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“It would seem you do have a problem,” Tobias mused thoughtfully.
A plea entered Hesper’s eyes. “Aunt Eloise said that if anyone could find me a husband Grandmama DuPree would approve of, it would be you.”
“Pleasing my sister in even the smallest of matters has never been easy.” Tobias abruptly grinned. “However, I do happen to know of someone I believe might pass her inspection.” He rose, crossed to his desk and pressed a button on the intercom. “Have Garth come to my study,” he ordered when a male voice answered.
A minute later the door opened. Hesper stiffened as the man who had greeted her on the porch entered.
“In case you two didn’t introduce yourselves earlier, Hesper, I’d like for you to meet Garth Lawton, a trusted and valued employee. Garth, I’d like to introduce my grandniece, Hesper O’Grady.” Tobias headed toward the door.
Realizing he was leaving, Hesper felt a rush of panic. “Tobias…”
He turned back and smiled. “I’m sure you can explain your situation to Garth much better than I.” His gaze shifted to Garth. “My grandniece is in need of certain services. If you wish to aid her, I will allow you a leave of absence. In the meanwhile, I shall have Mrs. Gibbons prepare a room for her.” His gaze again turned to Hesper. “It is time we became reacquainted. You will, of course, stay for dinner and the night, at least.” Without allowing either of them a chance to respond, he completed his exit.
Outwardly Garth maintained an air of polite indifference. Inwardly he was holding an argument with himself. He owed Tobias. The career path he’d chosen, both in the military and now in civilian life, was fraught with danger. Twice Tobias had proved to be his guardian angel and had saved his life. For that reason, he knew he should help the woman with whatever problem she was having. But this particular woman had Trouble.written all over her.
Hesper’s gaze raked over him. “You aren’t at all what I’d have chosen.”
Garth was surprised by the sharp jab of rejection this statement caused. He never expected to be everyone’s top pick. Normally a remark like that would have run off his back like rainwater off a duck. Good exit line, he decided. “If that’s your way of telling me to get lost, consider it done.”
Mentally Hesper kicked herself. Just because her first impression of the man was that of a guntoting, cold-blooded goon didn’t mean she couldn’t be wrong. She’d come to Tobias looking for help. It would be foolish of her to spurn it without at least giving this man a chance. Stepping in, front of the door to block his exit, she said, “I didn’t mean that in a derogatory sense. I apologize.”
He didn’t like the idea of her thinking she’d offended him. His skin was a lot thicker than that. “No offense taken. I just didn’t see any reason to waste both of our times.”
“My aunt Eloise seemed to think that Tobias was the only person who could help me and he chose you. Could we, at least, talk?”
The temptation to continue out the door was strong, but he’d seen the hint of desperation in her eyes and couldn’t make himself walk away. “Sure. I’ve got nothing to do this afternoon.”
You got this off to a really terrific start, she chided herself, motioning for him to take a chair.
As Garth eased himself into the twin of the wing chair Tobias had occupied, his gaze again traveled over her figure. Nice shape, he again thought.
Hesper stood several feet away, studying him. She thought she’d seen a look of masculine appreciation in his eyes, then it was gone behind that cool facade. Or maybe his expression wasn’t a facade. “Are you always so cold?”
Garth schooled his features into an expression of sympathetic concern. This one always worked on elderly women he needed to extract information from. “Is this better?”
“An emotional chameleon.” Hesper began to pace the floor. “Grandmama DuPree won’t be fooled by pretense. She’s too sharp.”
Garth relaxed his guard letting his impatience show. “Why don’t we just get this over with? Tell me what your problem is, and I’ll tell you if I think I can help.”
Hesper read the harsh command in his dark eyes and knew she was seeing the real man now. She still wasn’t certain he would impress Jeanette DuPree but she had to admit to a stirring of interest within herself. Maybe Tobias knew his sister better than the rest of the family. Maybe Jeanette DuPree would also find Mr. Lawton intriguing enough to give him the benefit of the doubt. “I need a husband and, if we are successful, I’m willing to pay you one hundred thousand dollars for your time. If we are not successful, I’ll pay you ten thousand.”
Was she one of those women who felt her biological clock ticking, making her impatient for a child but not for a long-term husband? Garth wondered. He had to admit that the thought of taking her into his bed did appeal to him. It appealed to him a lot. But what did her grandmother have to do with this?
Hesper saw the brown of his eyes darken with masculine purpose. Embers deep within began to glow warm. No! her inner voice screamed. A few moments of physical pleasure weren’t worth a lifetime of agony. “The marriage will not be consummated,” she continued curtly. “However, other than Tobias and Eloise, you and I are the only ones who are to know that.”
No biological clock involved here, Garth mused. Just as well, he concluded. He’d already labeled her as trouble. With the biological clock eliminated, that left the grandmother. “Can I assume we’re getting married to satisfy a dying woman’s final wish and that there is an inheritance involved?”
“Not exactly.” Her tone businesslike, she told him about the deal she’d made with her stepfather. Wanting to protect her mother’s memory, she mentioned her only as the one who had left the trust and did not elaborate on her reasons for disliking her stepfather. “I’m simply trying to hold on to what is rightfully mine,” she ended.
Garth had to admit the thought of meeting Tobias’ sister, was intriguing, but he questioned the wisdom of involving himself in Hesper O’Grady’s scheme. His instincts warned him that she wasn’t telling him everything. However, he was certain Tobias wanted him to help her. Again, he reminded himself that he owed the man. “I’ll do my best to aid you.” As he made the commitment, in spite of his suspicions about her, the sudden thought that he’d like to do a lot more for her than she was asking flashed through his mind.
Again Hesper saw the flicker of lust in his eyes. And once again the embers within her began to heat. Her jaw firmed. “There’s one thing I want to make very clear. I’ve taken a vow of celibacy. I intend to die a virgin. If you force yourself on me, you’ll have to die.”
Startled by this pronouncement, Garth studied her mutely for a long moment. She wasn’t joking. She meant what she said. He owed Tobias, but not enough to marry a woman whose sanity he was beginning to question. It was time to get out before this went any farther. “I’ve never forced myself on any woman,” he replied coolly. “And I don’t like being threatened. But more important, I don’t think this is going to work. You and I will have to, at least, appear to like each other and that’s looking more and more impossible by the moment.”
Realizing the impression she’d made, Hesper breathed a tired sign and sank into a nearby chair. “I’m not a nut case.”
“That thought did cross my mind,” he confessed, finding himself believing her.
“I have very strong personal reasons for having taken the vow of celibacy. I apologize for threatening you. I simply wanted you to understand that I was not speaking lightly.”
Garth told himself he’d be smart to walk away right now. But he knew he could trust himself to adhere to her wishes. If she went looking for a husband on her own, she might get something she hadn’t bargained for. That he was feeling protective toward her shocked him. Hesper O’Grady didn’t need his protection, he assured himself. Still, he heard himself saying, “All right. You have my word, I won’t touch you except in the line of duty.”
“Then we have a deal?” She rose and extended her hand.
“We have a deal,” he confirmed, rising to accept her handshake.
His touch was like fire, sending flames streaking up her arm. Startled, Hesper jerked free.
“This isn’t going to work if you find touching me so repulsive,” Garth growled, her reaction causing a bitter sting of insult.
Hesper took a calming breath. “It wasn’t you.” She stared down at her hand. “You felt so warm, I was surprised.” Concern entered her voice. “Are you ill?”
“No.” He’d noticed an unusual heat himself just before she pulled free. “Maybe you’re running a fever.”
She felt her forehead. “No.” She gave her shoulders a shake. “But I am overwrought Tension can make a person more sensitive, I suppose.”
“It does heighten the senses,” he agreed.
She held out her hand once again. “Please accept my apology.”
“Apology accepted.” As his hand again closed around hers, Garth felt the warmth once again. It traveled up his arm and sparked a fire within. Attraction… blatant animal magnetism was what it was. And strong, too. He found himself wondering if he could change her mind about remaining celibate. Recalling the sincerity in her voice, he frowned at himself. Keep your mind on business! he ordered.
Hesper had prepared herself in case the heat was still there but even steeled against it, she could not ignore the way it traveled through her, this time igniting the embers she worked so hard to keep cold. The thought that perhaps Garth Lawton was the right mate for her played through her mind. Or maybe this was merely a physical reaction induced by hormones frustrated by neglect. She reminded herself of her mother and her aunt Eloise. It’s not worth the risk! she again told herself.
Breaking the contact with polite decorum, she said, “Are you free to begin tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” he confirmed, a part of him again questioning the wisdom of this. But he’d given his word and he would not turn back now.
As the door closed behind him, Hesper sank back into her chair. The feeling she was treading on precarious ground pervaded her. Maybe she should have simply split the money with her stepfather. Anger flashed in her eyes. She would never allow Peter Lowell to win without a fight!
Chapter Two (#ulink_a6edbabb-31d0-55d5-8136-2b6a85a530a7)
Hesper looked at the ring on her finger. Tobias had insisted she remain as his guest and he be allowed to make the arrangements for the wedding. It had been a small but very elegant affair, hastily accomplished. The only ones from her side of the family who could arrange to attend, other than Tobias, were Aunt Eloise and her son, Hagen. Although Tobias had kept his distance from others in the family, Hagen worked for him, making her cousin another who was privy to the truth of the arrangement.
As for Garth, he had no living relatives.
Now she and her new husband were on their way to her apartment in New York and from there to visit Jeanette DuPree. The elderly woman had sent her regrets that she was not well enough to travel to the wedding, but requested they come visit her as soon as possible after the ceremony. Trying not to think about what lay ahead nor the man beside her, Hesper studied the simple gold band. Garth had a matching one and Tobias had insisted on having their wedding date and their names engraved inside.
The ring sparked memories of the wedding. There had been no kiss. But just having Garth slip the gold band on her finger had caused her to feel shaky, then again a fire had ignited within her. Until now, denying her sexual urges had been easy. But this man she’d married aroused her passion with a strength she found difficult to fight. However, she was determined not only to fight it but to win.
Again attempting to direct her mind to a neutral subject, she glanced around at the interior of the car. Her vehicle was still at Tobias’s. This sporty BMW belonged to Garth. Clearly Tobias paid him well. Or maybe he was a spendthrift. The realization of how little she knew about him nagged at her. “I suppose we should get to know each other better. My grandmother will expect me to know something about you,” she said, assuring herself she was only asking because she needed the information to win the bet. “Tell me about your childhood.”
Childhood? Garth thought cynically. What childhood? Aloud, he said, “My past is none of your concern. I’m financially solvent and not wanted by the law. I joined the marines when I was eighteen and retired a year ago to work for Tobias. That’s all you need to know. For the rest, make up whatever story you think your grandmother will like best.”
So much for that subject, Hesper mused. Clearly the man did not like to talk about himself. “I’ve found it’s better not to lie. I’ll tell her that we met, fell madly in love, got married in the heat of the moment and are just now learning about each other.”
He nodded his approval. “The simpler, the better.” He pressed the button on the CD player and strains of Mozart filled the car. He tried to concentrate on the music and the road but images of the past came back to haunt him. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the woman beside him and wondered how she would have reacted if he’d told her what she’d wanted to know. She’d probably wished she’d never asked.
Seeking a diversion from the memories she’d caused to surface, he broke the silence between them. “If your grandmother does approve of me, how will you prove that to your stepfather?”
“He’s on his way to my grandmother’s as we speak. Since he also did not attend the wedding, it’s only natural he would take the first opportunity to meet his new stepson-in-law.” Hesper scowled. “My grandmother doesn’t know that he mistreated my mother. My mother was too proud to want anyone to know. She never told and she swore me to secrecy.” The scowl on her face darkened even more. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve kept my word. Because she believes Peter was good to my mother, my grandmother continues to accept him as a welcome member of the family. And I will admit that when my mother died, he played the stunned, grief-stricken husband to the hilt. Grandmama even appears to respect his judgment. That will give him an edge.”
Feeling that it was only fair to be completely honest with Garth about Jeanette DuPree, Hesper continued. “Of course it’s hard to know exactly what she’s thinking. She’s a very private woman. Some would call her cold. I suppose that’s a fair description. Her greetings and hugs are perfunctory and I, personally, have never seen her bestow anything beyond a nod of approval. Even that was done with a stern expression.”
Her mouth formed a thoughtful pout. “Although I did hear that she actually smiled when Hagen told her he was going to work for Tobias. I wish I could have seen that.”
Garth glanced at her. “She sounds like a very difficult woman. I suppose the members of the family visit as little as possible.”
“On the contrary. Christmas and Thanksgiving are always held at her home. She is the matriarch of our family and, as such, we all pay homage out of respect for that position. Even Aunt Eloise attends, although she and her mother haven’t exchanged a word since Eloise’s first divorce. They communicate through Alfred, my grandmother’s butler. If he isn’t around, a maid or family member acts as intermediary.” Hesper frowned at the road ahead. When they got to Grandmama DuPree’s, he was going to think she hadn’t been entirely honest. “What I’ve just told you is the truth. However, there is more. My grandmother has the same knack for business that I do. She’s worth a great deal of money.”
A knowing smile played at the corners of Garth’s mouth. He was beginning to see the real Hesper and that was going to make keeping his distance much easier. He’d never liked greedy women.
Her jaw firmed. “But the money isn’t why I or Hagen or Eloise continue to visit her. We go there out of a strong sense of family.”
The cynical expression on Garth’s face deepened. “No offense, but, in your case, I don’t buy that. I’m beginning to believe that you’d do just about anything for money.”
She was about to point out that he had no right to talk, but bit back the words. She’d sought his aid. It wasn’t fair of her to criticize. “I can’t blame you for thinking that, but you’re wrong,” she stated flatly.
Surprisingly he found his instinct was to believe her. I’m letting a pretty face rule my judgment, he admonished himself. He’d never thought he’d be that stupid. “You still haven’t told me how you and your stepfather will settle your bet.”
“After my grandmother has met you, she’ll propose a toast at one of our meals or perhaps when she has everyone gathered in the parlor. The toast will be an announcement of her approval or disapproval of the match.” Hesper shifted uneasily. She told herself that Garth Lawton was merely in this for the money. Still, he deserved to be warned. “Her disapproval can prove embarrassing. She speaks her mind very clearly and expects to be obeyed.”
The ominous tone in her voice caused him to glance toward her questioningly.
“She took a very strong dislike to Eloise’s third husband, Homer Hyde. She didn’t even wait for the first course to be served at dinner on the day he and Eloise arrived. She ordered wine poured as soon as everyone was seated, then rose to make the toast. She turned to him, ordered him out of her house and added that she hoped he tripped over his suitcases, which were waiting for him on the front porch, and broke his neck. She then told Eloise, through Alfred, that, despite her horrendous taste in men, which appeared to be getting worse with age, she could remain, but that she’d booked a room for Homer at the local inn and expected him to be gone before the soup was served. Eloise rose immediately to pack and leave with her husband, but Homer simply scowled at Grandmama DuPree and remained firmly seated. Grandmama nodded toward Alfred. He had two of the stable men waiting in the hall. On a nod from him, they entered the dining room, lifted Homer, chair and all, and carried him out the front door.”
Garth was beginning to wonder exactly what he’d gotten himself into. Curiosity killed the cat, he recalled. Still he found himself more interested than ever in meeting Tobias’s sister. “I’ll remember not to overstay my welcome.”
A twinge of guilt worked its way through Hesper. “I should have warned you about all of this beforehand.” A defensiveness entered her voice. “But you are only doing this for money, so you shouldn’t take anything she says or does personally.”
“Don’t worry about me,” he assured her. “I’ve got the hide of a rhino.”
She studied him narrowly. “You don’t let anyone get too close, do you?”
“Only a very select few,” he replied. “Those I know I can trust.”
She nodded her approval.
“What’s to keep your father from revealing your game and exposing me as a cad?”
“If he did that, he’d have to admit to being after my money. Grandmama wouldn’t like that and he’s counting on being in her will.”
Garth smiled dryly. Maybe being orphaned hadn’t been such a bad break after all.
For the rest of the drive to New York City, they spoke little.
Arriving at her apartment, she offered him his choice of the bedroom or the pull-out couch in the living room. Catching the glimmer of surprise in his eyes, she added, “I hope you weren’t expecting more elaborate quarters. I could only use the money in my trust for my education. Since I graduated, I haven’t been allowed to touch it except to manipulate the investments. I live off of my salary as an accountant.”
“It isn’t the smallness. It’s just a lot homier than I pictured. I expected something more stark, more modern… glass-top tables, black and white decor,” he said, his gaze traveling over the plush, upholstered furniture, their flowery prints giving the room an air of cheerfulness and femininity. Doilies protected table surfaces cluttered with assortments of knickknacks and family photographs.
“I have a soft side,” she said stiffly. “I simply prefer not to expose it too publicly.”
He’d nearly convinced himself that the real Hesper O’Grady was a hard, calculating woman with no soul. This apartment proved him wrong. “Your softer side is very appealing.”
A glow of pleasure brought a flush to Hesper’s cheeks and her legs felt suddenly weak—the kind of weakness she’d experienced with her first teenage crush. Those adolescent years had proved to be treacherous. But she’d survived them unscathed. Once past them, she was certain she had her emotions completely under control. Now, suddenly those hormones she’d ordered to remain dormant were vibrantly alive. Reminding herself of the hell Peter had put her mother through, she quelled them. “Do you want the bedroom or the couch?” she repeated tersely, her tone letting him know that she had no intention of exposing her softer side to him.
Garth studied her with interest. “You remind me of an armadillo. The moment he senses his soft underbelly is in danger, he curls up into a ball, using his hard shell to protect him.”
She met his gaze with defiance. “I have my reasons, Mr. Lawton. Tobias said you could be trusted. I do hope you don’t try to prove him wrong.”
Garth had seen that same cold purpose in the eyes of people willing to die rather than surrender their ideals. He knew he’d be smart never to cross the line she’d drawn between them and he prided himself on being, at least, that smart.
“The couch or the bed?” she repeated.
“The couch,” he replied.
The next morning, Hesper took care of a few business matters, then they left for her grandmother’s estate outside of Wilmington, Delaware, arriving in time for tea.
“Impressive place,” Garth said as they neared the end of the tree-lined private driveway and the huge gray stone manor house came into view.
“My grandfather was old money. It was dwindling when he married my grandmother. He never had a head for business and was happy to turn the reins over to her and concentrate on his horses and his golf game.”
“A smart man knows his limitations.”
She glanced at him dryly. “You’re an Eastwood fan. I should have guessed.”
He smiled and shrugged. “We all have our heroes. Dirty Harry is one of mine.”
His smile caused her breath to momentarily lock in her lungs. She’d seen men smile before, she chided herself. For his to have such a strong effect on her wasn’t reasonable. She ordered herself to forget it. Instead she said, “You have a nice smile.”
He’d been told that by women before, but this time the words seemed to carry a more important weight. It was as if he really cared if she liked him or not. She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want me getting close to her, he reminded himself. Still, she’d been the one to make the friendly overture and he couldn’t resist seeing how far it would go. “Thanks. I like to think I can be likable.”
Mentally Hesper kicked herself. She’d opened the door and she’d better close it quickly. Her reactions to this man made being friendly with him much too much like walking on quicksand. Her tone becoming businesslike, she said, “Let’s just hope my grandmother likes your smile as well.”
The armadillo had rolled into its ball again, Garth noted. No doubt that was for the best, he added and concentrated on his driving.
Alfred greeted them at the door. In his early sixties, dressed in black tails, the remaining circle of fringe on his now nearly bald head cut short and crisp, tall, slender and with his usual staid expression on his face, her grandmother’s butler never seemed to change, Hesper thought as she introduced Garth.
