by Carrie Elks
“A what?” Meghan asked, holding her hand out for the one Isla had close to her face. Isla passed it to her and Meghan skimmed the words.
“It’s Cotopaxi,” Meghan said. “A mountain in Ecuador.” She looked over at Gloria. “Is that where they are now?”
“It’s the last part of their trip. They’ll be home in a couple of weeks.” Gloria smiled. “I can’t wait for you to meet them in real life.”
It was going to be strange, having the fourth apartment on their floor occupied. She was so used to it being just the four of them. But from their postcards and emails Meghan knew she was going to like Kevin and Grant.
“Will they bring gifts?” Isla asked, her face serious. “My granny and gramps always bring me a gift when they’ve been away.”
“They threatened to bring me a new boyfriend.” Gloria wrinkled her nose. “They met some llama herder in Peru who they think is perfect for me.”
Meghan smiled at her. “I hope they got his number.”
“I’m too old to date.” Gloria shook her head. “They’re just teasing me.”
“How old are you?” Isla asked her.
“Sixty-nine years old.” Gloria smiled.
Isla’s eyes widened. “That is old.” She nodded seriously. “Even older than my gramps.”
“Don’t be rude,” Meghan chided. “And go put those postcards back nicely. We need to head home soon. It’s almost dinner time.”
“Doesn’t it look fabulous?” Belle asked, her eyes lighting up as she looked around the gallery.
“It’s amazing.” Rich’s throat felt thick. His sister’s talent was astounding. “You’ve done a good job.”
“Carlyn did most of it. She has a real eye for art.” Belle looked up as the office door opened. “Speak of the devil.”
Carlyn saw Rich standing there and took a deep breath. He’d only seen her once since the day he’d threatened her, but both then and now she was on her best behavior. No innuendos or demands, just pure professionalism. Maybe this could actually work.
“Hello.” She smiled carefully at him, then moved her attention to Belle. “Only a few hours to go, how do you feel?”
“Scared,” Belle admitted. “And excited, too.”
“It’s going to be amazing. Everybody who is anybody will be here. I’ve already had enquiries about three of your pieces and the show hasn’t even begun. I’ve arranged for the press to arrive at six, and they’ll all want to sit down and talk with you for a while. Then we have some influencers and celebrities arriving at seven once the show is up and running.” Her eyes were pale as she looked at Rich again. “So make sure you’re rested and ready to go.”
“I will.” Belle beamed, turning to Rich. “I wish Mom and Dad could be here to see this.”
“I wish they could, too.” He tried to push the guilt back down. “They’d be so damn proud of you.”
“And of you, too,” Belle said, her voice earnest.
A little twist in his gut told him that wasn’t true.
“We’re still waiting on a couple of RSVPs,” Carlyn said. “And I’m almost certain there will be a few last minute changes. Are there any you know of?” she asked Belle.
“No. Everyone I know is still coming.”
“How about you?” Carlyn asked Rich. “Are you still bringing a plus one?”
“Meghan will be with me.” She’d arranged for Isla to stay with a friend for the night. He was counting down the hours until they could be together again.
“Wonderful.” Carlyn’s smile looked almost genuine. “Right, I need to go check on some last minute details. Is there anything else you two need?”
“We’re good. I’m off to the salon to make myself beautiful.” Belle smiled. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
Carlyn nodded. “It’s a pleasure. I’ll see you here at five forty-five.” Her eyes flickered to Rich’s and away again.
Belle nodded. “See you then.”
“Hey.”
Meghan looked up, her eyes crinkling when she saw Rich leaning on the counter. She had another three hours at the ice cream parlor before she could hand over the reins to Jeannie and head home to get ready for tonight. Isla was already at her friend’s house, they were going to a birthday party together, and then she’d be sleeping over there. Her skin already felt heated at the thought of a night alone with Rich again.
“Hi. I thought you’d be with Belle.”
“I just dropped her off at the beauty salon. We stopped in at the gallery on the way. It looks amazing, Belle was so happy.”
“I bet it did. She’s so talented.”
Rich had showed her some of Belle’s paintings on his phone. Her use of color was exquisite. Meghan didn’t know a whole lot about art, but she knew what she liked, and she like Belle’s ocean scapes.
“How was Carlyn?” Meghan asked lightly.
“Surprisingly okay. She was very nice to Belle and seems to have arranged for some top dealers and influencers to attend the show.” He shrugged.
Meghan’s stomach tightened. It was stupid, but she hated the thought of Rich spending any time with Carlyn. She was so elegant, so beautiful, and she ran her own gallery. She made Meghan feel like a little girl playing business owner.
Not good enough. Never good enough. She pushed the thought down. It wasn’t true. Just echoes of her childhood – she’d left them behind along with the rest of the things her parents had taught her.
“I’m glad,” Meghan said. “For Belle’s sake.”
He cocked his head to the side, that smile still playing at his lips. “What time do you finish?”
“Four.”
“I’ll come and pick you up.”
She shook her head. “I have my car. Plus I need to get ready.” Lowering her voice, she smiled at him. “If you pick me up, we both know what will happen.”
His eyes flashed. “Is there something wrong with that?”
“No. But I don’t want to turn up at the gallery only wearing eau-de-freshly-ravaged.”
“That’s my very favorite fragrance.” He grinned.
She bit down a smile because he always made everything better. When he walked into a room it was like the temperature rose by ten degrees. He reminded her of that scene in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe where Aslan the lion bounded through
Narnia, bringing the frozen landscape back to life with his touch.
That’s what Rich had done to her. Made her feel alive. More than a mother or a daughter or a shop owner. When he looked at her with hot needy eyes, he made her feel like a woman.
And she liked it.
A group of teenagers walked through the door, giggling when they saw Rich leaning over the counter. He gave Meghan a wink and stepped back, and they thronged in front of him, pointing at the tubs full of pastel desserts, talking about their favorites.
“I guess that’s my cue to leave.” The corner of his lip lifted, but his eyes still held that hot promise. “I’ll pick you up at five-fifteen. Then we’ll swing over to get Belle if that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect.” She turned to the teenagers who were still ogling Rich. “What can I get you?”
He turned and walked out, and she tried not to stare at his strong shoulders. Shoulders that had enough power to hold her up while they made love against his bedroom wall.
“Just vanilla please.”
She saw his shoulders shake, and bit down a smile. Today was already a good day, and this evening was going to be even better.
She loved living in Angel Sands.
24
“You look beautiful.” Rich swallowed hard. “How the hell am I going to keep my hands off you for three hours?”
That was exactly the reaction she’d hoped for. Meghan had rushed home from the shop and walked straight into the shower, only stopping to close the front door and shuck off her clothes. Knowing she had hardly an hour to transform herself from ice cream server to goddess put everything into focus. Not one minute could be spar
ed – she was too busy drying and curling and make-up applying to even eat or take a drink.
Her stomach gurgled in a reminder that it was annoyed about that. She’d have to attack the hors d’oeuvres when they got to the gallery.
She’d found the gorgeous cocktail dress she was wearing in a local boutique. The moss green of the crepe fabric complemented her hair perfectly. The top was made of two bands of material, attached to a ruched waistband, rising up to cover each of her breasts before gathering at her shoulders. The Grecian style made her chest look fantastic, but she hadn’t been able to find a bra to fit under it. Instead, she’d used tape to make sure the fabric didn’t slip and reveal more than she’d intended.
But right now, she didn’t care. In the warmth of Rich’s intense stare she felt like a princess.
“You’re pretty hot yourself,” she pointed out. He was wearing a dark blue suit, his hair perfectly brushed back for once, the hint of a shadow clinging to his strong jaw. He wasn’t wearing a tie, and his pale blue shirt was unbuttoned at the neck, revealing a hint of tanned skin and dark hair that made her mouth water. “I’m not sure whether I prefer you in scrubs or a suit.”
His eyes crinkled. “Why choose? You can have me any way you want.” He held his arm out and she slid her right hand through, grabbing her purse with the other. As they passed Gloria’s apartment she waved, almost certain their friend was staring through the peep hole.
It was a five minute drive to Belle’s house. Rich’s sister grinned widely when she saw Meghan standing by his car. “Oh my god,” she breathed. “You’re so pretty. You remind me of a Greek statue.”
“How about me?” Rich teased, helping her into the back seat. He folded up her wheelchair and put it in the trunk.
“You’re passable.” Belle shrugged. “But let’s face it, you’re batting above your league.”
Rich’s eyes caught Meghan’s. “Tell me something I don’t know,” he murmured.
The first hour passed quickly. Belle and Carlyn were busy at the back of the gallery, talking to journalists and dealers. Meghan took the opportunity to look at each of her pieces, letting herself be absorbed by the seascapes, the rippling of the waves so realistic she could almost hear them crash against the shore. She was glad that Carlyn was behaving. Even happier that they wouldn’t have to deal with her after tonight.
Rich walked around with her, his hand softly pressed against her back. There was a constant buzz between them, like an electrical current that couldn’t be switched off. Her muscles were tight, her skin heated, just from the feeling of his palm.
How would it be when they were alone and naked again?
At seven, guests began to arrive. The wait staff were on hand to pass out tall flutes of bubbling champagne. Meghan took one gratefully, her stomach gurgling with relief when she was handed a tiny sandwich that looked like it would barely fill a Barbie doll.
Belle must have finished with the journalists, because she wheeled herself back toward the gallery, then stopped, her face pale. She looked so nervous that Meghan wanted to squeeze her, tell her it was going to be okay.
But she barely knew the woman.
“Is it okay if I leave you for a moment?” Rich asked, his voice warm against her ear. “Just to check on Belle?”
“Go for it.” Meghan smiled warmly at him. Funny how their emotions were so in sync. “I’m going to grab some more food.”
James and Harper were standing near the entrance, both of them looking at Belle’s art. Meghan made a beeline for them, happy to see some familiar faces. Harper was holding a half-empty glass of champagne while James sipped at an orange juice.
“Hi!” Harper’s face split into a grin. “It’s so good to see you again.” She looked over Meghan’s shoulder. “Where’s Rich?” There was an underlying question in her voice.
“He’s with Belle at the moment.”
Harper raised an eyebrow. “So you came together?”
“We did.” Meghan bit down a smile.
“Oh my god, did you hear that James? They came together.” She turned back to Meghan. “Wait… as in together together?”
“Is this some kind of girl code?” James asked. “What’s together together?”
“It’s like going out out,” Harper told him. “You know, that comedy sketch we watched. Like tonight we’re not just out, we’re out out.”
It was impossible not to grin at James’ confusion. He stared down at Harper, a mixture of indulgence and puzzlement pulling at his features. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“But you do, right?” Harper asked Meghan.
“I’ve got a decent idea,” Meghan said dryly.
“And you two are a thing?” Harper tipped her head to the side, a gleam in her eye.
“Yes.”
“Ohmygod!” she squealed, her giddiness making Meghan laugh. “Did you hear that?”
“She’s out out, too. I get it.” James nodded. “Maybe lay off the champagne a bit, babe.”
“She’s with Rich. As in with him.” Harper shook her head. “Do you see why I have to have girl friends?” she asked Meghan. “I swear they take all the nuance out of guys at birth. So tell me everything. When did this start?” She grabbed Meghan’s hand. “Wait, were you a thing when you came to our place?”
“Not really, no.”
“I’m sensing this is going to take a while.” She glanced at James. “Fair warning, honey. I’m going to get all the dirty details about Rich. You can either stay and have to wash your ears out with bleach, or go and never have to close your eyes and imagine your best friend naked.”
James’ expression didn’t change. “I’m going to go.”
Harper grinned at him. “Great idea.” She kissed his cheek and he shook his head, eyeing her indulgently. They were such a fabulous couple they made Meghan’s chest ache. Harper was the ying to James’s yang. She brought him to life and he calmed her when needed.
It made her want to have that, too.
Harper grabbed two more glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, handing one to Meghan and holding the other in her hand. “Come on, let’s go find a corner where nobody is listening,” she said, blowing a kiss at James before sliding her arm through Meghan’s. “Because I know just from looking at him that he’s an animal in bed.”
Rich was finding it impossible to keep his eyes off Meghan. Every time Belle was distracted by a question or a guest, he’d look around, his body relaxing when he saw her standing next to one of Belle’s paintings with Harper, the two of them laughing like loons.
This time she caught his eye, her lips curling as their stares collided. His body felt heated at the sight of her smooth shoulders covered by the ruched green fabric, and the way it draped over her firm breasts. She had the perfect silhouette, her softness complimenting the hard lines of his muscles perfectly. He loved how she fit against him like they were made for each other.
Just a few hours before he could make that happen.
“Is everything okay?” Carlyn asked Belle. She turned to give him a tight smile. She hadn’t made one wrong move tonight, and he was appreciative. Sure, she was a little uptight, constantly checking her watch and the guests who were arriving, but it was her gallery, after all. She was the one in charge of the show and she’d somehow brought it all together.
“Everything’s great. I can’t believe you managed to get Danny Lawson here.” Belle looked over at the Hollywood star, deep in conversation with a journalist.
“And his girlfriend,” Carlyn reminded her. “Ellie Pritchard is going to be big once they release her next movie.” There was a smugness to her smile. “We’ve already sold more than half your paintings. I’ll be writing you a very nice check over the next couple of weeks.” She glanced over Rich’s shoulder at the entrance again, her brows pulling together, before bringing her attention back to them. “I was planning on making a speech in a few minutes. Once the final guests arrive. Maybe you could say a few words after?” she aske
d Belle.
Belle blanched. Rich squeezed her shoulder. “You’ve got this,” he murmured.
“I can try.” Belle nodded. “I can at least thank everybody who has helped me.” Her classmates and tutors were here, as well as other guests and dealers. A few of them had introduced themselves to Rich, telling him how much Belle always raved about her big brother.
He’d smiled tightly and shook their hands. Even though his sister had nothing to rave about. He was only doing what he owed her.
Less than that, even.
Belle saw one of her friends walk in and waved, wheeling herself over to give her a big hug. Rich looked around for Meghan, then saw James standing alone.
“Thanks for coming,” he said, shaking his best friend’s hand.
“Harper wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” James smiled wryly. “She seems to have a girl crush on your lady friend.” He took a sip of orange juice, his brows knitting together. “Do you know what out out means?”
“Um, does it mean you’re really out?”
James shrugged. “I’ve no idea. Sometimes it’s like she talks a different language to me.”
“Yeah, but that’s why you like her, right?”
James’s expression softened. “I guess it is.” He shrugged and looked at Rich. “Anyway, how are you? It feels like it’s been forever since we caught up. I had to come here just so I could make sure you were still alive.”
“I saw you last week when I called for a consult.” He’d had a patient with a suspected spinal injury.
“For about three seconds before we wheeled him away. So what’s up? Where have you been?”
“Working a lot.”
“Mmm.”
Rich bit down a smile. “And seeing Meghan and her daughter.”
James’ brow lifted. “Is that what together together means?”
Rich blinked. “I’ve no idea. Who said we’re together together?”
“Harper did. And Meghan.” James shrugged. “Whatever that means.”
It was weird how much that warmed him. He looked over at the two of them. They were looking at one of Belle’s paintings, their faces animated as they discussed it.