by A. C. Arthur
Jade seemed anxious to add her opinion to this conversation. “She’s also very nice, Ms. Beverly. We went to her show on Friday and she was a very gracious host. You have to see the new dresses I bought when we were there.”
“I read about the show. She received rave reviews. I’ve been saying that I needed to pick up some more of her pieces.” Beverly kept her eye on Adam as she spoke.
“Oh, I have her newest catalog and she told me to just give her a call when I needed something. We can go to lunch tomorrow and look through it,” Jade offered.
“Can I look at it?” Noelle asked. “The casino’s having a big party for New Year’s Eve and I wanted something really nice to wear.”
“Nicer than all the other dresses and outfits you’ve purchased in the last few months?” Jade asked jokingly. “I don’t know what the general manager was thinking giving you a raise. In a minute you’re going to need a new house with a room full of closets for all your clothes and shoes.”
Noelle chuckled. “A girl’s got to have some indulgence in her life. Mine is clothes and shoes.” Then she stared at the ceiling thoughtfully. “And chocolate and mystery novels.”
Linc laughed. “Your whole life is an indulgence, Noelle. That’s one of the things I like about you. You live life to its fullest every day.”
Noelle shrugged, lifting her glass to her lips. “Life’s too short to waste time. I don’t know how long I have here so I intend to make every day count. Right, Adam?”
Adam had only been half listening to the conversation. His mind and, if he were not mistaken, a small portion of his heart, were still in L.A. “That’s right. No sense in wasting time.”
He glanced at Noelle and couldn’t help smiling along with her. Almost the mirror image of Jade, Noelle had a sharp wit and an infectious laugh. After the wedding he’d quickly grown attached to her, loving the idea of having a younger sister to look out for. Although Noelle wasn’t too keen on the protectiveness of the Donovan men when it came to their women and as such she’d had her share of arguments with Linc, Trent and even Adam about her choice of men. She’d fit into this family as smoothly as Jade had and Adam couldn’t help but wonder if the woman he chose would have such an easy transition.
Wait a minute, since when was he thinking of choosing a woman? Ever since the Kim debacle he’d been sworn to bachelorhood. And while Linc had been the first to school him on the art of being single, his older brother had blissfully fallen in love and settled down. Adam wondered if it would end that way for him.
“So Ms. Davis changed your course of business, huh, son?” Henry entered the conversation.
“I guess you could say that. She really has a good head for business. The deal she struck was different but had advantages that Donovan Investments couldn’t ignore,” Adam said.
Max nodded his agreement. “I was a bit skeptical at first but she made a good argument. Besides, we had to take into consideration that it was her family home and her father hasn’t been gone for that long. I think she’s still grieving,” he said, then looked to Adam.
“She is taking his loss really hard. Her mother passed away when she was young and that stepmother of hers is a trip.”
Beverly watched Adam carefully. “That’s such a shame for a girl to have lost her mother. Jade, you and Noelle should spend some time with her. You’ve been through the grieving process, maybe you can offer her some support.”
“You’re probably right. She doesn’t have any siblings so I can imagine this is a very hard time for her. Although her business partner, Dana, seems really close to her, it might be nice if she could talk to someone who’s been through a similar experience.” Jade continued to nod her agreement. “I think I’ll call her tomorrow to see when she’s free. Maybe I’ll invite her to the house for a girls’ weekend.”
“That sounds nice,” Beverly said. “What do you think, Adam? Do you think Camille would like to come for a visit?”
“I’m sure she’d be very thankful for the distraction.” Only he would be the one distracted and much more than he was now.
He’d left her house last night after indulging in a couple more steamy kisses that proved to be a test in his resolve. But he’d meant what he said to her. He and Camille were on uncharted territory, meaning it had been a very long time since he’d thought about a woman along the lines that he found himself thinking of her. She’d seemed to accept that explanation but Adam wasn’t entirely certain that she believed him. That’s why it was more important than ever for him to refrain from sleeping with her. She was ready for an affair, prepared for him to take her then leave her.
And he, surprisingly, was not. In fact, the thought of leaving her this morning had been so difficult for a solid hour he’d entertained excuses he could make for staying in L.A. In the end he knew that the space would do them both some good. He had to get a grip on this new direction their relationship was taking and he suspected Camille needed time to acclimate herself to the things he’d said.
But make no mistake about it, their separation would not be for long. He fully intended to keep seeing Camille and where that was leading, he was eagerly going to find out.
The family had adjourned to the den after dessert, Jade and Noelle sitting by the fire most likely discussing Jade’s spa or Noelle’s fantastic stories of working in the casino while Trent, Max, Linc and Henry enjoyed cigars and talk of stocks and trading. Adam had found a seat near the window and peered outside to the dark evening sky.
He was deep in thought and so didn’t hear his mother’s approach until she’d taken a seat in the chair next to him.
“The sky seems so still tonight. No stars, no clouds, just a peaceful darkness,” she said absently. “Nights like this are good for cuddling with someone you love.”
Adam grinned. The love his parents shared was obvious and enviable. “Are you saying that you and Dad are about to turn in for the night?”
Beverly chuckled. “Oh, no, not just yet. We’ve had a lot of alone time. A lot of peaceful nights to do what we do.”
Adam didn’t even want to think of what they do. “Okay, you’re bordering on releasing too much information, Mom.”
She waved a hand. “You are no stranger to the goings-ons between men and women.”
He nodded. “You’ve got a point. But my parents are off-limits when it comes to the activities of men and women.”
“How do you think you got here?” Beverly asked with another hearty chuckle.
Adam covered his ears. “Mom, please,” he moaned.
“All right. All right. I’ll stop teasing you.” But she did reach out and take her son’s hand in hers. “Something’s different about you tonight, son. You want to tell me what’s going on?”
“No,” Adam said quickly.
Beverly released his hand. “Well, that won’t stop me from asking. What’s bothering you?”
“Nothing. I’m just a little drained from working and then the trip this weekend.”
“Yes, the trip to L.A., to the CK Designs fall show. To my knowledge you’ve never been to a fashion show before, have you?”
Adam sensed where this conversation was going. “I’m very into today’s fashions. I like to look good when I’m buying and selling property.”
“That you do,” Beverly nodded. “But I get the distinct impression there was more to this trip than just the latest designs.”
“It was. Camille was very nervous about the showing. I wanted to offer her some support.”
“So she means something to you, something other than business.”
“Her peace of mind will help the business deal,” he said and felt regret at the words. He didn’t make a habit of lying to his mother.
“I’m sure she was very appreciative. I really think it would be nice for Jade and Noelle to offer her some support, as well.”
“That is a good idea. I hope she takes them up on it.”
“And what else do you hope where Camille Davis is concerned, Adam?”
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He wouldn’t look at her. His mother was the smartest woman he knew. The fact that she’d come over and brought up the subject of Camille attested to that. “To be honest, I don’t really know.”
“But you’re trying to figure it out?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Beverly reached for her son’s hand again. “Then let me give you some advice, be open to any and everything when it comes to a woman you are genuinely interested in. And don’t live in the past.”
Camille was in her office on Thursday afternoon. Her week had been tremendously busy with special orders from high-end clients, as well as numerous requests for interviews. Talk shows, tabloid magazines, you name it, they had contacted her office for an exclusive. She’d taken the chance on showing all three lines together, one that many designers before her had shied away from. She was proud of the fact that it had turned out to be a whopping success. Still she’d be lying if she didn’t say she was impressed by the attention Adam’s appearance at her show had garnered her company.
But then she came back down to earth and realized the real reason behind them contacting her. They were nosy, lying bloodhounds out for the next story to sell their product. She couldn’t blame them too much since profit was her bottom line, too, only she didn’t sacrifice anybody’s reputation or livelihood to get ahead. On the first run she’d turned all interview and appearance requests not directly related to CK Designs down flat. All calls after that she ignored.
Thankfully she was entirely too busy to even consider what they would write without her consent. Already she’d seen another article about Adam and Trent modeling for the show. That one was entertaining until it hinted at her giving the Donovan men special favors to boost her sales. So now, not only was she the “round” but successful fashion diva dating above herself, but she was apparently offering her body as compensation. Where did they come up with this stuff?
Sometime on Tuesday evening she decided that she would focus on work only. If it didn’t have to do with her designs or orders coming in she didn’t want to hear about it. Except when Adam called— and he did so regularly. She had to smile at that thought. He called her in the morning before she left her apartment to say good morning and he called her in the evening after nine, when they were both supposedly no longer on the clock, to say good night.
Normally she didn’t talk to him during the day but he’d called her at the office yesterday with news about the house. The renovations should be done before Thanksgiving and he wanted her to go with him to inspect them. She’d readily agreed. She hadn’t been back to the house since she’d packed and she was anxious to see how it looked now. Her heart still hurt at the thought of never stepping foot in her family home again but lately she’d been more excited about the finished product than sad about the loss it would entail. She knew she owed the change of heart to one person in particular.
“I don’t even have to ask what you’re thinking about over there. Or should I say who you’re thinking about. That goofy smile says it all,” Dana said as she propped her legs up on the end of Camille’s desk and relaxed in her chair.
Camille turned to face her, trying like hell to stop smiling, but only making the smile more noticeable. “I won’t deny it. I was thinking about him.”
“That’s a good thing.”
She shrugged. “I guess so. But we need to be talking business. Did the shipments go out yesterday?”
Dana flipped through a folder she held on her lap. “They sure did. And the one to Jade Donovan arrived yesterday afternoon. I have the confirmation right here.” She waved a pink slip of paper in the air.
“Great.”
“I’d say. Mrs. Donovan dropped a whopping fifteen thousand on your latest. You may become her private designer before this is all over.”
“I doubt it. But I’m glad she liked the clothes enough to buy something.”
Dana frowned. “Buy something? Camille, are you delirious? She bought fifteen thousand dollars’ worth of something in one evening! I’d say she liked a whole lot. And don’t forget they were talking about putting your things in their casino. That is so huge.”
“That was just a smokescreen for Moreen’s benefit,” Camille commented.
“You like to live your life with blinders on, don’t you,” Dana replied.
Camille stared at her in confusion. “What are you talking about? They came to the fashion show because Adam came and he only came because he thought I was having a nervous breakdown. Which, coincidentally, I probably was. They are a very supportive family.”
Dana arched a brow. “Really? I thought Adam came because he wanted to be with you on one of the biggest nights of your life and his family came to also show their support. But I could be wrong.”
Camille was about to comment when there was a knock on her door and then Sofari entered with a newspaper in hand. “I know you said you didn’t want to read any more articles but I just had to show you this one.”
She dropped the paper onto Camille’s desk and Dana pulled her legs down and came around to read the article over Camille’s shoulder.
Adam Donovan and Natalie Janica, daughter of Congressman Ople Janica, at the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation Charity Ball last year.
This was the snippet beneath a picture that covered most of the page. Adam wore another tuxedo, the woman wrapped around him wore an emerald-green dress that hugged every curve she had and most likely created a couple more. She was beautiful with her dark, slanted eyes and high cheekbones. Her plump lips and impeccable makeup caused Camille’s stomach to plummet.
Adam Donovan, the youngest of the Triple Threat Donovans is no stranger to women but now some would say he’s set his sights a little lower. Camille Davis is not entirely out of the Donovan circle, being the only child of the famous Hollywood producer, Randolph Davis, but socialites in Las Vegas are fuming at how low Adam has apparently stooped. Sources close to Donovan report their connection as solely a business deal, some real estate and some dealing with CK Davis Designs. But the couple was seen around Los Angeles several times last weekend and appeared to be doing a little more than business.
This was followed up by two smaller photos. One of Camille and her father taken at the premier of his last movie almost two years and twenty pounds ago, and the other was of her and Adam as they had lunch at the bistro on Saturday afternoon. She hadn’t even realized they were being followed or that they were being photographed. Dropping the paper on the desk she sat back in her chair, her good mood effectively deflated.
“Since when do you subscribe to Las Vegas newspapers?” Dana asked when she’d lifted the paper to have a closer look.
Camille let out a shaky breath. “I don’t.”
“Then how did this get here?” Dana looked to Sofari for that answer.
“It was delivered this morning with all the other papers. I thought Camille should see this one since it had pictures of her and her father.”
“I don’t want to see any more articles. I don’t care who they reference or what pictures they have,” Camille said with finality.
Dana made a motion with her hands telling Sofari to leave the office. Then she placed a hand on Camille’s shoulder. “It doesn’t mean anything, Camille. You know how tabloids lie.”
Camille nodded, attempting to stay optimistic, although the chips were steadily stacking against her. “I know that the words in print are usually lies. Pictures, on the other hand…”
“So what he’s pictured with the congressman’s daughter. He’s not the first,” Dana said flippantly. “Besides, this was last year. You can’t hold his past against him.”
“No,” Camille said as she stood and faced the window, “I can’t hold it against him. But I can take it into account.” She rested her head on the window and closed her eyes. “What was I thinking?”
Dana grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around. “You were thinking that here’s a guy that’s interested in you and you acted accordingly. None of t
his—” she motioned toward the newspaper “—discredits that fact. Adam Donovan likes you. I know it and the press knows it. That’s obviously why they’re making such a big deal out of it.”
“But I don’t want to be made a big deal out of. I don’t want to be in the spotlight that way.”
“I know that because of the private schools you were in and the social circles you chose to be a part of you managed to dodge a lot of the attention your father received, but honestly, Camille, let’s face the facts. You’re rich. You’re successful. You design clothes that right now Hollywood stars are rushing to buy. Bottom line, you’re going to be in the spotlight any way they can get you there.”
Camille knew what Dana said was true, just as she knew she had no right to blame Adam for what was printed about him. He’d been nothing but honest with her about his reputation and the consequences of it. In fact, he’d seemed to hate it as much as she did. Still, he accepted it as one would accept a rainy day. He just opened an umbrella and kept on moving.
And regardless of her issues, she conceded that it was probably time she handled things the same way. She knew she wouldn’t change the world’s perception of her—she just had to be sure not to allow herself to get sucked into their misconceptions.
She didn’t think she could handle it as easily.
“Camille, Jade Donovan is on the line for you,” Sofari announced over the intercom.
Camille covered her face with her hands and took three steadying breaths. Her heart had picked up pace since reading the newspaper, but she was determined not to have a meltdown. Now she had this phone call to take. The last thing she needed was to crumble on the phone with Jade Donovan.
“She’s probably calling to say thank you for the quick delivery,” Dana offered.
Camille nodded, then slowly sat in her chair. Another deep breath and she was able to pick up the phone. “Hi, Jade. What can I do for you?”
“Hello, Camille. I’m actually calling for two reasons. One to thank you for the expeditious delivery of my items. I am so pleased and everything fit perfectly. I also told my mother-in-law about meeting you and just like I said she was sorry that she’d missed the opportunity.”
