Sex, Secrets and Happily Ever Afters

by Deb Julienne

  “Thanks, Dan.” Travis dropped his phone back into his pocket and took a drink. “Well, that does it.”

  Trent asked, “Who’s the buyer?”

  Kat asked, “Time for what?”

  “How much?” Sabrina held her stomach.

  “Slow down. I’ll answer your questions, but one at a time.”

  Three people gaped at him, and he responded in kind. “Sloan contacted the owner about buying the building Angel’s shop is in. I have to act today. He offered two point five million. I countered with three million.”

  All three sat back and said, “Shit.”

  “That’s insane.” Sabrina covered her mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick.” Holding her stomach, she scooted out of the booth then ran to the bathroom.

  Trent looked concerned.

  Kat patted Trent’s hand. “She’s not used to that kind of money changing hands.” Then to Travis she said, “Are you sure you want to do that? Angel will crucify you if she finds out you’re interfering. You better talk to her right away and tell her what happened before she finds out some other way.”

  “I will. I promise. But until I hear back from Dan I’m not going to say a word,” he said.

  “I’m more concerned about how Delaney managed to figure out what’s going on between you and Angel and track down the owner. Just how far do her talons reach?” Kat above all knew just how vindictive Del could be. “I’m going to have to hold my tongue and try to sweet-talk the deets out of her. Damn, I better go early so I can have a drink first.”

  Travis’s stomach was all a jumble with the possibilities. “Don’t you dare drink. I want your brain fully engaged and ready to handle anything that comes up. No telling what she’ll admit.”

  Sabrina returned, but she was pale.

  “Are you okay?” Trent rubbed her back.

  “Fine. What’d I miss?” Sabrina took a drink of water.

  Kat sat back then folded her hands and scowled. It was the kind of expression meant to put the fear of God in someone. “I have one thing going for me, Travis. I know where her skeletons are buried. If push comes to shove, I won’t hesitate to drag them out and do a little early spring cleaning.”

  For once, Kat’s vicious grin made him feel better.

  The waitress delivered Travis’s plate of tandoori and a coffee.

  “No telling what those skeletons are, but I don’t want to be anywhere near that bar when you two meet. Hell, I’m half-tempted to alert the police for a possible explosion, because I’ve seen Del when she loses it. In a fight, Kat versus Delaney, no doubt Kat will be the victor, but I’m not convinced you’ll walk away unscathed.” Travis had a bad feeling about Kat and Delaney meeting later that night.

  “Honey, care for a drink?” Trent asked Sabrina. “Maybe we should go along for moral support and a few laughs. I’d love to catch a glimpse of Kat tearing into Del.”

  “You get more flies with honey.” Sabrina looked at Kat.

  “You get more bitches with spite. There’s no such thing as nice when it comes to Delaney Prescott. With her, it’s whoever hits first and hardest, or they don’t survive.” Kat gave them all a just-watch-me-win grin.

  Sabrina said, “I guess you know best, but be careful. If she’s that bad, be sure you don’t make things worse. Stay calm and stay in control.”

  “Don’t worry, Pollyanna, I’m good to go,” Kat said.

  Travis pushed his food away. If his stomach soured any more, he’d have to head for the restroom. Even his coffee irritated his stomach. Not to mention his shoulders ached from tension. He massaged his temples.

  Sabrina touched his arm. “Relax, Travis. Everything will work out.”

  His water glass was halfway to his mouth when his cell phone buzzed. He spilled water on his lap in his hurry to get to the text message. “It’s Dan.” He pressed the button and read the message. “Yes.” He banged a fist on the table, jarring the silverware and sloshing water from his glass. “It’s a done deal. The building is mine.” He let out a breath and leaned back in the seat. Rolling his shoulders, he felt his neck pop. He broke out in a sweat and gripped the table as fear set in.

  “Call her,” Kat said.

  “I have to tell her in person. That’s the only way, face to face. Any other way is cowardly. I’ll go by the store tomorrow and tell her what happened. All of it. I hope she understands.”

  “I’m sure she will,” Sabrina said. “You’re trying to help her.”

  Kat swiped a piece of naan through some hummus and pointed it at Travis. “You’re in for more than just trouble with Angel. There’s more to it than buying her building. You need to get her to admit she cares and make sure she’ll accept your help, which is going to be more difficult than all your troubles with Delaney combined.” Kat popped the bread in her mouth.

  “Why are you so negative?” Sabrina asked.

  “It’s not negative if it’s true,” Kat said.

  Travis tried a bite of naan and hummus. One bite and he dropped the rest onto his plate. “She’s right. It’s not going to go over well. I have to find a way to soften the blow and make her see it was the only way.”

  “Good luck with that. Based on what you told me, you can’t win,” Trent said.

  Travis glared at his brother. “Not you, too? You’re supposed to encourage me.”

  “I am. The only way to convince her that you’re serious about her and that you want nothing more than her happiness is to tell her the truth. Now.” Trent emphasized the last word.

  “Oh really—since when?” Sabrina asked her husband.

  “Whoops. I walked into that, didn’t I?”

  “Sure did, Sparky.” Sabrina nudged Trent in the ribs.

  “Hey, Sabrina, let me ask you a question,” Travis said. Maybe she could offer him advice.

  “Sure, name it.”

  “If Trent had told you who he was, even that first week, what would have happened?”

  “You mean after I died of embarrassment?” Sabrina’s blush was beautiful, positively glowing. Sabrina looked at Trent and sighed.

  “Yes.” Travis needed to know the answer.

  “I would have survived. I’d have tripped over my words every time we talked, envisioning scenes of us in the pool when he untied my top.”

  “Would you have forgiven him if he’d admitted it before you wound up in jail?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I think so.” Sabrina took Trent’s hand in hers.

  “Pretend you’re Angel. What can I say to her to make her understand it’s my fault? If it wasn’t for Delaney, she’d have the next two months to deal with the pending sale. I simply want to help her avoid the insanity that has her reeling. If I hadn’t stopped Delaney from buying her place, it would be so much worse.”

  “Except that it’s not about convincing me. I do understand. What’s her beef with you helping her?” Sabrina asked.

  “When I originally offered to help her, she said she wanted to do it all on her own, win or lose, that it was on her to succeed or fail. But knowing what I do of her past, it feels more of a control issue.”

  “Are you sure about that?” Kat asked.

  “Can you put the building in a name that doesn’t go back to you?” Sabrina asked.

  “I could but I want to honest with her. Hell, I’ll give her the damn building outright, no strings. I don’t want it. I just don’t want Delaney screwing with her. If I had known what Del was after, I never would have taken that call in front of her. I just want Delaney gone.” He glared at Kat, willing her to find the information to get rid of the thorn.

  “I’ll do what I can. But she’s not through screwing with you. I’ll strongly suggest she leave, the sooner the better.” Kat took the last bite of curry from her plate then wiped her mouth and cracked her knuckles.

  Travis believed in Kat. But if Kat and Del were going into combat, he only hoped karma shined on Kat’s side and, in turn, his. Then he remembered he and Trent still needed to have a conversation with Uncle J
ack. Hopefully he’d have some more answers before he talked to Angel.

  * * * *

  Travis followed Trent, who dropped Sabrina at the office. He parked his car at the magazine then called Jack to say they were on their way over. He jumped into Trent’s Jag and silently prayed Jack had some answers.

  Jack’s administrator, Lucy, flipped through file upon file, piled at least six inches deep on her desk. She waved them past. “Your uncle said to send you in as soon as you arrive.”

  They knocked before entering Jack’s office.

  Jack’s normally pristine office was in shambles. His coat was off, tie askew, shirt open, and his hair was a mess, as if he’d raked it with a gardening implement.

  “Jack, are you okay?” Travis asked.

  Trent asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “Can we help you find something? You look as harried as your secretary.” Travis was afraid the office pandemonium had to do with their quest for their truth about the faulty parts.

  “Have a seat.” Jack unlocked his top desk drawer and withdrew a file. “You’ll have to excuse me. I’m in the middle of a fire drill. Problems.” Jack handed him a file. “Ignore me.”

  Travis took the file. “Come on, Jack. What’s up?”

  “Don’t worry, boys. Consider it controlled chaos. You’ll find all the reports you need to address when you confront your parents.” Jack nodded to Travis. “Your folks are in the clear. However, I do believe they need to sever all ties to the Prescotts. I don’t trust those bastards.”

  Trent let out a gust of a breath and scowled.

  “Look, guys, I’m in the middle of something. As far as I’m concerned, your folks are safe. I don’t want to rush you off, but as you can see, my attention is needed here.” Jack had one hand on his hip and the other massaging the back of his neck. He stared at his desk, as if wondering where to look next.

  “Sure. How about dinner later in the week?” Travis asked.

  “Gladly, now scoot.” Jack sat and dug in his bottom drawer. “Yes.” Jack pressed the intercom button. “Lucy, I found the file. Can you come in here?”

  He and Trent let themselves out, shaking their heads.

  “I’ll never understand the world of high finance,” Travis said.

  “Tell me about it. I have a meeting later today with the bean counters. I’ll take my deadlines over his so-called controlled chaos.” Trent thumbed toward Jack’s office. “Let’s head back to my office and go over the file.”

  Travis gripped the folder and prayed the contents would settle his turmoil. There was no way he had a chance in hell as long as Delaney was still in the picture.

  Chapter 12

  Angel opened the shop and set about watering plants. Jill would be in before long, and the girls from the retirement home usually arrived by ten.

  The bell tinkled, and Carina entered, lugging in a big box.

  She smiled. “Hey, what’d you bring me today?”

  “I wanted to personally deliver these.” Carina set the box on the counter. “Straight from the publisher. I figured you could use them now. It’s the other books. I have more in the car.”

  “Are you kidding? I didn’t expect to see you or the books for at least a month. Any chance you can stay awhile?” Angel was ecstatic. Sales were good and with the additional book, she was convinced things were looking up.

  “Sure, my day is free.” Carina shrugged out of her sweater and hung it on the high-back stool by the cash register.

  For the next few minutes, they transferred boxes from the car to the store. Carina took a seat on the stool and ripped off the packing tape.

  “Remember the last time you were in and we talked about a book signing? Well, since then a lot has changed.”

  Carina stopped mid rip. “Really? It’s only been a week. Tell me.”

  “I’ve hired some help. Jill. But the best part is we want to do a book club sort of thing, with your books as the kickoff. Jill will be in soon. She’s anxious to pick your brain, I’m sure. Seniors from a local retirement home frequent the shop, and I’m expecting them today.”

  Carina’s brows quirked up.

  “Jill’s suggested we start with them as guinea pigs and do a group read, followed by a Q & A then a lingerie fashion show and toy products party.”

  “I’m game. What fun,” Carina said.

  “Are you free today? I’ll order some refreshments. We’ll play it by ear, but that’s it in a nutshell.” Angel’s enthusiasm grew.

  “Boy, you’ve spiced things up. I’m in.” Carina stacked books on the counter.

  Angel went into the back room and placed a catering order, with a delivery time close to lunch. She came back into the front as Jill arrived.

  “Jill, this is Carina Shepherd, the author of the books you’re so hooked on.”

  “What a pleasure to meet you. I have so many questions for you.” Jill pumped Carina’s hand vigorously. Her bright, glossy-eyed, star-struck expression suggested she expected all the answers to the universe had landed in her lap.

  “I warned you, Carina.” Angel laughed.

  Carina pulled her hand from Jill’s. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  Jill pranced in place and pulled out her phone. “I should call Kat. Oh damn, she’s in class today. She’s going to be so upset she didn’t get to meet you.” Jill tucked her phone in her pocket.

  “She’ll forgive you when you bring her autographed copies of the other two books. Look what Carina brought with her.” Angel waggled her eyebrows and held up the books Carina had brought in.

  “Hot damn.” With a gleam in her eyes, Jill rubbed her hands together.

  Carina chuckled.

  Jill reached into her purse and withdrew a folded slip of paper. “Here’s that flyer I worked on last night. See what you think.” Jill hung up her jacket and put her purse behind the counter.

  Angel read it then handed it to Carina. “We’re going to have a practice run today. I told Carina about your idea and since she’s available, she’s agreed to stick around. Then after the girls from the home get here, she’ll do a mini-reading. I’ve already ordered catering, and we’ll do a practice run with a fashion show and product party. It will tell us what we need to work on for next time.”

  “I can’t wait. Let’s get some chairs out of the back and set them up by the dressing rooms. I’ll get out a card table for Carina to sign their books after the reading.”

  The three set about getting the store ready.

  Jill went down the street to the local market and brought back bottled waters and soft drinks.

  As soon as the last chair was in place, the ladies arrived.

  “Angel, we’re here and we’ve two more suckers—I mean friends—to introduce you to.” Mitzi snapped her finger and chuckled, definitively setting the tone for their excursion this week.

  “Hi, Mitzi, Vera, and Hazel. Who else did you bring with you today?”

  Mitzi pointed to a poised and polished elderly woman who seemed out of place. “This is Mona Henderson. She’s our grand dame, and the one with purple hair is Phyllis Jefferson.”

  “It’s lavender, not purple. Sheesh.” Phyllis sniffed, giving Mitzi a perturbed glare.

  Angel started the introductions. “Ladies, first let me introduce you to Jill, my new office manager. She’s here to help me out while I get back to designing. And this is Carina Shepherd. You’re going to love her. She’s the author of a few books I’ve started to carry. Jill, this is my favorite cast of characters.” She gestured. “Carina and Jill, this is Mitzi Richardson, Vera Mason, Hazel Calvin, Mona Henderson, and Phyllis Jefferson. We’ve got a great morning in store for you.”

  “What’s on the agenda?” Vera’s eyes lit and her grin showed every wrinkle.

  Angel prayed the ladies would be on their best behavior, but if the past was an example, there was no telling what they’d pull today. However, she’d guarantee it to be a memorable experience, one Carina and Jill would never forget.

  W
ithin ten minutes, they were seated with a copy of the sex kitten book in each of their hands. They followed along as Carina read snippets.

  Angel was thrilled to find the women were so enthralled. She’d nudged Jill twice already to quit snickering at the questions from the older women.

  “You mean my hoohaw muscles are strong enough to hold a pencil in place and it won’t fall out?” Mitzi’s eyes were as wide as they could open and her mouth formed a giant “O”.

  Vera laughed. “That’s what those Kegel exercises are for. The one the doctor keeps telling you to do to help you quit peeing yourself when you sneeze.”

  Jill spun away to hide her laughter.

  Mitzi silenced Vera with a glare. “You watch yourself there, missy.” She pointed at Jill. “You’ll be in my shoes one day then I’ll be the one laughing at you.”

  “By the time Jill’s our age, you’ll be dead, stupid.” Vera snickered.

  “Hush. you two.” Mona swatted at the air, her brows drawn together. “I want to hear that it’s okay to consider myself a sex kitten at my age. I’m quite partial to that concept.”

  “Baloney. You’re just hankering for the idea that according to her it’s okay to have sexy thoughts.” Vera pointed a thumb in Carina’s direction.

  “Well, no kidding. I’m not dead yet. Now stuff a sock in it.” Mona’s deadly glare did the trick.

  “I want to hear more about them sexercises. They sound better than your dumb ole yogi classes.” Phyllis sneered at Hazel.

  Angel almost choked on her water.

  “That’s yoga, you dingbat.” Hazel looked at each of the women and shook her head.

  It was hard to decide who enjoyed themselves more. Carina getting a first-hand glimpse of the older women’s reactions to her book, Jill who couldn’t stop laughing, or herself for realizing the book club was a rousing success. She took it all in, excited to be on top of the world.

  “The point, ladies, is that even at your age you have every right to look, feel, and act as seductive as a feline—sexy, provocative, and alluring to your mate. Don’t fall into the rut and believe you must act your age. You’re as young as you feel and your self-esteem and self-image need never change regardless of your age. You’re beautiful women. Why shouldn’t you enhance your lives and revel in it?” Carina had a way with words that appealed to the women, and her accent made it sound rich and regal.