Читать книгу The Ultimate Millionaire - Susan Mallery, Susan Mallery - Страница 7

M arina felt as if she’d been hit by a truck. Well, that wasn’t right, she thought as she blinked to bring the room back into focus. Nothing bad had happened and she certainly wasn’t squished. But she was out of breath and feeling a little two-dimensional all the same.

Talk about wow. The heat, the tingles, the need to jump Todd’s bones and make him have his way with her. All from a teeny, tiny, innocent kiss. What would happen if he kissed her like he meant it?

A dangerous question, she told herself. Todd was nothing like she’d imagined. He was funny and charming. Too charming. She had to remember that any contact with a woman was just a game with him. That he had the emotional depth of a cookie sheet. She should enjoy the superficial attraction for the momentary pleasure and let the rest of it go. He didn’t do relationships and she didn’t do anything else.

Although technically she didn’t do relationships, either. It was the whole fear thing. She didn’t want to get lost in a man.

They sampled several entrées, which were okay and the desserts, which were great.

“Are you going to finish that?” she asked, eyeing his barely tasted dish of chocolate mousse.

Todd pushed the bowl toward her. “You’re welcome to it.”

She dipped her spoon into the creamy, foamy delight and then savored the burst of rich chocolate on her tongue. He watched her, his expression unreadable.

She wanted to think he found her passion for chocolate fascinating, but no doubt he was comparing her normal appetite to his dates’ lack of appetite and finding her just a little odd.

“Finished?” he asked when she’d scraped the last of the pudding from the bowl.

She nodded and they walked out to the reception area. After collecting prices and a brochure from Zoe, they promised to be in touch within a couple of weeks, then left.

“What did you think?” Todd asked as they walked to their cars.

“It was good,” she said, “but not dazzling. I want to be dazzled. I think the food should be spectacular, not just good.”

He glanced at the price list. “Considering what they’re charging, I agree. So we still need a caterer. Do you have any suggestions?”

“I don’t cater much, but I can ask around.”

“I’ll do the same. I’ll also check with Ruth.”

Ah, yes. Her grandmother. “She does the charity circuit,” she said. “At least she’s mentioned it. So she should be a great source of information.” Marina frowned. “I wonder why she hasn’t offered us advice.”

“She promised not to meddle,” Todd told her. “Don’t get too excited—it’s not going to last. She’s a meddler by nature.” There was a tone of affection in his voice.

“So you’ve forgiven her for coming to me and my sisters and offering each of us a million dollars if one of us were to marry you?”

He winced. “I’m working on it.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “She always had time for me and Ryan. Our parents took off for months at a time and left us behind. Aunt Ruth stepped into the void. When we were with her, it was like family.”

Marina didn’t know what to say to that. On the one hand, it explained Todd’s fondness for his aunt. On the other, this was the same woman who turned her back on her own daughter.

“You’re thinking about your mom,” he said, surprising her.

“Yes. My mom was seventeen when she fell in love with my dad. That’s pretty young. I can understand her parents being upset with her choice, but there are a lot of options between saying it’s okay and kicking her out forever. How come they didn’t try any of them?” She drew in a deep breath and let it go. “You’re going to tell me it was because of Ruth’s husband, Fraser. I’ve heard it all before. He was a difficult man who ruled his house and didn’t give anyone second chances.”

He was also the only father Marina’s mother had ever known. Her biological father, Ruth’s first husband, had died before Ruth had even realized she was pregnant.

“My mom was Ruth’s only daughter,” Marina said. “She should have tried harder. She should have made sure her daughter was all right.”

Todd surprised her for maybe the third time in less than two hours when he put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.

“You’re right,” he said quietly. “She stood by her husband instead of her daughter. Because of that, she spent the next thirty years regretting her decision, but being too afraid to do anything about it. That’s got to be a hard way to live, for all of you. She’ll never get back what she lost and neither will you.”

She blinked at him. “That was really compassionate and understanding.”

He scowled at her. “I am capable of rational and emotional thought.”

“I know. I just didn’t think you’d bother.”

“That’s flattering.”

Now it was his turn to touch him. She grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. It’s just the way you’re presented in the local press and how people talk about you.”

Maybe he wasn’t a cookie sheet, she thought. Maybe he was actually a jelly roll pan.

The image made her smile, which made his scowl deepen. “You’re really starting to tick me off,” he muttered.

“I thought you said you had a well-developed sense of humor.”

“I do. You’re not being funny. Whatever you think about me, you’re wrong.”

She was beginning to think that might be a possibility.

He pulled out his trusty PalmPilot and pushed some buttons. “We still need a caterer, a photographer, flowers, a cake, a dress, tuxes. It’s a long list.”

“We’ll get through it. I’ll e-mail Julie the information on this place. At least we know we’re having the wedding and reception in the ballroom. That’s something.”

“Lucky us.”

She stared into his dark eyes and smiled. “Thanks for being so understanding about everything with my grandmother. It helps to talk about it.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll call you and we can set up our next taste testing.”

Then he stunned her by bending down and kissing her. Only this kiss wasn’t about garlic or proving anything. At least she didn’t think it was. Instead it was quick, hot and bone-melting.

His hands rested on her shoulders, holding her in place. His mouth claimed hers with an expertise that made her more than willing to take this wherever he wanted to go. She lost herself in the pleasure of touch and lips and need.

He wasn’t what she expected. This wasn’t what she expected. She found herself responding to him in ways she hadn’t expected.

He tilted his head and brushed her lower lip with his tongue. She parted for him. He swept inside, teased into arousal, then pulled back and straightened.

“See you soon,” he said.

What? He was leaving? He was going to kiss and run?

“But you…Why’d you…”

He smiled. “We were interrupted. I like to finish what I start.”

To Marina_Nelson@mynetwork.LA.com

From Julie_Nelson@SGC.usa

I can’t thank you enough. I really, really owe you for all your hard work. Thanks for taste-testing the first caterer and sorry it didn’t work out. But you’re right. I want fabulous food at the wedding and so does Ryan.

Interesting about the whole garlic/kissing thing. I hadn’t thought that too much garlic could ever be a problem, but at a wedding? You’re so right. So, did Todd demonstrate the perils of garlic kissing? Just kidding. I know he’s not your type. Not earnest enough and yet lacking in character. But not totally awful. At least he’s cute. Remember that when he starts to make you crazy.

We’re having the best time. I can’t wait to get more pictures and e-mails from you. Again, you’re a total goddess for doing this!

Love and hugs, Julie

Marina opened the cardboard box and reached for the tape dispenser. After sealing the bottom of the carton, she flipped it over and then looked at the bookshelves in the hallway.

“Does Julie really need to keep all these?” she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

Willow stuck her head out of the bedroom where she’d gone to tackle clothes. “Of course. They’re books. She’ll keep them forever.”

“Does Ryan know what he’s getting into? The whole pack rat thing?”

Willow grinned. “She’s not a pack rat and yes, he knows exactly what he’s getting into.”

“Well, I didn’t have a clue,” Marina grumbled. “Between helping you pack Julie’s place, you handling the renovations at their new place and me planning Julie’s wedding, she is going to owe us big time. We’re going to have to break our legs or something and force both of them to serve us.”

“She’ll be there every second of our recovery,” Willow promised. She held out her left hand and pointed. “Would you hand that to me?”

Marina didn’t turn to see the object in question. Instead she stared at her sister’s ring finger—or more specifically, at the stunning diamond ring glinting there.

“You’re engaged!” Marina yelled. “I’m so happy for you.”

Willow laughed, then they were hugging and jumping up and down together.

“It’s so beautiful,” Marina said, grabbing her sister’s hand and studying the impressive cushion-cut stone surrounded by baguettes. “When did this happen? You didn’t say anything. How could you not blab the second you saw me?”

“It was hard,” Willow admitted. “But I wanted a great reaction and you gave me one.” She stared down at the ring. “As to the when, it was just last night. Kane and I had talked about getting married before, when he came to his senses and realized he loved me. But between then and now there hasn’t been a word. I was willing to give him time to get used to the idea of just being in a serious relationship.”

They moved into the living room and fell onto the sofa. Marina smiled at Willow’s happy expression.

“Who would have thought that the strong silent type would turn out to be such a great guy,” she said, thrilled that Kane had been the one in a million Willow deserved.

Her sister sighed. “I know. It’s a miracle. He’s incredible. Last night we were having dinner together. It was really romantic and there was music and suddenly he was on one knee and holding out the ring and saying he wanted to marry me and be with me forever.” Tears filled her eyes. “I never thought my life could be so wonderful.”

Marina hugged her again. “I’m happy for you. Beyond happy. Delighted. Giddy. There are other words I can’t think of right now.”

“I’m happy, too,” Willow said.

Marina leaned against the cushion. “Two of my sisters getting married. I’ll be the old maid aunt, a favorite of the children, but you adults will worry that I’m slowly slipping into madness.”

Willow rolled her eyes. “Please. You’re too smart for that. But I would say to be careful. Love is in the air and all that.”

Marina shook her head. “I’m immune. Which is fine with me. I’m not looking to get married anytime soon.”

“What about falling in love?”

“Maybe next year.”

In truth, she liked the idea of falling for a guy. But along with the desire to be in love was a healthy dose of fear. Giving away her heart looked a little to much like giving away her sense of self. First Aunt Ruth, then her mother. Marina wasn’t willing to be like either of them.

“So, another wedding,” she said. “Have you two picked a date?”

“We’re thinking spring. Well, after Julie’s wedding, but before the baby’s born.”

“I can help with the planning. I’ll be an expert.”

“I would love that,” Willow told her. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”

“Just ask me anything. Or Todd. He’s actually pretty good at the whole wedding planning thing. Just don’t tell him I said that.”

Willow shifted so they were facing each other. “Really? He’s not awful?”

“No,” Marina said, still surprised by that bit of news. “He’s actually nice. Funny, charming…I like him. I didn’t expect that at all. I thought he’d be a jerk. I really didn’t want to work with him on the wedding, but even though we don’t agree on everything, I like having him help. It’s a big responsibility and I like having someone to share in the process. Plus, he’s fairly good-looking. Even if my day is going badly, it’s fun to have a little eye candy to look forward to.”

“I don’t think he’s the kind of guy who likes being called eye candy.”

“Probably not, but we won’t mention it.”

Willow studied her. “So this is good?” she asked. “With Julie and Ryan getting married, Todd is kind of in the family now. We’ll all be friends?”

“I think so. We’ll mock his choice of women when he brings dates, but that will be entertaining.”

“Something to look forward to,” Willow said. “Todd’s not the kind of guy to hang out by himself.”

Marina nodded in agreement, but found herself wondering about the other women in Todd’s life. No doubt he was seeing someone right now. Who was she? Some socialite or heiress? A high-powered businesswoman? Marina would guess that whoever she was, her wardrobe consisted of more than jeans and UCLA sweat shirts.

Not that she, Marina, was trying to impress him. They were working together on the wedding. Nothing more. Except he’d kissed her. She still couldn’t seem to forget the flash of heat and need and desire that had nearly overwhelmed her. And that had been from a kind of nothing kiss. What would happen if he kissed her like he meant it?

“He’s actually my date for the wedding,” Marina said. “We both promised Grandma Ruth we’d go on one date and the wedding seemed the easiest.”

“Once again I encourage you to marry him so I can have a million-dollar nest egg,” Willow said with a grin.

“Kane has money.”

“Yes, but that’s his money. A fortune of my own would be kind of fun.”

Marina shook her head. “Sorry. I don’t have any big plans to marry Todd. Not even for a million dollars.”

“What about five million? I’ll bet Grandma Ruth would be delighted to cough up a little more cash.”

“Not interested.”

Willow sighed. “I thought our sisterly love was supposed to be unconditional. I hate that it has limits.”

“Life can be tragic.”

Willow glanced back at her ring. “There are some bright spots. I have Kane.”

“Yes, you do.”

Willow looked at her. “You’re next. Things happen in threes. First Julie, then me, so it’s your turn.”

“I don’t think it works like that.”

Not that she would say no to her own happily ever after, but there were complications. Falling for a guy meant trusting him completely. While she could see that happening, it also meant trusting herself, which she was a lot less sure about.