WILL STIFLED A YAWN and then smiled. He had exactly two hours of sleep before he’d raced back to his hotel to change clothes in time for his first team meeting of the day. They were in the conference room at the hotel, but would be heading over to the UN in an hour. Then he had his special team of attachés who would keep eyes on the American ambassador for a hostile Middle Eastern country.
“Sir?” Rafe stopped as he walked in the room.
“Lieutenant?”
“Uh…” The other man had a huge grin on his face.
“What?” The word sounded harsh but luckily Rafe wasn’t someone who cared about his tone. Their friendship went deeper than that.
“I’d like to preface this by saying it’s about damn time. But you need to lose the grin or your pops will find out what you were doing until the wee hours of the morning.”
Will shot him an evil glare.
Rafe laughed loud.
“I don’t care what he thinks, she’s good for you. I’ve never seen you smile like that.”
Will shrugged. His friend was right but the last thing he was going to do was share his feelings.
“I played the blues with Master Z. last night.”
“Wait. What? Oh, hell, no.” The quick change in subject caught his friend off guard.
“Oh, hell, yes. An entire set. H—” The general walked in with his team and Will couldn’t finish the sentence. When his father looked his way, Will made sure he had his usual surly frown on his face. Rafe was right about that. He wouldn’t dare let the old man see him happy.
“Marines, we have a problem. Captain, I think you’re our go-to man on this particular subject.”
Will sat up a little straighter. His dad seldom ever looked at him during these meetings, let alone called on him.
“Sir.”
The general leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Seems the ambassador and his family have some domestic problems. You’re in charge of that team, so it’s up to you to take care of it.”
Will stared at his father. This was some kind of setup. He could feel it coming. Determined to take whatever came his way, he steeled himself. “I’m afraid I don’t understand, sir. Are you saying that you need me to vet a new staff for their household? We processed the list yesterday and everyone checked out.”
“No. That isn’t it. I’m told the family’s belongings are on a ship somewhere in the Indian Ocean, with little hope of arrival anytime soon.”
That happened a great deal, but the staff could easily replace anything the family wanted. Still, he didn’t argue with his father.
“As you know, the family can’t leave the compound and the ambassador’s wife has made a request.”
Will nodded.
“She needs a stylist. From what I understand that has to do with fashion, and given your latest escapades I thought you would be the right man for the job.”
The general’s men didn’t bother to hide their snide grins.
Rafe’s hands tightened into fists on the table. His friend always had his back.
Fine. The general wanted to dress him down in front of his peers. He could take it.
“Brilliant, sir.” Will was surprised when his voice didn’t crack. “I am exactly the right man for the job. I have people who would be happy to help. I’ll get right on it.”
The rest of it was worth it when he saw the frown on his father’s face.
Two can play this game.
HANNAH AND ANNE MARIE ushered the last of the buyers out the door. Their day had been spent going through the designs with editors and buyers, and it had been an exciting day in so many ways. They had more orders than they could ever imagine.
“We’re going to be so rich.” Anne Marie fist-pumped the air.
“I have to admit that was epic.” Exhausted, Hannah sat down at the conference table. It had been almost as stressful here in the studio as the show and they had three more days of this. “How are we going to fulfill these orders? It’s at least ten times what we projected.”
“You don’t have to worry about it, remember. That is my problem.”
Hannah put her hand on Anne Marie’s. “No, it’s our problem. You are doing a great job.”
“I hear a but…” Anne Marie drew her hand away.
“No, but I do want to be more involved, that’s all. I need to know what’s going on here.” She waved a hand around the room. “You’ll still be in charge of making it happen. In fact I’m making you vice president of operations.”
Anne Marie sat there with no expression on her face. “That’s a really big title.”
Reading the other woman was impossible. She thought her friend would be happy. “You’re already doing the job and that of ten other people. You might as well have the title.”
Hannah jumped up to grab her purse and from it pulled out a box.
“I had these made this morning and I forgot to give them to you.”
Her friend opened the box. “Business cards?”
“Yes.”
She ran a finger across the raised type. Hannah had ordered the best she could find and had them do a rush job. “Oh, my Gawd, this is so awesome.” A grin spread across Anne Marie’s face and Hannah was relieved. For a moment she thought her friend might toss the cards in the trash.
“I’m glad you’re happy. Now tell me how we’re going to make this happen.”
“With all the buzz, I had a feeling we would have more orders than we projected. Our suppliers are ready, I’ve already interviewed potential staff and we’re good. Seriously good. I’ve been working on a report just to make sure I have the planets aligned. I’ll email it to you.”
“You are a wonder, Anne Marie.” Hannah smiled at her friend. “And you never fail to amaze me with your talents. I loved the way you covered the fact the sunshine blouse was missing by saying it was couture only. People were fighting over it. Oh, and if we have it in the budget I’d like to give Kathryn, Brenda and Jesse raises. I can’t believe what they accomplished in forty-eight hours.”
Anne Marie continued fingering the cards. Hannah was grateful her friend liked them. It seemed like such a small thing, and she should have done it long ago.
“I’ll check the numbers to see where we are with the budget, but with all the orders we should be good. I guess now we are onto London. Do you have an idea of how you want the show to run? I have the specs from the venue.”
Anne Marie glanced up. “I don’t want to ruin a great moment but has Rafe or Will heard anything about the investigation?”
As much as she wanted the clothes back, Hannah hated that her friend still felt so responsible. “Nothing yet. Will talked to Rafe last night, but it will work out. You’ll see.” Hannah hoped her friend didn’t notice the fake optimism.
Her phone rang and she saw it was Will.
“Sorry, it’s the hunky marine.”
“Well, pick it up.” Anne Marie flapped her hand as if to tell Hannah to hurry and answer.
“Hi, Will, how are you?”
“Good.” There was a long pause. “I need you.”
“I’m here for you.” Her voice sounded more suggestive than she meant.
He chuckled. “That’s good to know. But right now I have a job to do and unfortunately that means finding evening dresses for the ambassador’s wife and daughter for tomorrow night.”
Hannah’s jaw dropped. Will was out saving the world and they had him hunting down dresses? It didn’t make any sense.
“We’re on lockdown at the embassy. I can’t tell you why, but the ambassador’s family can’t leave the residence.”
What he didn’t say was apparent to Hannah. The family had received some kind of threat.
“There is a special reception here tomorrow and we are tripling security. But the mother and daughter won’t have the opportunity to shop as they planned. It was actually my father who asked me to contact you.”
The general? Now that was just crazy.
“Will, as much as I want to help you there is no way I can design and make dresses by tomorrow.”
“Oh, no. I didn’t ask you the right way. I mean, do you know someone who would have those kinds of dresses all made up? And is there any possibility you could bring them here? We’ve already got you clearance.”
Hannah’s mind whirled. Leland could help her out. He had a huge warehouse of new and vintage designs. She had a few of her own, but it depended on what size they were. She wanted to do this. For Will, and the other reason was to show the general that she was a good person. She had no idea why that was so important to her.
He’s Will’s dad and you want him to like you.
She didn’t have time to think about what that meant.
“Can you have someone text me their measurements? It’s going to take me a few hours to pull several looks together.”
“Hannah?”
Her mind was whirling with details of what she would need. Shoes, accessories. “What?”
“I’ll owe you big,” he said, the words as a whisper.
Her heart fluttered and her nether regions tightened with need. “Oh, and I’m so going to make you pay up, Marine. Just you wait.”
THREE HOURS LATER Hannah pulled the van up to the gate and passed through security without incident. The Gothic structure of the building made it look like something on a street in Paris. The size of it rivaled her parents’ Hamptons house and took up most of the block. Will and Rafe were there to meet her.
She wanted to hug Will but remembered he was on duty. No longer would she do anything to embarrass him.
“Hi.” She waved to both of them.
Will gave her the sweetest smile. “You didn’t have to do this but I’m grateful.”
It was the least she could do after everything she’d put him and Rafe through. “No problem. I’ll need help getting the racks out of the van.”
“Sawyer and Rankin, help get these clothes out of the van,” Will called to two men in uniform. His voice was authoritative and it made her grin.
This tough-marine side of him was a huge turn-on, especially since she knew ways to make him beg.
He collected her keys from her and walked toward his men. She couldn’t hear what he was saying but he was there for a good minute.
“Okay, they’ll take care of getting the clothes upstairs. I’m also going to have them replace your fuse, check the tires and fill it up.”
“Will, you don’t have to do all that.”
“But I want to. Why don’t you come with me and I’ll introduce you to the ambassador’s wife and daughter.”
She followed him upstairs, grateful that she’d changed into her new leather boots and a wrap dress. Growing up around wealth did have its advantages. She knew when to throw her funky fashion proclivities to the wind and dress like a grown-up.
At least every once in a while.
When they reached a long hallway, he stopped and took both of her hands in his. He kissed her quickly on the lips. “I’ve missed you.”
Those tender words launched butterflies in her stomach and her breath caught. The man could be so charming when he wanted to.
“I’ve missed you, too. You didn’t wake me when you left this morning.”
“You looked like Sleeping Beauty and it seemed like I’d be breaking some kind of law if I woke you. Besides, I left at five and I didn’t think you would appreciate it.”
Hannah placed a hand against his chest. “Will, that means you’ve only had a couple of hours of sleep.”
“I sometimes go seventy-two hours at a time without sleep. Hell, I’ve been on assignments when I didn’t get more than an hour over five days. Besides, every time I get tired, I think of what you did last night when—”
A door shut at the end of the hall and he stepped away.
“We should be careful here,” Hannah warned. “I promised myself I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass you further or get you into trouble.”
“Are you afraid of my father?”
Hannah thought about it for a minute. “Isn’t everybody?”
That made him laugh.
He led her to two double doors at the end of the hall and made the introductions. The ambassador’s wife, Laura, reminded Hannah of a younger version of her mother, only she smiled more. The daughter, Regan, on the other hand, was a sullen mass of gloom. She barely raised her head from the book she was reading.
The dresses arrived on the two racks from her van.
Will excused himself, and she showed Laura, as the woman had insisted Hannah call her, the choices.
“You are a magician. I would wear every single one of these dresses. How did you know my taste so perfectly?”
Anne Marie had done an internet search on the wife and daughter, who had been photographed at several events. Thanks to her friend’s efficiency, they had plowed through Leland’s warehouse and boutique to find exactly what they needed. They had taken their cues on what to bring from those photos. She could tell Laura, but she liked the idea of being a magician. There was a certain magic in fashion. The right clothes could transform a person and even change a mood.
“I’m glad. I wasn’t sure about your coloring before I arrived but I think the emerald green with the three-quarter-length sleeve would be a good start.”
“That one caught my eye right away. I’ll go change. Regan…” The girl didn’t look up from her book.
“Young lady, you will respond when spoken to. Hannah went to a great deal of trouble to help us out. Now get up and find yourself a dress.” Her tone was so much like Hannah’s mother’s, it was spooky. And it had about as big of an effect.
“Do not make me call for your father.” The threat worked.
As the girl stood, Hannah realized she was much older than she’d looked in the pictures she’d seen. The photos had made her seem like a demure young girl. She had long black hair that fell past her shoulders and a heart-shaped face. She was model slender. For the first time she looked Hannah in the eyes. There was a rebel hiding in there somewhere. She’d seen that look many times in her mirror.
“I hate these parties.” It wasn’t so much a whine as a statement.
“I hear ya. When I was young my parents always made me make an appearance. Bor-ing. Snoozefests. I felt like some doll they were showing off. The hardest part of the whole night is trying to stay awake. Oh, no, the hardest part is pretending like you are paying attention and nodding at just the right time.”
The girl almost smiled. “I’m not going to wear some dress that makes me look like a princess from an animated movie.”
Hannah laughed. “That’s good, because I brought everything except princess wear.” Regan wore a pair of chinos and a sweater over a button-down cotton blouse. A very preppy look. But Hannah noticed her watch had skulls on it. A secret Goth locked in a preppy world. She probably wasn’t allowed to wear what she wanted.
When she was younger, Hannah had run into the same thing with her parents. As long as they were paying for her clothing, she was expected to dress like a proper young woman. That was probably one of the reasons why when she began buying her own clothes she went more for funky whimsy than conservative.
“I didn’t know your style but I brought several options. There’s a black dress I think you might like.”
The girl sighed. “My mother will never allow me to wear black.”
Hannah smiled. “Well, we’ll have to make her see reason, won’t we? Besides, you might not even like it.”
When she pulled the dress off the rack, Regan’s eyes lit up, though her face was still in a frown.
“I guess I can at least try it.” The girl almost grabbed the dress and ran to the sitting room next to the bathroom where her mother was changing.
The door to the sitting room opened and the ambassador’s wife entered. Tall and sleek, Laura was ready to walk the runway.
“This is perfect. I would have searched for weeks for something that fit so well, and I still wouldn’t have found it.”
“It’s beautiful.” Hannah walked behind her and finished buttoning up the back. The dress had a high neck and a slit to the knee. It was sexy without being too provocative.
“Leland, a friend of mine, designed this. He does a lot of red-carpet dresses for movie stars and singers. It’s a little big in the waist—if you want me to take it in, I can.”
The woman shook her head. “No. It’s nice to have some breathing room. It’s appropriate, without being matronly. I may have to visit your friend when this business is done. Though, lately…” She sighed. “Sorry. I’m tired of being stuck inside. For several months there have been threats against Regan and myself specifically. We aren’t allowed to go anywhere without a team of security, and even then, it’s never anywhere public. I thought we’d be freer here but… I’m rambling. I’m tired of my own company. It’s been so long since we’ve had visitors who weren’t military or government personnel. There are those who are fighting for democracy where we’re posted and my husband’s support of that has put us in danger. Still, we’ll persevere.”
Hannah smiled. “I’m glad I could help. It’s always fun to run into another fashion aficionado.”
“I do love clothes. That’s one of the great luxuries of traveling the world with my husband. Up until lately I could shop everywhere I went. So how did they convince you to come in today?”
“A friend of mine is working here and it’s nice to understand that part of his job is keeping you safe.”
“Would that be Captain Hughes?”
Afraid to reveal anything, she nodded.
“Ah, the captain. Yes. He’s one handsome fellow. One of the few people in the house Regan will actually look at when he speaks to her. So is it serious between you two?”
She should deny it, but she didn’t feel like lying. “We’ve both agreed that we’re just having fun. What gave us away?” Hannah checked the hem of the dress. It did look as if it had been made for her.
“The way he looked at you when he left. That boy is taken with you.”
She wasn’t sure what to say to that. This was a quick fling. They weren’t supposed to give each other longing looks or turn stomachs to jelly with sweet words, though it happened to Hannah almost every time they were together.
“I don’t know…” Regan stepped in front of her mother so she could see herself in the full-length mirror.
The girl tried desperately not to smile, but Hannah knew she loved it. The bodice was fitted and the skirt flared. A tight jacket laced up the back. Slightly Goth but appropriate enough for the reception. The shoes would be the kicker.
“Well, you could wear black heels with it, which would be great. But I also brought these.” Hannah found a pair of heeled lace-up boots that were replicas of the early 1900s style.
“Those are rather odd,” Laura said.
“I love them.” Regan held the boots as if they were spun of gold. “They’re better than anything I could have dreamed. I need black tights.”
Hannah reached into a bag. “Here.”
Regan actually gave her a full smile and ran off to the sitting room again.
“I don’t love that dress but I won’t say a word,” Laura said. “That child hasn’t smiled in months. Of course, I can’t say I blame her. We brought her home from the boarding school in Switzerland when the threats began. She loved it there and is furious that she isn’t allowed to graduate with her friends. Now she feels trapped. If only she could understand we are doing our best to keep her safe.”
“Can I ask how old she is?”
“She turns eighteen in three weeks. She plans to go to college this fall, but her father is worried about her safety. There are some religious zealots who have made multiple threats and they even went so far as to break into our home. They didn’t get far, but the invasion made my husband even more paranoid. The consulate here agreed to put us up for a few months and we aren’t sure what will happen after that. It’s a tough way for a young girl to live.”
That would be tough. “From the time I was sixteen until about twenty I don’t think I ever smiled. I lived to drive my parents around the bend.” Hannah still did. “They had certain expectations that I had trouble living up to.” Hannah had no idea why she was sharing this information with a stranger. Perhaps because she understood how Regan felt. No one had been there to back her up, and maybe she could help the girl.
“My father finally gave up on telling me how to dress and he told my mother to do the same. He said if I wanted to experiment with my clothing and the color of my hair, it was better than drugs. He was right. I’m an artist and back then I needed an outlet.”
Laura pursed her lips. “I butt heads with her, even when I try to be understanding.”
Hannah laughed. “Call it hormones but I think girls are supposed to hate their mothers no matter what when they reach a certain age. And Regan doesn’t hate you, but she feels stifled. That is what all the sulking is about. I don’t know her well, but I was a lot like her when I was that age. You may not approve, but this dress is a way for her to show her true self.”
The woman sighed again. “You may be right. Would you mind unbuttoning this?” Hannah did what she asked.
Laura passed her daughter but didn’t say a word about the dress or the shoes.
“I heard what you were talking about,” she whispered. “I don’t hate her. I’m just tired of being stuck with no friends. They even read my texts. I had to open a fake email account to talk to everyone. It’s embarrassing.”
Hannah nodded. “You’re old enough that you deserve some privacy, but they’re only doing this because they love you.”
The girl rolled her eyes. “That’s why it’s so hard. I’m scared, too, but I’m not going to spend the rest of my life like this.” She turned to see the back of the dress. The detailed stitching on the back of the jacket was exquisite. “If it weren’t for Jeremy being here I would go mad.”
Laura walked out and hung the dress back on the rack. “Thank you again, Hannah. I hope you’ll join us tomorrow night. I know it may be a boring affair but your young man will be here.”
The last thing she had time for was a boring reception, but the look on Regan’s face made her cave. “Thank you. I’d love to come, at least for a little while. I’m afraid I have to get ready for a London show, so if you see me leave early that’s why.” Why did she need to explain? She was busy. She didn’t need excuses.
“I’ll make sure you’re on the list. If you would like to bring a friend, let Will know.”
Hannah turned to Regan. “Do you ever wear your hair in curls?”
“Not since I was five.” The sarcasm dripped.
The best way to drive a teen mental was to ignore their jibes, so Hannah did.
“If you do the sides up like this—” she brought the girl’s long hair up “—and do curls down the back, it will show off the dress’s neckline. That’s how Red John had the models styled for the runway.”
“Red John?” Regan pulled up the hem of the dress. It was a bit long.
“Yes, a new designer. He and I shared a stage a couple of days ago. My stuff is light and airy and his is dark. We’re a good fit. He’s also a great friend. We sort of bonded in design school.”
“I can’t wait to go to college. I’ve applied everywhere. But I have no idea what I want to do yet. My father and mother think I should have my entire life planned out by now.”
Hannah laughed. “Well, even if you did have a plan, it would probably change. Though, I knew I would be a designer by the time I turned twelve. I hid my sketches for years. My mother was appalled by my chosen profession and my father thought it was flighty and irresponsible.”
“So what did you do?”
“I went after my dreams and I didn’t look back. Sometimes you have to take a risk now and then if you want to make things happen for yourself.”
Regan nodded. “I like a boy,” she said softly. “Jeremy, the one I mentioned, has been working with the chef here. He’s a line cook, but he wants to be a chef with his own restaurant someday. Of course, we have to meet at odd times and only for a few minutes. He’s asked me out on dates, but there’s no way they’ll ever let me leave.
“Besides, my parents would freak. He isn’t the son of one of their friends. He actually works for a living. I’m so tired of the pompous asses they make me dance with at these parties. Rich kids with no personalities.”
Hannah frowned. She understood needing to protect the girl but eventually she would jump out of the bubble. They’d never get her back once she did if they continued to restrict her so much.
“Jeremy sounds like a nice guy.”
“He is, but he’s not as hot as Will. I heard what my mom said. Man, you are so lucky. I saw his picture on your website. Hey, why didn’t you bring your own designs?”
“My stuff is…well…”
“Wouldn’t be appropriate for an embassy reception?”
“I have some evening wear that might work, but no, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you or your mother.”
“Well, I love this. Thank you.” The girl turned and gave her a hug.
Hannah returned the gesture. She’d been Regan only a few years ago. It was hard not to like her, sullen attitude and all.
“Hannah, you’re needed downstairs,” Will interrupted.
A small giggled escaped Regan’s lips.
Hannah cleared her throat. “I’ll be right there.” She turned back to the girl. “The dress is long in the front. Do you want me to shorten the hem?”
“I like it that way. It barely touches the floor.”
“If you’re sure. I’ll come back early tomorrow in case you change your mind. And feel free to try on some of the other dresses. Oh, and here’s my cell.” She pulled a card out of her purse. “If you need anything. Clips for your hair or whatever. Let me know.”
The girl nodded. “One thing. Why are you doing all this? You’re a big-time designer, one of the top ten talents in the world. Don’t give me that look. I read all of the articles about you.”
Hannah shrugged. “I did it because Will asked me to.”