Page 71 of To Steal a Heart

“On the contrary, I found the story endearing. Please, I’d love to hear it.”

Okay, maybe she’d misjudged Katia. She might be the type to color outside of the lines … a tad. “My grandfather, Oliver, settled on Honeysuckle Island and built the hotel for my grandmother.” She cut her eyes in Grandmother’s direction. “The woman with the cane.”

Katia’s eyes widened. “That’s your grandmother? I had no idea. I would’ve introduced myself to her earlier.”

She waved a hand. “There’s still plenty of time.” She lowered her voice. “Although, word to the wise … tread lightly. She has a lethal bite.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Katia sniggered. “So your grandfather built the hotel for your grandmother,” she mused. “It’s her Finkle Diamond.”

Great comparison. “Pretty much. She’s very protective of the hotel.”

“That’s understandable. Is your grandfather still alive?”

“No. He passed away several years ago.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thanks,” Arden murmured, feeling a touch of sadness. She missed her grandfather, but it had to be infinitely harder for Katia to have lost her mother. Arden couldn’t imagine losing her parents or any of her siblings. “Anyway, back to the treasure. It’s rumored that my grandfather belonged to a band of thieves who stole antiquities from private collections and museums around the world.”

Katia’s voice held a breath of excitement. “Do you believe that’s true?”

Arden shrugged. “I don’t know. Grandfather amassed a large amount of wealth at a young age, and no one knew how he did it. Hence, the rumors.”

“So your grandfather never told anyone how he got his wealth?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

Katia looked doubtful. “Not even your grandmother?”

She rolled her eyes. “If Grandmother knows anything, she’s certainly not talking. When you meet her, you’ll understand.”

“That’s some story. No wonder you were so fascinated with finding the treasure.”

“It certainly fed my imagination.”

“I can understand how this enchanting island bolstered your imagination.”

Wesley touched Arden’s arm. “Your grandmother is insisting that I ask you to dance.”

Arden bit back a smile. Of course she was. Grandmother was getting anxious for the game to continue. It was then that Wesley looked over and saw Katia. Arden could almost see the wheels turning in his one-track mind. Katia was fresh meat. “Hello,” he said with a smile that oozed charm. “I’m Wesley Laramie.” He spoke as though his name was supposed to mean something.

“Good evening,” Katia responded cordially.

Before Wesley could embarrass her and make a play for Katia, Arden took hold of his arm. “I would love to dance,” she said sweetly. She stood, pulling him up with her. Not wanting to have to hold onto the mask while she danced, she handed it to Grandmother. “Would you mind holding this?” she asked, not waiting for a reply. “If you’ll excuse us,” she said to Katia.

“Of course.” Katia turned her attention to Grandmother. “Hello,” she began warmly. “That’s a beautiful necklace.”

Arden cringed. Oh, no! Not the necklace.Please let Grandmother be reasonable, she prayed.

“Why thank you,” Grandmother said in the sweetest tone Arden had ever heard her use. Grandmother gave Arden a meaningful look. “Enjoy your dance.”

Arden let out a shaky laugh. “I will.” She sucked in a short breath and then threw Wesley a glossy smile before allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Her heart was determined to punch out of her chest. She had no idea if Garrett was watching, but she intended to put on the show of a lifetime just in case. She was so keyed up she could hardly draw in a good breath. Of course it didn’t help that her wretched gown was a size too small. That’s what she got for ordering it online. She was glad she’d lost weight. Otherwise, the dress wouldn’t have fit.

Tight dress and all, Arden danced as she’d never danced before. All the while, she floated Wesley adoring looks as if he were the greatest thing on the planet. He lapped up the praise like a cat going for cream.

They danced three songs before Arden asked Wesley if they could step out onto the terrace so she could get some air.

“You were magnificent,” he murmured. It took all the effort she could summon to keep from pulling away when he slid his arm around her waist and led her outside.

---