Always & Forever Read online

  “I’m only trying to make Lilly feel better about Patricia snubbing her.” The corners of Steven’s mouth twitched upward. “You know your mother can be difficult.”

  “That’s the truth,” Zach and Sarah said simultaneously, and all three laughed.

  “Hey, I was joking around about the whole year thing,” Steven said. Concern narrowed his eyebrows as Lilly stood in silence. “Patricia really will come around. She’s not the ogre she pretends to be.”

  Lilly forced herself to smile at him. “Think nothing of it. I’m sure things will be fine.”

  Reassured, the three of them moved into a lively discussion, arguing about things that were obviously favorite topics. Lilly only had to murmur something appropriate occasionally.

  Throughout the course of the conversation, Lilly decided Steven really had been joking about hiring someone to kill Patricia. His jest was chillingly close to her life, and she nearly ruined everything with her reaction.

  “It’s so nice to have a woman around,” Sarah said. “Finally, there is someone to share my viewpoints.” She looked across the room at the guests. “We’d better go mingle now or Mother will be upset. I know you aren’t going to date any of these ladies she invited, Zach, but you still have to talk to them.”

  “I know what is expected, Sarah. When have I ever embarrassed Mother by sulking in a corner all night long?”

  Sarah’s expression softened, and she patted his arm. “I know you just needed a few seconds when you found out he was here.” She turned her attention to Lilly. “I’m so happy you came, though. I’ve been dreading this party. Because of you, tonight will be a lot better.”

  Sarah surprised Lilly, putting an arm around her shoulder in a quick hug. Bemused, Lilly watched as she and Steven walked off to another group of people.

  “Guess we should make the rounds, too,” Zach said.

  A cold sweat trickled down her back and Lilly’s mouth went dry, once again recalled to her situation. Any one of these guests might be the person who recognized her. “I haven’t eaten all day. You should mingle while I try out the new caterer’s food.”

  “Too nervous about meeting my family to eat?” Zach steered her toward the buffet tables along the back of the room. “I’ll do the host thing while you get dinner, and then we’ll dance the rest of the night away. Sound good?”

  She nodded in relief. “That sounds perfect, except the dancing part. Maybe we could go out and listen to the band instead? There’s no way I can dance.” She gestured to her injured leg. “I’ll fall again and make fools of both of us.”

  “I won’t let you fall. I’m a terrific dancer. We’ll make do.” Zach walked away, not waiting for a reply.

  She shrugged. They could discuss it when he got back. Lilly grabbed a plate and glanced through the offerings. She tried to keep her face turned away from any nearby guests. Fear formed a tight knot in her stomach anytime someone passed near her.

  The food offerings were substandard, perhaps accounting for Patricia’s bad mood, at least partially. Lilly selected some dried-out chicken and piled the rest of her plate with grapes, strawberries, and watermelon. At least the caterers couldn’t ruin fruit.

  She chose a chair at a table partially obscured in shadows, putting her back to the buffet. People flittered around in expensive dresses and tuxedos, practicing the art of small talk and secretly hating each other. Lilly remembered all too well the backbiting and sabotage that went on as soon as one person left a group. As long as none of them became curious about her, Lilly didn’t care what they did with one another.

  “Why is the prettiest woman here sitting all alone and looking so sad?” a voice asked from behind Lilly’s chair, causing her to jump. “You look in need of a friend, my dear. May I sit down?”

  Lilly reluctantly turned to smile at her unwelcome guest. She really didn’t want to speak with anyone, but it seemed that wasn’t an option now. “Of course, sir.”

  The man was as tall as Zach. His blond hair just brushed the collar of his well-tailored suit. “What idiot has gone and left you to be a wallflower when there are so many sharks roaming these waters?” His blue eyes sparkled as he gave a suggestive grin and raised his eyebrows.

  Lilly relaxed slightly. The man obviously looked for a bit of flirting and fun. After all, it was a party. “Don’t worry about me. My date went to socialize, but he’ll be back soon.”

  “Then we haven’t much time.” He sat next to her and smiled. “I’ve been dreaming of the day we would meet again.”

  Again? Lilly’s heart skittered in her chest and she took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” she managed in a soft voice. “We’ve met?”

  His face crumpled and he shook his head. “After all we shared, you don’t remember me? It’s me, Curtis Crandall.”

  Did he really know her identity? Perhaps this was his way of picking up women...pretending to know them to break the ice. Lilly prayed that was the answer. She couldn’t remember ever meeting him before.

  “I really don’t think we know one another, Mr. Crandall.” She tried to remember how harmless flirting worked and batted her eyelashes at him in an attempt to seem like any other woman at the party. She’d been out of practice for a long time...ever since Charles laid claim to her. “I’d certainly remember someone as handsome as you.”

  Crandall captured her hand in his and ran his thumb across her palm. Lilly fought a surge of panic, forcing herself not to snatch her hand away, keeping her smile plastered in place.

  His eyes searched hers as he sat holding her hand. “Thank you for saying so.” He let go, folded his arms, and leaned back in his chair. “You must be right, though. I’ve confused you with someone else. I would, however, love to learn your name.”

  “Oh! Where are my manners? I’m Lilly, Lilly Price.”

  “Lilly?” Crandall drew her name out in a long whisper, seeming to savor the sound of it. “I’ve heard of you. Zach’s date, right? He’s the luckiest guy I know, always attracting the most beautiful women.”

  Heat rose to Lilly’s cheeks. “Thank you, Mr. Crandall. That’s very sweet.”

  “I only speak the truth, lovely lady.” A smile lit his features. “Perhaps later you would favor me with a dance?”

  “I don’t think Zach would appreciate that.” Lilly smiled to soften the rejection.

  This marked the first time in a long time a man hit on her simply because he found her attractive. It felt good. Why couldn’t Zach have approached dating the way Crandall asked for a dance?

  “Perhaps some other time?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but my dance card is full these days.”

  Crandall leaned in close and ran his fingers lightly across the top of her hand. “Is it awful of me to hope things don’t work out with Zach?”

  Lilly’s breath caught in her throat. Crandall was much too close. Though she’d enjoyed being in Zach’s arms earlier, she knew him, trusted him a little. She didn’t want to share any intimacy with this man when they’d barely met—he might be like Charles.

  “Get away from my date, Crandall.” Zach’s voice rang out behind her. The chill coming from it could form icicles, but Lilly sighed with relief.

  Crandall sneered at Zach. “So you own her now, Woodbridge?”

  Zach pulled Lilly to her feet. “No, but she certainly doesn’t need to be around the likes of you.” He put his arm around her in an unmistakable sign of ownership. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s dance.”

  Sweetie? Lilly shrugged his arm off her shoulders. She might be grateful he made Curtis Crandall stop touching her, but she didn’t appreciate his high-handed manner.

  Zach didn’t even look at her, all his attention focused on Crandall. “Stay away.”

  He tucked her arm under his and took off across the boat, anger lengthening his stride. Fear replaced irritation, and Lilly forced herself to keep up. His mood was too dangerous to do anything else until they were out of Crandall’s sight.
r />   One of Daddy’s parties flashed into her mind. Her conversation with Mr. Pritchard had been harmless, but he’d kissed her cheek right as Charles walked into the room. She’d paid dearly that night, a lesson she never forgot.

  Zach pulled her through the door onto the outer deck.

  Lilly stumbled, impeding Zach’s progress. She looked up quickly, a ready apology on her lips. She tried to smile, but fear tightened her insides, making it impossible.

  Zach glanced down at her and his eyes widened. He gathered her in his arms, steadying her. “Damn it, I did it again. Are you okay?”

  She was safe. He wasn’t Charles. He wouldn’t take his anger at Crandall out on her. Lilly sagged against him in relief and nodded.

  “Is that the man you were angry with your mother about?” she asked when she felt able to speak again.

  “Curtis Crandall used to be my best friend. It’s a mistake to trust any of these people. Be glad you don’t have to deal with this all the time.” Zach’s body tensed against her. “Mother knows I come to the lake to get away from this type of thing. I’m not agreeing to any more of these parties.”

  “Mr. Crandall seems so sad, Zach.” Lilly bit her lip, fearing she would direct his anger to her, but determined to speak her mind. “I think he’s lonely.”

  Zach stepped back and his eyes narrowed. “Don’t feel sorry for him. He’s not the man he pretends to be.”

  “What did he do that was so horrible?”

  Zach’s jaw clenched so hard, she worried about his teeth. “Stay away from him, Lilly. He’s trouble.”

  “Forget it.” She wanted back the soft, caring man who held her at the beginning of the evening. “Let’s dance.”

  “You don’t want to dance.”

  Lilly could tell he spoiled for a fight, but she shored up her courage. She wanted to have fun with Zach, not fight over Curtis Crandall. “You promised to keep me safe. I trust you to hold me up.” She held out her hand.

  Zach reached out to accept her hand. His eyes softened as he looked down at her. “You trust me?”

  “I only have one rule,” she said as they stepped onto the dancing area.

  “What’s that?”

  She gazed into his eyes and ran a hand through his hair, spiking it back up in the sexy manner she adored. “You’re not allowed to switch me off for another partner.”

  Zach pulled her against him and laughed into her hair. “That’s perfectly alright with me. I have the same rule.”

  Chapter Eight

  “I need a break,” Lilly said after their fourth dance. “You are a terrific dancer, but my leg is done.”

  Zach looked at her pinched face. Her mouth tightened into a thin line and her eyes held a sheen of moisture. Guilt pierced through him.

  He should have suggested they take a break after the second song. Her steps had become less precise and she stumbled frequently. He’d supported her more and more through each dance. The feel of Lilly in his arms was just so right—her small palms against his shoulders, the smell of her hair as it tickled his nose. He hadn’t been able to stop.

  After everything he had put her through the last few days, Zach was surprised she could walk at all. “I’m sorry. I keep forgetting about your injury, and I had such a good time dancing with you.”

  She smiled. “It’s nice to be with someone who doesn’t always think of my weakness. And I really like dancing with you, too. I haven’t danced in a very long time.”

  Good. She saw his absentmindedness as a positive. “Do you want to go sit inside?” he asked.

  “No, no. It’s nice out here.” A breeze kicked up off the water and swirled her hair around her shoulders. “I’ll sit and listen to the band. Why don’t you do the host thing again? I’m sure your guests are anxious to talk to you. After all, your mother promised all the women a date with you tonight.”

  “Unfortunately for them, my mother stopped making decisions for me a long time ago.” He lowered her onto one of the deck chairs and Lilly’s hands moved to massage her leg. “I’m going to find Sarah. She carries a pharmacy in that big purse of hers, and you need something. I’ll be back.”

  He could hear Lilly’s protests behind him, but he ignored them as he stepped into the cabin. Zach searched the sea of people and looked for the familiar lavender shade his sister favored.

  Julia Frank glided across the floor, headed in his direction. Short black hair clung sleekly to her head, and her silk gown outlined large breasts. The fake smile on her face was icing on the cake. She was almost a perfect replica of Victoria.

  “There you are.” Julia slipped her arm into his. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

  “I’m sorry, Julia, but I’m a little busy right now.” Zach disentangled his arm. Where was Sarah?

  Undeterred, Julia stepped in front of him, her heels elevating her height much closer to his eye level than Lilly’s petite form. “Come on, Zach. This is a party for you.” Her high-pitched giggle grated on Zach’s nerves. It was nothing like Lilly’s deep, hearty laugh. “I know this is a competition for you, but how can I win if you don’t give me a chance?” Her lower lip jutted out in a pout that she likely thought charming.

  To Zach, it was just irritating. Julia’s little act was so fake. Zach wondered how his mother could have ever expected him to fall for a woman so insincere.

  “Maybe you didn’t notice, Julia, but my mother was mistaken about my need for a date. I brought my own.” Zach turned and gestured through the window at Lilly.

  “That little chit who works for your grandmother?” Julia laughed another irritating, fluttery giggle. “Come on, Zach. We both know she’s not good enough for you.” She wrapped her arms around Zach’s neck. “You need a real woman, not some street trash.”

  “Don’t ever call her that again,” Zach said through clenched teeth. He forced himself to stand still and not shove Julia away. “Do you understand me?”

  “Oh, come on.” Julia pouted again. “Don’t be that way.” She pressed her lips against his cheek. The cloying smell of her strong perfume surrounded him.

  “Look, I’m not interested.” Zach jerked out of her grasp and stepped back. “I’m with Lilly. I’m sorry my mother didn’t explain that when you got here this evening, but that’s the way things are.”

  “Come on, stud. Think about what you’re turning down.” Julia stepped back and inhaled deeply. Her voluptuous bosom strained against the fabric of her dress. “What does she have that I don’t? My guess is nothing.”

  “That’s enough, Julia.” No way was he going to let her bash Lilly. “I’m not interested, no matter how blatantly you flaunt your assets. Lilly is perfect for me. I don’t need anyone else. Leave me alone.”

  Julia took another step back, warned by his tone of voice. Anger replaced the vacant, flirty look in her eyes. “You don’t know what you’re missing, Zach Woodbridge, but if you want a commoner over a real woman, you’re welcome to her.” She turned and fled through the crowd.

  Zach clenched his teeth together. How dare she say those things? Lilly had integrity that woman could never hope to master.

  He felt a little guilty, knowing how it would crush his mother that he’d ruined her plans. The party had been a failed idea to begin with—he just hadn’t been able to convince her of that fact. At least he was unlikely to have to put up with any more unwanted attention from the women at the party.

  His immediate anger that Julia dared insult Lilly had him a little worried. She goaded him into proclaiming the fact that he and Lilly were a couple and he was off the dating market, which was what people were supposed to think. The part that scared him was he meant it. Every word.

  But Lilly had flirted with Crandall. Besides, she never expressed an interest in dating Zach, only annoyance he didn’t ask her out properly. Nothing she’d done led him to believe she actually wanted to date him.

  Zach shook his head at his own foolishness and continued working his way through the crowd. What had he gotten himse
lf into, and how could he fix it?

  He spotted Sarah and Steven moving through the crowd and made his way over to them. “Hey, sis. Got anything Lilly can take for pain?”

  Sarah ignored the question and favored him with a disapproving glare. “I overheard Julia Frank telling somebody you were rude to her.”

  “I kind of was,” he admitted. “She called Lilly street trash. I lost my patience and told her she didn’t stand a chance in hell with me.” At Sarah’s shocked looked he clarified, “I was a bit nicer than that.”

  “She called Lilly street trash?” Sarah’s eyes narrowed. “What possessed Julia to talk about her that way? People don’t even know Lilly. Why judge her?”

  Steven shook his head at his wife. “Darling, you know Julia expected to dazzle Zach tonight and convince him to date her, same as all the other women here. They don’t have to know Lilly to dislike her.”

  “But Lilly’s so sweet,” Sarah said.

  Zach shrugged. “She works for Grandma, so that prompted a little more venom on Julia’s part.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” Sarah’s mouth tightened. “Steven works for Grandma, too. Are they saying horrible things about my husband behind our backs?”

  Steven laughed and kissed her cheek. “Of course they are. Try not to get yourself worked up.”

  “The medicine?” Zach asked.

  “Oh, yes, of course. My purse is upstairs. I’ll go get it.”

  “I’m going to grab drinks. Lilly’s sitting outside.” Zach motioned to the back of the boat. “Meet us there?”

  “Sure,” Sarah agreed. “Steven and I were headed out for a quick spin around the dance floor ourselves. We haven’t gotten a chance yet, and the boat will be heading back soon.”

  Sarah and Steven walked off to the stairway while Zach headed for the bar. He grabbed iced tea for Lilly and water for himself.

  When he stepped back onto the deck, Lilly wasn’t where he left her. He couldn’t imagine her traipsing around. She had obviously been in a lot of pain.