The one who didn’t believe in dreams or happily ever after.
The ringing of the telephone startled her out of her deep thoughts. She picked up the receiver. “Hello?”
“Ms. Sinclair?” A deep male voice she didn’t recognize answered her.
“Yes. Who is this please?”
“The hotel concierge. I’ve been asked to inform you to meet your business partner in room 520 at eight o’clock this evening.”
Jack’s room across the hall. Her heart began a rapid, thudding beat. A keen sense of longing took hold, the emotions strong and overwhelming. “Thank you,” she murmured into the phone.
A lump that might as well have been Mallory’s heart lodged in her throat. Not an invitation but a business meeting. And certainly not a returned declaration of love.
Mallory Sinclair, Esq. would never deny a partner’s request. But Mallory Sinclair, woman, had no choice. She was smart enough to know when to give in. She lifted her suitcase onto the floor.
There was no way she could handle one last meeting with Jack. Not with her heart in shreds and her career at a crossroad.
She didn’t fault Jack for his attitude this morning. Using the private investigator’s report was the right move-for someone who wanted to represent Paul Lederman. She didn’t need to forgive Jack for doing his job. It was the same strategic move she would have made the day she’d arrived at the resort. But no longer.
Along with finding herself came a clarity and acceptance of life she hadn’t had before. The same way she knew she’d never change her parents’ lack of feeling for their only child, she now knew she couldn’t change Jack’s negative views on love and relationships. Lord knows she’d tried.
Too bad she’d been the only one to undergo self-revelation on this trip or she wouldn’t have to leave the resort alone. She and Jack could go-together.
She wiped at the tear dripping down her cheek. She’d begun this game with an invitation aimed at teaching him a lesson. He’d returned the favor and they’d engaged in a sensual, exciting competition, each trying to top the other-neither realizing one of them would end up with a broken heart. Until it was too late.
So no, she wouldn’t show up, not even for a business meeting. She’d find a way to get the message to him so she didn’t stand him up. And then she’d head home.
Alone.
JACK PACED the floor of his room. At nine o’clock he realized Mallory wasn’t going to show. At ten o’clock, one stiff drink later and well into seventh-inning stretch of the Yankees game, there was a knock at the door.
Professionally he should have been furious she was so late, but at this point his heart was thinking for him and his emotions were keyed. He was angry and hurt as hell. Be it a business summons or a personal request, the very least she could have done was send him a polite “no thank you.”
His head was pounding and his throat raw. He felt like crap and realized Mallory was just a part of it. All he needed on top of things was the damn flu. He rose from the couch and walked to the door. On the other side was Alicia Lederman-the last person Jack expected to see.
“Can I help you?”
“I’ve got a message for you.” The older woman held out a white envelope with the resort logo on the upper lefthand corner. “I promised to bring this over earlier. Much earlier. But we had an emergency in the lobby. A man had a heart attack and I had to call the hotel doctor and 9-1-1…” She shook her head. “Anyway, here it is with my sincere apologies.”
“No need to apologize.” Considering what Jack had in store for her,
The thought jarred him, taking him by surprise. When had he ever felt the need to apologize for doing his job? He glanced at Alicia. Though she looked as elegant as ever, the weariness in her face tugged at Jack’s heart. He wondered if he was truly seeing her for the first time or viewing her through Mallory’s eyes. Either way he didn’t like what he saw and wondered if Mallory was right-if there was a way of settling this divorce without causing needless pain and heartache.
He met Alicia’s gaze, impressed with her dignity and courage. “You could have sent a bellboy with this.” He waved the note in the air. “Why bring it yourself?”
“Because if Mallory cares, then you must be a good man in here.” She tapped the area near her heart.
He wouldn’t touch that assumption. “You’ve spoken with her then.”
Alicia nodded. “Before she left. She’s on her way home. I’m sure that note explains it all.”
He stepped back. “Come in, please.”
Alicia followed him inside but remained silent, obviously sensing he needed space. And he did. So Mallory hadn’t stood him up-not in the way he’d thought anyway. But the truth didn’t make him feel any better and his stomach churned with remorse.
Jack didn’t care if he had an audience, he just wanted to know what Mallory had to say. He pulled the scented paper from the envelope and read silently.
While I regret not telling you in person, I’m smart enough not to engage in a battle I can’t win.
This trip taught me a lot about myself and what I want out of life.
I’m going home to begin making some changes. And regretfully I’m going to have to let this last meeting pass.
It was fun while it lasted.
Love,
Mallory
The pain in Jack’s gut grew larger.
“Endings are never easy.” Alicia placed a hand on his arm, then embarrassed, she withdrew quickly.
Jack met her sympathetic gaze. “I guess you would know,” he said, careful to let kindness not sarcasm infuse his voice.
She nodded. “I realize I can’t keep Paul if he doesn’t want to stay. And I know you thought I was ignoring you when you told me to get an attorney, but I wasn’t. I was preparing.”
“And keeping your cards close to your vest. I respect that.”
“I’m not certain what I’ve done deserves it. But what I do know is that the marriage is over. And I refuse to go without a fight.”
“You realize this is when I advise you to get counsel.” She was so easy to talk to, Jack couldn’t help but smile.
“I will. But I was hoping we could deal first.” Reaching into her bag, she held out a manila envelope. “I’m not as naive as my husband thinks. There’s some information on me that I am certain he’ll want to use. Let him know I’ve got ammunition of my own.”
Jack quickly thumbed through the contents of the package-incriminating photos of Paul Lederman and a young woman. Dates noting the ongoing relationship were clear on each photo. Alicia Lederman had proof of her husband’s infidelity. Jack let out a groan.
“She’s an employee,” Alicia said. “A very young, inexperienced employee.” The hurt in her voice was unmistakable. “I swear to you he wasn’t like this when we married. The heart attack and middle age changed him.” She shook her head, disgust etched in her features.
Jack could empathize. Paul Lederman’s actions made him sick. “Are you planning to use these?”
The older woman wiped at her eyes. “I don’t want them made public, no. I’ve got children who are more important than any money I get out of the divorce settlement.”
Jack stood before Alicia Lederman, at a loss for words. Here was a woman with proof in her hands, proof that could net her a huge settlement if she pushed hard enough, but she was willing to put aside the cash for the sake of her children. She was so different than any client or spouse he’d ever encountered.
She was unique. And so was Mallory, who’d seen this woman’s goodness from day one.
“Mr. Latham?”
