“Oh, in regards to that little event, I don’t think I feel like going tomorrow night,” Jameson said.
“Oh come on, Jameson. I need you to come there. Freda’s going and she was just asking about you last month when you didn’t show to the Rothesburgh Gallery. There’s going to be great food, too. I heard that Malone’s is catering it.”
That information seemed to perk Jameson up. He loved the food at Malone’s.
“Fine, but I’m not staying the entire time, man.”
* * * *
Mariana fixed her black skirt and adjusted her white blouse as best she could. Her breasts were big, and the tapered blouse was not exactly working here.
“Quit fidgeting, will ya? You look fucking gorgeous and especially with your hair pulled back like that. This is why Roldolpho always asks for you special. He adores you, Sparks,” Tess, her coworker told her as she adjusted her French braid.
Roldolpho insisted that each server wear short, slim-fitting black skirts above the knee and white, button-down tapered blouses with the top few buttons undone. She tried to wear a camisole once and he reprimanded her for hiding her absolutely perfect body.
“Sparks?” Speak of the devil.
“Hello, Mr. Zenarack,” she said to Roldolpho, and he shook his head and tsk-tsked at her.
“You did not just call me that?”
She chuckled and felt her cheeks warm. Roldolpho was totally charming, absolutely gorgeous, and gay. Tonight he wore a purple suit, but it wasn’t like the Joker or some clown would wear. It was custom made just for him, and he wore it well. He had slicked back his black hair, his sleeves were rolled up revealing a light shimmering button-down shirt, and the cuffs were ironed stiff and held with gold-and-diamond cuff links. She hated to admit it, but he was a fine-looking man. He was in front of her pointing with his finger for her to twirl in a circle. That solid-gold pinky ring, with the single four-karat diamond, stood out like a beam of light. This was his routine. He checked everyone over, but especially her and Tess.
“Don’t you think I didn’t notice the two buttons? Now reach on in there and adjust those beauties of yours and undo another button. Men give tips to cleavage not because you served them a pig in a blanket,” he stated then laughed to near hysteria. She shook her head and laughed then did as he told her. Poor Tess tried to do the same, but her breasts were not as full and perky as Mariana’s.
“Now, you look hot. Listen, I have some important people coming tonight.”
You have important people coming at all of these parties. God, I wish I had the nerve to ask him for a real job here. I know so much about artwork and running a gallery. It would be a dream come true to be fully involved in the business.
“I expect everything to go smoothly. Now, chop, chop!” he stated then clapped his hands, and the other servers were already heading toward the kitchen while she and Tess went to prepare to serve hors d’oeuvres.
* * * *
The gallery was jammed packed, but Jax and Jameson stood by Freda and Roldolpho as they spoke about the artist’s work and the gallery itself.
Jax watched as Celia Armstrong attempted to seduce his brother by whispering in Jameson’s ear and rubbing her palm against his chest. Jameson grabbed her wrist firmly yet gently.
“Take a walk. I’m not interested,” Jameson nearly growled. Jax watched as the blonde wiggled her way over toward another group of men. Wealthy men Celia would love to trap. He locked gazes with Jameson, and Jameson glanced around the room as if totally bored and ready to bolt. That expression he used on Celia was priceless. Jameson was over six foot two, just like he was. With their muscular builds and that military attitude thrown in, they reeked of intimidation. But that also meant that they were chick magnets. Jax gave up hope of meeting someone nice and respectable. His brother hadn’t shown any interest in any woman.
“This Belogio is not my cup of tea. Too much mishmash of colors and odd images,” Roldolpho said.
“So what plans do you have for upcoming talent? Any unknowns?” Jax asked as Jameson sipped at a glass of champagne. His brother was uptight and had a bad attitude, but he was a good-looking guy. Jax was a man of action. He was demanding and expected a lot in return. When it came to women, he took extra precaution to not shit where he ate. He knew better. He felt that tightness in his chest as he tried to maintain a conversation with Roldolpho and Freda while thinking about his brother Jameson. They were close, and Jameson meant the world to Jax.
“Yes, I do have some new talent in mind. One of the artists has his work on display tonight,” Roldolpho replied, and then Jax’s attention went to the gorgeous brunette serving hors d’oeuvres. He hardly even focused on the platter of options. His gut clenched as their gazes locked. Her eyes widened as if she was surprised to see him or recognized him, and then she smiled as she moved the platter toward Roldolpho. He knew he had never seen her before. If he had, he would so be all over that. She looked sweet, almost virginal, despite her display of just the right amount of cleavage.
“Is that caviar?” Jameson asked, and the brunette looked at Jameson, and now Jax noticed his brother completely locked on the woman, too.
“Yes sir,” she said then licked her lower lip. Jesus, her lips look familiar. What the hell?
She moved the platter toward Roldolpho and Freda, who smiled wide and took another sample. She nodded her head and began to walk away. Jax looked at Jameson, and Jameson was watching her, following her with his eyes as he held the caviar on a cracker in his hands. He and his brother hated caviar.
“So as I was saying, I do have a few new artists making their way onto the scene here in Houston. One of their paintings has been compared to Van Gogh,” Roldolpho said then took a bite of the cracker with fish eggs on it.
“I never was a fan of Van Gogh,” Jax said, uninterested in the conversation now. His eyes scanned the crowd, and he watched as men immediately took notice to the female server. One man in a tuxedo placed a bill in her hand and squeezed it over the money. He then leaned in next to her and whispered something. Jax was shocked at the possessive feeling that instantly came over him. He wondered what was wrong with him? She wasn’t his. He didn’t even know her, so why was he getting angry?
As he analyzed his feelings, he realized that he had lost sight of the beautiful young woman. She disappeared, and he felt the urge to look for her. Was he just horny? He had been in an odd state since yesterday and bumping into the skater girl. What was her name? Oh, yes, Sparks. He cleared his throat and tried to shake the odd thoughts from his head.
At that moment Roldolpho and Freda excused themselves, and Jax was left with Jameson.
“Hey, did you see that server? The brunette?” Jax asked his brother.
“Yeah, so what?”
“So what? You fucking locked on her like you used to lock onto a sniper shot target. She’s beautiful.”
“So go ask her out and do your thing.”
“What’s your problem, Jameson? You’ve been acting like a jerk lately and I’ve had enough.” Jax walked away, fuming at his brother. He knew Jameson was interested in the brunette, and the fact that they both were in a state at her spoke volumes. He was going to find out who she was. Or he was going to hit someone. He was truly on edge here.
* * * *
Jameson was staring at a picture of God knew what. It was a mishmash of colors splattered across what was supposed to be a cityscape. He turned his head sideways and attempted to figure out what the scene was.
“Hors d’oeuvres, sir?” The sweet voice came from behind him, and he turned and locked gazes with large hazel eyes. The woman was much shorter than him, even in the slight heels she wore. Her hair was pulled back into a fancy style that showed off her slim, tan neck and perfect jaw. She had a petite nose and a gorgeous set of breasts on her. She was beautiful. She stared at him and then at the painting.
“I’m good. I wasn’t too happy about the other stuff you brought over earlier.”
“Oh, I’m so
sorry, sir. Is there something specific that I can offer you? There are lots of hors d’oeuvres in the kitchen,” she informed him as she held his gaze. Her cheeks looked flushed, and he wondered if she were feeling the same attraction that he was? He licked his lower lip, and she followed the movement. Why am I thinking of a bunch of corny lines right now? You can offer me you on a platter.
He cleared his mind and tried to remember how the hell to flirt with an attractive woman. She definitely wasn’t like these other types. She looked sweet.
“I thought that Malone’s was catering the event.”
“They did, sir.”
“Jameson?”
“The drink, sir?”
“No, the name is Jameson. You don’t have to call me sir.”
She stared at him as if he had two heads. “Okay.”
He felt kind of stupid. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been with any women, and he just felt like an inexperienced teenager speaking with this woman. What the heck. He cleared his throat.
“I was hoping that Roldolpho had Malone’s prepare those little shrimp quiche. Those are so good and the BBQ chicken strips on the stick.”
She smiled, showing off bright white teeth.
“Wait right here, sir, and I’ll see what I can do.” She immediately walked away, and all he could do was watch her ass as she walked. It disturbed him that he wasn’t the only one watching.
* * * *
Mariana swapped platters with Tess and headed back toward where the cute guy in need of a shave stood staring at a painting by Pazzarr. He looked so sad and just annoyed at being there. He was also next to that business guy who asked her name yesterday at the building. God, he was gorgeous and totally intimidating. By the way Roldolpho and a bunch of other snobby people were staring at him, the man must be important. She felt that instant attraction to not only him but this other guy, too. It was so crazy.
She grabbed the platter, placed a bunch of quiche and chicken strips on the stick on another platter. She covered it with a linen napkin to stay warm then headed out toward the guy. She didn’t know why she was doing this. She didn’t flirt and she wanted nothing to do with men, but he just looked so sad and sexy at the same time. If she could make him smile, then she was successful.
Mariana headed back toward the guy. He was still standing there and appeared annoyed.
“I wasn’t sure you were coming back,” he said to her, and he looked kind of intense.
“Of course, sir, I said I would. Here.” She pulled the special cloth-covered plate out from under the main platter she held and handed it to him. He looked at the plate suspiciously and also at her in a guarded fashion. She leaned toward him. “I wouldn’t poison you. I need this job. Enjoy, sir, oh, and don’t try to figure out this painting. It’s a new artist trying to mimic an old one. Pazzarr Rafique,” she said then walked away. She looked over her shoulder just as he uncovered the platter. A smile formed across his face, and her heart soared. She wondered what the hell was wrong with her. She was acting like an idiot. He was probably loaded, too, just like the rest of the crew around here. She didn’t need any bullshit.
Her old boyfriend Gavan, whom she dated through her first two years of college and who told her he loved her and wanted to marry her, turned out to be a lying, cheating shithead. He also was greedy for money, so when he cheated with some bimbo named Bambi, whose parents just happened to be filthy rich, he knocked her up and they got married. Money was definitely the root to all evil. But she needed money to pay her loans and her rent.
She took a deep breath then released it as she continued to make her rounds.
* * * *
“Did you or did you not see the instant attraction between the three of them?” Freda asked Roldolpho as they sat together on a couch that overlooked the gallery below.
“Are you kidding me? I nearly was shocked by the electric current. It was so unexpected.”
“Tell me about the woman.”
“Oh no, I know that tone of yours, Freda. You trying your hand at matchmaking now just because you run an escort service?” Roldolpho teased.
Freda smiled. There was something about that young woman that appealed to Freda. She wasn’t sure what it was. From the seating above, Freda and Roldolpho both witnessed the interaction between the woman and Jameson. That poor, young man was filled with sadness, darkness, and pain. He was a handsome man and denied himself even the opportunity to explore a relationship. But the smile that the young woman brought to his face when she special delivered something Jameson liked was amazing to see. Freda was certain that she had never seen Jameson smile before. And Jax. Jax was all business and very assertive when it came to going after things he wanted. But he, too, stayed away from women aside from the one-night stands. She wasn’t stupid. They were both afraid to open up their hearts and trust someone other than each other.
Roldolpho was snapping his fingers as a server approached. “Tell Tess to come up here.”
The server nodded then hurried to a phone on the wall.
“You don’t know anything about her?”
“I know that she’s a hard worker. She works another job somewhere and is trying to achieve her bachelors degree.”
“In what?”
“Not sure. She loves the arts and knows a lot about it. I’ve considered asking her to become part of my staff, however, I’m not sure I’m going to be the owner much longer.”
“What do you mean?”
“Jax has been inquiring and I’m about set to move on to another project. Of course he’ll need me to stay on until he can find a permanent replacement as director of the gallery.”
Freda smiled just as Tess approached.
“Yes, Roldolpho, you needed me?” Tess asked.
“Come sit a moment. I have some questions for you,” Roldolpho said, and Freda listened in as Tess explained all that she knew about Sparks. Freda looked down below again as Tess prepared to head back to work. She caught sight of Sparks as three men engaged in conversation with her.
“Sounds like she’s hard up for money. All those college loans, that rent, and finding a full-time job. I feel terrible,” Roldolpho stated.
Freda touched his arm and squeezed it. “I told you that she was interesting. Let me handle this.”
Roldolpho stared at her with eyes squinted.
“What are you up to, Freda?”
Freda smiled. “Just giving a little push where a push might be needed.”
“Hmmm…sounds delicious. Can’t I join in the fun?”
“I promise to let you in on it and call you if I need backup.”
“Oh backup! Sounds sexy and makes me think of muscular, naked men wearing firearms and ready to play rough.”
Freda laughed then shook her head.
“If all goes well, there will be some serious action and perhaps fireworks, too,” Freda said, and Roldolpho clapped his hands and laughed with excitement.
* * * *
Jax knew that he was probably scaring her, the brunette who snagged his attention entirely. He was watching her and she noticed. The moment those hazel eyes locked onto his, his cock hardened and his need to have her exploded. It was fucked up. He never got like this, or at least not instantaneously. Who the hell is she?
“Sparks, can you grab another platter in the kitchen for the second floor? Roldolpho needs you?” another young woman said, and it hit him. Sparks? Is this the same Sparks in the sweatshirt on the skateboard?
His mouth dropped as he looked her over and she practically bolted for the kitchen. She bumped right into Clover Masters. Clover held her arms and stared right down into Sparks’s cleavage.
“Hey, beautiful, where’s the fire?” he asked and pressed her against the wall. She looked toward Jameson and then up at Clover.
“I need to get to the kitchen.”
“I was looking for you. I wanted to tip you personally,” he said then pulled some rolled bill from his pocket as he leaned against her. She looked freaked out as Clover
pressed the money down her blouse.
Jax was fuming, and something came over him as he crossed the room in three strides and pulled Clover away from her.
“Give her space,” he practically growled at the man.
“What the hell, Spaulding? Find your own piece of ass,” he said, and before Jax could react as a small crowd of people looked on, Jameson was there as he grabbed Masters by his shirt collar and placed his arm behind his back in an aggressive manner.
“Apologize to the nice young woman,” Jameson demanded.
“Sorry, sorry!” he yelled, and then Jameson released him. Masters gave them a nasty look then walked away.
“Are you okay?” Jameson asked Sparks as Jax joined them. She pulled her shirt tighter.
Jax felt angry, and one look at Jameson and he could see how close his brother came to slugging Masters.
“I didn’t need your help. Either of you,” she said, but looked upset. Jax was pissed off and wanted to grab her and demand to know her real name and everything about her. He ran his hand through his hair and tried to fight such possessive feelings for this stranger. Jameson touched her hand. She looked down at where he held her wrist and then back up at him.
“Are you sure that you’re okay? I saw him press something to your chest,” he said, sounding hesitant.
“I’m fine. I appreciate your help. Sorry if your evening was ruined,” she said in a somber tone then walked away.
Jameson and Jax watched her enter the kitchen.
“What the hell?”
Jameson looked at Jax. “I don’t know how you didn’t knock his lights out. Fucking Clover Masters is such a dick,” Jax stated.
“He had no right to touch her. She’d be defenseless against a guy like him.”
Jax saw the anger in his brother’s eyes, and his own emotions mirrored them.
The American Soldier Collection 2: Mastering the Art of Love (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 2