The CEO's Surprise Family

by Teresa Carpenter

  “What have you got?”

  “I’m thinking this might be something to consider for Pinnacle for our next revamp. We could have simulated battle scenes.”

  “Oh, and flames like the city is burning. With the postapocalyptic theme you could do all kinds of things with the skyscape, extreme sunsets and meteor storms, flash floods. You could even bring it down on the walls though that might compete with the casino action.”

  “The tourists would love it. It would give them the sense of being in the game even more than the decor does now.”

  He liked the creative way she thought. All tossed out so artlessly. Right. In his experience, nothing, not even ideas, were given away free. She wanted something.

  He’d bet his life on it.

  Above them, blue skies began to ease out the clouds and lightning. Lexi stood and smoothed her dress over her hips.

  “It’s a great idea, but what I was actually asking is what would you like me to do for you at the party?”

  CHAPTER THREE

  PARTY? BLAST IT. In order to get his mind functioning again, Jethro dragged his gaze up to her face, not daring to linger on the intriguing hint of cleavage or her luscious lower lip.

  She meant the showing. He’d almost lost his desire to attend the event tonight. But as owner of the gallery and the artist’s patron it would look bad if he didn’t at least put in an appearance. Plus, he believed in the man’s talent.

  He and his friends made a great team evidenced by their huge success with Pinnacle. Yet the last few years, he’d felt compelled to prove he could succeed on his own. The gallery, like the restaurant, was his attempt at diversification.

  “It’s nothing too difficult.” He stood, his hand going to the small of her back as he directed her along. “As a high-ranking officer at one of the premier entertainment conglomerates in the world, I get approached by a lot of people with ideas for the next best whatever. I’d like you to run interference for me.”

  “I can see where that would get old.” Sympathy shone from eyes the color of the pastoral sky above. “Sure, I can handle that. Tell me about the artist.”

  “He takes parts of photographs, layers them together and breathes life into them with an editing software he created. The end result is stunning, the colors vivid.”

  “I can’t wait to see his work. It sounds unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

  Jethro must be impressed with the artist. Talking about him was the most animated she’d seen him all night. Though, to be fair, he had loosened up from his stuffed-shirt status by allowing her to watch the sky show and by sharing his thoughts about revamping the Pinnacle.

  At the gallery the crowd overflowed into the mall.

  “Well, I’d say the showing is a success.” Lexi wrapped her arm around Jethro’s to keep from being separated from him. “And it’s such a crush nobody’s going to hear anyone in here. I don’t think you need to worry about being approached by any wannabe gamesters.”

  He grunted. “You underestimate the zealousness of programmers, songwriters and other assorted artists the world over. A crowd like this just allows them the opportunity to get up close and personal.”

  Actually she knew full well the zealousness of artists. No one knew better than her how one-dimensional they could be when it came to their art.

  “Maybe it’s your warm personality,” she suggested.

  She grinned when she received an arch stare over his shoulder. “You like to live dangerously don’t you?”

  “Sorry. I can’t seem to resist.” And she should. Her every action counted toward the future and his willingness to help her. But she’d been restrained for too many years not to be herself at all times. Plus, who knew he’d be so fun to tease? Or turn out to be such a good sport? “Take heart, you’re bearing up under the challenge.”

  Right inside the door hung a huge picture that was gorgeous. A tropical location brought to life in vibrant colors. The nose of a small plane bobbed in the cove and on the beach a gazebo with fluttering curtains housed a table, chairs and a meal awaiting missing lovers. To the side of the print were a picture of a lagoon, the plane and a gazebo. The title was Escape.

  “I love it,” Lexi breathed. “Don’t you just want to be there?”

  “It’s inviting.”

  “Inviting? If that’s all you’ve got, I’m going to have to find someone else to go with.”

  “Someone with a sense of adventure,” a man said behind her.

  “Yes.” She agreed, moving to include the tall, stylishly dressed man. He had long dark hair, green eyes and a confidence he wore as comfortably as his fitted jacket. “And a sense of romance. Someone with a thirst for life.”

  “Exactly the mood I was going for.” The man grinned and held out his hand. “I’m Ethan Kittrell.”

  “Ethan is the artist.” Jethro shook hands as he introduced Lexi.

  “Calder, I’m glad you made it. And for bringing such a lovely companion.”

  “Are you flirting with my companion, Ethan?” There was no emotion in the question, which only served to make it more menacing.

  As if she belonged to him. Not likely. She’d fought hard for her freedom. And wasn’t he the one to insist this wasn’t a date?

  But truthfully she wasn’t even tempted by the handsome artist. For all his eccentric cleverness, he paled next to the sheer presence of Jethro Calder.

  Good thing this wasn’t a date. Because, her independence aside, she’d be way out of her element.

  No, tonight was make-believe, just an opportunity to observe him in his world. Which meant she could be herself. As long as she didn’t alienate him, she could relax and have fun.

  “Not tonight, I’m not.” Ethan held up his hands in surrender and shifted ever so subtly away from her. “Just a little harmless admiration for a beautiful woman. I wouldn’t want to do anything to upset my patron.”

  “Wise move.” Jethro directed her farther into the gallery, pausing to study each new piece they came to.

  Patron? No wonder he’d been hot to get here. A patron to the arts, hmm, seemed there were unexpected depths to Mr. Jethro Calder. Still, being a patron was no excuse to be rude.

  “Pay no attention to him.” She rolled her eyes at Ethan. “He’s still learning his people skills.”

  “Sweet thing, people use skills on him not the other way around.”

  “So he tells me.” She surveyed Jethro’s profile, and observed the pinch at the corner of his eye, a sure sign he hated them talking about him. This was a big night for him as well as Ethan. “He practically gushed while describing your work.”

  “I have never gushed in my life.”

  “You were quite animated. With good reason. I love, love, love these pieces.” She leaned in close to a picture of an old firehouse with a clock tower. Beside it were photos of a barn, a fire truck and a watch with exposed gears. “Is it a stippling effect?”

  “Very perceptive. I’m a master of shadows.”

  “Really? Shadows.” She stepped back and looked at the picture again.

  A hand at her waist drew her in front of Jethro. He followed the line of the fire truck with his finger. “The shadows disguise the layering and add depth and dimension.” He spoke right in her ear, his breath blowing over the sensitive skin. She shivered and fought the urge to lean back against him.

  “Yes. I can see the shadows are key.”

  “Ethan, there you are. And Jethro, you finally made it. Excellent.” A woman with pale skin, black sharp-edged hair and bright red lips swept up to them. She wore a black suit that flowed around a reed-thin body. Hooking her arms through each of the men’s, she led them away. “The press are here. Time to make nice.”

  Lexi followed as best she could considering the crowd quickly closed around her now she di
dn’t have the almighty Jethro Calder with her. When she got cut off, she decided to look around at more of the art. The woman obviously worked for the gallery and it sounded like Jethro would be busy for a few minutes, so he shouldn’t miss her.

  As she strolled around, she encountered several people she knew. The director of her last dance review at the Golden Link and his wife, a pit boss from Pinnacle and his partner, and a client of hers from Modern Goddess. She chatted briefly with each making sure to talk up the artist; she even influenced a sale with the director.

  She kept her eye on Jethro in case her duties were needed but the dark-haired woman, whom she’d learned was Lana, the gallery manager, guarded him like a lioness with her cub. No wannabes were getting through her.

  Ethan found Lexi by the buffet table.

  “Hey, I’ve been racking up sales for you.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” He grabbed one of the fancy bottles of water. “And I’m glad I caught you alone.”

  “Ah-ah.” She shook her finger at him. “You promised Jethro no flirting.”

  “He’s who I want to talk to you about. I want to thank him for his patronage by giving him one of the pictures. I thought you could help me choose one for him.”

  “Oh, goodness. We really haven’t known each other that long.”

  “Maybe not, but you obviously have his number. And he likes you.”

  What an interesting comment. She wondered what made him think so. She laughed. “I think we both have you fooled.”

  “No.” Ethan shook his head, his green gaze serious. “As a photographer and an artist, I’ve learned to read people. I’ll admit Jethro is tough to get a read on because he doesn’t show much emotion. Most people don’t even try unless they want something from him.”

  “That’s just sad.” She dismissed a pang of guilt. He couldn’t miss what he didn’t know he had.

  “Yes.” Ethan sipped the expensive water. “But it’s a persona he fosters. He doesn’t let people close.”

  “You’re just proving my case.”

  “I’m proving my case. Because you see the man. You recognized his excitement for my work. You tease him.” He shook his head. “Seriously, I’ve never seen anyone talk to him the way you do. And he takes it. That’s how I know he likes you.”

  Okay, he’d made a couple of good points, but Lexi still wasn’t convinced. She’d love for Jethro to like her. It could only help her case, make him predisposed to help her. But the evidence seemed pretty flimsy to her.

  “That and the way he looks at you. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night.”

  Of course the comment had her searching out Jethro, and sure enough he looked right at them even as he talked with an elderly Japanese couple. She waved and he cocked a dark brow.

  “This should really be your choice.” She told Ethan.

  “I’d still like your help.” He insisted.

  “Okay, but I should get back to him soon.”

  “This won’t take long,” he assured her. “And he’s busy taking care of business so we have time.”

  “Business? You mean patron stuff?”

  “No. He doesn’t have to do much with that except praise my work.”

  Uh-oh. She sought him out again. Had she misread the Japanese couple? Could they be overeager gamesters she should be saving him from?

  “He’s dealing with boring owner stuff.” Taking her arm Ethan led her to the first picture. It already had a red dot indicating it had been sold. “There’s plenty of time for you to help me.”

  “I didn’t know Jethro owned the gallery. Is he going to be moving it to the Pinnacle?”

  “He hasn’t mentioned any plans to do so. And it has a following here, so I wouldn’t think so.”

  Interesting. Calder was associated so closely with Pinnacle, she found it difficult to think of him branching out to other casinos. But then Pinnacle wasn’t just a casino but part of a huge entertainment conglomerate. The company started out creating and distributing video games. The hotel and casino were decorated based off the first game, a postapocalyptic world where everyone fought to survive.

  The diversification made her wonder if he might be considering breaking away from Pinnacle. When she got the time, she’d have to think of what that might mean to her plans.

  “Has Jethro shown an interest in any particular piece?” she asked Ethan. “That might be a place to start.”

  “Good idea. Let me think.” He stopped and propped his hands on his hips. His gaze ran over his work displayed on the walls. “No. He’s shown general appreciation but not for any specific piece. As I said, Jethro doesn’t give up a lot about himself. That’s why I was hoping you could help.”

  Lexi spied a picture of a smoking cigar in a crystal ashtray next to a bottle of aged bourbon in the forefront of an old-fashioned parlor. The colors were muted but powerful. She thought of the old-world elegance of Jethro’s restaurant and knew he would appreciate the piece.

  “That one.” She nodded toward the painting. “It would fit nicely in his restaurant so it’s something he’ll like.”

  Ethan considered the painting and then nodded. “You’re right. It fits him. Let me grab it before someone buys it. Thanks.” He dropped a kiss on her head and strolled off.

  “He’s still making moves on my date,” Jethro drawled close to her ear. “I might have to have a talk with him.”

  Lexi jumped and swirled around. “Geez, how long have you been there?”

  “I just walked up. Why? Something happen you don’t want me to know about?”

  “Nope. You startled me, is all.” Looking to divert his attention from Ethan, she gestured to the crowd. “You must be pleased. Ethan told me you own the gallery.”

  “It’s a recent acquisition.”

  “Calder.” Her former director and his wife came up to them. They made a stunning older couple. “You’re doing a great job here at the gallery. Ethan Kittrell is quite a find.”

  “Thomas and Irene.” Jethro offered his hand to the couple. “Thanks for coming. We’re always pleased to provide something unique for our collectors.”

  “Indeed. Irene fell in love with a couple of prints we’ll be taking off your hands.”

  “Irene, I’ve always admired your taste.”

  The older woman beamed under his approval. “And you’ve redeemed my opinion of yours when it comes to women. Oh, I know how you young men like to play the field, but I hope you realize what a treasure you have in this girl.”

  “You know Lexi.” Jethro’s expression went blank.

  Oops. Time to do her job. He was either insulted, and trying to find a nice way to tell a good client to mind her own business. Or counting to ten before blasting her, with no consideration of future relations.

  “Irene, you’re going to make me blush.” Lexi interceded before Jethro could react. “There’s actually nothing romantic going on. Jethro knew Alliyah and today was her birthday. We’re just celebrating her together this evening.” She smiled through the sadness. “She would have loved this.”

  “Oh, my dear.” Sympathy filled Irene’s brown eyes. “She would indeed. My apologies, Jethro. Such a tragedy to lose her so young. Do you know how her—”

  “Family is doing?” Lexi quickly interrupted before Irene could mention Alliyah had a daughter. “Yes. Everyone misses Alliyah terribly but we’re doing as well as can be expected.”

  “Good, that’s good. She’s lucky to have had you for a friend. You let us know if we can do anything.”

  “Absolutely,” Thomas confirmed. “And remember, you’re welcome back with the troupe anytime you want.”

  “Thank you both. You have a good evening now.” She gave them both a peck on the cheek and sent them on their way.

  “Sorry about that.” She patted Jethr
o on the arm. “But no harm done.”

  She hoped not anyway. She wanted to be the one to tell Jethro about Jazi. To gauge his reaction and sway him to her cause. He was a sharp guy; she didn’t want him to be wondering about a child in Alliyah’s life and start counting down the months.

  “What are you after?”

  “What?”

  Jethro’s firm grip on her arm gave her no option but to join him in a dimly lit hallway.

  “Hey.” She tried to shake her arm loose, but he held on.

  “Who are you?” he demanded.

  “I don’t know what you mean. I’m Lexi.”

  “How is it that you know everyone?”

  “I don’t know everyone. That’s crazy.” She pulled against his grip. “You’re hurting me.” Not really, but he had her unnerved and that was close enough.

  “Quit squirming and it won’t hurt.” His fingers loosened but he retained his hold, forcing her to follow him down the hall.

  “Let me go and I’ll quit squirming.”

  He opened the door of a well-appointed office. It had a feminine feel and Lexi guessed it belonged to Lana, the gallery manager.

  Jaw clenched, he released her. Then frowned at the red marks on her skin. “Your skin is too delicate.”

  She rubbed her arm singeing him with a reproachful glare. “Apology accepted.”

  She dropped into a visitor’s chair and crossed her legs.

  “Sorry,” he muttered belatedly, grudgingly. He sat on the edge of the desk. “Now tell me how you know so many people. I saw you talking with people all over the gallery.”

  “Just because I talked to people doesn’t mean I know them. Is this about me not protecting you from the madding crowd? You seemed fine whenever I glanced your way.”

  “Mocking me will not save you. Answer the question.”

  “Save me?” She laughed.

  He didn’t.

  “You targeted me, Ms. Malone. I want to know why.”

  CHAPTER FOUR