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“Of course not, sweetie. I just always want what’s best for you.” Now he appeared drained, the look in his eyes haunting.
“I know you do.” I walked closer, noticing the pulse on the side of his neck was rapid, the cords thick with tension. I knew better than to try to get him to confide in me. He’d always tried to keep the ugliness of business away from me, and from Raven. But I sensed the burden was significant. “You can introduce me to anyone you want. I’ll play the hostess with the mostest.”
I knew enough about my father to know that he wouldn’t tell me whatever was going on, always shielding me from business because he believed me to be just his little girl. A princess.
Just like he’d called me so many times.
He laughed again, trying to slide his suit of armor back into place. I’d always believed my father invincible. Now I was beginning to wonder if the cracks in the thick steel were increasing. What wasn’t he telling me?
“You are going to give a small recital for our guests, aren’t you?”
Now he had a puppy dog look. “And if I say no?”
“Then you won’t be entitled to your surprise. I’m just sayin’.” He waved me off, closing the door but I could still hear his laughter.
At least my father could still make me smile, almost as giddy as when I was a little girl and he pretended to be Santa. I moved away from the mirror, glaring at the dresses I’d selected. Red was my choice for the night. Why not be daring? I had nothing to lose.
Or did I?
CHAPTER 4
Zoe
Maddox.
I couldn’t get him off my mind, scanning the entrance foyer then the hallway as I headed to the kitchen. He was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he wasn’t coming. We weren’t friends after all.
I laughed at the thought as I entered the room, smiling the moment I saw my new stepmother, although she was only a few years older than I was.
“Look at you!” Raven tugged on my forearm, twirling us both around in a circle. As she pulled me into her arms, I felt more at ease being home.
“How are you doing?”
“Fantastic. We’re glad you’re home.”
I backed away, shaking my head. The caterer they’d hired was barking orders to her staff, putting the final details into place. “You mean Father dearest has wanted to keep an eye on me.”
“Nonsense,” she cooed. “However, you know how your father is.” She winked as if it was a joke we shared. Yes, I knew exactly how my father was. He’d be spitting nails laced with poison if he knew the lurid thoughts I had.
“Yes, more than most. Is something going on I should know about?”
Raven narrowed her eyes as she folded her arms. “What are you talking about?”
I shrugged, glancing at the bustling catering crew, the incredible scent of luscious foods making my tummy growl. “Daddy seemed tense when he came to see me.”
“I’m not sure why. It’s just business as usual. Granted, he’s had some difficult clients lately, which has made him more irritable than normal. He’s been working a lot of overtime so he’s a bit exhausted. Nothing to worry about.” She looked away, her brow furrowing.
There it was, a confirmation that something was wrong, although she was a very good actress, doing her best to act like her worry wasn’t heightened. “Well, hopefully he’ll come around. Everything is wonderful, the house beautiful. Thank you for putting this together. You really didn’t need to go to all this fuss.”
The look of relief on her face was torturous. “Nonsense. Your father and I wanted to do something special. You’ve been working hard for years, the accomplishment something you should be very proud of. Now, go enjoy the festivities. Just so you know, there are some hot-looking young men here.” She winked, giving me a heated look.
Groovy. I was being set up. I knew it. “Oh, no. I’ve sworn off men for a few years.”
“Uh-oh. You’ll need to tell me that story.”
“Nothing to tell worthwhile. Men are nothing but big children.”
“You just realized that?” she teased, which allowed us both to laugh.
