Page 27 of Tempting Eden

Eden put a hand on my arm. “It’s okay. Mason’s leaving. Tuesday. You’ll have it by Tuesday.”

“Now was that so hard, Edie? It wasn’t, was it? See, you do things like forget to write the check and make me show up here. I don’t want to, but you make me do it. Don’t make me do things you’ll regret. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about our little side bet, either. Get me that payoff and we can go our separate ways.” He jumped the two steps off the front porch and sauntered to his shiny Mercedes.

The only thing that kept me from grabbing him by the throat and choke-slamming him on the cobblestone drive was Eden’s hand on my arm. He started up the engine, a smooth purr, and tore off down the driveway.

Our driver, who I didn’t realize had walked up behind us, said, “Want me to call the cops on him?”

“No. It’s a private matter. Please don’t mention it to anyone.” Her words were clipped, but she was still shaking.

“I had half a mind to stomp a mudhole in his ass for you, Ms. Rochester,” the driver said.

That makes two of us.

“That won’t be necessary. Please just bring my bags.”

The front door swung inward, and an elderly woman in a maid’s uniform appeared. She moved with a little difficulty even in her support hose and white nurse shoes. Eden sprinted up the steps and hugged her.

“Rosa! Are you all right? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Eden ran her hand around the old lady’s face, smoothing her hair back.

I peeked past them. The house beyond was plush and ornate. The staircase was wide, wider at the bottom and narrowing as it ascended. Glittering chandeliers and polished marble floors as far as I could see.

“No. No. He never came in. Just sat on the steps and demanded to see you.” Rosa launched into a series of Spanish curses.

“Thank God. Did Adele hear?”

“Did Adele hear what?” A girl of about eleven hurried around from behind the staircase. She was tall and had Eden’s face, but with blonde hair. “Oh, hey! You’re back. Good, I need help with this new book project I just got.” She walked up and hugged Eden, who clung to the girl as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

When she pulled away from the hug, the girl said, “Mom, what’s the matter?”

Mom?

Eden gave me a furtive glance. “I just, well, I’m just happy to be home. That’s all.”

The girl crossed her arms over her chest. She was the spitting image of Eden. “Okay, what’s going on? You’re acting weird.”

Eden looked like she might cry, she was so badly shaken. I hopped up the last step and into the house. “Hi. I’m afraid Eden is feeling a bit frazzled because we had such a crazy trip. I’m Jack, her assistant.”

“Oh.” Her raised eyebrows lowered a bit. Then she gave me a long look, a smile growing at the edges of her mouth.

I held out my hand. She took it, either buying my story or allowing the distraction. Eden turned and mouthed “thank you” to me.

Adele smiled demurely, the setting sun glinting off her braces. “I’m Adele.”

“Pleased to meet you. Your mother’s told me so much about you.” I narrowly stopped myself from giving Eden a side-eye over that little lie.

Adele didn’t seem to sense my subterfuge. Her smile grew even bigger. I disentangled my hand from hers, though she was reticent to release me. The foyer got awkwardly quiet.

“Well, on that note, I’d best be going. Eden, I’ll see you at work on Monday.” I turned to leave.

“Stay for dinner.” Adele piped up.

“Adele, honey,” Eden frowned. “Jack’s had a long trip. He needs to get home to see his family.”

“Is that true?” Adele’s style of questioning was straight from Eden’s handbook—terse and to the point.

I hesitated at the doorframe. “I should probably get home. That’s true.”

“Why don’t you stay for dinner?” She came around and linked her arm in mine, pulling me away from the entryway.

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