Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (28 page)

He moved to stand behind her while taking something out of his pocket. In the next moment, he placed a sapphire necklace around her neck, the same one she’d admired during their outing in Baltimore. The warmth of his fingers seared her neck as he secured the clasp.

Penny’s confused gaze caught his in the mirrored glass and her hand went to the beautiful piece, fingering it lovingly. “Parker?” she asked. “What’s this?”

“They don’t suit Catherine. Never did. In fact, from the moment I saw them I knew they’d suit no one but you.”

Smiling wistfully, she said softly, “I can’t accept these. Surely you know that.”

“Yes, you can. Call them a wedding gift from a friend.” He held out the earrings. “You need these to complete the picture.”

Spying his earnest gaze in the glass again, Penny was torn. His expression was one of acceptance and friendship. Sincerity shone from his eyes. Still, she shook her head and said more firmly, “No. Such a gift is too valuable. You should keep them for someone you care about.”

As she lifted her arms to remove them, Parker placed one hand on her shoulder, stilling her attempt and turning her around. When Penny wouldn’t meet his eyes, he took her chin and raised it up, forcing her to look at him. “Take them as an apology for all the pain I’ve caused you. Please? I won’t take no for an answer. I care about you and I bought them for you because they match your eyes perfectly.”

Then opening her hand, he placed the earrings in her palm and closed her fingers around them. He kissed her forehead, before pivoting and walking out of the room.

Penny stared at his departing back in bewilderment.

Catherine, who’d silently watched the whole scene unfold, whistled softly. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Parker like that.”

Penny’s brow furrowed. “Like what?”

“Smitten. My Lord, he gave you sapphires. Do you know what this means?”

“No,” Penny shook her head, having not one clue. “What does this mean?”

“He cares about you.”

“I don’t think so,” she quickly said, dismissing Catherine’s claim. “But you have to admit these sapphires make this dress. I can’t possibly keep them, but I’ll definitely wear them tonight.” All of a sudden her mood lifted and she turned back to the glass. After putting on the earrings, she glanced at Catherine. “What do you think?”

Catherine gave a hearty laugh. “I agree they make that dress, and I think if he feels he’s done something to warrant giving you these, you should definitely keep them.”

The idea sounded like something Catherine would do just to snub her nose at convention. How she got away with it and could be so bold, Penny wasn’t sure. She just didn’t think she could be as bold. “I’ll think about it,” Penny said, grinning.

Penny followed Catherine, who did a better job of gliding while all dressed up, down the stairs. Guests had started arriving. Geoff caught sight of her and headed their way.

“I hope you’ll give me the honor of leading you in the first waltz,” he said once she reached the bottom stair.

“Of course.” Seeing no way out, she bestowed on him a smile and took the elbow he offered. He led her into the ballroom, staying resolutely by her side while people flowed into the room. His proprietary manner annoyed her. The entire time he stood next to her, his stance dared anyone to challenge his right to be there. By the time the orchestra finally started up a waltz, relief swept through her as Geoff took her into his arms, adroitly leading her around the room.

“I don’t remember seeing those sapphires. Are they new?”

She swallowed her irritation. There was something in his tone, and she leaned back to search his handsome features. “They were meant as a gift. I’m not keeping them, only wearing them tonight because they match this dress so well.”

“I see.” But his expression belied the two words. He remained silent, clearly sulking. “Are they from him?” he finally asked in a clipped, angry voice, his features distorted with resentment.

“Him?”

“Don’t play coy, Pen. It doesn’t become you.”

“And jealousy doesn’t become you,” she shot back, her ire getting the better of her.

“I’m not jealous. I’m annoyed. There’s a distinction.”

A realization struck. The more she was in his company, the more like Parker and Markham he became. Penny shook her head, saying sadly, “I used to think you were different. I thought I knew you.”

“Then I guess we’re even. You’re nothing like the innocent girl I thought you to be.”

His comment, spoken with such scorn, hurt. Penny’s patience snapped. “Well, know this. I’m not marrying you. I’m sorry I’m not abiding by your wishes and falling into your arms, ready to do your bidding. I’m sorry for what I’ve done but I’ve never lied to you, and I’m not going to start now.”

Geoff glared at her for the longest time. His gaze then went to somewhere beyond her shoulder while the orchestra continued playing. When the music died, he released her and bowed politely. “My lady,” he murmured, before stalking away.

Watching his stiff back, Penny’s heart hurt because of the pain she’d glimpsed in his eyes. Hating herself for causing the pain, she blinked back tears and tried not to let Geoff’s behavior dampen her spirits. She tried to smile as Lucas claimed her for the next dance.

When the music slowed, Penny spied Mindy, who’d just arrived. Turning to Lucas, she pasted a smile on her face. “I see Mindy at the door. I need to go and welcome her.
If you’ll excuse me?”

He nodded and Penny hurried across the dance floor. “Mindy! I’m so glad to see you.”

“I can’t believe I’m here. Look at me. I look like I’m you,” she said with a laugh. “This would never happen in England.”

“America does seem to be a magical place. One where we can be whatever we want to be.” Penny hugged Mindy tightly.

~~

Parker stood off to the side, unable to keep his eyes off Penny. No matter where she was in the large ballroom, his attention wandered back to her. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, dressed in the stunning gown she’d worn when he’d given her the necklace, which accentuated her eyes and still hung in a place of honor around her neck. He fought to ignore the stirrings and to forget the feel of possessing her, yet the desire to have her in his arms one more time overwhelmed him.

In an attempt to appear indifferent, Parker danced with several ladies, working his way in her direction.

“I think this is my dance, Penny.” He whisked her glass of champagne out of her hand and placed it on a nearby table. Then he pulled her into his arms and led her around the dance floor.

“Why aren’t you with Geoff?” he finally asked.

“Why would I be with him?” Her chin inched up.

“If you were mine, I’d keep you with me at events like this, never letting you out of my sight. Too many eligible men are ogling you for my liking.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m not yours,” she snapped, her annoyance rising out of her like steam rising from a boiling kettle.

“Oh?” Though he tried, he couldn’t keep the amusement out of the one word.

“Yes, because I don’t do well being caged,” she said in her patrician tone.

He rejected an urge to capture her and do just that. “Fine. Ignore my callous statement. But I’m still curious. Why aren’t you dancing with your intended?”

“He’s no longer my fiancé.”

Stunned, Parker leaned back and ensnared her gaze. “Why?”

She rolled her eyes, mumbling something under her breath about males, before she added in a more distinct voice, “I told you I couldn’t marry him.
On our last encounter? Don’t you remember?”

“But it’s obvious you two love each other. I thought you wanted him?” Now he was even more puzzled.

“Let’s talk about something else, please,” she demanded, tossing her head back, appearing as regal as any queen. “This ball seems quite the success. Your mother must be proud.”

“Yes, she is.” Parker nodded distractedly, still wondering at her admission. He meant to dance with her for one dance and then let her go. Only now he had questions. Wanting answers, he led her out the double doors. He maneuvered her through a
gaslit pavilion filled with dancers from an overcrowded ballroom, heading toward the edge of the stairs to the gardens.

He was aware of the exact moment Penny realized his motives because she suddenly stiffened under his hands. “Why are we dancing out here?”

“Why not?” he countered noncommittally, tightening his hold.

When the music died, they pulled apart. He observed her as she stood frozen, assessing him and nervously licking her lips. Parker raised an eyebrow and she jutted out her chin, just as he’d hoped. In an effort to further goad her into staying with him, he taunted, “Afraid to be alone with me? Is that why you’re nervous?” He headed down the steps.

“I’m not nervous,” she denied a little too abruptly, following him and earning a quick grin.

“What’re you up to?” She eyed him suspiciously as he walked through the gardens to a secluded spot.

“Too late. We’re already out of earshot from the house,” Parker teased as he grabbed her hand, dropped to a seat on a hidden bench, and pulled her next to him. Penny looked around. Parker had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing outright. Her dubious expression was worth a thousand words. After watching her watch him for too long, he couldn’t stop the chuckle from erupting, nor could he stop his smile from reaching his eyes. “All right, tell me about him.”

“There is nothing to tell,” Penny replied, back to her lady-of-the-manor tone he’d come to love.

“If not, then why aren’t you with him?”

“Why should I be with him?”

“You’re evading. Why?” he asked, his amusement turning to curiosity.

“Parker, this is my business and I’ll thank you to keep your questions to yourself.”

Her English accent became more pronounced than ever.

Squinting, Parker fought to understand. “You’re not going to marry him?”

“No. I seem to remember telling you that. Many times,” she said with complete exasperation as her focus landed on bushes a few feet away. “No one listens to me or takes what I have to say seriously.”

“I do,” he said softly.

Her gaze flew to his, giving him an idea of her thoughts. For a brief moment he spotted the same desires that he felt in those fiery blue depths before she tried to hide them by hastily closing her eyes.

“I love seeing these on your neck,” he said, his voice a notch above a whisper, his hand moving to the sapphires and fingering the stones as well as her soft skin. “They were made for you. You know that, don’t you?”

“Parker, please.”

“Please what?” The back of his hand slid higher, grazing the side of her face in a loving gesture. “I tried to stay away, but I can’t. You tempt me too much, angel.” The whispered words came out just as his mouth lowered. His hand wrapped around her neck, drawing her closer, and he luxuriated in the feel of her soft lips yielding to his. Deepening the kiss, he slid his tongue into her parted lips, barely able to contain the need she so easily elicited.

“How could you, Pen?” Geoff’s angry voice rang out in the crisp night air.

He broke the kiss and released Penny only to glimpse the man standing in front of them with an accusatory glare. Parker swore under his breath.

“What a fool I’ve been,” Geoff said, his hurt unmistakable.

“Geoff.” Penny’s expression was one of horror. “What are you doing? Spying on me?”

“No. I came to apologize after thinking I may have overreacted. It appears my imagination wasn’t wrong.” He turned and stormed toward the house.

Penny looked at Parker, her sad eyes begging. “I’m sorry. I need to make him understand.”

Nodding, he watched her disappear into the night to find Geoff, wondering why the thought of her tearing after the man left him feeling bereft.

He pushed himself off the bench and stilled the desire to rush after her to show her what was between them. Heading in the direction Penny had taken, he wished he could get her out of his system. Halfway to the edge of the garden, he spotted the two and stepped closer to wait in the shadows.



Penny caught up with Geoff and grabbed his arm to stop him. “Geoff, please.”

“Please what?” he hissed, spinning around, wild-eyed and tormented. “Watch you kiss another man? Is he the one? The one who won’t give you his name, but implants his seed?”

“You don’t understand.”

“I understand what I saw.” He rubbed his neck, his attention focused on the ground as if working to gain control. He met her gaze, his harsh expression turning to sadness. “Face it, Pen. You’ve made your choice. It’s obvious you love him.”

“No. You don’t understand. He’s not my choice. I’m leaving. I’m going to San Francisco.”

“I can’t let you do that,” he said, shaking his head.

“What do you
mean, you can’t let me do that?”

His jaw dropped and he stared at her, dumbfounded. “Have you forgotten the earl?”

When a more determined demeanor slid over his features, she wrung her hands and her apprehension increased. How had this whole mess gotten so out of hand?