Tall, Dark, and Bad Read online

  Tall, Dark, and Bad

  Charlotte Hughes

  New York Times Bestselling Author

  A Romantic Comedy

  To all the ladies out there who love Bad Boys.

  Wanting to sit down but too terrified to do so, Summer merely stood there, trying to keep herself from crying. There had to be a way out. Finally, too exhausted to care whether a rabid rat bit her on the behind or not, she dropped onto a heap of bags. She pulled her knees up and anchored her chin on top.

  And waited.

  She had no idea how long she’d been there, time seemed to crawl. Oh, Lord, she didn’t need to think of creepy crawling things.

  She was startled when she thought she heard the sound of a lawn mower. She blinked several times, trying to get her bearings. No, wait a minute. That was no lawn mower, it was a motorcycle. Was she dreaming? The engine died, and all was silent. “Is anybody out there?” she cried, trying to push herself into a standing position. She heard footsteps. A second later Cooper peered into the opening.

  “Well, would you look at that,” he said. “Somebody has gone and thrown away a perfectly good woman.”

  Copyright © 2015 by Charlotte Hughes

  http://readcharlottehughes.com

  All rights reserved, in whole or in part, in any format. The content should not be used commercially without prior written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. This book is provided for your personal enjoyment.

  This book was originally published as a Loveswept paperback in 1996 in a slightly altered form, by Bantam Press, a Division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group. The content that follows is a work of fiction. Characters, incidents and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons and events is coincidental.

  Chapter One

  “Henrietta, you gave me quite a scare,” Dr. Avery Cook said. “Fortunately, your EKG showed no signs of a heart attack.”

  Seventy-year-old Henrietta Pettigrew was intent on cleaning a smudge on her wire-rimmed eyeglasses. She smiled at her long-time physician as she gazed up at him from a hospital bed in the ER. “Well, that’s a relief,” she said, plunking the glasses in place, “but I feel like a big ninny for causing such a stir. I told my housekeeper I did not need an ambulance, but the woman insisted.”

  “She made a wise decision getting you here as soon as possible,” he said. “You exhibited some of the classic symptoms of a heart attack. Thankfully, your condition isn’t as serious as we feared. You have angina. It’s quite common in women your age and responds well to medication, but it can be scary. I would like to keep you overnight for observation.”

  “Oh, pooh, Avery, is that really necessary? I’m in charge of a very important fundraising project, and my schedule is a bit crazy right now. I simply don’t have time to lie in a hospital bed.”

  “We need to address your so-called crazy schedule, Henrietta,” he said. “You have got to slow down. Stress is a big contributor to angina.”

  “Are you saying I have to give up my charity work?” she asked. “I certainly hope not, because you know how much it means to me. Plus, I have all this money … why, it’s almost sinful how rich I am.”

  Dr. Cook looked amused as he took her hand and squeezed it. “I know your great wealth must be burdensome, dear lady, and I know you’re passionate about helping others. But that doesn’t mean you have to join every single committee and participate in every single fundraiser in Atlanta.”

  Henrietta blushed. “I have a hard time saying no.”

  “I’ll make it easy for you. Tell people you’re following doctor’s orders.” When Henrietta did not respond, he went on. “Perhaps you could choose one or two causes that are nearest and dearest to your heart and devote a reasonable amount of time to them, reasonable being the key word. You’re not going to be able to help anyone if you ignore your health.”

  Finally, Henrietta nodded. “You’re right, Avery. I suppose it is time I scale back. I promise to give it serious thought.”

  “Good girl,” he said, giving her hand a final squeeze before releasing it. He scribbled several notes on his clipboard. “I’ll send you home in the morning with a couple of prescriptions, but I want to see you in my office in two weeks. I’m hoping that once you clear your schedule you’ll spend more time gardening. You used to enjoy it, and the fresh air will do you good.” He smiled. “By the way, when is that pretty granddaughter of yours going to give you a great-grandbaby to spoil?” he asked. “As a first time grandfather, I highly recommend it.”

  Henrietta rolled her eyes. “Believe me; I would love nothing more than to see Summer happily married with a house full of little ones, but all she thinks about is her career. I worry about her, Avery. I’m not afraid of dying, but once I’m gone she’ll be all alone in this world. Given her past—”

  “You’re not going anywhere,” he interrupted. “A good dose of R&R and a healthy diet will put you on the right path. Once we get your angina under control you’ll feel much better.” He winked at her. “Try to rest now,” he said. “I’ll look in on you later.”

  #

  Summer Pettigrew was about to pitch an advertising campaign before a group of potential clients when her admin buzzed her. “Excuse me, gentlemen,” she said, knowing Joyce would not interrupt a meeting in the main conference room unless it was important. She reached for the phone. “Yes?”

  “Sorry to disturb you, Summer,” Joyce said, “but I just received a call from your grandmother’s housekeeper. Henrietta was rushed by ambulance to the ER at eight-thirty this morning complaining of chest pain.”

  Summer remained perfectly poised as she processed the information. She was surrounded by men in power suits, one of them the owner and CEO of a major tire company, with hundreds of stores nationwide and others in various stages of construction. He was willing to plunk down millions in advertising dollars in exchange for a brilliant campaign that would part the sea and deliver the masses to his stores.

  “Thank you, Joyce,” Summer said and hung up. She and her colleague, Warren Spencer, exchanged glances. That’s all it took. He knew something was up. Summer put on a brave face, and turned to their clients.

  “Gentleman, please accept my sincere apologies,” she said. “I’ve just learned that a family member is ill so I have to rush off, but I will leave you in Warren’s capable hands.” Summer prayed he would be able to pull it off; unfortunately, Warren spent more time chasing skirts, including hers, than he did preparing for presentations. Thankfully, she had carefully prepped him for the meeting.

  Summer reached into her briefcase and pulled out half a dozen custom leather binders that reflected weeks of research which she had simplified by using colorful charts, graphs, and tables. A number of bulleted lists addressed what she saw as Gridlock’s strengths, as well as areas she thought could be improved, beginning with the employees. She had suggested a training and incentive program, and she’d made sketches of cost-effective uniforms that would give them a professional look that was lacking in their street clothes. She had put a lot of thought into customer satisfaction and comfort and how best to generate new business.

  Bottom line: Gridlock Tire needed to give their older stores a fresh look and jack up their standards across the board so that most tire companies could not hope to compete. Every page inside the binders had been professionally printed on slick, high-grade paper meant to impress. She passed them to Warren who had already come to his feet. He was adjusting his tie needlessly, something he often did when he was caught off guard or ill at ease. He masked it well with old-fashioned Southern charm.

  “Is it your grandmother?” he asked softly.

  Summe
r gave a barely perceptible nod, carefully keeping her emotions in check. She did not want to burden their clients with her personal issues and take their focus off the presentation. She politely excused herself and headed for the door.

  Joyce was waiting on the other side. “Figured you would need your purse,” she said, passing it to Summer.

  Summer reached inside for her Android. No calls or text messages.. She kept her voice low. “Why do you suppose I am only just learning that my grandmother was rushed to the hospital; what, an hour and a half ago? She could have had a heart attack for all I know. I should have been contacted immediately.”

  “I don’t blame you for being upset,” Joyce said. “I would feel the same way. Are you okay to drive? I don’t mind taking you to the hospital.”

  “I’m fine, but thanks for offering. I would appreciate it if you’d clear my calendar for the day. I have no idea how long I’ll be out.”

  #

  Summer arrived at the hospital twenty minutes later, parked her sporty Mazda, and jogged to the main entrance in four-inch heels. Inside, an elderly bluish-haired lady wearing a tag with the word “Volunteer” gave her Henrietta’s room number.

  Summer tried to shake off her anxiety as she took the elevator to the third floor. She wished she could untie the huge knot in her stomach. The fact that her grandmother was not in the cardiac care unit had to be a good sign. She found the room easily enough and fixed a smile on her face before entering.

  Henrietta looked surprised to see her. “Mrs. Bradshaw called you, didn’t she? I specifically told her to hold off because you were giving a big presentation this morning.”

  Summer crossed the room and planted a kiss on the woman’s cheek. She vaguely recalled mentioning the Gridlock Tire account to her grandmother over lunch two weeks earlier. Henrietta had obviously made note of it. “And you thought my presentation was more important to me than your well-being?” she asked. She tried to look stern.

  “Now, don’t fuss at me,” Henrietta said. “I was going to call you in a bit.”

  “How are you feeling?” Summer asked. “You look tired.”

  “I could use a good nap after being in that crazy emergency room, but it’s difficult to rest with people coming in and out. By the way, how do you like my new designer gown?” Henrietta asked, giving a brief nod to the shapeless hospital garb she wore.

  “It screams Diane Von Furstenberg,” an amused Summer said. “It must be from her new shabby-chic collection. Do you get to take it home once you’re discharged?”

  “One can only hope.” Henrietta pointed to a chair. “Pull it closer to the bed and sit with me.”

  Summer dragged the chair several feet and parked it next to the hospital bed. “So, are you going to tell me what happened?” she asked, taking a seat and placing her purse on the floor beside her.

  Henrietta gave a small huff. “I woke this morning feeling unusually tired. I thought I was coming down with something. Then my heart started racing. It was a bit uncomfortable, but I figured it would pass. I should not have mentioned it to Mrs. Bradshaw. She panicked and called an ambulance.”

  “I would have done the exact same thing,” Summer said, even though she was no fan of her grandmother’s housekeeper.

  “Avery was already here when I arrived, bless his heart. He and I are on a first name basis,” Henrietta added, “although I always refer to him as Dr. Cook when there are other medical personnel in the room. And guess what? He just became a grandfather for the first time, and he is thrilled.”

  “That’s nice,” Summer said. “I assume he ran an EKG.”

  “Oh, yes, that’s the first thing he did.” Henrietta paused and shook her head sadly. “Goodness me, I am so embarrassed.”

  “Why?”

  “I forgot to ask Avery if the new baby was a boy or girl. I can’t believe I was so thoughtless. I hope he didn't think I was rude.”

  Summer was accustomed to her grandmother going off in different directions during their conversations. “I doubt he gave it a second thought,” she said. “Considering the circumstances,” she added.

  “Yes, but now I’m in a real pickle. How can I possibly choose a baby gift if I don’t know the sex of the child?”

  “His nurse would tell you.”

  “You’re absolutely right!” Henrietta said. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

  Summer patted her hand. “Now that we’ve solved that problem you have no reason to fret. Did Dr. Cook discuss the results of your EKG?”

  Henrietta nodded. “I have angina. It’s not fatal so you can stop worrying. Unfortunately, I have to make lifestyle changes. He wants me to slow down, and that includes being less involved with charity work.”

  Summer frowned. She knew how much her grandmother enjoyed donating her time and money to various causes. “What did he mean by less involved?”

  “He suggested that I concentrate on a couple of my favorite charities instead of taking on so many because I’m likely to become stressed and overly fatigued. Stress is a major contributor to angina.”

  Summer nodded thoughtfully. “I can see his point.”

  “Besides, I am tired of all the politicking and fanny-kissing I have to do to raise money.”

  “Fanny-kissing?” Summer chuckled.

  “That’s what it feels like,” Henrietta said. “It’s high time I stepped aside and let others take the reins for a change.”

  Summer was glad that her grandmother was so agreeable. “Do you think having less on your plate will lower your stress?” she asked.

  Henrietta paused. “Maybe.” But she looked doubtful.

  “You don’t sound convinced. What am I missing here? Are you stressed over something else?”

  Henrietta hesitated. “Well, actually, yes.”

  “What is it?”

  “I’m worried about you, dear.”

  “Me?” Summer was surprised. “Why on earth are you worried about me?”

  “I’m not getting any younger, and now that I have this, um, condition, who knows what’s in store?” Henrietta paused and took a deep breath. “If something happens to me, you’ll be all alone in the world.”

  “Please don’t talk like that, Grandmother, and please stop worrying that I’ll be alone. I have plenty of friends.”

  “That’s not the same as having a family,” Henrietta said, her voice trembling. “A husband and children,” she added. “Oh, I know how independent you young women are today, but loving someone and being loved does not mean you have to change who you are. True love is all about giving, not taking. Your grandfather taught me that, God rest his soul.” She removed her eyeglasses.

  Summer noticed the tears glistening in her grandmother’s eyes, and it broke her heart. It was not the first time Henrietta had expressed concern over her single status, but she had never voiced it so passionately or shared her fears. Summer knew why her grandmother was overprotective where she was concerned. The woman still harbored some of the pain and bitter disappointment she’d felt toward her daughter and son-in-law for abandoning Summer when she was less than three weeks old. They’d dumped her in Henrietta’s lap and taken off. Summer often got the impression her grandmother was trying to make up for it.

  Summer had come to terms with it long ago. Instead of having what some might call abandonment issues, she figured her parents had done her a favor. She had been raised with all the advantages of wealth, and most importantly, her grandmother’s unconditional love. Which is why Summer could not bear to see the woman so distraught. What if she had another attack? What if … ?

  “Grandmother, I have been seeing someone!” Summer blurted, then almost slapped her hand over her mouth once the words were out. She could not believe what a colossal lie she had just told.

  Henrietta looked surprised as she wiped away the last of her tears and put her glasses back in place. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Summer opened her mouth, tried to come up with an excuse, couldn’t think of one, closed her m
outh, then opened it again. Her grandmother tilted her head, obviously waiting for an answer, but Summer had never lied to her grandmother, not even once. Finally, “I-I thought it premature to say anything until … well … until I felt we were on the same page, so to speak, with regard to our feelings.”

  Henrietta was clearly delighted. “Why, that’s wonderful news!”

  Summer forced a smile, but she did not want to get her grandmother’s hopes up so she decided to play it down. “He and I are taking it slow,” she said. “No sense rushing into anything.”

  “I must meet this young man!” Henrietta said.

  “And you shall,” Summer replied. “Once we get you on the road to recovery,” she added. “Getting you healthy again is our top priority.”

  “Friday evening would be perfect,” Henrietta said, as though she hadn’t heard a word.

  “Friday evening?” Summer asked. “Oh, you mean next Friday.” That gave her nine days to figure out what she was going to do.

  “I meant Friday of this week, dear.”

  Summer gaped. “No, no, that’s far too soon, Grandmother! For all we know, you could still be in the hospital.”

  Henrietta waved off the remark. “The doctor is releasing me in the morning. A couple of nights in my own bed and I’ll be in tiptop shape.”

  “But you know how stressful and exhausting entertaining can be. Dr. Cook would never forgive me if he knew I was adding to your stress.”

  “Silly girl,” Henrietta said. “You know how much I adore entertaining. Besides, it’s not like I personally prepare the meal. I pay someone else to do all the work.” She winked. “Sometimes being rich is a good thing.”

  “Yes, but I don’t think—”

  Henrietta yawned. “Oh, pardon me!” she said. “I fear all the commotion I’ve been through this morning has left me all tuckered out. Would you be offended if I told you I needed to rest now?”