By Wednesday, Kori began to think she should have confronted Beau and explained she wanted out of their agreement. He’d helped her out for one evening. Surely all the pretending she had done squared the account.
By Thursday, she turned off her phone–there were too many messages from Beau. After the fifth one with the same message, she erased them all as they came no longer listening to them.
Maybe she’d send him a note. That way she wouldn’t have to see him again, but could make it clear they were through and it was up to him to concoct some story for Ellen as to why they were no longer engaged.
And the sooner the better. She spent more time thinking about him than attending to work. She’d been studying this layout for ten minutes and couldn’t even remember what it was for.
Suddenly a feeling of disquiet came over her. She looked up. Beau was crossing through the open area as if he owned Reemer Solutions.
No, come to think of it, the owners didn’t stride through so arrogantly.
She put down her pencil and braced herself. He looked as dashing as ever, and much the angry pirate. His gaze snared hers and she couldn’t look away. Maybe she should have answered at least one of the phone calls.
“Your phone is broken,” he said without any greeting. He stopped by her desk and glared at her. “Or you're ignoring my calls.”
“Why would I do that?” she asked, licking suddenly dry lips.
“Good question, one I don’t have an answer for. I’ve been trying to reach you since Sunday. Why did you leave so abruptly?”
“I didn’t know how long you’d be, questioning your suspect. Was he guilty? Was he the one who pilfered the money?”
“He was. He’s in police custody now, and a quiet warning has spread throughout the entire chain I won’t tolerate theft.”
“So Donny’s days as bartender are over?”
He nodded, his eyes narrowed slightly. Flicking a glance at his watch, he said, “It’s almost lunchtime, get your things, I’ll treat.”
Kori knew she should refuse, even opened her mouth to do so, when Phil strolled into view. He was finally working with Nathan on the delayed artwork, but he kept looking over toward Kori.
Pasting a brilliant smile on her face, she gazed lovingly at Beau.
“How wonderful, darling, I’d love to.”
She covered the work on her drafting table, slid off the high stool and grabbed her purse.
“It’ll have to be casual, I’m not dressed for a fancy place.”
She slipped her hand into the crook of Beau’s arm and almost batted her eyelashes at him.
A jaw muscle tightened in his face.
“So glad, darling, that you can spare the time.”
“I always have time for you, ” she said, louder than needed.
She wanted to make sure Phil got the message—she and Beau were still an item.
As they turned, Beau spotted Phil. He nodded once in the man’s direction, then looked straight ahead.
“What’s going on, Kori? Ignore me until you need reinforcements, then latch on to fool the opposition?”
“The opposition?”
“Phil?”
“You invited me to lunch. We’re engaged, after all, why wouldn’t I be delighted to see my fiancé?”
“You tell me first why you’ve ignored every message I’ve left.”
She stalled for time, until they were in the elevator, when she dropped the adoring pose like a hot potato. The two other occupants in the elevator made conversation impossible. She’d wait until they had some semblance of privacy.
The busy sidewalk provided it.
“I’ve been busy this week,” she said as they walked toward Market Street.
“Too busy to call and say, I’m busy?” he asked. “To busy to return my mother’s calls?”
“Your mother called?”
She hadn’t listened to the messages after the first day, suspecting they all were from Beau. “I didn’t know.”
“She wanted an answer to her proposal for a small dinner party this weekend.”
“I’m going off.”
“So I told her. That we would be going to San Diego to supervise the placement of your paintings.”
Kori stopped. Ignoring the people who jostled her as they hurried by, she stared at him.
“You did what?”
He took her arm, urging her along the crowded sidewalk.
“We discussed it on Sunday, surely it didn’t slip your mind.”
“You suggested it. I never said I’d go.”
“I made reservations for an early flight Saturday morning. We’ll be home Sunday night.”
“Of all the nerve. Beau, I’m not going off with you for a weekend. This is a fake engagement, remember?”
“Is that what has you worried? I booked a suite, two bedrooms. Your virtue is safe with me, Kori.”
“No, that’s not what has me worried.”
She closed her mouth suddenly, realizing what she had been about to say. The last thing she wanted was for him to have even a glimmer of an idea that her feelings had undergone a change. Instead of a business deal, she’d give her back teeth to have it change into a romantic affair.
Wouldn’t he get a kick out of that bit of news.
“Then what?”
“I’m going to the spa this weekend. The one I was going to before.”
She sounded almost petulant in stating the fact.
“Another time. Come with me to San Diego.”
His voice was compelling, making her wish for things that could never be. Intoxicating, like sparkling wine along her senses, awakening her to awareness and needs that were new and exciting.
She glanced up, and saw the intensity of his gaze. His dark eyes seemed to see through to her soul.
“Have you ever been to San Diego?”
She shook her head, mesmerized by the look in his eyes.
“I’ve heard it’s lovely,” she said.
“Mission Bay is especially enchanting, and the Magellan Hotel there was designed to enhance the enchantment. Say you’ll come.”
Kori looked away, trying to remember why she wanted to keep her distance. Surely a weekend wouldn’t hurt—and it would give her a chance to see San Diego, see her paintings in the lobby of a famous hotel.
It would give her a weekend with Beau.
She’d see him in his element, the lordly hotel owner, showing off one of his hotels. Maybe she’d get disgusted with him and be able to easily say goodbye on Sunday night.
Reasoning took hold.
“I can’t go.”
“It’s that or the party at my mother’s,” he said shortly.
“No, it’s not. Tell your mother we’re going off, then just stay home and don’t answer the phone.”
“Like you’ve been doing all week?” he asked silkily.
“I’ve been busy,” she protested, unwilling to concede defeat.
Beau paused by a doorway and ushered Kori inside a small sandwich shop. They joined the line waiting to order and she glanced around, recognizing one other person from work. The place was one she ate in often, and she knew was a favorite with many from Reemer Solutions. When her coworker waved, Kori acknowledged her and turned back to Beau, hoping she looked like she was enjoying herself, and not provoked. If she ended things with Beau, would there be talk at work? She was tired of being the main fodder for the gossip mill.
“Friend of yours?” he asked.
“Someone from work.”
She stepped up and ordered, then waited while Beau ordered and paid for both sandwiches and drinks. They moved down the counter to wait for them to be prepared.
“Shall we eat outside?” Kori asked, not wanting to have a conversation in such a crowded place. Who knew who might be listening?
“It’s a short walk to the Embarcadero. We can go there, if you like.”
He was being accommodating, nice. She wished he would be as arrogant as he could get sometimes. It would make things easier.
Before long they were sitting on a bench in a quiet little park, dappled sunshine giving them respite from the sun. The breeze was slight, cool and refreshing.
Kori took a bite of her sandwich and looked at Beau.
“Now’s when you bring in the heavy guns,” she said.
“Meaning?”
“What threats are you going to use to make me go to San Diego.”
A gleam of amusement lit his eyes.
“Threats? Wouldn’t a simple invitation do?”
She shook her head warily. “I don’t want to go.”
“Do you not want to go, or not want to go with me?”
That gave her pause. “With you.”
“I told you, you have nothing to worry about.”
“Just being with you makes me worry,” she blurted.
“Ah, and that is because?”
She took another bite, unwilling to say anything more. Her tummy felt fluttery, her skin tingly and her heart raced. Just being with Beau at lunch. What would it be like to spend a weekend together? They’d get the best service, of that she was sure. And San Diego, renowned for its sparkling beaches, casual attitude and warm weather—outstanding even in California.
She’d never get such an opportunity again.
And get to see her painting put on display in the lobby.
And get to spend a few more days with Beau Williams.
A wise woman would run in the opposite direction. Kori looked at him again, and jumped in with both feet.
“Okay, early Saturday morning we leave for San Diego. How is your mother?”
“Recovering remarkably well.”
“So we don’t need to continue this charade much longer?”
Beau shrugged, for some reason unwilling to give Kori a date when they could end the charade as she put it. His mother’s health was recovering quickly. He’d spoken with her doctor yesterday and been told the man was confident she’d regain her lost strength in a short while and be as fit as could be in no time.
Beau knew better than to believe his mother would go into a decline when he told her he and Kori were no longer engaged, but he didn’t want any setbacks, either. It wouldn’t hurt to continue a little longer.
“You don’t have anyone in the wings, do you?” he asked.
“What wings?”
“It’s an expression. Is there someone you’d rather be seeing?”
“Of course not. After Phil’s trick, do you think I want to rush back into the dating scene? Not likely.”
“Then what’s the rush to end our arrangement?”
He watched her expression, wishing he could read minds. What was going on in that head?
He found a lot of benefit to the arrangement—Carmen had stopped calling, his mother was recovering, and he had an escort to social events, one with no expectations, and who wasn’t constantly trying to impress him.
There was more to this than he’d originally expected. Maybe he should have thought to enter an engagement-of-convenience a long time ago. Found someone who was content to remain single, yet wanted someone to do things with occasionally.
“Actually, I’m in no rush to end the engagement,” he said slowly, testing the waters.
“You’re kidding?” Kori looked at him in surprise. “Why not?”
“Why would either of us? We have built-in protection against others, someone to do things with on occasion, and no strings attached.”
She looked away, finishing the last of her sandwich and balling the wrapping paper into a tight wad.
“I can see the appeal to a man who doesn’t want to get involved. But I do, at some point. Just not with someone like Phil. One day I want to get married, have some children, a dog. And have someone to grow old with.”
Beau frowned, not liking the image of Kori growing old with anyone. She was vibrant, young and beautiful. He could see her with children—knew her eyes would light up with delight. She’d be carefree and fun, and bring joy to each child she had.
He focused on the water, trying to forget that picture. But the image wouldn’t leave.
“No one is saying you can’t have that. But are you ready to do it now?” he asked.
“Now, later, who knows when a person meets love.”
“Love is an overrated, romantic notion given by women to pretty up the basic instincts all humans have to mate.”
“Cynic,” she teased.
“Dreamer,” he retorted.
“Artists are allowed,” she said, rising. “Okay, you’ve accomplished your goal, we’re going to San Diego. I need to get back to work. I’ll see you Saturday. Should I meet you at the airport?”
“Oh no,” he said, rising, as well. “I wouldn’t risk it. You might discover you’re too busy. I’ll pick you up at six.”
“In the morning? On a Saturday? That’s my day to sleep in.”
“We have an eight o’clock flight. You don’t want to waste the day. We can be on the beach in San Diego before lunchtime.”
Kori was not used to such casual travel. She rarely went on vacation beyond camping in Yosemite. The thought of flying to San Diego to be lying on the beach by noon was fascinating.
As they ambled from the park, Kori dropped her trash in a container. Beau had achieved his goal—she was going away with him this weekend. How had that happened?
A lot could happen in a weekend.
Kori was enchanted with San Diego, as Beau had predicted. The sugar-white sandy beaches beckoned, even when viewed from the airplane. The air was warmer, softer, than the crisp breezes she was used to in San Francisco. Palm trees swayed along boulevards as they took the hotel’s limo to the hotel. Colorful bougainvillea covered walls and arched over doorways, deep red, bright purple, adding to the festive mood.
When they arrived at Magellan San Diego, they were treated like royalty. Of course the staff knew Beau. He probably received that treatment everywhere—took it as a matter of course.
Kori was delighted with the warm welcome and the fruit basket displayed prominently in the suite. She touched the cellophane wrapping lightly on her way to the large window. It overlooked the beach, in the quiet shelter of Mission Bay. Dozens of families were already enjoying the sun and cool water. The sparkling blue water was alluring.
Beau stood by the doorway to the suite, watching her, his hands in his pockets. “Want to go swimming?”
She turned, a bright smile hiding nothing.
“I sure do. It won’t take me long to change once our suitcases arrive. This is a lovely hotel.”
“Let’s eat first, then we can spend the entire afternoon at the beach if you like. Later we can wander around the lobby and you can decide where to hang the painting. I selected the sailboats for this hotel.”
She nodded, turning back to look at the water. They had a little more than twenty-four hours before the return flight, she wanted to make the most of every minute.
Once their bags arrived, Kori changed into her swimsuit, and then donned a loose sundress over it. Slipping on sandals, she pulled her hair up on her head, so it wouldn’t get into her eyes once wet.
Going back to the sitting room of the suite, she waited for Beau, wandering around the luxurious room, admiring the furnishings and the sense of elegance in every selection.
“Ready?” Beau asked from the door to his room.
He was wearing shorts and a cotton shirt which was partially unbuttoned.
She had the strongest urge to slip her fingertips into the opening and feel the warmth of his skin, test the strength of his muscles.
“Ready.”
She turned toward the door, trying to get her thoughts under control. She had stipulated nothing physical between them, she couldn’t change the rules to suit herself.
Beau led her to an outdoor café to one side of the huge hotel. Shaded by trees and strategically placed umbrellas, the tables provided a view of Mission Bay. Containers of bright flowers dotted the space, enhancing the feeling of dining in a tropical paradise.
“I have to have the shrimp salad,” Kori said after perusing the menu. “It’s the only thing that would fit this setting. It’s so pretty here. How do you stay away? I’m itching to paint—”
She swept her hand in an arc, encompassing the entire setting. She'd love to capture the different shades of blue that shimmered in the water, the reds and yellows of the flowers, the dark green of the trees. This was a feast for her senses.
“So come back sometime and paint it,” Beau said casually.
His eyes were hidden behind dark glasses. Kori wondered what he was thinking—maybe they’d come back together sometime? Or was he counting the days until his mother recovered and he no longer needed a fiancée-of-convenience?
When lunch was finished, they moved to the beach. It was crowded with families and couples, but walking along, they found a couple of empty reclining chairs and spread the towels the hotel had provided.
When Beau pulled off his shirt, Kori tried to keep her eyes on the water, but the pull of attraction was too strong. His skin was a warm honey color—not darkly tanned, but darker than her own. Obviously he took a few hours to swim in the sun during his visits to this hotel.
His bathing suit was tight, clearly defining his excellent physique. She swallowed, remembering how those muscles had felt when pressed against her. She had to get to the water to cool off—before she said or did something extremely foolish.
Slipping out of the dress, she almost ran to the edge of the bay. Kori stepped in, finding the water cool and refreshing. Soon she plunged in all the way, cooling her heated skin and trying to focus on anything but Beau Williams.
But it wasn’t easy when he joined her a second later, diving deep and then coming up beside her.
“This is nice,” she said treading water, looking around. Time and again her gaze was drawn back to his. Daringly, she reached out and touched his shoulder.
“Glad you came?” he asked.
“Yes.”
The afternoon was perfect. They splashed in the water, swimming the cool depths. Sunning for a while on the beach, they soon moved beneath a wide umbrella to avoid burning.
Talk was desultory. Kori knew she dozed part of the time, but it was so relaxing she couldn’t help it.
Waking, she looked at Beau, he was studying her.
“Maybe you should have slept in this morning after all,” he said.
“Oh no, I wouldn’t change a thing about this day. I can sleep in tomorrow, can’t I?”
“If you wish. There's a catamaran going out on an excursion run early in the morning, I thought you might like that.”
She smiled dreamily. He was acting like a real fiancé—looking for fun things for them to do on a weekend away. Would he ignore her rules later and kiss her? Push for more than separate bedrooms? Kori hoped not. It would spoil everything.
Or would it?
She closed her eyes again, still smiling at the memories of Beau’s kisses.
“Beau Williams, you son of a gun. What are you doing here? I thought you never left your office.”
Beau looked up and then rose offering his hand. Sam Perkins had been a friend from college days. He hadn’t seen Sam since he took over the hotels after his father died.
“What are you doing here?” Beau asked, gripping his friend’s hand. “I thought you never left L.A.”
“You knew I got married,” Sam said proudly. “And when a man’s married, he can’t work all the time.”
Sam gestured to a pretty blonde playing with a toddler at the water’s edge.
“That’s Stephie and our boy, Joel. I want you to meet her. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you in the water earlier. I wasn’t sure it was you.”
Beau smiled and looked at the pretty woman. For a moment his gaze was captivated by the little boy, just able to walk on his own and fearlessly toddling into the water, only to be snatched up by his mother when he faltered. They both laughed, obviously enjoying the game. She’d set him back on his feet and again he’d head for the water.
He and Sam had been on the swim team at college together. Sam then started an import-export firm in Los Angeles specializing in Asian art. He’d been the last man Beau expected to marry. He remembered how surprised he’d been when he had received an invitation to Sam’s wedding. Not that he’d been able to attend. That had to be three or four years ago.
Now Sam had a son.
Beau felt a tightening in his gut. He was thirty-six and not getting any younger. As his mother pointed out all the time, his own parents had had a school-aged child by the time they’d been his age.
He looked at Kori who had sat up at the greeting.
“Sam, Kori Pendergast. Kori, Sam’s an old friend. We were in college together.”
“Pleasure, Kori,” Sam said, offering his hand.
He glanced between the two of them, raising an eyebrow in silent inquiry.
“Kori and I are engaged,” Beau said.
“Sonofagun!” Sam slapped Beau on the shoulder. “About time. This is great news. Congratulations! Kori, you’re getting a terrific guy. Say, why don’t you two join Steph and me for dinner. We can celebrate in style. At the Cove Restaurant, of course,” he said, mentioning the five star restaurant in the hotel.
Beau nodded. “At seven?”
“Great, I’ll see you both then.”
Sam smiled and headed back to his wife and son.
Beau watched for a moment, then sat back on the lounger. He looked at Kori who was thoughtfully studying the family at the water’s edge.
Dinner with Sam would take the edge off dinner with Kori alone. She’d been clear it was to be a platonic weekend, but Beau had trouble keeping that in mind.
He suspected she had no idea how stunning she was in that two piece suit. Her midriff was slender, her breasts full and round. Her hips were perfection. He looked away again, wondering if he needed another dip in the water to cool down.
Closing his eyes, he tried to think of something else—anything else but Kori and her golden skin, hair piled up on her head, damp and spiky, yet tantalizing. He’d like to release it, let it spill across her shoulders. Bury his face in it and breathe in the very essence of her.
But he’d honor her request. Unless she showed she wanted it changed. And if he nudged just a little to make sure she knew her mind, knew if she wanted to change the rules, what could it hurt?
“You should have said I was a friend,” Kori said.
“What?” Beau rolled his head to the side to see her. “What are you talking about?”
“He didn’t have to think we were engaged,” she said, lying back down. “Now he’ll have questions in the future.”
“Easily enough handled,” Beau replied.
“Of course,” she murmured, her eyes closed.
Beau knew Sam married. But seeing him with his wife and child made it real. And changed how he viewed his old friend. He suspected if he asked Sam to go carousing like old times, he’d be turned down flat.
Sam’s proud look when he spoke of his wife and son went to the heart of the matter. Sam liked being married. Liked linking his life with Steph and Joel. Liked being half of a couple, part of a family.
Beau wondered if he’d like something like that. A family of his own beyond his mother, his cousins and aunts and uncle. A close family circle.
Kori didn’t know if the dress she’d brought for dinner was dressy enough. She’d thought she and Beau would find a quiet restaurant. She certainly hadn’t expected to have to play the role of adoring fiancée while sharing dinner with an old friend.
Not that she minded having dinner with the other couple. She’d learn more about Beau. Round out the picture a little.
To what end? She asked herself as she gazed at her reflection. Her cheeks and nose were just the slightest bit pink from the afternoon in the sun. Her arms and shoulders looked a shade or two browner. She clipped her hair up, in a slight variation of the way she’d worn it that afternoon. Now, a few tendrils here and there brushed across her shoulders. She was deliberately trying to look as seductive as possible.
Wouldn’t a fiancée want to be sexy for her intended?
Eyes sparkling, she was ready. Let Beau eat his heart out for someone who was just passing through.
She hoped her own heart would hold up.