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CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, Lucy woke alone. A quick glance at the bedside clock confirmed it was half past nine. She scrambled out of bed and looked around for her clothes, but couldn’t find them anywhere. Wrapping a sheet around herself, she walked out of the bedroom.
For the first time, she took in the sheer luxury of the penthouse suite, which she hadn’t registered last night. Of course, she’d been a wee bit distracted then…
With a sigh, she searched the living area of the hotel suite for her clothes. Still nothing.
On her way back to the bedroom, she saw several open boxes on the dining room table, fancy boxes, with tissue paper. Slowly, she walked up to the table and peered inside.
They contained outfits. Female outfits, shoes and all.
She prodded around, noting one box held capris and a tank, one a blouse and skirt, and one a wrap-dress. They just happened to be in her size.
None of the outfits were what she’d normally wear, but they were pretty. Expensive.
“I hope you don’t mind.” Jamie’s voice came from behind her. “I figured you’d want to wear something fresh this morning. I picked up some things from the boutique downstairs and had your clothes sent to be laundered.”
She opened her mouth to chastise him for…what? Trying to control her again by having her wear what he considered to be appropriate? She caught sight of one of the price tags. Or for his extravagance in dropping money on three outfits so easily? On some level, however, she knew her emotions were raging out of control, so she took a deep breath and clamped down on them as she turned to face him.
“Where’d you come from?” she asked, forcing herself to switch the subject.
“I was enjoying a cup of coffee and the view out on the balcony.”
She wondered if that view could even begin to compare to the one she was looking at now. He was dressed casually in a polo shit, but Lord, what his broad chest and strong biceps did for that shirt was beyond glorious. And the way his faded jeans lovingly cupped the bulge between his legs… She had to curl her fingers into her palms to stop herself from reaching for him.
He was magnificent. And by the look of worry on his face, he was obviously afraid she was going to take his gesture with the clothes and throw it in his face.
So no…she wasn’t going to chastise him and possibly ruin the memory of their splendid night together. She didn’t want to be part of the world he was born into; that didn’t mean she couldn’t accept a generous gift from him. She’d buy him dinner, she decided. And send him a gift in return once she got home.
She grabbed the box with the capris, tank top, and jeweled flip-flops.
“Thank you, Jamie. That was very thoughtful of you.”
He grinned. “I’m sorry I forgot the champagne last night. I can have breakfast brought up but I wasn’t sure what you wanted. I’m normally partial to pancakes myself, but I hear they do a mean eggs Benedict here.”
“Sounds great! I’ll have them charge it to my room.”
He frowned, but before he could refuse her offer to pay, she said, “I’ll just shower and change. Do you mind if I make a call before breakfast?”
“Of course not.” He looked curious, but had enough manners not to ask any questions.
She hesitated, then said, “I want to check on Milly.”
“Your sister’s daughter?”
Lucy nodded. “Yes. I—I’ve called every few days to check in on her. And I’m hoping that Mason’s sister will agree to let me visit her soon. Even if I don’t have a relationship with my mother and father...well…”
“So you have no plans to mend your relationship with your parents?”
Now it was her turn to frown. “It isn’t a matter of wanting anything. Our relationship was damaged beyond repair over a decade ago. It was clear at both the hospital and the funeral that Gail’s death hasn’t changed that.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you with my question. It’s just…it’s obvious you care about Milly. With Gail gone…” He shook his head and waved a hand. “Never mind. If you ever want to share your feelings about your family, Lucy, I’m here. Last night doesn’t change anything. I’m still your friend.”
“Thanks, Jamie,” she said quietly. “I appreciate that.”
She quickly showered and dressed, then used the phone in the bedroom to call Mason’s sister, Diana, who had custody of Milly. The several times they’d spoken, Diana had been cool but polite, and Lucy had been grateful for that. She suspected if Milly had been staying with her grandparents, she wouldn’t have been so lucky; after all, Lucy knew firsthand the low opinion Mason’s father had of her. It was possible Diana felt the same way, but she’d never treated Lucy with anything but civility.
The call went straight to voicemail, so she left a message, asking Diana to call her as soon as she had a chance. Then she went out into the living area, where Jamie was enjoying a cup of coffee. For a few seconds, she stared at him, awestruck again by his sheer beauty.
