“Because you and I are going to be housemates for the night.”
“What? But I couldn’t—”
“Yes, you can. Have you looked outside lately? It’s pouring. And it’s late at night.”
Her lips pressed into a firm line as she got to her feet and pushed in the chair. “I don’t need your charity.”
“Who says it’s charity? You’d be saving me from a load of trouble with my aunt if she found out I kicked you to the curb on a night like this.”
Kate’s hand pressed to her hip, which was hidden beneath the folds of the oversize robe. “Are you being on the level?”
She didn’t have any idea what it was costing him to ask her to stay, even for one night. This place was a tomb of memories. He didn’t want anyone inside here, witnessing his utter failure to keep his family together.
But there was something special about her—more than the way that he was thoroughly drawn to her. There was a vulnerability in her gaze. Something he’d guess she’d gone to great pains to hide from everyone, but he’d noticed. Maybe because he’d been vulnerable before, too.
“You don’t look too sure about this.”
He was usually much better at hiding his thoughts, but the dismal events of the day combined with the lateness of the hour were his undoing.
“I’m not. Let’s just go to bed.” Her drooping eyelids lifted and he immediately realized how his words could be misconstrued. “Alone.”
THE SUN HAD yet to flirt with the horizon when Kate awoke to the alarm on her cell phone. Though she’d only snuck in a few hours of sleep, she felt refreshed. Her heart was full of hope that today her most fervent prayer would be answered.
It will all work out. It has to.
As she rushed through the shower, the what-ifs and maybes started to crowd into her mind. Finding a cure to her daughter’s brain tumor had been rife with negative diagnoses. That was why they were here in New York City—to see a surgeon who was willing to do the seemingly impossible. But what if—
Don’t go there. Not today.
With her resolve to think only positive thoughts, she pulled on a red skirt and a white top from her suitcase. The light tap of the continued rain on the window reminded her of the night before and meeting Lucas Carrington. He definitely presented a distraction from her attack of nerves. She wondered if he’d be just as devastatingly handsome in the daylight. She tried to convince herself that it’d been the exhaustion talking, that no man could look that good. But she’d seen the magazine spread with him shaved and spruced up in a tux. He really was that good-looking. Which raised the question: What was he doing living here in this unkempt, mausoleumlike house?
Kate proceeded down the grand staircase, with her suitcase in one hand and her purse in the other. She hated the fact that she would never learn the history or secrets of this mansion. This would be her last trip down the cinematic steps. She paused to take one last look around.
She was in awe of the house’s old-world grandeur. Her gaze skimmed over the cream paint and paused to inspect the various paintings adorning the walls. Her nose curled up. She knew a bit about art from her work as an interior designer and these modern pieces, though not to her liking, would still fetch a hefty chunk of change at auction.
Even though the current decor didn’t match the home’s old-world elegance, she still saw the beauty lurking in the background. In her experience, she’d never found such charm and detailed work in any of the newer structures. Sure, they were all beautiful in their own unique ways, but this mansion was brimming with personality that only time could provide. She’d be willing to bet that if the walls could talk they’d spin quite a tale. She was certain that given the opportunity to rejuvenate this place, she could learn a considerable amount about its history. But she’d never have that chance.
With a resigned sigh, she set her suitcase by the front door before heading back the hall to the kitchen. She couldn’t shake the dismal thought of Lucas turning a blind eye to the house’s disintegrating state and letting the place fall into utter disrepair. Who could do such a thing? Was it possible he didn’t realize the real damage being done by his neglect?
If the man took the time to walk upstairs once in a while, he’d notice the work that needed to be done. Some of the repairs were blatantly obvious. It was a little hard to miss the drip-drip-drip last night as the rain leaked through the ceiling of her bedroom. She’d used a waste basket to collect the water. Maybe she should say something...
No. Don’t go there. This house and Lucas are absolutely none of your business.
She paused outside the kitchen door and listened. No sounds came from within. She wasn’t so sure she was up to facing him in the light of day after getting caught last night in her nightshirt. Still she refused to just slip away without thanking him for his generosity.
She pushed the door open and tiptoed into the room, hoping not to disturb him since his bedroom was just off the kitchen. Now if only she knew where to find a pen and some paper to write a note.
“You’re up early.”
Kate jumped. It took a second for her heart to sink back into her chest. She turned to find Mr. Oh-So-Sexy sitting off to the side in the breakfast nook with the morning paper and a cup of coffee. Yep, he looked just as delicious in the morning. Now she’d never get him off her mind.
She moved to a bar stool and draped his robe across it. “I didn’t expect you to be up so early.”
“I’m a morning person.”
His intense stare followed her. What was up with him? She nervously fidgeted with the Lucky Ducky keychain she kept around as a good luck charm.
When she couldn’t stand to be the focal point of Lucas’s attention any longer, she faced him. “Why do you keep staring?”
“It’s just you don’t look like the same woman I met last night.”
“Is that your attempt at a compliment?”
“Actually it is. You see, my brain doesn’t work very well this early in the morning until I finish my first cup of coffee.” He held up a large blue mug. “But if you’d like me to spell it out, you look radiant.”
Had she heard him correctly? Had a man, a drop-dead gorgeous hunk, just said she was radiant? Radiant. The word sounded as sweet as honey and she was eating it all up. Heat swirled in her chest and rushed up to her cheeks, but for that one blissful moment she didn’t care.
“Umm, thanks.” Her hand tightened around the keychain. “I’m all packed up.”
“What’s that in your hand?”
She glanced down, realizing she was squeezing the rubber duck to the point of smashing it. “It’s just a keychain. No big deal.”
He nodded in understanding.
“Do you have any more coffee?”
“I’ll get you a cup.”
He moved at the same time she did and they nearly collided. Kate froze, but not before she caught a whiff of his intoxicating male scent. He had on a light blue button-up with the sleeves rolled up and the collar unbuttoned. His hair was combed but still slightly damp. And his face was clean-shaven. He looked like a man ready to conquer the world.
Her heart tripped in her chest as she pictured them chatting over a morning cup of coffee and bagel. He’d tell her what he had on tap for the day and she’d tell him about her plans.
Lucas cleared his throat and pointed.