by Jo Gibson
“Ryan?” Julie moved away slightly. It was hard to think when he was so close to her. “I ran into your father the other day, and he said you’d dated my cousin Vicki.”
Ryan raised his eyebrows. “You’re really curious about her. Are you sure you should be asking all these questions?”
“I told you the other night. I really want to know more about her. Did you date her?”
Ryan shrugged. “I’m not sure ‘date’ is the right word. Let’s just say I was one in a long line of guys.”
Julie did her best not to react. At first she’d been sure that Ryan was lying when he’d told her that Vicki had slept around, but now she had doubts. Uncle Bob had mentioned Vicki’s sexy clothes, and Mr. Stratford had told her that Vicki had been at one of his parties without her parents’ knowledge. There was a possibility that Ryan was telling the truth.
“A long line of guys?” Julie frowned as Ryan nodded. “Who were they? I want to know.”
Ryan closed the space between them, and slipped his arm around her shoulders before Julie could react. “Meet me at the stone archway tonight, and I’ll tell you.”
“Oh, sure!” Julie pushed his arm away, and stepped out of reach. “Come on, Ryan . . . I’m really serious. Who else did Vicki date?”
Ryan stared at her for a moment, and then he seemed to make up his mind. “Look, Julie . . . I’m telling you this for your own good. Give it a rest, huh? A lot of people are very touchy about Vicki’s death.”
Julie frowned as Ryan turned on his heel and walked away toward the clerk at the other end of the costume shop. Was Ryan right? Was she asking too many questions about Vicki? A few minutes later, he was back, carrying an armload of harlequin costumes. Aunt Caroline had told her that all the men who worked at the lodge would dress as harlequins tonight. They could still have fun in their masks and costumes, but the guests could identify the male employees without benefit of name tags.
“I like you, Julie.” Ryan was very serious. “But I think you’re a little too curious for your own good. I’ll tell you one more thing, but that’s it. And then I want you to promise to drop it.”
Julie nodded, although she had no intention of dropping anything. “What is it, Ryan?”
“Your cousin slept around. I already told you that. And used to have this crazy alphabet thing. Vicki was only interested in guys whose name started with the letter ‘R.’ ”
Julie frowned as she adjusted her veil so that only her eyes were visible. Since she’d arrived at the costume shop so late, there had been only one costume left in her size—a harem dancer’s. It consisted of a very skimpy bright pink bikini covered by a see-through veiled skirt. It was terribly revealing, and Julie felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she turned from side to side, watching the diaphanous veil float around her body. She looked good. Her reflection confirmed that fact. But there wasn’t enough cloth in her whole costume to cover a decent-sized throw pillow!
There was no help for it, and Julie sighed as she turned from the mirror. Thank goodness everyone was required to wear a mask of some type. If she was lucky, no one would recognize her under her the veil that almost covered her face. Julie was just walking through the living room, feeling naked and exposed, when she heard a knock on the door.
“Who is it?” Julie resisted the urge to rush back into her room, and headed for the door instead. Perhaps Aunt Caroline had forgotten her key.
“It’s Paul.” His voice was muffled by the heavy wooden door. “Your aunt sent me up to get her camera.”
Julie winced. She didn’t want Paul to see her like this, but she had to let him in. Aunt Caroline always took pictures of the best-dressed guests, and put them up on the lodge bulletin board.
“Just a minute.” Julie unlocked the door, and took a deep breath. Then she pulled it open and faced Paul.
Paul’s mouth dropped open and he stared at her. He swallowed hard, and then he frowned. “You’re wearing that?”
Julie was very glad she was wearing the veil. At least he couldn’t see the color rise to her cheeks. She’d wanted to keep her identity a secret, but now that Paul knew, he’d probably tell everyone that she was the harem dancer.
“What’s the matter? Don’t I look good enough to suit you?” Julie did her best to act nonchalant. Paul was still staring at her, and his frown was deepening by the second. He didn’t have to be so disapproving. She certainly wouldn’t have chosen this costume if there’d been anything else left.
Paul dropped his eyes, but not before he’d given her a very critical glance. “Why don’t you change into something else? I don’t want you to wear that!”
“Why not?” Julie challenged him. “I happen to think I look good.”
“Wear something else. Just take my word for it, okay? You’re only going to cause trouble if you go to the party dressed like that!”
Julie gave an exasperated sigh. What in the world was wrong with him? He looked angry, and sad at the same time. “Grow up, Paul. I’m not going to cause trouble. And I can’t wear something else. You’re just going to have to put up with me the way I am!”
“Please?” Paul’s voice was hoarse with emotion. “Trust me, Julie. Don’t go down to the party like that.”
“Why not?”
Paul winced, and Julie knew he didn’t want to tell her. They stared at each other for a long moment, and then Paul sighed and gave in. “You shouldn’t wear that because . . . Vicki wore it last year.”
“Oh.” Julie’s voice immediately lost its challenging tone. She noticed that Paul looked really upset, and she reached out to put her hand on his arm. “Thanks for telling me, Paul. I never would have picked it, if I’d known. But what am I going to do? I got to the costume shop late, and this was the only thing they had left in my size.”
Paul nodded and Julie noticed that he looked very relieved. “Is there any way you could . . . uh . . . remodel it? Change it into something else?”
“Change what? There isn’t enough here to change!”
Paul laughed and the tension between them was broken. “You’re right. Do you have anything else you can use as a costume?”
“I don’t know. Come on and help me look.”
When Paul first entered Julie’s room, she noticed that he was a little nervous. Julie assumed it was because the room had belonged to Vicki, and his memories of her cousin were bound to be painful. But they had a common problem, and Paul seemed to relax as they tried to fashion a costume out of the contents of Julie’s closet.
“How about this?” Paul pulled out a denim skirt, and a red and white checked blouse. “If you have boots, you can go as a cowgirl.”
Julie nodded, and found a pair of fringed buckskin boots. “Will these do?”
“Sure. Put your hair in braids and I’ll see what else I can scrounge up.”
When Paul left, Julie got dressed and braided her hair. She’d barely finished before he was back.
“Here’s a cowboy hat. I borrowed it from Red. The Larkins sent you this string tie, and Donna came up with a bandanna you can tie around your neck.”
“Thanks, Paul.” Julie smiled at him. “Did you find a mask?”
“Right here. The costume shop had a couple of extras. I thought the red would be nice. It’ll match your blouse. And you can keep this denim vest. It’s a present.”
Julie’s eyes widened as she picked up the vest. It was hand embroidered with red roses and it was gorgeous. “It’s beautiful! Where did you get it, Paul?”
“Mrs. Larkin made it. She does custom work.”
Julie was confused. “But why would Mrs. Larkin give me a present?”
“It’s not from her. It’s from me. I ordered it last year for Vicki. And then we broke up, and . . . well . . . I just never got around to picking it up. Until tonight.”
“But won’t it bother you if I wear it?” Julie was concerned.
Paul shook his head. “Take it, Julie. Vicki probably wouldn’t have liked it anyway.”
“Thank
you, Paul.” Julie didn’t know what else to say. She was beginning to have serious doubts about her cousin. From the comments she’d heard, Vicki sounded as if she’d been a very ungrateful person.
“Go ahead. Try it on.”
Julie nodded and slipped into the vest. It fit her perfectly, and she smiled. She’d always admired the embroidered shirts and vests of the American West.
Paul’s voice shook slightly as she turned to face him. “It looks great on you, Julie.”
Suddenly, Julie felt very sorry for Paul. He was smiling, but the sad look was back in his eyes. She stood on tiptoe and put her arms around his neck. And then she kissed him to thank him for the present.
The kiss took Paul by surprise. His arms slipped around her waist, but he held her stiffly, as if he wasn’t quite sure what was expected of him. There was a tense moment when neither of them moved. Then Paul groaned softly, and his arms tightened around her waist.
Julie gasped as their kiss deepened. Her knees began to tremble, and her mind spun in dizzy circles from the unexpected passion of his embrace. She’d never dreamed that being in Paul’s arms would be this wonderful. She was trembling so hard, she could barely think.
Paul sighed, and Julie’s sigh echoed his. Her lips parted, and she snuggled even closer into his arms. Paul’s blustery, hard-boiled act was a sham. Buried beneath that prickly exterior was a sweet, tender, and caring guy.
She could feel his fingers moving, slipping under the vest to massage her back. Then her fingers moved, too, as if they had a will of their own, rubbing the back of his neck and moving up to brush through his thick, curly hair.
She could smell his cologne, a hint of musk that made their caress even more exciting. Had he worn that cologne with Vicki? And had her cousin’s knees gone weak when he’d wrapped her in his arms? His tongue was like liquid fire, sending her senses reeling as he tasted the secrets of her lips. Had he taught Vicki to kiss this passionately? Or had she taught him?
There was no way that Julie could think while his tongue was moving and his lips were claiming hers. She just sighed again, and met his passion with her own, nibbling his lower lip with sharp little biting caresses until he groaned, deep in his throat.
His hands moved over her back, and his fingers spread out to almost touch her breasts. She heard herself whimper at the exquisite pleasure, and a flush of heat rose to her cheeks. She wanted him to go further, to love her as much as he’d loved Vicki.
Then she remembered that whispery voice, and her passion ebbed as quickly as it had risen. I saw you flirting with him. You’ve adopted her wicked ways . . .
Paul must have sensed her withdrawal, because his arms dropped to his sides. His lips lifted from hers, and he stared down at her in consternation. He looked just as surprised by his reaction to her as she’d been by her response to him.
Julie pulled back and refused to meet his eyes. She was suddenly cautious, and more than a little perplexed. She’d lost her head for a brief moment, and so had he.
“I . . . I think you’d better go.” Julie’s legs were shaking as she turned from him and began to gather up the accessories to her costume.
Paul nodded. He swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and did his best to apologize. “I’m sorry, Julie. I don’t know what got into me. But don’t worry. I promise, it’ll never happen again. Are we still friends?”
“Of course.” Julie nodded, and tried to smile, but her smile was wobbly and she knew she was blushing. “Don’t forget Aunt Caroline’s camera.”
“Right.” Paul’s voice was brisk as he headed for the door. But when he got there, he stopped and turned toward her again. “Uh . . . Julie?”
“Yes, Paul?”
He frowned. It was clear he wanted to say something, but he couldn’t seem to find the words. “I’ll . . . uh . . . I’ll see you at the party, okay?”
“Sure.” Julie tried to be casual, but that was difficult when her knees were still shaking and she felt weak all over. Ryan’s kiss on the mountain had been exciting, but Paul’s was pure dynamite !
Paul nodded and gave her a little wave. Then he opened the door and went out, forgetting entirely about closing it behind him. Julie waited until she was sure he was gone, and then she crossed the room to shut the door. Her emotions were in a turmoil, and she wasn’t sure whether she felt like laughing, or crying, or groaning in frustration. Since she didn’t seem to be capable of deciding on any one reaction, she just sank down on the bed and sighed.
Paul had been a real gentleman. He could easily have taken full advantage of her, but he hadn’t. And she almost wished he had! She was disappointed and relieved at the same time, a very uncomfortable state of mind to be in.
Julie sighed again. Maybe the whispery voice had been right. She’d enjoyed Ryan’s kiss on the ski slope. She wouldn’t deny that. And she had initiated the kiss with Paul. Of course, it was only meant to be a friendly kiss. She’d had no idea things would get so out of hand!
A slow smile spread across Julie’s face as she remembered the delightful sensations Paul’s kiss had evoked. It had been totally wonderful, losing her head and finding herself wrapped tightly in his warm, strong arms. Perhaps the whispery voice on the phone had been right. Perhaps she was wicked . . . especially because she really hoped that Paul would break his promise and kiss her again!
Ten
Julie was having the time of her life. She’d never known costume parties could be so much fun. She’d danced with a prince, a Southern gentleman in a white suit, a scuba diver, a skeleton, Dracula, and three harlequins. And she’d only been at the party for an hour.
“Julie?” A Gypsy fortune teller tapped her on the shoulder and Julie whirled around. “It’s you, isn’t it?”
Julie laughed as she recognized Donna’s voice. “It’s me. Is your pirate here?”
“No.” Donna sounded very disappointed. “At least, I don’t think he’s here. He could be wearing something else this year.”
“Check out the prince. He’s a great dancer. Maybe he’s your pirate.”
Donna shook her head. “No, that’s Larry Berman. He’s one of the weekend ski instructors. Have you danced with the ghost?”
“Not yet. But the night’s young and so am I. Be careful of that green-and-black harlequin, though. He’s got two left feet.”
“Dave.” Donna nodded. “I saw him putting on his mask.”
“How about the one in pink and black? He’s very fast on his feet . . . and I say that deliberately.”
“I don’t know who that is. We’ve got over a dozen harlequins here tonight, and they’re all wearing different colors.”
Julie stared at the pink-and-black harlequin, but she had no clue to which employee was under the mask. Then the color rose to her cheeks as she realized that she could have been dancing with Paul. “Which one is Paul? He’s wearing a harlequin costume, isn’t he?”
“Sure, but I don’t know which color he picked. The yellow-and-black is Ryan. He’s helping out tonight.”
“How can you tell?” Julie was puzzled. The harlequins were wearing full-face masks.
“I danced with him, and nobody but Ryan would have the nerve to put his hands where he did! Take my word for it. Avoid him like the plague.”
“Thanks. I will.” Julie nodded, and tried not to blush. It was a good thing Donna didn’t know about the way Ryan had kissed her on Dead Man’s Run, and the two times he’d tried to get her to meet him at the old stone archway that marked the driveway to Saddlepeak Lodge.
“I think that’s Paul in the red, over there by the fireplace. Or maybe he’s the one in blue. That looks like him, too. Or the orange. They’re all tall enough to be Paul.“
“How about the one in purple? Do you think that’s Ross?” Julie’s heart beat a little faster. She knew that purple was Ross’s favorite color.
“Search me.” Donna shrugged. “I can’t tell, once they put on their masks. And they love to confuse us. It’s fun, isn’t it?”
Julie nodded, but her eyes lingered on the purple-and-black harlequin, trying to will him over to her side. She’d been watching him all evening as he’d danced and mingled with the guests. He was an excellent dancer, and he never seemed to miss a step. He’d been attentive to every partner, even when he’d danced with several very elderly ladies. It just had to be Ross. His eyes met hers briefly and she saw him smile. Then he nodded to a turquoise-and-black harlequin, and they started to move across the crowded dance floor.
“Here they come!” Donna grinned as the two harlequins approached them. “I think the one in the turquoise is John Jaeger. He went to high school with Ross.”
Julie’s heart beat faster as the two harlequins approached them. The one in purple-and-black bowed in front of her and held out his hand. The other harlequin dipped his head toward Donna.
“You want to dance, right?” Donna laughed as her harlequin nodded. “Okay, I’d love to. Just whirl me past that refreshment table, so I can grab a cookie on the way.”
Julie’s heart beat a rapid tattoo as the purple-and-black harlequin took her in his arms. She was almost sure it was Ross. He was the right height and weight, and she could feel the muscles ripple in his arms as he held her. Yes, it was Ross.
The song ended, and Julie turned to leave the dance floor. But her harlequin shook his head and held her arm, so she couldn’t back away. Then the band started playing again, a slow, dreamy love song, and the harlequin pulled her into his arms and held her close as they moved around the crowded floor.
Julie felt as if she were floating in the strong circle of Ross’s arms. It had to be Ross. Her heart pounded wildly as he reached out to fondle a lock of her hair. But the memory of Paul’s kiss intruded, the way he’d stroked her hair, the expression of caring in his eyes. Deliberately she put that memory out of her mind. She was dancing with Ross, and that was exactly what she’d wanted, wasn’t it?
