Chapter One
Thinking about tonight’s meet-up date was making Ivy Parker twitchy. She kinda wished she hadn’t agreed to it, but it was too late to back out now. Plus, she’d already decided to turn over a new leaf with men. No more getting swept away by powerful men who stole her heart…and eventually betrayed her trust.
She was looking for a strong, honorable man, but did men like that even exist? After a self-imposed break, she was dipping her toe into dating again. She’d agreed to tonight’s date with Stone because his warm, down-to-earth communication had been different from any guy she’d met on an online dating site.
Would he live up to her expectations? She’d find out tonight…
Ivy paced the sitting room of the bridal boutique she co-owned and barely noticed the whimsical Christmas décor her assistant, Valentina, had labored over turning the shop into a dreamy winter wonderland.
Stopping in front of the shimmering silver, gold and ivory Christmas tree, she stared at a glass filigree heart ornament with a pang of longing. She had thought she’d be spending Christmas with Damien, but everything had gone south in October when she’d broken up with him—on her birthday of all days.
Her self-confidence had taken a nosedive and her diminishing opinion of men had deteriorated further. Was there any man she could trust?
Swallowing a morose little sigh, she turned away from the reminder that she hadn’t bought a little fresh pine tree for her apartment yet. It probably wouldn’t be happening this year anyway, which was a good thing because in her current mood, it would have been decked in black.
She walked over and straightened the gossamer veil on a storefront mannequin draped in a luxurious cream satin gown. Satisfied that the tiara and veil looked just right, her gaze swept the room, admiring how everything glowed beneath the crystal chandeliers hanging from the pale gray-beamed ceiling. Beaded tiaras and accessories glistened in tall glass armoires and beautiful jewelry sparkled in the glass display cases on either side of the sitting room.
Outside, twinkly lights lined the arched storefront windows inviting passersby to come inside. She watched people rushing to the subway stop to avoid the steady downpour of snowflakes. Soon glossy heaps of white would cover the trees and ground outside the little shop.
There was nothing like freshly fallen, clean snow. The beauty of it always filled her with awe. Tomorrow would be another story once it began to turn gray. Good thing the snow plows would be out later tonight to clean the streets. Manhattanites loved to walk everywhere.
She still couldn’t believe that she was now part owner of this charming boutique, and that it had all worked out to everyone’s benefit. When the founders of the boutique, her sister, Evie, and Evie’s best friend, Kate, had each married a Scotsman within the past few years and moved to Scotland, they’d needed a fulltime partner in New York to oversee the day-to-day operations and marketing of their shop. That’s when they’d invited Ivy to become a third partner.
Housed in a 19th century Queen Anne style brownstone, Kate and Evie’s Bridal Boutique had one of the most beautiful storefronts in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Ivy lived in the alcove apartment above the shop thanks to Evie, who bought the three-story townhouse after she married the Scottish whisky tycoon, Cameron Hunter. Older by eight years, Evie had always taken care of Ivy and she was eternally grateful for it, especially since their mother had died when they were little.
She loved the bridal shop, but what she didn’t love was how forlorn she’d been feeling since her breakup with Damien. Being around giddy brides-to-be only made it worse. She had tried everything to snap out of it—getting together with girlfriends, volunteering her time at the food bank, meditation and yoga, but she still battled loneliness.
It wasn’t that she missed her ex-boyfriend all that much. Mostly, she missed the romance and being part of a couple. Now that she knew the truth about Damien, she knew she was better off without him.
She was still trying to wrap her head around the delusion of the Damien she thought she knew and the reality of who he was—a lying, cheating narcissist. She had broken up with him immediately when she found out about his other life, but the memory of his deception was still raw.
It was two weeks before Christmas, their slowest time of year, but that didn’t stop women from coming in to browse—young women like Ivy who dreamed of a romantic proposal at Christmas. Well, that wasn’t going to happen any time soon for Ivy.
She pushed her slumped shoulders back and straightened her spine. The last thing she wanted this Friday night was to wallow in self-pity, especially before a date. She should be looking forward to it, not dragging her feet.
No more thinking about Damien. Christmas had always been her favorite holiday, and she wanted to feel the magic again.
At Evie’s urging, Ivy had joined Encounter, an online dating site geared to empowering women. At first, she’d stalled, which was out of character for her. She was usually impulsive to a fault, but a mixture of dread and distrust of men had plagued her since her breakup in early October. Once she started communicating on Encounter, she liked how it allowed her to be in control. If a guy swiped right on her, it was up to her to initiate communication or swipe left.
Tonight, she was taking the plunge on her first online meet-up date, and if she didn’t hurry up, she’d be late – not a good start.
Ivy sprinted up the circular staircase at the back of the shop. Her apartment was on the third floor, above the working second floor, which housed the fabrics, trims and accessories, two fitting rooms and an area where the seamstresses worked. If she hurried, she’d have enough time to freshen up before her date. But just as her foot hit the second floor, her phone dinged with a text message from Stone, her pending online date:
Hey, it’s elbow to elbow here. I just snagged a spot for us at the bar. Waiting for a table.
Shoot, he was fifteen minutes early. No time for primping before meeting. They’d been communicating for weeks, but she’d wanted to get to know him better before committing to a date. She didn’t like to divulge too much about herself on the dating app. The world was filled with too many liars like Damien.
Ivy mentally shook herself and jumped off the negative train. Who knew? Stone just might be her new man. She loved the sound of his name. Stone. It sounded solid, strong, secure…sexy. She hoped he would be all of those things.
With that possibility in mind, she drew a cleansing breath. It was time for new beginnings.
Smoothing her wavy locks aside with one hand, she texted back:
Thanks! On my way. See you soon.
Chapter Two
Fighting a blast of icy air, Ivy tugged at the heavy oak door of The Vine Lovers Café and wrested it open. She stepped inside and immediately felt at home in the cozy, family-owned restaurant she’d frequented many nights after work. The owners knew her and Chad, the bartender, was her friend and self-appointed protector.
Stone hadn’t been kidding when he’d said it was elbow-to-elbow in there. The bar was packed with happy hour patrons in no rush to go anywhere, especially not outside with the approaching nor’easter. Drinks flowed as freely as conversation and everyone looked content to be inside the comfy warmth.
Her gaze swept the room in search of Stone, but he wasn’t at the bar counter. Maybe he’d already secured a table. A tall man shot up from a bar stool and motioned for her to join him. There was something familiar about him, but he wasn’t Stone.
A slate wool beanie covered most of his jet-black locks, but there was no mistaking the heavy lashed glittering eyes in his unshaven face as they met hers across the room. They were the same pale ash color of a snow leopard’s eyes that she’d seen in a documentary about rare leopards in Central Asia last year.
Her breath quickened. If she wasn’t mistaken, those striking silver eyes and assertive, sharp jaw were plastered on a huge billboard in Times Square advertising Hollywood heartthrob, Stryker Tremayne’s, upcoming TV pilot, “Men in Danger.”
Wait a minute! This guy actually was Stryker.
What was the megastar doing in this tiny, nondescript restaurant bar in the Upper East Side of New York City? She would have imagined him in the West Village or trendy Brooklyn.
She tried to ignore Stryker’s unswerving gaze, but it was aimed straight at her. Her head whipped from side to side to see if he was staring at someone else, but there was nobody behind her. The half-smile on those sensual lips was clearly meant for her…but why?
Of all the times for this to happen, this was the worst. She was supposed to be meeting pleasant, down-to-earth Stone. She didn’t want to be distracted by someone as compelling as Stryker. It wasn’t fair to Stone who’d been nice and thoughtful in his communications.
Why did Stryker have to be so smoking hot? Her heartbeat kicked up when he headed her way, his athletic gait commanding her attention as the fabric of his jeans stretched across strong thighs, long legs and sinewy hips. Wearing a dark gray puffer jacket and faded jeans, and sporting scruff on his lean jaw, he looked every bit the edgy renegade cop he would be playing in his upcoming series.
He reached her side and their eyes met, sending sparks zinging inside her. She couldn’t form any words as she stared into eyes the color of misty winter skies—a mélange of silver, slate and deep blue. His eyes mesmerized and she went still.
“Ivy?” Stryker’s deep voice rocked Ivy from her trance. “Hi, I’m—”
He knew her name? She drew back in shock. “How do you know my name? I know who you are. Everyone does. You’re Stryker Tremayne, but…” She paused and stared at him. “How do you know who I am?”
He held her gaze and one corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “I—”
“Never mind,” she cut in, shaking her head to clear the cobwebs muddling her dazed head. She let out a pent-up breath and said firmly, “I don’t know how you know my name or why you’re here, but you have to leave.”
His brows drew together over narrowed eyes as he leaned forward. “Leave? I just got here—”
“You can stay, of course,” she said, taking a step backward. “I meant you have to leave my side.”
When he opened his mouth to protest, she raised an open palm in front of his chest and eyed the entrance for Stone’s arrival.
Stryker’s flabbergasted face was almost comical. Clearly, he wasn’t used to being shunned, but there was no other way to handle what he was doing to her. His closeness set her on edge…and sent a thrill of excitement coursing through her. Her knees felt like jelly and her breathing went shallow. Heck, her whole body was jolted down to the tips of her toes.
“Are you ever going to let me speak?” He quirked a thick brow and waited, amusement tugging at the corners of his lips.
“It’s not funny. I’m supposed to meet someone tonight.” She paused meaningfully and put her hands on her hips. “And he’s not you.”
He burst out laughing. Not the reaction Ivy was expecting, but then she should have known Stryker wouldn’t be easily put off.
“Are you waiting for Stone?” Stryker inquired in a mild tone.
“Maybe,” she hedged. Get it together, Ivy! She lifted her chin and met his gaze levelly. The familiar way he’d asked the question unnerved her. “How did you know I was waiting for Stone?”
“I know Stone well. Intimately, in fact,” he added.
Intimately? Ivy turned a sharp eye toward the door. If Stone didn’t show up in the next minute, she was high tailing it out of here. No matter how hot and appealing Stryker Tremayne’s looks were, something was off. Way off.
She should have asked for Stone’s last name while they’d been texting these past weeks, but she had wanted things to progress organically. She wanted to find a guy who could make her believe in love again.
She didn’t want to end up like her mom, alone, embittered, and betrayed by men until her dying day. But she was beginning to think that in her case, finding love and a lasting relationship was near impossible.
Stone had been the first guy who’d reached out to her with a really nice message. Still grappling with trust issues, she’d taken her time as things unfolded.
“I am Stone,” he said, stunning her from her musings and back to the present.
This was getting weirder by the minute. Ivy shoved hair from her face and peered at him in disbelief. “Seriously? Are you kidding me?” When he shook his head, she drew in a labored breath and furtively looked around. “Am I being punked? Do you have a reality show too? Where are the cameras?”
“Relax. No cameras here. If we lose our seats, we’ll have to stand. The bartender is holding our place. Let’s go.”
Intrigued now, Ivy followed him and sat on the barstool he pulled out for her. He lowered his muscular physique on the barstool beside her and his jean-covered knee grazed hers. Pinpricks of excitement fizzed under her skin, catching her off guard and she drew in a sharp breath.
Leaning toward her, he cocked his head and smiled, the appraising light in his steely eyes making her lose her train of thought—whatever it was. He smelled delicious of winter snow and pine trees.
She reluctantly inched away. Why did he have to smell so good? She was in dangerous territory. What kind of spell was he casting on her? His stunning silver eyes, appealing scent, and wry smile made her heart beat wildly and her mouth go dry. Ridiculous. He was making her palms sweat, and she needed to get a grip. Now.
“Please move back. Don’t you believe in personal space?” Her snippy tone meant to cut his confidence—if that were even possible. With his fame, Stryker’s ego had to be massive. Weren’t most male superstars philandering players? Those were two strikes against him. Add a third for lying, and he was out.
Dry amusement glinted in his eyes. “Personal space isn’t easy in here, but I’ll try.” He leaned back and motioned to the bartender, then gave her his full attention. “As I recall, you said you love Prosecco.”
She snapped to attention at the revealing comment. “When did I say that?”
“When we were texting. I told you I’m Stone. Remember?” He paused for that to sink in. “My last name is Tremayne. Stryker is my identical twin, but other than that, I’m nothing like him,” he said unequivocally.
“What?” she asked, dazed. What on earth was he talking about? He didn’t look at all like Stone’s pics on his dating profile.
“I said I’m nothing like him,” he repeated louder.
Ivy’s lip curled. “I heard you the first time.” She felt a tension headache forming and massaged her temples. “If you’re really Stryker’s twin, then whose pictures are on your dating profile? Hmm?” She crossed her arms over her chest and squinted at him suspiciously.
“They’re of my assistant. Rolf.”
She flung her hands in the air. This was too much. “You put your assistant’s pictures on the dating site instead of yours? Does he know you did that?”
“Of course.” He shrugged as if it were no big deal.
Ivy gaped at him, her cheeks burning. “I’m going to report you to…to Encounter,” she sputtered.
A semblance of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Suit yourself, but first let me explain.”
Chad, the burly bartender, appeared before them. “Hey, guys. What’ll it be?”
“Thanks for saving our seats, Chad,” Stone said. He cocked a brow at Ivy. “Prosecco or something else?”
When she didn’t answer right away, Chad shot her an inquiring look. In his late forties and happily married, Chad was built like a bouncer and always looked out for her.
Ivy nodded ever so slightly, signaling that so far, her date was acceptable. If not, she would have rubbed her throat. That was the code they’d agreed on after she’d had a harrowing experience in the past when a stranger came onto her aggressively at the bar. If Chad hadn’t noticed and followed them outside, who knew what would have happened?
Both men stared at her now, waiting for her answer. It was snowing outside and she could hear the wind howling. Normally, she would have ordered a hot toddy or a lovely Pinot Noir, but Ivy was burning inside—literally. She needed an icy drink to cool down…in every way.
She smiled at Chad. “I’ll have Prosecco, thanks.”
“Bring us the bottle and another glass, please,” Stone said, and then turned to Ivy. “How does a Mediterranean sampler sound to you?”
It sounded tempting and she was hungry, but he’d lied to her and she shouldn’t be giving him the time of day. “Sounds good, but—”
“Great.” He glanced at Chad and motioned to an empty table next to the bar that a couple had just vacated. “OK if we move there?”
“Sure. I’ll send the bottle over,” Chad said.
Stone got up and waited for Ivy to join him, but she didn’t budge.
His mouth eased into a persuasive smile. “Let’s have some appetizers, and I’ll tell you why I didn’t put my pictures up. If you still hate me, I’ll leave.”
Ivy’s chin shot up. “I don’t hate you. I hate liars.”
“I don’t like liars either, but I had a good reason to bend the truth a bit. Don’t judge until you know the full story.”
There was something in his eyes, a sincere spark maybe, that made her want to stay and listen…though she had her doubts about him.
“OK, but first I need to make a phone call. From the ladies’ room,” she added so he wouldn’t follow her. She got up and donned her cross-body bag. “Be right back.”
“Just don’t climb out of the window,” he joked. “I don’t want to look for you on the fire escape.”
Ignore his charming grin. The man is an actor. She didn’t believe for a minute that he wasn’t Stryker. As soon as she got far enough away, she was going to Google Stryker Tremayne and check if he really had an identical twin named Stone.