Page 10 of Malicious Marriage
“Yes, actually. I’m sorry we came at a bad time.”
“Oh, don’t worry.” My heart races faster as I approach the door. “We were just out for a drive. The nice weather, you know?”
“Of course.”
“Come in, come in!” Standing about outside risks drawing attention from anyone passing by the main gate, and we can’t have an entire conversation in the driveway. I step up to the door and shove my key into the lock.
It doesn’t turn.
“I won’t stay long,” Dean says, much to my disappointment. “I’d hate to impose after turning up out of the blue like this.”
“Oh, don’t worry!” I say cheerily as I turn the key again. Still nothing happens. “You’re more than welcome to drop by.”
Another turn and the key still doesn’t budge. Panic rises.
Did Malcom change the locks? Thatfucker. That’s exactly the shit he would pull. Now I’m going to have to stand here and tell the hottest and richest man in the city that I can’t get into the house because I don’t live here anymore, and my entire plan to earn help from him will crumble into nothing!
“Has the lock jammed again?” Bobby appears at my elbow with a cheerful comment. “Every time it gets warm, this door swells up like my great aunt!”
Polite laughter ripples through Dean and Jack. Bobby takes the key from me and crowds around the lock. Thirty seconds later, it slides into place and the door swings open.
“I really should get that replaced,” I say, laughing to hide the rush of nervousness so intense that I might throw up. “A new door for summer.”
“I could recommend someone,” Dean says as he follows me into the manor. “I know a few people in the business.”
“The door business?” Bobby snorts, amused. “Bet that opens so many opportunities.”
“Bobby! You’re terrible!” He earns an elbow for his terrible joke. In the foyer, I turn to Dean as Bobby closes the door. “So, what can I help you with?”
Dean’s amused smile is replaced by a warm look that makes me melt where I stand. With a racing heart and sweat trickling down my spine forcing me to shiver, I feel like every pore is radiating the truth and Dean will be able to tell I’m a liar in one breath.
If he can, he shows no signs. Instead, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out my compact mirror that I purposefully left in his study.
Oh, my God, it worked.
“You left this behind the other day,” Dean says, his voice as soft and as low as it was in the office. “I wanted to return it to you. A woman should never be without her compact.”
“Oh!” It takes every ounce of my strength to reach for that mirror without a trembling hand. “I wondered where I’d lost that. I’m so sorry. Thank you for bringing it back.”
“It’s no bother,” Dean assures me.
Behind him, Bobby is waggling his eyebrows and looking very pointedly at Dean. While nothing has gone to plan, this is exactly what we were hoping for. Now that he’s here, it would be foolish to let him leave without at leasttryingthe second part of the plan.
“Would you like to stay for lunch?” The question escapes me before I can fully process what that will involve, but to my surprise, Dean’s smile widens.
“You know, I’d love to. It’s been one of those hectic days and I haven’t had a chance to eat.”
“Perfect! How about…” I freeze. Shit. No one’s been in this house for months. There’s definitely not going to be any food.
Thankfully, Bobby’s to the rescue once again.
“How about you entertain Mr. Savoy on the patio while I sort out some ingredients?” Bobby says hurriedly, stepping up. “The fridge broke a few days ago, and we had to throw outsomuch spoiled food, but I’m sure the fresh stuff should be here any minute now. I was hoping it would arrive while we were out, but clearly not.”
His earnest look would make me laugh in any other situation, but thankfully, Dean seems unbothered by Bobby’s hurried excuse.
“Patio it is!”
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