Trent Doyle seemed like the ideal guy for Cami when they’d first met. Handsome, educated, well bred and on the way to the top of his profession in television news. Unfortunately, as Cami realized far too late, he was also up to his eyebrows in credit card debt and seeking a way out of his financial troubles. He’d experienced a few reversals in his business affairs as well, which had made him bitter.
And he’d seen a ‘merger’ with Cami as the answer to his problems.
When she realized the truth, however, she’d ended things. It had pricked her pride, but she knew it was a small thing in the long run. The split came mid-January after he proposed.
Perhaps she should have been too dazzled by the huge rock he’d bought for her, or the romantic evening to look further. Most women would be swayed by the sweet nothings he whispered in her ear or the promises of forever.
Distracted by worry for her father, whose health had been failing, though she hadn’t known about the cancer, she’d accepted. When Trent pushed her for a quick wedding— an elopement to Atlantic City would suit him fine—she backed away and started to see things more clearly. Since her father died everything had gotten completely out of control and he hadn’t even crossed her mind.
Despite their breakup, Trent continued to make overtures. She’d hardly paid attention, so her mind was elsewhere when she opened her condo door a few days after her return from Colorado and found him standing there.
“Trent. What a surprise.” How had he gotten into the building? Had she forgotten to change her code at the door, or had the doorman let him in? Doorman. She was sure she’d changed the code.
He stepped forward, pulling her into a hug in the doorway. “Camellia, you must be so upset. I heard what your father did to you, and I can’t imagine how you’re going to tolerate living in the middle of nowhere for the next year.” He pulled back so he could study her face, worry clear in his features.
“I’ll manage. It’s not like I’ll be living in a tent in the wilds of Africa.” Cami extricated herself from his embrace, but in doing so, stepped back, leaving an opening, which he took advantage of by striding into the room. “I believe there’s a Neiman Marcus in Denver.”
The sarcasm was lost on him. “You were always such a strong woman.” His glance around the room took in everything. “The news about your father’s infidelities is positively shocking.”
Cami sighed, trying to decide if she should offer him refreshment like a polite hostess, or insist he leave. The last thing she wanted was to discuss her personal life. She was leaning toward the second option, but decided since he’d made the effort to show up, she might as well see what gossip he was dying to share with her. Or was he digging up tidbits for a story? Either was equally likely.
“Dad loved surprises.” And was far more adept at them than she’d known. She was also amazed none of his other daughters—or their mothers—had stepped up to blow the whistle on him. Hadn’t it bothered them at all that he was married and sleeping around? When she wasn’t being angry at her father, she was numb.
Trent sat on the sofa and patted the spot next to him. “He managed a doozy this time. Four illegitimate daughters. It’s incredible, and arranging for you all to live together, to work together, and for Lana to take charge of the whole thing when she’s so young. Well, obviously it’s a mistake, but your father always did push for his way— whether it was right or not.”
Defensive words rose automatically inside her, though some of his sentiments were uncomfortably like her own. No one talked down Lana or her father in front of Cami though. “Stubborn and willful, yes, but no fool. Lana’s more than up to the task of managing the hotel and the other women have years of experience in their own fields. I think we’ll make the Juniper Ridge resort a unique and exciting experience for guests.” And they would, even if it killed her to ensure it.
“Of course you will, and it should be an interesting experience.” His tone was placating, as if she were some sweet young child who needed calming from a temper tantrum.
It made Cami see red. She didn’t want to play his game, and was tired from dealing with her own emotions without letting him pile more onto her. “Why did you come here, Trent? I’ve had a long day and a full plate ahead of me tomorrow. Cut to the chase.”
“It’s nothing. I thought you might need a friend to talk to, to grab a bite of dinner with—I know how you manage to starve yourself when you get busy.” His expression was far too innocent.
She wondered again how she’d missed the insincerity and self-centeredness before. “Trent, that train has left the station and it’s not coming back. If you’ve only stopped in to pick and pry and try to get at my money, you’re welcome to leave.” She gestured to the door. “In fact, even if you’re being totally sincere, I’d like you to go. I’ve had a long day and would rather be alone.”
“I’m hurt you won’t talk to me.” He stood, crossing back over to her and took her hand.
She shook it off. “We’re over, Trent. Give it up.”
“Come on, Camellia.” He’d never used the shortened version of her name, as if it were somehow undignified. “You? Colorado? Seriously? I mean, it’s nice for a visit now and then, and you might enjoy a week of skiing this winter, but you have a great job here. It’s not like you need the step up in the company or a job of any kind—not with your inheritance. Why are you going to waste your time there just to please him?”
Interesting. So he didn’t have all the details about the stipulations of the will—not that she would have needed the job anyway, not with the trust fund left to her at her mother’s death, but she hadn’t been raised to sit around and let everyone else do all the work. She’d have to thank Alex for managing to suppress part of the will’s terms. It was bad enough being strong-armed into moving without everyone knowing it. “You think I ought to stay here and date you some more?”
He took her hands in his again. “Marry me. I still have the ring; we can do great things together.”
“No, thank you.” She pulled her hands away, not even a little tempted.
His face turned red. “What do you think you’re going to do there for a year or two, huh? Date some eligible ski instructor? A snow plow driver? You’re making a huge mistake.”
He knew where to needle, but a picture of Vince flashed through her mind. Though he was in landscaping—making him a peon in Trent’s world—the thought of dating someone like him held far more appeal than she’d expected. “No, my mistake was dating you. I fixed that months ago. Get out.”
“You know no man would want you without your trust fund. You’re far too bland, dead boring, in fact. You’re going to be sorry.” He turned and stalked into the hall.
“I’m already sorry I ever dated you.” She shut the door behind him. Then she walked to the phone and called to the front desk to let the doorman know Trent was not to be admitted to the building again. And for good measure, she changed her code at the door—again. Rubbing her pounding temples, she decided to forgo the paperwork and read a novel in a hot bubble bath instead. And ice cream. She could really use some Ben & Jerry’s.