by Eugene, Lisa
“Anything I can do?”
“Yes.” I swiped at another tear and conjured a smiled, determined to focus on more pressing matters. “Let’s get those hats to the shelter.”
The real-estate broker had only fifteen minutes to show the apartment and I was instructed to be at the building by three o’clock. I met Michelle in the lobby a few minutes early and we looked around the neat, sparsely furnished space.
“Is this a walk-up?”
“Yup.” I nodded, strolling into the small mail room of the pre-war building. We’d been lucky to be let into the building just as someone was leaving.
Michelle pouted. “Kay, the apartment is on the fifth floor. It seems like a nice building. Clean, sturdy lock on the door, but it’s very different from the penthouse.”
I shrugged. “I want different.”
She planted a hand on her hip. “Aren’t you a little too old to rebel?”
“I’m not rebelling.” I squelched the urge to stomp my foot and pout. “I want my own place.”
“And it has to be the exact opposite of what your parents would pick.”
“This has nothing to do with them!”
“Right. Like your decision to go to the party on Friday has nothing to do with all the pressure you’ve been under.”
I sighed. I’d decided to go with Josh to Mr. Kotobuki’s party. The last thing I wanted to do was jeopardize his chance of getting the account. I knew he was having a hard time at work, and if I could help him get this account and gain favor with his boss, I’d do it.
“I’m doing it as a favor to him. It doesn’t mean I’m going through with the wedding. I still need time to sort that out.”
I watched Michelle’s face, waiting for signs of censure, waiting for my friend to tell me I was a fool for even considering going back to Josh. I braced myself. I was already getting pushed from all directions and didn’t need the added burden of Michelle’s criticisms. I would make my own decision in due time. There were many variables to consider, and this wasn’t just about me. Michelle nodded, but said nothing. For that I was grateful.
“Did Eddie give you more information about Ms. Carmen?” I changed the subject.
Michelle shook her head. “No. He really didn’t know much more than what was in the paper. The police didn’t release any more details. It turns out that all that commotion in the hall was when the body was discovered.”
“I still can’t believe that happened.”
Michelle’s long silence seized my interest. I frowned. “What are you not telling me?”
She hesitated a beat then regarded me sympathetically. “The police are questioning everyone who was there that night.”
My stomach plummeted. “Oh God! I want to help any way I can, but it’ll get out I was there.”
Michelle shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. Eddie registered you under a different name, remember?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t guarantee my anonymity.”
I studied my feet, wanting to scream. My one stupid act of spontaneity! I’d needed to be with someone—to just feel a connection with another human being. I’d been feeling so lost… My fight with Josh had exploded that feeling and it had mushroomed inside me. Now I wondered what the consequences would be for my irrational behavior. There could be serious ramifications if word got out I’d been at a sex club. A scandal like that could seriously hurt the credibility and reputation of the Vandercamp Foundation. I depended on my pristine reputation to get donations and to network with people who had the power to make things happen. Other consequences came into focus.
“Oh, God! Josh…he may find out,” I gasped.
“It was over, Kay. Don’t tell me you feel guilty? You two are broken up.”
I leaned against the wall, my gaze skipping around the small room, anywhere but on Michelle.
“He will freak! What if I was wrong? What if he wasn’t cheating…and I…I…” I let my words trail off, afraid to finish the thoughts that had been plaguing me since Josh’s visit to my office. Dread coagulated in my chest, mixing with my mounting guilt. The fact that the pleasurable dreams were still occurring wasn’t helping the remorse gnawing at me.
“Look, you don’t owe him anything.”
“We’ve been together for three years. I can’t easily discount that.” I raised a palm to my forehead, suddenly feeling ill. “And what if my parents find out? God knows what they’ll do!”
Michelle twisted her lips wryly. “Swoon onto their fainting couches?”
“I’m serious! There could be terrible consequences.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping my friend didn’t say, ‘I told you so.’
“I’m sorry. You know how much your parents irk me. Try not to worry about it. Kay, you have your own money. You don’t need them.”
I sighed heavily. “But I don’t want to lose the Foundation. You know it’s my life. If I’m scandalized, I’ll lose everything. I could never raise that kind of money on my own. The foundation has a reputation.”
I watched Michelle worry her lip as she nodded. She knew how passionate I was about my work. “Chances are the police wont figure out it’s you, and if they do, it’s just questions. I—”
“There you are!” A figure appeared in the doorway, cutting off whatever else Michelle was about to say. I donned a smile for the broker who stepped into the room and introduced herself.
“You ready to see the apartment?”
“Yes,” I said, squaring my shoulders. I shot Michelle a despondent gaze and motioned for her to follow as we were led back into the lobby.
Despite Josh’s protests, I decided to ride to Mr. Kotobuki’s party with Michelle and Eddie. I’d worn a simple black cocktail dress with heels and pinned my hair up, letting wispy tendrils fall around my face. As promised, Josh had given me a few days reprieve. The flower deliveries to the office had stopped along with the incessant phone calls and texts. Even my parents had left me alone. I started working on a new fundraising project for children with autism, and was able to become fully absorbed in what I loved doing the most. The fundraiser kept me so busy that memories of that night had difficulty intruding. I was more and more determined to put it out of my mind completely. I was convinced that the feeling of pure contentment had been a product of my confused brain. It only existed in fairy tales.
Mr. Kotobutki was renting a house just outside the city, and as the car pulled up, I could hear music coming from the brightly lit house.
“Sounds like a lively party,” I commented as we exited the car.
“It’s supposed to be a traditional Japanese party. Mr. Kotobuki is very old school, from what I hear,” Michelle responded.
“Maybe there’ll be a couple Geisha here to provide entertainment.” Eddie grinned wickedly as he came around the car. He was dressed in a dark suit, his brown hair parted neatly on the side.
“It’s not that kind of party.” Michelle rolled her eyes as she elbowed Eddie.
“Anyone here I know?”
“No, don’t think so,” she answered him. “Mostly business associates, I think.”
“So, what you’re saying is I’ll be hanging out with a bunch of old farts tonight.” Eddie looked pained. He stepped aside to allow them to precede him up the walkway.
Michelle rolled her eyes up to the dark sky. “Must you always be entertained?”
I turned as Michelle screeched in surprise. I smiled, watching Eddie kiss Michelle soundly on the lips. “With you, my love, life is always entertaining.”
Michelle rolled her eyes again, but I knew my friend was madly in love with Eddie. I had to admit to an accessional bout of jealously at their easy, drama free relationship.
An attendant greeted us at the door and I was surprised when we were showed into a large side room, instructed to hang our coats on a long metal rack, and take off our shoes. I could see the crowd mingling through the open door, but there was no sign of Josh. I hadn’t been looking forward to tonight. I’d come only
because I wanted to help Josh. Even though the party looked in full swing, I hoped the night would proceed quickly. I took off my shoes and settled them at the end of a neat row, then went to hang up my jacket.
The arm of a dark blue coat was sticking out of the crowded garment rack, but something about it caused me to pause. My eyes instantly narrowed and my brows squeezed together. Before I could formulate a thought, my heart started pounding hard, as if already knowing the evolution of thoughts in my brain. It was the sight of the pink smudge on the cuff that fueled the motor in my chest. With hesitant steps I drew closer, feeling the heavy throb of my erratic pulse. The sight of a round button set in a royal crest stopped my heart entirely. There was no mistaking this coat, and my head whipped around, my eyes growing wide with shock and fear.
Oh my God, he was here! And that scent I’d convinced myself I’d imagined at Michelle’s office…had been real. How? How was it possible? He worked for Sensations. He’d been doing his job. How could he be associated with Davenport Advertising? And would he recognize me? Confusion weaved a tangled web with my thoughts, causing my breath to come fast and shallow.
Michelle, oblivious to my inner turmoil, motioned me to the other room and my feet obeyed like lead weights. Overhead lights illuminated the room and lively guests socialized in chattering groups, drinking and laughing. A beautiful woman in a Kimono and Japanese headdress approached us, introduced herself as Mr. Kotobuki’s assistant, and drew us further into the room. There was a bar and a row of Hibachi grills set up on one side of the large space with chefs cooking and tossing food into the air in an impressive display. Josh spotted me immediately and wove his way through the crowd toward me.
“You look amazing. Thanks for coming,” he whispered, leaning close to my ear.
I tried to smile, but all I could hear was the rushing of blood in my ears. My gaze flitted around the room, seeking some clue, some form of recognition. Anything.
“Are you okay?” Josh inquired. I nodded, but he scanned my face, frowning. “You’re pale. Let me get you a drink.”
He bent down to kiss my lips and I turned my head, so his lips instead connected with my cheek. I didn’t want him to think that my presence here meant I was taking him back. I was still conflicted about our relationship, still trying to piece together what I’d seen in his apartment.
I scanned the room again, trying to keep my hands from shaking. Where was he? Who was he? Was he staring at me now? Did he know who I was? That room had been pitch black. There was no way he would be able to recognize me.
“Relax, beautiful…” The voice came from behind me and I swiveled so quickly I almost fell over.
Bruce was staring down at me, a tilted grin on his lips. He reached a hand out to steady my elbow.
I stared up at the tall muscular figure, my eyes taking inventory and my heart slamming hard against my bosom.
“Wh—what did you say?” I couldn’t shake the quiver from my voice.
“I said relax. You look like you are about to pass out. Are you okay?”
I peered into his intensely blue eyes. Oh, God, was it him? Had I had sex with this man? I didn’t recognize the voice, but almost every word that night had been whispered. He was staring at me, his eyes slowly absorbing my face in a way that made me uncomfortable. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, but my hands kept shaking and my stomach was doing somersaults. The pungent scents coming from the Hibachi grills were filling my lungs, making me nauseous. I had to get out of there.
Just then Josh emerged from the crowd carrying two martinis. A dark scowl moved over his face as he approached.
“Step the fuck off, Bruce. She’s mine.”
The taller man dropped his hand from my elbow, but his lips turned up in an irreverent grin.
“I don’t see a sign on her.”
His words seems to irritate Josh further and Josh’s lips thinned with a surge of anger. I recognized the storm coming and took a step back.
“I said step off, douchebag!” Josh pulled back his shoulders, arching to his full height.
“Josh…he was just making sure I was okay. It’s no big deal.” I grabbed his arm and nudged him aside, but he continued to track Bruce with a menacing gaze.
“You’re a fucking prick! Wanna step outside, douchebag?” Josh yelled again, causing a few nearby guests to stop conversing and stare.
I swallowed hard, not believing this was happening. “Josh—Mr. Kotobuki,” I reminded in a harsh whisper.
At that, his temper simmered mildly. He glanced quickly around the room then brought his gaze back to my face.
“Josh. I have to go. This was a bad idea. I’m sorry.” I felt like I wanted to throw up.
“No. Please, you can’t leave.”
“I can’t—”
“Is everything okay over here?” I turned to see Mr. Davenport standing behind us. His broad frame was stiff and his face was a steel mask of anger. Josh’s boss had obviously seen the exchange with Bruce. I heard Josh curse under his breath and I lowered my gaze, embarrassment coloring my cheeks.
“That fucking asshole was coming on to my fiancé,” Josh growled, jerking his chin toward Bruce. “He—”
“That’s enough, Wilkinson!” Mr. Davenport hissed low. “This is not the time or place for this nonsense!”
Josh nodded and apologized, but I could see the fury seeping from him. Mr. Davenport’s gaze was now burning into me, seeming to accuse me of causing this disruption. I inhaled deeply, my only thought to escape this escalating nightmare. I glanced over at Bruce, who was still quietly studying me from the sidelines. Oh, God! It was him! He was the one! I didn’t know how fate could have construed such horrible irony, but the man I’d slept with was Josh’s co-worker. A man he despised. I needed to leave. Now.
“I—I’m not feeling well,” I said to Josh. “I’m leaving. I’ll call a cab and wait outside. Just tell Michelle that I’ve left.”
Josh opened his mouth, about to say something, but just then a Japanese man who looked to be in his late fifties came over, his arms outstretched and a smile on his face.
“Is there a problem? I hope you are all enjoying the party!”
Bruce mumbled some compliment about the food and bowed. Mr. Davenport’s face transitioned to a charming grin, and Josh stepped forward to talk to the man I assumed was Mr. Kotobuki.
I took the opportunity to scoot away. In my haste, I collided with Steven as he was coming out of the coat room. His hands shot out to steady me when I almost fell over. I looked into his concerned face and mumbled an apology, then broke away and ran into the room behind him. My bare feet made their way down an aisle of neatly lined footwear, my eyes determined to avoid the coat that was pulling me like a powerful magnet. I sighed in relief when I found my heels and bent to pick them up. My hand suddenly flew to my mouth, choking down a startled cry. Inside one of my slippers was my grandmother’s white, perfectly round, gleaming pearl earring.
I felt my heart lag and draw out its beats, slowing to match the labored breaths pushing up from my lungs. Oh, God! Bruce knew! He knew it was me. And he was toying with me. Why else would he leave my lost earring here like this? Why else would he have approached me with those words? Without taking the time to put on my shoes, I grabbed them and quickly slipped barefoot through the front door, leaving the roar of the party behind.
I started walking, my thoughts jumbled and chaotic. I couldn’t believe how fucked up my life had become. How could I have gotten into this mess? I wiped at the tears rolling down my face. I never should have come tonight. I knew it was a bad idea, but I’d wanted to help Josh. After everything he’d done—possibly done—I’d still wanted to help him. And my shadow man, the man who’d played a starring role in my erotic dreams for the past two weeks, had been at the party. What the fuck?
I was two streets away when I realized I’d forgotten my coat. It was an unusually warm night for early December, but still too cold to go without a jacket. A strong gust of wind twirled the
skirt of my dress around my knees and I hugged my torso, starting to shiver. I stopped and looked around the dark street, barely making out the row of large colonial homes. I had no idea where I was and the street light was stingy with its illumination. My cell phone was in my purse and I fumbled inside, intending to call a cab.
“You shouldn’t be out in the darkness, beautiful.” The voice came from behind me, barely a whisper.
I jerked around in surprise, my scream silenced in the tight grip of my throat. I swallowed hard as a large figure separated from the shadows and materialized before me. Now that I was away from the noise of the party and the pungent scents from the Hibachi grills, a faint sandalwood teased my nose. Instantly my body responded, my insides liquefying.
“You!” I whispered, staring up in shock. “Oh, God, it was you that night!”
CHAPTER THREE
I stared into the bottle green eyes of Luke Davenport. They were swirling with chips of soft yellow from the street light and the effect was almost hypnotic. I had to blink a few times to cast off my dull haze.
“You shouldn’t be out here by yourself,” Luke said, his voice almost admonishing. “It’s dark and cold.”
I shook my head, still in disbelief that he’d been the man I’d slept with. “I—I don’t understand.”
“Well, in the winter it gets cold, and at night it gets dark. Hence dark and cold.”
I saw a smile tilt his lips and a small dimple appeared at the side of his shapely mouth. I blinked again and looked away. God! I’d devoured that mouth, and that mouth had devoured me…everywhere. In one fluid motion he shrugged out of his coat and wrapped it around my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but inhale deeply.
Sandalwood.
I glanced down then looked up at him through my lashes, still distracted. “I thought you worked there.”
My words produced a soft chuckle. That rumbling sound jostled my insides. “Oh, no. Why would you think that?”