Page 19 of Malicious Marriage
“Good. Think it over and get back to me when you can.” Dean flashes his brilliant smile, and my heart melts slightly as nerves pull down my spine and cause me to shiver.
“No, I mean I’ll marry you.”
“What?” His brows fly upward. “Are you sure?”
“You’re right.” It’s impossible to fight the smile that forms at his excitement. “We can help each other, and I’m not ready to give up on myself quite yet.”
“Oh, Clover, that’s fantastic! Thank you!”
To my surprise, Dean steps forward and sweeps me up into his strong arms in a large bear hug. I’m flooded by the sweet peppermint of his aftershave and the overwhelming warmth radiating through his white shirt. He squeezes me against his body as if he doesn’t want to let me go, and for a few brief seconds, we simply stand in each other’s embrace.
Then he steps back and grins at me with his eyes positively sparkling, leaving me so breathless that I can’t even speak. I’mhot all over, and a different type of flutter swiftly replaces the churning guilt in my gut.
Anticipation.
It’s just business and that’s how it’ll stay.
Right?
9
DEAN
Knock, knock.
Two days later, I stand in front of the Byrne Mansion with my toolkit in hand and a flutter of anticipation in my chest. Clover’s agreement to marry me lifts a weight from my shoulders. A simpleyes,and suddenly, the prospect of life is before me. Here, my presence will be the perfect antidote to all the constant questions that come my way. It will keep Trisha at bay and allow me to focus on the work that actually interests me.
And Clover herself is beautiful, which is an exceptional bonus. As crazy schemes go, this might be the best one yet.
I shift my weight from foot to foot but when no one answers, I turn to my phone. I’d texted Clover earlier to see what she was up to and she told me she was relaxing at home, so I thought I would surprise her. Maybe she’s busy deeper in the house and can’t hear me, or her housekeeper is busy. Dialing her number, I tuck my phone to my ear and glance across the somewhat sad-looking garden while it rings.
“Hello?”
“Clover! Sorry to call, but I knocked and no one answered.”
“You knocked?” Clover’s soft tone immediately sharpens. “What do you mean?”
“I’m outside, surprise!”
The sounds of scuffling come across the line and when Clover speaks once more, she sounds rushed and breathless. “I’m so sorry. I’m in the bath. Wait there!”
Then she hangs up.
Oops. Maybe I should have told her I was coming. Surprising her seemed like a good idea at the time, but clearly, I’ve interrupted her pampering time. Regret warms under my ribs and I glance back at Jack who rests inside my car with his hat down over his eyes, napping.
Should I leave?
No, that will look weird. Plus, she’s on her way down, although why she doesn’t get her doorman to answer is beyond me. Her entire setup here is a little confusing, but I’m not one to judge. Or comment. Given her financial difficulties, it strikes me that she might be unable to pay the wages of those who work for her and only a certain kind of soul continues to work for free.
I make a mental note not to mention her staff, or lack thereof.
A couple of minutes of waiting turns into over fifteen until suddenly, the side gate alongside the house swings open and Clover rushes out with her cheeks flushed a bright red and her wet hair scooped up on top of her hair, held in place by a cotton hair wrap. Several damp strands frame her face and when she smiles, she seems breathless. “Dean!” she gasps, panting. “What a surprise.”
“Oh, my God, did you rush?” I gasp, approaching her. “I could have come back later. I’m so sorry.”
She leans against the gate and waves one hand, then adjusts her blouse and shakes her head. “Don’t mention it. I was just… bathing at the back of the house so… I didn’t hear you and it took me…phew… took me longer to get here. I’m so sorry.”
“Please, don’t apologize. I’m the one who turned up unannounced.”
