by Rita Herron
"Okay," he finally admitted. "Lance and Reid wanted to, but I talked them out of making the trip. I wouldn't be caught dead in a place like that."
"What? I didn't think you were shy, Chase."
He glared at her. "I'm not, but I like nude parties to be in private."
Maddie nodded, deciding to go along with him. "Well, Chase, thanks for not coming. I can't tell you... well, how awkward and embarrassing it would have been if they had charged up there after me."
Chase nodded but shifted nervously, downing his drink, confirming her suspicions.
Maddie drummed her fingers on the table and almost burst into laughter at his reaction—Chase Holloway was a rotten liar. The Terrible Three had snuck into that nudist colony, had gotten caught with their pants down, literally, and had been thrown out for acting like Peeping Toms!
She sipped her drink, stifling laughter, but the door behind her opened, and she saw Chase's shoulders stiffen. Following his gaze, she pivoted in her seat, surprised to see Jeff walk in with a young brunette. Jeff's eyes widened when he noticed her, his lips pursing together tightly a fraction of a second before he gathered his composure. With a stiff nod of his head to acknowledge her presence, he leaned over and spoke to the woman beside him. Then they headed their way. Maddie turned back to Chase, hoping Jeff would bypass them and not make the situation awkward.
"How about your bedroom and the master bath? Some kind of dark blue bedding or maybe black?"
"Whatever goes with the rug," he said in a husky voice.
She and Chase, naked and writhing on top of it.
"I've always pictured—"
Jeff paused by their table, interrupting Chase. "Maddie, how nice to see you."
She pasted on a gracious smile. "Jeff, what a surprise. You know Chase Holloway, don't you?"
Jeff offered Chase a tight hello. "How could I forget, the troublemaker from Savannah High? How many times did you get arrested in high school?"
Maddie's hands tightened around her cup.
A vein pulsed in Chase's clenched jaw.
"He's an architect now," Maddie said pointedly. "We're working together on the Tour of Homes."
"Oh, right."
The woman beside Jeff cleared her throat as if she suddenly realized she was being left out of the conversation. "Mr. Oglethorpe, is this the interior decorator you said you were going to introduce me to?"
Jeff finally dragged his gaze from Chase. "Yes, Cynthia. This is Maddie Summers."
The woman's smile seemed sincere. She reached out and shook Maddie's hand. "Nice to meet you, Maddie. I'm the new loan officer with the savings department. Mr. Oglethorpe has been showing me the ropes."
Maddie heard Chase mumble something that sounded like, "I'll bet he has."
"Anyway, Mr. Oglethorpe mentioned he had a friend who was in the decorating business, and I just moved here so I'm looking for a decorator."
Maddie twisted her napkin in her lap. "Have you purchased a home?"
"Yes, my first, and I'm so excited! It's a little town house off Baker Street, but I do want to fix it up, and I'm color-blind. Would you mind helping me out? Jeff..." She hesitated and blushed. "I mean Mr. Oglethorpe has raved about how talented you are."
"I'll bet he has," Chase mumbled again, this time not bothering to muffle his comment.
Maddie quirked a brow at Jeff, shooting a dark look at Chase. He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, looking perturbed. "I'd love to," Maddie said sincerely. She pulled out a business card and handed it to the woman. Jeff shifted sideways, waving at the maitre d' that they were ready to be seated.
"I'll call you for an appointment," Cynthia said.
Maddie nodded. "Jeff, thanks for the recommendation."
"I do want you to succeed, Maddie." Jeff flashed her a brilliant smile as the maitre d' approached. "Well, we have some business to discuss so we'll let you get back to your... whatever."
"Maddie and I were talking about my bedroom," Chase said.
Jeff's mouth snapped tight. He quickly turned and followed Cynthia and the waiter.
Maddie gaped at Chase. "I can't believe you said that."
Chase scowled. "I can't believe you fell for that wuss's nice-guy act. And what was he talking about—he meant what he said the other day? And he's going to call you?"
"Why do you think he was acting?" Maddie asked, avoiding his question.
"Because he was," Chase mumbled. "He's up to something; I just can't figure out what it is."
"Maybe he really wants me back," Maddie said. "Some men find me attractive you know, Chase. And he has been sending me gifts."
"You are attractive, Maddie, but you deserve better than some sneaky wuss." Chase rammed his hand through his hair. "Are you going to talk to him when he calls?"
Maddie lifted one shoulder nonchalantly. "Why not? You keep pushing me away."
"That's because I don't want you using me to rebel against your brothers," Chase hissed.
Maddie balled her napkin onto the table. "You're so suspicious, Chase. Don't you trust anyone?"
His troubled gaze fell to his hands, answering her question. She barely resisted the urge to tell him he could trust her.
But she didn't know if she trusted herself where Chase was concerned. And Jeff?
Maddie glanced over her shoulder, remembering Jeff's invitation the other day to see her again. Had he really changed his mind about her career? Did he really want her back, or could he have some sort of secret agenda?
* * *
Reid couldn't believe he'd nixed a date with Tracy, the sexy blond secretary from Wade's Roofing Company, for a meeting with Jeff Oglethorpe, but for once, his family had to come first. Maddie was out of control. Going to nudist colonies, cavorting with producers of S & M shows. Their mother was probably rolling over in her grave.
She'd wanted the best for Maddie—a secure family life and husband like she'd had. Or like she'd thought she had. A seed of guilt nagged at him—had their mother known about their father's little indiscretion? Not that he'd been unfaithful exactly but well, the... no, he couldn't bear to think about his father doing such... such tawdry stuff. He still remembered his dad as the respected, distinguished doctor everyone admired, exactly the memory he wanted to keep. Images of him involved in the elicit behavior suggested in the file he'd found were unthinkable. Fathers just didn't do stuff like that.
Maddie and Lance would be shocked.
Determined to do all he could to make sure his mother's wishes for Maddie came true, he stepped inside the Shrimp Store and scanned the room for Oglethorpe. The spicy scent of Creole and fishy scent of shrimp, clam chowder and other seafood permeated the air, making his stomach growl. He'd missed lunch on account of battling with two painting contractors over a bungled job, and he was a man who had to eat, or he got ornery. He ran a hand through his hair, weary. Every day this week had been filled with problems on the job. He was almost convinced someone was trying to sabotage their success. As soon as he left Oglethorpe, he was going to phone Smaltz and ask him to investigate the problems.
He allowed the waitress to seat him at a corner table and nursed a beer while he waited. Twenty minutes later, he ordered an appetizer of fried shrimp and oysters, wondering if Oglethorpe would even show. Of course, he wouldn't blame the guy after their last encounter. They had been pretty rough on him following that TV disaster. He'd probably have to suck up big time.
He'd just polished off the hush puppies and the last of the shrimp when he spotted Oglethorpe walking in. The man's stiff posture and stony gaze did not look promising. And Reid instantly realized he should have changed from his work clothes. Next to Oglethorpe's designer suit and neat haircut, he resembled a field hand, or a construction worker... which he basically was.
"I can't imagine why you wanted to see me." Oglethorpe stopped beside the table, narrowing his eyes in disdain. "I thought I'd seen the end of you Summers boys."
Reid clamped his mouth shut to control his temper. Did the guy have to sound
so condescending?
"I'll have a bourbon," Oglethorpe told the waitress. "On the rocks."
She nodded and bustled away while Jeff planted himself in the chair.
"I appreciate you coming," Reid said.
"Make it brief, Summers. I'm a busy man."
As if he really wanted to do this. He didn't especially like this man, he realized. But he's successful and respectable, the type of man Mom would have wanted Maddie to marry. Just suck it up. Maddie must have been in love with him, or she wouldn't have given him that ultimatum on Sophie Knows.
"Listen, man, we got carried away that day after the show. We were worried about Maddie... we've always been protective of her."
Oglethorpe's steady gaze didn't waver as he accepted his drink.
"You can understand, right? With our folks being gone, we've always had to take care of her."
Oglethorpe's expression softened slightly.
"And we're still worried about her."
The ice in Oglethorpe's drink clinked as he raised his glass.
"I guess you saw the newspaper picture?"
A pained look crossed his face. "Yes."
"Maddie's been dating around," Reid admitted.
"You mean she's become loose?"
Reid's fingers curled into fists. "No, of course not."
"But you're worried she will?"
He contemplated his dad's secret side. What if Maddie had a secret side just waiting to emerge? "We want what's best for her."
Oglethorpe traced a finger along his glass. "So, why did you call me?"
Reid's throat burned with the effort to speak. "Because you may be it."
"I may be what?"
"What's best for Maddie."
Oglethorpe leaned forward, his eyebrows climbing his forehead. "Let me get this straight: One day you want to kill me, the next you're giving me your approval." A sarcastic laugh escaped his thin lips. "I might be grateful, except you've forgotten one thing. Maddie broke up with me."
"Only because you didn't want her to work."
"I wanted us to discuss the situation." Oglethorpe stiffened, adjusting his red tie. "But I've changed my mind. I've already talked to Maddie, and I've been trying to make things up with her. I've sent her flowers and gifts every other day."
Reid shrugged. "Sounds like a plan."
"Exactly."
"Then maybe you and Maddie could work this out. She's impulsive, always hopping from one thing to another. This decorating thing may just be another one of her whims."
"You think she'll give it up—"
"I don't know. I hope Maddie's found her calling, and if she has, maybe you could compromise. You could always have your parties catered. And Maddie's a great conversationalist."
"That's true." A smile finally lifted Oglethorpe's mouth. "In fact, I've been thinking along those lines myself. An attractive, successful woman can be an asset to any man in the business world."
Reid tipped his drink back, feeling smug. After all, he really did want to see his sister happy. And even though he'd never be best buds with Oglethorpe, he supposed women thought him a good catch. And if Maddie did decide to drop the business, he'd done her a favor by smoothing things over with her old boyfriend. Better to have her safe with Oglethorpe than running around nudist colonies with naked strangers or cavorting with producers of S & M shows.
Chapter 15
"I love my business," Maddie told Sophie over coffee two days later. "I already have color schemes planned for all four houses, and I've ordered the window treatments and most of the furnishings. Plus I have two clients that aren't a part of the Tour of Homes."
"Who?"
"Noisy Nora, that lady who believes in ghosts. I'm meeting her later today. Actually her house is in the same subdivision as the tour, but she purchased on one of the other streets."
"Sounds like things are going great."
"And Cynthia, a new loan officer who works with Jeff."
"The old boyfriend?"
Maddie nodded.
"You aren't interested in reconciling with him, are you?"
"I'm not sure." Maddie blotted a drop of white powdery sugar from her pastry and licked it off her finger. "I'm trying to keep an open mind. Especially since Chase keeps me at a distance."
"So, has Jeff changed?"
"He says he has. He recommended my services to his co-worker, so maybe he's decided to respect my work. And he's been sending me flowers and romantic cards almost every day. He even sent me imported perfume today."
Sophie squeezed lemon in her tea. "He sounds determined."
"I still haven't forgiven him for making me put Mom's jewelry up for collateral though, and I haven't told the boys, so I have to make enough to recoup my investment and get it back before they find out."
"Sounds like you're off to a good start."
The rich scent of chocolate drifted toward Maddie from a neighboring table, and Maddie thought of Chase, then instantly forced him from her mind. "So, what's up with you? Been seeing that hunky blonde you were dancing with at the party the other night?"
Sophie tapped her fingernails on the table. "No, turn's out he's gay."
Maddie sighed dramatically. "What a waste."
"Then Thursday night I went out with this guy named Rob."
"A hopeful?"
"Not even close." Sophie laughed, propped her elbow on the table and leaned her chin on her hand. "Get this—I was really impressed at first. When he showed up, he was wearing an Armani suit and arrived in a Porsche. And he brought me imported chocolates."
"Wow."
"But the suit belonged to his roommate. Then I found out he works for a candy company. He keeps all the leftovers and outdated candy in his apartment and gives them as gifts. He had a huge box of chocolate-covered cherries in his trunk."
Maddie chuckled. "Chump."
"Tell me about it. Chocolate had melted all over the floor of his car. It looked like a puddle of... you know."
Maddie laughed again. "What about the Porsche?"
"A loaner." Sophie shook her head in disgust. "He was trying to make a good impression."
"Another case of male fraud."
"Definitely." Sophie snapped her fingers. "Which reminds me—what did you do with Greg's robe? I heard him telling someone in the green room it was missing."
"I'm still trying to figure out how to return the danged thing without him knowing I took it."
Sophie chewed the tip of her fingernail. "I certainly don't want to go to his house again."
"Maybe I should mail it."
"I have a better idea—keep it as a souvenir. Or you could lay it across your bed to make other men jealous."
Maddie remembered Chase's reaction. No, he couldn't have been jealous—he was too adamant about his brotherly relationship. "I don't know, Soph. I had a heck of a time keeping the truth from Lance. My brothers would totally freak if they knew about that night. When I think of hiding in that man's shower..."
They both burst into laughter. Finally Sophie said, "I'm beginning to think you're right. There aren't any normal men left in Savannah."
"Except for my brothers." And Chase. "And they've got this moronic bachelor pact they made when they were younger that they claim to live by. I don't know who thought of it, but I'd like to ring all their necks."
"So they've sworn never to marry," Sophie murmured miserably.
Maddie made a face. "I was hoping you could change Lance's mind, Sophie. He needs a good woman to add some excitement to his life. He's way too serious."
"I don't think Lance and I will ever happen, Mad." Sophie frowned in thought. "When I showed him the house the other day, I got the distinct impression he didn't trust me."
"Why wouldn't he trust you?"
"I have no idea. But he definitely acted as if I had the plague or something. I guess he just doesn't like me."
Maddie covered her friend's hand with her own. Although Sophie didn't whine or complain about her past, Maddie knew it h
adn't been a happy one. Still, she was the most upbeat person she'd ever met. "How could he not like you, Sophie? You're smart and talented and gorgeous. Half of Savannah's male population drools over you every day when they watch your show."
Sophie's mouth twisted. "Your brother certainly isn't one of them. He must not find me attractive at all."
Maddie stewed over Sophie's comment. Sophie would be perfect for Lance. Why wouldn't he at least give her a chance?
* * *
Lance studied the layout of Sophie's house and all the renovations needed, jotted down the estimated costs, and made a note to call her and set up a meeting. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed, dreading the conversation already. If only he didn't find the woman so damn attractive, he'd be able to turn this deal down and tell her where to go. But he'd better meet with her and try and find out what she knew about his family. Reid was too gullible and might be swayed by her sexuality. Besides, his younger brother still thought of their dad as some hero; destroying that boy's image of his father didn't sit well with Lance at all. And Sophie could do just that if she aired their dirty family secrets on TV.
He gathered his files and hurried to his Blazer. Fifteen minutes later, he rushed into the town planning meeting, grateful to see Chase and Reid already seated. The committee had phoned him, asking questions about two of the restoration projects, griping about the molding they'd chosen for the parlor, the flooring for one of the kitchens, even the stones they'd used to build the mantel. The guidelines were stringent, but Lance figured they'd been lucky to win five of the ten accounts, and he planned to make the citizens of Savannah proud of the fact they had shown faith in their company. Only judging from the expressions on Chase's and Reid's faces, things weren't going well.
"We expect every detail to be put before the committee," Ross Pierceson, the head of the committee said. "Maintaining the history of Savannah and the original architecture is our prime concern. We will not allow structural changes that interfere with the basic lines developed by our ancestors."
"We' re not talking about changing historical details," Chase said in a patient voice, "but for safety reasons, the foundation of the Rhinehold house has to be redone. We'll make every effort to restore—"
