Snowbound Cinderella (15 page)

What had her mother always told her?
You can’t make someone love you. All you can do is be someone deserving of love.
Right now she didn’t feel very deserving of Jace’s love. Of anyone’s love. It was just one more thing she’d have to deal with.

Nearly an hour later she managed to pull herself together. Squaring her shoulders she turned on the engine and pulled out onto the main highway. A highway that led away from the peace and contentment she’d found with Jace. And back to all the troubles she’d left behind in California.

Jace lifted the ax, swung, and neatly split the log, sending the pieces flying in all directions. Without
taking time to stack them, he positioned another log and did the same. Then another and another, until all around him the ground was littered. It seemed fitting somehow. A reminder of the debris that remained of his once-ordered life.

If he thought he’d suffered demons before coming here, they were nothing compared to those he was now facing. He needed the release of hard, physical work to dispel these new ones. Anger. Jealousy. Humiliation. With every stroke of the ax he cursed and called himself every kind of fool.

He’d once thought of himself as a fairly intelligent man. A man with clear-cut goals that he pursued with absolute intensity. But what he’d indulged in this weekend was madness. It had to be a form of madness, brought on by the bombing and the losses he’d experienced as a result. What else would explain why he pursued Ciara Wilde? Why he would build her up in his own mind until she became his obsession? He’d given in to every fantasy, practically ravishing her the first time he took her. And after that, he’d been insatiable. Had been unable to get enough of her.

Even now—knowing she’d been dishonest with him, knowing she’d deliberately misled him—he wanted her. And if she were to drive back up this lane, he’d have her out of that car and into his bed so fast her head would be spinning.

That made him the biggest fool of all.

He brought the ax down again, biting into the log with such force that he could feel every one of his muscles protest. But he couldn’t stop. He worked until
exhaustion had him dropping to the ground, where he sat, taking deep drafts and cursing his own traitorous heart.

The closer Ciara got to home, the more her recriminations faded and her temper rose. How dare Jace Lockhart accuse her of lying. She hadn’t lied. Nor had she misled him. She had simply chosen not to tell him everything. Maybe it was wrong. But it wasn’t done to be cruel, but rather to spare him, and herself.

What about Jace’s intentions? Had they been any nobler? Hadn’t he used her to ease his own pain? And though she’d tried to tell herself she meant something to him, he’d never spoken of a future together. A commitment. In fact, hadn’t he told her that he’d needed no one, and nothing, except the next assignment, the next unknown country, the next challenge—?

She went perfectly still, catching her breath on the pain as the thought filled her mind. Even as denial washed over her, she couldn’t completely dismiss the idea. For a man who’d lived his life on such a fast track, the sameness of days and nights in a cabin, with no power, no stimulation, would surely have become unbearable. Unless… She swallowed, forcing herself to consider the possibility.

Unless he created a new challenge.

What better challenge could there be for a dangerous, reckless man than to see just how far he could
get with a famous actress? Especially one who had made it plain that she didn’t trust reporters.

Oh, she’d made it so easy. She’d fallen willingly into his arms. Like some silly, lovesick fool.

Hadn’t she learned anything after all these years? Hadn’t she been exploited often enough? Hadn’t she been used and abused by people who called themselves her friends? What had made her think Jace Lockhart would be any better than the rest?

True, he’d been a thoughtful, tender lover. And he’d gone out of his way to lift her spirits and her self-esteem. But maybe it was all an act. A clever act by a smooth operator who knew exactly how to get what he wanted.

Now he had the interview of a lifetime. He would be able to scoop all the other reporters who’d been scouring the countryside, in search of the big story. What a story he’d have to tell. And what a receptive audience he’d find in the tabloids.

By the time Ciara arrived at her home in Malibu, she felt a wave of bitter exhaustion. All this thinking had solved nothing. It had just made her even more confused, and more miserable. One minute she loved Jace, the next she hated him. And hated herself even more.

She caught sight of the news van seconds after she turned off the engine. Retrieving her bag from the back seat of her car, she raced for the safety of her door, only to find a cluster of reporters barring her way.

She dragged in a deep breath and prepared herself
for the assault. As microphones were thrust in her face and the glare of flashbulbs and bright lights blinded her, she pasted on her professional smile.

Her voice was the smooth, polished voice she’d used hundreds of times in movies and interviews. There was no hint of the accent that she had so determinedly erased over the years, with the help of voice coaches. Nor was there a trace of the fear that dogged her footsteps. If she wavered for a few moments, those who watched and listened thought it was only because she was pondering her answers.

In front of the world, her eyes remained dry. The bitter tears would come later, when she could afford the luxury of a moment of privacy. Then, and only then, would she indulge her battered, broken heart, and allow her grief to show.

J
ace stayed at the cabin for a month after Ciara left. It had taken that long for him to lick his wounds and prepare to face civilization again. Now, as he swung his car through the arched entryway in the sandstone wall surrounding the Fortune ranch, he paused a moment to stare at the sweep of land that never failed to stir his heart. This land belonged to his childhood. A very large part of his childhood. And though he had no desire to live here again, he always enjoyed his visits. This was more than a visit, of course. It was a command performance. To celebrate the wedding of his nephew Logan Fortune to Emily Applegate.

He chafed at the stiff collar of the formal shirt. It had been at Mary Ellen’s insistence that he wore a tux to her son’s wedding—over his loud, and at times profane, protests. He brought his car to a stop at the long curving stone walkway and stepped out, tossing his keys to a young man hired to park their cars.

“Good afternoon, sir.”

“’Afternoon. Just wait until I get my jacket.” He opened the back door and lifted his tuxedo jacket from its hanger, then slipped it on as he took the adobe steps two at a time. He turned the handle of
the antique wooden door and paused beneath the covered entryway.

“Jace.” As soon as she spotted him coming through the doorway, Mary Ellen hurried over. She gave him a long, admiring glance. “I can’t believe it. You’re on time. And you wore your tuxedo.”

“Only because you threatened murder and mayhem if I didn’t.”

“And it worked. You look handsome.”

“I look like a penguin.”

“Okay. A very handsome penguin.” She tucked her arm through his. “Have you made a decision about your future?”

“More or less. I’m going to accept the offer to teach.”

“And the book?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I’ve already started it.”

“Oh, Jace. I just know it’ll be wonderful.”

He laughed, squeezed her arm. “Spoken like a devoted sister. At least I can always count on selling one copy.”

“I’ll buy hundreds. And give them to all my friends. Come on—” she glanced around “—before we start to mingle, there are a few things I’d better tell you.”

“I promise, I won’t eat with my fingers. And I won’t bore anyone with war stories.”

She playfully smacked his arm. “Stop teasing. This is important.”

“Okay. What do you have to tell me?”

“Well, remember how I told you that Matthew and
Claudia’s son Bryan had been kidnapped last summer. And then how the FBI had recovered a boy believed to be Bryan. But that child wasn’t Bryan—in fact, no one knows who the boy’s parents are. But they do know he’s a Fortune because he has the hereditary crown-shaped birthmark and rare blood type. So all the Fortune men had to undergo DNA testing, to determine the father of little Taylor—that’s what they’re calling the mystery baby. And hopefully the results of the testing will also give the police some leads as to baby Bryan’s whereabouts.”

Jace frowned. “So, how soon will we know?”

“Soon, I hope. Claudia and Matthew are wonderful surrogate parents to Taylor, but everyone can tell that the stress of waiting and wondering about the fate of their son Bryan is wearing on their marriage. The tension is getting to everyone. I just wanted to warn you that tempers might flare.”

“That won’t be anything new, will it?”

His sister shook her head. “Not with this family. Come on. Let’s mingle.”

Jace plucked a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray, to fortify himself for the coming siege. Then he allowed his sister to lead him toward the other guests.

Ciara entered the Fortune home, confidence in her step and her head held high. At long last she knew who she was and where she was headed. She was feeling better about herself than she could ever have believed possible. And it showed. In her walk—easy,
purposeful. In her smile, which lit up her face and added a sparkle to her eyes. In her whole demeanor. It no longer mattered if people stared and pointed, or stopped what they were doing to whisper as she passed by. She’d put her distasteful past behind her, and was actually looking forward to the future for the first time in years.

“Ciara.” Eden crossed the room and kissed her. Then she caught both Ciara’s hands and held her a little away, studying the way she looked in the long column of pale lemon silk. It had a high, mandarin collar with a row of frog closings that ran from her shoulder to her hip, and a slender, slitted skirt that ended at her ankles. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so beautiful.”

“I might say the same about you. You’re positively glowing, Eden.”

“Thank you.” Eden turned to include the couple who stood beside her. “Ciara Wilde, I’d like you to meet my brother Holden Fortune, his wife Lucy, and their new baby, April.”

“A new baby? Congratulations. Oh, just look at her.”

Lucy proudly lifted the lace shawl to reveal her infant daughter, while Holden stood beside his wife, beaming with pride.

“She’s just beautiful. I’m so envious.” Ciara glanced around. “Eden, where’s your son Sawyer? I’ve been dying to meet him.”

“Over there.” Eden pointed and waved the little
boy over. “Sawyer, I’d like you to meet my friend Miss Wilde. Remember I told you about her?”

The five-year-old presented his hand to shake Ciara’s. “Hello, Sawyer. It’s very nice to meet such a polite young man. And one so big and handsome.”

He gave her a big grin. “That’s what everybody says when they see me.”

“That’s because it’s true. I bet you’ll grow to be over six feet tall.”

“Really? That big?”

“Uh-huh. I just hope the next time I see you, you’re not bigger than me.”

“If I am,” he said, suddenly shy, “can I still hug you?”

“You’d better. Or you’ll make me sad. I expect you to give me hugs even when you’re a grown-up man and I’m an old lady.”

“My mom says you’re never going to look old, ’cause you’re just too pretty.” All shyness and formality gone, he hugged her and Ciara closed her eyes a moment, loving the way he felt in her arms. If she could have one more blessing in her life, it would be this: a sweet, unspoiled child, who would give her wet, sticky kisses and warm, loving hugs.

He looked at her for a silent moment. Then, as children do, his attention shifted. He said, “Come on, Mama. You promised me a glass of soda.”

“So I did.” She turned to Ciara with a smile. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Ciara nodded and watched as mother and son walked away. She’d only known Eden a few
months— Emily had introduced them. Yet, she felt as though they’d been friends forever. Eden was so warm and friendly, a person couldn’t help but like her instantly. But Ciara had sensed a hidden sadness behind her eyes the first time they’d met. Ciara knew what that kind of pain was like and had immediately felt a sisterly bond with Eden.

Across the room she caught a glimpse of broad shoulders in an elegantly tailored tuxedo. Though the man was surrounded by a cluster of people, and his back was to her, she knew immediately who he was. Her throat went dry. She had known, of course, that Jace would be here. Emily and Eden had both told her the names of the guests. Though nerves fluttered in the pit of her stomach, she took a deep calming breath. She was certain she could get through this.

She had barely taken two steps before she heard her name called out. She turned to see her best friend from childhood, Emily Applegate, hiding behind a half-opened door. She hurried over and was quickly hauled inside. The door was swiftly and firmly closed behind her.

“Oh, Emily. Just look at you.” Ciara felt tears sting her eyes as the bride-to-be twirled to show off her gown. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride.”

Emily hugged her and wiped a tear of her own. “I’m so glad we’ve remained close friends over the years and that you’re here to share this day with me. We both sure have come a long way from Kentucky.”

“That’s the truth! You know I wouldn’t have missed your wedding for anything.” Then, careful not
to wrinkle the bride’s gown, she gave her a hug. “Are you nervous?”

“A little. But I know the nerves will all be behind me when I look into Logan’s eyes.”

Ciara felt more tears threaten. “It’s just wonderful to see the two of you finally discovering true love. Of course, we all knew it before either of you did. I could tell when we had lunch in San Antonio a few months ago that he was special to you.”

“I guess that’s true of most couples. We often can’t see what’s right there in front of our eyes. But we’re all so afraid of being hurt.” She touched a hand to Ciara’s. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She smiled and leaned close for another quick hug. “Really. I’ll see you soon. After you’ve become Mrs. Logan Fortune.”

“Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?”

“It does. I’m so happy for you, Emily.”

Ciara slipped out of the room and made her way toward the library, hoping for a moment to compose herself. As she stepped inside she realized she wasn’t alone. A couple stood across the room, their heads bent in quiet conversation. She recognized Ryan Fortune and Lily Cassidy. She’d met them once a few months ago when visiting Eden. Before she could slip away, she heard “You know I love you, Lily.”

“I know. Is that why you brought me in here? Just to tell me that?”

“No. Yes.” Ryan’s tone was rough with frustration. “I don’t like seeing you hurt. You know I want to marry you, Lily. But this divorce, and the kidnapping
are taking their toll. I just don’t want you to lose patience with me.”

Lily lifted a hand to stroke his cheek. “I’m never going to lose patience with you, Ryan. I’ll wait for you for as long as it takes. Haven’t I proved as much these past thirty-five years?”

His hands closed over her shoulders. “Oh, Lily. This is why I love you so. God knows, I don’t deserve you.”

When the two embraced, Ciara turned away and hurried down the hall, embarrassed that she’d eavesdropped on such an intimate scene. But the image of the two lovers was imprinted on her mind. It added another layer of pain around her heart. Everyone, it seemed, had someone to love. Everyone except…

When she returned to the living room she was quickly drawn into a circle of acquaintances who were eager to welcome her to the Fortune ranch.

“Ciara,” Eden called, “have you met Savannah and Cruz Perez? Cruz recently started up his own horse-breeding operation at a ranch near here.”

“That’s wonderful.” Ciara smiled in greeting, then, spying the bundle in Savannah’s arms said, “And who is this?”

“This is our son, Dylan.” Savannah turned so that the infant, pressed to her shoulder, could be admired.

“Oh, he’s adorable.” Ciara struggled to ignore the yearning.
All things in their own good time,
her mother used to say. It just wasn’t her time yet. But when would her time come?

She opened her arms. “Would you mind if I held him for a moment?”

Savannah and Cruz exchanged smiles. Then Savannah handed him over, and watched admiringly as Ciara pressed her lips to his soft little cheek.

“Oh, there’s just something about the smell of a baby. He’s absolutely perfect. You’re so blessed.”

Savannah and Cruz glanced at each other over her head. The look they gave said, more than any words, that they were well aware of their blessings.

At the sight of Ciara, Jace went perfectly still. He’d known she would be here. He’d wheedled the guest list out of his sister. But nothing could have prepared him for this first glimpse of her.

She wore her hair soft and loose, just the way he loved it. The dress was surprisingly simple. Not at all like the gowns she wore in her movies. This one was high-necked and fluid, skimming her body without being revealing. She managed to look demure and sexy at the same time. Cool and elegant. And completely untouchable.

His hand tightened on the stem of his glass as he thought of the body beneath that dress. A body he had come to know intimately. Though the voices continued around him, he didn’t hear a word. He was so intent upon watching her, he didn’t even notice when his sister directed a question to him.

“…isn’t that right, Jace?”

“Hmm?” He turned his head, forced a smile. “Yes. Of course.”

He caught sight of Ciara cradling Savannah’s baby in her arms and felt something pierce his heart. He turned away, only to see Claudia and Matthew approaching, their faces showing the strain of the kidnapping.

Jace pressed a kiss to Claudia’s cheek and shook Matthew’s hand. “I’m sorry that there’s been no news.”

The two of them exchanged a glance before Matthew managed to say, “Thank heaven for Taylor. Most of the time he keeps us too busy to think.”

At the mention of the boy they’d temporarily adopted while waiting for news of their son Bryan, Jace noticed that several in their party became a little too quiet. The uneasiness over the DNA test results had all the Fortunes on edge.

He looked up to see Eden link her arm through Ciara’s and start leading her toward their group. The two women had their heads close together, whispering, and the sound of Ciara’s laughter was so sweet that Jace found himself draining his glass and reaching for another.

Ryan and Lily stopped the two women, and they paused halfway across the room. At a question, Ciara removed a photograph from her small, jeweled handbag, and passed it around.

“Quite the heartbreaker,” he heard Eden remark. “Oh, Ciara. You’re so lucky.”

“I know. I just love him.”

Jace’s heart plummeted. What had he expected? That she would somehow put her life on hold and
wait for him to make another move? Not a smart woman like Ciara. He glanced around, looking for an escape.

“Ciara.” Eden was smiling as she led her friend forward. “I think you know everyone here, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Ciara offered her cheek to Mary Ellen and shook hands with Claudia and Matthew. Ryan and Lily joined them, as did Lucy and Holden, who was now cuddling his baby, April, to his heart.

“Have you met Jace Lockhart?”

“Yes. We’ve met.” She hadn’t told anyone—not even Emily or Eden—about their snowbound encounter. Ciara inclined her head. “Hello, Jace.”

He realized that she was holding back, reluctant to touch him. Something perverse in his nature made him offer his hand, knowing there was no gracious way she could refuse. “Ciara. How are you?”