Against her better judgment, she finally answered, “Sure. Sounds nice,” she teased recalling to him her description of his kiss—which was so much more than nice she scarcely dared admit it to herself.
“I have to do something about this nice stuff. It’s going to ruin my image.”
She laughed a little and they arranged to meet at an intimate club situated in town about halfway between the McCord and Salgar estates.
Katie rushed to change into a little designer cocktail dress and strappy heels and to freshen her makeup. Lining her lips in a shimmering pink tone that flattered her skin, eyes and hair, she gazed at herself in the mirror, realizing she’d never before felt compelled to primp for Blake. He was just a friend after all. Now, though…uncertainty washed over her as she imagined a ghost of Tate at her side in the mirror.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered, stuffing the lipstick into her beaded evening bag, reminding herself she and Tate had agreed to move on with their lives and without each other.
Twenty minutes later, after the valet had taken the keys to her Jaguar, she entered the dark club, her eyes adjusting to dim lighting and low tables with black tablecloths and silver candles.
She felt a large, warm hand on her lower back. “You look beautiful.” Blake’s appreciative remark sent a shiver down her spine only to disappear beneath his touch.
“Oh, you startled me. I didn’t see you there.”
“I have a table for us.” He pointed to an intimate booth in a corner near the elegant marble-topped bar.
“Looks like you had a few to choose from. Small crowd tonight.”
“Midweek.” He shrugged, motioning her to lead the way.
As she sat down, she saw that he’d already ordered her favorite white Bordeaux. Lifting the glass appreciatively, she smiled. “You’ve known me too long.”
He slid in beside her and as her eyes adjusted she noticed he too had changed from his business suit to a more casual black turtleneck and blazer, a look she definitely appreciated.
“On the contrary, lately I’ve begun to feel like I’m just beginning to know you.”
Her nerves jumpy, Katie took a sip of wine to calm them. “Is that so?”
“Very much. In fact, I’m looking forward to working with you more closely on the Halloween ball. I have the feeling I’m going to see sides of you I’ve never seen before.”
“You make me sound more complex than I am. I’m the same old Katie you’ve always known.”
“There’s nothing the same or old about you. It’s not really fair, you know,” he mused, resting back in his seat, “wearing a dress like that when we’re supposed to discuss business. Looking at you, how am I supposed to think straight?”
“Since when do you waste compliments on me? Save them for those supermodels you seem to like to decorate your arm with.”
“They’re wasted on them,” he said in a low voice she almost took for serious.
He couldn’t be, though she didn’t understand this change in him. He’d always been coolly polite to her, solicitous even, but never flirtatious or suggestive, nor had he ever given her the slightest indication he considered her anything else but his brother’s fiancée. This shift in his attentions to her was unsettling because she didn’t know how to respond.
Deciding to take control of the conversation, she brought up plans for donations for the ball. Obligatorily, he answered her questions, agreed to her ideas, added a few of his own.
“As a team, I’ve no doubt we’ll bring in more top-dollar auction items than the rest of them put together,” he said.
“Ever the indefatigable confidence. I’m glad you have it because I’m concerned this year. People aren’t as generous in times like this.”
He leaned a little closer. “Katie?”
Wondering at the intensity of his tone, she met his gaze. “Yes?”
“Can we change the subject?”
“I—of course. But I thought that’s why you asked me here.”
“It wasn’t.”
Her stomach fluttered and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to ask the obvious question. She did it anyhow. “Then why?”
“It was a demanding day for a lot of reasons and the one way I realized I could actually relax and enjoy the evening was to spend it with you.”
Now he wasn’t teasing. She knew him that well. His honesty touched her, reflected her own feelings about seeing him again tonight. “I’m glad,” she said quietly, “because I wanted to see you again, too.”
“I’d like to do more of that.”
Wanting the same, nonetheless she lowered her eyes. Where was this going? It should stop here, before it really started. She’d ended her engagement only weeks ago; she had no business throwing herself into another relationship so soon, especially a relationship with Tate’s brother.
“Isn’t there another fund-raiser for your uncle coming up in a week or so?” Blake interrupted her inner debate.
Katie nodded, though his question, seemingly off topic, caught her off guard. Her uncle, Peter Salgar, was making a bid for governor, and the upcoming gala was one of many she’d attended over the last year in support of his campaign. “I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but it’s difficult to say no.”
“I know you usually end up going to those alone.”
“If you mean Tate never went with me, you’re right. It would have been rather awkward, don’t you think?” That was putting it mildly. Scandalous might be a better description. One of her uncle’s strongest supporters was Rex Foley and the McCords had traditionally backed Peter’s opponent in this race, Adam Trent.
“Why don’t you let me escort you?” Blake offered.
“You?” Katie shook her head. “I couldn’t ask you to do that. Your family would disown you.”
“You aren’t asking, I’m volunteering. And as for my family, whom I spend my time with and where is my business.”
“I don’t think your mother will see it that way.”
“I’m well beyond the age of needing my mother’s permission, or her approval.” Reaching across the table, he touched her hand. “Say yes.”
If it were merely a simple party, the answer would have tripped off her lips easily. She enjoyed every moment they’d spent together at such events as friends. But now, given her breakup with Tate, the fact that most of the Foleys would be at the fund-raiser, and there would be many people there taking critical note of her escort, in addition to the lingering memory of how much she’d enjoyed their one kiss, she felt confused, hesitant.
“I want to go with you and I appreciate the offer but—”
“I understand,” he said gently, and she feared he truly did. “I’ll have your car brought around.”
He seemed disappointed, though his brief half smile exhibited a sincere attempt to hide his feelings.
Without thinking of the consequences, she blurted out, “I’d love to. To go with you,” she amended at his confused look. “Thank you. It was nice of you to suggest it.”
His expression relaxed and he gave an appreciative nod. “There’s that word again. I promise, my intentions are purely to ward off all those people who want to ask questions about you and Tate.”
“Thanks, but I can take care of myself. I’ll just enjoy not having to show up alone.” That much was true. She delighted at the idea of walking into the fund-raiser on Blake’s arm. Unfortunately, her mind wouldn’t let her enjoy that notion freely, though. It came with weighted strings attached.
“Will you let me bring your car around now?”
“Oh, no need. I valeted.” She took her ticket out of her purse and with a slight brush of her lips to his cheek, eased away from him. “Please, stay and finish your drink. Thank you again for the wine.”
For a moment she thought he might get up and follow her out, but after moving in that direction, he seemed to think better of it and stayed put. “Send me a text when you get home, okay? Let me know you got there safely.”
Turni
ng from him, her mind and emotions locked in internal warfare, she managed a smile and a lighthearted “Will do” before slipping out into the night.
Chapter Three
A dozen important things demanded her attention and there were other places she ought to be, but Katie, desperately needing a distraction or a confidant—she wasn’t sure which—had temporarily put them aside for a long lunch with a friend. She hadn’t planned on the outing today—on top of everything else, she was hosting a dinner tonight for several potential donors to the children’s hospital benefit—but when Gabriella called, Katie had jumped at Gabby’s invitation.
Gabby, Blake’s beautiful blond cousin, had recently wed Rafael Balthazer, the head of security for McCord Jewelers, and the couple had decided to make their home in Italy. But at Blake’s request, Gabby was back in Dallas for a short stay, doing some modeling for McCord’s as part of the PR campaign Blake had recently launched.
“Marriage obviously agrees with you,” Katie said, after the waiter had left with their orders. “I know it’s a cliché, but you’re positively glowing.”
“Being in love will do that.” Setting down her wineglass, Gabby fixed her with a slight frown. “You, on the other hand, are not glowing. Just the opposite in fact. What’s wrong? Is it the breakup with Tate?”
“Not really,” Katie hedged. “That’s been difficult but not nearly as awful as everyone seems to believe.” At Gabby’ expectant look, she gave in. “It’s Blake.”
“Ah. I was wondering how long it would take him.”
“How long it would take him to do what?”
“Whatever it is that he’s done to upset you.”
The waiter interrupted, bringing their salads, and Katie waited until he’d left before saying firmly, “He hasn’t upset me. But I didn’t expect—” She broke off, not sure if she meant to confess about him kissing her, his new attentiveness or her confused feelings.
“I’ve suspected for a while from things he’s said and the way he looks at you that there was something between you two, at least on his part. I’m not the only one who’s noticed, either. If it hadn’t been for Tate I think Blake would have done something about it a long time ago.” Gabby shrugged off Katie’s skepticism. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope you know what you’re doing getting involved with someone so soon after Tate, especially a man like Blake.”
“I’m not involved with him, but even if I were, what’s so terrible about Blake that you feel the need to warn me away?”
“I didn’t say terrible,” Gabby said carefully. “But Blake is—difficult. He’s not exactly a warm, open person. As far as I know, he’s never had a serious relationship, which is not surprising considering how demanding he is. I’m not sure you’re ready for the challenge.”
“Just because he’s focused and takes his responsibilities seriously, doesn’t make him difficult,” Katie responded, with more force than she intended. “And I know I can rely on him. I cared for Tate, I still do, but he was never the devoted type, at least with me,” she said, echoing Blake’s criticism of his brother. “If I hadn’t been raised to believe we’d end up together one day, I doubt I would have stayed with him as long as I did.”
Gabby started on her salad. “If I were you, I’d rethink that denial about not being involved with Blake.”
“It’s the truth. We’re friends, nothing else.” Inwardly, she winced, aware of the waver in her voice that betrayed her uncertainty. Yet she doubted that Blake had been as affected by their brief encounters, and she was wary of admitting anything she felt was more complicated than a weak moment on her part. He’d made it clear he found her attractive and had, in typical fashion, taken charge and acted on it. She was vulnerable, finding her way in the wake of her broken engagement, and had surrendered to temptation. Why did it have to be anything other than that?
“Whether it’s true or not, if people keep seeing you together, they’re going to talk about your preference for McCord men,” Gabby cautioned her.
Not wanting to admit it to Gabby, Katie found the idea she could be seriously attracted to Blake a little embarrassing. Her friend was right, people would talk, and the gossip wouldn’t flatter either her or Blake. She could only imagine his reaction to that. Thinking about it, she was seriously starting to regret accepting his offer to escort her to her uncle’s fund-raiser. It was only going to convince some people, like Gabby, that there was more between them than friendship and a temporary working partnership.
“I can’t stop people from talking, but I’m not certain what my preferences are right now.” Yet even as she said it, she saw Blake. “I’ve never given any thought to what I want in a relationship and until I do, I don’t intend to get too deeply involved with Blake or anyone else. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us.” She smiled at Gabby, hoping she radiated confidence. It was a sensible speech, a reasonable plan for the future.
But inwardly, Katie thought sense and reason didn’t have much to do with desires and it was going to be difficult to stick to her guns when it came to Blake McCord.
Her determination to try, though, carried her through the rest of the day and into the evening, allowing her to maintain a veneer of aloofness when she greeted him in the elegantly appointed living room an hour before the guests were due to arrive.
There were questions in his eyes at her shift in attitude, but he didn’t comment and, taking his cue from her, his manner toward her was a shade cooler.
“I haven’t had the chance to tell you, but I had a call from the caterer this afternoon. They apparently had a scheduling problem and they’ve cancelled,” she said, handing him a glass of wine. His fingers brushed hers and lingered for brief seconds, as did his gaze on the smooth skin and hint of cleavage exposed by her sleeveless dress. Her breath quickened and she turned slightly aside. “I’ve found a replacement, a firm your mother recommended. I tried to call you before I booked them, but you weren’t answering your cell.”
Blake’s mouth quirked at the corner in a sardonic half smile. “You don’t need my permission to make decisions, Katie.”
“I know you’re accustomed to taking the lead,” she answered with a small smile of her own. “I’m pretty certain teamwork isn’t one of your favorite strategies.”
“Guilty as charged. But you’re quite capable of taking the lead yourself. I’m impressed you were able to find a replacement so quickly. I doubt I could have handled the situation any better.”
“It was hardly a crisis. But thank you, that is a compliment.”
“You sound surprised.” Blake moved by her a few steps with the apparent intent of studying one of the large landscapes on the wall, stopping within a hand’s distance of her. His focus on the painting, he added, “I do give them occasionally.”
“From what I know, very occasionally,” she said, softening her tone to a gentle teasing, though she herself had more than once thought him cold and critical of others’ opinions or actions, especially when it came to his business. Yet over the years, she’d come to realize that he was most critical of himself, demanding perfection of himself and expecting no less in others. She had never really given it much consideration, accepting it as part of him, but she wondered now what drove him to put so much pressure on himself. It could be arrogance, him believing no one else could do it better than he. Some instinct balked at accepting that simple explanation, though. There was nothing that simple about Blake.
Abandoning his appraisal of the painting, he faced her. “You don’t seem to have a very high opinion of me,” he said dryly. “I’m guessing that’s the reason why we’ve gone back to being polite acquaintances.”
“That’s not it at all.” Her eyes slewed from his steady gaze to his hands, one clasped around his glass. It was ridiculous to crave a touch, so strongly desire the warmth of a caress; to feel those needs all the more intensely from simply a glance his direction. How could she, who couldn’t claim to have ever been swept away by passion, want so much?
; “If it’s easier for you to pretend that nothing happened—”
Katie raised her eyes, saw an inscrutable expression in the steel-gray of his. “No, I don’t want to pretend. But it’s…complicated.”
“I suppose it is, if we make it that way.”
“It can’t be any other way, for me.” And it troubled her he apparently didn’t understand or share her conflicted emotions.
He replied with silence, watching her in a way that made her feel he was weighing her words, judging her honesty. “Then it’s complicated,” he said finally. “But it doesn’t have to be impossible.”
“I need to decide that for myself. I’ve let everybody tell me what’s right for me for too long now. It’s time I make my own choices.”
She half expected he’d take offense, but to her surprise Blake smiled. “Fair enough. But I hope, at least once in a while, you’ll give me the opportunity to influence those choices.”
Not waiting for her answer, he took a step closer and lightly kissed her, touching her only with his mouth. The lingering caress flushed her with a slow, curling heat and briefly erased every reason she’d given herself that this was a bad idea. If the door chime, announcing the first of her guests, hadn’t intruded, she suspected Blake might have convinced her to forget reason completely and act on her desires.
She thought Blake knew that from the almost smug satisfaction in his face and the way he stayed next to her to greet the new arrivals as if they were a couple, hosting the evening together. She liked the feeling he always seemed to be there when she most appreciated having someone at her side; she was unnerved by how much she liked it. More unnerving was how much she liked him touching her.
This shouldn’t happen between them, not so soon after her broken engagement, maybe not ever. And yet, putting on the face of hostess, she couldn’t shake the sensation that somehow, some way, it had become inevitable.
Never a fan of these sorts of gatherings, Blake found new reasons for his distaste the longer the evening progressed. Most of the guests, the women in particular, preferred hearing about Katie’s personal life over her appeal for the hospital. He knew it wasn’t the first time she’d had to put up with the whisperings behind her back and the less than subtle probing to her face, but tonight he found it unusually grating.
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