wasn’t up to any pranks right now, she agreed not to sneak into Candace’s closet and try any identity swaps.
“So when is he going to be able to come home?”
“The day after tomorrow,” Candace replied.
“I’m sure he’s looking forward to it.” Madison dropped her gaze, eyeing the ruby liquid in her glass. “Are you, uh, still planning on leaving as soon as he’s released?”
Her stomach lurched. That had been the plan all along. Mad had promised to come visit her in L.A. once Grandpa was back on his feet, since she knew Candace had already been here for almost two weeks.
She had to do it, knowing real life was waiting for her. But oh, God, she did not want to go. She wasn’t ready to end this wonderful interlude. The time she’d spent here, her days with her grandfather, as well as the long heated nights with her lover, had been the happiest she could remember for a very long time. She loved the climate, loved the country, loved being involved in the excitement of her grandfather’s collection.
She loved Oliver.
That realization had been creeping up on her a little more every day, but she hadn’t allowed herself to really believe it until now. While her first inclination was to continue to shove the very idea away, pretend it had never occurred to her, she knew she wasn’t that good at denial.
Somewhere between her first night here, when she’d attacked him with a pot and fifteen minutes ago, when she’d seen him holding her sister, she had lost her heart to him. All her mixed-up feelings toward the man had cemented into pure and simple love.
“Yeah, Candace,” Oliver asked, his tone serious and his stare intense. “Are you leaving?”
She swallowed, but since her mouth had gone so dry, it didn’t help. “I, uh...I’m not sure yet.”
He nodded slowly, then cast a glance between her and Madison. “Listen, it sounds like you two haven’t seen each other for a while. I’ll get out of here so you can catch up.”
“You don’t have to...” she protested.
“Don’t go on my account!” added Madison.
He stood anyway. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.” He cast a glance toward Madison. “Candace and I were supposed to go to a winery owner’s event down in the city tomorrow evening. Why don’t you take my spot?”
That was the courteous offer to make and she wasn’t surprised he’d extended it. But her heart twisted anyway. She’d been so looking forward to an evening out with him, being on his arm, dancing with him. Spending the night in an opulent hotel room where they didn’t have to share a small, lumpy bed or sneak out of Buddy’s house like she was a teenager getting it on with her high school football player boyfriend.
Especially if it was to be the last night they’d have together.
The last night ever.
Tears formed in her eyes again. She blinked them away, willing him not to notice.
“Not a chance!” Madison replied with a visible grimace. “I’ve been working fourteen-hour days lately. I’m so burned-out I think I’ll do nothing but sleep and visit the old guy for at least a week.”
“It really isn’t...”
“Forget it,” Mad said, cutting him off. “I’m not being nice—ask Candace. I don’t do nice. I’m just being honest. I really don’t want to go.”
True. Mad didn’t play nice for niceness’s sake. She was blunt and honest. Still, seeing the twinkle in her sister’s eye, and knowing Madison had to realize by the way she’d been talking about him that Candace was crazy about Oliver, she couldn’t help thinking that this time, her sister’s crusty heart was speaking for her.
“If you’re sure,” Oliver said. He turned to Candace. “So will you be ready to leave by three o’clock tomorrow?”
Spoken as if he didn’t think he’d see her tonight. Ha. She had a key to his cottage and she wasn’t afraid to use it. She’d proved that to him already.
But, figuring she’d surprise him later by showing up in his bed without a stitch, she merely smiled. “Of course.”
Bidding Madison good-night, he left the house. They were silent for a few minutes, then without saying a word, her sister got up, went to the bar and poured two glasses of wine. She came back, handed one to Candace and sat beside her on the couch.
“You’re in love with him.”
Candace could only nod.
“I think he’s in love with you, too.” She chuckled. “He’s definitely in lust. Whoa, girl, that man has some plans for you.