Where I Belong (Pine Valley Book 2) Read online

  Cameron nodded. “I definitely understand stubborn.”’

  Jane laughed. “That’s an understatement.”

  Cameron continued eating his breakfast-slash-lunch while he listened to Jane talk about her dad. The more he was around Jane, the more impressed he became. She was a hard worker, an entrepreneur, and she was pretty much her dad’s caretaker. He also wondered what she’d meant when she’d said she didn’t “currently” have a boyfriend.

  He didn’t have a chance to ask her because someone knocked at the door.

  “More furniture?” Jane said.

  Cameron narrowed his eyes.

  “Too soon?”

  “Way too soon,” he said but then winked at her. He rose from the stool and walked to the front door. His shower and the food had helped his headache. But when he opened the door, he decided the reprieve might be short lived.

  “Mom,” Cameron said.

  His mom stood on the front porch, wearing golfing clothes, complete with a pink visor. Her arms were folded, and she didn’t look happy. “I’ve been trying to get ahold of you. Why haven’t you returned my calls or texts?”

  Cameron opened the door wider. “Come in. We need to talk.”

  His mother’s expression changed from stern to worried. “Is everything okay? Whose car is in the driveway?”

  “It’s Jane’s.”

  His mom’s eyes widened.

  “She’s the cleaning lady Crystal hired.”

  “Oh.” His mom looked toward the kitchen.

  “Hello,” Jane said as she rinsed out the sink. Her gaze shifted to Cameron’s. “I can go upstairs and change over the laundry so you can have some privacy.”

  Cameron lifted a hand. “Don’t leave on my account. You already know most of the story and can probably guess the rest.”

  “What story?” his mom asked, giving Jane an interested once-over, then focusing again on Cameron.

  “Let’s sit down,” he said and led her to the kitchen table. He sensed Jane’s surprise, but Cameron had nothing to hide.

  So, while Jane changed the laundry over on both levels of the house, then moved into the living room to dust, he told his mom first about the honeymoon fiasco, and then about the furniture delivery.

  “What in the world was Crystal thinking?” his mom asked. “Taking your credit card and charging $35,000 to it? Without your permission? Unbelievable.”

  Cameron could only nod. He was starting to feel numb again. Seeing the dismay on his mom’s face was making this all the more real. Calling off the wedding would also affect his parents. “I thought about pressing charges but decided canceling the wedding would be enough.”

  “What did she say when you confronted her?” his mom asked.

  Cameron sighed. “I texted to ask about my missing credit card, just to see how she’d respond. She said she had a huge surprise for me, and she’d tell me later, but not to worry, she had my credit card in her safekeeping. When she came over last night with takeout, I showed her the invoice I’d taken a picture of.” He showed his mom the picture, and she spent several moments studying it.

  When she looked up again, there were tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, son. I thought Crystal and you were getting along fine, although...” She broke off. “It’s a shame all the way around, really.”

  “Although what?” Cameron asked.

  His mom rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I hadn’t planned on saying anything, because I trust your judgment, but since all this happened...”

  “Tell me, Mom,” he said.

  “Dad had some misgivings, and frankly, so did I,” she said. “At the introduction dinner with Crystal’s mom, the woman asked some very personal questions, such as what Dad’s net worth is. She also wanted to know if we could hire her brother. Dad said he was happy to do an interview but couldn’t guarantee a job. Normally, that wouldn’t have been a big deal, but Dad did interview her brother. He has a couple of felonies—did you know that? And he’s spent time in prison for embezzlement.”

  Cameron stared at his mom. “I didn’t know. Crystal mentioned her uncle was looking for a job, but we never really talked much more about it. She was probably waiting until we got married to pursue it more.”

  “We’ll probably never know now,” his mom said, “but the fact that she took your credit card without you knowing about it worries me. Did you check your statement?”

  “Yes, of course,” he said. “There was only the $5,000 charge on there. Regardless, I canceled the card, and the company is issuing a new number.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” His mom lowered her voice. “And how are you doing? I see you’re being taken care of this morning.” Her brows lifted.

  Jane was in the living room. She’d finished dusting and was now spraying glass cleaner on the sliding doors.

  “Yeah, Jane is great,” he said, keeping his voice low as well. “Crystal hired her, so today will be her last morning. I’m not quite as high maintenance as Crystal is.”

  “It might be the one good thing Crystal did,” his mom said.

  “I have no complaints about Jane.” He shrugged. “I just don’t think I have enough work for her, and I can take out my own trash.”

  His mom’s phone beeped. She took it out and looked at the screen. “Oh, by the way, the reason I came over here was because you hadn’t RSVP’d to the hospital gala tonight. It’s black tie, you know, but since you own your own tux, that shouldn’t be a problem.”

  Cameron groaned. “I don’t think so, Mom. I only crashed in the hammock for a couple of hours before Jane showed up. Plus, everyone will ask why Crystal isn’t with me, and then I’ll have to explain.”

  Instead of his mom sympathizing with him, she was smiling. “It will be perfect,” she said. “Show up with a different date, and you can get it over with once and for all. There will be some gossip, that’s a given. But by tomorrow, it will be simply old news.”

  “Bring a date? You’re kidding, right?”

  “I’m not kidding,” she said. “Unless you want me to suggest to Maryann that you’re coming solo. I’m sure she’d be happy to keep you company.”

  “Maryann Turner?” Cameron rolled his eyes. “What is she on, divorce number five?”

  “Six, I think.” His mom laughed. “She’s always had a soft spot for you, and she’s richer than sin.”

  “She’s also old enough to be my mom, no offense. Besides, her fake nails scare me.”

  His mom kept laughing, then placed a hand on his arm. “You know this charity gala is my baby. I’ve spent six months organizing it and bringing in who’s who. If my own son isn’t there, that will create even more gossip. Bring a date, have some wine, dance a little, and get into a few bidding wars.”

  It was really hard to say no to his mom, but Cameron just couldn’t stomach the thought of going to the gala less than twenty-four hours after breaking off his engagement. Surely, by now Crystal had told her friends and family and whomever else would listen. He doubted she’d attend the gala herself, since she was going to go with him, and it was MC’d by his mom, but Crystal would have plenty of friends there to report back to her.

  “I’ll just come for the auction portion,” Cameron said. “I won’t be able to get a date this late—plus, it would be really awkward trying to explain myself when I’m asked about Crystal.”

  “Take her,” his mom said.

  “Crystal?”

  “No, her.” His mom pointed past him.

  Cameron looked over his shoulder to see Jane unwinding the cord to the vacuum in the living room. “Jane?”

  She switched on the vacuum, and both Cameron and his mom watched her run the machine back and forth over the carpet. All of a sudden Cameron was imagining what Jane might look like in one of those little black dresses. Maybe with her hair pulled up in a twist. Dangling diamond earrings.

  Jane rotated the vacuum and glanced in their direction. She froze. Who could blame her? Both Cameron and his mom were practically starin
g her down. She switched off the vacuum and gave a tentative smile. “It this too loud?”

  “No,” his mom answered. “Can you come in here for a moment, though? Cameron has something to ask you.”

  Cameron felt like a fifteen-year-old boy with all the nerves of asking a girl out when Jane nodded and walked toward them. She smoothed back some strands of hair that had fallen out of her ponytail. Her gaze focused on Cameron, and he noticed she had the lightest sheen of perspiration on her forehead.

  “Sure, what is it?” she asked him.

  He couldn’t believe he was about to give into his mom’s request. “We were wondering if you could come to the hospital benefit tonight as our guest.”

  His mom cleared her throat. “More specifically, as Cameron’s date.”

  Jane’s eyes widened.

  “Not a date, date,” Cameron clarified. “More of an escort.” He groaned. “That didn’t come out right, either.”

  “What he means is that by not showing up with a date, there will be a lot of speculation and questions,” his mom filled in.

  “And if he shows up with me, there will be less?” Jane asked.

  Cameron looked at his mom. “See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”

  Jane took a step back. “I take my dad to the assisted living center on Saturday nights so he can play cards with his friends. It’s sort of a tradition.”

  It was probably true, but Cameron sensed she didn’t want to be the center of a gossip storm, or was it because of him personally? He was trying to decide if he should be offended when his mom cut in.

  “The gala doesn’t start until 8:00 p.m.,” his mom said. “The benefit is very important to our family, and Cameron must come. Showing up with a date will tell everyone in Pine Valley that he’s moved on from Crystal.”

  “Mom, she doesn’t want to come.”

  “I don’t have anything to wear anyway,” Jane said. “Isn’t the benefit black tie?”

  “I have a closet full of gowns.” His mom looked Jane up and down. “You’re more busty than I am, and a couple of inches taller, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

  Cameron’s mouth dropped open. “Mother.”

  She just smiled at him, then turned her appraising gaze to Jane. “Perhaps you can consider it as a job—I’ll see to it that Cameron pays you for your time.”

  Cameron was shocked, and he expected for Jane to be shocked. Instead, she folded her arms. Her gaze darted from Cameron to his mom, then back to him again. “I’m a cleaning lady, your cleaning lady. Everyone will know it’s some sort of set up.”

  “She has a point,” his mom said, looking at Cameron. “You should ask her properly, then it will be a real date.”

  Cameron wanted to pull his hair out. Would Jane really agree if he asked her? He eyed her. Her return gaze was steady... which was a good sign, he decided. After clearing his throat, he said, “Jane, would you do me the honor of being my date to the hospital gala tonight?”

  Jane’s mouth quirked, and his pulse hummed. It was a sensation he hadn’t expected and couldn’t exactly identify.

  “I could probably have my neighbor drive my dad back home,” she said in a thoughtful tone. “She’s always asking to help me with whatever I need.”

  “Wonderful.” His mom clapped her hands together. She stood and leaned toward Cameron, then kissed his cheek. Turning to Jane, his mom said, “Cameron will give you my address, and if you could come around 5:00, we’ll pick out something for you to wear.”

  “All right,” Jane said in a faint voice, as if she was just realizing what she’d agreed to.

  His mom left before Cameron could get another word in, and moments later, he was facing Jane on his own.

  “Are you sure?” he asked Jane, standing up.

  She looked at him, and Cameron realized her eyes were more than just dark green. They had gold and brown flecks in them too. “I figured you’ve had a hard time lately, so I could help you out with this one thing. But seriously, you don’t have to pay me.”

  He held her gaze for a moment. “My mom can be pretty persuasive.”

  Jane smiled, and Cameron felt his pulse hum again. “I noticed,” she said.

  He chuckled, feeling lighter somehow. “I really appreciate this. I normally don’t have my mom arranging my dates for me, but under the circumstances—”

  “It’s all right, really,” Jane said, moving past him and walking back to the vacuum. “This is important to your family, and I’m in a position to help you out. Don’t worry, I know this isn’t a real date. Besides, men like you don’t date women like me.” She flashed him another smile, then turned on the vacuum.

  Cameron didn’t have a chance to reply; besides, he didn’t know exactly what to say.

  Jane stared at her reflection in the floor-length mirror at Mrs. Vance’s home. She’d tried on a handful of gorgeous gowns, but when she pulled on the red sheath with spaghetti straps, Mrs. Vance had clapped her hands together. “That’s the dress! Turn around and look.”

  She’d been transformed and could see why these types of dresses were so expensive. They did the job well of tucking in and enhancing Jane’s figure. The red color made her dark hair gleam, and the soft silk fabric made her feel like she was floating in a warm pool of water.

  “It’s really beautiful,” Jane said. “But it’s so... red.”

  Mrs. Vance laughed lightly. “Not everyone can pull off red.” She joined Jane at the mirror. “You’re young and beautiful. It’s all right to flaunt it once in a while.”

  Jane met Mrs. Vance’s gaze in the mirror. “I don’t want to stand out.”

  But Mrs. Vance only winked. “I need to get over to the lodge, and Selena can help you with your hair.”

  “Selena?”

  “She’s my assistant, and she’s great with hair,” Mrs. Vance said. “I told Cameron to pick you up here, since it’s on the way to the benefit.”

  Jane opened her mouth. The red dress was gorgeous, but she didn’t like dressing to stand out in a room. But Mrs. Vance was already on her way out of the bedroom suite, calling for Selena.

  Maybe Mrs. Vance was right. Tonight Jane could dress like royalty and mingle with the Who’s Who of Pine Valley. Some were sure to be her clients, but she’d deal with that later. It wasn’t like she was living in the eighteenth century when maids didn’t socialize with the elite. Although she’d told Cameron that a man like him didn’t date a woman like her, she wasn’t necessarily referring to their social and financial statuses. His world was so large, whereas her world was very, very small.

  “Hello, Jane,” a woman said, coming into the bedroom suite. “Louisa said I would find you in here. Oh, goodness. That’s a great dress on you.”

  Jane turned to face a petite, dark-haired woman. “It makes me very nervous, to tell you the truth. I’ve never worn anything like it.”

  Selena gave her a sympathetic smile. “No one will ever know.” She approached Jane, looking at her with a critical eye. “I think an updo will show off your neck and shoulders. What do you think?”

  Jane shrugged. “I trust your judgment. Like I said, this is all new for me. I feel like Cinderella.”

  Selena had a warm laugh. “Cameron is no prince, mind you. But he is a nice boy. I’m glad he’s going tonight. Louisa told me the circumstances.”

  Jane flushed. She was his charity date—in more ways than one. But the dress she was wearing would be consolation enough for knowing that her sole purpose at the gala would be as an arm piece. “I’m glad I can help him out. I think in the long run, he’ll be better off without Crystal.” She bit her lip. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

  With a nod, Selena placed her hands on her hips. “I will just say this, and then not bring it up again, but I agree. Cameron would have been miserable with a woman like Crystal. She didn’t have an empathetic bone in her body.” She moved in front of Jane. “Pearls. You need pearls. Do you have any?”

  When Jane shook
her head, Selena said, “I’ll text Louisa about lending out some of hers.” She lifted her hand to stop Jane’s protest. “She won’t mind, but I need to let her know. Now, let’s get you out of that dress and come back here by 7:00 so we can get started on your hair.”

  “Cameron’s coming at 7:30.”

  “He can wait.” Selena’s gaze was sly. “You don’t want to be early in that dress. Walking in a little late would be more of a statement. What about shoes?”

  “I have some black heels.”

  “Perfect.” Selena moved behind Jane and lowered the zipper.

  Jane stepped out of the dress and changed back into her clothing while Selena hung up the gown.

  “Thank you so much,” Jane said when she was ready to leave.

  “You’re welcome,” Selena said with a smile. “This is one of my more enjoyable tasks. All those emails Louisa has me send make me want to stab my eyes out. Now, go. I’ll see you at 7:00.”

  Jane felt practically pushed out the door, but Selena was probably a busy woman. Jane left the elegant home and climbed into her car. Today had been a whirlwind. If she’d imagined this morning the turn of events the day would take, she wouldn’t have believed it.

  She drove through the wealthy neighborhood, then turned onto the boulevard that would take her to her dad’s house. When she pulled up to the small house, her dad was outside, with his cane, watering the flower bed. It was good to see him outside doing yard work; it must be one of his better days.

  Jane pulled into the driveway and climbed out of her car. “Hi, Dad,” she called loudly enough so he could hear through his earpiece.

  He swung around and peered at her through his thick glasses. “You’re home late. Did you have a lot of jobs today?”

  “No, it was a half day, but some other things came up.” She crossed to him and kissed his cheek. “You shaved, and you smell nice.”

  Her father smiled, his brown eyes twinkling. “It’s game day.”

  Jane grinned. “Right. Let me fix you something to eat, then I’ll take you over. Mrs. Sherwood said she’d bring you home. I’m going to a hospital benefit tonight.”