Whats to check? Youre off duty, and were setting you up here.
There was no way in the world Candice was hanging around while Jenna set her up. She tried to pull her arm from Jennas grasp. I want to make sure the paneling was delivered.
Jennas hand tightened. Its not like youll be able to do anything about it before Monday.
Candice reached out to disentangle Jennas fingers. Ill sleep better if I take a quick look. You go ahead and scope out prospects while Im gone.
Jenna brightened. Really?
Sure. Why not? Since Candice had no intention of coming back to the wedding reception, Jenna could scope to her hearts content. Candice wasnt even planning to go up to the restaurant. Just as soon as she was out of sight, she was heading for the main door of the lobby and grabbing a taxi.
See you later. She started in the direction of the express elevator that serviced the rooftop restaurant. As she walked, she kept an eye on Jenna to gauge the best moment for her escape.
Not quite yet. Tyler had appeared out of the crowd, and both he and Jenna focused on Candice. They exchanged a few words, and then Tylers eyes lit up. They both waved happily.
Jenna had obviously enlisted his aid. How humiliating.
Candice gave them a brittle smile and waved back, making a show of pressing the elevator button. Unfortunately, the elevator was parked on the ballroom floor, and the doors immediately opened. She had no choice but to step inside.
Then the doors slid shut behind her, blocking out the orchestra and the buzz of conversation. She sighed in relief as she leaned against the cool wall, resting her hands on the metal rail, tipping her head back. It was nice in here.
The elevator rushed smoothly upward. Through the outer glass wall, Candice could see the black lake, the stars and the lights of Seattle.
She loved the Quayside. As the major shareholder, Derek was a major pain, but the building was beautiful. It was a stunning example of mid-twentieth century red brick and terra-cotta.
She and Jennas decorating business, Canna Interiors, was just getting established in Seattle, so they were taking every job they were offered. But Candice hoped theyd be able to specialize in historic buildings like the Quayside. They were the citys heart and soul.
The doors slid open on the fortieth floor, and she decided shed better kill a little time before going back down to escape. She left the elevator, and her footsteps echoed on the raw plywood as she made her way down the hall.
The entire floor was closed for renovation. The paneling had been delivered, but then shed already known that. Sheets of plywood, stacks of wood paneling and cans of paint were clustered against the foyer walls.
She passed through the big, antique double doors that led into the dining room. The wallboard had been peeled back to reveal arched window openings, and the glaziers had just finished installing new windows. The view of the city was spectacular.
Abandoning the bouquet on a sawhorse, she squinted around the room, picturing antique light fixtures, turn-of-the-century paintings, white tablecloths, hurricane lamps and fine china. Her gaze caught and held on the half-finished wine rack, apprehension sliding through her stomach. Something wasnt right.
She started toward it.
Lifting the plans from the raw wood top, she read the hand-scrawled note stapled to one corner. She stifled the urge to scream. Shed given specific instructions on the placement and the dimensions of the wine rack. But Derek had undermined her authority, yet again.
She crumpled the note in a tight fist. He might be the reason she and Jenna had this job in the first place, but she had to put a stop to the mans meddling. Forget cutting out on the reception, maybe shed go back to the ballroom and track him down. Track him down, corner him and set the ground rules once and for all.
As she formulated a scathing lecture, the elevator doors down the hall whirred open. Measured, masculine footsteps headed along the passageway toward her. Perfect. Jenna had sent up a date. Could the evening get any worse?
She started toward the double doors, intent on sending the hapless man away. But when Derek appeared, she stopped short.
Tall, broad-shouldered and athletic, his strong chin, aristocratic nose and piercing blue eyes combined with his wealth and power to give him anything he wanted in life.
But not this time.
Not with her.
He froze, hitting her with a narrow-eyed, suspicious gaze. What are you doing up here?
At the moment, Im trying to figure out how much damage youve done.
He continued toward her, imposing in his best man tux. What are you talking about? What damage?
As he grew closer, she was glad to be wearing three-inch heels.
Drawing herself up, refusing to be intimidated, she folded her arms across her chest and nodded at the wine rack. Take a look at that.
Before focusing on the wine rack, Dereks gaze stopped for a moment on the empty doorway, a puzzled frown forming on his face. Then he moved on. I dont see any damage.
The muscles in the back of her neck tensed, and her voice went up an octave. Of course you dont. Because you have no clue what were doing here.
I know exactly what were doing here. Were renovating my restaurant.
Candice stepped closer to the wine rack, gesturing to the base with an open hand. Are you trying to waste money?
Im trying to save money.
False economy.
Dereks full mouth curved up in a cynical grin. How many millions do you suppose have been wasted using that logic?
You have trust issues, you know that?
I trust people.
Uh-huh.
As long as theyre within my sight.
Candice pointed at him and then pointed to her chest. You lied to me, remember?
And you threatened to waste my money.
Because youd told us you were Derek Reeves
I am Derek Reeves.
Being Derek Reeves is quite different than being Derek Reeves-DuCarter.
You never fessed up to being Candice Hammond, either.
Candice had to admit, it was odd theyd gone two weeks without realizing each others identity. Shed heard about the Reeves-DuCarters all her life, had known they were in competition with her father, had even met Dereks father at a party or two. Still, she hadnt put it together.
I never lied about who I was, she said.
No, Derek agreed. It was Tyler that kept that little tidbit to himself.
So pick on your brother, and leave me alone.
I cant leave you alone.
Why not?
Because youre mad enough to waste my money.
Im also professional enough to fix your mistakes.
Derek shook his head, coughing out a cold laugh.
Candice shimmied into a crouch position, pointing to the base of the wine rack to prove her point. You know the marble tops precut?
He crouched beside her. So?
So, exhibit A, you had them build the base two feet off. Thats false economy, because were going to have to rip it out and start over again.
Thats faulty logic. Because I just moved the wine rack. I didnt change the dimensions.
If youd bothered to read the plans, youd know we have to recess it into the wall.
If youd bothered to read the plans, youd know we have to recess it into the wall.
I did bother to read the plans. They told me you wanted to rebuild an entire wall for the sake of two feet.
She raised her eyebrows. There was a master plan at work here. Details mattered. Something Derek obviously didnt grasp. Your point is?
He straightened and held out his hand. Youre scary, you know that?
She ignored his unspoken offer. But halfway up, her toe caught on the hem of her dress and she stumbled. He caught her arm to steady her.
The feel of his calluses against her skin sent an instant shock wave through her body. She gritted her teeth against the sensation. Youre the scary one. What with his drive-by style of executive interference, and
She shook off his hand.
Because I catch you when you fall? His deep voice rumbled close to her ear.
She took a quick step away from him, remembering the last time hed touched her, spoken to her in that vibrating, intimate tone that made her blood dance. It was three months ago, on that silly carnival ride, the Tunnel of Love. It was the day she found out he was a fraud. The day theyd found out Tyler was spying on Jenna.
She shook off the memory, rubbing his touch away from her bare arm. Do you want a five-star restaurant or a diner?
Oh, definitely a diner, he drawled, cocking his head sideways.
Well, youre well on your way.
You are so melodramatic.
You are so naive.
His eyes widened at that one.
She began counting off on her fingertips. We have an artist on retainer. Weve consulted on the marble pattern. Weve already bought paintings for the recessed wall. The lines on the marble will flow perfectly toward the pillars, emphasize the mini atrium and the windows
You may have a heady, artistic vision, but I have an obligation to the other shareholders.
To ruin the renovation?
To make sure Reeves-DuCarter worldwide share prices dont plummet when the financial markets hear how much youre spending on a wine rack.
Its the focal point of the entire room
Hey, Derek.
Candice clamped her mouth shut and drew back at the sound of Tyler Reevess voice.
There you are, said Derek. I thought youd died in the hallway.
Can I borrow your cell phone? asked Tyler.
Candice glanced from man to man. Both were tall and broad shouldered, with short dark hair and those startling blue eyes. Tyler was slightly slimmer, and he always looked a whole lot happier.
Did the reception move up here? she asked.
It was one thing for her to duck out on Erin and Striker. She was just another wedding guest. But Derek and Tyler were in their brothers wedding party.
I just need to check on something, said Tyler, holding out his hand for the phone.
Derek looked confused, but he reached into the pocket of his tux jacket. YeahSure
Thanks, Tyler nodded, taking Dereks phone and heading back out the door.
No problem, said Derek.
Candice wondered why Tyler hadnt used a house phone downstairs. There had to be a hundred of them.
While she puzzled over his presence, he paused in the doorway. Then turned back to face them, tapping the phone against the bottom of his chin. His expression shifted from affable to stern.
You two are upsetting my wife, he said.
Upsetting Jenna? asked Candice, instantly worried. Jenna had been fine when shed left her ten minutes ago. It couldnt be that important to her that Candice get a date.
Tyler reached for the two doors. And Ive decided you need some time alone together to work things out. He quickly pulled the doors shut and clicked the dead bolt into place.
What the hell? Derek was at the doors in three long strides. Tyler? My phone!
Jenna suggested a time-out, came Tylers muffled voice from the other side of the solid oak.
Time-out from what? called Derek.
Like in kindergarten. You two kids see about settling your differences before the crew shows up on Monday.
2
SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES? Candice darted a glance at Dereks rock-hard jaw and narrowed eyes. What does he mean Monday?
Dereks lips thinned, but he didnt answer.
She quickly turned her attention to the dead bolt. It was keyed from both sides, and she didnt have a key.
Tyler had locked them in the restaurant.
Tyler? she asked hopefully, moving up against the oak, testing the knob. Uh, Tyler?
No reply.
Derek let out an exasperated curse. I dont think hes out there.
Hell be back, she said, nodding confidently, stepping back and gazing up at the oversized doors. This has to be a joke.
I didnt hear Tyler laughing.
Jenna wont let him leave us here.
What makes you think hell tell Jenna?
WellBecause Candice hated to admit it, but that was a good question.
Brushing past her, Derek tested the knob, then he rattled the doors. I sincerely doubt hell tell her.
Shes his wife. Isnt there something in the wedding vows about honesty?
Derek stepped back beside her to survey the doors. He let out a hard sigh, shaking his head in pity, voice dropping to that intimate timbre. Candy, Candy, Candy
I asked you not to call me that.
Tyler thinks hes saving Jenna.
Well, that would be your fault.
Derek held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. How is it my fault?
Jennas frustrated, because you keep picking fights, undermining my instructions
I do have veto power.
Over the stain color? The wainscoting? The positioning of the wine rack? If Derek would just let her do her job, they wouldnt be in this fix. She was really quite easy to get along with.
Over any little thing I want, he said.
You have taken things way beyond the spirit of the contract.
Your threatening to bankrupt me takes things beyond the spirit of the contract.
I did not threaten bankrupting you. Candice folded her arms across her chest. I am a professional.
He gave a dry chuckle. You said, and I quote, I have a contract for three-point-five million of your dollars, and I intend to spend every cent.
Candice shifted uncomfortably. I was upset. It hadnt been the most professional moment of her career. But, Derek did that to her.
He ran his fingers around the seams of the doors. The true measure of a professional isnt what she does when things are going well.
You dont think you and Tyler lying to us, conspiring against us, hiding your identities amounts to extraordinary circumstances.
Tyler was working undercover.
Tyler was also sleeping with Jenna.
She seems to have forgiven him.
He deserved to be forgiven.
Derek stared at her in silence for a moment. Unlike me.
Youre still a problem, Derek.
Were still locked in a restaurant, Candy.
Its Candice.