by Kari Lemor
“Clifton Farthington, the third,” Clif announced regally then held out his hand.
Scott shook it, his eyes assessing the newcomer. He didn’t have anything to worry about. Clif was hardly competition. But the look on Scott’s face had her wondering if he was jealous or feeling inferior. Which he definitely was not. Unfortunately, Clif always carried a larger-than-life air about him. His blond hair was styled perfectly in a slicked back wave and his facial hair was trimmed to look like casual stubble though, she knew for a fact he shaved every day.
“Business partner,” Clif said, looking at her. “I didn’t know you took on another real estate agent.”
“I’m in the construction business,” Scott said before she could correct Clif. “Heather and I are working on a project together.”
“How lovely,” Clif said drolly, then grinned as he glanced over her dress. “And I must say, you are looking ravishing as always. How about I go find you another drink then we can discuss renewing our partnership?” He took the empty glass from her hand and attempted to slide his arm around her. Quickly, she sidestepped and walked closer to Scott.
“Sorry, Clif, but Scott and I need to chat with a few people here. I’m sure you understand.”
Clif sighed. “Sure, business first. I’ll catch you later or call. Your mother seemed to think you’d be interested in getting together again.”
Grabbing Scott’s arm, she sauntered away muttering, “Yes, my mother always was delusional when it came to you.” She honestly didn’t care if he heard or not.
Scott stiffened. “If you want to reconnect with him, you only have to say the word. I’m sure I can find someone to chat with.”
The jealous tone in Scott’s voice sent thrills through her. Once they were far enough away from Clif and in a fairly empty part of the room, she turned and touched Scott’s cheek.
“I have no desire whatsoever to reconnect or anything else with Clif. I dated him for a few years when we were younger and it was a few years too many. He doesn’t care anything about me or what I want. His interest lies in merging our family fortunes together.”
Although he was certainly interested enough in the sex they had too, but she wouldn’t tell Scott that. Though he might like hearing he was far better in bed than anyone else she’d ever been with. Or maybe it was simply they had more chemistry together. But since she didn’t want to hear about his ex-girlfriends, she figured he wouldn’t want to hear about her past lovers.
“We’ll forget about Clif then. Didn’t you say there’d be food at this place? I’m kind of hungry.”
“There is.” She led him over to where waiters were setting up trays with fancy hors d’oeuvres. They grabbed a small plate and nibbled while discussing what other features she wanted in her new house.
Once done, she cleaned her hands on a napkin and placed the remnants on a side table.
“Shouldn’t we throw this away somewhere?” Scott glanced around, probably looking for the trash barrel.
“That’s what the waiters are here for.” When Scott threw her a disgusted look, she ignored him. “Enjoy it while you can. You won’t get it at home.”
He placed his empty plate on the same table then scanned the room. His eyes narrowed. “Drew’s here. Did you know he’d be here?”
Shrugging, she replied, “I asked my parents to invite him. There are people here who could help his career.”
“And where’d he get the money for this? Prosecutors don’t make millions.”
“I sent him a ticket. I was hoping he and Charlotte might hit it off.”
Scott looked around the room. “You know Charlotte is on one side of the room and Drew’s on another. Do you plan on introducing them?”
“They’ve already met a few times, although I’m not sure if Charlotte remembers. She gets a little involved in her own world at times.”
“Seriously? Drew and Charlotte? I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen. Drew likes his women a bit more…substantial.”
“Substantial?” How dare he insult her sister. “Are you saying Charlotte isn’t good enough for him? I’ll have you know Charlotte is extremely bright. She may not have finished a degree yet, mostly because she isn’t sure what she wants to do, but she’s not stupid.”
“I never said she was.” He caressed her shoulders then ran his hands down her arms. He could make her forget everything when he touched her like this. “I merely meant that Drew is the outdoorsy type. He likes to hike, fish, and play sports. Charlotte looks like she’d blow away in a stiff wind.”
Rolling her eyes, she had to admit that was true. “That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t hit it off.” Right now her sister was holding out her champagne flute to a waiter indicating she wanted another one. “She can be a little high maintenance though.”
“I’m going to say hi to Drew. Did you want to come along?”
“I need to talk to Charlotte about a few things. And no, not about Drew. If they’re going to hook up, I’d rather they figure it out on their own. I’ll simply try and get them in the same place at the same time.”
“You might want to do it when there aren’t a few hundred other people around.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek then drifted away.
Moving through the crowd, she stopped to acknowledge some of the people who might help with the mill project. She’d have to make sure to spend more time with them later. Charlotte stood holding court, her admirers stunned by the gossamer creation she wore.
Her sister sure knew how to emphasize her good assets while downplaying others. Her dress was a pale peach and the light fabric draped in two thin strips over her slim shoulders to dip almost to her navel in the front. Several long clunky necklaces dangled there. The dress was equally as low in the back. A light brown scarf wrapped around her tiny waist and draped down one hip, breaking up the pale color. A few pieces of ribbon crisscrossed around her torso; probably the only thing holding the dress in place. The full skirt flowed to the ground, but as Charlotte dismissed her crew and moved forward, her long trim leg poked out through the slit in the front.
“Sweetness,” her sister greeted her. “That dress looks amazing on you. I knew it would.”
Grabbing Charlotte’s hands she pulled her in for a kiss. “Thanks for arranging for me to wear it. I hated the thought of forking out that kind of money for one night.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Mom would have bought it for you in a heartbeat. Half the guys here have been drooling over how you look.”
“And I appreciate that I don’t owe Mom any more than I already do. She’d have me marrying someone like Clif in no time.” The shivers were automatic any time she thought of that man.
Charlotte had convinced their father to start a small gown rental business for occasions such as this. Many of the wealthy women had no problems spending thousands of dollars for a dress they’d only wear once. But a few of the more frugal ones preferred to simply borrow one and then give it back. Their dad had put Charlotte in charge of knowing who to offer the service to. Most of the customers wouldn’t want anyone to know the dress was only on loan. Her sister was extremely discreet, and the gowns were housed in a back room at the largest Silvaggio’s. Their father donated gowns that came in and had any kind of defect. The one she was wearing had a slight discoloration near the hem.
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. “What did Scott think of the dress?”
“He said they forgot the back of it. I told him yours was worse.”
Looking down at the strips of exposed skin Charlotte shrugged. “It’s not like I have a whole lot to show off. Some of the guys here tonight have bigger boobs than I do. I’d wear something skimpier but I only want to shock Mom, not send her into a coronary. I haven’t heard a word from her about the dress but her eyes have said plenty.”
“I’ll bet. Hey, can you discreetly check my back? The beautician covered any of
the remaining burn marks with airbrush makeup but I wasn’t sure how it was lasting.” Turning slowly, she pretended to search the room.
“Still looks great. How are the plans coming for the new house?”
Facing her sister again, she said, “I’ve picked out the plans and Scott has had me out a few times to see about cabinets and bathroom fixtures. The cops just released the property from their investigation so nothing’s been done yet.”
“What did they say?
Heather took a deep breath. “It looks like the gas line could have been tampered with.”
Charlotte took her hand and squeezed. “I’m glad you’re all right. Please, be careful. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t. Scott’s being totally obnoxious about protecting me.”
“I wouldn’t mind him protecting me.” Charlotte’s eyes stared into the distance where Scott chatted with Drew.
“Eyes back in your head, Char. He’s mine. You can have his friend, Drew. The one he’s talking to.”
Charlotte tipped her head as she glanced across the room. “Cute. He’s the lawyer, right? That’s too conventional and Mom might actually approve of him. I need someone who will shake her up a bit.”
Jian came to Heather’s mind but she quickly pushed it back. The guy had helped them out but a street gang leader was far too unconventional, even for her sister.
“That waiter who keeps offering me champagne is kind of adorable. I think I’ll chat him up a bit more. See you later, sis.”
Heather shook her head as Charlotte walked off and began flirting with the hired help. Scott was still talking with Drew and Judge Stokinger, the friend of Drew’s who had offered to help when Scott was arrested. She’d let them have their time. She didn’t want to relive any of that horror. The thought of Scott going to jail for something he didn’t do, scared the crap out of her.
“Why does your sister do this to me?” Her mother’s soft voice drifted into her musings.
“Do what?” Playing innocent always gained her a few minutes to get herself prepared to deal with her mother.
“Do what? Please, Heather, do you see what she’s wearing, or should I say what she’s almost wearing? And then flirting with the most inappropriate men.”
“How is the waiter inappropriate?”
“He’s being paid to work here tonight. Do I need to spell that out to you?”
“Scott’s here as a guest. Does that make him appropriate?”
Her mother sighed heavily. “He’s certainly better than a waiter, but not by much. You need someone who can give you what you want, dear. Not some construction worker.”
He was much more than a construction worker, but Heather knew pointing that out to her mother would be a moot point.
“I saw you with Clif earlier and he seemed quite friendly. That’s wonderful considering how you ended things with him. You should try and catch his attention again tonight. He might give you another chance.”
“I don’t want another chance with Clif, Mom. I broke up with him for a reason. You said I needed a man who could give me what I want. Well, I want a man who cares for me.”
“I’m sure Clif cares for you. He’s asked me several times about you.”
“Clif is an arrogant jerk who doesn’t care about pleasing me in any way. He likes the idea of merging our money.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Heather. And you need to make sure you please your man, not the other way around.”
“That’s so old-fashioned, Mom. Are you saying that Dad never pleased you? Never did anything because you wanted it? That you’ve done all the giving in your relationship?” She knew it wasn’t true but needed her mother to realize it.
Her mother’s eyes drifted off to the distance where her dad stood conversing with several other men. “No, your father is an amazing man, and I’m fortunate to have him. He always sees to my needs and is quite generous.”
“Do you love him?” It wasn’t something she’d heard much between her parents though she was fairly sure they did love each other.
“Of course I do, and he loves me. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
“Then why can’t I have someone who loves me and gives me what I want. Someone who I love.”
“You can, Heather, but it’s just as easy to fall in love with a wealthy, successful man as it is with a common laborer. I did.”
“Well, don’t hold your breath waiting for me to fall in love with Clif. That will never happen.”
“It doesn’t have to be Clif. There are many available men here tonight who are more suitable for you. Don’t disregard them because you have a sudden itch for a man who works with his hands. I admit, those nice muscles under snug T-shirts can turn any woman’s head, but you must think of the long term, your future.”
That was the problem. Every time she did think of the future, it always involved a man with wavy dark hair, wearing Carhartts and smelling of sawdust.
Chapter 20
“How’s that mill project you had me talk to ol’ Florina Betts about? Is it well underway?” Judge Stokinger asked, after discussing one of Drew’s recently finished cases.
“Not exactly. We’ve had a few more problems since I last saw you,” Scott said, wishing he’d had better things to report. He appreciated the judge getting the Historical Society lady off their case.
“Anything I can help you with? I know plenty of people on different committees. All it would take is a word from me.” Seems all these rich people loved helping others out. Made him wonder what he’d be expected to do in return.
“Thanks, though I don’t think there’s anything you can do. It has more to do with the history of the building and who owned it previously.”
The judge looked up, stroking his jaw. “I’m not sure my history is up to date on that town. Long ago it was owned by a large fabric company.”
“Well, recently it was owned by Victor Cabrini,” Drew piped in.
“Oh, well, since he’s recently deceased I’m not sure what the problem could be.”
Scott shrugged. “Seems he might have hidden something in the sub-basement. I haven’t had a chance to get down there yet, but probably next week.”
The judge looked around, most likely bored since any action he could take was gone. He seemed like a man who wanted to be needed for who he knew.
“Probably some stolen goods. Let me know what you find,” he said, patting Scott on the arm and gazing across the room. On to more important people. He’d had that impression since getting here. The few people he’d talked to weren’t interested in hanging out when they discovered he wasn’t worth millions.
“Where’d Heather get off to?” Drew asked once the judge was gone.
“Last I saw she was talking to her mother. I’m not getting anywhere near that.”
“You don’t like her mother?”
“It’s more like I’m not good enough for her daughter. Not rich enough, not successful enough, and I don’t have the right family name.”
“Heather’s not like that, is she?”
“I don’t think so.” Or he hadn’t thought that recently. Perhaps in the past he’d believed she was a rich snob moving about her wealthy world, but the last few months he’d changed his opinion. But then he hadn’t seen her in her element. For the past hour, while he’d been listening to the law talk between Drew and Judge Stokinger, he’d watched Heather work the room. She flitted from one person to the next, giving each of them her full attention. He couldn’t hear what she was saying but if it was anything like the other conversations he’d overheard tonight, she was making deals and constructing bargains. And too many of these people loved touching her back or stroking her arm. He should be the only one doing that. Possessive much, Holland?
This wasn’t where he belonged. He didn’t work on manipulations and back scratch
ing. An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Many of the people here tonight didn’t know the meaning of the word honest.
“If you can manage without me, I want to go catch up with the district attorney. There’s a big case coming up I need some info on.”
“Go ahead.” Scott waved his friend away. “I think I can be left alone for a few minutes without getting in trouble.”
“I’m not so sure about that, Holland, but I’ll do it anyway. I’ll catch you before the night’s over.”
Scott’s gaze roamed the room, narrowing in on Heather again. She was talking to an older couple, her face animated and excited. God, she was beautiful. What in hell did she see in him?
“Sugar Tush is just about to reel them in,” Clif said from behind him. He did not want to have a conversation with the man. They had nothing in common. Except Heather. That fact cooled his desire.
“Nice nickname,” he deadpanned. Could be one of the reasons Heather broke up with the guy.
“Let’s face it, man, that woman has one fine ass. And let me tell you, it is so sweet. To touch and taste. Yum.”
Scott wasn’t sure if he wanted to throat-punch the guy or puke in his face. Perhaps he could do both. Clenching his fists by his side he called on all the control he’d needed while in the military to keep from following through.
“So, you two are partners, huh? In all ways, or business only?”
Scott glanced sideways at the arrogant jerk but remained silent. He wasn’t about to discuss his intimate relationship with Heather. Unfortunately, Clif didn’t have the same compulsion.
“She can be quite the tiger in bed, man. And shit, does she have the most gorgeous tits. I could play with those all day.”
“You need to—”
“Construction, huh?” Clif interrupted as Scott was about to tell him to shut the fuck up. “Working with your hands, getting dirty. Chicks kind of dig that sometimes, don’t they? Or so I’m told.”
The rich bastard turned his back on Scott and perused the crowd. “I personally like to use my hands for better things. Like sliding it under Heather’s dress and into her tight pussy. I’d even do her sister, though she’s a bit skinny for my taste. If you haven’t gotten into her pants yet, you should try soon. You know, while she’s still in her slumming with the working class stage. She’ll be upgrading soon enough. They always do.”