Hot Stuff

by Carly Phillips

  Annabelle looked into the eyes of the man she once thought she'd loved. Those feelings paled in comparison to anything she felt for Vaughn. Dammit, she thought and tried to swallow down the fear that particular thought caused her.

  Before she could accept Randy's apology or even tell the two-timing snake he'd never meant that much to her, either, someone smacked his hand away from her face.

  "Stay away from her, Dalton."

  Randy stiffened, poised for a fight just as Annabelle realized she recognized that voice.

  "Vaughn," she said, so happy to see him, her soaring emotions should have been illegal.

  "So this is the infamous Brandon Vaughn." Sophie's voice filled with awe. "I've been dying to meet you." She held out her hand. "I'm Sophie Jordan, Annabelle's middle sister."

  "The brain and the busybody all rolled into one package," Annabelle said, grinning.

  These two important people in her life shook hands, then Vaughn turned to Randy, a scowl on his handsome face.

  "I take it you two don't need introductions?" Annabelle asked the men.

  "I recognize him from newspaper photos," Vaughn said, his disgust evident. "That's enough for me."

  "Man, you're uptight." Randy shook his head and laughed, breaking the testosterone-filled tension. "I know you're retired, but you should really think about still working out. It relieves stress."

  "I'll keep that in mind," he said to Dalton, then turned to Annabelle. "You seriously were involved with this guy?"

  Annabelle groaned. "How'd you know that?" Because for all the things she and Vaughn had confided in one another, Randy's name had never come up. Just showed how insignificant a part he'd played in her life, Annabelle thought.

  "I read the papers."

  "And do you always believe everything you read?" She tipped her head to the side and said, "You've had enough experience with reporters to know their stories don't always give the most flattering of portrayals."

  "She's got a point," Randy said.

  "Shut up," Annabelle muttered.

  Vaughn pulled her away from Randy, closer to his side. "I know better than to believe the rags but the fact remains you two were an item, he hurt you and now if he doesn't stay the hell away, I'm going to hurt him."

  Annabelle's eyes opened wide, shocked at this display of primitive emotion.

  "Come on, Randy," Sophie urged. "Let's go get a drink." She pulled at his hand, then gave Annabelle a look of apology. "We're still working on his foot in mouth problem," she explained. "Nice to meet you, Vaughn. Maybe we'll get a chance to talk later."

  In Sophie-speak, Annabelle knew that meant Sophie wanted to grill Vaughn about his feelings. For Annabelle. And that would not be happening, Annabelle thought and glared daggers at her sibling.

  "Or not." Sophie grinned and grabbed Randy's hand. In fact, she laced her fingers through his in an intimate, comfortable manner as she led him away.

  As a waiter passed, Annabelle placed her empty drink on his tray.

  "Your sister and Dalton look like they're an item," Vaughn said.

  Annabelle burst out laughing. "No, Sophie just knows how to work an idiot like Dalton."

  Vaughn met her gaze. "If there was something going on would you be jealous?" he asked, surprisingly real questions in his gaze.

  "Heck no!" she answered honestly. "Believe me Randy's my-"

  "Ex. I know."

  She grinned. "Very ex and it's nice to see you again," she said, changing the subject. "Make that very nice."

  Vaughn's smile reached his eyes, as he answered. "It's damn good to see you, too."

  "Do you mean that?" she asked, knowing her in- i security was obvious and not caring. "Because if I didn't know better, I'd think you were avoiding my calls."

  Vaughn reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand. That was Annabelle, he thought. Astute as always. He had been avoiding her, hoping his need for her would disappear.

  Seeing her now, he knew that would never happen. For better or worse, most probably worse, she was a part of him. "I mean it," he said gruffly and to prove it, he lowered his mouth to hers.

  As he slipped his tongue inside her parted lips, the kiss felt like he'd come home after being away for far too long. Though he was mindful they were in public and her family and invited guests surrounded them, he still poured everything he felt into the one kiss. It seemed to go on and on, neither of them wanting to part again.

  "Excuse me." Lola's voice interrupted them.

  Annabelle jumped back and as if she were a teenage girl caught making out with her boyfriend, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

  Her gaze darted between Vaughn and Lola. "Caught me," she said, laughing.

  "Yes but that isn't why I'm bothering you. I need to talk to you and your sisters."

  Vaughn immediately recalled the conversation Annabelle had overheard between Lola and her uncle. The one that had caused her to break down. He knew she was hoping that Yank would come around and admit he loved Lola, but the older man was as stubborn as they came. Vaughn didn't hold out the same hope. The possibility of Lola's leaving still remained.

  Annabelle's glance darted around the room. "Can we do it after the party?" she asked, ever the professional.

  But Vaughn heard her voice crack and saw the struggle to remain composed. She'd already assumed the worst.

  Lola grasped both her hands. "I suppose we can, but it's important."

  Annabelle nodded. "Okay," she said in a whisper.

  "I'll let Micki and Sophie know not to rush out after the party ends." With a last squeeze of Annabelle's hand and a slight nod acknowledging Vaughn behind her, Lola strode off to find Annabelle's sisters.

  "Lola was always good at reading my emotions."

  Annabelle turned to Vaughn. "And just now, I know she picked up on my feelings. She knows I'm upset." Annabelle bit down on her lower lip. "But she chose not to tell me everything will be okay."

  "That's because she knows you're strong. You can handle whatever it is," Vaughn said thinking of Yank's degenerative condition.

  "I'm going to strangle my uncle." Annabelle shook her head, frustrated.

  "You can't change how Yank feels."

  "But he loves her! And he's still obviously going to let her just up and leave us!" Her voice rose along with her obvious panic.

  Vaughn wrapped a strong, supportive arm around her shoulders. "First, it's his choice to make and second, you're not twelve anymore. Lola might leave The Hot Zone but she'll always be a part of your life. You know that, right?"

  Annabelle nodded and drew deep, calming breaths. "I'm sorry I'm acting like a child." She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin.

  He was proud of her. "That isn't what I said. Your emotions automatically regress back to your childhood. I'm sure that's normal when you've suffered the loss of your parents. I just want to make sure you view things in their right perspective now."

  Annabelle treated him to a grateful smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she said and pulled him into a hug.

  He inhaled her fragrant scent and emotions swamped him. He refused to answer that comment. He didn't know what he'd do without her, either, but like Yank, everyone had decisions to make.

  "So what do you say we enjoy this party and worry about what Lola intends to do later?" Worry about what he intended later. He smoothed his hand over the back of her hair, trying to calm her.

  "I say it's a deal." She picked up another mimosa from a passing tray and downed it in one continuous gulp.

  He wanted to stop her but he sensed she'd need it for the night ahead. And he'd be there after Lola dropped her news.

  There was nothing that could keep him away.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  AFTER THE PARTY ENDED and the last guest walked off the door, Annabelle joined her sisters as they filed into the small office lent to them by the manager. The cold furnishings didn't bode well for the discussion to follow, Annabelle thought, because Lola wouldn’t insist
on a family meeting unless something was very wrong. Something beyond her being just ticked Uncle Yank. And after what she'd overheard at house, Annabelle knew that something might send her packing for good.

  Fear like icy shards of glass spread up Ann, belle's spine. "Well that was a fun party," she said breaking the silence that had surrounded them.

  Micki raised an eyebrow. "For you, maybe. You had your super hunk to hang all over and Sophie Randy the jerk to fawn over her."

  "Something wrong, Micki?" Sophie asked, concern in her voice. "Man trouble?"

  Their youngest sister shook her head. "No trouble. Everyone likes me," Micki muttered, her tone full of sarcasm and pain. "I'm good old Micki. Ever reliable Micki."

  "You sound like a commercial for Eveready batteries."

  "Or Timex watches. Micki takes a licking and keeps on ticking," Micki said, trying to make a joke.

  Annabelle wasn't buying and from the quirk of Sophie's eyebrow, neither was she. "Talk to us, Mick."

  Lola stepped forward. "Come on, sweetheart. You need to unload."

  Micki eyed the pitcher of water on the side table. "Anyone want a cold one?"

  "Stop changing the subject," Sophie said.

  "What do you want me to say? I'm more like the poster girl for Friends than anyone's potential lover and I don't see that changing. Ever."

  Though her sister looked pretty in a long ruffled skirt and tank, in her eyes, Annabelle saw frustration and pain.

  "You just haven't met the right man to appreciate all you have to offer," Lola said in her calming, motherly voice. "But you will. Which actually brings me to my point for calling this meeting."

  Annabelle held her breath.

  "As you girls know, I've made myself indispensable to Yank over the years. Always at his beck and call, always there to think so he doesn't have to, and always there to be taken for granted." She met each sister's gaze in succession, as if giving them an opportunity to speak or contradict her opinion.

  No one did.

  "So what are you saying?" Micki asked, her eyes wide.

  "The time has come for me to take a stand. I'm leaving."

  Sophie stepped forward, while Annabelle, even though she'd had warning that this was coming, felt paralyzed by Lola's words.

  "Leaving how?" Sophie asked, her I'm smart and therefore untouchable facade shakier than Annabelle ever remembered seeing it.

  Lola placed a comforting touch on Sophie's hand. "I'm leaving The Hot Zone and in doing so I'm leaving Yank."

  "But-" Sophie said, shocked by the news.

  "But-" Micki yelped at the same time, also clearly upset. "You can't!" Only Annabelle knew not to attempt to change! Lola's mind. Her stubborn uncle had been given plenty of warning. Dancing with the young wives of his clients today hadn't shown Lola she meant a damn thing in his life. Annabelle swallowed hard, then did the most difficult thing ever, second only to acting strong for her sisters when her parents' died.

  She walked toward Lola and set the proper example. "I wish you luck," she said, then gave the woman, the closest thing she had to a mother, a long, tight hug. Her light perfumed scent was as comforting as an embrace and Annabelle knew in that moment more than ever that she would miss seeing her every day.

  Then one by one her sisters came forward and did the same.

  As Lola embraced each girl she loved desperately, she sniffed and her eyes filled with tears. "You're all the best. And I want you to remember that. Also remember this doesn't mean I'm leaving you. I'll always be just a phone call away," she promised them.

  Lola never wanted to lose touch with these wonderful young women, even if seeing them would arouse painful memories and thoughts of things she should have done differently. And she suspected that it wouldn't be easy to see the girls and avoid the subject of their uncle. Still she intended to stick by her decision.

  Now she had one other thing to address with them. "I know I'm leaving The Hot Zone in capable hands but there's something you girls need to know. About your uncle." She eyed each of them, wondering how they'd take the news.

  She wished she could protect them the way she had when they were little, monitoring their choice of television shows and playmates, bandaging their cuts and kissing away their pain. Adult reality wasn't as simple.

  She'd struggled with this revelation. Perhaps it was Yank's information to divulge, but darned if she'd leave the girls in the dark. The Hot Zone was their business and Yank was their only real family. They deserved to make informed choices.

  Each would react in their own way, of course. Sophie would analyze but hold her feelings inside. Micki would hover and try to make things better! And Annabelle would internalize the situation; equate Lola's leaving with her parents' deaths, and do everything she could to make peace within their little unit.

  Lola shook her head sadly, knowing Annabelle would probably hurt the most. No, that was wrong. All the girls would be in pain. Only Annabelle would also suffer the accompanying fear.

  "Lola?" Micki asked. "What's wrong?"

  "Tell us," Sophie encouraged her.

  Annabelle remained strangely silent.

  Lola drew a deep breath. "Your uncle's been keeping some important information from you and I've decided it's time to come clean."

  "The hell you will," Yank bellowed from the doorway.

  Lola tensed. She hadn't counted on him joining them but she should have anticipated it anyway.

  "Who let you in, you old coot? You have no right to sneak around and listen to other people's conversations." Lola forced herself to meet his gaze. "Why don't you just turn around and take your gyrating hips out the door?" With that, she pivoted around, turning her back on him.

  He deserved her cold shoulder. His actions today had merely cemented her resolve to leave and she didn't mind telling him off now. She certainly wasn't worried about holding on to her pride. In an hour, she'd be gone and Yank wouldn't care whether she'd bared her soul or not. But at least she'd leave with the knowledge that she'd done all she could to be upfront and honest and to try to save the life she loved.

  "I'm talking to my family," she added for good measure.

  "Family?" Yank snorted. "This is my family."

  His words cut deep, but she held on to her resolve. "Well these girls are mine, too, and I can have a private talk with them if I choose. Unless you'd like to be the one to tell them everything?" Lola challenged him.

  Yank Morgan could bluster and storm around. He could resist her charms and her body if he wanted, but no way could he ever resist a challenge.

  Silence reigned. The girls had stepped back toward the wall, giving them their own private arena to play this out. Even Brandon, who'd come in behind Yank, stayed in the shadows. But he met her gaze and gave her a silent nod of encouragement. Brandon was such a good, decent man.

  But he'd never known trust and understanding. Would he ever realize Yank considered him family? Always had and always would. And then there was Vaughn and Annabelle. What a couple they could be. Lola shook her head, knowing she didn't have time to dwell on them now.

  She faced Yank, possibly for the last time. "You're as scared to tell them the news as you are to face the truth," Lola goaded him. "And you're just as scared to make a commitment and I've had enough. Of everything." All the frustration she'd held inside, all her fear for him, all the love he'd never let her show- she'd kept everything bottled up inside and now the cork came loose and her emotions spilled out in mean-spirited accusations.

  She hated how she'd been reduced to this level, and that was yet another reason she was finished with this man who didn't love her back.

  "Girls," she began, "your uncle-"

  "Is going blind," Yank said, rising to the occasion as she'd predicted. "I'm gonna be blind as a bat one day and there ain't nothing you can do about it."

  Stunned silence filled the air around them as the girls digested Yank's version of his situation. Which wasn't completely accurate, but that had been Yank's attitude since th
ey'd gotten the diagnosis. Defiant and angry. And hopeless. Unwilling to do anything the doctor suggested to help his situation.

  "He's exaggerating as usual," Lola explained to the girls. "But there are issues that will need to be dealt with and since I won't be here, you all need to know everything."

  "Harrumph."

  "The diagnosis?" Annabelle was the one to ask, ignoring her uncle's grumblings.

  "Macular degeneration," Lola said.

  Sophie narrowed her gaze. "It's the leading cause of blindness in people over age fifty-five, right? I watched a segment on the Science Channel."

  "That's right. But there is help when it's caught early. The reason you girls need to know this is you need to make sure the business doesn't suffer." And she'd taken steps to make sure The Hot Zone stayed as strong as ever. Lola might be leaving physically but her heart would always be here. "I have a plan."

  Annabelle stepped in closer as did Micki and Sophie. Yank merely continued to scowl. He probably still didn't believe she was going anywhere. But he'd know as soon as he returned to the office and saw her empty desk.

  "What do you have in mind, Lola?" Annabelle asked.

  "A merger with Spencer Atkins and Associates, Spencer's already agreed."

  "Over my dead body," Yank shouted and stormed out the door without looking back.

  VAUGHN SLIPPED OUT of the office where Annabelle’s family was arguing like crazy. He'd listened to their dynamics with mixed feelings. On the one hand, he recognized the sounds of arguing. Lola and Yank bluster resembled the fights he'd had with his father every year. The reason never mattered. The lack harmony did. His own family never quite connected and the bickering was something he could relate to.

  But on a stronger, deeper level, Vaughn felt Annabelle and her sisters' pain on hearing about their uncle's illness. He felt for Lola and understood the hurt she was suffering by being excluded from a family she considered her own. He could empathize so well. Even more, he envied their closeness and caring despite Yank's gruff, obstinate exterior. Even when they weren't getting along, Vaughn knew their love overrode everything else.