Let's Pretend... by Gail Martin

Author:Gail Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Astounded at Jess’s response, Derek stared at her, speechless. She leaned across the table, her eyes glazed with emotion. The sounds of the restaurant faded like the distant hum of bees, and all Derek could hear was her voice and the beating of his heart. Her giving spirit wrapped around him like a summer breeze.

“Are you sure, Jess? I don’t want to ask anything that you’ll regret, but I’m desperate.”

Her expression wavered until she riveted her warm, tender gaze to his. “I’m willing, Derek…if you’re sure. Just ask me.”

Relief flooded him. Yet he hesitated. Her face glowed with compassion, and he hated to have the feeling fade when he detailed his request. Still she looked so sure he had to trust her. “Thank you for understanding, Jess. I’ll never forget this.”

“I won’t either, Derek.”

The air sparked with expectation. “I know this is your vacation, so your offer is doubly generous.”

As he spoke, an odd look inched across her face, but he charged ahead. “The caterer I hired for Monday’s small cocktail party canceled, and I’ll be in hot water up to my…I guess you don’t need the graphic details, but I need your help so badly I…”

He paused, seeing Jess’s face waver between confusion and anger. What had he done?

The scene dashed through Derek’s mind.

His stupidity washed over him like a broken water main. His pea-size brain had segued from romance and relationship to his predicament with hardly a pause for breath.

“Jess, I’m sorry. You thought—”

“I thought nothing.” Her voice snapped with fire, and her cheeks burned with the same red heat. “What do you need?”

He opened his mouth to explain, but she barreled ahead.

“Obviously you need a caterer. Sure, why not? I’m leaving in a week, but why should I endanger your promotion by leaving you in the lurch with your boss?”

“Please…understand that—”

“What is there to understand?”

Derek’s chest tightened, seeing the mortification he’d caused. If he could erase what happened, he’d do it. Losing his promotion was nothing compared to hurting Jess.

“I’ll help you on one condition,” she fumed. “We work side by side on this project. I don’t have assistants here, and I’m not doing a project like this one alone. You arrange the time to help me, and I’ll—”

“No, Jess. Forget it.” Her dig held a half-truth. “I’m sorry I asked. I was stupid to even bring up the idea.”

“I insist. I’ll have Louise fax some recipes. Tell me how many guests, and I’ll make you a star.”

“Come on, Jess. Let’s get out of here.” He signaled the waiter for their bill, then tossed the money and tip on the table.

Jess’s arm stiffened as he guided her through the lounge and out into the cool evening air. His mind riddled with thought, he nearly dragged her through the parking lot until, in the darkness, he stopped and turned her to face him.

“Look at me.” He tilted her face to his, and in the dusky light, moisture glistened on her lashes. “I’m a fool, Jess. My thoughts were so focused on my job I didn’t realize what my words sounded like.

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