Chasing Glory (12 page)

He smiled and looked around for her luggage.

Glory picked up a medium sized carry-on by the door. “This is it.”

Tal thumped his chest with his fist and rolled his eyes. “A woman who knows how to pack. Be still my heart.”

“Very smart,” she quipped. “Men don’t have the market cornered on that.”

“Not anymore,” he replied as she pushed him out the door and locked it.

• •

Glory stared at the boarding pass Tal handed her, a tingle of nerves traveling down her arms. “This is a mistake. It’s first class.”

“No mistake,” he said easily.

She held the envelope out between thumb and forefinger. “Exchange mine. I can’t let you spend that kind of money on me. You’ll never be able to justify the travel voucher when we get back.”

Tal shook his head. “William will sign off on it. This is business related. Besides, Kingston lets its employees accumulate air miles for personal use. You know that. I had some upgrades I had to use or lose.”

Glory fanned herself with the envelope. “Wow, thanks.” Then she looked down at her Keens, capris, and comfortable knit top. “You could have warned a girl.”

“You look fine,” he said as they boarded the intra-airport train for their concourse. “Relax.”

• •

They made it to their seating area forty-five minutes before boarding. “Want a decaf or snack?” he asked, tipping his head toward a Starbucks.

“Nope. You go ahead. I brought some printed material to study as background for my blog.”

A paragraph in, she overheard two women talking in the seats behind her.

“Did you see that guy in the dark green shirt? I hope he’s headed to Miami. He is
hot
.”

Glory sneaked a peek. They were pretty blondes and close to her age. She forgot about the material. They were watching Tal and they were right. Nice shoulders, narrow hips, and a casual assurance that he was comfortable with himself.

That was only the half of it. Had either of them known the rest of his attributes, she would be in for some tough competition.

She sat up straighter, pages sliding off her lap. Competition? What did that sneaky thought mean? Tal wasn’t interested in anyone but Alyssia. Certainly, not her. Glory’s face grew warm as the stab of jealously overcame her anyway.

Chapter Sixteen

The 777 hit an air
pocket outrunning a spring thunderstorm over the Midwest. Tal smiled as Glory woke with a start, her unfocused gaze blinking up at him. She had snuggled close, her arm around his waist.

“Welcome back,” he said. “Wish I could conk out like that. The only part of me that got any sleep was my arm.”

She pulled away.

Tal eased his arm up and rubbed it, hissing through his teeth.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Why didn’t you push me back to my side?”

He opened and closed his hand. “I could’ve, but you were more entertaining than the movie. I think you were outlining your blog. Something about expanses of beautiful beaches.” He tilted his head. “And your hair has this amazing color when the sun hits it. That reddish blonde is very pretty.”

“Some call it strawberry blonde,” she mumbled, then quickly swiped her hand across her chin.

Tal laughed. “No discernable drool.” He held up the in-flight magazine. “You’re welcome to try and get back to sleep. I can read or work the crossword.”

Her face turned pink and she straightened. “I’m good. Let’s put together our background story so we’re telling people the same thing.”

He’d devised something he thought would work, even though it meant a personal challenge. But Glory didn’t have to know that. “We’ll say we’re taking a delayed honeymoon. I couldn’t get the time off when we got married six months ago. That way they won’t expect us to have our hands all over each other.”

Glory blinked at the last sentence and turned pinker, glancing away. “Sounds like that would do it,” she said. “And remember I’m keeping my maiden name because that’s how I’m incorporated.”

“Great,” Tal grinned. “I’m married to a mogul. My personal stock just went up.”

She brought her gaze back, tipping her head. “Nothing wrong with your personal stock. You need to remember that when your with Alyssia. The two of you have different interests is all.”

Her compliment warmed him. “Thanks. That’s a start on saying nice things to each other so we’ll sound real at the resort.”

“You’re welcome,” she nodded. “We can also trade favorite foods, drinks, TV shows, sports, and hobbies so we’ll be believable if we get stuck in a conversation with another couple.” She pursed her mouth and rolled her eyes. “Okay. Tex-Mex tacos, Patron Margaritas, the old movie channel, aerobics to do and golf to watch.” She tapped her lips. “Is travel a hobby?”

Tal watched her mouth, getting warmer still. “You’re kidding.”

“No. I really do like Tex-Mex tacos. Too hot for you?”

He felt his eyebrows hike upward. “I mean
golf
. You like to watch golf?”

“You
were
paying attention. Yes, I’m kidding. “I’m a closet pro football junkie. Go Hawks. Now you.”

Tal liked learning more about her, and he really liked her sense of humor. “Anything with good California avocados, although my sweet tooth won’t be denied; microbrews in summer, ginseng or ginger tea in winter, handball to do, Formula One or Superbike Racing to watch. Man, two hundred plus miles an hour. What’s that got to be like?”

“There are virtual reality places where you sit in a little enclosed cockpit and fly a jet, or race a hydroplane or Formula One car,” she said. “You should go. You’d like it.”

“It’s a date,” he said. “After we sort out this bootlegging mess.”

Date? Why was he continually circling Glory and saying the wrong things? His comparison of the two women was unsettling for him and unfair to both. Never mind confusing. He needed to deal with that.

• •

“I’ll think about it,” she said, aware it would be one of his last chances at having fun if Alyssia got her clutches into him.

Alyssia
. Tal hadn’t mentioned her or asked for tips on how to get close to her since that trip to Carnation two days ago. Of course not. He was concentrating on this business in Antigua. Maybe she should offer an additional week of her time when they got back. To make sure he got his whole month. Yeah. That was why.

Tal snapped his fingers. “Any numbers we need to agree on under five, I’ll tap my foot on the floor. You know, like those horses or dogs that can count. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Glory burst out laughing. “You’re on your own there.”

• •

Touchdown in Miami was twelve minutes ahead of schedule. Glory rolled her neck as they walked onto the concourse. “I’m going to freshen up, stretch my legs, and buy a bottle of water. Can I get you one?”

“Sounds good,” Tal said, looking at his watch. “I’ll meet you at the gate. We should start boarding in a half hour.”

She made for the women’s lounge and peered in the mirror. Her clothes weren’t wrinkled too badly, but she had a slight case of sleep hair. Brushing her teeth was in order, too. They had served a creative version of a Philly steak sandwich for lunch, generously topped with onions. Which, since they were traveling in close quarters, she removed. She smiled. Tal had set his to the side, too.

Her carry-on clamped firmly between her feet, Glory finished freshening up and was washing her hands when the most amazing woman walked up beside her. She looked about Glory’s age and started poking at a tall mass of bright red hair that Marge Simpson would’ve envied. Glory tried not to stare at the vision of long, blood red fingernails penetrating the tower of lacquered red hair, but she was caught.

“I saved for months to get this hairpiece,” the girl grinned. “It took hours in the salon to get it put in and the veil just right. Then I had to wear it home. The veil, I mean. I got married yesterday.”

Glory smiled. “Congratulations.”

The redhead held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Patti with an i. It’s really Patrice, but everyone calls me Patti. I used to sign the i with a heart, but since I met my husband, I got more mature and don’t do that anymore. We’re going to Antigua to honeymoon at a Hotel Doo. That’s French for two, like couples.”

The Philly steak sandwich turned to rubber and rolled around in Glory’s stomach. She shook the girl’s hand. “I’m Glory. That’s where my husband Tal and I are headed.”

Patti with an i clapped her hands. “That is so cool. My Johnny said there won’t be anything to do so we probably wouldn’t leave the room. Get it?” She batted at the air. “He is such an animal. But, now I know someone who’s going to be there and we can do stuff together.”

Glory searched her memory for the list of activities Hotel
Deux
offered, trying to find some this girl and her husband would not be interested in. “We’ve signed up for snorkeling lessons and bicycle and hiking tours of the island,” she said, injecting energy into her words.

The redhead’s eyes glazed over at the mention of water and exercise. She giggled. “How about lunch tomorrow? Daddy’s paying for the trip as a wedding present so we’re having breakfast in bed every day. I’m going to work on a tan, too, but that’ll be by the pool.” She took one more poke at her hair. “I sure hope they have good stylists at the hotel.”

The volume of information imparted by Patti made Glory’s head spin. “Lunch tomorrow is good. We’ll see you around. Our room is under the name Kingston.”

Glory headed to the gate, hoping she hadn’t complicated their objective on Antigua. With luck, she and Tal wouldn’t cross paths with Patti and her husband often. When she stopped at a newsstand to buy bottled water, a man flipping through the sports magazines caught her eye. Wraparound sunglasses perched on the back of his slicked-back hair and a heavy gold chain lay at his throat. He wore a bright turquoise shirt printed with tiny Vargas girls.

“Isn’t he somethin’?”

Glory nearly jumped a foot at Patti’s soft-spoken words.

The redhead looked moonstruck. “My Johnny has that effect on women. I’m a lucky girl.”

“Yes, you are,” Glory agreed as she dug in her pocket for money to buy the water. She plunked down the bills for her purchase, electing to leave without her change, as Patti walked toward her new husband.

Tal was reading a travel guide when she stopped in front of him. “I met this woman who’s really friendly. She and her husband are spending their honeymoon at
Deux
. I hope they don’t turn out to be pests.”

He tilted his head to glance around her. He grinned. “Do they look like extras in a low-budget mob movie?”

Glory winced. “Sort of. I told her we had plans for the weekend, so go along. Okay?”

He winked. “Never a dull moment. It’ll be fine.”

“There you are,” Patti gushed from behind her. “I wanted you to meet my Johnny, but you ran off.”

Glory turned to see Patti’s happy face and the frank appraisal of the man from the newsstand now standing beside her.

Tal stood and put his arm around her casually. He stuck out his hand. “Talbot Kingston.”

Patti’s husband sized him up. “Johnny Petrone.”

Patrice Petrone
? Glory squelched a smile and nodded. “Glory Danvers.”

A frown creased Patti’s forehead. “I thought you were married?”

“We are,” Glory said, surprised at the rush that lie gave her. “I retained my maiden name. I’m incorporated and I publish under it.”

“You write books?” Patti fairly squealed.

“A blog so far. I’ll be doing a piece about Deux while we’re here. I’m also putting together material for a book.”

“It’s like meeting a movie star,” Patti said, hands clasped.

Johnny Petrone rolled his eyes. “Always got her nose in a book. Had to say no books on the trip or we’d never get to the honeymoon business.” He bobbed his eyebrows. “Know what I mean?”

Tal smiled in agreement, then gave Glory a quick hug. “You can’t beat beauty
and
brains.”

Glory felt her face and neck grow warm. “I almost forgot. This is Patti.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Tal offered, sounding like he really meant it.

“Same here,” Patti said. “So, how about lunch tomorrow? We should be over the jet lag by then.”

“Sounds good for us,” Tal said. “We’ll meet you in the lobby at noon.”

As soon as the Petrones were out of earshot, Glory turned to him. “That was really nice of you, but you’re here to find the source of those bogus products. I can meet them alone and make an excuse for you.”

Tal lifted a hand, grinning. “An hour one way or the other won’t make or break my search. Lunch with them will add to our goal of looking authentic.”

• •

The flight to Antigua seemed almost as long as the entire trip across the U.S. Tal was bushed when they landed and found the car rental counter. They picked up the Jeep he’d reserved and they were on their way. Glory acted as his navigator so he could concentrate on driving on the left. They watched for landmarks because not all of the roads on the island had signs.

They made it to the hotel with only one wrong turn. After they checked in, a brightly dressed young man with polished ebony skin intercepted them. He was holding a camera.

“Are you ready for your first picture?”

Tal glanced at Glory. “We didn’t order a photographer.”

“You are Mr. Kingston and Ms. Danvers?”

“Yes.”

“Your deluxe room package comes with six professional pictures.” He grinned, showing beautiful white teeth. “That’s me. I’m Samson, the hotel photographer. You want to remember your romantic getaway, yes?”

Even with her short nap, Glory had heavy eyelids. Tal took pity on her. “My wife and I have been traveling since four this morning. Can we do this some other time?”

“Of course. Just call the bellman’s desk.” Samson winked. “My personal favorite is carrying the bride over the threshold. I myself have not yet met my Delilah.”

Tal smiled at the biblical reference and the soft, Caribbean accent. “We’ll let you know.”

The room was much nicer than Tal would’ve reserved for himself and he got a kick out of Glory’s reaction. She dropped her carry-on and drifted toward the wide, private veranda. The sun was near the horizon and cast an amazing Technicolor array of pinks and golds. A warm breeze carried the heady scent of bougainvillea. It surprised her as that flower had no fragrance. It must be one of the hundreds of hybrids.

She turned to Tal, smiling. “Wow. I’ve never traveled at this level of luxury. I bet the bathtub’s huge.”

An image of Glory lying in a big tub with bubble-slicked water sliding across the top of her breasts popped into Tal’s mind. Then went directly to parts south. He tightened his grip on his bag.

It didn’t help when she ran her hand up the back of her neck and arched into it. “Would you mind if we freshen up and order dinner in? I know we ate on the flight, but I’m still hungry.”

“Fine with me,” Tal said. “Ladies first. I’ll put my stuff away and do some exploring.”
And maybe walk into the ocean to get my head
straight.

Glory smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I’ll make it quick.” She walked toward him to retrieve her bag and stopped a few feet short. “Tal, look.”

He followed her gaze and saw a gaily-wrapped basket sitting on the small table to his left. Among an assortment of fruit, small packs of nuts, and candies, sat a jar of Kingston’s
You’re the Berries
fruit topping. A cold lump slid into his stomach.

Glory pulled the jar through a slit in the cellophane. She turned the label to the logo, then passed it to him. “It’s not one of ours.”

Tal took it, anger mixing with dread. “Let’s order vanilla ice cream for dessert. Try out our complimentary topping.”

She laid her hand on his arm. “You’ll get this straightened out.”

He relaxed at her touch. “Too bad this is not supposed to be very good. We could take advantage of the free advertising.”

“Then you’ll turn it into an opportunity,” she said, rubbing his arm lightly. “Once the bootlegged products are gone, Kingston can sell to the resorts here. The real stuff will knock their socks off.”

That was inspired, Tal thought. If the hotel wasn’t involved, they should be more than happy to rectify the situation by giving his product line a fair trial. He would be an even bigger hero to Alyssia. W
hy didn’t he feel better about
that?

True to her word, Glory took a quick shower. She came out of the bathroom and swung her arm toward it. “It’s all yours. And I was right about the tub.”