by Cindy Kirk
Ryan’s smile widened. He approached while Chad was bent over gathering the papers he’d been holding in his hand before the fall. A better man might have stopped to help. But when Ryan thought about how Chad had treated Betsy, he walked past without a second glance.
* * *
After one quick stop on the way, Ryan strode into his office at two o’clock and paused by Betsy’s desk. Her eyes were glued to the computer screen. When she looked up and smiled, his heart tripped over itself.
He’d hated to leave her this morning. Last night had been a major turning point in their relationship. If Betsy needed reassurance, he’d wanted to be there to give it to her. He didn’t want her having any second thoughts or worrying.
Heck, who was he kidding? He wanted the reassurance. Wanted to know that he’d satisfied her. Wanted her to tell him that she loved him as much as he loved her.
She cocked her head. “What’s in your hand?”
He lifted his right arm and stared at the colors of yellow, red, white and orange in a mass of greenery as if seeing them for the first time. “I believe they’re Peruvian lilies.”
“They’re gorgeous.” Betsy breathed the words, her gaze never wavering from the bouquet.
“They reminded me of you.” He handed the flowers to her. “Only not near as lovely.”
A familiar rosy glow crept up her neck. “You bought them for me? Really?”
He smiled indulgently, pleased by her reaction. “You act as if a man has never bought you flowers before.”
She buried her face in the bouquet and inhaled deeply before answering. “These are my first.”
Men were fools. He’d been a fool. Such beauty. Such intelligence. And that sweet but-oh-so-sexy smile...
Ryan leaned close and kissed her on the cheek. “They won’t be your last.”
“Thank you.” Without warning, she rose and her arms wrapped around his neck, the flowers gripped tightly in one fist. “I love...them.”
For a second he thought she was going to say she loved him. Ryan tried hard not to be disappointed. A declaration would come in time. For now, her loving the flowers he’d given her was enough.
While Ryan had always believed in keeping personal relationships out of the work setting, he couldn’t resist stealing one quick kiss.
She tasted like cherry soda, one of his favorite drinks. At least it was now. Her mouth opened and Ryan deepened the kiss. Desire, hot and insistent, surged. He cupped her breast through her silk shirt, teasing the nipple with the side of his thumb. Locking the office door never crossed his mind. Until the sound of clapping filled the air.
Betsy jerked back, the flowers falling from her fingers.
Ryan whirled, wanting to see who’d had the audacity to walk to his back offices without pressing the buzzer.
Chad Dunlop stood in the doorway, a smirk on his face. “I got to hand it to you, Harcourt. You succeeded where I failed.”
Two long strides was all it took for Ryan to reach Chad. He grabbed the front of the attorney’s coat and slammed him into the door frame. He’d already drawn back his fist, ready to wipe that smirk off Chad’s face and shut his filthy mouth, when Betsy grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
“Don’t, Ryan,” she begged. “He’s not worth it.”
It wasn’t her entreaty that stopped him from throwing the punch but something he saw in Chad’s eyes. Something that told him there was more going on here. Something that said he’d be playing right into Chad’s hands if he hit him.
“Get out.” He dropped his fists. “Don’t come back.”
Chad just chuckled, turned on his heel and sauntered from the office without another word.
Ryan followed him to the front office and locked the door behind him. By the time Ryan returned to Betsy, she was picking up the last of the flowers from the floor.
She straightened, her face pale. “What do you think he wanted?”
“No idea.” Ryan thought for a moment. “But you were right. It was as if he wanted me to hit him.”
Even knowing that, Ryan found himself wishing he’d smacked the guy. Just once. Okay, maybe twice. The thought of Chad trying to force himself on Betsy still made him see red.
Even though he didn’t say it aloud, he vowed he’d make sure Chad Dunlop got what was coming to him.
Ryan opened his arms to Betsy. “Come here.”
Betsy shook her head, her jaw set in a stubborn tilt. “Not here. Not ever again.”
The look in her eye told Ryan not to push the issue. “Can I get you a vase for the flowers?”
“You have one?”
“Several.” He kept his tone light. “When Caroline worked for me, she got flowers all the time.”
Betsy’s eyes widened. “From you?”
“Of course not,” he said. “From her husband.”
“I’m sorry.” A pained look crossed her face and the bleakness in her eyes tore at his heart. “I’m really making a mess of things.”
“What are you talking about?” He moved close, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. Propriety be damned. This was the woman he loved and she was hurting. “It’s me who can’t keep my hands off you.”
“The way Chad looked at me.” She shivered. “I felt so dirty.”
“He’s an ass.” Ryan clenched his jaw. “If he knows what’s good for him, he won’t come around here again.”
“What are you going to do if he does?” she asked with a laugh that sounded suspiciously like a sob.
“He won’t.” Chad had gotten off easy today. And he’d better keep his distance, otherwise Ryan might be forced to give him a lesson in old-fashioned cowboy justice.
* * *
The next few weeks passed quickly. Christmas came and went. Betsy couldn’t remember ever being happier. Ryan’s friends had become her friends. Best of all she felt as if they’d accepted her for herself, rather than just as Ryan’s girlfriend.
Tripp called and asked her out, but she was always busy with Ryan. After a while he quit calling. Betsy began to believe the medallion’s promise would be fulfilled, even if she couldn’t find the blasted coin.
It had to be in her apartment somewhere. The medallion had disappeared around the time she and Ryan had made love for the first time. She hadn’t seen it since. She’d even searched Puffy’s bedding, but all she’d gotten for that effort was a long stare from the tiny Pom.
Tonight, the coin barely crossed her mind. The only thing she could think of was how handsome Ryan looked in a tux. When he’d invited her to attend the Jackson Hole Memorial Hospital’s annual winter formal with him, she hadn’t known what to say except, of course, yes.
Apparently the legal work he did for the hospital had landed him a spot on their much-coveted invitation list. Betsy was excited not only because it would the first dressy event they would attend together, but also because so many of their friends would be there.
She waited in the foyer of the Spring Gulch Country Club while Ryan checked their coats. Even though it was near freezing outside, Betsy had left her Eskimo parka at home. Adrianna had come through with a black velvet cape that was both warm and stylish.
The wrap was a perfect accompaniment to Betsy’s new cocktail dress. Made of black satin, it clung to her curves in the most flattering way. She’d taken extra time with her hair and makeup and was confident she looked her best. Although Ryan had always been effusive in his compliments, if the look in his eyes was any indication, once they got home tonight, the dress wouldn’t be on for long.
That was fine with Betsy because when she’d seen him in his tux, unbuttoning the pristine white shirt had been at the forefront of her mind.
After all these weeks she couldn’t believe how well they meshed. Both in and out of bed. They enjoyed the same activities. Skiing. Riding bulls. Long walks under the stars when the air was so cold that Puffy had to wear a coat. Yet on nights when the snow fell heavily and the north wind howled, merely sitting by the fire watching a movie and holding hands w
as fun.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?”
Her handsome prince had returned.
“About a thousand times, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.”
“You are, without a doubt, the loveliest woman in the room tonight.”
The sentiment was so over-the-top that Betsy had to smile. When she was with Ryan she felt beautiful.
He leaned close and lowered his voice. “After we go home, I’ll show you just what I think of that beautiful bod of yours.”
A delightful sense of anticipation skittered up her spine. Betsy placed her lips so close to his ear that it was all she could do not to nibble. “Show me yours and I’ll show you mine.”
“C’mon, you two, move it along.”
Betsy straightened, immediately recognizing the deep voice with a hint of an East Coast accent. “Tripp.”
“Doesn’t someone look extrapretty this evening.” Tripp’s appreciative gaze lingered.
“Thank you,” she said, cursing the blasted heat rising up her neck. She wasn’t sure if it was his compliment or the fact that she’d blown him off that was making her blush.
Tripp gestured with his head toward Ryan. “This guy treating you right?”
Ryan’s gray eyes flashed, a warning Tripp seemed determined to ignore.
Betsy looped her arm through Ryan’s. “Extremely well.”
The tension on Ryan’s face eased.
“Well, if he doesn’t,” Tripp said, obviously joking but managing to sound completely serious, “you’ve got my number.”
“Thank you, Tripp,” Betsy said.
“She won’t need it,” Ryan said pointedly.
Tripp just winked at Betsy, slapped Ryan on the back and sauntered off.
“I don’t know where he gets off—”
Betsy placed a finger over Ryan’s lips. “He doesn’t matter. I’m right where I want to be.”
They stood at the entrance to the ballroom, which had been turned into a winter wonderland. Even the chandelier made out of antlers had white lights and greenery. Round linen-clad tables surrounded a large mahogany dance floor. Lights from flickering candles scattered throughout the room cast a romantic, golden glow.
A live band playing dance music brought men in tuxedos and women in fancy dresses to the floor. It was a world Betsy had never been exposed to, but surprisingly it didn’t feel at all foreign. Probably because so many of the couples in attendance were friends.
Ryan held out his hand. “Dance with me.”
“How can I refuse?” Betsy gazed up at him through lowered lashes. “I’ve been looking for an excuse to put my arms around you since you picked me up.”
Ryan led her to the edge of the mahogany floor, immediately pulling her to him. “Great minds obviously think alike.”
Betsy wasn’t sure how many songs they danced to, but it wasn’t enough. Even though her dancing skills were minimal, she did fine simply following his lead. On the slower, more romantic songs, she rested her head against his chest and listened to his heart beat.
He’d told her, after one of their many lovemaking sessions, that his heart beat only for her. Those words could have come from her mouth. Even though she’d been convinced that she’d loved him for years, the past few weeks had made her realize that what she’d felt before had been simple infatuation.
It was different now. She’d spent time with him and had gotten to know the man he’d become. It was that man—not the boy of her youth—who she loved. A man she would always love.
“You and no other,” she murmured against his shirtfront.
“What did you say?” Ryan leaned down and nuzzled her hair.
Betsy looked up, her mouth going dry at the passion in his eyes. “I, uh, the medallion is still missing.”
“The love token?”
She nodded.
“It will show up.”
“I’ve looked everywhere. I even checked Puffy’s bedding.”
Ryan’s lips curved upward in an indulgent smile. “I’m betting the puffball didn’t appreciate your messing with her stuff.”
Even though Ryan acted as if he couldn’t be bothered with the tiny scrap of a dog, she’d caught him feeding the Pomeranian bits of table food when she wasn’t looking. Lately, Puffy had become his little shadow. He always acted put out, but Betsy could see a bond being forged between them.
Yes, Betsy decided, life was indeed good. She expelled a happy breath.
The announcement that dinner was about to be served caused Betsy to reluctantly lift her head from Ryan’s chest. “I suppose we better find a table.”
He shot her a wink. “Only if we want to eat.”
“Betsy. Ryan,” Cole called out, motioning them toward a table near the raised dais.
“We saved a place for you.” His wife, Meg, smiled a warm welcome. Her gold dress was a perfect foil for her ivory complexion and auburn hair.
As Ryan pulled out her chair, Betsy returned greetings from the other couples at the table—Mary Karen and Travis Fisher, David and July Wahl, and Kate and Joel Dennes.
While they ate, conversation bounced around the table, comfortable and familiar. Even when Betsy spilled cocktail sauce on her dress, she felt more chagrined than embarrassed.
She pushed back her chair. “I’m going to run to the restroom to see if I can get this out.”
“I’ll go with you.” Kate put down her fork and started to rise.
Betsy waved her back down. “Finish eating. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
The restroom was deserted except for the attendant, who gave Betsy a washcloth when she pointed to the stain, and two women refreshing their makeup in front of a long row of ornate beveled mirrors. Betsy didn’t recognize either of them.
While she worked on the spot, Betsy tried to tune out their private conversation, until she heard the name Chad Dunlop.
“The charges were filed today.” The blonde in the sparkly blue dress didn’t even bother to keep her voice low. “I feel sorry for Chad. It’s obvious the woman is out to get him because he fired her.”
“I can’t believe such a respected attorney would rape anyone.” The brunette widened her eyes and added more mascara to her already-long lashes. “I don’t know him well, but I know his wife. They’re a nice family.”
“Prominent in the community.”
“Who is the woman?” The brunette dropped the mascara in her bag, then pulled out a tube of lip gloss. She added a swipe of clear shine to the red already on her lips.
Before answering, the blonde spritzed the air with perfume, then leaned into the falling mist. “Her name hasn’t been released, but I have it on good authority she recently worked for him as a legal assistant.”
A chill traveled up Betsy’s spine.
“If she’s the one I’m thinking of, she has several kids. Never married.” The blonde’s tone was heavy with condemnation. “He gave her a chance and this is how she repays him.”
“We better get back to the party.” The brunette pushed back her chair and stood. “Our dates are going to come searching for us.”
The two laughed and left the room.
Betsy gave up on the stain and sank into one of the chintz-covered chairs they’d just vacated. Her hands began to tremble and her head spun. She forced herself to breathe. In and out. Deep breaths.
“Are you okay, miss?” The gray-haired attendant stepped forward, her face lined with worry. “Shall I get someone?”
Betsy forced a smile. “I’m fine, thank you. Just a little light-headed.”
Concern lingered in the woman’s dark eyes. “May I get you a glass of water?”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
The woman bustled off, and once the door closed behind her, Betsy rested her head in her hands, blinking back tears. He’d done it. Attacked another woman. Only this time Chad had succeeded in forcing himself on her.
It’s my fault.
If she’d had the guts to go to t
he police and report his assault on her, maybe Chad would have received the help he needed. Even worse, her lack of action probably perpetuated his belief that he was invincible.
But there was still time to do the right thing. She had to go to the police. Telling them what had happened to her couldn’t help but add credence to his current accuser’s story. But Betsy wasn’t stupid. She knew the cost of such action. Chad and his family would seek to discredit her and everyone around her.
Thankfully the only family she had was Keenan. And her brother’s reputation was already in the toilet.
Ryan.
A knife sliced into Betsy’s chest, making breathing difficult. She recalled the puzzling satisfaction in Chad’s eyes when he’d caught her in Ryan’s arms. What had Chad said? Something about Ryan succeeding where he’d failed?
That would be his argument if she went to the police and told her story. He would say that she’d been after him, but he’d rebuffed her. Now she was carrying on an affair with her current employer. Betsy could see it now. Not only would her name be dragged through the mud, but Ryan’s reputation would suffer, as well.
The gray-haired attendant returned, opening the door and pointing to Betsy. “There she is.”
Ryan crossed the small room in two strides, his face tight with worry. If he was embarrassed to be in a women’s restroom, it didn’t show.
Betsy turned disbelieving eyes on the woman. “You went and got him?” Her voice rose, then broke. “Why did you do that?”
Ryan crouched by her chair, his eyes dark with concern. “I was waiting outside the restroom for you and saw her coming with a glass of water. When I asked if she’d seen a woman matching your description, she told me you were ill.”
“I felt light-headed.” She drew in a deep breath. “I should go home.”
“Perhaps I should ask David to check you first. He’s an E.R. physician—”
“No,” Betsy said sharply, then softened the word with a slight smile. “I’m sure it’s nothing. If I feel worse tomorrow I’ll see a doctor.”
