The Weekend Proposition Read online

  “Thank you.” Spencer tightened his tie and smoothed out his pants.

  He looked Coda over one last time. Perfection, he thought. He only hoped the tough, little waitress from Brooklyn could handle herself among the sharks he called family. Ava would be furious and Pierce wouldn’t be pleased. Somehow he had to get the Carringtons to realize an arranged marriage wasn’t in his future. He hoped the beauty peacefully sleeping next to him would be the thing to open their eyes.

  “Hey.” He ran his fingers down her toned, tanned arm. “We’re here.”

  When her eyes fluttered open, she smiled at him.

  Is she happy to see me?

  She sat up and stretched. “Sorry I fell asleep.”

  “I’m sure you were bored listening to all of that business talk.”

  “Sounds like they want you to change the graphics on the logo.” She flipped her fingers through her hair attempting to fluff it. When she tossed it behind her shoulder, a hint of vanilla radiated from it.

  “Among other things. This client is going to be the death of me.”

  “You’re a pretty good negotiator.” When she smirked at him, he noticed the tiny mole just above the corner of her top lip. It was so light and subtle but it made him wonder what else he’d missed about her. “I’m sure you’ll get what you want.”

  “I hope so.” He pointed to the mansion. “Are you ready to do this?”

  “Wow!” She peered out the window. “Holy shit. Look at this place.”

  “It’s pretty impressive.” He found her colorful language entertaining.

  “Who are all of those people outside?” she asked as Andrew drove up the long, winding driveway. “They look like they’re waiting for something.”

  “Hell.” Spencer pulled his phone from his pocket. “Paparazzi.”

  “No shit.” Coda continued to stare out the window. “Who are they here for?”

  “Us, but don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” He dialed his brother. “I’ll find out what’s going on.”

  “Hey,” Tyler answered. “Are you here yet?”

  “I just pulled up. What’s with all the cameras?”

  “The media found out we’re all arriving so they stormed the castle. Security is on its way. The governor isn’t pleased.”

  “Is there a back entrance?”

  “They’re surrounding the place.”

  “Wonderful.”

  “Why do you care?” Tyler asked. “Get out of the car and walk into the foyer. You’ve had your picture taken before.”

  “It’s not me I’m worried about,” he mumbled.

  “Huh?”

  “Nothing.” He glanced out the window. “I’ll be inside shortly.” He ended the call and shoved the phone into his pocket. “We’re going to have to go through this.”

  “Okay.” He saw the apprehension on her face.

  “It’s not a big deal. Just keep your head down and don’t answer any questions. There’s a car right behind us, so they’ll leave us alone when they realize we’re not the bride or groom. They’ll move on.”

  Coda stared at the mob with the cameras. She straightened her skirt and fidgeted with her hands.

  Andrew opened the door. “You ready, boss?”

  “Walk in with us and try to shield Ms. Vercelli. There’s no reason she needs to be plastered all over the rag sheets.” Spencer put on his sunglasses. “Let’s get inside as quickly as possible.”

  “Sure thing.” Andrew peeked inside the car. “You’ll be fine.”

  Coda nodded.

  Spencer stepped out of the car, slung his suit jacket over his arm, and then extended his hand for Coda. “Ready?” He smiled, trying to calm her. He hadn’t meant for her to get a taste of his hectic life so quickly.

  “What waitress doesn’t dream of this?” Laughing nervously, she slid along the seat, took his hand, and stepped out into the spotlight. Spencer stood to her right while Andrew stuck close to her other side.

  “Mr. Cannon.” Flashes of lights exploded around them. “Spencer, over here,” they called. “Who’s your date?”

  Spencer tried to let go of Coda’s hand but she gripped tighter. “It’s okay.” He leaned down and whispered into her ear. “I’m going to put my arm around you.” She eased up on his fingers. “We have to get up the steps and then they’ll leave us alone.”

  “When did you start dating? Where did you meet? Is there a date set? How does Ms. Carrington feel about this?” The media continued to shout as Spencer guided her up the steps and to the lobby. “What does Ava say, Spencer?”

  Andrew opened the foyer doors. “I’ll move the car and bring in the bags.”

  “Don’t answer any questions,” Spencer said.

  Andrew shot him an offended glance. “As if I even had the answers.”

  “Thanks,” Spencer said as he led Coda into the lobby. “Are you okay?”

  “Perfect. That was kind of exciting.”

  “Exciting?” He shook his head over her innocence.

  “Mr. Cannon,” a tall, well-dressed man said as he approached them. “I’m Nick Barrone, the manager of Winston Estate. Welcome.”

  “Nice to meet you, Nick.” Spencer nodded toward the entrance. “It seems you have a minor security problem.”

  “I apologize. Someone leaked the location about an hour ago and now they’re all flocking here. Such vultures. We’re having it taken care of.”

  “My driver is retrieving our bags. This is Ms. Vercelli, she’ll be accompanying me this weekend.”

  “Wonderful, if there is anything I can do for either of you please don’t hesitate to ask. Your room is ready. You can pick up your packet and keys in the sitting room. Your family and the other guests are meeting there before they go to their rooms. It’s this way.” Nick motioned for them to follow. “Have a great time.”

  “Nick said our room was ready. Are we sharing one?” Coda asked as they walked down the main corridor. “I never asked about that.”

  “Yes, about that—”

  “Spencer, you made it,” Tyler said as he approached them. “Hey.” His brother stared at Coda. “You brought a date?”

  “Coda, this is my brother Tyler.” Spencer watched as his little brother gawked over the goddess of a woman standing across from him. Stunning didn’t begin to describe her.

  “Hi, Tyler.” Coda smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Where did my brother find you?” Tyler elbowed Spencer.

  “Oh, well, we...” Coda trailed off and looked at Spencer for assistance.

  “Wasn’t it your idea I bring a date?”

  “Yeah, I didn’t think you would.” He returned his attention back to Coda. “He’s a recluse. If you’re looking to have a good time this weekend, stick with me.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Coda giggled.

  A surge of jealously coursed through his system. He didn’t like the idea of his pretend girlfriend flirting with his brother.

  “Would you like something to drink, Coda?” Tyler asked. “They have a bar set up for our arrival.”

  “We’ll make our way over,” Spencer said. “Is Tara here?”

  “She’s in the hotel, but I think she’s finishing up lunch with the governor’s family.” Tyler looked around. “The bridal party is here.” He jerked his head in the direction of the enclosed patio. “All of them.”

  “I figured.” Spencer’s eyes connected with Ava’s as she watched from across the room. She gave him a dirty look before turning her head. According to Tyler’s latest update from her Facebook page, she’d been waiting for Spencer’s arrival. He’d been texting Spencer all afternoon with unwanted status reports.

  “She doesn’t look happy,” Tyler said.

  “That’s not my problem.” If Ava would have accepted things were over between them, Spencer wouldn’t have had to resort to this juvenile game.

  “I’m heading up to my room,” Tyler said. “I’ll see you two at dinner.”

  “Nice meeting you, Ty
ler,” Coda said.

  “Later.” He left them alone but Spencer knew Tyler would want all the details about Coda.

  “Would you like me to get you something to drink?” she asked.

  “I’ll go with you.” He took her hand. “You don’t have to get it for me. You’re not at the diner.”

  “Old habit.” She followed him to the bar. “I’ve never been any place like this before.” She looked around. “I didn’t know anything like this existed.”

  “Why don’t you relax and enjoy yourself? These events can be pretty extravagant. I’ll try to show you a good time.”

  “Promise?” She squeezed his hand.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” As they made their way to the bar, Ava approached them. He leaned down and whispered into Coda’s ear, “It’s time to start pretending. Here comes Ava.”

  “Then let me do what you’re paying me to do.” She kissed his cheek as Ava made her way to them.

  “Spencer.” Ava stopped and looked Coda over. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here.”

  “How are you, Ava?” Spencer asked.

  “Good,” she said. “Who is your friend?”

  “Ava Carrington, this is Dakota Vercelli, my guest for the weekend.”

  Please don’t cause a scene.

  “How nice.” Ava gave Coda a fake, awkward smile.

  Spencer had caught his ex by surprise. Maybe now she’d leave him alone.

  “Nice to meet you,” Coda said. “You must be so busy with the wedding party duties.”

  “I’m glad the big day is finally here. They’ve been engaged forever.” Ava studied Coda for a few seconds. “Have we met?”

  “I don’t think so,” Coda said. “I don’t think we travel in the same circles.”

  “Hmm, you look really familiar.” Ava continued to study Coda but Spencer was certain the two had never crossed paths before. “Where did you meet Spencer?”

  “I met Coda at a charity function last month,” Spencer offered.

  “Really? I must have missed that one. I hadn’t realized you’d been keeping yourself so busy,” Ava said. “You’ve been scarce lately.”

  “Things have been hectic at the agency.”

  “I’ll bet.” She smiled at Coda but it wasn’t very friendly.

  “We’re going to get something to drink and then head up to our room,” Spencer said. “I’m sure we’ll see you again this weekend.”

  “Of course you will, silly.” She brushed his arm with her fingers. “You need to save a dance or two for me.”

  “I think his dance card is full,” Coda said. “He’s promised me an eventful weekend.”

  “That’s Spencer, full of promises.” She spoke over her shoulder. “I’ll see you two later.”

  “She’s a little bitter,” Coda said.

  “She’ll get over it.” He stepped up to the bar. “What would you like to drink?”

  “Water, please.”

  “She doesn’t know you, does she?”

  “I bumped into her once at the agency but we never spoke. I seriously doubt she would remember a cleaning woman.”

  “Probably not.”

  “Would it matter to you if people knew you brought the cleaning woman as a date?”

  “I don’t really care what people think. As long as she leaves me alone I’ll be happy.” He ordered the drinks from the bar. “You can stop referring to yourself as the cleaning woman. I don’t see you that way.”

  “You don’t know anything about me.”

  “I can learn.” He handed her a chilled bottle of water. “We can take these upstairs and get settled before dinner.”

  “You never told me about the sleeping accommodations,” she said. “How will that work?”

  “How would you like that to work?” Spencer smirked at her.

  Chapter 3

  Coda followed Spencer up the impressive staircase and down a long hallway. What must it be like to live in a house like this? How many people lived there at one time? As a hotel it made sense. The place was quaint and unique, but as a house it was grand. Spencer probably didn’t give it a second thought. People like him were used to such places.

  He pulled the card key from the packet he had retrieved from downstairs. He swiped it through an electronic pad and the cherry double doors automatically opened, exposing the foyer of their suite. The vases of fresh-cut roses and tulips surrounding the entryway created a pleasing aroma as soon as they entered.

  “Please.” He motioned for her to go inside. “Our bags should be here by now.”

  Coda stepped onto the hardwood floor and looked around the elaborate suite. The apartment she shared with her mother could fit inside the room. Those shore motels back in Jersey were sorely lacking. This place looked like something out of one of those reality makeover shows.

  Spencer walked into the main area and pulled back the curtains. “Golf course view.”

  “But only one bedroom?” She glanced down the short hall to see a bathroom on one side and bedroom at the end. From the open door, she could see her luggage on the king-sized bed.

  “I apologize for that. I thought I’d be here alone so I reserved the one-room suite leaving the double suites for those who needed them. I tried to change my reservation, but it was too late. I can take the couch.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” How could she make him sleep on the sofa after he’d paid for everything?

  “I don’t?”

  “No.” Realizing what he thought she meant, she quickly added, “I can sleep on the couch.”

  “I don’t think so.” He pulled his laptop from his bag. “You’re my guest. I want you to have the bedroom.”

  “Do you have to work now?”

  He looked as if he had so much on his mind. Did he ever relax?

  “For a bit. I need to forward some files before we go down for dinner. Why don’t you unwind? There’s supposed to be a pretty nice sized tub in there. We need to be at dinner in an hour and a half.”

  He set up his computer on the coffee table.

  “Go and get settled. I’ll be done shortly.” His focus was now on the screen in front of him.

  She went into the bedroom and unpacked her clothes. Kendal told her to hang the dresses as soon as they arrived. Tonight was an informal dinner so she didn’t need to wear one of the fancy dresses. She decided on a simple black one with silver strappy heels. Now she realized why the fashion experts said every woman should have a little black dress in their closet. As she placed the silky garment on the bed, she couldn’t help but note how perfect it would be for any occasion. It was spectacular, and she couldn’t wait to wear it.

  On her way to the bathroom she heard Spencer on the phone. He sounded as if he’d snap at any second. Because she hung out in the graphics department at the agency, she knew exactly which client was giving him all of that aggravation. The artists had already submitted a mock-up logo four times, and each time the client came back with a resounding ‘no’. Coda played around with a sketch last week and showed it to a few of the artists. Maybe her idea sparked some inspiration for them. She hoped for Spencer’s sake they nailed this design and soon. She didn’t think he’d be able to relax and enjoy the weekend with all the pressure he seemed to be under.

  She soaked in the elaborate claw-foot tub longer than she intended but the bubbles and the hot water felt good on her tired muscles. This was the first day in a month that she had off. Between working both jobs, she rarely had an entire day to herself. This weekend was a welcomed escape, and she planned to take pleasure in every second of it. When would she get this kind of opportunity again?

  From the crack under the door, she could see Spencer’s shadow as he walked down the hall and to the bedroom. He needed to get ready too. She pulled the plug for the drain and toweled off. As she reached for her robe, she noticed it wasn’t there. It wasn’t on the floor or anywhere else in the bathroom.

  Crap! She must have left it in the bedroom.

  She
wrapped the crisp linen-scented towel around her damp skin before making her way to the bedroom. She stood in the doorway and watched a shirtless Spencer unpack his bag. How many hours did he devote to the gym to get that kind of body? Her nipples hardened under the terrycloth towel when he reached into the closet to retrieve a hanger. When his back muscles flexed her mouth went dry. She spied a nice sized tattoo on the back of his left shoulder. He hadn’t struck her as an ink sort of guy. As she stared at the placement of the grand piano she admired the flawless work of the artist. Images of her gripping those muscular shoulders as he took her against the wall crowded her mind.

  As she sucked in a quick breath over the thought of him taking her, he looked up.

  “Sorry.” His gaze lingered on her towel-clad body. “I was just unpacking. I’ll get out of your way.”

  “It’s okay.” She entered the room. “We need to get used to sharing the space.”

  “I’m going to take a quick shower before dinner.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She tightened her grip on the towel.

  “That dress.” He pointed to the bed. “Is perfect for tonight.”

  “Kendal thought so too. You must have given her really good instructions about what I would need.”

  “She knows what she’s doing.”

  “How do you know her?” Coda wanted to know everything about the elusive Spencer Cannon. After she accepted his offer, she did an on-line search for him, but the only woman he had been photographed with was Ava.

  “She’s an old friend.”

  “One with benefits?”

  “You’re direct.” His eyes widened and she could see from his expression she’d shocked him. “Kendal and I are friends. Nothing more.”

  “How come you didn’t ask her to come with you this weekend?”

  “I didn’t want to go with her.” He thought for a moment. “I didn’t want to ask anyone I knew to escort me. A woman like Kendal would have taken my invitation the wrong way. Most of the women I know would have agreed hoping for more.”

  “Arrogant much?” She arched a brow at him.

  “Not at all.” He retrieved his toiletry bag from his luggage. “I’ve been with Ava most of my adult life. I’ve had casual relationships when she and I weren’t together but nothing serious. When Ava and I broke up a few months ago I found I had no trouble finding a date.”