Marriage In Name Only
CHAPTER ONE
"I hate winter," Jenny said softly to herself, scowling at the leaden skies visible through the tall windows surrounding the large open lobby of Rocky Point Inn. Absently she rubbed her aching leg. Better than Pete Dowling on the Six O'clock News Team for predicting the weather, she thought wryly. Of course it didn't take a rocket scientist to know Maine in winter was cold, with snow either falling or on the way.
Despite being dressed in wool slacks, a thick cable knit sweater and warm socks and shoes, she felt chilled. The roaring fire across the room, flanked by sofas and easy chairs, gave an illusion of warmth. Maybe if she were closer, without the width of the room and barrier of the reception counter between her and the hearth, she would feel more of the heat.
The lobby was deserted. She didn't normally work the registration desk, but she was still short handed, and when Libby had asked for time off to go to Portland for a special afternoon with her granddaughter, Jenny had said yes. It was a slow week. And a few hours on the front desk was easy duty.
She glanced at the clock. It wasn't even four, but the darkening skies would bring night earlier than usual. She'd have to call Angie soon. That child would skate until dark-thirty if she were allowed.
For a moment Jenny's heart softened. If it gave the little girl joy, she'd let her skate as long as she could in good consciousness. She knew all too well the pain of losing her parents. At least she'd been nineteen when her father died, not eight like Angie. And to lose both parents at once was devastating. If the little girl could forgot the tragedy briefly when she skated, Jenny was all for letting her skate as long as there was daylight.
She rubbed her hip, and shifted on the high stool behind the counter. She couldn't get comfortable. Maybe she should walk around and see if that would ease the discomfort. It never did, but she tried a variety of things when the ache became intolerable. A hot bath sometimes helped, but she couldn't leave the desk.
One of the heavy double doors thrust open. Jenny looked up and stared. She wasn't expecting anyone--certainly not a man like this! He was dressed totally in black, from scuffed motorcycle boots, up legs encased in black cords, to a broad chest covered by a black shirt and black leather jacket. The jacket was open, swinging as he headed directly toward the desk. He carried a beat-up duffle bag over his shoulder and a black leather laptop case in one hand.
He wasn't from around here, Jenny thought, struck by his rugged good looks. Not with that tan. He walked across the lobby as if he owned the place, bold and confident. Further speculation ended when he stopped right in front of her. His dark eyes stared right back at her. His windswept black hair attested to the storm front moving in.
For a moment time hung suspended. He was tall, more than six feet, Jenny guessed. And with a watchfulness about him that attested to the fact he didn't take things on face value. She'd never seen him before, she would have remembered!
"May I help you?" she asked.
"Got a room?" His teeth were white against the dark tan when he smiled. His skin crinkled a bit at the corner of his eyes, a hint of sadness hidden in their depths. He went through the motions, but she had a feeling he was keeping his emotions firmly in check. Who was he and what was he doing in Rocky Point, Maine? He was definitely not her usual type of guest.
She nodded. They had several unoccupied bedrooms this week. Vacant even through the weekend, though business would pick up after that. The February Festival started soon.
"I'll take it," he said, dumping the duffel bag and carefully placing the laptop case on the floor. He reached for his wallet.
"How long will you be staying?" Jenny took one of the registration cards and slid it toward him. Electricity seemed to shimmer in the air. She forgot about being cold, and her aching leg. Her curiosity was piqued for the first time in ages.
"As short a time as possible." He took the pen and began to fill out the card.
He was too early for the college's February Festival. That wouldn't start for another week and a half. Thankfully for her bottom line, she was book solid for that week, and the two weekends flanking the annual event.
But this week, the inn was almost empty. Only two older couples, alumni of Blackstone College, were staying, having come to Rocky Point for a walk down memory lane. The weather didn't seem to bother them any more than it appeared to bother this man. She wished she was as lucky to not feel the chill in the air all the time.
"Isn't it cold out?" she asked to make conversation. His leather jacket didn't seem warm enough for the cold spell they were having. Her curiosity notched up. Was he a visiting professor at the college? He didn't seem the type, but she knew teachers came in all kinds of packages these days. What would he teach--motorcycle 101?
"Colder than a wi--never mind. It's cold. Made worse because I just got off a diving trip to Tahiti and no sooner landed in LA than I had to catch a flight here--in February of all times. I don't mind Snowbird or Alta in winter, but the Maine coast is the last place I wanted to come in this time of year. Or any time, actually!"
She blinked at the picture he painted. Diving in Tahiti. Skiing in Colorado. She studied him as he completed the registration card. His shirt covered a strongly masculine body in excellent condition. Wide shoulders, narrow hips, not an ounce of superfluous fat anywhere she could see. He was probably naturally athletic, enjoying sports of all kinds. He moved with ease, comfortable in his own body, and its capabilities. It went with the arrogance he couldn't conceal. Hot sex in black jeans.
Jenny looked away, shocked at her thoughts. She hadn't had a reaction like that in a long time. Cool your jets, girl, she admonished herself. He's not for you.
Envy and a wistful regret washed through her. He represented everything she had lost, and would never again enjoy. She had grown up around the type, brash and arrogant and gorgeous--and knew it. Woman everywhere probably flocked around him.
Not her. Not that he'd ever glance her way. Or that she wanted him to.
He gave her a cocky grin and shoved the card to her. It was second nature to him, she could tell.
"Any place to eat around here?" he asked.
Even his voice sounded different, more of a drawl than the clipped New England tones she was used to. Dark and slightly husky. She wondered what it would sound like if he was sweet-talking some willing woman.
"The Inn's restaurant will be opened at six. We serve dinner until eight." Her own voice sounded prissy, she couldn't help it--instinctive reaction to the pull of attraction that surprised her. He was just a guest, for heaven's sake, not someone to fantasize about.
"What if I want something later?"
"There is a vending machine at the end of the second floor with assorted snacks. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'd have to go into town."
"The center of which looks to be two blocks over, and one block long"
"We may not as big as Los Angeles, but we have all you could need," Jenny snapped. If he didn't like the town, why come? She was overreacting, she knew that. But he rubbed her the wrong way. Was it his manner, or just the memories of all she could no longer do?
She leaned back and snagged a key for room seven. It was a corner room, and as far from the stairs as possible. It was petty, with other rooms vacant, but she didn't care. She didn't like the stranger. Didn't like what he represented. He reminded her of Karl. Let him walk the extra distance.
"And how late are the places in town open?"
"The Dairy Haven on the highway is open until eleven. They serve burgers, fries and ice cream. The Rose In Bloom Café is open until nine, eleven on weekends."
He shook his head, and lifted the laptop. "I can see dinner here sounds like the best bet." Taking the key he started toward the stairs. Jenny watched him stop and turn back.
"Know where Jennifer Gordon is?"
Foreboding filled her. Who was he? Why did he want to know where she was?
"Why?"
"I'm Connor Wolfe, here to get my niece. She's watching her."
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