Chapter 19
Scott finished shaving and brushing his teeth then opened the bathroom door. Heather was in the bedroom getting her gown on for the big shindig tonight. She’d come back from running errands for most of the day with her hair and nails done. It looked like she had on more makeup than usual, also. Some combination that made her look more exotic.
He wasn’t sure if he wanted to go or not. Being with Heather was always great but the rest of the rich and snobby, not a chance. Throwing the towel back into the bathroom, he entered his room and the air whooshed out of his lungs. Hot damn and holy hell. The gold-spangled fabric that draped across Heather’s glorious body hugged her hips and was cut dramatically low on her back. Shit, another inch and you’d be able to see her ass crack.
“Um, I think they forgot the back of your dress, princess.”
As she turned, his mouth dried up and his tongue didn’t seem to work. The front of the dress was held up by a trio of straps on each shoulder, the lower one caressing her upper arm like a tiny sleeve. The V front dipped between her breasts, though nowhere near the amount of the back. But she couldn’t possibly be wearing a bra underneath it. Besides the back being too low, her nipples poked through the alluring fabric.
“Glad to see me?”
Looking down, she frowned. “I thought that might be a problem. I got some special tape to fix it.”
He watched mesmerized as she pulled open a box and removed what looked like flesh colored Band-Aids. She pressed them across her still erect nipples then flattened the dress down again. They might not be apparent to anyone else anymore, but he knew what was under there.
“Are you trying to make me walk around with a boner all night?”
She sashayed closer and ran her hand down his chest then lower, barely touching the front of his pants. The tenting grew more obvious and he bit back a groan.
“Do they make those Band-Aid things for men? I might need one with you walking around like that all night.”
“You like the dress then.”
Running his fingers down her back, he slid them inside the fabric and fingered between her butt cheeks. “I like the access it gives me, but I’m not sure I want anyone else having it. Or even seeing you like this.”
She rolled her eyes and adjusted a wayward curl that had shifted from her fancy updo. “Believe me, Scott, this dress will be conservative compared to some of the people there tonight. You should see what Charlotte is wearing.”
“I’m not sleeping with Charlotte, and I don’t care if other men ogle her.”
Sidling up to him and pressing her chest against his, she whispered, “I think I like your being jealous.”
“Who said I was jealous?” Shit, he was jealous. When had that happened? “I just don’t want guys picturing themselves fucking you up against a wall in a corner of the ballroom.”
Shaking her head, she said, “No one’s going to—”
“Oh, believe me, they will. They won’t tell you though.”
She straightened his collar and buttoned his top button. “Is that what you’ll be picturing?”
“Me? No. I’ll be imagining you and me out on the balcony again. I’ll slide my hands in the sides of your dress then remove your little tit strips. After playing there for a bit, I’ll bend you over the railing like before and push the fabric off this gorgeous ass. After a few minutes licking and nibbling on that, I’ll plunge inside and screw you until you wake the neighbors with your screams.”
A shiver ran through her and Scott felt a deep satisfaction at affecting her that way. “You like when I talk dirty to you, huh, princess?”
Resting her head on his chest, she nodded then eased away. “You need to stop. We’ll be late for the party and my mother will nag all night to me about it. Here, I got you something.”
As she walked toward the bag on the bed, he pulled on his suit jacket. She came back carrying a burgundy tie with a gold paisley print on it. “I thought you could wear this. It matches my dress.”
“What, the ties I have aren’t good enough?” he teased, putting the fabric around his neck and knotting it. He’d never been all that good at this and Heather pushed his hands away and helped him.
“Both of your ties are fine. I merely thought it would be nice to have a new one.”
Was she emphasizing that he only had two? What the heck did he need with more? Although if they became a real couple, he’d most likely have to attend more fancy parties like this. That was a sobering thought. Would she be buying him a new suit…or two, also?
“There, all ready and handsome as ever.” She reached up to comb her fingers through his hair, fluffing a bit here and moving a strand there.
“Did you want to check my teeth while you’re at it?” He tried for a teasing tone, but in the back of his mind was the thought he hadn’t quite come up to snuff on his own.
The look she threw him could have melted steel. “Let me grab my purse and we’ll be all set.”
The small gold clutch sat on the dresser and she picked it up, tossed in a lipstick and some other makeup thing, and then snapped it closed.
When he held his arm out, she slipped her hand through it and they set out. As they crossed the living room she stopped to grab some keys on the coffee table. “Here, I rented a car for tonight.”
She’d rented a car. “Why?”
Her smile was huge and genuine so he tried not to take offense as she explained, “The cab of your truck is kind of high and this dress isn’t all that easy to maneuver in. I thought it might be less difficult with a lower sedan.”
“Sure, did you want to drive then?”
She handed him the keys and said, “No, you can. These four-inch heels aren’t real conducive to manipulating a gas and brake pedal.”
As they drove, they both took guesses as to what they’d find once they unlocked the trap door at the mill. Gold, more stolen goods, drugs, the Man in the Iron Mask.
“I hope it’s not a dead body,” Scott said. He’d seen enough of those in the sand box.
“Ooh, yuck. Wouldn’t that smell and have flies everywhere?”
They pulled up and he avoided the question. She didn’t need to know the details of dead bodies. Helping her out of the car, he handed the valet the keys and escorted her into the upscale hotel.
“My parents rented out the ballroom on the top floor.”
“Of course they did,” Scott muttered as they entered the elevator and he pushed the correct button. “I’m curious, this hotel must have cost a fortune to rent and you said there’d be food and drinks, so how do they actually raise funds for this worthy cause?”
Heather’s eyes flicked away then moved back to him. “It’s five hundred dollars for a ticket. Most people who are coming will be expected to donate as well.”
“Five hundred bucks a person? Holy shit. Do they take credit cards because I left my checkbook at home?”
The elevator door opened and Heather slid her hand around his elbow. “This is my family’s party and you’re my date. You don’t need to worry about it.”
She never actually said she got free tickets. Did she pay for them? Or her parents? Great. He was mooching off the rich now. It wasn’t just a tie.
“I need to let my mother know I’m here,” she said, craning her neck to look through the room as it filled. “She’ll already be upset I wasn’t the first one here. I don’t need to piss her off more.”
They wended their way through the people and Heather grabbed two champagne flutes off a passing tray. Tipping her head back, she took a healthy swig.
“I thought you said you’d be staying sober tonight?” he teased, taking a smaller sip of his drink. “Didn’t we have plans for creating some great memories tonight?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I simply needed a little bit of instant courage before I spoke to my mom. She’s always a little high strung at these kinds of events.”
“Then why does she do them?”
“She says they’re expected of someone in her position. She’s very into appearances if you hadn’t noticed.”
He had. He wouldn’t say it out loud. Never insult another person’s mother.
“Heather,” Nicoletta Silva called out pleasantly as they approached. “It’s so nice of you to be here.”
Scott didn’t know Heather’s mom all that well, but even he could read the word she was leaving out. Finally.
“I would have been here earlier but with all my possessions gone…” She trailed off and kissed her mother’s cheek.
“Mrs. Silva, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Thank you, Scott. You also.” She presented her cheek for his soft kiss never even mentioning how he’d addressed her and that her husband had insisted he be less formal.
“The place looks amazing. Heather says you do all the organizing yourself.” If he got her on another track, would she forget about chastising Heather for being late?
“Yes, I do. I keep asking Heather to assist me but she’s always too busy with her little real estate business. And now this new building.” Replace the late speech with one of guilt.
“You know, dear, Clifton is here tonight.”
Who the hell was Clifton? Heather’s eyes widened and her smile was forced.
“Wonderful. I’ll have to make it a point to say hello.”
“He’s looking quite well, Heather. And from what I’ve heard he’s being prepped to take over for when his father retires soon.”
Heather’s head tipped to the side bobbing up and down. “Fabulous. Mom, there’s a crowd of people heading this way who, I’m sure, want to speak with the hostess. We’ll let you get on with your duties.”
Nicoletta’s gaze swiveled and she pasted on what Scott assumed was her good hostess smile. Taking Heather’s elbow, he steered her away into the throng of people then stopped.
“Is that Judge Barlow? Why would she be here?” His gut clenched at the memory of his arraignment.
Heather ran her hand down his arm. Was she trying to comfort him? “It’s not unusual. Most of them have some sort of political agenda. And the people here can help them fulfill it.”
“The rich people you mean.”
Heather rolled her eyes and started walking. Judge Barlow caught sight of her and waylaid them. God, what did she want?
“Ms. Silva, Judge Mary Barlow.” The woman held her hand out, introducing herself. Heather shook it, her smile serene and curious. He could barely keep from growling at her.
“My sister recently bought a house through you. Said you were fabulous at finding them exactly what they wanted.”
Heather was all business. “I’m so glad they were satisfied. I do my best with what’s on the market.”
The judge made a little small talk but kept glancing at him while she did. Yeah, you set my bail at half a million bucks, lady, and I was innocent.
“I’m not sure if you remember my friend, Scott Holland,” Heather interrupted their conversation. “He was in your court recently.”
“Totally innocent, of course,” Scott piped in, trying to keep his voice even. He’d have to get lessons from Heather and her mother. “Trumped-up charges by someone trying to put me out of business.”
The woman looked uneasy and clasped her hands together. “Yes, I got word that the case had been dropped. I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t realize the two of you were friends. The district attorney said she was looking into some new developments regarding this.”
“Someone blew up my house. I’d say that was a new development.” Heather’s voice was still laced with syrup.
“Oh, you poor thing. May I call you Heather? I’ll make sure this gets looked into further.”
“Oh, the police are right on it,” Scott said. “I’m sure you don’t need to worry about a thing.”
“Well, you know I’m running for Congress.” She addressed this to Heather, barely looking in his direction. “One of my platforms is getting the crime rate down in Connecticut.”
Heather nodded. “That’s perfect. Perhaps you could start with the Prescott Street area in Menatuck. Scott and I have a building there we’re renovating and we’ve had some problems.”
“I can put that at the top of my priority list.”
Why was this woman being so agreeable? Did everyone suck up to rich people like this?
“I’m wondering, Heather, if you could put in a good word for me with your father? He’s very influential in the political arena. I certainly could use someone of his caliber giving me their support.”
“I’d have to find the time first. This mill building problem we’re having is keeping me quite busy.”
“Oh, certainly. I understand. I’m in tight with the sheriff and will make sure to get him working on this right away.”
Heather’s smile was a mile wide. “I appreciate that. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I see my father waving at me.”
Heather propelled him to the other side of the room but they didn’t see Domenic Silva along the way.
“That was smooth. You never actually promised to say anything to your dad. We’ll see what kind of results we get in the neighborhood clean-up department.”
“There’s a lot of give and take that goes on in these fundraisers. You have to know how to play the game.”
“Apparently you’re very good at it.”
“It’s just—”
“Hey, Sugar Tush. You are looking sweet today.”
Scott turned at the rich voice. An obvious playboy in a tux stood behind them, his eyes roaming Heather’s figure in a far too familiar manner. Who the hell did he think he was?
Sighing, Heather faced the newcomer. “Hi, Clif.”
* * * *
The last thing Heather wanted right now was to deal with Clif. The man was an obnoxious boor who thought everyone should fall at his feet. Unfortunately, he moved closer to give her a kiss. If she slapped him now it would cause a scene. Not that she cared, but her mother would have a fit and be embarrassed, especially since the woman apparently wanted to push her and Clif back together. Not in this lifetime.
Allowing the kiss, then pushing Clif’s wandering hand off her ass, she stepped back.
“Clif, this is Scott Holland, my friend and business partner.” She’d love to introduce him as more but they hadn’t talked much about exactly what their relationship status was. Earlier he’d said something about them sleeping together. Was that all it was to him? It was beginning to feel like a whole lot more to her.
“Clifton Farthington, the third,” Clif announced regally then held out his hand.
Scott shook it, his eyes assessing the newcomer. He didn’t have anything to worry about. Clif was hardly competition. But the look on Scott’s face had her wondering if he was jealous or feeling inferior. Which he definitely was not. Unfortunately, Clif always carried a larger-than-life air about him. His blond hair was styled perfectly in a slicked back wave and his facial hair was trimmed to look like casual stubble though, she knew for a fact he shaved every day.
“Business partner,” Clif said, looking at her. “I didn’t know you took on another real estate agent.”
“I’m in the construction business,” Scott said before she could correct Clif. “Heather and I are working on a project together.”
“How lovely,” Clif said drolly, then grinned as he glanced over her dress. “And I must say, you are looking ravishing as always. How about I go find you another drink then we can discuss renewing our partnership?” He took the empty glass from her hand and attempted to slide his arm around her. Quickly, she sidestepped and walked closer to Scott.
“Sorry, Clif, but Scott and I need to chat with a few people here. I’m sure you understand.”
Clif sighed. “Sure, business first. I’ll catch you later or call. Your mother seemed to think you’d be interested in getting together again.”
Grabbing Scott’s arm, she sauntered away muttering, “Yes, my mother always was delusional when it came to you.” She honestly didn’t care if he heard or not.
Scott stiffened. “If you want to reconnect with him, you only have to say the word. I’m sure I can find someone to chat with.”
The jealous tone in Scott’s voice sent thrills through her. Once they were far enough away from Clif and in a fairly empty part of the room, she turned and touched Scott’s cheek.
“I have no desire whatsoever to reconnect or anything else with Clif. I dated him for a few years when we were younger and it was a few years too many. He doesn’t care anything about me or what I want. His interest lies in merging our family fortunes together.”
Although he was certainly interested enough in the sex they had too, but she wouldn’t tell Scott that. Though he might like hearing he was far better in bed than anyone else she’d ever been with. Or maybe it was simply they had more chemistry together. But since she didn’t want to hear about his ex-girlfriends, she figured he wouldn’t want to hear about her past lovers.
“We’ll forget about Clif then. Didn’t you say there’d be food at this place? I’m kind of hungry.”
“There is.” She led him over to where waiters were setting up trays with fancy hors d’oeuvres. They grabbed a small plate and nibbled while discussing what other features she wanted in her new house.
Once done, she cleaned her hands on a napkin and placed the remnants on a side table.
“Shouldn’t we throw this away somewhere?” Scott glanced around, probably looking for the trash barrel.
“That’s what the waiters are here for.” When Scott threw her a disgusted look, she ignored him. “Enjoy it while you can. You won’t get it at home.”
He placed his empty plate on the same table then scanned the room. His eyes narrowed. “Drew’s here. Did you know he’d be here?”
Shrugging, she replied, “I asked my parents to invite him. There are people here who could help his career.”
“And where’d he get the money for this? Prosecutors don’t make millions.”
“I sent him a ticket. I was hoping he and Charlotte might hit it off.”
Scott looked around the room. “You know Charlotte is on one side of the room and Drew’s on another. Do you plan on introducing them?”
“They’ve already met a few times, although I’m not sure if Charlotte remembers. She gets a little involved in her own world at times.”
“Seriously? Drew and Charlotte? I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen. Drew likes his women a bit more…substantial.”
“Substantial?” How dare he insult her sister. “Are you saying Charlotte isn’t good enough for him? I’ll have you know Charlotte is extremely bright. She may not have finished a degree yet, mostly because she isn’t sure what she wants to do, but she’s not stupid.”
“I never said she was.” He caressed her shoulders then ran his hands down her arms. He could make her forget everything when he touched her like this. “I merely meant that Drew is the outdoorsy type. He likes to hike, fish, and play sports. Charlotte looks like she’d blow away in a stiff wind.”
Rolling her eyes, she had to admit that was true. “That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t hit it off.” Right now her sister was holding out her champagne flute to a waiter indicating she wanted another one. “She can be a little high maintenance though.”
“I’m going to say hi to Drew. Did you want to come along?”
“I need to talk to Charlotte about a few things. And no, not about Drew. If they’re going to hook up, I’d rather they figure it out on their own. I’ll simply try and get them in the same place at the same time.”
“You might want to do it when there aren’t a few hundred other people around.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek then drifted away.
Moving through the crowd, she stopped to acknowledge some of the people who might help with the mill project. She’d have to make sure to spend more time with them later. Charlotte stood holding court, her admirers stunned by the gossamer creation she wore.
Her sister sure knew how to emphasize her good assets while downplaying others. Her dress was a pale peach and the light fabric draped in two thin strips over her slim shoulders to dip almost to her navel in the front. Several long clunky necklaces dangled there. The dress was equally as low in the back. A light brown scarf wrapped around her tiny waist and draped down one hip, breaking up the pale color. A few pieces of ribbon crisscrossed around her torso; probably the only thing holding the dress in place. The full skirt flowed to the ground, but as Charlotte dismissed her crew and moved forward, her long trim leg poked out through the slit in the front.
“Sweetness,” her sister greeted her. “That dress looks amazing on you. I knew it would.”
Grabbing Charlotte’s hands she pulled her in for a kiss. “Thanks for arranging for me to wear it. I hated the thought of forking out that kind of money for one night.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Mom would have bought it for you in a heartbeat. Half the guys here have been drooling over how you look.”
“And I appreciate that I don’t owe Mom any more than I already do. She’d have me marrying someone like Clif in no time.” The shivers were automatic any time she thought of that man.
Charlotte had convinced their father to start a small gown rental business for occasions such as this. Many of the wealthy women had no problems spending thousands of dollars for a dress they’d only wear once. But a few of the more frugal ones preferred to simply borrow one and then give it back. Their dad had put Charlotte in charge of knowing who to offer the service to. Most of the customers wouldn’t want anyone to know the dress was only on loan. Her sister was extremely discreet, and the gowns were housed in a back room at the largest Silvaggio’s. Their father donated gowns that came in and had any kind of defect. The one she was wearing had a slight discoloration near the hem.
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. “What did Scott think of the dress?”
“He said they forgot the back of it. I told him yours was worse.”
Looking down at the strips of exposed skin Charlotte shrugged. “It’s not like I have a whole lot to show off. Some of the guys here tonight have bigger boobs than I do. I’d wear something skimpier but I only want to shock Mom, not send her into a coronary. I haven’t heard a word from her about the dress but her eyes have said plenty.”
“I’ll bet. Hey, can you discreetly check my back? The beautician covered any of the remaining burn marks with airbrush makeup but I wasn’t sure how it was lasting.” Turning slowly, she pretended to search the room.
“Still looks great. How are the plans coming for the new house?”
Facing her sister again, she said, “I’ve picked out the plans and Scott has had me out a few times to see about cabinets and bathroom fixtures. The cops just released the property from their investigation so nothing’s been done yet.”
“What did they say?
Heather took a deep breath. “It looks like the gas line could have been tampered with.”
Charlotte took her hand and squeezed. “I’m glad you’re all right. Please, be careful. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t. Scott’s being totally obnoxious about protecting me.”
“I wouldn’t mind him protecting me.” Charlotte’s eyes stared into the distance where Scott chatted with Drew.
“Eyes back in your head, Char. He’s mine. You can have his friend, Drew. The one he’s talking to.”
Charlotte tipped her head as she glanced across the room. “Cute. He’s the lawyer, right? That’s too conventional and Mom might actually approve of him. I need someone who will shake her up a bit.”
Jian came to Heather’s mind but she quickly pushed it back. The guy had helped them out but a street gang leader was far too unconventional, even for her sister.
“That waiter who keeps offering me champagne is kind of adorable. I think I’ll chat him up a bit more. See you later, sis.”
Heather shook her head as Charlotte walked off and began flirting with the hired help. Scott was still talking with Drew and Judge Stokinger, the friend of Drew’s who had offered to help when Scott was arrested. She’d let them have their time. She didn’t want to relive any of that horror. The thought of Scott going to jail for something he didn’t do, scared the crap out of her.
“Why does your sister do this to me?” Her mother’s soft voice drifted into her musings.
“Do what?” Playing innocent always gained her a few minutes to get herself prepared to deal with her mother.
“Do what? Please, Heather, do you see what she’s wearing, or should I say what she’s almost wearing? And then flirting with the most inappropriate men.”
“How is the waiter inappropriate?”
“He’s being paid to work here tonight. Do I need to spell that out to you?”
“Scott’s here as a guest. Does that make him appropriate?”
Her mother sighed heavily. “He’s certainly better than a waiter, but not by much. You need someone who can give you what you want, dear. Not some construction worker.”
He was much more than a construction worker, but Heather knew pointing that out to her mother would be a moot point.
“I saw you with Clif earlier and he seemed quite friendly. That’s wonderful considering how you ended things with him. You should try and catch his attention again tonight. He might give you another chance.”
“I don’t want another chance with Clif, Mom. I broke up with him for a reason. You said I needed a man who could give me what I want. Well, I want a man who cares for me.”
“I’m sure Clif cares for you. He’s asked me several times about you.”
“Clif is an arrogant jerk who doesn’t care about pleasing me in any way. He likes the idea of merging our money.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Heather. And you need to make sure you please your man, not the other way around.”
“That’s so old-fashioned, Mom. Are you saying that Dad never pleased you? Never did anything because you wanted it? That you’ve done all the giving in your relationship?” She knew it wasn’t true but needed her mother to realize it.
Her mother’s eyes drifted off to the distance where her dad stood conversing with several other men. “No, your father is an amazing man, and I’m fortunate to have him. He always sees to my needs and is quite generous.”
“Do you love him?” It wasn’t something she’d heard much between her parents though she was fairly sure they did love each other.
“Of course I do, and he loves me. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
“Then why can’t I have someone who loves me and gives me what I want. Someone who I love.”
“You can, Heather, but it’s just as easy to fall in love with a wealthy, successful man as it is with a common laborer. I did.”
“Well, don’t hold your breath waiting for me to fall in love with Clif. That will never happen.”
“It doesn’t have to be Clif. There are many available men here tonight who are more suitable for you. Don’t disregard them because you have a sudden itch for a man who works with his hands. I admit, those nice muscles under snug T-shirts can turn any woman’s head, but you must think of the long term, your future.”
That was the problem. Every time she did think of the future, it always involved a man with wavy dark hair, wearing Carhartts and smelling of sawdust.