook personally.”

“No,” Kyle said, quickly rising to his feet before she did. “Not a good idea. I mean, Hendrick is rather temperamental. Almost everyone in the house views his kitchen as enemy territory. I give him a wide berth. Just tell Mrs. Borsch and she’ll pass along the compliment.”

Ashley frowned. “It sounds as if you’re not one of his favorite people.”

“Let’s say I’ve lost a few skirmishes.” He came around the table and slipped her chair back. “I’ll see you upstairs.”

As she stood up, his warm breath touched her neck and a teasing scent of a spicy cologne teased her nostrils. His nearness was unsettling, and she wished that he’d forget about being the polite host and let her go back to her room by herself—if she could find it.

As they started down the long main hall past several closed doors, Ashley asked, “Which room is the library? I thought I’d take a quick look around and see what I might use with Pamela and Benny tomorrow. According to the schedule Mrs. Borsch gave me, I have to keep them busy in the library until noon.”

“It’s right off the music room,” he said as he stopped in front of a set of double doors. He opened them, reached inside and flipped on a light to reveal a high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling bookcases lining the walls.

Ashley’s eyes widened as they entered the spacious room. It was filled with myriad books and tastefully furnished with small reading tables, comfortable chairs and brown leather couches. A modern computer stood on a desk in one corner.

“You look surprised,” Kyle said with an edge of amusement at Ashley’s obvious stunned reaction.

“I have to confess that I didn’t expect such a complete library,” she admitted.

Was the room just for show, or did Hugo Vandenburg have as much interest in reading as he did in sports? Somehow Ashley hadn’t pictured the wealthy game owner as an intellectual. Jill had given her the impression that Vandenburg was a hard-nosed businessman who had little interest in anything but a winning team, and a good return on his investment.

Kyle walked over to a library table where some books and boxes were stacked. “Here are some schoolbooks and supplies which Pamela and Benny’s mother left for them. She was concerned that they were missing their usual summer educational program, and she wasn’t happy about them spending the summer here.”

“The children don’t seem very happy about it, either,” Ashley commented, thoughtfully. “I wonder why the decision was made to leave them here?”

Kyle didn’t like the way the conversation was going. This kind of questioning could backfire if he gave the wrong answers. “It was their grandfather’s idea,” he offered with a slight shrug. “I guess he wanted to spend more time with them.”

“But does he? I mean, does he spend more time with them when they’re here?”

“When he can,” Kyle answered vaguely. “I imagine Hugo will want a report from you from time to time about the children’s studies,” he said, deliberately stretching the truth. Hugo had told him not to worry about anything but keeping her and the kids occupied, but Kyle suddenly decided it might be better if she concentrated on their studies rather than asking questions that might prove dangerous to everyone. “Benny and Pamela can probably tell you what subjects their mother wants them to study.”

As she fingered through the schoolbooks, he studied her expression, but he couldn’t tell how she was reacting to the challenge of teaching. He wouldn’t be surprised if neither of the kids opened a book while they were holed up in the library for two hours every day. The schedule was one that the children’s mother had insisted upon. Hugo hadn’t cared one way or the other, but had agreed in order to get his way.

“The music room is there,” he said, pointing to an archway at the far end of the library. “Would you like to see it?”

She nodded. “Yes, please.”

As he turned on the lights, he decided that it was a good bet that Jill Gordon and the kids would spend more time in the music room listening to CDs than in the library, reading.

Once again, Ashley was startled by the elegance of the house and its furnishings. In the music room, mirrored walls and murals provided a plush backdrop for a grand piano, an entertainment center and various musical instruments, complete with stands and music.

When Kyle saw her questioning eyes lingering on the assortment of instruments, he explained, “Hugo likes his guests to have everything they need to perform and entertain,”

“And do you perform and entertain, also?” Ashley asked.

Kyle tensed because he knew that there was more to her question than appeared on the surface. Her swiftness and perception were completely unexpected. Had she intuitively picked up his aversion to being Vandenburg’s puppet? “I’m afraid I’m a little short on the entertainment side,” he said evasively. “How about you? Didn’t Hugo tell me that you played the guitar for his guests when you and your husband visited?”

Jill hadn’t told her that little happening. What else had her sister left out? Ashley pretended she was too interested in the room to answer.

“How about a little after-dinner music?” He picked up one of the guitars and handed it to her.

The way he was looking at her made her wonder if he was testing her or just being spontaneous. In any case, he’d backed her into a corner. Even though both she and Jill had taken guitar lessons, Jill was the one who had played in a band after high-school graduation, while Ashley had barely mastered a few chords.

“Your reputation precedes you,” he warned her with a smile.

She forced a laugh. “I’ll tell you what. Let me do a little practicing, and maybe by next week I’ll show off a little bit.”

“Fair enough,” he said. “I’ll look forward to it.”

I’ll have to warn Jill, she thought as they went back into the library. The list of things she needed to coach her twin about was getting longer and longer.

Kyle watched Ashley’s mouth tighten as she picked up a couple of the textbooks to take with her. She was worried. He could tell. What if she backed out of the nanny job because she couldn’t cut the mustard as a teacher?

He immediately shifted into damage-control mode and said, “I wouldn’t worry too much about any formal lessons. Just keep Benny and Pamela occupied as best you can. It is summer, after all.”

She wanted to remind him about his earlier warnings. And now he was giving her mixed signals about what was expected of her as a nanny? How much weight did he have when it came to Hugo’s decisions? She was confused as to his role in the household, but one thing was sure, she couldn’t afford to risk him knowing that Jill was pulling a fast one on him.

As he shut the library doors, he asked, “Would you like to see the solarium?”

Without waiting for her answer, he took her arm

and guided her through an arched doorway into a dimly lit room filled with beautiful plants, exquisite flowers and tropical greenery. Moonlight and stars shone through a domed glass ceiling, and small lights scattered through the flowers beds twinkled like stars and gave a soft illumination to the room. The air was redolent with heady perfume, and the only sound was a soft musical waterfall flowing over rocks into a small pond that glistened in the moonlight.

The room was designed so perfectly that the lush garden outside blended harmoniously with the plants on the inside. It was difficult to tell where one started and the other began. Ashley’s senses were assaulted by the sensuous beauty around her. She was grateful for Kyle’s silence as she touched the delicate petals of a white orchid, and lifted her eyes to the high canopy of sky and stars overhead. Surrounded by beautiful flowering plants of every kind, she truly felt as if she’d suddenly entered some kind of fairyland.

When she turned to smile at him, she forgot about any pretense. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

Her reaction was not at all what Kyle had expected. He’d only offered to show her the solarium out of politeness, in order that she would know which rooms she could use and which ones were off-limits.

“It’s so beautiful, it’s almost unreal, isn’t it?”

He searched her face and found only sincerity in her shining eyes. The glow on her face was more seductive than her dangling earrings or the tantalizing rise and fall of her full breasts. A surge of sexual warmth took him off guard. He knew he’d better squelch it—and quickly!

“Is it all right if I come here often?” she asked, hopefully.

“The only one who might object is Joseph. He’s possessive about his plants, inside and out,” he said shortly, angry with her for having gotten to him with her shining eyes and awed expression. “But I’m sure you can win him over. I can’t imagine any man resisting your charms for long.”

He knew his snide remark had hit its target when her eyes lost their shine as she turned away from him. Just as well, he thought. He had to keep his priorities straight. There was too much at stake for him to jeopardize months of careful effort because she knew how to send a man’s hormones into orbit.

She fell silent as they walked down the hall. “I’ll see you to your room,” he said when they reached the main staircase to the floors above.

“There’s no need. I know my way from here. Good night and thanks for showing me around.”

Ashley quickly brushed past him and was halfway up the stairs when she realized that he was mounting the stairs behind her. She swung around to face him, ready to dismiss him with her professional hauteur. “Why are you following me?”

His mouth tightened. “Even though the tantalizing allure of you climbing the stairs in that tight dress is worth viewing, Jill, I assure you that my intention is not to follow you. We just happen to be going in the same direction.”

“But I thought you were staying in the guest house.”

Kyle raised an eyebrow. Someone had been talking to her about him. Probably Lily. Sometimes that gal knew more than was good for her. He wondered what else Jill Gordon had picked up on the household grapevine.

“Yes, I’m in the guest house, but I’ve been looking in on the kids every night. And if they’re not asleep, I talk to them a little while.” He gave her that sardonic smile of his. “I hope that’s all right with their new nanny?”

Ashley didn’t even grace his remark with an answer. She turned on her heel, and climbed the rest of the stairs without looking back. Fuming silently, she went down the hall to the nursery and closed the door behind her with a punctuating bang that startled Lily.

What was worse, it woke up the baby!

Whatever she’d said about enjoying the solarium was obviously not to his liking, but then why show it to her in the first place? She was bewildered by the sudden distance he’d put between them. What had she done wrong?