Westmoreland's Way - Brenda Jackson [49]
“My private plane made a pit stop at the Denver airport and I went inside to grab a copy of a magazine and noticed today’s Denver Post. Your friend made the front cover with a very beautiful woman plastered by his side when they attended a charity function together this weekend. According to the paper, wedding bells might be in order for the couple,” he said, smiling brightly. “I figured you’d want to see a copy so I saved the article for you.”
She lifted a brow, confused. “What are you talking about?”
“This.” He pulled the folded article from an inside pocket of his jacket and handed it to her.
She unfolded the article that had been neatly clipped from a newspaper, and it took all she had to hold back a gasp from her lips. Before her eyes was the man she had fallen in love with, dressed handsomely in a tux with a very beautiful woman by his side. The two were smiling for the camera. Although there wasn’t an article associated with the photo the caption read, “Is Romance Brewing for These Two?”
She swallowed and glanced back up at Fletcher who was watching her intently. “You seemed bothered by that photograph, Pamela. Is there a reason why?”
She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “You’re wrong,” she lied. “I am not bothered by it.” In truth she was. She and Dillon had just spent time together a few nights ago. He had said he had to return to Denver. Now she knew why.
Fletcher smiled. “Now I think it’s time I put my foot down regarding our wedding plans,” he said, reaching out and catching her by the waist and pulling her closer to him. His move surprised her because he had never been so forward with her before. Being close to him did nothing for her or to her. It didn’t have the same effect on her that Dillon had. Because she loved Dillon, and the thought that she meant nothing to him, that his words had all been lies, was too much.
“Put your foot down how?” she somehow managed to ask.
“I’ve been trying to be patient but more than anything I want you as my wife, Pamela. I’m aware you’re not in love with me, but I believe over time that you will come to love me. I offered you marriage to help you out of a bad situation, but evidently you don’t see it as such anymore. And maybe the thought of losing your home and securing your sisters’ futures aren’t the big deal they once were.”
“That’s not true.”
“Then prove it. I no longer want a wedding date. Now I want an actual wedding. This week. A very private affair. Here on Friday. Make it happen or come Saturday our engagement is off.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you forcing me into marriage?”
His smile widened. “No, sweetheart, it’s your choice. Good night, Pamela.” He then opened the door and left.
Pam stood in the same spot and stared down at the photograph in her hand. She angled her head to study the picture. Dillon was smiling. The woman was smiling. Had they been merely smiling for the camera or for each other, she wondered.
And come to think of it, the issue of whether or not there was a special woman in Dillon’s life had never come up. She had never asked and he’d never offered any information. All she knew was that he was divorced, nothing more.
But he had asked her to trust him while he checked out a few things. Came up with an alternative.
She closed her eyes for a moment and leaned against the closed door. Had she read more than she should have into that request? Deciding the only person who could answer that question was Dillon himself, she crossed the room to use the phone, but then realized she didn’t have his phone number. He’d never given her his number. Had there been a reason for him not doing so?
She glanced down at her watch. It wasn’t quite nine o’clock and Roy Davis at the River’s Edge Hotel would probably have information about Dillon on file. She would have to think of a good reason why she would need him to give it to her.
She released a long sigh when Mr. Davis picked up the phone. “The River’s Edge Hotel.”
“Mr. Davis, this is Pamela Novak. How are you?”
“I’m doing