Stealing Rose

  And then he did us all wrong by ending his life like a chickenshit.

  “Do you guys still talk?” she asks, her voice as gentle as the glow in her eyes.

  “No.” I take a deep breath. “He died a long time ago.”

  Her eyes go instantly dim and she settles her hand on my arm, the sympathy written all over her face so clear. “I’m so sorry,” she murmurs, her fingers squeezing. “I lost my mother, too, you know.”

  I nod in answer. I watched the documentary on Dahlia Fowler. They mentioned the girls’ mother and that she died when they were young, but they didn’t offer many details.

  “I don’t remember her, though. I was too small.” The look on Rose’s face … I can only describe it as heartbreaking. “I wish I’d known her. I wish I had the chance like Violet did and especially Lily, since she’s the oldest. There’s only a couple of years between me and Violet, so she doesn’t remember her much, but at least she has something, you know?”

  That we’re having this conversation in the middle of a crowded pub surrounded by people is frustrating beyond belief. I want to take her hand and drag her out of here. Go back to the hotel where we can talk some more, and then get her naked and offer her comfort in the only way I know how.

  “You two look awfully serious,” Nigel interrupts, trying his best to look terribly serious as well but failing miserably. His stony expression cracks in an instant when we both turn to him and he bursts out laughing, clutching his gut like it was the funniest thing ever.

  Clearly he’s beyond drunk.

  “He’s had way too much,” I tell Rose.

  “Nigel.” She shoves at his shoulder, which makes him stop laughing. “You didn’t text Clare this afternoon, did you?”

  “Erm, why would you ask that?” He tugs at his collar, pulling at the already loosened tie that hangs limply around his neck. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Bullshit.” Rose points her finger at Nigel, and he looks caught in the crosshairs and scared shitless. “Caden told me you’ve been texting her.”

  Nigel sends me a look. “Traitor,” he mutters, and I consume my beer, feigning innocence.

  I’m enjoying this, as weird as it is to admit. It feels good. It feels … nice, hanging out with friends at a pub and drinking beer and eating bad appetizers. I’ve got a good buzz on, but no one’s buzz is as good as Nigel’s. The man is clearly feeling no pain, hanging on Hugh, asking him what the secret is, which sends them into a twenty-minute deep discussion about increasing Nigel’s sex appeal among the ladies at the office.

  Un-fucking-believable.

  But I let it slide because hey, I can get along with the best of them. I’m excellent at faking it. No matter how much it infuriates me.

  No matter how much it hurts.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rose

  After the meeting at Fleur and dealing with my father—his disappointment in me palpable even through the computer screen—I needed to escape. I needed a drink. I needed to laugh and let loose and feel free.

  More than anything, I needed Caden.

  I thought Daddy would be pleased, seeing me there with Violet, working at Fleur even after I gave my notice, but he actually said to Violet, “What is she doing here?” and that about broke my heart.

  Something Daddy is becoming quite an expert at.

  Hugh asked if he could accompany us to the pub and I readily agreed, though Violet shot me a look. One that said, You should consider this man. He’s perfect for you.

  Yes, I’m that good at interpreting my sister’s looks. After living with her my entire life, I’ve become somewhat of an expert.

  Talking with Hugh in the cab we took over to the White Swan, sitting snugly against him on the bench seat, Ryder on my other side while Violet sat across from us on the fold-down seat chattering away on her phone, I could sense Hugh’s interest.

  If Caden weren’t around, I could be interested too. Hugh is almost unbearably handsome. Brilliant blue eyes, dark, almost black hair, and a finely tuned body beneath the expensive suit. He’s intelligent, good at engaging in eye contact and easy conversation, and he has a nice smile, a pleasant laugh, and a deliciously deep voice with a lovely accent.

  But I don’t want Hugh. I want Caden. I like Caden. The moment I saw him sitting at the table with Nigel inside the pub, the both of them apparently drunk and laughing and looking like they were having so much fun, my heart leapt. His gaze caught mine and when I saw the disappointment there for the briefest second, the guilt hit me, swift and strong, stealing my breath. Did he see something between Hugh and me? I’d laughed at something Hugh said when we first walked in, and he touched me, but I didn’t feel any sort of sizzle, no connection from his fingers on my skin.

  Not like when Caden touches me. He looks at me and my knees grow weak. They’re weak now, while I’m sitting in the chair next to him, leaning my head on his shoulder, the alcohol buzzing through my veins. He’s talking to Ryder about soccer or some such nonsense and his voice vibrates in his chest, I can practically feel it in his shoulder, and I close my eyes and smile blissfully.

  “Rose, are you all right?” Hugh asks.

  My eyes pop open like a doll’s and I sit up, offering him an embarrassed smile. “Just a little tired,” I admit.

  His smile is warm. “You were magnificent in the meeting this afternoon.”

  Hmm. There’s a word I don’t think anyone’s used to describe me before. They usually save that sort of praise for Violet. “Thank you,” I murmur.

  “No, really. Your ideas are very innovative. We need more new blood here in our office, especially American blood.” His smile fades and he leans in closer. “Fowler blood is especially good, since you are the leaders of this company.”

  I really hope he’s not trying to butter me up because he’s wasting his breath. “How long have you worked at Fleur?”

  “Three years. I came here from Harrods.”

  “The department store?”

  He nods. “I was one of the perfume buyers. I started out working in the men’s department when I was sixteen. I got hooked into the retail cycle but was promoted rather quickly, and was working at corporate within five years of my starting work there.”

  “That’s amazing.” I have no idea how old he is and I’m not about to ask, because that would be rude.

  “You’re probably wondering how old I am, aren’t you?”

  I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment. “Maybe. But that would be awfully crass of me to ask, right?”

  “I’m twenty-nine.” His lips quirk to the side. “Older than every one of you at this table, I bet.”

  “I suppose.” Definitely older than me and Violet and Ryder. Nigel, he can’t be over twenty-five, twenty-six, and Caden … I have no idea how old he is. And that’s just weird. Why haven’t I asked him? Why hasn’t he told me?

  He doesn’t tell you a lot of things.

  Isn’t that the truth?

  “How old are you?” Hugh asks.

  “You should never ask a lady her age,” I chastise teasingly, making him grin.

  “Forgive me, madam.” He bows and I laugh.

  “I’m twenty-two.”

  “Ah, so young. And so incredibly smart.” I see the interest flare in his eyes again. It’s hard to miss. He’s not being inappropriate or anything, but he’s definitely flirtatious. “Beautiful, too.”

  There go my cheeks again. “Thank you.”

  “How much longer are you in London?” he asks.

  “I’m not sure.” I’m hedging because I honestly don’t know how much longer I can stay here and avoid my father and my job. I need to return to New York. I have things I need to take care of there. The plants in my apartment are probably dead, though Lily just texted me a few days ago, asking if I wanted her to stop by and check on things. I did and thanked her profusely.

  Good thing I don’t have pets. I got so wrapped up in Caden and our whirlwind holiday romance I forgot about ev
erything but … him.

  “I could show you around if you like,” Hugh says casually, his expression neutral. “I’ve lived in this city my entire life. I could take you to the best restaurants—”

  “The food here isn’t that great, you know,” I interrupt, earning a laugh from him. “Sorry, just being brutally honest.”

  “You’re right. That’s why if you stick with me, I’ll steer you to the best food this city has to offer.”

  He’s being so nice. If circumstances were different, if Caden weren’t sitting next to me, if I were here on my own and this friendly, handsome, kind man was asking me out I would readily say yes.

  But I feel Caden stiffen beside me. He’s gone unusually quiet and I didn’t even notice. He’s probably heard every bit of my conversation with Hugh. I feel sick to my stomach, as if I’ve somehow betrayed him, and all traces of happiness evaporate from within me, just like that.

  “Thanks for the offer,” I say sadly, “but I’m afraid I have to decline.”

  Hugh’s eyes dim the slightest bit, but otherwise he appears completely unruffled. “No worries. Some other time perhaps?”

  “Yes. That sounds good.” I nod and slide from my chair, smoothing out the wrinkles from my dress. I don’t make eye contact with anyone as I say, “I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

  I leave the table without another word, not looking back, keeping my head held high as I make my way through the crowd. The pub is full of young professionals just off work, most of them dressed like we are. Suits and dresses, ties loosened and high heels kicked off. Lots of raucous laughter and pounding of their beer mugs on tabletops; everyone’s having fun.

  So why do I feel so miserable?

  Shoving the women’s bathroom door open, I rush to the sink and turn the faucet on so I can splash water on my face. It’s total déjà vu, remembering this almost exact moment from a week ago, when I hid in the bathroom to escape Caden and he followed me in here.

  The door swings open and my heart lightens in my chest, only to come crashing down with a dull thud when I see Violet standing there.

  “What’s wrong?” she asks.

  I turn away from the sink and grab a few paper towels from the dispenser, drying my hands before I toss them into the trash can. “Hugh basically asked me out on a date.”

  Violet smiles. “That’s wonderful.”

  Ugh. Of course, she would say that. “He asked me out in front of Caden.”

  “So?”

  “Violet, God. You’re being awful.” I shake my head. “I’ve just spent the last week with him, pretty much the entire time naked in bed. And now you’re encouraging me to agree to go on a date with another man, while sitting beside Caden? That’s low.”

  “Rose. Listen to me.” She comes to stand directly in front of me, grasping hold of my shoulders and giving me a firm shake. “Sometimes we meet people in our life and they’re exciting. Different. Unlike anything or anyone we’ve ever experienced before.”

  “Like Ryder for you?” I throw at her.

  Nodding, she presses her lips together. “Yes,” she admits. “Like Ryder. But sometimes these people you meet, they’re not meant to be in your life on a permanent basis. They come in at the right time, send you spinning, lift you up, and then they leave. A pleasant diversion to help you realize what you really should be doing with your life.”

  “So now you’re saying Caden is nothing but a pleasant diversion while I figure out what I want next,” I say dully.

  Violet nods. “Exactly. Yes, Ryder has turned into a permanent part of my life, but I can’t see Caden being there for you when you really need him.”

  “Why not? And how can you say that? You don’t even know him,” I accuse, my voice small, my thoughts all over the place. Would Caden be there for me during my time of need, like … now? If I asked for his undying support, would he give it to me? I think he would.

  But I’m not sure.

  “I know there are—things to him that he’s not telling you. I’ve done a little Google research …” She lets her voice trail off, but I hear all the doubt and worry in her tone.

  “Of course you have,” I say, pushing away her hands so I can step around her.

  “And Ryder has this … sense about him. That he’s not being honest with us,” Violet continues. “Says he knows the signs of a con man since he was once one himself, and Caden reminds him of … himself, when he was younger.”

  I stare at the tiled wall, blinking hard. I thought Ryder was on my side. But no, he’s filling Violet’s head with stories of Caden being a lying con man. Just freaking great. “Don’t you think you two are being a little harsh?”

  “No. I call it being protective of my baby sister.” Violet reaches out to rest her hand on my shoulder, but I shrug out of her touch. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  I turn on her. “I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

  “Just be careful,” she pleads. She looks worried and I feel bad, but her worry isn’t going to stop me from continuing to see Caden. “And Hugh is like … the perfect guy for you. I wish you could see that. He’s smart and handsome and he works for Fleur.”

  “What, you want me to be just like you and Ryder? Give me a break. I don’t know if I want to continue working at Fleur.” I throw my hands up in the air, so frustrated I could spit.

  “You don’t mean that,” Violet whispers. “You gave your notice after you argued with Father. You know he’d take you back.”

  “I do mean it. Daddy is furious with me and the feeling is mutual. Pilar is getting everything she could ever want and you’re the wunderkind of the family. No one gives a shit if I’m there or not. I’ve disappeared for the last couple of weeks and no one’s missed me. Fleur goes on whether I’m there or not,” I point out. “Can the same be said if you weren’t there? Or Daddy? Or even … Pilar?” God, it kills me to say her name, but I’m feeling pretty low right now.

  “I’ve missed you,” Violet says.

  “That’s not good enough.” I shake my head, refusing to feel guilty over disappointing Violet. “When I go back to New York, I’m not returning to Fleur.”

  “Why? I don’t understand how you can even consider that as an option.” Violet looks incredulous and I don’t know what to tell her. How to explain.

  Because I don’t have the proper explanation myself.

  “See, that’s just it. You wouldn’t understand.” I’m tired. Tired of explaining myself, defending my actions, defending Caden. “There’s nothing more to say, Violet.”

  She studies me, her arms curled in front of her, her expression unreadable. I’ve disappointed her. She’s probably mad. But for once, I don’t really care. “You’re making a mistake,” she finally says.

  “I’m sure I am,” I say wearily. “I think I’m allowed to make one every once in a while.”

  Without another word Violet turns and leaves, the door slamming hard behind her, and I slump against the edge of the countertop, throwing back my head with a sigh so I can stare at the ceiling.

  That went over well.

  I use the facilities and wash my hands, splashing water on my face yet again. Another woman walks in and throws down her makeup bag, opening it to pull out a Fleur lip gloss. She slicks her lips a deep red shade as she stares at her reflection before she puts the cap back on and throws the tube into the bag. She notices me watching her and gives me a puzzled smile.

  “Beautiful color,” I tell her. I recognize it, of course. One of the shades from our Winterberry collection, the name of the color is Blackberry Ice.

  “Oh, thank you.” She smiles, revealing she has a bit of gloss stuck to her front teeth. I rub at mine and she does the same with her index finger, giving me a rueful look. “Right. Appreciate that. I bet my friends wouldn’t have told me and had a good laugh over it later.”

  “Wow, really?” Sounds like they aren’t very good friends.

  “It’s dog-eat-dog out there, haven’t you notice
d? I’ve been flirting with the same bloke for the past half hour and then another pretty girl turns his head and the ass leaves me standing there alone.” She zips her makeup bag up almost violently. “What’s a girl got to do to keep a man’s interest in this city? Show her tits?”

  I feel like a complete shit, since only a few minutes ago I had the interest of two men. How selfish am I? “Do you like smart guys?”

  She laughs. “I certainly don’t like dumb ones.”

  “I know someone … he’s sitting at my table. Really sweet, but always seems to be overshadowed by the other men he works with.”

  The woman raises her brows. “Is he ugly?”

  “Not at all.” I shake my head, enjoying her brutal honesty. “He’s cute. In an understated way, you know? Fun. Earnest. I could introduce you.”

  The woman smiles. She’s dressed nicely in a pretty green dress and with her dark auburn hair and pale complexion, I’m sure Nigel would be bowled over to talk to a woman like her. “That sounds great. But if he’s so amazing, why aren’t you going after him?”

  “Because I already have someone amazing,” I admit, thinking of Caden. I don’t care what my sister said. I don’t care if Ryder thinks he’s a con man. Look at Violet and how she turned Ryder around. I could do the same, right?

  Right?

  I exit the bathroom with my new friend Louise and hopefully Nigel’s future date, when we run into a glowering Caden in the hallway. I send him a pleading look, introducing him to Louise before we head out to the table.

  “What are you doing?” I ask brightly, hoping he isn’t as mad as he looks.

  He scowls. “What does it look like I’m doing? Using the bathroom.” With those famous parting words, he shoves his way into the men’s restroom, the door slamming behind him.

  Ignoring my worry over what he must think about me, I take Louise out to the table and introduce her to everyone, saving Nigel for last. He’s a little drunk, wavering on his feet, but the spark of interest in his gaze upon first meeting Louise tells me I did the right thing.