by Elaine Fox
Brady picked up the screen and examined it. No, they hadn’t pushed the screen in, they’d scratched, dug, and torn at it first. whatever had come in had possessed some kind of claws to destroy the screen first. Fine, talon-shaped runnels were impaled on the wire mesh, as good as a bloody fingerprint.
Tricia would never ruin a manicure doing something like this.
His eyes shifted from the screen to the window to the backyard beyond. Lily’s dog lay on his back under a tree, feet straight up in the air as his body writhed on the lush spring grass.
Brady narrowed his eyes. Doug.
He stared out the window at the dog. The animal had had it in for him from the moment he’d moved into the house. What was impressive was how stealthy and creative he’d been about making the point.
Brady could be stealthy and creative, too, however. Eyes on the dog, he pushed the window shut and considered.
If he went out there now, all he’d get was a barking fit, followed by the swift retreat of the culprit through the dog door into Lily’s house. Besides, it didn’t look as though the dog had eaten all those shoes. His belly wasn’t distended like it was the day he’d consumed the seat of Brady’s motorcycle, and there were no telltale pieces of leather lying around the grass nearby.
No, Doug had done something with them. Something that Brady could figure out when he had a little more time. Right now the dastardly little dog could wait. Brady didn’t have time to deal with him properly, because he had to buy some shoes.
He’d have time tomorrow, though, he thought, staring holes in the ugly mutt’s back. And when he did, he’d track the little bastard and find out where he’d buried the damn shoes. They’d no doubt be unwearable at this point, but he wasn’t going to let the dog win. He couldn’t. His pride was at stake now.
Lily moved listlessly around the store, fingering this fabric and that, occasionally lifting a hanger to look at and mentally discard a dress, and could come to no conclusions.
“Here’s a nice Ellen Tracy,” the saleswoman said. “Very fun, very sexy, and perfect for this lovely summer weather we’re having. And everyone looks good in aqua.”
Lily stared at it and sighed. Fun. Sexy. Gerald was immune to those things. He was allergic to cleavage and put off by sensuality. She might as well put on a house dress and accessorize with a spatula, since everyone seemed to be assuming that’s what she wanted anyway.
“Thanks,” she said to the saleswoman, “but I think I’m just going to wear something I already have.”
The woman shrugged and turned away. Lily was sure she’d pissed her off, taking up her time, then not buying anything. The saleswomen in this store were notoriously snooty, but Lily hadn’t had time to go anywhere else. This shop was the closest one to her house, and it wasn’t until she’d pulled out the blue dress she’d worn to Susan McNally’s wedding that she’d decided she wanted something new for tonight. Something that might give her confidence.
She turned and headed out the door, opening it with such force that the bells jumped and tinkled wildly, like tiny birds in the path of a tornado. She hadn’t meant to hit it that hard, she just couldn’t contain her frustration, with everyone from Gerald to her father. Mostly, though, she was frustrated with herself.
A month ago she’d known exactly what she wanted and essentially how to get it. Gerald had asked her out, and it had seemed that she was finally on track.
Now, though…now everything was so confusing. That weird date with Gerald had started it.
No, that wasn’t true. The kiss with Brady had started it, damn him to hell. But the weird date hadn’t helped any, and the awful kiss with Gerald had only sealed the deal. She didn’t want to buy a new dress for Gerald, she thought, because she didn’t want to invite another kiss. She also didn’t like the fact that he considered himself so secure in her affections that he hadn’t expressed the slightest reservation at leaving her for the entire summer. Had she made her desires that obvious to him? Did he think she had no other options? Did he believe she’d wait for him forever, until he decided it was convenient to take her up on a relationship?
Of course he did. She’d made sure of it for the last two years.
What was strangest about the situation was that she still didn’t have any trouble thinking about him in the abstract scenario of her future, as she always had, but when it came down to having another conversation like last weekend’s or even just standing in front of him tonight and hoping for a kiss…that desire just wasn’t there.
Which frightened her. What would she do without the idea of Gerald? Her relationship with him protected her from so many other mistakes.
She kept thinking she had to make it work because she’d invested so much in this already, but did she really?
She was just on the verge of figuring something out when someone stopped short on the sidewalk in front of her.
The first thing she noticed, since her eyes had been downcast, was that this person was wearing one loafer and one flip-flop. She raised her gaze.
“Brady,” she said, her eyes reaching his face. She wished it didn’t look so welcome to her baffled heart. But tonight was the night he was to be introduced to Penelope, and by all reports he was looking forward to it.
She mentally pulled herself back. “What happened to your foot?”
“Nothing. I’m just wearing what’s left of my podiatric wardrobe,” he said. “Why, what are you wearing to the party?”
She looked back down at his feet. “Well, at least two of the same shoes. I know that much.” She sighed. “Other than that…I was just looking for a new dress but…” She reached a hand out to gesture at the store, behind her, then let it drop.
His face grew concerned. “Something the matter?”
“No.” She sighed again. “Maybe. I don’t know.”
“I couldn’t help noticing you were back early from your date the other night. Romantic dinner not go as planned?” he asked.
“Actually,” she said speculatively, “it was romantic, in a way. Kind of. At its, uh, heart.” She frowned and shook her head.
She didn’t want to think about that night anymore. She should be thinking about the future, about the way Gerald would be as a husband, as the guy in that picture frame on her father’s desk.
But she couldn’t think straight with Brady right in front of her. He looked so good, in khaki pants and a white polo shirt. Even with the silly combination of shoes. How had he gotten so tan already? Wasn’t it interesting how his sun-bronzed face made those hazel eyes stand out so golden? And how amazing was it that he could stand there completely nonchalantly in mismatched shoes and still look incredible?
She glanced away, down the street.
“So it was romantic, but ended early.” Brady nodded. “Okay.”
“Oh God,” she muttered. “I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Oh. Sorry. I guess it’s none of my business anyway.”
She laughed slightly. “No, it’s not that. It’s just…”
She looked up at him again and thought how lean and athletic he looked. It must have been the running, that’s why he was so tan. He went on the longest runs. She’d see him leave in the morning with his iPod strapped to one burly biceps, and he wouldn’t return for an hour or more. Not that she was watching for his return or anything. She just liked taking her coffee on the porch, or in the front room, near the windows.
“So,” she started again, attempting to put some pep in her voice, “you’re meeting Penelope tonight. Are you looking forward to it?”
His eyes narrowed. “Ah-ha. I thought you were in on that. Megan told me about your plot to get us together.”
“Oh, it wasn’t my plot,” she clarified. “It was Megan’s, all the way. I just…” She shrugged. “Went along with it. Besides, you two would look good together,” she finished miserably.
He tilted his head, studying her, and she looked at the ground. “Are you okay, Lily?”
“Of course!”
She couldn’t let him think she was down because of him and Penelope. That would be pathetic. “I’m sorry, I’m just preoccupied. You see, Gerald and I, we, ah, actually we talked about marriage the other night!” The very words put panic in her heart, and she looked up at Brady, a desperate clog in her throat. “Isn’t that great?” she squeaked.
He pushed his hands into his pockets and looked to the side, where a large truck groaned by, belching exhaust. It passed, and he looked back at her.
“Great,” he said. “You must be, um…” His eyes rose heavenward as he inhaled, evidently searching for a word.
“Oh I am, I am.” She nodded vigorously. “So…” She sighed again. “What are you doing down here? Shoe shopping?” She glanced back down at his feet and laughed.
“Actually, yes.” He pulled his left hand from his pocket and looked at his watch. “And I better go. Don’t want to be late for the party, you know. You going?”
“Oh yes. With Gerald.”
He wasn’t looking at her, was gazing just past her down the street. “Well, great. You guys can talk more…marriage. See you later, then.”
Without looking at her again, he strode past her.
“Yes,” Lily said, “see you there.”
She turned and watched him go. Was it just her, or was something bothering him, too?
She watched him turn into the Comfort Shoes four doors down, one flip-flop smacking smartly as he went.
“My God, the boy does give off some heat,” Georgia said, sidling up to Lily at Megan’s party.
They stood by one of the many tables of food—the one in the dining room that had sushi and tempura, Thai spring and summer rolls, and teriyaki chicken. Outside there was one grill with filet mignon and aged sirloin steaks served up by a bona fide chef. Next to him was another grill chef preparing steamed oysters, clams, and lobsters, and sweet corn. In the parlor was vegetarian fare including falafel, barbecued tofu, couscous, tab-bouli, and vegetable wraps. The living room held a table overflowing with shrimp cocktail, and from the kitchen came every imaginable hors d’oeuvre along with orders of french fries and onion rings, baked potatoes and hush puppies.
And, of course, in one corner of every room was an open bar.
“Who gives off heat?” Lily asked, loading her plate with California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, unagi, and maguro sushi.
She knew just who Georgia was talking about; Lily had spotted Brady the moment she’d arrived at the party and was rarely out of range to see him again. Not that she was trying to keep him in sight. It just happened that way.
Georgia eyed her, Lily could tell, but she wouldn’t return the look. “Brady Cole,” Georgia said. “Maybe you’ve met him. Good-looking guy? pilot? Great kisser?”
Megan came up beside them. “Are you guys having fun?”
Lily jumped. “Yes! It’s great!” she said, relieved to see her. For the first time she started to wonder if telling Georgia about the kiss had been all that wise. Not only was there the possibility that she’d be indiscreet, but there was something about Georgia’s knowing look that could unnerve a girl.
“Honey, this is the nicest party I’ve ever been to,” Georgia said, giving Megan a quick squeeze around her waist. “And Sutter is in fine form this evenin’. I’ve never seen him so relaxed. Did you tune him up beforehand with a margarita or two?”
“You just haven’t seen him enough, Georgia,” Megan said. “He’s way more relaxed now than he used to be.”
“Are you having a good time?” Lily asked her.
Megan blew out a lungful of air. “Sure. But I am keyed up! Maybe it was all the preparation, but I’m just full of nervous energy.”
“Well, it’s a fabulous party. Don’t you worry about a thing.” Georgia waved a manicured hand.
“Thank you. Oh, and Lily,” Megan said, turning a smile on her, “your Gerald is a doll! He’s been such a gentleman, getting drinks for people and mingling like a professional. I can’t tell you the last time I met someone so accomplished, socially.”
“He’s a social lubricant, all right,” Georgia said. “Sliding around the company like he’s covered with K-Y.” At Lily’s glare, she added, “But I like him!”
Megan laughed and leaned toward Lily. “I like him, too. Really. And he’s so handsome.”
Lily breathed a sigh. She was worried they’d find him too formal. “Do you really like him? Have you talked to him? He can seem a bit conservative at first, but he’s really not. And he is handsome, isn’t he?”
She didn’t know why, but she’d been finding him just a little too formal this evening herself. It was probably just her concern about her friends’ opinions.
“He’s great,” Megan reassured her.
“He’s handsome, all right,” Georgia said. “And he positively reeks of success. Reeks.” The way she said it, Lily wasn’t sure she meant it as a compliment. “Must be the suit.”
“Has anyone seen Penelope yet?” Megan asked. “I’m dying to introduce her to Brady. And he was just asking about her.”
Lily’s senses went on high alert. “He was?”
“He looks damn good tonight, too,” Georgia said, sounding more sincere than she had talking about Gerald. “Don’t you think he gives off heat, Megan? He’s like some kind of sexual supernova. I felt explosions going on just walkin’ past him.”
“He does look good,” Megan said.
Lily had to agree with them that he did, in the most amiable way she could, while taking in his easy stance by the archway into the dining room, beer in hand, lean face clean-shaven and those warm eyes smiling into those of some short-haired woman in a business suit.
“Who’s he talking to?” Georgia asked.
Megan grabbed a glass of champagne sporting a strawberry in its depths from a passing waiter. “That’s Montgomery. One of Sutter’s VPs. I hope Brady’s flirting with her because she needs flirting with like no other woman I’ve ever met. In fact, I think she’s forgotten she’s a woman and not just some asexual corporate drone.”
“Maybe Gerald would like to talk to her,” Georgia suggested.
“Why do you say that?” Lily demanded.
“Their suits match,” Georgia said.
“Do you think I should call Pen?” Megan looked around the room. “It’s not like her to be late. Ah! There she is.” She flashed a smile at Georgia and Lily. “Excuse me. A matchmaker’s job is never done!”
She flitted off.
“What is up with her?” Georgia mused, watching Megan go. “She’s nervous as a cat, though she looks pretty as a picture, doesn’t she? I love that color on her. She should always wear coral.”
“She does look beautiful,” Lily murmured, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Penelope, who looked incredible. Brady was going to fall flat on his ass when he met her. Her long dark hair was loose, flowing over her shoulders onto a white sheath dress that draped perfectly over her slim body. She’d cinched it simply at her waist with an apricot-colored silk scarf. She looked like a million bucks.
Lily glanced down at her own dress, the pale blue one she’d worn to her friend’s wedding the previous year. She thought Gerald would like the conservative cut, and he had seemed to. But Brady had barely looked at her all night.
And now all eyes were on Penelope.
Brady surreptitiously glanced at Lily. She didn’t look happy. And she didn’t look comfortable. For one thing, she was dressed like she was going to a baptism instead of a barbecue. For another, her date had abandoned her the moment they’d walked into the party. He’d been trying to get to her ever since—just to see if there was trouble in paradise—but Megan kept introducing him to people, and Lily was a moving target.
At this moment, she was staring toward the door. He wondered if she were contemplating dumping her date, who was paying elaborate amounts of attention to the women in his conversational circle. Brady knew guys like him. Guys who projected a refined air that women loved but who were privately scum-sucking pigs. Gerald was d
efinitely not a man’s man. In fact, every man here probably saw right through the guy. He was the type to come off as a gentleman but was really flirting his ass off with every woman in the place.
Lily deserved better.
He glanced back toward where Lily was looking, expecting to see Gerald, but instead spotted Megan as she approached a stunning woman in a white dress. They hugged each other, as women did when they hadn’t seen each other for more than an hour or so, and then they both turned toward him. Megan’s eyes sparkled.
Brady’s brows rose in surprise.
Good God, he thought. Is that Penelope?
Twelve
Lily didn’t know what else to do. She saw Megan and Penelope heading for Brady, and all she could do was act. She beelined across the room for them, leaving Georgia in midsentence.
“Penelope! Where were you?” Lily asked when she reached them, leaning in to give her a light hug. “We were starting to get worried.”
“I was just telling Megan,” Penelope said in a hushed voice. “You wouldn’t believe who stopped by just as I was getting ready to leave.”
“Who?” Georgia asked, coming up from behind Lily. She shot Lily a speculative glance before turning her attention back to Penelope.
“My ex-husband!” Her eyes were wide.
“Glenn?” Georgia said the name as if it were something in her mouth she needed to spit out.
“I only have the one,” Penelope said, feigning exasperation, but she smiled. “He said he needed to talk to me. And he looked really upset about something.”
“Anythin’ that man has to be upset about should have nothin’ to do with you, honey,” Georgia said, putting her foot down so hard her drink sloshed. “I hope you kicked him out like the ill-bred cur that he is.”
