Page 11 of The Rented Bride

Trent reached the third floor and strode along the open hallway. When he reached the right turn that led to his grandfather’s bedroom, he stopped and stepped toward the stone balcony that overlooked the ballroom on the floor below. As far as he could tell, most of the guests had arrived. Lindsey hadn’t arrived yet. But that came as no surprise. She loved to make an entrance.

Trent turned from the balcony and headed down the hallway. He reached his room first. His coat hung on the wardrobe valet looking no different than it had when Phillip insisted Trent not appear in public wearing such a disheveled coat. Trent swung the coat over his shoulders and was out the door as he slid his second arm into the sleeve. The tiny thump of the velvet box that contained Lindsey’s ring made him smile. Even at a private party in their own home, Phillip thought of everything. He’d put Trent’s cell phone in his pocket.

Trent entered his grandfather’s room to find him sitting in the wingback chair near the window, dressed in dinner slacks and white shirt. His jacket lay on the bed.

Trent nodded at Annie as he closed the door. She sat in her corner chair, a book open on one knee. “How are you doing, Annie?”

“Just fine, Trent. You and your grandfather look smashing.”

He smiled. “Thanks.” He’d met Annie ten years ago when his grandfather broke his leg skiing. By the time her two-month employment ended, she’d become a friend. An hour after they’d gotten his grandfather’s latest prognosis, Trent got on the phone with Annie and begged her to attend him for the remainder of his grandfather’s life. She agreed and Trent gave thanks every day for her presence. He felt certain that no one would have been able to handle his grandfather like she did.

“You sure you’re not too tired for this party?” he asked as he crossed the room to the bed. Trent wished like hell his grandfather would stay in his room and play cards with Annie. Trent didn’t like the drawn look at the corners of his eyes.

“Give me any trouble and I’ll take you over my knee,” his grandfather said.

Trent sat on the ottoman in front of his grandfather’s chair. “You look tired.”

He snorted. “I’m always tired.” His expression softened. “But I’m all right.” He stood and Trent stood with him, taking his arm. “Help me on with my jacket.”

Trent picked up the jacket and caught sight of the Wall Street Journal that had lain hidden under the jacket. Reading the Journal from cover to cover was one of Granddad’s greatest pleasures. A lump formed in Trent’s throat. How long would he be able to do something as simple as read his paper? As long as he wanted, Trent decided. He made a mental note to ask Annie if she would read to him in bed, if that’s what it came to.

Trent lifted the coat and held it up while his grandfather slid his right, then his left arm in. Trent pulled the coat up over his shoulders and his grandfather rolled his shoulders as Trent had seen him do more times than he could remember. The jacket settled over him like a second skin.

His grandfather turned and clapped him on the back. “You ready to introduce me to your girl?”

Trent was surprised to realize that he was ready. Ready to introduce his grandfather to Lindsey, ready to marry her, to have children. He was ready to have a life outside the boardroom. Sadness tightened his chest. Why had it taken his grandfather’s illness to bring him to this realization? He’d met Lindsey only eight months ago, but she was a perfect partner for him. She understood his schedule and the importance of his work. She also wanted more than her career. She’d made it clear she was ready to leave the spotlight of Hollywood for the seclusion of Brettonwood.

Trent’s gaze caught on one of the article headlines on the folded Journal.

Horizon Media contracts Lindsey Fremont for Vicky Harris Detective Series.

For an instant, his mind went blank. Then he snatched up the paper and read.

In an unexpected merger with Horizon Media, Blood Silk Studios revealed a new three-movie contract with mega-star Lindsey Fremont for the Vicky Harris Detective series by Gordon Mars. Production is to begin immediately in New Zealand, with the first movie slated for the blockbuster summer release schedule. Horizon Media declined to name the actor who would play Vicky Harris’ love interest, Jason Mackenzie.

Trent’s mind jumped. Filming and production right away? Had the studio agreed to suspend filming during Lindsey’s pregnancy? They had planned, shared their hopes and, like any good negotiators, reached an understanding of expectations. What about the two-year sabbatical from acting, until their baby was old enough to be left with a nanny? They’d agreed. Kissed and made love to celebrate. What the fuck was she doing signing a movie deal? They’d even picked out a girl and a boy name for their child.

Trent’s gut churned. He balled his hand into a fist, crunching the paper as he thought about the words trust, marriage, family.

There had to be an explanation. He tossed the paper onto the bed. He was a smart man—smart enough to recognize when he was getting screwed in a deal. This time, however, he hadn’t seen it coming. With Lindsey, he’d let himself believe.

“Trent, you all right, lad?”

Trent jarred from his thoughts.

“What is it?” his grandfather demanded.

Trent stiffened his shoulders. “Nothing, Granddad.” Nothing he was going to discuss with his grandfather. Damn her.

“You can’t fool an old dog,” his grandfather said.

Trent forced back the emotion that further tightened his chest. “Not this time, Granddad. It’s business, which has nothing to do with tonight.”

“The look on your face wasn’t a man dealing with business.”

Trent gave him a grim smile. “There are some things about me that even you don’t know. Come on, we have a party to attend.”

Annie followed as Trent escorted James down the corridor.