Instead he’d been forced to back down, return to acting gracious.
A brawl at his father’s second wedding, his own graduation celebration, would have ruined more than one person’s day. The very thought of the look on Randi’s face was enough to dial his anger back one more notch. Not for the world would he ruin this day for his family. At least not on purpose.
His father nudged his shoulder in the direction of the tables. “Your hands are full. Let me gather some drinks for the ladies and let’s go find a spot to sit a spell. I believe Randi has picked the table closest to the pool.”
Drew expected to see her sitting there, but instead, Randi, Meilin, and Courtney stood in a knot with Jack, who’d just arrived. He’d been too focused on the rat bastard gloating over Meilin to notice his friend’s arrival. More would be coming soon. Definitely not the time to start a brawl. Damn. It would have been satisfying, possibly even fun.
“Sure, Dad. I’ll lead the way, then come back and assist.”
“Just go. I’ll get one of the staff to bring around a tray of champagne.”
They met the small group headed their way as they stepped off the deck onto the patio.
“Drew! Shan, my man.” Jack greeted them both with his usual enthusiasm, mischief sparking in his dark eyes. “I see you two have met.”
“We’re headed for that table.” Drew nodded in the direction of the pool. “Get a drink, a plate, come join us. Mum, Dad’s bringing over champagne.” He used his shoulder to nudge her toward the table.
“Oh that sounds wonderful. Let me take something…” She reached for the beer bottle in his hand.
Drew lifted it out of her reach. “Nope. I’ve got it. And enough food here to get you ladies started.”
Birdie jumped in. “I’ll grab some more food and forks.”
“Good thinking.”
In maneuvering people into chairs, he made sure the ladies had the best shade and took a spot on one side of Meilin, but couldn’t prevent Lin from sitting on her other side.
“I’ll just sit for a moment,” Randi said. “I have people to greet, and I need to oversee things.”
“No, you sit, Mom.” Birdie bounced up. “I’ll see to hostess duties. Just save one chair for folks to come see you. I think Kelly is about to burst at the seams.”
“I’m not so old yet,” Randi muttered. “And you’re making me feel like an ancient hag.”
“No, you’re gorgeous. But you are looking a tad overheated and need some water at the very least before you get up and start mingling.”
Drew shared a grin with his sister over Randi’s head. The woman promised to sit, but they both knew it might last five minutes before she was up and circulating. So far the guests invited for the vows only numbered about thirty, but when the friends invited for the receptions started rolling in, the list would easily double.
Kelly, a close friend from across the street, as small as Randi but twice as harried by her five kids, plopped a dripping bottle of water in front of Randi. “I hope you don’t mind, but the kids couldn’t wait a moment longer. Tuck’s taken them across the street to put on their suits and shorts. I think he used that as an excuse to do the same.”
“I don’t mind a bit. That’s why I’m seated closest to the water. I won’t mind a few splashes.”
Kelly laughed, then reached a hand across the table to Meilin. “I’m the nosy neighbor from across the street, Kelly Tucker. If you see red headed devil children running amuck, they’re mine.”
Drew stood to make the introductions. “Kelly, Meilin Wu and her fiancé, Shan Lin. The other character is my classmate, Jack Ling. I believe you’ve met Oswald?”
Meilin was gracious as she returned the handshake. “So pleased to meet you. I believe Randi has mentioned you a time or two.”
“You’ve probably also met my in-laws. They have a house in Pacific Heights they’re threatening to turn over to us in the next year or two. Louise and Brad Tucker Senior.”
Also standing, Shan nodded. “Indeed. I’ve done business with your father-in-law’s firm a time or two. I’ve heard tales of his grandchildren.”
“Small world we live in, is it not?” Kelly grinned and sat. “And those stories of the kids you’ve heard? They’re worse than he’s lead you to believe.”
Drew sat once more and pushed his plate to the center of the table. For a while Kelly dominated the conversation with stories of her five children, every once in a while a trace of her Boston accent slipping in.
Meilin asked the story of how she’d met her husband, and the story entertained them while Tuck settled beside his wife, now dressed more casually in cargo shorts and a loose linen shirt. Drew could hardly wait to do the same.
“Of course they now adore the quicksand I walk on.” Kelly laughed. “But it took a few years and a couple children to bring them around.”
From the corner of his eye, Drew watched Meilin. She sat straight with her hands in her lap, gently stroking the petals of the flower she’d caught, not making any show of affection toward Shan. What thoughts passed through her head? For a moment he allowed himself to wonder what her family would think of him. Not only was he English, but stand-out blond compared to their black hair. And younger than her thirty-three years, far younger than her fiancé, who Drew guessed was pushing forty-five. If only he were starting his position with the company in San Francisco and not Beijing. Very likely this whole thing was in his head. Meilin was engaged and not interested in him.
He’d about convinced himself when she leaned forward to pluck a deviled egg off a plate and her arm brushed his.
The shock of awareness that shot up his arm and straight to his heart was difficult to conceal. Especially since Meilin jerked slightly. She felt it too.
Gaze carefully averted, she sank back into her chair as if nothing had happened.
Randi distracted everyone at the table when she pushed back her seat. “New arrivals. Time to mingle and socialize a bit. Keep the wine flowing, and Drew, you have lifeguard duty.” The warning came in the nick of time as the three youngest Tuckers spilled from the house, headed for the pool. “Oswald, you as well. Don’t let them drown.”
Kelly must have also caught the look of surprise on Oswald’s face. “And there goes the peace,” she joked and turned her chair halfway from the table so she could watch too.
Chapter 11
The afternoon was at once a delight and torture for Meilin. She mingled and met many of the Robinson’s neighbors, was introduced to a few more of Jack’s friends, and generally enjoyed the conversations around her. The kids in the pool weren’t as rowdy as she’d feared, and their antics drew smiles from the guests. More than a few of the adults tucked up skirts or rolled up pant legs to dangle their feet into the cool, blue water. Smoke from the grill drifted in a fragrant cloud and laughter punctuated the air. She and Shan stayed long enough to see the wedding and graduation cakes cut, and take in a few small dramas.
For starters, she’d love to hear the story about the stoic, silent Oswald and Drew’s vivacious sister. The two did their best to ignore each other, but when one ventured into the other’s space, sparks flew hot enough to ignite the dry grasses beyond the fence. The very heat of their exchanged glances only highlighted how much Shan didn’t set her own heart on fire, despite the way he always seemed to have a hand on her all afternoon. Still, it was amusing to watch the other two. Especially when Courtney talked the DJ into playing “Crazy Train.” Oswald clearly wasn’t amused to be taunted with Ozzy Osbourne’s first hit single, which only made Birdie and Drew laugh, while Randi and Court shook their heads, biting back big grins. The butler showed his sympathy by patting Oswald on the shoulder as he passed by on some mission or another to keep the catering staff on their toes.
It pleased her to see Jack’s honest surprise at the addition of his name to the graduation cake. For once he suffered a moment of being speechless, accompanied by an even rarer flush of pleasure on h
is cheeks. A rare event indeed.
There came a time when she danced a few songs, once with Shan where he pulled her far too close, making her feel self-conscious, followed by a fast paced hip-hop with Jack, even a passable swing with the laughing groom, and finally a ballad with Drew. The last stirred an unfamiliar longing inside, especially since he was dressed in a swim suit, baring his incredible, sun-kissed torso.
They didn’t speak much and it was all she could do not to run her fingers over his leanly muscled chest or stare into the extraordinary blue of his eyes. Eyes that questioned. Although he kept enough distance between them to be proper, she still caught Shan’s frown at the closeness demanded by the dreamy quality of the song. A pleasant haze of champagne bubbled in her veins, and she never wanted the dance to end. At least until Drew finally spoke.
“Why him?”
“Excuse me?” The question pulled her from her pleasant, floaty haze.
Drew blew out a breath and muttered, “Nothing. Not my business.”
No, not his business, but a tiny part of her wanted it to be his business. It was a useless wish, much like the useless spark that flared between her and Drew. The ring from Shan weighed as heavy as a cement block on her finger. Oh to go back a few months and to have met Drew sooner. How her fate might have changed. Or not. The fact remained, he was so young. Too young. A mere infant in the business world. Just beginning to find his way beyond the hallowed halls of academia.
Reluctantly parting from Drew when the song changed, Meilin hid her surprise when Shan appeared at her shoulder. She noticed the possessive look on his face when he wrapped his arm around her, firmly gripping her hip intimately. For some reason it embarrassed her and her face burned, making it hard to look at Drew.
“It’s time for us to say good-bye.”
“Of course.” She extended her hand to Drew and once more experienced the odd flow of energy between them, much like a jolting electrical charge. Her heart pounded as she did her best to remain cool and detached, her gaze on their hands and not his face. “Congratulations on your graduation. I wish you much good fortune on your road into the future.”
The burning blue of his gaze said far more than his words. “I hope our paths cross again. Thank you for enjoying this day with…us.”
It took a force of will, but she managed to reply without gushing. “My pleasure.”
Losing the warmth of his hand was like losing a part of her soul, but she smiled as if it didn’t matter.
Saying good-bye to the newlyweds involved personal space-invading hugs for both she and Shan. Not something she normally allowed, but these people had been so kind, so welcoming, she felt as close as family after a few hours. She made a mental note to add them to the guest list for her wedding. Her mother would possibly fuss, but on this she wouldn’t budge. The Robinsons were good people, friends now, not just business contacts.
Once in the car, she adjusted the air vents to direct cool air on her face. Shan smoothly pulled away from the valet stand and heaved what sounded like a sigh of relief.
“Glad that’s done.”
“It was a lovely party. One I suspect will carry on late into the night.” Were it not for the tension between Drew and Shan, she would have liked to stay. Both men in the same vicinity felt far too much like storing fireworks next to a bonfire.
“Most likely. But with the people pouring in, I’m sure they’ll appreciate the space we occupied.”
“Probably true.” Biting her lip, she considered her next words carefully. “I’m adding them to the guest list.”
Shan nodded. “Yes, I approve. There’s a connection there I’d like to strengthen. And keep an eye on what they’re doing in Beijing.”
“Is their business in competition with yours?”
“Not so much, but it’s good to keep in touch when someone seeks to increase their presence in our backyard, so to speak.”
As if he and he alone did business in Beijing. “I wasn’t aware your businesses overlapped.”
“A little. Not enough to get territorial over. I’d like to see it stay that way.”
“Of course.”
“I’m not quite ready for dinner, feel like taking a drive through the hills?”
While intimate enough enclosed in the car, driving kept him, and his hands busy enough she could relax for a few. “That sounds like fun.”
“Or we could check in at the hotel and have room service…” He sent a questioning look her direction.
Yeah, she should have seen that coming. “I’m not ready for that step, Shan. Yes, I’ve known you for years, but only on a very superficial level. I’m not prepared for intimacy of the sort you’re hinting at.”
“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He reached for her hand. “It would be nice to confirm our compatibility in that area. The physical touch goes far in making a man ready to commit his whole life to one woman.”
“There will be time enough for that.”
Shan lifted her hand and flipped it over so he could kiss her palm. “A lifetime.”
A small shudder worked its way through Meilin, and she fought the urge to pull her hand back. After dancing so closely with Drew, it was too soon to be so intimate with another man. And didn’t that just confuse her more.
Shan turned off the freeway at Lafayette. “What do you think about sailing tomorrow? The weather is supposed to hold.”
So much for her peaceful Sunday plans. Besides, she really would like to try sailing. “I’d like that.”
Chapter 12
After watching Meilin leave with her smug fiancé, Drew found himself not much in the party mood. Didn’t mean he didn’t put on a good act. After an hour of giving the younger Tucker kids a chance to attempt to drown him, he pulled himself from the pool and threw himself onto a chaise in the sun. A few of Birdie’s girlfriends from the neighborhood were eyeing him much like he eyed the lemon artichoke dip Randi had found somewhere. Oswald pulled up a chair, sat down beside him, and handed over an icy cold beer.
“Thanks,” Drew said. Oswald wasn’t much of a talker, but the man was solid. A nephew of Larry’s, Oswald and Drew had sort of grown up together, although Oswald had four years on him. He’d been one of the older boys at Eton who’d stepped in before the younger ones got beat upon. Too much. Something Drew appreciated to this very day.
“Quite the interesting crowd your parents have gathered.”
Understatement if he’d ever heard one. “It’s California. You have to be baking. Lose the coat and tie, man. If you want a swim, I have spare trunks.”
Oswald gave him a questioning look.
“Swim trunks. Suit. Board shorts. Whatever. I can dig you up a pair, and then the girls can stare at your abs too.”
Oswald snorted. “Thanks, but no.” Gaze searching the surrounding patio and deck, he sipped from a low crystal glass.
Probably some of the old man’s expensive Talisker aged whisky. The really good stuff. Neat. Not even a single ice cube to cool it down a tad. Drew nearly rolled his eyes. The bloke was buttoned up tight. Always had been. But interestingly, the guy’s search stopped when his gaze landed on Birdie, now barefoot and wearing a sundress with the strings of bikini top showing around her neck.
“Since you were at the wedding in March, why this one too?” Drew asked his friend.
“Court wants to have some sort of meeting with you, Courtney, and me tomorrow.” Oswald’s eyes never left Birdie as far as Drew could tell.
“Any idea what that’s about?”
“I thought you might know.”
Drew shrugged. “He’s made a point of not talking business this past week. Too wrapped up in Mum’s plans for today.”
“Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”
After a long draught of beer, Drew glanced sideways at Oswald. “What’s with you and Bird? Can’t keep your eyes off her today.”
If Drew had startled him, it was hard to tell. Possibly it was the sl
ight twitch of his mouth that gave him away.
“Nothing going on there, mate. Courtney hates my guts, or haven’t you noticed the way her nose turns up every time she gets near me?”
Drew snorted and brushed some water drops from his chest. “Women. Can’t live with ’em, can’t shoot ’em.”
Oswald raised a brow. “What’s that mean anyway?”
“They’re impossible creatures.”
“Yeah, about that, want to tell me why you were mooning over one Asian beauty with a huge rock on her finger this afternoon?”
“Nice topic change,” Drew muttered.
Oswald grinned briefly before taking another sip of his drink. “Who is she?”
Drew groaned and tossed his head back. “I met her a week ago at a club. Clicked immediately, only to find out the next night was her engagement party. The old guy with her today was the lucky suitor.”
“Bad timing, since you’re leaving here pretty much for good in a few weeks. What are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing. What can I do? As you said, I’m about to head into ten weeks of intensive language school. I’ll be lucky to get away one night a week, and then only as far as my apartment across the street from campus. Won’t find me out grinding at the clubs. Probably wouldn’t find her there, either. I got the impression the night out was a one-off situation. A last fling at freedom for her.” Above him the sky was beginning to darken just a little as the sun headed toward the hills to the west. Not that he expected sunset to slow the party down much.
“What did you say to yank his chain earlier? Looked like you two were about to break out in fisticuffs.”
Drew laughed. “Bloody wanker had the nerve to tell me to back off today. Seems he didn’t appreciate the dip thing.” Personally. he’d loved it as much for holding Meilin in his arms as he had for tweaking the other guy’s temper.
Her Unexpected Affair (The Robinsons) Page 11