Chapter Five

“Did you ask her?” Josie whispered while she cleared the plates from the supper table.

“Not yet. I wanted to give her some space, you know? I mean, we only just made up.” Aiden shrugged as he followed her over to the sink with more dishes.

“Is this about the mystery woman?” Ben taunted when he came up behind Aiden, making him jump.

“She’s not a mystery.” Aiden pouted.

“Then come on, bro. Spill the beans. Who is she?”

“Never you mind.” Aiden brushed past his older brother and finished clearing the table.

Ben chuckled. “I’ll find out sooner or later,” he promised him, giving Josie a quick kiss on the cheek.

Aiden glared at him, knowing it was true. He could never keep a secret from Ben for long.

“What time’s Greg due back?” Ben asked their sister when he picked up his hat.

“About another hour or so, I guess. I’ve got his supper ready to reheat as soon as he calls to say he’s on his way.” Josie wiped her hands in a thick towel.

“Well, you just take it easy,” Ben warned her with a wink as he left.

“I will.” She grinned.

“I hope this dinner party isn’t going to be too much for you.” Aiden frowned, suddenly remembering that their sister was pregnant. “You have plenty people to help, haven’t you?”

“Yes, of course. The caterers will deal with all the food, and I’ve hired some help to wait on us all. And there’ll be Maggie, of course. I thought she could be in charge of ‘front of house’ duties. What do you think?”

“Sounds good. I just hope she’s free.” Aiden had begun to wonder if asking her on the day of the party wouldn’t be too short notice for her, but he really hadn’t felt that it was right to talk about it earlier.

“Hmm.” Josie nodded thoughtfully. “It would be good to have her take a look over the table and everything just to make sure it’s all perfect before the guests arrive. Then she can help greet them and take their coats. We’ll have drinks in the front room. If it’s not too cold, I thought we’d open up the French windows so we can go out onto the decking if we want to.”

Aiden nodded. “Great. It’ll be good to have plenty of space to talk business with the guy if the opportunity arises.”

“Give me a call in the morning. Let me know what she says.” Josie followed her brother to the door. “Goodnight.”

Aiden bent down and gave his sister a kiss on the top of her head. “Night, sis. Shout up if you need anything.”

She smiled then he left her to go to his own house, which was just a short way down the drive.

* * * *

Maggie felt a shiver run down her back as she left her apartment in the darkness of the dawn. It was sure getting toward winter, but it wasn’t just the chill in the air that made her feel uncomfortable. Although there was no one in the quiet backstreet, she felt as though she was being watched…again!

Shaking her head with a self-deprecating sigh, she told herself it was just her imagination. She often had feelings like this, more so in the past few weeks, though. Probably Aiden’s comment about the lack of lighting around here putting me a little on edge.

Bracken Ridge was a small, sleepy village and right now most of the townspeople were sleeping, she reminded herself. Pulling her well-worn coat tighter around her, she quickened her pace a bit and headed for the café.

Once she had the coffee pot on and the smell of fresh bread wafting from the oven, she felt a lot better. The flowers on the counter looked stunning, the roses already emerging from their tight buds. She smiled. Aiden Fielding sure was a handsome guy, and she was flattered that he would pay so much attention to her. Being only a year or two older than her, she wouldn’t normally consider any kind of relationship with him, but the guy actually seemed older than his years. She was impressed that he was planning to expand the ranch, and the idea of riding lessons around here was a really good one. No one else was offering them. The Fieldings were going places, and that’s just where she wanted to be, too.

“Morning, beautiful.”

As though some magic spell had brought him straight from her thoughts into the café, Aiden was suddenly standing in front of her.

“Aiden.” She gasped in surprise, not having even heard him come in.

He wore a dazzling smile that she couldn’t help but reciprocate.

“It’s early.” She frowned. “I haven’t even got the cinnamon buns in the oven yet.”

“That’s fine. I can manage without them just this once,” he told her with a surreptitious smile.

She eyed him curiously. “Is everything all right?” She wedged open the kitchen door so they could talk while she put the food to cook.

“Yeah, fine. Mind if I help myself to coffee?” He was already on his feet and around the counter.

“Sure. Sorry, I should have—”

“No, no. You’re busy. I can see that. Besides, you’re right. I am a little early. You can’t be expected to do all your preparation and serve me.” He grinned as he took the pot and poured himself a cup. “You want one?”

“Yes, please.” She switched on the timer and joined him behind the counter.

“Here.” He handed her a cup, and she smirked at the irony of him serving her.

“Haven’t we got this the wrong way around?”

He chuckled. “I think, after all the running around you do for everyone else, it’s about time someone waited on you for a change.”

She smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. “I like the sound of that,” she told him.

“Good.” He winked at her then went back to the other side of the counter where he took his usual seat.

“The flowers are beautiful,” she said, nodding toward the jug on the counter.

He smiled. “You’re real good at arranging them.”

She laughed. “I didn’t have to do much, although, actually, I have qualifications in flower arranging.”

He grinned. “I was kind of hoping you might say that.”

She raised her eyebrows, relieved that he hadn’t thought she was boasting.

“My sister’s throwing a dinner party tonight, and I wondered if you’d like to come along? Between you and me, she’s a bit out of practice with these things and could use a little help and guidance, if you wouldn’t mind?” He looked sheepish, and she stared at him in surprise.

“Me?”

“Yeah. It’s nothing too fancy but it’s an important event—well, to the family, anyhow. Thing is… Josie’s pregnant, and we don’t want her getting all stressed about stuff, so I just wondered if you’d—”

“I’d love to!” She beamed. It had been years since she had been invited to any kind of formal event.

“You sure? You wouldn’t think—?”

“I wouldn’t think anything. I’ll look forward to it. What time should I be there? I don’t finish here until six tonight, I’m afraid.” She chewed her lip as her mind raced. She knew it was early days for her and Aiden, but this sure was a step in the right direction if they were going to try any kind of relationship, as she’d hoped. It was endearing of him to be a bit coy about asking her over to the family spread, and she guessed he must be nervous about introducing her to his kinfolk.

He frowned, seemingly a little surprised. Had he thought she would read too much into it? Was he afraid that she would think he was moving too fast? He needn’t worry. She was quite happy to take things slowly.

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “We’ve arranged for guests to arrive from eight o’ clock with dinner being served at nine, so really, as soon as you can get there would be great.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t let you down,” she promised as a young couple entered the café.

“I know. You’re great, Maggie. I really appreciate this.”

“I’m real glad you asked me.” She smiled.

“What time should I pick you up? Shall we swap cell numbers?”

Maggie reached for a napkin and hurriedly scribbled her contact number down for him, secretly amused at his subtle way of asking for it. “Call me, and I’ll save yours,” she told him, smiling.

“Great. Thanks, darlin’.” He tucked the napkin into his pocket then grabbed his hat before leaning over the counter to give her a quick peck on the cheek.

Maggie felt herself go hot. She watched the handsome hunk leave the café before turning her attention to her customers. Today just wasn’t going to go fast enough.

* * * *

Having spent all day deciding what to wear for her date, Maggie rushed home to prepare as soon as her shift ended. It had been a long time since she had been invited anywhere as prestigious as a dinner party, and she couldn’t wait. After a quick shower, she dried and styled her hair into a sleek updo with plenty of pins and some diamante clasps. Her makeup took a little longer than she had expected, and she had only just finished when her cell rang.

The unknown number could only be one person, and she felt a warm glow as she answered it.

“Maggie? It’s Aiden.”

That was what she’d hoped. “Is everything okay?” She couldn’t help noticing some concern in his voice and, for a horrid second, thought he was going to tell her he’d changed his mind about taking her tonight.

“I’ve just been delayed a while, darlin’. Nothing to worry about. I’m still in Almondine sorting out some business. I’ve arranged a cab to pick you up and take you over to the ranch, and I’ll meet you there. Is that okay with you?”

Her body relaxed. “That’s real thoughtful of you, Aiden. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I’m real sorry to let you down, sweetheart, especially as you’re doing us such a favor and all. I just didn’t want to get you there any later than you had to be.”

Her heart melted. Me doing him a favor? He clearly had no idea how much it meant to her that he had asked her to accompany him tonight.

“It’s fine, Aiden, honestly. I’m almost ready anyhow,” she assured him.

“Well, that’s good. The cab should be there for you in about ten minutes. Is that okay?”

Maggie gasped. He sure wanted her to get there on time. In fact, she was concerned that she would be the first to arrive at this rate.

“That’s great. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks, darlin’. I look forward to it.”

She beamed as she placed the cell back on the dressing table. Her best evening dress was hanging on the outside of the wardrobe where she had put it. Admiring it as she put on her underwear and nylons, she let her mind drift to the last time she had had a chance to wear it. It had been a few years ago, and she and Robert had hosted a party for some important clients of his. He had bought her the dress especially, and she’d felt really good in it, although slightly self-conscious. Her hand trailed over the sparkly material as she took it down and began to put it on. When she had first tried it, she had balked at the amount of cleavage she’d had on show, and she had been surprised that he hadn’t told her to change. She had felt sexy in the dress, right up until he’d said it might help his case if the guests were too busy gawping at her tits to read the contracts properly. Robert had a way of ruining things.

He wasn’t going to ruin tonight, though. She was sure Aiden would appreciate her body in the dress, although she had a small wrap just in case it was a bit inappropriate in front of his family.

She stood up straight while she pulled the zipper up the side, shocked at how much tighter it was than she remembered. She winced as she peered at her reflection, disappointed at how large she looked, but there was no time to change now. She could already hear the cab beeping down in the street.

“I’ll just be a minute,” she called out of the open window, and the driver gave her a wave.

Maggie stole a couple more minutes to double-check her hair and makeup, then she took her silver purse and slipped her cell into it. One more glance in the hallway mirror on her way out convinced her that, if nothing else, the midnight blue of the dress complemented her eyes perfectly, and she cautiously made her way downstairs. It had been a while since she’d worn heels and the dirty, sticky, steps were totally at odds with her cocktail dress and strappy sandals.

On the way to the party, she saved Aiden’s number into her contact list and sent him a quick text to say she was on her way. As she typed an X at the end, she felt like a horde of butterflies was racing through her stomach.

“Here we are,” the driver told her as he pulled in at the foot of the steps that led to the main ranch house.

“Thank you.” She delved into her purse.

“All paid for, miss,” he told her when he got out to open her door.

“Oh.”

A Strauss waltz was playing while she carefully made her way up the steps, and she could hear laughter from inside the house. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she looked up as someone opened the door.

“Hello.” The guy was just a few years older than her and looked a little surprised to see her. He was very handsome, though, and wore a smart black tuxedo with gold cufflinks.

“I’m Maggie Welch,” she informed him with a smile.

He looked slightly amused as he stood back to allow her in. “Welcome, Maggie. I’m Ben Fielding.”

“Aiden’s brother? How nice to meet you.” She smiled politely and held out her hand, which he shook while displaying a rather bemused expression.

“Can I take your wrap?” he asked kindly.

“Um, no. I’ll hold onto it for a while. Thank you,” she answered, pulling it a little tighter around her when she saw his eyes flit over her ample bosom.

He frowned slightly, clearly puzzled, and she wondered just how much Aiden had told his family about her.

“I think Josie’s in the kitchen, which is just through there,” he said, gesturing down the hall.

She looked in the direction he indicated, wondering if he was suggesting she should go look for her. This family clearly doesn’t have much idea of etiquette.

“I’m afraid the guest of honor arrived right on time,” Ben muttered to her under his breath.

“Oh.” She had only arrived a few minutes late. Fashionably late, she would have thought, and felt it odd of him to mention it.

A passing waiter swept through the large hallway with a tray of drinks, and Maggie was horrified when Ben took one for himself then proceeded to sip it as the guy walked away. Seemingly oblivious to her expression, Ben ushered her in the direction of the kitchen. They had only taken a few steps when a pretty young girl in a waitress’s outfit rushed up the hall toward them.

“Oh, Theresa, this is Maggie,” Ben said.

The girl looked surprised. “Oh, right. Josie’s been waiting for you. She wants you to help with the canapés,” Theresa told her, looking confused.

“Oh, of course.” She turned to Ben, who looked anxious. “It’s okay. Your brother mentioned that she might need some guidance,” she confided in a low murmur.

Ben grinned, visibly relaxing a little. “Oh, that‘s all right then. I’d begun to wonder if—”

“Ben, there you are!”

Maggie felt her blood run cold as a familiar voice boomed up the hallway, and they all turned around to see Robert Rossington walking toward them with a slim, beautiful lady in tow.

“Robert, I’m sorry, I was just…” Ben looked a bit flustered.

“Margaret?” Robert stared at her in disbelief, his eyes wasting no time in finding her breasts.

She pulled the shawl tighter, noting his line of sight with a shudder. Robert was even more portly than she remembered, and he sported a mustache that looked far too thin for his round, pockmarked face. His ginger hair was receding, and he had a bald patch showing right on top of his head, which Maggie guessed probably continued around the back.

Aiden’s voice behind her made her turn suddenly, and she was shocked to see a pretty woman in a black dress carrying a tray of canapés walking beside him.

“Maggie?” His voice sounded almost strangled, and he stared at her in amazement.

“Oh, you’re Maggie. I’ve got the…” The woman offered her the tray then quickly pulled them back, looking quizzically at Aiden.

“I thought she was supposed to be helping,” Theresa huffed.

“Well, yes, but…” The woman with Aiden stared uncomfortably from Maggie to Aiden, and he squirmed.

“Helping? You mean as in…serving?” Robert couldn’t contain his mirth.

“Yes, but…” the woman stuttered again, nodding slowly.

“I don’t understand. Who is this woman?” Robert’s partner frowned in bemusement, pointing at Maggie, who felt herself go hot, inside and out. To make matters worse, Robert’s partner was tall and elegant, with perfect bone structure and white-blonde hair fastened in a beautiful chignon with curly tendrils framing her gorgeous face.

“She’s supposed to be the hired help, and yet here she is, dressed up like a dog’s dinner—a cheap dog’s dinner at that!” Robert guffawed.

Tears began to well in Maggie’s eyes as she realized her mistake, and she stared, horrified, at Aiden. He was just gaping at her, mortified.

“Oh, no.” Ben looked slightly amused as he looked from Maggie to Robert, who was now practically rolling about in hysterics.

Maggie felt the tears begin to trickle down her face, and she bolted for the front door as quickly as she could in her heels.

“Maggie,” she heard Aiden calling after her, but she slammed the door behind her and fled.

She didn’t stop running until she was a good way from the ranch. She wanted to call a cab to take her home but she didn’t have a signal for her cell, so she removed her heels and walked along the grass verge, trying to recall the route the taxi had taken just a short while ago.

Despite the warmth of the evening, she couldn’t escape the freezing shivers that racked her body or the constant stream of tears that blurred her vision as she stumbled miserably in the growing darkness.