No Love Allowed(57)

That night, no matter what happened, she wouldn’t let him leave without telling him how she felt.

Picking up the matching clutch, her knees shaking so hard she was afraid she would stumble, she strode out of her room and made her way to the living room with all the fake confidence she could muster. Her heart lurched when she spotted Nathan sitting on the couch in a white suit and blue tie.

“Honey, you should hide your disappointment better,” he said, getting up and grinning.

Fingers shaking like when she’d first spotted the box on her bed, she patted her hair, making sure the clips stayed in place. “I’m sorry.” She hated how dejected she sounded. “I just thought—”

“That I was someone else?”

She nodded, dropping her gaze to the cute ballet flats that had come with the dress. The light in the living room brought out the sparkle in the gold tips. A hand reached out for hers. Nathan placed a soft kiss on her knuckles as she locked gazes with him.

“I think it’s time for some fun,” he said, squeezing her hand.

She shook her head. “That sounds nice, but I don’t think I’m up for it.”

“You?” He graced her with that open smile of his. “Not up for fun? Where did the girl who wasn’t afraid to jump in, no questions asked, go?”

“Straight to the deepest pits of depression,” she muttered.

“Remember what you said, Didi,” her mom encouraged, hands clasped. “You have to see this through.”

“Thank you, Angela,” Nathan said over his shoulder, treating her mother to his devastating smile. “I promise to take care of her.”

“Nathan,” Didi pleaded with both her tone and eyes.

He wasn’t having any of it, tugging her to the open front door. “Your carriage awaits, my lady.”

There on the street waited a black stretch limo. She looked up at him as they neared it. “What’s going on here?”

“Just get in, Didi,” he said, opening the door for her.

Gathering her skirt, she slid onto the low bench and made room for Nathan as he entered with her. Closing the door seemed to be some sort of signal, because seconds later the limo pulled out onto the street.

“Where are we going?” She narrowed her eyes at her too-calm kidnapper.

“Isn’t it obvious?” He gestured at her clothes, then his. “We’re going to a party.”

“Nathan, I’m really not up for this.” Her heart shrank to the size of a pea. “Turn the car back around. I want to go home.”

“Let’s make a bet.”

“Why do I get the feeling you’re not listening to me?”

His grin was her answer. “If you don’t enjoy yourself tonight, then I will leave you alone. What do you say?”

She reached out and shook his hand. “Prepare to lose.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “I missed you, Didi.”

Some warmth returned to her chest. “I missed you too.”

It didn’t take long for them to reach their destination. When the limo eased to a stop, Nathan opened the door and stepped out. Then he held out his hand for her. Sliding to the open door, she took his hand and swung her legs out to the pavement. When she straightened, she moved to resettle her skirt, but Nathan beat her to it. He plumped up the tulle and readjusted the neckline.

“I should really be saying ‘Hey’ right now,” she grumbled when his fingers got a little too cozy with her boobs, but she endured the attention anyway.

“Honey, will you just let me do my thing? I came back from Europe for this.” He arched an eyebrow at her. She conceded with a laugh. “What the hell did you do to your hair? I didn’t want to say anything with your mother there, but . . .” With expert hands, he removed the clips and threw them inside the limo. Before she could protest, he ran his fingers through the strands and shook them out. “You’re due for a trim. You’ve got to do it every six weeks so your hair stays healthy.”

She rolled her eyes. “Remind me to put it on my calendar.”

His handsome face contorted in a mock grimace. “I should smack you.”

The familiarity tore at her insides.

“Nathan,” she said, reaching up and taking his hands in hers so he would stop mother-henning her. “You know that this will be just for tonight, right? I don’t belong in your world. . . .” She almost said “Without him,” but she mentally congratulated herself for keeping it in.

Hooking her hand over the inside of his elbow, he said, “If that’s how you still feel after tonight, then I’ll honor the bet and leave you alone.”

“Then lead the way.” She waved her free hand toward the stone steps she guessed they would have to climb.

Bright lights illuminated the front of the Dodge Cove Museum of Art. Its imposing facade boasted massive columns. Large banners depicting one of van Gogh’s more prominent self-portraits with his name in big white letters running down the side, hung from each one. The sight made her breath catch. She had only been once, during a school field trip, but she still remembered the pristine marble floors, the cream walls, and the cushioned benches. And the art. The wonderful, gorgeous art. She should have visited more, but life took over.

“What event is being held at the museum?” she asked.