The Billionaire Playboy(33)

“I think the only reason she does leave is because Mrs. Sherbrooke doesn't allow her and Dylan to share a bedroom when she's around,” Lauren said refilling her glass.

“Seriously?”

Callie nodded. “Elizabeth doesn't like Dylan and me to share a room when she's here. She's a little old-fashioned sometimes. That's why you have your own room this weekend. But don't worry Jake's just down the hall.”

Trying not to be obvious, Charlie glanced at her watch. More than an hour had passed since Jake left her to meet with his father, and although she was comfortable in Callie's company she wondered what kept him.

“They'll probably be done soon.” Callie picked up her glass of iced tea. “Dylan and Warren both know you're here.”

No sooner did Callie speak the words than Jake walked in. Charlie could tell something was bothering him the second she saw him. The easy-going smile that usually graced his face was gone and had been replaced with a somber look. Whatever his father wanted to see him about had obviously upset him.

“Not sure I like the looks of this. What stories have you been telling her about me Callie?” Jake walked over and dropped into the cushioned chair next to hers.#p#分页标题#e#

Though he tried to keep his voice light and carefree it sounded strained to her, and she couldn't help but try to cheer him up with a little teasing. “Who said we're talking about you. I know you find it hard to believe, but you're not the only man in the world. Callie was telling me about a friend she has coming to the wedding and she thinks he's perfect for me. She's going to introduce us so we can dance.” Though her teasing statement lacked much originality she hoped it would at least elicit a laugh from him. Instead it seemed to have the opposite effect as a stormy look of anger passed over his face.

“Don't think so Doc. I've already filled up your dance card for tomorrow.”

She wanted to come back with a sassy reply, but she didn't have one. A blank slate now occupied her mind. She wasn't used to men being possessive of her actions. With anyone else, she knew she would resent it. For some reason though, Charlie didn't find the comment offensive coming from him. He's just playing around too. And you did open yourself up for it.

In the end though it didn't matter that she didn't have a smart come back because Callie changed the topic of the conversation to Jake's work in North Salem. While she could have added to the discussion, Charlie remained silent, only speaking when Jake or Callie directed a question her way. By doing so she got an up close and personal look at Jake with his family. Something she guessed few people got.

“Before I forget, the Marshalls are coming,” Callie said after Jake finished answering her question about recovery efforts.

Charlie assumed this was somehow significant because the second the words left Callie's mouth Jake groaned.

“All of them or just Richard and Janet?”

“All. Sorry. Your mom insisted we couldn't leave them out.”

Charlie glanced from Callie to Jake and finally Lauren who was attempting to stifle a laugh. “What's wrong with the Marshalls?”

“What isn't?” Jake replied.

Callie tossed her brother a dirty look and then answered. “Richard and Warren grew up together and have stayed close. He and his wife aren't the problem. Evidently their youngest daughter has always had a thing for my brother. When they were all here for New Year's Eve she wouldn't leave him alone.”

“More like she stalked me all night, even though I had a date.”

“How old is she?” The person in question must be very young. She envisioned an infatuated fifteen year old following Jake around the ballroom.

“A little younger than Sara, right?” Callie looked over at Jake for confirmation.

Jake slumped back in his chair and put his feet up on the railing. “Yeah. I think she's twenty-two.”

Okay, maybe not so young. Someone that age should know better. “Don't worry I'll protect you from her.” Charlie patted him on the knee.

“He just might need it,” Lauren added with a half laugh. “Her behavior on New Year's Eve was obsessive.”



***



The wedding rehearsal began promptly at four-thirty. Charlie got the impression that everything around here started and ended exactly on time. She found this strangely comforting. She liked things to happen when they were supposed to. It just made life simpler. More organized.

From her seat on the lawn she watched as the wedding planner explained what each member of the wedding party needed to do. Though she'd never been in a wedding, she didn't really see any great need for a rehearsal beforehand. The chances of anyone there not having been to a wedding before or at least seeing one on TV were slim, so unless the bride and groom had something unusual planned, a rehearsal seemed like a waste of time. Even if it seemed pointless to her, it did give Charlie another chance to observe Jake with his family. Not to mention it gave her a chance to enjoy her surroundings. With its well-manicured gardens, sprawling lawns and view of the ocean the property around Cliff House was just as magnificent as the mansion itself.