He turned his head. “How the devil did you get here? With all that?” He gestured vaguely to the mountain of photography equipment and feminine clothing that had once been hidden behind the staging screen.
“My Aunt Judith.”
“Is she staying here, too?”
“No.”
He waited, but she just blinked at him. “That’s it? No further details?”
“Not until you agree to my terms.”
He had to admire her tenacity, as maddening as it was. “All right. Deal.” He waited for her cheeks to glow with triumph before adding, “But no backing out if you don’t like my answer.”
“All I want is the truth.”
A simple, yet wholly impossible demand.
Slowly pushing away from the windowsill, he faced her fully. He levied a smile of practiced charm on her and, without breaking eye contact, lied through his teeth. “It’s just paperwork. Some boring bookshop financials I was asked to deliver.”
“Then why did you hide it?”
“Didn’t want it to get damaged.” He chuckled and spread his hands wide. “You have to admit that is a possibility, considering you put a hole in the roof only moments ago.”
She chewed her bottom lip while she thought over his answer, and he maintained his blithe, innocent smile.
“This—” She gestured from his head to his toes with a drawn-out sigh. “This show might work on some people, but not me. I’m the one who helped you learn that pose, you blithering donkey.”
His smile faded. Damnation, he’d forgotten about that.
“I should have known you’d break your word. Again.”
“For God’s sake. Are you back to the letters?”
“I wish that’s all there was to discuss.” She stalked forward until she was a handbreadth in front of him. His shoulders tensed at her sudden nearness, but there was nowhere for him to escape. “I’m referring to your promise to wait for me. To be with me once we grew up. But instead of welcoming me home after two lonely, miserable years, you told me to take my silver spoon back to Capitol Hill where I belonged.”
“I did that for you!”
“What a pile of festering manure.”
Blood roared in his ears. She had no idea how long he’d suffered over that decision. But it was an impossible situation, and someone had to be the realist. Even if Imogen’s father changed his mind, Tommy had known he would only drag her down. He’d cut her from his life for both their sakes.
And talking about it didn’t help anyone.
“Where are the clothes you promised me?” He stepped around her and stalked to a pile of clothing in the corner of the cabin. He tossed piece after piece into the air even though it pained him to make such a mess. He grunted when an elbow as sharp as his grandmother’s tongue smacked into his side.
“Here.”
Without a word, he took the trousers she dug out of the pile and drew them over his still-damp union suit. The waist sagged and the cuffs were a good six inches too short. An off-white shirt missing a button went on next, followed by a black suede vest with a ripped shoulder hem. He glowered at the puffy sleeves. “I am trying to avoid attention, not look like a goddamned pirate in the middle of the mountains.”
“These are castoffs from over the years,” she protested. “Costumes for my staging! Would you rather wear my mother’s skirt? Or this lace corset cover?”
“Point. Taken.” He found a long, double-breasted coat that looked like it once belonged to a train conductor and pulled it on. It was three sizes too large, but it would cover the monstrosity beneath and keep him from freezing. He started to refold the remaining clothing, but forced himself to stop. He stomped across the room to his boots.
“I’m angry, too.” Imogen followed him. “You break into my home, demand my help, and yet I don’t hear a word of thanks.”
The waver in her voice was a treacherous lure. Don’t look up. Don’t look up. Don’t—he looked up, and the air punched out of him. Her lips were pressed into a firm line, her cheeks were flushed a bright pink, and unshed tears glistened in her eyes. She had always cried when she was angry. Ten years ago, it had been amusing. Now it was devastating. It made him want to hug her tight and rub soothing circles on her back. Kiss the tears from her eyelashes. Beg for forgiveness.
He had to get out of there. Now.
