“I know you’re right.” Andie gasped and turned her head away from the door.
Holly instantly swiveled to see what had startled her. “Now isn’t this interesting?” She watched as the hostess seated Tish and a man at the booth behind Andie. Squeezing Andie’s hand, she whispered, “Her back’s to you. Any idea who the peacock is?”
Andie shook her head. “I have to get out of here.”
“Absolutely not,” Holly disagreed softly. “Not until we determine what’s going on. I say we hang out and listen for a bit.”
“To the most convincing performance in history.” The man raised his glass to Tish as she giggled. “Hats off to you, darling.”
“Thank you, Craig. I couldn’t have done it without your brilliant plan.”
Holly slid her tiny dictation tape recorder from her purse, clicked it on, and handed it to Andie. “Put this on the ledge at the corner. I think we may be about to hear something worth saving.”
Andie did as she was instructed as the couple continued to congratulate themselves. “So tell me,” Craig said, “Where are you tonight?”
“Shopping for a wedding dress. Brett told me to be sure I found the one I loved and not worry about the expense. Now that Daddy’s withdrawn his financial support, due to our rushed plans, Brett has stepped up nicely.”
“As I expected. I told you a few tears would do the trick. What an ego that patsy has! How could he refuse you anything your little heart desires? Especially after your treasured daddy said such harsh words to you. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that scene.”
“You would have loved it. As soon as I said that Daddy refused to reschedule his trip to the Orient so he could attend the ceremony, Brett was offering everything to make me smile again. Don’t worry, Craig. I’ll make sure he more than covers the cost of my dress. And I’ll pad the rest enough so he can pay for our wedding too.”
“Oh he’ll be paying for much more than that.”
“I know but don’t you think that wedding expenses should include all of them? After all, we have to wait a year for ours. It’s only right that he pick up the tab for the inconvenience of it. He agreed to the pre-nup as soon as I said that was the only way Daddy would even acknowledge our marriage.”
“That was a nice touch. I knew it would keep him from asking for the same from you. Even the great Brett Hudson isn’t that presumptuous. He may strut around the office, acting like he’s God’s gift to advertising but it would be just too much for him to move to protect his measly fortune in the face of your stepfather’s. It’ll be so delicious to watch you suck it through his fingers.”
“In due time, darling. At the rate he’s going, I won’t need to do that.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s well on his way to becoming a drunk. Some boys just don’t hold up well under pressure.” They both laughed. “I doubt if he’s been completely sober since the auction. At this rate, he’ll drink himself to death before I get the chance to file the papers.”
“Careful, Tish. We don’t want his demise to come too soon. You’re not in the will yet.”
“Relax, Craig. Brett’s babysitter rarely leaves these days. Aren’t I lucky, the way his trusty lapdog of a friend dotes on him? Nothing will happen to him before the wedding. And, since I’ve already assured Jesse that I am as concerned as he is, I’ll take over afterward. Once he changes his will and sells that monstrosity of a shack in that dreadful hick town, we have all sorts of possibilities. One, since he’s sure to be tired on his long commute home, he could doze off…”
“And have a tragic accident.”
“Two, he could be drinking…”
“And have a tragic accident.”
“Or three, he could chose to stay over again.”
“And desert his lonely wife who spends all her time just waiting for him to come home. This is so easy I’m almost disappointed. I expected at least some level of challenge from the moron.”
“He didn’t even question my spiel on why I decided to wait on sex even though we’re getting married so soon.”
“Why would he? I’m sure you played it beautifully. He wouldn’t dare ask you more about it for fear of upsetting you again.”
“Trust me, I was brilliant, leading him on again to the point he couldn’t think straight and then shedding a few tears over how much I wanted him but didn’t dare to allow things to go any further for fear of jinxing everything. I was so coy and innocent. You wouldn’t have believed it.”
“Such a treasure you are, Tish. It takes a rare woman to subdue her true nature for our mutual benefit like you are. I’m sorry you’ll have to put up with his clumsy pawing.”
“Not a problem. After all, it’s not likely that he’ll try to touch me again before the wedding. And afterward, it won’t take long for him to be too much of a drunk to get it up.”
“Maybe you can catch him with the schoolmarm before then. You said she was making eyes at him. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he goes prowling as a last hoorah. He does fancy himself quite the stud.”
Tish snorted. “It’s something worth keeping in mind. She’s welcome to him. After the wedding that is. I can’t imagine that dowdy little mouse turning away any attention. She probably doesn’t get enough to realize how dreadful he is.”
“So his attempted seduction was that unpleasant?”
“Jealous, darling?” Tish laughed wickedly. “There’s no need. I told you Brett Hudson’s fumblings were so lacking, you have nothing to worry about.”
“That’s because you are an insatiable slut.”
“Craig.” She giggled.
“Admit it. You would have done anything so I didn’t forfeit our turn at hosting the poker game tonight. I know how much you enjoy being the prize. I already told the guys how deprived you’ve been lately, spending time with Hudson, so I hope you’re ready for some rough stuff.”
“Ooh, do you think so? They’ll have to watch where the bruises are. Don’t want any to show, you know. Perhaps I should skip it this time.”
“Bullshit! You’re looking forward to this game even more than I am. I bet you’ve been soaking your crotch for days in anticipation of being passed between us. I know how much you got off the last time when you took on all five of us at once.”
She shrugged. “What can I say? I like to be filled. Why would God have given me three holes and two hands if I wasn’t meant to use them?”
“And use them you did. You were such a debauched slut that night, begging us all to keep using you. We almost forgot to finish our game.”
“I know, I know. I was so bad to distract you like that.” She giggled. “Just make sure you watch where the cane lands.”
“I’ve already told the guys. You know, I almost feel sorry for Hudson. He’ll never witness your true passion.”
“Oh please. What would a clueless little boy like that do with a real woman like me? No, he’s better off sticking with his prissy schoolmarm and leaving someone like me to the big boys.”
Craig laughed. “Maybe I’ll have the guys come over to play with us as your wedding present right after the big event. Think between tonight and that it’ll tide you over so you can bear your wedding night? I don’t guess you’ll be able to avoid him then. After all, we wouldn’t want him to claim that the marriage was never consummated, would we? You’ll just have to get through it with the promise that I’ll make it up to you.”
“I’ll hold you to that but you’ll have to watch the marks even more then.”
“Don’t worry, Tish. We’ll take good care of you without him knowing.”
“And I want a real celebration as soon as I ditch him.”
“You’ll have it. I promise we’ll beat every inch of you until you’re that beautiful shade of red.”
“And then you’ll all fuck me until I can’t stand anymore.”
“We’ll fuck you longer than that, darling. I’ll make sure of it even if I have to invite a few extra cocks.”
>
“The thought of that just might get me through this marriage with Brett. Did I tell you I have a decorator coming next week? I refuse to live with those ridiculous drawings of his. Don’t worry. I’ll pick things that suit our tastes. Why shouldn’t I get Brett to furnish the house for us? You’ll be moving in as soon as everything is finalized anyway. I may as well take advantage of this opportunity too.”
“A woman after my own heart. I can’t wait for him to find out that I’m gonna be taking over his duties as your husband. I can see the look on his face now.”
“Piece of cake, Craig. I told you all we needed to do was be patient. He may be able to fool that idiot you work for but we always could see right through him. Things are falling into place exactly as we planned. Don’t worry. It’ll be over before you know it and I’ll be back where I belong, with you.”
“Oh, Tish, we’re never going to be truly apart. He’s too stupid for us to need to avoid seeing each other during your marriage. I doubt if you’ll even need to miss one of our games. Now eat up while it’s hot. You need your strength for tonight or I won’t let you play.”
“Don’t threaten me or you’ll be the one who doesn’t get to play tonight. I’ll get the guys to tie you up and stick you in a corner and all you’ll get to do is watch if you don’t behave yourself.”
Andie slid the tape recorder from the ledge and motioned for Holly to follow her away from the table. When they were out of the restaurant, she said, “I’m going to be sick.”
“Me too. I’m very glad we decided on a leisurely drink before we ordered dinner.”
“Ooh, I can’t believe that bitch! I want to go back in there and scratch her eyes out. Did you hear all that!”
“Not only did we both hear it but we have it on tape. Wyatt gave me that when I started my own practice and it’s very high tech. I bet we have every word. Do you realize what this means?”
“He doesn’t have to marry her! I have to call Jesse.”
“Wait! Hold on. Listen to me, just for a minute. You, the woman who loves him, has found a way, purely by accident to save him from the worst kind of scam. You need to go tell him in person, not have Jesse do it.”
“Holly, I don’t know.”
“Well I do. Trust me, Andie. Don’t think. Follow your heart. Call Jesse but only to get him out of Brett’s house. Tell him it’s important for you to see Brett alone. Tell him I’ll meet him at his place with the tape and will explain everything. I’ll enlist Wyatt and Frank and we’ll have more proof than anyone could ever want in no time. You go talk to your man. As soon as he gets the big picture, you bring him to Jesse’s and we’ll fill in the blanks. By morning, Brett will be a free man and who better for him to turn to than the woman who saved him? Seems to me that fate was in your corner all along.”
“Are you sure he won’t end up resenting my interference?”
“If he does, then he’s not the kind of man you want to spend your life with anyway. Why are you questioning this cosmic plan thing that you and Jesse mentioned? You have to go fight for your man. Now. Stop stalling. Call Jesse and tell him to get his butt home. If I have to stand in the hall and wait for him, I’ll be annoyed. I’d better call Dwayne too since I’m sure I’ll be home later than I anticipated. Do it, Andie.”
Chapter Eleven
“Jesse, it’s Andie.”
“Everything okay there?” he asked.
“Better than that.” Andie could barely contain her excitement. “Holly will explain when you get home. She’ll meet you there. We have a way to get Brett out of this mess. Tish is lying and I’m on my way over there. Holly insists that it’s right for me to speak with him alone first.”
“I’m not certain that would be the best course of action at the moment.”
“Please. I need to tell him. I’m supposed to bring him to you guys since Holly is sure you’ll find more after she tells you where to look. Once he hears, I can’t imagine that it’ll take us long to get there.”
“The situation may not be as you’d expect.”
“You’re saying he’s drunk.”
“Nearly.”
“It’ll be okay. If he’s not completely numb he’ll realize that what I’ll telling him will get him out of this. She’s such a scheming, sick bitch. You won’t believe all the things that we got on tape.”
“You’re positive?”
“Yes! If I have any trouble, I promise to call you right away. I won’t let him go after her, Jesse. Not alone and not without evidence to confront her with. I know he’ll want to hear the tape. I just have to be the one to tell him the first bit of it.”
“All right,” he agreed hesitantly. “Be careful.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be with Brett. You know he’d never hurt me and what I have to say will make him relax.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “I’ll be there in a few minutes so get out, okay?”
“Right.” Jesse hung up, wondering why he didn’t share her confidence.
“Problem?” Brett asked.
“Not really. I need to take off for a little while.”
“Relax,” Brett urged, reaching for the bottle he had just opened. “I’m not going anywhere. I appreciate the way you’ve been hanging out but I’m fine. You really don’t have to come back. The worst that will happen is that I spend the night here, at the table. Nothing I haven’t done before. I don’t need you to stand guard over me. I’m actually getting used to the idea. It’s not so bad.”
“Glad to hear it but I’ll try to get back later anyway. Can’t let you guzzle all this good scotch alone. If I wait until tomorrow, I’ll be stuck with the cheap stuff again.”
“Too bad. Don’t know why I bought it in the first place. I’ll do better next time.”
Jesse let Brett’s statement pass. Instead, he suggested, “You could call Jordan while I’m gone.”
“I’m not that used to it yet. Stop nagging, Jesse. I think Tish’ll be doing plenty of that soon enough.” Jesse raised an eyebrow in response. “I’m not ready yet, okay? I will soon just not tonight.”
“Brett…”
“Don’t you have someplace you need to be?”
Jesse nodded slowly and again, hoped that Andie knew what she was doing. This tape she referred to better be good. And Holly had lots of questions to answer.
* * * * *
“Now what?” Brett muttered as he headed for the door. When he found Andie he groaned. “You just missed him.”
Andie kept the door from closing and walked in. “I’m not here to see Jesse. I want to talk to you.”
“I can’t imagine what we have to talk about.”
“I know what’s going on.”
“Great.” Brett snorted with disgust as he stomped toward the kitchen. “Go away, Andie. Your boyfriend gave me all the lectures I can take for one day.”
“He’s not my boyfriend and I’m not here to lecture you.”
“All the more reason for you to get out of here.” He took a swig straight from the bottle.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Andie stepped closer.
“Back off, Andie. Don’t push me.” He spun around and slammed the bottle onto the counter.
“I just want to talk,” she said as she put her hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t,” he growled.
“Don’t what? Why won’t you turn around?”
“You say you and Jesse aren’t together. He said the same thing. I don’t want to talk to you. No, that’s the last thing I’d do with you.”
“This is ridiculous,” Andie declared as she moved to his side at the counter. “Brett—”
“Get the fuck out of here! While you still can.”
“Brett.” Andie’s frustration was beginning to show. “I’m not going anywhere until you pay attention to me. Now—”
“Attention? You want attention? My attention?” He faced her.
“Yes. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. You need to listen so I—”
“No. The last thing I need is someone else who expects me to listen.”
“But I have to tell you—”
“Shut. Up,” he snarled as he backed her into a corner. “You say you want my attention, well, you got it.”
“Good, I—”
“I said shut up. No talking. If you’re staying you have to keep quiet.”
“But—”
“No buts, wench. Now nod yes or no. Are you and Jesse involved, I mean more than friends?”
She shook her head no.
“Is there any other guy I don’t know about in your life?”
No again.
“You still want my attention?”
Yes this time.
“You gonna keep your mouth shut until I tell you to open it?”
Yes.
“You sure you wanna be here?”
Yes.
“With me?”
Yes.
“You didn’t come for Jesse?”
“Brett,” she tried to answer and found his hand over her mouth, pressing her head against the wall.
“Damn it, you agreed. No talking. Now answer me. Did you come here for Jesse?” Andie shook her head no. Brett noted the uncertainty in her eyes but chose to ignore it. She said she wanted him and wasn’t with Jesse who’d gone out of his way earlier to explain how they were strictly friends. That meant that she was fair game. Shoving all thoughts from his tortured mind, Brett leaned closer. He lowered his head. His eyes burned into hers, not letting her blink. When he captured her wrists in his hands, he saw a flash of wariness and it was obvious she was fighting not to struggle.
Not pausing, Brett claimed her mouth. Savagely, he forced his tongue between her teeth. Clasping her hands in his, he leaned fully against her, feeling her body with every inch of his. Brett’s mouth devoured Andie’s ruthlessly, demanding more with each passing minute.
As if needing more contact, he forced his thigh between her legs. Shifting his hold on her hands to just one of his, he moved his other arm between them. Roughly, he pawed her breast. He shoved her feet farther apart, trapping her against the wall with his hips as he frantically groped her soft flesh.
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