A Dangerous Tryst (The Inheritance Book 3) Read online

  He led her through the garage to the Jaguar, which had been freshly washed and waxed. The black paint gleamed. Opening the passenger door, Cole handed her inside with a wink.

  If he was planning to scale back their relationship, he sure wasn’t acting like it. Maybe she had him pegged all wrong. Maybe he wanted to ask her to move to the East Coast, away from her life, her parents, and didn’t know how.

  Mind spinning with suppositions, she smiled and watched him in the side mirror as he rounded the car and sank into the driver’s seat. He paused after starting the engine and rolling up the garage door. One hand draped over the top of the wheel, he stared out the windshield, then looked directly into her eyes.

  Madalina’s stomach tightened again. His expression was so serious.

  “No matter what happens tonight, Madalina, I want you to know that I don’t regret a thing.” He dusted a kiss to her cheek, then backed out of the garage.

  What did that mean? She was so puzzled that she didn’t think to reply or even return his kiss. Cole was an enigma even on the best days, but this evening she couldn’t read him at all.

  Before she could organize her thoughts, he said, “By the way, I meant to tell you earlier that your mom stopped by this morning while you ran to the store. She and Wesley are doing really well after what happened.”

  “I’m glad. We talked yesterday, but I didn’t get to see her. I’ll run by tomorrow. Did she want something specific?” Madalina asked.

  Oh God. Had Walcot left another box? Another note? Was his last good-bye not the final good-bye after all? Madalina pressed her palms to her cheeks. It couldn’t be.

  “She and Wesley invited us over for dinne—What’s wrong?” Concern entered Cole’s voice.

  Madalina stared out the window, watching the lights of the city flash by. Storefronts cast neon illumination onto busy sidewalks, while pedestrians, squeezing in last-minute shopping, buzzed from one business to the next. She saw it all in a blur; her thoughts were consumed with other things. With Walcot, with artifacts, and with the conversation that awaited. She said, “Nothing. Just dinner?”

  “That’s what she said. Why?” Cole asked.

  “I just wanted to make sure nothing else was wrong. Like . . . like they were having nightmares from what happened overseas or anything.” She had worried about her parents upon their return. Juniper and Wesley had seemed to bounce back quickly, reassuring Madalina that all was well.

  “She was peppy and happy. Typical Juniper,” Cole said.

  Madalina stared out the window, paying little attention to the path Cole took through the city. When he finally parked the car, she realized that they were in the foothills, with a view of Whittier glittering in the distance. White lattice rimmed the exterior of the building that sat adjacent to the parking lot. A very full parking lot, at that. Jasmine and pink climbing roses offset the stone-and-wood exterior of the structure, which reminded Madalina of an English cottage more than not. Lights were strung around a courtyard hidden by a rock wall. One thing she knew: she hadn’t ever been here to eat. She would have remembered the quaint charm.

  In all honesty, if Cole were to inquire, she would have to tell him that she’d lost most of her appetite on the drive here. From her concern over Cole reining in their romance to fears that her mother had a letter or package, she wasn’t sure she could do justice to a full meal.

  Cutting the engine, Cole came around and opened her door.

  “Thanks,” she said, taking his offered hand. He held on to it while he locked the car and led her toward a gate in the wall to the courtyard.

  “You’re welcome,” he said.

  The scents coming from the restaurant would have tempted her on any other day. It did smell heavenly. At the gate, a wrought iron creation with whimsical scrolls at the top, Cole paused to unclasp the latch and allow her to go first. Although she expected the courtyard and restaurant interior itself to be as quaint as the exterior, she wasn’t prepared for just how beautiful it was. Flagstones with clipped grass snaking between the stones stretched from one end to the other of the courtyard. Round tables covered with white linen sat in staggered rows around a small center space left clear for dancing. More white lights draped across the top of the walls and through potted ficus leaves. Ivy trailed everywhere, and stunning floral arrangements sat in the middle of each table, along with flickering candles. Red rose petals made a trail from the gate toward the dance floor, where quite a few more petals tumbled romantically across the flagstones. Smoked-glass windows overlooked the courtyard, making it impossible for Madalina to see the interior from out here.

  “Wow! How did you find this place?” Madalina asked, wondering why none of the guests were sitting in the courtyard. It was too pretty to pass up.

  Cole closed the gate and meandered toward the dance floor, glancing past her toward the building. “I heard there are windows all along the other side of the restaurant that overlook the city. Maybe most people prefer that view to this one.”

  “Do you think we can sit out here? I’d rather see this than the city,” she said. The sweet scent of jasmine overlapped the smells wafting from the building. It was a heady combination, she decided.

  Cole faced her but looked toward the building before meeting her gaze. A smile lurked in his blue-green eyes. “Of course. Wherever you want to sit is fine with me. I think we can pick our own table—but first, before too many other people show up, I wanted to have that quick talk—”

  “No, no. Can it wait, Cole? I just want to enjoy all of this.” Madalina rushed to speak, hoping to deter him from whatever it was he had to tell her.

  He flashed her a devastating smile. A smile that changed his whole face. “Actually, no. It can’t wait.”

  “Why not?” She frowned, marginally distracted by his expression. He looked so handsome when his face lit up like that.

  He drew in a deep breath, squinted over her head for a moment, then clasped her other hand. Madalina thought he meant to draw her into a slow dance. Instead, he held her hands in his.

  “Hold on, Miss Impatient. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed being a part of your . . . excursions . . . to find the dragons,” he said, pausing to arch a playful eyebrow at the choice of his word excursion.

  That was a mad understatement, a fact he knew all too well. Madalina felt some of the tension in her stomach ease. Maybe he’d just wanted to explain his feelings now that they were past all the dragon drama. She said, “I’m glad to hear it. I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”

  He said, “Not just that, but earning your trust and learning to trust you in return. You know that didn’t come easy for me.”

  “I know.” And she did. Puzzled but charmed that he was taking the time to reveal his feelings on the matter, she watched his expression, his eyes.

  “Over the course of the time we’ve known each other, I’ve learned quite a bit about myself that surprised me. I don’t have to tell you that you’re largely responsible for the changes in me, for making me realize that not all relationships are doomed to be monotonous or boring.”

  Madalina laughed quietly, but did not interrupt more than that. When he released one of her hands to rake hair back from his face, she set her fingers on his chest.

  “And now that you’re shifting your focus more toward my work than the boutique, I thought it might be a good time to talk about living arrangements,” he admitted.

  So it was about moving across the country. They’d been happy in their Tudor house in Whittier, but it was a long way from the firm. “Well, I mean—we can travel to—” Madalina hushed when Cole gently set a finger against her lips.

  He sank to one knee, and suddenly there was a ring between his fingers, held aloft for her to see. A stunning ring, with three enormous princess-cut diamonds and smaller ones nestled into the silver band.

  All at once Madalina finally understood what was happening. Gasping in shock, she covered her lips with her fingers, allowing him to keep hold of on
e hand. Tears stung the back of her eyelids. How could she have been such a dunce? He wasn’t backing off their relationship, and Walcot hadn’t left another note.

  “I think we should make our living arrangement permanent. Where doesn’t matter, as long as I’m with you. Although I should tell you that I bought the Tudor house because I know how much you love it.” He paused, as if to let that sink in.

  Stuck for words, knowing he wasn’t through, all she could do was nod. Yes, she loved the house. Yes, she was thrilled to know he’d bought it. Anticipation for what was sure to come next made her breathless.

  “We’ve been through a lot since we met. From the very beginning I knew you were unlike any woman I’ve ever known. I love your tenacity, your ability to push through hard times and come out stronger on the other side. I love that you’re not afraid to take chances. You challenge me, make me a better man. Madalina Maitland, will you marry me?” A flicker of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

  “Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!” She laughed, tears spilling down her cheeks. Happiness swept through her in waves. The only man she’d ever truly loved wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. He caught her left hand and slipped the ring—it fit perfectly, she noticed—onto her finger. The diamonds sparkled and shone. She threw herself into his arms when he stood, careful despite her exuberance not to hurt his shoulder. Madalina kissed him once, twice. Three times. “You have no idea how much I want to be your wife.”

  “Good. You’re not going to plan one of those really huge weddings, are you? Where we have to—”

  “Yes! I want a beautiful church and hundreds of people and more flowers than we can count,” she said and kissed him again. “I can’t believe you bought the house! I’m so excited.” He held her feet aloft from the ground, just a few inches, to turn her in a slow circle. Madalina stared into his eyes, one arm wrapped around his neck. Husband. This man would, one day soon, be her husband. “Wait until Mom and Dad hear. And Lianne! She’ll flip.”

  “Oh, Madalina. You’re so adorably slow sometimes,” Lianne said.

  Madalina snapped her gaze toward the restaurant and the smoked-glass door—which was now open. Sometime during Cole’s proposal, people had come outside to watch. And take pictures. She’d never noticed the flash of the cameras or the murmurs of excitement. “Did you all—” He set this up! Realization dawned, and the crowd laughed. Cole had invited her parents, her friends, his brothers—wait. “Damon and Brandon are here. When did that happen? They were in China . . .”

  “We got back the day before yesterday,” Damon said with a lazy grin. “Cole used us as a cover of sorts to distract from his plans. And he needed our advice on a few things.”

  Madalina’s mouth fell open, and she shot Cole an accusing but adoring glare. “You were pretending the whole time today!”

  “Not exactly. We were making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be, that all this was set up like I wanted. The flowers were late—you know how it goes. Last-minute details,” he said, unrepentant.

  Laughing, she hugged him tight. He swooped in for a kiss that she returned as more camera flashes lit up the evening. She experienced a profound sense of belonging, of being in exactly the place destiny intended her to be. This was where she wanted to spend the rest of her life, too. Right here where she felt safe, secure. Applause and hoots of excitement filled the courtyard. Face flushed with surprise and pleasure, she finally got her feet back on the ground and examined the ring as Lianne, her mother, and several coworkers rushed over to see. She spent countless minutes gushing with the ladies before Cole interrupted with a polite clearing of his throat.

  “Hate to tear you away from that, but there are a few people I want you to meet,” Cole said.

  Madalina knew who the austere gentleman in the fine suit and the dark-haired woman at his side must be.

  Cole’s parents.

  She’d never officially met them in person, but they looked welcoming and kind. Another man hovering at their flank, perhaps a year or two older than Cole, she guessed to be the elusive Thaddeus. The eldest brother of the West clan. With dark, wavy hair and a familiar lazy smile, he resembled Cole and Damon more than Brandon or Samuel.

  Stepping forward, she extended her hand, more than ready to meet her soon-to-be in-laws. Madalina found Wallace and Betty West to be as warm and genuine as she imagined. Wallace had a straightforward, no-nonsense manner befitting his former military background, and Betty, a retired army nurse, was alert and lively and fun. Madalina met Thaddeus, whom she took to immediately, and reunited with Samuel, another West brother she’d spent time with on the last dragon hunt.

  Dinner was an extravagant affair of good food, lots of laughter, and spontaneous dancing in the courtyard. Cole had reserved the entire restaurant for their engagement, which made the entire event more personal and special. Madalina danced with her father, with Cole’s father, and with each of his brothers. Hilarity broke out when Lianne stepped up as next in line and the girls performed a shaky rendition of the Charleston.

  Madalina posed for pictures with Cole every chance she could. She wanted to remember it all. Every last twinkle light, every last flower, every last hug.

  When Cole came for her toward the end of the evening, after they’d stuffed themselves full of a seven-course meal, Madalina stepped into his arms, and they swayed lazily to a slow song full of poignant sweetness.

  “If this is the engagement party, I can’t imagine what the wedding and reception will be like,” she said with a quiet laugh.

  “This scenario right here times ten. More friends, more family—and you’re planning it all. Good luck with that,” he quipped, grinning.

  “I’ll drag your mom into the planning phase with my mom and Lianne. We’ll have a blast.” Madalina couldn’t wait. She was dazzled by the prospect of walking down an aisle that led straight to Cole. “Are we going on a honeymoon?”

  “Absolutely. Anywhere you want to go,” he said, holding her closer during a turn. He never took his eyes off her face.

  Madalina’s smile wobbled. Tears pricked the back of her eyelids. “How about Rio—after we return Walcot to Tibet?”

  Cole studied her face, her eyes. Then he smiled. “I think your grandfather would like that very much. Maybe we can squeeze in Vegas, too. Where it all began. Where you and I began.”

  Madalina loved the idea. She smoothed a palm possessively over his chest and said, “Perfect.”

  EPILOGUE

  The wedding took place in April of the following year at a mission on the coast of California. Madalina chose the location for its proximity to the ocean and its stunning hall, whose ancient walls had been decorated with swags of white gauze. Large floral displays in baroque-style urns added spots of color, while a wall of stained glass added worldly charm. The mix of old and new appealed to Madalina’s senses, but nothing so much as the well-groomed man waiting at the altar.

  Cole looked as handsome as she’d imagined these past months in his black-and-silver tuxedo with a faint pink bloom at the breast pocket. She knew he appreciated the sleek, sophisticated lines of her wedding dress by the gleam in his eyes as her father gave her away.

  Their vows were off-the-cuff, unplanned, just the way she’d wanted. Madalina didn’t prefer scripted words—she wanted everything straight from the heart. Cole stepped up to the challenge with his promises to love and protect her, to cherish her for all time. He spoke with conviction, with adoration. Choking back tears, Madalina returned the sentiments, the heartfelt promises. She meant every one.

  In a reception hall overlooking the ocean at sunset, Madalina danced, cut the cake with Cole, and tossed the bouquet. It was no surprise that Lianne snatched the flowers out of the air. The festive, happy affair lasted until Cole rounded her up to say their good-byes. Two hours before midnight, amid catcalls and whoops of excitement, Madalina got into the back of a limousine, waving one last time to family and friends.

  She was almost sad to
end the merriment. Almost.

  Cole sank into the seat at her side, and the car pulled away from the hall. He glanced aside, met her eyes. “Well, Mrs. West, I don’t think that could have gone better than it did. You’re an excellent event planner.”

  “I had a lot of help. But thank you, Mr. West.” It was the first time Cole had used her new name out loud, and it shot a thrill straight through her bones. Madalina watched Cole tug at the collar of his shirt, as if he was anxious to begin peeling the layers away. “If you’ll just wait until we’re airborne, I’ll do that for you.”

  “I’m trying. The jacket is going to come off before we hit the plane, though; that much is for certain.” He paused to shuck the coat right then, leaving him in a silver vest, crisp white shirt, and steel-gray tie.

  Madalina couldn’t get enough of how gorgeous he looked attired in formal wear, and anticipated helping him shed what remained. “You know, there’s one thing we never did discuss with all this.”

  “What it’ll be like to spend our wedding night at thirty-five thousand feet?” he asked with a devious smile.

  Madalina laughed. “Well, there’s that. But I knew we would be in the air, so it’s not a surprise.”

  Cole set the coat on the opposite seat, then draped his arm around her shoulders. “What did we forget?”

  “Kids. We’ve never even talked about whether we’ll have any.” She’d been so preoccupied with the dragons and planning the wedding that she hadn’t given the idea much thought.

  “I’m pretty sure I mentioned that I want six or so,” he replied matter-of-factly.

  “Six or so?” she parroted in surprise.

  “That’s right,” he said, rolling up the tinted window between the driver and the back of the limousine. Cupping her nape, he drew her close to speak against her lips. “And I think we should start right now.”

  “I can see you’re going to be a demanding husband, Mr. West,” she whispered, dusting a kiss on his lips. “I might be persuaded to let you have your way.”