“See, we’re more like responsible adults than the youth vote,” Kyle said.
“Oh, hush. To me, you’re babies.”
“We’ve been to war, Mom.”
She folded her arms and sighed. “Yes, my babies have seen the worst of this world. I’m so happy to have you back, safe. But in this house, you’ll always be my little men.”
Manny shook his head, and Kyle rolled his eyes. Rebecca looked entertained, to say the least.
No one noticed when Samantha Hunter entered the foyer until she spoke. “Hi, Manny.”
“Sam, you snuck up on me.” Manny gave her a big hug, which made her giggle a lot like the pixie-sized teenager that he remembered. “Finally home from your studies abroad?”
“Finally home from that god-awful war?”
“Samantha!” Olivia growled.
Sam huffed and turned to Rebecca, with her hand held out. “I’m Kyle’s sister.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Have you two been dating long?” Samantha’s blond ponytail swung as she turned to give Manny a pointed look. “I mean you only just got back.”
“Still that sweet, soft-spoken girl I knew.”
Samantha rolled her eyes. “Manny, I spent four years in Paris. You don’t survive if you’re soft-spoken. Besides no one would have believed I was American.” She sized up Rebecca, but twisted her lips in Manny’s direction. “OK, spill it.
Rebecca laughed, like only a woman worth her own salt would. “I don’t know, Manny, are we dating?”
He slipped his hand onto her shoulder. “We’ve been on a date. I would say that counts for something.”
“That was only four days ago.”
Manny nodded. “You’re right, less than a week. I guess I’ll leave it up to you to decide, Sam. You seem to be good for making assumptions.”
Sam folded her arms and nodded. “Mmm-hmm. I am.”
Kyle took Sam by the waistband of her designer skinny jeans. “Mom,” he called out. “Sam wants you to go over her wardrobe choices for this afternoon.”
She play punched him in the ribs. He let her go with a snicker.
“I’ll get you for that,” she said to him and then assured Olivia she was coming. One last sneer over her shoulder in Kyle’s direction and she disappeared up the stairs. Same old Sam.
* * *
Once Rebecca finished staring at the massive leaded-glass windows, the grand double staircases of dark walnut, and the twinkling triple-tier chandelier in that first room of the Hunter family home, she realized that all eyes were on her. This may have been Kyle’s family, but Manny fit in like one of their own, and she felt they were all sizing her up. Samantha was downright obvious, while Kyle had been stealing glances at her the entire time. Olivia turned out to be surprisingly warm given her iron-lady reputation. Rebecca saw a glimmer of hope for breaking through to her about funding the special collections department and saving her job.
Kyle Hunter was every bit as handsome in person as she’d expected. “Golden boy” seemed like a good description with his blond wind-tossed hair and even tan. The sleeves of his cotton oxford shirt were folded neatly on his strong forearms and revealed a surprisingly large tattoo that made her second-guess her first impression of this prodigal son of corporate royalty and a US senator. She lingered on the letters marking him in big black block characters: USMC. As they walked through the house, Kyle rolled down his sleeves and buttoned them neatly at the cuffs. Now he truly looked like he’d been born on a golf course. The idea made Rebecca giggle.
They continued into the den, which smelled of oiled leather and faintly of cigars. A large and rather mechanical-sounding man invited them to sit. Olivia’s campaign manager had few words for any of them, even Kyle, whom she was sure he must know very well. They followed instructions, taking the pads handed to them and writing down the first thoughts that came to their mind after viewing the thirty-second ad. Rebecca was in the midst of trying to find a nice word for stiff when a tall, slender man in a golf shirt walked into the room, twirling a cigar in his fingers.
“Oh, this is rich. Where am I supposed to watch the tournament?” the man said. He swept the room with his gaze. Rebecca noted a handsome face with fewer wrinkles than his neat, silver hair suggested he should have. His glacier-blue eyes lit up. “Manny! Olivia mentioned you might be coming.”
“Good to see you, Gavin. This is Rebecca.”
Rebecca waved. “You must be Kyle’s dad? Can’t miss the resemblance.”
Both Kyle and Gavin flashed her the same surprised and mildly amused expression.
“I’m better looking.” they said in unison and everyone chuckled, except for Thomas. Rebecca glanced at Olivia’s campaign manager and wondered if he even knew how to laugh.
Gavin’s expression shifted. “I was sorry to hear about Jeanette.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Gavin gave Manny a firm nod and then turned toward the only other person in the room who wasn’t family or an honorary member. “Thomas, I don’t care what my wife told you, I’ll be watching that golf tournament in exactly five minutes and will continue for as long as I can possibly manage before she comes to drag me out for the meet and greet.”
Rebecca detected a sneer forming at the corner of Thomas’s mouth.
“We’ll be finished shortly.” A tight smile appeared, and the sneer never materialized. Practiced perfection.
“Good, I’m getting a beverage,” Gavin said and tapped his cigar on a pile of hardcover mystery novels before heading out.
Kyle raised his eyebrows at Rebecca. “Well, now you’ve met all of us. You sure you want to stay the weekend?” He tucked his lip under his teeth in a way that seemed familiar. She’d seen Manny with the same habit. The habit of biting his lip was just as adorable on Kyle. How many hours had these two spent together that their mannerisms had worn off on each other? Thousands. Tens of thousands. They’d been roommates since boarding school, watched each other’s backs at the borders of hell, and returned in one piece. Suddenly Rebecca was very glad to have met Kyle and his whole family. Saving her job had been the reason she had come, but she suspected she was genuinely going to enjoy herself.
But when people started arriving, Rebecca started to get nervous. Manny was swept up into an endless string of introductions that had no room for a week-old acquaintance. Rebecca stepped over to the bar and wondered if anyone would notice if she asked for a double. Her phone chimed just in time to give her something to do with her hands. It was Wilson texting her another invitation. This time for tennis. Just want to hang out, no pressure, it read. Unless you’re into that kind of thing.
She texted him back, Sorry, I’m out of town. Telling the guy to scram just seemed harsh. What had he ever done but be nice to her? It wasn’t his fault she found him boring and dry. When she got back she’d let him down easy, explain that she only wanted to be friends. But friends played tennis, didn’t they? So that wasn’t really true either. She tapped her finger on her chin, thinking of another way to say take a hike. Beat it? Oh, great. Now that song was stuck in her head.
Samantha joined her, pointing across the yard with a lazy finger in the air. “You might not see Manny again until this little shindig is over.” She took a sip of what looked like an iced tea.
“I was actually hoping to have a chance to talk to your mom.”
“Good luck with that.”
Rebecca sighed and signaled the bartender. “What are you studying in Paris?”
Sam flashed her a genuine smile. “Fashion.”
“That’s exciting! Are you working toward becoming a designer?”
The smile turned conspiratorial. “I design lingerie, the kind that costs a fortune and should come with a warning label.” She cast her eyes in Olivia’s direction, beyond the veranda. “My mother has no idea.”
Rebecca lowered her voice in turn. “So what does she think you’ve been studying?”
“I started out in international law, but it bored
me to tears.”
“Oh.”
“I need to break the news to her soon. Can I trust you to keep this to yourself for now?”
“Sure, but I have to say I’m surprised you told me. We just met. How do you know I can be trusted not to say anything?”
“Manny is probably the best character witness a person could have. I get good vibes from you too.” She tilted her head. “If you want, I’ll show you my latest samples. I’d love to know what you think.”
“I’d be honored.” Now Rebecca dipped her head with a secretive smirk. “I love lingerie that needs a warning label.”
“How about now? No one will miss us, believe me, not with the two war heroes around.” She thumbed toward Manny and Kyle as an elderly couple posed for a picture with them. “Besides, Mother prefers not to take the chance I’ll embarrass her by saying something I truly think.”
Rebecca took another glance around the landscape of pastel clad partygoers. No, she wouldn’t be missed and Olivia was far too occupied with making the rounds to listen to anything Rebecca had to say. She’d have to find a moment later to try to plead her case. “Sure, why not?”
They took the back stairs off the kitchen. Sam’s room was still on teenager time, all hot pink and black and white polka dots, like something out of a candy shop.
“Please don’t say it. I don’t really live here anymore.”
Rebecca shrugged. “Cute, for a fifteen-year-old.”
Sam ran to the closet. “These, I assure you, are for no one under twenty-one.” She pulled a Louis Vuitton duffle bag from the back and placed it on her bed. The first piece she arranged on the zebra-print comforter was a navy-blue sheer corset bra with black velvet boning and trim. Two princess-cut rhinestones sparkled from the center of the plunging neckline. The matching thong was little more than three strips of black velvet and a triangle of sheer navy ultrafine mesh. It was one of the most beautiful sexy-girl getups Rebecca had ever seen.
“See, the push-up supports are hidden where the velvet trims the cups,” Sam said, proudly.
“Oh my God, I love this.” Rebecca couldn’t resist running her fingers over the delicate fabric.
Sam pulled out a black lace-and-silk number and a third with champagne-colored boning on chocolate-brown velvet. They were beautiful, but Rebecca found herself holding the navy corset bra up for a closer look.
“You should try it on. I bet you’ll look amazing in it.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No, I’m dead serious. If the top fits, I’ll give you the set.”
“Oh, I couldn’t.”
“I have five more just like this, don’t worry about it.”
Rebecca chewed her lip and pawed at the soft velvet. “I’ll just try it on. You are really talented. I hope your mom can see your passion for design.”
“I’m not banking on it.” Sam grabbed her iced tea. “Gonna head back. Let me know if it works.”
“Um, thanks!” Rebecca started stripping the moment Sam closed the door. She admired the corset bra once again, noticing now that the hooks shone brilliant silver down the back. It fit like a glove. And once it was on, it made the girls look like a million bucks and she just couldn’t bear to take it off. She fingered her little clutch purse and pulled out fifty dollars; half of the cash she’d brought. She left the money under a ballerina figurine on Sam’s dresser. It wasn’t nearly enough, but it was what she had. She scribbled a note of thanks and propped it so it would be noticed.
Beneath her beige, conservative wrap dress, that sexy piece of lingerie lay in wait, a secret source of adrenaline, feeding her confidence like an IV drip. Rebecca walked back onto the lawn with an extra sway to her hips and the matching thong stashed in her purse. Sam winked at her from the buffet and Rebecca gave her a thumbs-up with a mischievous smile.
Manny and Kyle strolled over to her together. and she couldn’t help staring at the way they moved. Same strong gait, same confident posture. Manny’s taller physique balanced with Kyle’s linebacker build.
“Where’d you sneak off to? I didn’t see you around for a while,” Manny said, easing up close to her.
It didn’t go unnoticed that he’d been keeping tabs on her the whole afternoon. “I took a little break.”
Kyle nodded. “Don’t worry, this little pony show is over in about an hour, and then we can all relax.” He looked at her as if he knew all about her little secret. “Hey, Manny, I hope you told Rebecca how completely amazing she looks in that dress.”
Rebecca knew the moment the blood tinged her cheeks. Kyle didn’t look the least bit sorry for it.
Manny’s tone went to that wry, playful place she already knew had special powers. “I’m pretty sure I did, but she didn’t blush like that for me. What gives, Mystery Girl?”
Rebecca’s blood rushed to her face so fast it made her dizzy. She searched for a comeback but only managed a shrug. The two of them together were a double dose of kryptonite.
Kyle pursed his lips, tilting his head to the side. “You’re right, Manny. She gets even more beautiful when she’s all flustered.”
Their hard gazes had her tingling and tongue-tied like she was soft in the head.
“OK, leave her alone. She’s threatening to burst like that blueberry girl in the Willy Wonka flick.” Manny flung his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her, leaning in and whispering in her ear. “And I know how juicy you are.”
She gasped, channeling Scarlet O’Hara in one embarrassing short and shallow suck of air. The sudden ache between her legs felt like a betrayal. How did Manny manage to get her so worked up so quickly? And now he had his hot friend ganging up on her with the same tactics. She wanted to be mad at both of them, but her body had other things it wanted. Rebecca shook her head, mostly to clear the lusty haze knotting her tongue.
“Are you finished?” she asked, proud of herself for managing even those three words.
“For now.” Manny tapped his finger on her nose, and Rebecca snapped at it when the tip grazed her lip. He was too quick, lucky for him.
Kyle grinned wickedly. “Nice.”
“Kyle…Kyle, come say hello to the lieutenant governor.” Olivia’s voice was enough to bring them all back to reality.
Kyle nodded dutifully and turned back to Manny and Rebecca. “One more hour.”
“Better you than me,” Manny said.
Kyle smiled at Rebecca, making her skin do that annoying tingly thing. “Dude, I’d definitely rather be you.”
Sam strolled over as Kyle left, heading in the opposite direction. She had two plates of roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and piece of crusty bread.
“I think I’m the only one here with any manners.” She handed a plate to Rebecca. “Manny, you’re practically family. You can get your own plate.”
“Thanks for nothing, squirt.” Manny took off toward the buffet, and Rebecca took a bite.
“Do you know that your brother is a flirt?”
“Do I know it? For Manny and Kyle, flirting is like a full-contact sport. The two of them together are a freaking force of nature.” Sam laughed. “No woman on Earth has ever stood a chance.”
“Something they do often?”
“Before Afghanistan they melted more panties than I can remember. God knows what they did at Annapolis.” She chuckled and then stopped short, shooting Rebecca an impish look. “Wow, I can really be insensitive.”
Rebecca shook her head. “No, don’t worry. Whatever Manny did, or does for that matter, is really none of my business. We only just met.”
“It’s none of my business either, but I hope you know what you’re getting into.”
Manny must have heard that last line because he approached them with his finger slicing across his neck. “Quit it, you troublemaker, or else.”
She backed away, holding up her hand in defeat with a devilish grin. “If I don’t make trouble then who will?”
Manny shook his head as she left, preparing to take a bite of his hambu
rger. “Sam is the original pesky little sister.”
Rebecca shrugged. “I like her. She’s fun.” She winked at him. “And, I think she has the dirt on you.”
Manny took a deep breath, his gaze following the trail she took to meet up with Kyle and the lieutenant governor. “I truly doubt it.”
Chapter Eight
The sun setting over Lake George was a sight to behold, and it seemed to Rebecca that the Adirondack chairs on the Hunter lawn might be the best seats for miles. Kyle and Manny sat next to her, sipping beers and chatting about college football. With all the good-byes said for the day and the lawn bearing evidence of another successful Hunter shindig, Olivia approached the big willow tree with her feet in sandals and her long, flowing skirt streaming behind her in the evening breeze. Gavin walked beside her, his fingers whisking past her cheek. He said something that made her smile.
She looked so relaxed, Rebecca almost didn’t recognize her. In her hand she carried a linen-covered box, the kind for keepsakes.
“Manny, I found some pictures of you and Kyle when you were teenagers. I’m having some memory books made, but since you’re here, pick out what you’d like to take back with you.”
Rebecca huddled over his shoulder, eager to spy a look at a gangly, awkward Manny Tescadero. Only he wasn’t gangly and definitely not awkward. She gazed at the images of him hanging out by the pool with Kyle and bouncing a soccer ball on his knee while Kyle watched. Then there was the one on the lake with Kyle’s dad, the three of them fishing from the side of a yacht.
“Thanks, Olivia. These are great.” Manny studied each of them, without saying anything more.
Under the pictures, Rebecca noticed a hand-tied clutch of very old-looking letters.
“Congresswoman Hunter, may I ask what these are?”
“Oh, call me Olivia, dear.”
“Sorry, I just…”
Gavin chuckled. “Don’t worry, Rebecca, sometimes I do the same thing.”
Olivia flashed a raised eyebrow at him. “Gavin, please. Don’t start.” She turned back to Rebecca. “These are love letters from the turn of the twentieth century between my great-grandmother and great-grandfather before they were married. The two of them were quite the scandal, since he was Jewish and my great-grandmother was Catholic.”
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