Marriage of Convenience Page 17

  Caroline tried to stay awake until Malcolm returned to bed; but time advanced, and he didn’t reappear. Soon the light lapping of the ocean through the open balcony doors and the low murmur of his voice began lulling her to sleep. Pulling the sheet up around her shoulders, she curled into a ball and closed her eyes, wondering when her husband would return to their bed.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  The next morning, Caroline woke to the feel of Malcolm’s face pressed against her back as his hands slid up and down her arms, brushing the side of her bare breast. Enjoying the feel, she pretended to sleep. Memories of the previous night played in her mind, and she couldn’t help but smile. They were married. Her eyes still closed, she stretched and sighed happily, snuggling closer to him, inhaling his masculine scent.

  “I know you’re awake.” The gruffness of his voice indicated he’d only just awoken himself.

  “Nope. And I’m having a wonderful dream, so please don’t disturb me.” She smiled. If only this moment, this warmth, this closeness could last forever.

  “But I could make your reality so much more enjoyable.” His hand drifted upward and cupped her breast, gently kneading the soft flesh. Caroline’s response was instantaneous.

  “Well, perhaps I am awake.” Caroline opened her eyes, kissing Malcolm’s cheek as he leaned over her shoulder to kiss the side of her neck.

  “Good morning, wife.” His breath tickled her ear, and her toes curled. Whether because of the light feathering of air or her new title, she wasn’t sure.

  “Good morning, husband.” Caroline turned in his arms, and they kissed deeply.

  Suddenly a memory surfaced from the previous night. “Malcolm, in the middle of the night, the phone rang, didn’t it?”

  “I’m sorry if it woke you. I went into the other room and tried to be quiet.”

  “Was it an emergency?”

  “Not really. It was Elsy.” Caroline smiled inwardly. He’d told her the truth about the identity of the caller. Perhaps that meant he wasn’t harboring any secret feelings for the woman.

  “She was upset about something—I never did get out of her what the problem was. She kept talking in circles and wasn’t really making any sense. She said she’d met someone, but that he wants something from her. She’s concerned that he doesn’t want her for who she is. But she wouldn’t say who he is, what he wants, or what I’m supposed to do about it. She simply insisted that I meet her when we get back.”

  Caroline shifted and sat up, putting her back to him. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Moving to the edge of the bed, she was almost afraid of the next answer. “And did you agree?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You have to ask?” Caroline’s voice was incredulous. She couldn’t sit still any longer. Dragging the sheet off the bed, she wrapped it around her naked body, sarong style.

  “Because regardless of what you two had, you’re married now. And there was nothing about our first meeting that would lead me to believe that she would respect that or me.”

  “Perhaps not and part of that was probably my fault. But she respects me, and if I respect you, then that should resolve the issue.”

  ****

  Malcolm wasn’t sure he liked having to defend his friendship with Elsy. But then he thought: was he friends with Elsy? What was making him fight with his wife over her? He shook his head. Perhaps it was because she’d been crying and had been utterly inconsolable. He was aware that the nature of her personality didn’t allow Elsy to make many close friends, so he wasn’t surprised to find himself on her short list in the event of a tragedy. But was he prepared to protect his place on that list at the cost of angering his wife?

  Caroline had turned her back on him and was standing in the balcony door, staring at the waves as they crashed onto the beach. They’d made some wonderful memories down there already. He looked forward to making more this afternoon.

  Walking up behind her, he rested his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her to face him. Her face was flushed and her eyes wide and round with sadness. He felt her pain and disappointment more in that look than if she’d yelled at him for an hour.

  “Tell me what you’d have me do to fix this. You’re my first concern, my only treasure. I don’t want to hurt you or give you cause to doubt me, to doubt us.”

  He apparently couldn’t have chosen sweeter words. Caroline raised her hand to caress his face. “Please understand that it’s her, not you, who I take issue with. I’d like for you to cut ties with her. No communication at all. I just don’t want to have to think about this woman in our lives.”

  Leaning forward, Malcolm kissed her on the forehead. “I will do that for you, for us.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into his chest. “No one will come between us, Caroline. No matter what else may come up, no one stands a chance.”

  Caroline wrapped her arm around his back and squeezed.

  Malcolm returned the embrace and buried his nose in her hair. She still smelled like flowers and sunshine.

  He reached behind her and picked up the phone on the bedside table. He punched a few buttons to access the call history. Still holding Caroline to him, he hit “call” and waited to be reconnected to Elsy.

  “Hello?”

  “Elsy. It’s Malcolm. I’m calling to let you—”

  “Oh, great, you’re back early. I’ll be right over.”

  “No! No, no. That’s not it. I’m on my honeymoon. I have no intention of cutting it short.” He heard her sniff and rolled his eyes. “Elsy, I was just calling to let you know that I will not meet with you when I return.” He the words sink in, and in the silence could practically hear the wheels in her brain rotating faster, trying to concoct a reason to hang on to him.

  “But you said—”

  “I know, and I apologize. I wasn’t thinking. Continuing our friendship, if that’s what it is, isn’t going to be possible. Please don’t call me in the future.”

  “It’s her, isn’t it? That woman.”

  “You mean my wife?” Malcolm emphasized the word. It seemed Caroline had been right. Elsy wasn’t going to respect any boundaries or titles and privileges. “No, it’s us. We would prefer that you not contact me anymore. Take care.” Malcolm gently replaced the receiver in the silence that prevailed as Elsy struggled to spit out a retort.

  “Let’s go make out on the beach, love.” Malcolm held out his hand to his wife. She dropped the sheet, and it pooled around her ankles. He growled when she stepped to his side and pressed the length of her body against his. She wrapped her arm around his waist, letting her hand dangle over his buttocks. Malcolm pulled gently on the back of her hair so that she raised her mouth for a kiss.

  They didn’t make it down to the beach.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  When they stepped off the plane at JFK Airport, Geoffrey met them at the curb. He gathered their luggage and bundled them into the waiting limousine.

  “I’m sorry, lovelies,” Geoffrey said, opening the sliding glass partition between them. “Ms. Sarah has insisted on your presence as soon as you return. She mentioned something about a missed meeting.” He slid the window shut without confirmation that he should proceed to Sarah’s residence instead of their own.

  Caroline groaned. They weren’t back thirty minutes, and the real world was already pushing its way into her honeymoon clouded brain. It was times like this when she didn’t understand why they didn’t take their money, purchase an island, and disappear forever.

  Malcolm pulled her into his seat and wrapped his arms around her. She was eternally grateful that he was with her. A meeting with her family, impromptu or otherwise, was never on her list of things she looked forward to. And though he didn’t say anything, she knew by the warm strength of his arms that he was committed to supporting her whenever she was in need.

  They arrived in midtown in record time, Caroline noted with disgust. Of all the days for light traffic and no roadwork. Just her lu
ck. Pulling away from Malcolm, she shivered to be on her own. The car was warm and the weather very warm for fall, but the loss of his protective arms made her feel as though she were naked in a snowstorm. Resolutely, she squared her shoulders and set about making herself presentable. Nothing would mollify her mother, but she could at least be satisfied that she made an effort. Irritated, she pulled her makeup bag from her purse. Eying her face in a little round mirror, she remembered deciding not to do too much before getting on the plane. Not that she was prone to wear layers of makeup anyway – she was typically warm blooded, and the heat from the kitchen made her sweat all the more.

  Still, she cleaned her face with a wipe and brushed on a light mascara. Touching her lips lightly with a pink lip gloss, she pursed her lips. She dragged a brush through her hair until the waves shimmered down her back. Checking her appearance in the mirror one last time, she deemed herself as ready as she would ever be.

  “This is not the welcome home I was hoping for.” Caroline confessed to Malcolm as they waited for Geoffrey to open the door. “I was so relaxed and warm.” She pouted, her lips pulling down prettily.

  Malcolm hugged her and then taking her hand, pulled her from the car. Caroline concentrated on steadying her breathing and composing her nerves. Her mother, like most beasts, could smell fear, and that wasn’t the impression she wanted to make. She cast her memory back not twenty-four hours and tried to assume the same warmth she’d felt then. Lying naked in the warm sun with her equally naked husband. Talking, giggling, and eating luscious fruit from each other’s fingers. Touching, whispering, tasting. She shivered and held the memory.

  Standing on the landing outside Sarah’s front door, she could hear the faint buzz of voices from the other side. Caroline’s brow furrowed. “It sounds like there’s more than just the usual.” Her breath caught. “If they got angry and brought lawyers….” She didn’t finish the sentence. She hadn’t called Mr. Hawthorne and wasn’t interested in facing this crowd on her own. Tugging on Malcolm’s hand, she suggested they wait for back-up.

  Malcolm, his face showing sympathy, brought her hands to his lips and kissed them soundly. “Love, let’s just do this. You’re not alone anymore, and I won’t allow anyone to hurt you.” Without knocking, he pushed the door open and stepped back so Caroline could enter first.

  Caroline peeked inside and gasped.

  “Surprise!” A large banner reading “Congratulations Malcolm and Caroline!” was strung across the living foyer. Stepping into the room, Caroline’s face relaxed as she was swarmed by her friends. She was pulled into the room, and a glass of champagne was pressed into her hand. Sarah appeared at her side, and Caroline nearly choked on her first sip. Did her sister have any idea what a state she’d put her in? The apologetic look on her face said she did. Caroline squinted her eyes at her sister in mock anger. But rather than lashing out, she pulled her close for a hug. It was very sweet of her to plan a wedding reception.

  Caroline and Malcolm joined hands and walked around the house greeting guests and accepting congratulations. As they wandered, they noted the buffet. As if reading their minds, Sarah led them to a table where plates had been prepared. Even as they ate, the doorbell rang repeatedly, and guests continued to offer good wishes.

  After a couple of hours, amid toasts and cake, the guests called for them to open their gifts. Sarah ushered them to a large table at the back of the room laden with boxes of all shapes and sizes wrapped in shades of white and silver.

  Caroline eyed the boxes and then at the assembled crowd in shock. “You guys didn’t have to bring gifts. It’s such a joy just to have you here. We weren’t expecting to share our day this way, but it’s been amazing. The food was good; the cake was amazing, and the decorations…. We’re so lucky to have such great friends.”

  There was a collective “Ahhhh” around the room, and then, from somewhere in the back, “Now open them up!”

  It took nearly an hour to open the gifts. After one last champagne toast Sarah made excuses for them as they loaded the packages into the car and fell into the backseat.

  “Give them a break,” they heard her say, laughing. “They just got back from their honeymoon and came straight from the airport!”

  “And we know where they’re going now!” Cody had been relatively quiet throughout the evening. His wife shot him a laughing look as she closed the door on them.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  They’d returned from the honeymoon too early. They agreed on that. Even as they lazed on the patio waiting for brunch to be served, neither had had a moment’s rest since their return two weeks earlier. They’d returned to a surprise reception party and then their lives.

  With engagement season in full swing, next year’s cake calendar was nearly full. And each order was accompanied with a tasting and consultation. Some lasted an hour; others had to have follow-up meetings to nail down details. Caroline could remember when mothers and daughters used to book appointments. Now any given consultation could be left with standing room only, every seat occupied with a mother, daughter, mothers-in-law, fiancés, and wedding planners. The odd florist was even included from time to time. The process had become so convoluted they’d discussed charging for the additional mouths. Not to mention the time it took to come to an agreement on cake flavors, cake fillings, frosting flavors, and decorations with added input.

  Even as they worked early mornings and late nights to book the new orders, orders placed in the last season were coming due, and so the kitchen was a hive of activity. As a result, tempers were short, and sarcasm was high. Nevertheless, Caroline knew she was lucky to have the staff she did. They worked well together despite the snippiness that prevailed under the stress. At the end of the season they would celebrate another year of success with dinner, drinks, and lots of laughs at each other’s expense. It almost made the drama worth it in the meantime.

  Caroline stretched her feet out in front of her on the chaise and soaked in more sun. The sun was high in the sky and warm, despite the season. The warm, early fall they enjoyed was holding, so the cool late fall and early winter weather was kept at bay. She stifled a yawn and sidled a glance at her husband who rested quietly next to her on his own chaise. His chair was reclined fully back, and one arm was thrown over his face, covering his eyes. Sitting together with Malcolm this way was becoming a rare treat. She didn’t know if she liked that. She hadn’t considered really developing a relationship with him when Gloria had first proposed she accept a date with him under some rather interesting circumstances. But she’d definitely grown to enjoy his company. And his body. They may have left the honeymoon destination, but the feeling hadn’t left their bedroom. Smiling, she dragged her fingertips down the inside of his arm lightly. He shifted his weight and turned in his chair so that he was lying on his side, facing her. He opened his eyes to half mast and smiled.

  “We should do this more often.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. Maybe we should find us a sugar daddy. Then we could vegetate here all day, every day.” Caroline’s voice was teasing. She didn’t have any doubt that if either of them stopped working they would drive everyone around them crazy inside of a week. Though they had hobbies and interests, their love for their work helped define who they were.

  Malcolm’s amused smile turned to a light frown. “If we had a sugar daddy, does that mean one of use would have to perform … favors?” He turned onto his back, pillowing his arms under his head. His brow furrowed as he contemplated the issue. “I fear that would have to be you, love,” he said in conclusion. “Because I have no idea how you do that thing with your tongue.”

  “So, you’d just volunteer my affections to another man for your own wellbeing and comfort?” Caroline’s voice was incredulous.

  “Volunteer your affections?” His voice was high with outrage. “Hell, no, I’d negotiate a hell of a selling price!” He laughed even as he was in danger of being dumped out of his chair. He caught Caroline’s arms and pulled her down on
top of him.

  He kissed her forehead as she descended and tucked her to his side. The chair protested the added weight. They ignored the creaking sounds.

  In the distance, they heard the house phone ring. And then over the intercom: “Ms. Caroline, telephone for you.”

  Groaning, Caroline debated whether she wanted to leave the cocoon of her husband’s arms. It could be the shop. Geoffrey hadn’t said who was calling. Kissing Malcolm hard but briefly she bounded off the chaise and into the living room. She grabbed the receiver off the desk where Geoffrey had balanced it and said breathlessly, “Hello?” No answer. “Hello?” Nothing. She held the phone from her face to check the small screen set into the handle. PRIVATE. “Hello?” Again, silence.

  Caroline hung up the phone and pressed the intercom button. “Geoffrey, did they say who was calling?”

  “No, Miss,” the disembodied voice replied. “Is there a problem?”

  “No,” Caroline said. “Thank you.”

  She replaced the receiver and almost immediately the phone rang again. Caroline jumped, and laughed. “Hello?” Again, silence. Again, PRIVATE. Taking the lighter approach, she teased. “Look, either you’re really shy or really lonely. Which is it? Stop calling me if you’re just going to tease me.”