Busted in Bollywood (23 page)

He took hold of my hand, intertwining his fingers between mine, and I enjoyed the contact for a moment. I’d missed him, missed this, the simple pleasure of holding hands with a special guy. “I bet you’re thinking it’s immature behavior from a grown man but you don’t know my mother.”

“Actually, I think I do.” I eased my hand out of his, missing his comforting touch no matter how brief it’d been.

He frowned, staring at his hand, as if not quite believing I’d have the audacity to release it when he was practically down on his knees begging forgiveness. “What did she say to you exactly? I questioned her at length but a pack of mules has nothing on Mother when she’s in one of her moods.”

“You really want to know?”

He nodded, that damn lock of hair falling over his forehead, making my fingers itch to reach out and smooth it back.

I shrugged, knowing the truth wouldn’t make or break us. He had a right to know Mommy Dearest deserved the names I’d called her and more. “Trashy, half-caste slut was the main gist of it.”

“Fuck.” Drew paled, his lips compressed in a hard, thin line and a deep frown furrowing his brow. “I had no idea it was that bad.”

“Now you know.” I picked at a loose thread on the armchair’s seat cushion, wondering why I didn’t feel better after showing up his mother for what she was. I’d been so furious when I’d stormed out of The Plaza I could’ve easily driven a stake through the old vampire’s heart. Yet outing Lady Muck to her son didn’t bring the peace I’d hoped for. In fact, it made me churlish, like a little girl tattling on the school bully.

“I’m so sorry.” He reached out, his thumb brushing my hairline and sending delightful shivers skittering down my spine.

I allowed myself the luxury of savoring his caress, wondering where I’d find the strength to end this. “I’m a big girl; I can take it.”

“You shouldn’t have to put up with that prejudiced bullshit.”

“I didn’t.” In favor of full disclosure, I came clean. “I called her a racist old bitch.”

His brows shot heavenward, the corners of his mouth curving with amusement. “So that’s what had her so pissed. She would’ve hated being called old.”

I winced at his lame joke. “I’m not proud of what I said.”

“Considering the load of bollocks she heaped on you?” He cringed. “I’m ashamed of her.”

My shoulders slumped with the added guilt of coming between him and Lady Muck. “She’s a mom. She’s overprotective.”

“Still doesn’t give her the right to treat you like that.” He shook his head. “I meant what I said earlier, about exploring forever with you.”

Wow. I could’ve melted into his arms but the new, improved, Shari-with-a-backbone wouldn’t fall for charming words or smooth lines anymore. Drew had said all the right things but could I really trust him? Despite being more upstanding than most, he was a member of the belly-crawling species.

I needed to think, something I’d been lousy at on the spur of the moment. I usually came up with a killer comeback or smart idea hours later. But in that instant it came to me: a way to see how serious he was about a future. “Forever’s a long time.”

“Try me.”

I quirked an eyebrow, an impudent move Rita had down pat but probably looked like a caterpillar break-dancing on my forehead. “Fine, I will.”

“How?” A spark of interest lit his eyes. I wondered how long it’d stay when he heard my proposition.

“A meeting. You, me, and your mother. A chance to clear the air.” And for him to prove to the old bat that I’m not the fling she thinks I am.

He blinked once, twice, before a slow grin spread across his face. “I’m not sure whether to admire your bravado or have you certified insane.”

I tossed my head, grateful for the lathering of conditioner I’d used earlier that morning. “I get it. You’re prepared to talk forever as long as Mommy Dearest doesn’t hear about it. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I am your last exotic dabble before settling down with someone of your own class.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He flushed an angry crimson, the added color accentuating his good looks rather than detracting. “You need a meeting for me to prove I’m not bullshitting you? Fine. I’ll set it up.”

His jaw clenched, his mouth set in a grim line, and his eyes glittered with cold, hard challenge, leaving me craving his sexy smile and that special something that lit his face when he glanced my way.

I’d wanted proof of his feelings, but at what cost? Time to backpedal a tad.

“I’ve been a bitch.”

His face softened. “No, you’re a woman who needs proof she’s not being had.”

I pouted and folded my arms. “I’m not insecure.” Well, maybe a little… But hey, being called trashy and a last-ditch fling did that to a girl.

“That diva behavior turns me on.”

A sliver of heat shot through me. I turned him on? The feeling was entirely mutual, but I wouldn’t give in that easily, not after I’d gone to such lengths to test his feelings.

“Keep talking.” I tried a mock frown and failed miserably.

His lips curved upward at the corners. “Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe means you’ll consider adjourning this meeting to your place or mine?”

“Maybe means you’re pushing your luck.”

Though the thought of running the short distance back to the apartment dragging Drew behind me with the promise of mind-blowing sex didn’t seem like pushing luck. It seemed like an abundance of good luck to me.

The fact was, I’d already forgiven him where it counted, deep in my heart. He’d been completely honest with me—about everything—and that said a lot after what I’d been through with Tate. I couldn’t abide lies, not anymore, and having Drew divulge the truth was the sealer for our burgeoning relationship.

“I missed you,” he said, stroking my cheek with a slow, deliberate sweep in a tender move straight out of a film, one of those special, tearjerking moments when the hero lets the girl know exactly how special she is with one simple action and a few well-chosen words.

I melted. No other word to describe the warm, fuzzy buzz flowing from my head to my toes, sparking everywhere in between. I might not be able to recognize true love but at that moment I sure as hell came close.

“You’re okay for a lord,” I mumbled, taking hold of his hand and drawing him to his feet. “How about I take you back to my castle and we play some old-fashioned fencing games?”

“Fencing games?” He pretended not to understand, though I saw the naughty gleam in his eyes the second my entendre registered.

“If you expect me to say how mighty your sword is, forget it.”

“Just once?” He pulled me flush against his body—that amazing, hot, hard body—before snatching my breath with a kiss that left me staggering and grabbing onto his jacket lapels for support.

“Sword. Mighty. Let’s go.” I clung to his hand as we bolted out of Starbucks and up the street like a couple of lunatics. A couple of horny lunatics.

To think, I’d wanted to ditch this guy over a title, a racist mom, and a faux engagement.

“Can’t you take those things off?” He glared at my three-inch stilettos, hampering my running speed.

My first response of ‘no’ died on my lips at the heat blazing in his eyes so I did the only thing a sassy New York girl would do: slipped off my shoes, swung them over my shoulder, and jumped into his arms.

“If you say one word about my weight, the fencing games are off,” I said, inhaling a lungful of Cool Water and trying not to swoon in ecstasy.

Drew was a smart guy. He smiled, dropped a brief yet scorching kiss on my lips, and proceeded to march up the street, dodging passersby, head held high while murmuring exactly what he was going to do to every inch of my body when we reached the apartment.

I held him to each and every one of his decadently wicked promises.

chapter fourteen

Like the rest of the female population of New York, I valued first impressions. If the gorgeous black Donna Karan number wasn’t just right, if the Choos and handbag didn’t match, and if the makeup channeled Alice Cooper more than Sarah Jessica, forget it. I wasn’t walking out of my front door.

Thankfully, I’d outdone myself today. As I strode toward Drew’s penthouse suite and my second home (like The Plaza staff would give me the time of day after Drew left town) I knew there was at least one area Lady Muck couldn’t fault me in: if clothes maketh the woman, I was dressed to kill and then some. Black pencil skirt, baby pink cashmere twinset, moderate-heeled black pumps, and a cute little clutch complementing my demure look perfectly.

Not that I was trying to impress the old witch or anything. Given half a chance, I would’ve donned one of Rita’s saris for a stir but what would that achieve? I wanted to prove a point at this meeting, not alienate the one guy who rocked my world.

My outfit wasn’t the only thing making me feel good today. Before I’d left the apartment, I’d learned my first article had been accepted at
Viand
. Not bad for a trial employee and a much-needed confidence boost before I faced Her Ladyship.

Clearing my throat and squaring my shoulders, I rang the bell, annoyed when my finger shook. Nothing to be nervous about. Just because I’d called my boyfriend’s mother a racist old bitch the first time we met didn’t mean anything. Water under the bridge and all those other common English clichés.

My fake smile waned as the door opened.

Shit, you’re not Drew
.

“Lady Lansford.” I inclined my head with a cool, polite nod that would’ve given Her Majesty a run for her money.

“Won’t you come in?” Pure, frigid ice dripped from every word, a perfect match for her Arctic-bleak expression.

“Thanks.” I entered and suppressed a shiver. I swear the cold radiating from every pore in her well-preserved body was palpable. Where the hell was Drew?

“Drew will be here shortly,” she said, eerily answering my thoughts. “Urgent business.”

She shut the door with a resounding thud, clasping her hands so tight her knuckles stood out beneath translucent skin, her contemptuous glance flicking me from head to foot.

Urgent business, my ass
.

I’d kill him. Why hadn’t he called? Warned me he’d be late? Daniel walking into the lions’ den had nothing on this.

“He said he tried to call but you didn’t answer.” She made it sound like I’d ignored a royal summons and I silently cursed my last minute dash to the corner store for mints. A group of teenagers had entered around the same time, complete with blaring stereo, which is when I must’ve missed Drew’s call. Bad timing.

Lady Luck as well as Lady Muck had it in for me.

“Would you like something to drink?”

A mojito, straight up.

“No thanks, I’m fine.”

Like being stuck between a rampant Anu and jealous Anjali. Truly shudder-inducing.

“I see you’re looking more respectable today.” She waved toward a chair as she perched on the edge of the sofa, and while I looked longingly at the door and considered making a run for it, I gritted my teeth and sat.

“I’m sure a continent of Indian women would dare you to say they’re not respectable in their elegant clothes,” I said, deriving satisfaction when two spots of color appeared on her high cheeks.

Rather than backing down, the high priestess of anti-India went on the attack. “I don’t know what you hope to achieve by coming here today. My son said you wanted to meet. Why?”

I stifled a triumphant grin. She was playing right into my hands and though Drew wasn’t around to hear this I couldn’t let the opportunity pass to score a few early points. “I feel we got off on the wrong foot last time. Considering I’m part of Drew’s life, it seems only fair that we clear the air and get to know each other better.”

That sounded truly barf-worthy, but hey, it had the desired effect as her mouth opened and shut like a goldfish. However, you couldn’t keep a bad woman down for long and she came back fighting. “You may think you’re part of Drew’s life, but we’ve already established it’s only temporary.”

She actually sniffed—how she managed to make it sound condescending I’ll never know—and dabbed delicately at her upturned nose with a lace-edged handkerchief pulled from her sleeve.

“You think he’s sowing his royal oats,” I said, knowing I’d heard a similar line in an Eddie Murphy movie once, racking my brains to place it before
Coming to America
flashed into my head. I doubted Lady Muck would be a movie buff or appreciate Eddie’s humor.

She did a mean, malevolent glare. “Exactly.”

“You’re wrong.” I smiled, a self-satisfied smirk that screamed “I know something you don’t,” mentally counting the minutes until Drew returned to set the old cow straight.

“I’m never wrong.” She pushed the
New York
Post
across the exquisite marble coffee table between us and opened it to Page Six. “If you won’t listen to me, see for yourself.”

Unwilling to buy into her games, I glanced at the paper, not particularly caring what I’d find. Until I saw Drew and a gorgeous blonde with their heads close, her bejeweled hand resting possessively on his forearm.

I cared. Way too much to be good for me.

“Lovely couple, aren’t they?”

I ignored her, my eyes drawn to the small print beneath the boxed pic.

Man about town—or should that read the world?—Lord Drew Lansford is seen here in New York with his regular girlfriend, Amelia Greyhart, heiress to Greyhart Industries. The two looked particularly cozy at the Waldorf Astoria, a favorite hotel of the Greyharts. What we want to know is when will Amelia become Lady Lansford? The two are regular companions in London and it looks like their global love affair is heading into new territory with the stunning pair spending time in New York. Perhaps the Big Apple will be the chosen venue for pending nuptials? Stay tuned.

I could’ve labeled the article a load of speculative crap except for two things: the date under the picture, and Amelia’s blatant adoration as she gazed at him with wide eyes and smiling mouth. You couldn’t fake that look, and my blood chilled as I realized the cool blonde WASP princess, every bit as stunning as I expected, had bought into the soon-to-be-engaged scenario Drew had conjured up for his mother’s benefit.

I could’ve excused him. He couldn’t control the Ice Princess’ feelings. However, he could control who he spent his time with and where, and if my memory served me correctly, the date printed under that pretty picture correlated perfectly with our first drink date.

My gut twisted as I remembered not having that drink and why: the phone call on Drew’s cell, his smooth ‘something’s come up’ and taking a rain check.

Jealousy, vile and potent, strangled every well-thought-out reason why I’d demanded this meeting. I’d wanted to make nice with Lady Muck because I cared for Drew. But what if Drew didn’t reciprocate? Was he that fickle he’d set up a date with one woman only to ditch her for another?

I didn’t have any right to be possessive over what had been a first date but we’d come a long way and this irked. I blinked, willing away the image of Amelia touching Drew, and inhaled sharply, needing air to alleviate my sudden breathlessness.

“You’re seeing sense.”

I clenched my hands at Lady Muck’s audible triumph and bit back a host of retorts, most of them involving the F-word I rarely used, and schooled my face into an impassive mask with effort.

With effort?
Who was I trying to kid? It took a miraculous contortion of hundreds of tiny muscles not to look like Satan on speed and even then, a constipated grimace would’ve looked elegant compared with my rigor-mortis expression.

“I never would’ve guessed you’d read
trashy
gossip columns,” I said, scoring a direct hit by the flash of fire in her eyes but unable to derive comfort from it.

“Everyone needs their fix of trash now and then.” Lady Muck’s pointed stare left me in little doubt where she thought her son was getting his fix.

Stupid, pointless tears burned the back of my eyes and I blinked rapidly, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of seeing me cry. The newspaper photo rankled, but not half as much as having my boyfriend’s mother treat me like doggy-doo she’d stepped in with her fancy shoes.

Her derision took the gloss off my earlier confidence and shattered any illusions I’d held of smoothing things over between us for Drew’s sake. She made me feel worthless in a way being homeless and jobless never had. And it hurt, dammit, more than it should.

I wanted her to like me, to accept me, to acknowledge me.

That’s when the stunning realization detonated. Why I’d really come here today, why her opinion mattered.

I loved Drew.

Somewhere between taunting him in Mumbai and flaunting him in New York, I’d fallen for him. Hard.

We’d dealt with a faux engagement—his, not mine—and a very real title, so that newspaper article? Not worth the print it was written on. The newspaper had fallen for the same scenario I initially had without knowing the facts. They’d printed a load of speculative crap and while the date that picture was taken still needled, I wouldn’t buy into Lady Muck’s games.

She hadn’t driven me away first time around so she was still trying, using anything to make me walk away.

Try again, lady.

Realistically, I didn’t want her to try. I wanted her to accept me. Something that would never happen going by her disgusted moue.

“You should leave.” She rattled the newspaper in my face. “You’ll never belong in my son’s world, not like Amelia.”

Damn her. Damn me for caring about her opinion so much.

Her imperious gaze swept over the outfit I’d chosen with such care. “Play dress-up all you like but you can’t fool me. I know your type.”

By the taunting tilt of her lips, she wanted me to ask ‘what type’s that?’ but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction. Besides, I couldn’t speak even if I wanted to. Sadness tightened my throat, making swallowing painful.

The sting of tears burned but I didn’t look away, daring her to finish what she’d started.

She folded the paper precisely, creating a perfect frame for the picture of Drew and Amelia. “You’ll never compete with that. Class above ass, I always say.”

She held the picture in front of my face and I swatted it away, losing my battle to subdue the tears as the door opened and Drew strode into the room, more agitated than I’d ever seen him: tie askance, suit rumpled, hair virtually standing on end.

“Sorry I’m late.” Horror dawned as he registered the tears. Crossing the room in three short strides, he laid a protective arm across my shoulder. “What the hell’s going on here, Mother?”

“Nothing, dear. And don’t swear, it doesn’t become you.” Lady Muck stood, cool, calm, confident, and unflappable.

“I’ll do and say whatever I damn well please.” Drew never raised his voice, unless you count the times I baited him in India, and seeing him angry and masterful impressed me.

“Shari’s crying and I’d like to know why. What did you do?”

My “I’m not crying,” and Lady Muck’s “Nothing” overlapped and Drew shook his head, ready to throttle both of us.

“Shari, what’s going on?”

“Your mom seems to think this is significant.” I pointed at the newspaper clutched in her hand.

He snatched it and glanced at the photo before throwing it back on the table. “I’ve already explained all this. Amelia’s a friend, nothing more.”

“How can you say that?” Lady Muck’s hands fluttered in the vicinity of her heart and for a moment I wondered if she was going into cardiac arrest.

Impossible. The battle-ax had to have a heart for it to arrest.

Weary to the bone, I eyeballed him. “I believe you, but you have to admit ditching a drink date with me for a cozy sojourn in a posh hotel with her is poor form.”

His mother smothered a delighted snort and his tolerant expression shifted to furious in a second.

“Sit down, Mother, and don’t say another bloody word until I tell you.”

He pointed to the sofa and Queenie sat, honing her goldfish impersonations, when he turned to me. “I didn’t know about the picture; otherwise, I would’ve explained it when I told you the truth at Starbucks, remember?”

I remembered. I’d demanded answers, he’d explained, and the make-up sex had been memorable. Heat seeped into my cheeks at the scorching recollection.

“That night I was with you when something came up? My assistant called, saying I had urgent business to attend to at the office so I dropped you off and headed there. The
urgent business
happened to be the interfering old biddy sitting on that sofa over there. Of course, Mother didn’t tell me Amelia was in town or she’d been conveniently invited in another blatant attempt to push us up the aisle, so I spent a polite hour in their company before heading back here.”

He held up a finger when his mom opened her mouth to respond. “Mother arranged for us to have supper at the Waldorf. I’d already taken a raincheck on our date so I went along. I hadn’t seen Amelia in months and haven’t seen her since. That’s it. No cozy meeting, no secret liaison, no pre-planning. Isn’t that right, Mother?”