An unpleasant thought occurred to Kate. When Barry had mentioned a guest he’d asked if she had room and said that he was bringing someone to see Rick. She had just assumed that they needed a separate room but now, as Kate replayed her conversations with Barry and Rick, she realized that no one had said any such thing. No one had discussed the sleeping arrangements. Perhaps they assumed it was understood that Evangeline would be staying in Rick’s room. After all, from what Rick had told her, Evangeline wasn’t in the film so this most likely wasn’t a business trip. So that meant it was personal. She was torn on what to do. She didn’t want to make the wrong assumption and embarrass anyone. After reviewing all of her options she decided the only thing to do was ask Rick. She found him working in the library, papers scattered around him as he jotted notes on a legal pad.
“Oh, excuse me,” Kate said and she tried to back out quietly.
“No, it’s fine,” Rick said. He removed his reading glasses. “What is it?”
“I was just wondering,” Kate hesitated. She could feel heat flooding her cheeks. She took a deep breath and asked in one quick breath. “Should I make up one room or two?”
Rick blinked as though she were speaking a different language. But when her words did register his face took on that hard, cruel look that she had come to despise. He stood up and walked over to where she stood. She shifted uncomfortably. She had crossed the line. What if he thought she was asking for personal reasons? Or, she thought in horror, what if he thought she was asking because she was jealous? All the possibilities for the ways that he could misinterpret her question played through her mind, and she kicked herself for not phrasing the question better.
She tried to clarify but only ended up sounding guilty. “I just wanted to know so I know how many rooms to prepare,” she stammered. “I mean, it’s none of my business but I just needed to know.”
He was wearing a sardonic smile that gave her chills of foreboding. She stepped back as he drew nearer, but she hit the wall behind her and there was nowhere left to go. She was trapped. He stopped inches from her and leaned forward so his hands were leaning against the wall on either side of her, and she could feel the heat coming from his body. She cursed herself for feeling light headed at his proximity. She struggled to keep her wits about her.
“You’re right,” he said, his voice little more than a growl. “It is none of your business. Especially since you made it perfectly clear that you don’t want anything to do with me. You even invented a boyfriend to keep me away from you.”
Kate swallowed and tried to look away but she couldn’t. His face was close to hers and she had to resist the temptation to bridge the gap between them and press her lips against his and replace the cold, steely look with the warmth that turned her insides to jelly. His next words brought her back to her senses with a jolt.
“What would you say if I told you that Evangeline is my girlfriend? That she and I have sorted out our differences and are making a fresh start.” He was watching her closely and Kate hoped that he wasn’t able to see her intense and unwarranted disappointment.
“I’d say that it’s none of my business.” She tried to walk away with some dignity but his arms were firmly planted on either side of her. Unless she wanted to push him away, she was trapped. She felt anger rising and clutched on to it with everything she had. Anger was useful. Anger would keep her sane and keep her from doing something she would regret. She clenched her jaw and faced Rick with every bit as much venom as he directed at her. “What you do in your private life is of no concern to me,” she bit out. “But I would appreciate it if you would step back so I can go about preparing for your guest.”
Her anger seemed to bring him back to his senses as well. He dropped his arms quickly. “I’m sorry,” he said, rubbing his eyes as though coming out of a trance. “I shouldn’t have bullied you like that. It’s just… it’s just that…” he faded off with a sigh. “I guess the topic of Evangeline still brings out the worst in me.”
Kate wasn’t sure what to say so she hovered between him and the door uncomfortably. “So then…” she couldn’t finish.
“She is not staying with me,” he finished for her. “She will need a separate room.”
Kate nodded and turned to leave but his voice stopped her.
“You don’t think much of me, do you, Kate?” he asked. His voice was dangerously soft but he didn’t sound angry. She whirled around in surprise. She couldn’t imagine why he would care what she thought of him.
Surprise was clear in her voice. “I don’t think—”
But he cut her off with a shake of his head. He looked rather amused. “You lied about having a boyfriend to keep me from making ... untoward advances,” he finished diplomatically. “You’ve implied that my ego is so fragile that you feared any rejection from you and I will use it against your business. And now – well, now you seem to think that I would be such a cad as to kiss you hours after finding out that my girlfriend is coming to visit.”
Kate opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. When he put it that way, she thought, it did sound as though she were accusing him of all those things. “I-I didn’t mean to imply,” she started but he cut her off.
“Forget it,” he said. He laughed shortly. “If I were to believe all the things the tabloids have written about me, I’d despise me too.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just… I couldn’t imagine why else Evangeline Marchessa would be coming to stay here.”
Rick sighed and dragged his hands through his hair. Kate noticed how tired he looked. “She’s coming to discuss the film,” he said. “I found out this morning that the original star had dropped out and we need to replace her. Barry seems to think Evangeline is our only option. Believe me, I’m not happy about working with her but it was either that or give up on my film. It has taken me years to get this film made. If I lose backers now, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to salvage it.”
Kate felt for him. She knew what it was like to pour your heart and soul into a project. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Rick flashed a wan smile. “I don’t think so, Kate. But thanks for the offer.”
****
A little later, as Kate made up a room for Evangeline, she thought about her conversation with Rick. He was clearly bothered by Evangeline’s visit. She couldn’t help but wonder what had happened between them to make the idea of seeing one of the most beautiful women in the world the cause of such anxiety. She had read the look in his eyes as clearly as a book. She’d seen the hurt and anger in their depths before he’d masked it with cynicism.
The tabloids had claimed so many different stories about the end of their relationship that it was impossible to figure out what really happened. No matter what it was, it was clear he hadn’t escaped unscathed. She could empathize with that, she thought. As she straightened the pillows and blankets, she tried to imagine what she would do if she was forced to spend a weekend with her ex. The mere memory of her ex-boyfriend brought back memories of hurt and betrayal that throbbed like an old wound. Sometimes she wondered if that wound would ever heal. She couldn’t imagine if that heartbreak had happened for all the world to see and judge.
The guests continued to arrive throughout the day; first Glenda Gold and her husband arrived, followed by Tony and his mother. Kate was too consumed with her duties as a hostess to spend any more time worrying about Rick or his ex-girlfriend. She had been surprised to see him amongst the crowd, meeting each new guest with a warmth and humor that she remembered from their day out on the town. She was amazed at how comfortable he was talking to everyone; there wasn’t a hint of the cold man she’d seen earlier. He talked and laughed without the slightest hint of the swollen ego one might expect from a celebrity. She was watching him listen attentively to one of Glenda’s rambling tales of life in the good old days when he looked up and caught her eye. Kate felt like she’d been caught doing something wrong, but he smiled at her and she thought the floor would give way beneath her. She smiled back and looked away quickly, hoping no one would notice the sudden blush in her cheeks.
Everyone was seated at the long dining room table enjoying the first course when the doorbell chimed. Kate instinctively glanced toward Rick who looked surprisingly calm. The only thing that gave away he was feeling any emotion at all was his clenched jaw, which, Kate was sure, she was the only one who noticed.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Kate said, although everyone but Rick was so consumed in the lively conversation that they barely noticed her exit. As she walked to the door she wondered whether she should have prepared her guests for the new arrival. She had told Tony, Ellen and her aunt but the others might be blown away by the new guest. She hoped nobody did or said anything to make her uncomfortable.
She opened the door to find the most strikingly gorgeous woman she had ever seen standing on her doorstep. She was tall and thin with long black hair that fell in perfect waves down her back. Her skin was clear and tan and her bright red lipstick drew attention to her full, pouty mouth. Her eyes were almond shaped and a striking shade of green. She was even more beautiful in person, Kate thought, as she plastered on her hostess smile.
“Welcome,” she said, holding out her hand after Evangeline and Barry had entered. “My name is Kate and I’m…” But before she could continue, Evangeline had placed her coat in her outstretched hand.
“Where is Rick?” she drawled with a hint of an Italian accent. She was talking to Barry as though Kate was invisible.
“Rick is probably working. Why don’t we get you settled in for the night and—”
“Where is my room?” she asked. She had yet to acknowledge Kate’s presence. Kate cleared her throat and tried to keep annoyance out of her voice. “Your room is at the top of the stairs to the right. If you’d like to follow me —”
“Where is Rick staying?” she asked.
“He’s at the opposite end of the hall,” Kate said. “You both have the best rooms available.”
Evangeline turned around to face Barry so quickly, her hair whipped Kate across the face. “Why are we staying here?” she asked. “Why aren’t we in a proper hotel with room service and a concierge?”
Barry flashed Kate an apologetic look before addressing Evangeline. “Look, Evie, the nearest hotel is nearly an hour away and it’s full. If you’d like me to book you a room at a hotel that’s roughly three hours away…” he trailed off with a helpless shrug.
Evangeline sighed in weary resignation. “If Rick wants to stay here I suppose it will do. But why on earth did he choose this place? It makes no sense to me.”
Kate stood there with her mouth open, battling over how much rudeness she could possibly take from this woman when Rick’s voice interrupted.
“Hello, Evie,” he said. Barry and Evangeline whipped around to see Rick standing in the doorway to the kitchen. Kate wondered how long he had been standing there. The change in Evangeline was like night and day. She went from hard and caustic to sweet and cuddly in a matter of seconds. It was enough to make Kate’s head spin.
“Rick,” she purred. Kate watched as the obscenely gorgeous woman approached him and placed a possessive hand on his arm. “It’s been too long, darling,” she said with a coy smile.
There’s no way he can be falling for this, Kate told herself. But the look on Rick’s face said otherwise. A mix of emotions played across it and Kate couldn’t make out what he was thinking. Whatever it was, his next words didn’t ring of bitterness and resentment. “You look as beautiful as ever,” he said. His voice was low and intimate.
Kate hated the surge of insane jealousy that coursed through her at the sound of it. She was suddenly acutely aware of her inadequacies compared to this goddess. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear self-consciously. Why hadn’t she at least put on some lip gloss she asked herself. She felt like a frumpy dishrag next to this glamorous siren. This isn’t a competition, Kate reminded herself. This woman was her guest. She and Rick were customers and nothing more. With that in mind, Kate asked, “Would you like to see your room?”
Evangeline didn’t even turn around. She gave Rick a playful pout. “Why did you choose to stay here of all places?” she asked. Her voice was laughing but the insult hit like a fist in Kate’s stomach. She bit her lip to keep from speaking her mind.
“What’s wrong with it?” Rick asked. He looked around as though seeing the place through Evangeline’s eyes.
Evangeline was all innocence. “Nothing at all. It’s a quaint little place. I just never imagined you for the B&B type, that’s all. You were always so fond of the amenities — indoor pools, room service, breakfast in bed.” She ran a hand over his chest with a knowing smile when she said breakfast in bed and Kate nearly choked on jealousy. No, Kate told herself. She wasn’t jealous. She just didn’t want to see her friend’s older brother taken for a ride. That was all there was to it.
“I do like all those things,” Rick was saying. “But I also like a place with some character and personality and this place has plenty of that. Besides,” he added. “Kate here is Sam’s good friend. She would never forgive me if I passed through without saying hello.”
Evangeline turned around and flashed Kate an impersonal smile. “Ah,” she said. “So that’s it. You could never say no to that sister of yours, could you?”
The sound of laughter came from the dining room. “Are we interrupting your dinner?” Barry asked. He sounded genuinely concerned.
“It’s not a problem,” Kate said with a smile. At least Barry seemed to be aware of her presence in the room.
“You should be getting back,” Rick said. “I’ll show Evangeline to her room.”
“Oh, all right.” She felt like she was being dismissed from her own foyer. She forced herself to smile at Evangeline. “If there’s anything you need, just let me know. And if you’d like to join us for dinner, there is more than enough room—”
“I’m not hungry,” Evangeline said.
“Oh. Okay. Well, let me know if I can get you anything,” Kate repeated before escaping to the dining room. She threw herself back into the party, which kept her blissfully occupied. Between preparing the food and helping Ellen serve and refill drinks, she was too busy to give her new arrival too much thought. No amount of work, however, could keep her from noticing that Rick never rejoined the party. She saw no sign of him or Evangeline for the rest of the night.
****
“What’s with you?” Ellen asked later that night as she and Kate were cleaning up.
“Hmm?” Kate looked up from the dish she was drying to see Ellen watching her carefully.
“Why do you look so upset? I thought tonight was a brilliant success. Everyone had a great time. The Rosalie Inn is officially open!”
Kate grinned at her friend’s excitement.
“So why do you look like someone’s just told you your dog has died?”
Kate shrugged. “It’s just been a long night that’s all.”
Ellen gave her a look that said yeah, right. “So this has nothing to do with Evangeline’s arrival?”
“How did you know?”
“We peeked,” Tony answered as he walked in carrying empty wine glasses from the living room.
Ellen grinned mischievously. “We knew it had to be her at the door. Who else could it be?”
Tony didn’t look even remotely embarrassed. “We wanted to have a look at America’s Leading Lady so we, uh…”
“We spied,” Ellen giggled. “And man, does that chick need a kick in the rear.”
Tony whistled. “I didn’t know people like that really existed.”
Ellen walked over to him in an exaggerated imitation of a model on a catwalk. She laid a hand on Tony’s arm just as Evangeline had done and purred in a perfect imitation, “It’s been too long, Rick darling.” She and Tony started laughing and even Kate had to grin at the perfect imitation.
When Kate walked them to the door later that night, she pulled Ellen aside for a moment. “Are you sure you’re comfortable staying over at Tony’s tonight?”
Ellen rolled her eyes. She and Tony had hit it off as friends since the first time they’d met when Ellen joined Kate for a weekend in the country back when her mother was still alive. “Please,” she whispered. “This is Tony we’re talking about.”
“Okay,” Kate said with a laugh. “I just had to make sure I wasn’t putting you in a compromising position or anything. Have I thanked you yet for all your help tonight?”
“Only a hundred times.”
“Well then, thank you again,” Kate said as she hugged her friend tight. “I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without you.”
Ellen squeezed her back. “Your mom would have loved this,” she whispered.
Kate swallowed the lump in her throat. “Yeah. She would have, wouldn’t she?”
After they left, Kate was alone downstairs. All the other guests had gone to bed hours ago. Kate knew she should as well; she wanted to get up before anyone else to have a breakfast ready and waiting. But she was too keyed up to sleep. Her mind was racing, replaying scenes from the night. It had definitely been a success. The dinner had gone off without a hitch, and the guests had enjoyed themselves with games and conversation for hours after she had served coffee and dessert. Even Barry had come down and joined in the fun. But Rick and Evangeline had never surfaced from their rooms. Or room. She tried not to think about her A-list customers. She had successfully executed the perfect opening night. She should be focusing on that not on—
“I thought I might find you here.”
Kate’s eyes flew open. For a second she had thought that her thoughts had summoned him, but there he was, standing in the doorway, leaning against the door frame as though he had been conjured.
“Hi,” she said. “I, uh… I hope we didn’t keep you awake. I know it got a little loud…”
He shook his head. “You didn’t keep me up.”
Me, she thought. He said you didn’t keep me up, not us. That was something, wasn’t it?
He sat next to her on the couch and stared into the fire. “I wanted to apologize. For earlier,” he said.
Kate knew she looked confused. Was he talking about their kiss, or that moment in the library or…?
“Evangeline was rude to you,” he said.
Ah. Evangeline. Of course. She summoned her most professional demeanor. “She must have been tired from the long drive.”
She thought she saw a corner of Rick’s mouth twitch. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s it,” he said. “Well, no matter why she acted like she did, her behavior was inexcusable and I wanted to apologize.”
“Why would you apologize for her?”
“She’s agreed to work on my film,” Rick said. “That makes her part of my crew and, therefore, my responsibility — whether I like it or not.”
Kate wished she could blame her sudden giddiness on the wine from earlier in the evening. “I take it that means you don’t,” she said. “Like it, I mean.” She blushed. What on earth was she saying? She was babbling like an idiot. “I’m glad you have a leading lady now, though,” she added in a rush. “I’m really glad you didn’t have to postpone filming or anything.”
Rick’s grin made her weak in the knees. “Me too. It even makes working with an ex bearable.” Kate moved to add another log to the fire and bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. She had been sure that Rick was still hung up on Evangeline. The way they’d looked at each other, the way she’d said his name… but now, here he was, making it sound like the last thing in the world he wanted was to be spending time with his beautiful leading lady. She didn’t want to think about why this news made her so happy. It was just that she liked him, she told herself. He was a nice man and Sam’s brother and he deserved someone who treated him well — someone nicer than Evangeline that was for sure.
“Here, let me give you a hand with that,” Rick said. He knelt next to her and took the poker she had been using to stoke the fire from her hands.
“Thanks,” she said and she returned to her seat on the couch. Between the heat from the fire and the glass of wine she’d had with dinner, it was all Kate could do to keep from curling up and falling asleep.
“You look tired,” he said. His voice was soft and gentle. She hadn’t seen this side of him before, she thought drowsily.
“It’s been a long day,” she said with a sigh. “A great day… but long.”
“You were fantastic today,” he said. “You must be really proud. I’m just sorry I couldn’t stick around for the dinner.”
Kate yawned. “It’s okay,” she said. “I understand.” Before Kate knew what was happening, Rick had wrapped an arm around her and pulled her against his side. It didn’t even occur to her to pull away. It felt so right. So safe. So warm. She snuggled up against him. A part of her knew that she would regret it in the morning but for now… she couldn’t remember the last time she felt so content.
She felt him lean over to kiss the top of her head. “Mmmm,” she mumbled before drifting off into a deep, dreamless sleep.