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  It had worked. He’d accomplished his mission to make her forget all about her little confrontation with Sonya. She then watched him as he flashed his perfectly straight, white teeth at her with as much arrogance as he could muster in a smile. He then helped her into the passenger seat and declared he was about to feed his woman.

  It didn’t take long for Camille to realize where they were going. To Remi’s grandfather. She didn’t say a word because she didn’t have to. It was inevitable, she figured, so why not today? She was sure Frederick Krane would not be happy about either her writing career or their engagement so she prepared for the oncoming disdain.

  * * *

  Remi had to give it to Camille. She kept her composure as they pulled through the gates of Fairdell Country Club. She was not a fan of this place, though she’d spent quite a bit of time there. Her father’s company was contracted to landscape the property and she often accompanied him there on days when Remi begged her to do so, saying he’d be there, as well.

  They pulled up to the valet and Remi hurried around to the other side. He was a little nervous that Camille had yet to say anything about where they were. He hoped she was just trying to mentally prepare herself for the encounter.

  He offered his hand to her and as he pulled her close she whispered through clenched teeth, “You owe me big time for this one. I mean really big. Think polishing toenails kind of big, buddy.”

  He chuckled because he’d told her that he’d have to be hypnotized by a woman until he was unable to think straight before he would do something like polish a woman’s toes. For him that was a definite man-law violation, but something about her made him consider giving in. Hell, he’d give her a full pedicure and kiss each toe afterward if she let him.

  He was just that far gone.

  “No problem. Now let’s go. The king awaits,” he joked and he liked that she smiled at the barb. She’d be fine. He wouldn’t allow his grandfather to berate her. She was his fiancée now and whether the old man accepted it or not, it wouldn’t change Remi’s mind in any way.

  They were greeted in a matter of seconds after walking through the lobby and over to the waiting hostess.

  “Hello, Remi, I mean Mr. Krane. You grandfather is already seated. Follow me.”

  The young woman smiled and flirted with him as she led them to the table, which wasn’t a first. Remi did his best as he always did to ignore the woman’s rudeness and unprofessionalism so as not to make a scene. But the way she ignored Camille’s presence, by not greeting her properly as she should’ve, rubbed Remi the wrong way. He’d have a word with her boss because Camille would soon be his wife and he wouldn’t stand for her to be treated any differently than he was treated as a member.

  His grandfather always sat at the same table so the man would not be hard to find. Sure enough, Remi found him sitting in the middle of the dining area where he had a view of everyone going in or out. There was at least a one-yard radius around his table so no one would walk too close unless he called them over.

  Frederick Krane did not look surprised to see Camille and Remi walk in together. Remi figured someone had gotten back to him. If the person was who he thought it was, then Remi’s grandfather more than likely knew about Camille being Reese Elaine as well as their engagement. It would make this meeting that much more difficult. No doubt Frederick would already be prepared to battle with Remi over what he’d see as a mistake Remington was making with the run for mayor on the line.

  What Remington did not expect in a million years was for Frederick Krane to stand and greet Camille with a smile and a hug. He even kissed her on the cheek and told her he was happy that he’d soon have her as a granddaughter.

  Am I dreaming?

  “What are you up to, Granddad?”

  “Why must I be up to anything, Remington? I am happy that you have finally come to your senses and asked this vision in white to marry you. Camille will be a great addition to the Krane family.”

  Camille appeared to be as stunned as Remi. She stood there as if she was trying to figure out if she was imagining all this, as well. He’d seen Frederick when the man was happy. The man didn’t get happy about many things except for money, power, status and the occasional attention from one of the ladies at church. If his motives didn’t fall into one of those categories, then he had to have fallen and bumped his head because he seemed to be on cloud nine.

  Then his grandfather chuckled. Chuckled? Remi had to be dreaming because he didn’t think he’d ever heard the man laugh. He’d seen him smile sinisterly after taking down a business adversary, but he’d never seen the man like this.

  Something wasn’t right; Remi just had to figure out what that was.

  “Have a seat.” Frederick gestured to the empty chairs. “Champagne should be out soon. I told them we were celebrating having a bestselling author join our family. I told them that woman who wrote that Grey book is nothing compared to you. And get this...many of the women I spoke to already have at least one of your books on their shelf. At first they were a little shy about admitting it—you know, with the type of books they are,” he whispered, “but one brave soul was unafraid and told me my future granddaughter will be worth twice as much when she finally reveals who she really is. Camille Ryan Krane better known as Reese Elaine.” He turned to Remi. “You have done well. I approve and so will everyone else in the town if I have anything to say about it,” he said with confidence and authority.

  What the hell...? I should probably grab Camille’s hand and get up and run before the alien invading my grandfather’s body explodes through his chest and turns them into— So maybe he and Camille should not have watched that alien movie last night. This was not the time for him to be cracking mentally. He had to stay alert because now that his grandfather’s words had sunk in, he looked up and glared at the man.

  “Granddad, Camille is not some commodity or asset. I love her and we’re getting married for love, not to boost the Krane name. I would have married Camille regardless of whether she was Reese Elaine or the school teacher I thought she was all these years.”

  At his words Camille squeezed their already joined hands. They let that statement digest as their waiter poured the champagne.

  “I didn’t mean for it to sound that way, Remington,” his grandfather said when the waiter had departed. “I only meant to show you how proud I am of you and Camille. When Miss Brandt informed me of the new developments in your life, I admit, at first I was skeptical. But then she started to show me evidence of who Reese Elaine was.” The man then turned to Camille. His face became a mask of sincerity that even convinced Remi. “You are very good at what you do, dear. Do not allow anyone to let you feel ashamed for writing about a subject that is as old as time. Maybe you’ll even stir up a few of these old bats around here.” Then he laughed at his own joke.

  “Uh...thank you? I—”

  “Let me say this and then maybe you will feel more comfortable and trust that I want us to start over for Remi’s sake and for his happiness.” Frederick straightened and surprised Remi by taking Camille’s hand in his. “I am very sorry, Camille. I am an old man who was stuck in his ways. I judged you and you didn’t deserve it. You graduated number three in your class in high school and received highest honors in your upper level degrees. You are an exceptional woman and Remington is lucky to have you by his side.” He then turned back to Remington and said, “We’ll figure out the rest, son.” Remi knew those words had everything to do with the election and he was glad his grandfather didn’t elaborate on it. It seemed he and Camille had another ally—one that would surely be able to convince the town that his grandson’s future wife was special and good and shouldn’t be defined by the words in her books.

  “Thank you, Mr. Krane,” Camille said. She beamed, taking the comments to heart. Remi could still see the caution in the depths of her brown eyes but she was remarka
ble in her ability to push that aside and just accept things as they came.

  “Call me Granddad.”

  And she did. For the rest of the meal. Since they had no announcement to make, they had a pleasant dinner. His grandfather asked questions about Camille’s career that were not out of line in any way. He complimented her on getting the job at the private school so soon after graduating, but told her that he was glad she chose the path she did. Of course he would say that considering that path led her to being a possible millionaire if she wasn’t one already. Dollars and cents were something his grandfather respected, especially if wealth came from hard work and determination.

  Remi was surprised once again when the old man would not take no for an answer when he offered to pay for the wedding. And it surprised him even more when his grandfather actually shed a tear when he lamented that Remi’s parents and grandmother were not there to see this day.

  It was hard to determine which of his grandfather’s feelings were real and which were a façade since he did such a good job of mingling the two. Remi had no doubt that the man would use Camille’s name for his own gain in some way. He was the type of man who looked at the bottom line and if she was as successful as Remi thought, then Camille Ryan was a star in Frederick Krane’s eyes. Remi doubted if they’d have any problems out of the man again.

  Chapter 18

  Later that night Camille lounged on a mound of pillows while Remi concentrated on not getting light pink nail polish on the skin surrounding her toenails. The dinner with Remington’s grandfather had not been an ordeal at all, but her fiancé insisted on doing this for her and she graciously accepted. She didn’t think she could turn him down anyway because her body felt like a mound of jelly after he’d massaged her from head to toe when they’d arrived back at his house.

  She’d tried to convince Remi to take her home, saying she shouldn’t keep leaving her father alone, but he said he’d already texted her father and Reese was enjoying Anna’s company. Camille didn’t want to think about what that meant, so she agreed to go with Remi. She wasn’t dumb enough to walk in on that. Her father was not yet fifty and Anna was thirty-five. She would not play mother hen to two adults.

  After the massage he’d carried her to the shower and had washed away the oils he’d used. He’d cleaned every inch of her with a gentle touch. He’d kissed her body all over. He’d then brought her to climax with his skilled tongue and had refused to take her when she’d begged for him to be inside her.

  Camille had argued that it wasn’t right to leave him in such a state, but he’d adamantly refused. He had wanted the night to be all about her. She would’ve thought he was guilty of something if she didn’t know better. But she quickly brushed that ridiculous thought aside.

  “All done,” Remi finally declared and Camille wiggled her perfectly polished pink toes.

  “Come here. I need to thank you with a kiss.”

  “I accept that offer,” he playfully commented and then moved to hover over her body. The kiss he placed on her lips was soft and sweet. So was the next kiss that landed at the spot where her robe revealed just a bit of glowing bronzed cleavage. Then there was a tug at the tie on her robe and as much as she wanted him, she decided to play along with his earlier rule.

  “Oh, no, you don’t. No sex, remember? Your rule, not mine and I plan to adhere to it. Go ahead and shower. I’ll think about changing my mind while you’re in there.”

  “Fair enough. But maybe I can give you a little nudge in the right direction,” Remi’s smooth, deep voice crooned suggestively and Camille almost changed her mind instantly.

  She wondered what he had in mind with that statement but didn’t have to wait long. He stared directly at her, his eyes glazed with lust, and started to strip. His eyes never left hers as he relieved himself of his belt, pants, and underwear. Before she could enjoy the view, he removed the pinstriped button-down he already had partially unbuttoned. He was now standing there, in all his glory, completely naked. It was an image she’d be glad to have burned into her retinas forever.

  Taking him in from the bottom and moving upward, Camille assessed the lean, chiseled muscles of his long legs until she reached the part of him that she wanted the most. His erection called to her and she licked her lips at the thought of what that particular organ could do to her. She regained her focus and marveled at the way his broad chest made her feel safe even at this distance and how his defined arms flexed when he moved.

  She smiled when she got to the low-cut beard that framed his rugged, yet exquisitely molded jaw, knowing he kept the facial hair because she liked it. It was so manly and she loved when he purposely brushed the stubble against her thigh as he loved her from below. His smooth-shaven head was like a magnet to her hands and she loved to rub him there and listen to him hum softly because her ministrations against his scalp felt that good.

  Though that whole assessment took only a moment, it had done its job in enticing her to change her mind. However, she wasn’t ready to let him know that she’d caved so easily, so she pretended to not be affected by the smooth expanse of his mouth-watering caramel skin.

  He sauntered off arrogantly when she appeared unmoved, but the look he gave her was a knowing one. She was sure he was aware she wouldn’t be able to resist him much longer.

  Only a few minutes had passed when she could no longer take the wait. Camille hopped off the bed and untied her robe, letting it fall to the floor. She made it halfway to the bathroom door when her phone chimed with a text. She’d check the message and continue on her mission.

  The message was a 911 from Anna that caused Camille’s heart to skip a beat. Anna was with her father and the only emergency she could fathom was one where her father had been rushed back to the hospital for returning to normal activities too soon. She quickly called Anna. The call was one she’d never forget.

  She looked toward the door of the bathroom the whole time her friend spoke to her. With each statement Anna kept apologizing for having to tell her over the phone but Camille barely heard the apology because she was in shock. She felt so stupid for believing she could come back and everything would be okay.

  Remington had let her fall in love with him. He’d let her say yes to his proposal. They’d discussed all sorts of plans for their future during their pillow talk and not once had he mentioned running for mayor.

  It hurt her to think he felt he had to lie to her and manipulate her. It felt as if their reunion was a lie. But Camille knew Remington. His feelings for her were genuine so his reason for not telling her couldn’t have been malicious. When she thought about it, his intent was clear. He’d intended to risk his future, his political career, for her.

  Maybe he didn’t think he was taking a risk, but Camille was sure he was.

  Camille had realized her dreams and wouldn’t allow him to risk his for her. It was too late to turn back on revealing herself as Reese Elaine, but she wasn’t yet married and could take that back. She may hurt Remi, but in the long run he’d appreciate her making this sacrifice once again.

  It was the worst kind of déjà vu.

  As Camille hastily dressed, she allowed Anna’s words to run through her mind over and over. Her agent had said a letter had come by messenger addressed to Reese Elaine. Anna didn’t have any problem opening the letter thinking it was probably about Camille’s coming out since Anna had been expecting a few deliveries.

  She’d opened the letter and seen Remington’s completed, submitted petition to run for mayor. The stamped date had let Camille know Remington had been keeping secrets from her since the day she’d come back and they’d first laid eyes on one another. It was like a slap to her face knowing he didn’t trust her enough to make her own decisions. But that thought had been fleeting. Remington was a good man and she knew that no matter how upset she got about the secret, he’d done it to protect her and the future th
ey’d planned, as she’d done for him all those years ago. He knew Camille wouldn’t want him to risk anything just so they could be together, but he was still willing to risk it all for their love. It was a flattering sentiment, but one Camille couldn’t allow.

  Finally dressed, she dashed from Remington’s house and walked down the street to meet the cab she’d called. She thought as she walked and realized this was her fault. She should’ve been more cautious. She should’ve asked more questions. At twenty-eight she was still a little naive and had believed Remi when he’d agreed they’d be honest with one another from now on.

  But now, as the cab pulled up to her home and she saw Anna standing there waiting for her, she felt a stab of pain in her heart. She’d never get the happily-ever-after she so often wrote in her books.

  * * *

  Remi thought Camille was playing some sort of game with him when he came out of the bathroom and saw that she was gone. He looked for her and called her name and chuckled at her antics. He thought they were antics until he went to his phone to see if she’d called or sent a message. There was none from her but there was one from his grandfather. The man said he’d gotten a call from an angry Felix Brandt about the “injustices” done to his daughter. Felix had admitted to sending Camille a copy of Remington’s petition to run for mayor at his wife’s request, saying that should prevent Remington from embarrassing his daughter any further. Remington fumed because he’d thought he and Felix were friends. He wanted to confront the instigating man, but felt it was more important to find Camille first and explain his actions before she fled and disappeared from his life forever.

  He weighed his options, knowing that he could probably get dressed quickly and hop into his car and catch Camille, but he eventually decided against that. He needed to be smart and figure out a way they could have it all. He needed to come up with a plan where he could have his wife and his life. There would be no convincing Camille if he didn’t come prepared with a defense and proof they could be together without her career interfering. And though he didn’t know if that were true, he’d definitely try to make it happen for them.