Believe in Me: A Rosewood Novel by Laura Moore Read Free Book Online Page A

any woman to do his bidding. Back then, he’d basically been aiming for another slice of cake and an extra half-hour of playtime in the park. At thirty-six, his tastes had evolved, but he still greatly enjoyed playtime.
    The women he dated did, too.
    Jordan Radcliffe, of the flawless skin, fathomless blue eyes, auburn hair, and willowy figure, was doing everything she could to let him know she wasn’t remotely interested in engaging with him in any kind of activity, recreational or otherwise. Indeed, from the conspicuous lack of interest she displayed, she was letting him know that she considered him about as interesting as dry rot … actually, probably less.
    Perhaps it was for the best. He made it a point to avoid women who fairly screamed complicated, no matter how petal-soft their skin. He preferred his affairs to be straightforward, mutually enjoyable, and brief. Brevity was key. Let a relationship continue too long and the woman developed an unfortunate tendency to make plans.
    And the only plans that interested him were architectural. He’d worked his hide off to make Owen Gage & Associates one of the best architectural preservation firms in the area. While he liked contrasts and depth in art and architecture, he had no intention of making room in his life for a woman who had “complexity” written all over her.
    A shame, because Jordan Radcliffe smelled really good. Owen was still trying to identify the beguiling scent he’d breathed in as he’d escorted her to the dining room andthen held her chair for her. The fragrance was light and fresh and, well, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what made it so different from the perfumes women generally favored, but he liked it.
    He told himself he should be grateful that she’d made it abundantly clear she didn’t want him anywhere near her sweet-smelling self. Otherwise he might be tempted to ignore his established rules of engagement.
    “Are you sure you wouldn’t like another cup of coffee, Jordan?”
    “No, thank you, Nonie. Lunch was absolutely delicious.”
    Nonie immediately switched her attention back to him, and as he was seated opposite Jordan, he caught the sneak peek she gave her wristwatch. The tiny slip in manners made him grin. She’d been the epitome of politeness throughout the meal—a careful, formal etiquette that he suspected she used as a shield. The possibility that Jordan might be as bored as he by Nonie’s monopoly of the conversation made Owen wonder what else went on behind that perfect front.
    “And you, Owen, darling? More coffee?” Nonie asked.
    “Not for me either, thanks. I should be going—”
    “Oh, but you
must
stay. I planned to take Jordan to the cottage and hear her ideas for how I might decorate it. I want you to come, too.”
    The stunned look on Jordan’s face must have mirrored his own. He’d gotten to know Nonie Harrison fairly well over the months his team had worked on restoring her guest cottage, but she continued to amaze him. Was she really that ignorant of the basic notions of professional courtesy? Probably not, he concluded. A spoiled rich woman, she simply wanted what she wanted and never saw any reason why she shouldn’t have it.
    “I’m sure Jordan would rather share her ideas without—” he began as Jordan said, “Perhaps tomorrow would be a better time for us to discuss—”
    “Nonsense.” Nonie silenced them both with a wave of her diamond-ringed hand. “Why ever would she mind having you accompany us? You did such a fabulous job on the cottage. I want to be certain the finishing touches will be just as wonderful. You understand, Jordan, don’t you?”
    Yes, she did understand. Nonie had set up the lunch and the so-called interview as an elaborate cat-and-mouse game. Her insistence that Owen listen while she presented her decorating ideas was one more way of toying with her. Nonie had obviously decided it would be amusing to see whether she would fall apart at the prospect.
    Although it