Under Pressure

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “I hear you loud and clear, but why do your eyes say something completely different?”

  Oxygen depleted and she couldn’t breathe. “I have no clue what you mean.”

  “The hell you don’t! The mixed signals. Hot one second, cold the next.”

  “I’m sorry.” Her brain wouldn’t function.

  “You’re sorry? That’s it? That’s all you can come up with?” His eyes turned darker.

  “This wasn’t a romantic relationship. We understood the rules from the very beginning.”

  “Mentioning the rules again.” He blew out a long breath. “I’ve never seen one woman who patterned her life in living by these make believe rules.”

  “I don’t owe you an explanation.” She couldn’t tell him that she thought of him every second of every day. Even sleep offered no respite because her dreams were full of images of him touching her, exploring her body. He made her ooze with need—made her want to soar the sky, play hopscotch on fluffy clouds. Their lovemaking had embedded her with satisfaction, yet only to suffer with a need so overwhelming that she could barely breathe.

  No, she couldn’t tell him any of these things.

  “No, I guess you don’t. But using the excuse as the ‘boss’s daughter’ is just that. An excuse to hide behind. It’s time you just admit the truth. You’re afraid to feel. Whatever has happened to you, hurt you, has a lock on your emotions and only you can find the key.” He shook his head. “Good day, ma’am.” He tilted his hat and stomped toward the barn.

  It’d been a long time since someone other than family had called her out. She guessed she deserved his cold words.

  Why didn’t she feel better? He’d walked away…and wasn’t that what she’d wanted? An easy end to whatever they had between them.

  She blinked back moisture in her eyes.

  What had she done?

  Chapter Eleven

  “YOU LOOK FABULOUS!” Pearl said.

  Jewels looked through the full-length mirror and sighed. “I shouldn’t go.”

  “Yes, you should. And you have to. It’s your responsibility as a committee member.” Pearl patted her shoulder in encouragement.

  Jewels smoothed her hands down the tight fit of the soft lace dress then blew out a breath through the corner of her mouth. “But the call from Dad has me tense. He is supposed to drive from the airport straight to the auction.”

  “Sweetie, big deal about a call from Dad, especially considering you have feelings for Spark. That’s a lot different than screwing around.” Pearl smoothed on lipstick and stopped. “What?”

  “Now you’re sounding like Spark.” Jewels rolled her eyes. “You’re wrong about how I feel.”

  “I sound like Spark because we’re thinking outside of the box.” Pearl made a square shape with her hands around Jewels then winked.

  “Oh. And that means I’m thinking within the box? Maybe I’m the only one thinking clearly.” Seeing her sister’s unconvinced expression, Jewels swiveled on heel and shot her palms to her hips. “So what? Should I just bid on him?”

  “Uhh…yes. Isn’t that a no brainer?”

  “Not going to happen.” Sweeping past her sister, she grabbed two purses from the hook on the back of her closet door. “What do you think? The black or gold?” She held up both.

  “Black. And tell me why not?”

  “It’s not like Spark and I have a future anyway.” She averted her eyes. She didn’t need to see Pearl’s face to know she’d see accusation.

  “Yeah, because who’d want a cowboy that looks that good and is a gentleman to boot.”

  Jewels chuckled. “He is a gentleman. He’ll make a woman a very good partner.” Jewels turned her huge purse upside down, dumping everything on her bed. She scanned the contents, looking for a few things she wanted to put in the smaller handbag.

  “Sure, I reckon you two don’t have passion, huh?”

  “Are you trying to push my buttons?” Jewels said.

  “I’m trying to make you see how silly you’re being.”

  Jewels sighed. “I’m not being silly. By the way, you didn’t tell Dad about Spark and me, did you?”

  Pearl squinted. “Of course not. You know I’d never do that.”

  Seeing her sister’s frown develop, Jewels’ stomach flipped. “What is it, Pearl?”

  Dropping to the bed, she paled. “The night you snuck out to meet Spark, Em was looking for you. I didn’t mean to tell her.”

  “Tell her what?” Jewels couldn’t breathe.

  “I accidently told her that you went down to the stables. And since it was raining, she knew you weren’t riding. She put two and two together, and because I can’t lie apparently, she knew you were with Spark.”

  “But how would she link me with Spark?”

  “Because she’s your sister, Jewels. She knows you just as well as I do, and if you hadn’t noticed, lately you’ve been walking around with a big smile and you haven’t yelled at her once. Pretty obvious you’ve been fu—”

  “Pearl!” A sickening wave of emotion washed over Jewels. Throwing her purse on the bed, she stomped from the room, down the hall and threw open Em’s door. Her sister was sliding into black heels.

  She looked up and smiled. “Are we ready to go?”

  “How could you Em?” Jewels forced the words through tight lips.

  Em’s smile faded. “How could I what?”

  Taking a step into the room, Jewels sucked in a furious breath. “Tell Dad about Spark.”

  Em’s grin returned. “What are you talking about? I think it’s about time you—”

  “Don’t offer me that sweet smile and expect me to forgive you!”

  “I do not want your forgiveness. I haven’t done anything. Why should I care if you are banging the cowboy?” Em turned, her hands placed on hips.

  “Ladies, this is not the time to discuss this matter. We’ve got to go,” Pearl said from the doorway.

  Jewels didn’t even look at Pearl but kept her gaze on Em. “And when would be the best time to explain to our sister that we’re tired of cleaning up her messes, Pearl?”

  Em’s mouth dropped. “My messes? You can’t be serious!”

  “Oh, I’m as serious as a bumblebee on a horse’s ass! You continue to walk on everyone, especially me, when I’ve done nothing but watch out for you since the day you were born. I’ve given up a huge part of my life for you, little sister!”

  “Come on, Jewels, admit what this is really about. You have been a bitch since that asshole Kiefer slept around on you, and I’m the target of your animosity.”

  Pearl’s gasp snapped the air.

  Jewels gritted her teeth. “Well, for your information, Em, I missed all of the signs that my man was cheating. And you want to know why? Because I was wrapped up in your problems so far to give an owl’s hoot what was happening in my own neck of the woods.”

  “And who asked you? I never wanted you to hover over me as if I was a child. I’m a grown woman, but when will you see that? Why can’t you just leave me alone?” Em swiped a tear from her cheek.

  Jewels heart ached. “You’re right, sis. It’s time I let go of the reins and do what’s best for me, for once.” She turned on heel and marched from the room.

  “Are you going to the Gala?” Pearl called after her.

  Jewels didn’t bother answering.

  As coldly as Em had put it, her little sister was right. It was time Jewels moved ahead.

  And she knew where to start.

  An hour later, at the Gala, she stood by the red curtain on the stage, watching another bachelor walk out. It wasn’t the one she waited on.

  Jewels tapped the voting paddle against her palm as another ounce of patience faded from her body. From the moment she’d walked into the event, she was determined to do what she should have accepted a long time ago. She would vote for Spark and let the chips fall.

  She understood she’d have some competition tonight.

  Sally Hale was sitting on her p
addle, a sure sign she was waiting to spend all of her money on one particular cowboy. Jewels had no doubt Sally wanted a date with Spark.

  Jewels moved her gaze to Meredith Lou Wright. In her fifties, plastic surgery had made her look forty. The ex-wife of a rich oil tycoon, she had enough money to buy every available bachelor in the building—and the building too. If she wanted Spark, Jewels didn’t have the financial backing to contend.

  At least she’d show Spark that she wasn’t ashamed of their relationship—or whatever they had.

  “Jewels?”

  The familiar voice made her muscles stiffen, bile rose in her throat. Slowly turning, she brought her eyes on the one man she’d hoped to never see again. “What are you doing here?”

  Kiefer took a step forward, but kept his distance. She guessed he could see the possibility of her scratching his eyes out or beating him with the paddle. But he wasn’t worth the effort. “I’m helping out a good cause. I was hoping you and I could sit together, share a dance or two later.”

  All oxygen swooshed from her lungs. He couldn’t be serious! “Oh, poor thing, you’re suffering memory loss. Let me remind you, I’m an adult woman, one you can’t handle.”

  At least he had the decency to lower his eyes in shame for a mere second. “That was a long time ago, Jewels. Can we speak in private?”

  Jewels had a strong urge to flip him off, but what good would it do? “We have nothing to say.”

  “Then I’ll tell you what I have to say right here.”

  Looking around, she found there were people everywhere. Bystanders were the last thing she needed if she ended up telling Kiefer exactly what she thought of him. That would certainly spin the rumor mill off its axis. Reluctantly, she nodded. “Follow me.” She led him down a narrow hall to a private office that only committee members used. Once inside with the door closed, she turned on him, fuming. “I don’t know what stunt you’re trying to pull, but I’m busy. You have one minute to say what you need to.”

  He twisted his hands. “I owe you an apology for what I’ve done. It was an impulsive move on my part.”

  “So now you’re saying sleeping with your young assistant was impulsive?” She shook her head, tightening her hold on the doorknob until her fingers ached. “By the way, where is your assistant this evening? Did she have a frat party to attend? Or hanging with the BFFs at a slumber party?”

  He sighed. “Alaina is married now. And I made a mistake.”

  Jewels chuckled but the sound fizzled on her lips, making it sound more like a screech. “Save it, Kiefer. The opportunity for an explanation has long passed. I’m done with this conversation.”

  “You’re looking great, Jewels—we’ve always fit together perfectly. You made me want to become a better man. I could see my political career only going forward with you on my arm. I want your forgiveness. Think we can talk after this thing?”

  Wrinkles around his eyes and mouth had deepened. He’d lost his charm—at least to her. Jewels guessed living in the fast lane for too long could age a person. Kiefer had always wanted more, commanded the social light. Of course, a man who wanted a political profession would have a hard time explaining his fascination with young women fresh out of college.

  And it no longer mattered to Jewels.

  “I once thought I needed to see you for closure, but there’s nothing that either of us have left to say. There’s no excuse for cheating, but I know that you and I were over. Neither of us wanted to admit it. I knew it, but I wish we could have just said the words before I walked in and saw the truth right before my very eyes.” She opened the door. “Now, I’ve got to go.”

  “Alaina isn’t the impulsive action I was meaning.”

  His words sent a chill through her blood. She closed the door and turned, seeing his pale expression told her she wouldn’t like what he would tell her. “Then what?”

  “Over the last year I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and I’ve changed. I’ve become an improved man and once I had put my priorities straight, I saw that I had let the best thing that’s happened to me get away. That’s you, Jewels. I came to the Rhinestone hoping to speak to you. I showed up late, uninvited, but I needed to get my feelings off my chest. While I sat in my car in the driveway, planning what I’d say so I wouldn’t screw things up, I saw you leave the house. I’d only meant to catch up to you and talk. I saw you enter the hand lodging.”

  Jewels’ took a step closer to him. “You were there the night of the storm?”

  He nodded. “Yes. It didn’t take much investigating to find out who the new hand was at the Rhinestone. I needed to know my competition if I had a chance of getting you back.”

  Wrapping her arms tight around her waist, she trembled as truth came together like a puzzle. “And you thought if you called my father and told him about Spark, your competition would be eliminated and you’d get me back?”

  He pushed his fingers through his neatly styled hair. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done. I’m sorry.”

  Revulsion rolled down her spine. “Why are you telling me now? I would have never guessed. And we both know you’re not worried about a squeaky clean conscious.”

  His sigh echoed off the walls. “I didn’t want Em to get the blame for what I’d done.”

  His words pounded through Jewels, making her dizzy. “Ho-how did you know I blamed Em?” She needed to hear everything, even if it killed her.

  “She called me.”

  “Have you two been talking?”

  “Don’t blame her, Jewels. I call her on occasion and ask about you. At first she wouldn’t take my calls, but once I explained how much of an ass I was to you, and I wanted you back, she then understood.”

  Moisture filled Jewels’ eyes as betrayal landed hard in her heart. “Kiefer, let’s get something clear. The odds of you and I getting back together are as favorable as you being elected for a political office. Not ever going to happen.” Dropping her arms to her sides, she straightened her spine and looked him in the eye. “And if you dare call, meet, or say a word to my sister again, I’ll personally see that you’re mopping the floors at that big corporate building where you reign as CEO. I know some of the shareholders, and I wonder how a rumor regarding your tastes for college assistants would influence your clean reputation?”

  He turned white. Sweeping past her, he threw open the door and stomped out.

  Pulling in her hurt emotions and anger, Jewels took a deep calming breath and left the room.

  She made it back to the party and Pearl rushed to her side. “Where were you?”

  “Taking out the trash,” Jewels said.

  Pearl squinted. “You missed Spark.”

  “What are you talking about?” Jewels skimmed the room full of people.

  “He was auctioned, and then he took off.”

  Jewels raced toward the exit, down the hall, not caring that people were watching her. Once she pushed through the double doors and into the parking lot, she scanned the mass of cars. Hope fizzled. She started to turn back, but movement caught her attention. In the distance, she could see a cowboy hat.

  “Spark?” she yelled.

  Slipping off her heels, she ran barefoot across the cement.

  “Spark?”

  This time he stopped and turned. Once she reached him, she was gulping air.

  “Jewels, what are you doing?”

  She paced her breathing then dropped her gaze over his black tux. This put a whole new spin on sexy cowboy. “You look good.”

  “So do you.” He pushed back his hat. “But why have you chased me down? And you’re missing your shoes.”

  “Pearl told me you left. I wanted to catch you.” Drops of rain splattered on her face and she swiped the wetness away.

  “Jewels, go back inside. You’re going to get soaked.”

  “I have something I have to say.”

  He strolled closer. “There’s nothing to say.”

  “Trust me, I have a lot I want to tell you.”

&nb
sp; “Look, you and I had a coupla good times, but we both knew from the start it would only last temporarily. Let’s leave it at that.” He turned and started for his truck.

  “Don’t walk away from me!” Jewels rushed to him.

  “Go back to the party. The rain is coming down harder.” He unlocked the driver’s door.

  “I won’t melt.” Her bottom lip trembled as a chill raced through her.

  “Damn, Jewels, let’s not draw this out unnecessarily.”

  “I planned to bid for you, Spark.”

  He brought his chin up. Half of his face was shadowed. “Yeah, but you didn’t.”

  “I was held up.”

  “Held up?” He laughed, and shudders slid down Jewels’ spine. He crossed the short distance between them. “It was an auction, Jewels. No big deal, right? But unfortunately, it meant something to me. I won’t mince the truth. I’d hoped you would step up for the first time and show all of these people how you feel…about me. I was a fool because I believed you had feelings, but tonight proves that I’m not the man you need. And quite frankly, you’re not the woman I need.” He went back to his truck and opened the door.

  “I know I’ve been cold and distant because I was hurt. But when you came along, you stripped all of my barriers and made me see who I really am—what I really want. I’m sorry that I let you down tonight. I can’t change that, unfortunately. I believe you are the man for me, and I have to believe I’m the woman for you. I’m asking for another opportunity to prove where my heart is. So if you have a sliver of feeling left for me, then come to Rhinestone tonight at midnight.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Please. Don’t say another word. Just be there if you see a future for us.”

  ~°°°~

  Spark sat in his truck in the parking lot, staring at the door where Jewels disappeared back into the building.

  His pride had taken a hit when Jewels hadn’t bid for him. He had no clue who actually did win a date with him, and he didn’t much care. All he knew, it wasn’t the woman he wanted.