When Reed got to Golden’s house he raised his eyebrows in surprise. Based on her humble demeanor he’d expected her to live in a modest home but the house by which he’d parked was far from modest.
An old English country manor, it was set in the middle of wide open green fields, the rolling hills behind it forming the perfect backdrop for a picture of perfect peace. The incongruity of Golden’s home made her all the more intriguing. Why would she live in apparent comfort and yet seem so modest and frugal? Her behavior was unusual, especially in one so young.
But when he knocked at the door and Golden came out to greet him, all questions and musings were wiped from Reed’s mind. All he could see was Golden in her glory.
Hair the color of early sunset curling around her heart-shaped face, falling in soft waves over her shoulders and down her back, her sleek body sheathed in a burnt-gold gown that looked like it had been designed only for her, her tiny feet encased in high-heeled gold slippers that sparkled in the evening light...she was gorgeous and Reed was having a hard time tearing his eyes away.
Finally, he cleared his throat then he spoke. “You look lovely. I’ll be your very proudest escort tonight.”
That brought an alluring blush to her cheek. “Thank you, Reed. I...I’ll be out in just a minute. Can you wait for me in the car?”
With a slight bow Reed indicated his assent and turned to go as she gently closed the door. A strange sort of request, he had to admit. He’d expected her to invite him in. Still, that was her choice and he would not make a big deal of it.
True to her word, Golden was out within the minute she’d requested and after he’d helped her into the car they were off and on their way to Knightsbridge. “I hope you like French cuisine.” Reed glanced over at Golden and gave her a smile that he hoped would put her at ease. She seemed so nervous, her fingers tightly clutching the purse on her lap, her eyes glued to the road up ahead. “I made reservations at Bar Boulud. Do you know it?”
“I...I’ve never been there but I’ve heard of it.” She tore her eyes away from the road and gave him an apologetic smile. “I don’t get out much.”
“All the better for me. That means wherever I take you, you’re bound to be impressed.” He chuckled. “Nothing to compare it with.”
He was glad when she gave him a tiny smile. “I’d be impressed with Gourmet Burger Kitchen,” she said. “I hardly even get a chance to go there. I’m a bit boring. It’s usually just work and then back home for me. I really don’t go anywhere else.”
“That’s going to change. It is my mission to get you out of the house as often as possible.”
Her reaction to his declaration was silence and then she looked away, making Reed realize he’d probably frightened the poor girl. He would have to remember to tone things down. For a girl who was obviously as sheltered as she was, the last thing she needed was someone trying to change her low-key lifestyle.
“This is one of my favorite restaurants,” he said, his voice more subdued this time. “I think you’ll like it.”
Golden looked back at him and then she nodded. “I’m sure I will.”
Not surprisingly, forty-five minutes later when they entered the restaurant Golden’s eyes widened as she saw the room full of patrons then she hung back, seeming overwhelmed by the sound of chatting and laughter and the serving crew moving swiftly about, taking orders and serving meals. Gently, Reed took her elbow and steered her down the aisle as they followed the hostess.
“I’ve arranged for a private lounge,” he bent his head to whisper to her and knew he’d made the right decision when she rewarded him with a grateful smile.
It was when they were ordering appetizers that Reed learned that Golden was fluent in French. She read the menu items with a perfect French accent and when the server came to take their order she conducted her conversation in that melodic language.
“I’m impressed,” Reed said after the server had departed. “How did you learn to speak French so well?”
“I love languages. I also speak Spanish and Italian. I got top marks in my A levels.” Seeming surprised that she’d said so much she dropped her eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to brag.”
Reed laughed. “Brag away. I can see you’ll be a real asset to me when I’m ready to set up the rest of my European operations.” There was so much he wanted to know about her but he would go slowly, allowing her to grow more comfortable with him before he plied her with questions.
They dined on marinated olives followed by sole limande and coq au vin with rice pilaf and Jerusalem artichoke.
“Mmm, delicious,” Golden said, looking around the elegantly decorated room. “I’ve never dined in a place as fancy as this before.”
Reed cocked his head, his curiosity getting the better of him. “And yet you seem the kind of person who should patronize places like this one. Who are you, Golden Browne?”
She raised her eyebrows, obviously surprised by his question. “What do you mean?”
Leaning forward, he looked directly into her wide amber eyes. “You confuse me,” he said honestly. “I saw you as a poor, struggling girl trying to make ends meet but then your home tells me a different story, the story of a family that’s well-off. So which is the real Golden Browne?”
She paused as if thinking about her answer then she spoke. “Both, I guess. And neither.”
Reed’s brows crinkled at her answer. She’d just succeeded in confusing him even more. “Meaning?”
“Meaning, my family is fairly wealthy, as you guessed.” She drew in her breath then expelled it softly. “But I’m not.”
As far as he was concerned that wasn’t an answer that made any sense. “And how is that?”
She shook her head. “It’s a long story. I’m not sure I want to bore you with it.”
“Bore me.” He sat back in his chair, folding his arms comfortably across his chest, making it clear he was prepared to wait.
When she saw there was no escaping it, Golden sighed. “All right, I’ll tell you but it’s a deathly dull story. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”