Irresistible You

by Francis Ray

  “Hello, Jimmy.” Sabra waved, flashed a big smile, then opened the back door for Isabella. “Sorry. Sierra saved my life.”

  Jimmy’s jaw came unhinged and he just stared. Sierra didn’t wait. She started the engine, saw a small opening, and took it, earning her more displeasure from motorists. “Thanks for the assist.” Smiling, she glanced in her window as she turned the corner. “Hopefully, Jimmy has snapped out of it by now.”

  “You’re as unique as your brother, and as warm as your mother.”

  Sierra whipped her head back around to see Sabra staring at her. Sierra wanted to do some staring herself. She’d never heard any woman call Pierce unique.

  “I hope you don’t get the wrong impression, but it’s liberating to be around a woman with as much self-confidence as you, your mother, and Faith have.”

  The pieces clicked together. “If I can’t trust a man, I don’t want him. And no offense, but if all he’s looking for is a face to stop traffic, so to speak, he’s not worth my time.”

  Sabra held her hand out, palm up. Sierra slapped it with her open palm and both women laughed. “People here are used to you. In another city, you’d do your fair share of traffic stopping.”

  “Only if they’d want to buy real estate.” Sierra pulled up to the curb in front of the condo and kept the motor running. Sabra wasn’t just a pretty face. “If you haven’t eaten, care to join me for breakfast?”

  “Thanks. I’d love to.” Sabra turned in the seat as Sierra pulled off. “And you won’t get any after the way you acted,” she told the dog.

  Isabella put her muzzle on the seat, her expression one of contrition.

  “What did she do?” Sierra pulled under the portico of the hotel. Valets rushed to open the doors.

  “Kept growling at the attendants.” Sabra picked up the leash as Isabella hopped to the ground.

  Sierra studied the dog’s benign expression. “She looks harmless.”

  “Ha.” The women fell into step together, unaware of open stares as they passed through the lobby. “Her pedigree goes back a hundred years. She was the runt of the litter and thought unfit, but I wanted her for that reason.”

  “You didn’t fit in, either, I take it,” Sierra guessed.

  “Hardly. I didn’t always look like this. Five years of braces, ballet classes, piano lessons. I was the geek who didn’t fit until I turned sixteen and the body started to change.” Sabra’s voice lowered as they stopped a few feet behind a couple waiting in line for breakfast. “As I told Pierce, it took six years to get the role that started my career.”

  “Last night during dinner?”

  “Yes,” Sabra said, leaning down to pet Isabella.

  Sierra caught the hint of color that bloomed in Sierra’s cheeks. Pierce was dating a woman who blushed. Interesting.

  Sabra straightened. “No one in your family seems to have any trouble around Isabella.”

  “We have a special affinity with animals,” Sierra told her. “It’s a gift and part of our heritage as Muscogee Creek Native Americans.”

  “You were also gifted with striking looks.”

  “Should I tell Pierce?” Sierra asked to find out if she’d see the hint of color again. She did, but Sabra’s chin lifted. Pierce might have accepted the attraction, but Sabra was of a different mind.

  “I’d rather you didn’t. Too many women have probably told him that already.”

  Sierra’s eyebrow lifted. Was there a twinge of jealously in that terse statement?

  “Good morning, Sierra, miss,” Phillip greeted them. “Will Pierce be joining you ladies?”

  Sierra smiled at the elderly man. “Good morning, Phillip. Not this time.”

  “Your favorite table is available.” He plucked two oversized menus from the podium. “Follow me please.” He stopped at a table for four near a spewing fountain and pulled out first Sierra’s, then Sabra’s chairs and handed them the menus. “Enjoy your breakfast.”

  Sierra knew the menu by heart. She placed her handbag in one of the empty seats. What she didn’t know was Sabra’s true feelings for Pierce. Women, rightly so, were more complicated than men. “I dropped by Pierce’s apartment last night just before he was expecting you for dinner.”

  “The food was delicious. Brandon is a fabulous cook.” Sabra lifted the menu.

  There was one way of getting her to stop hiding. “How is the play coming?”

  As expected, the menu lowered. Twin lines furrowed Sabra’s brow. “We’re getting there.”

  A waiter appeared with a glass of orange juice, water, and a steaming coffeepot. “Good morning, Sierra. I took the liberty of bringing you your usual.” He turned to Sabra. “Would you like coffee?”

  “Please?”

  “And for breakfast? The crepes are delicious this morning.”

  “You talked me into it, with French toast, pan sausages, fried potatoes, strawberry jam, and orange juice.”

  “I’ll have the same,” Sierra told him.

  The waiter’s olive-colored face broke into a wide grin as he took their menus and tucked them under his arm. “It’s good to see women with robust appetites. I’ll have your food out shortly.”

  When the waiter moved away, Sierra asked, “What do you plan to do about Isabella?”

  “I’m not sure.” Sabra glanced down at the dog, who grinned up at her. Sabra’s frown quickly turned into a fond smile. “I can’t board her because she hasn’t had her Bordetella shots, and I must admit I wouldn’t want her caged every day. I’ll have to take her into the shower and bathe her myself.”

  “Luke and Catherine are dripping wet when they finish bathing Hero.” Sierra sipped her juice.

  “Isabella hates taking a bath as well. All I can say is that I’m glad the bathroom is spacious and tiled.” Sabra folded her arms on the table. “While Pierce is out with appointments, his secretary will keep Isabella. They’re both lifesavers.”

  Sierra mulled over the new information. Pierce seldom talked business with women he dated, and he’d never kept anyone’s pet before. “He’s never too busy for friends.”

  Something flickered across the other woman’s face; then it was quickly gone. “So I’m finding out.”

  The waiter returned with their food and served them. “Ladies, is there anything else?”

  Both women shook their heads. “Enjoy.” He withdrew and stopped at the table next to them.

  Sierra blessed their food, then picked up her fork.

  “I take it you found he likes order and everything spelled out.”

  Sabra picked up her fork. “Has he always been that way?”

  “Always. But in his business, it’s been an asset.” Sierra cut into her French toast.

  The frown that came on Sabra’s face stayed this time. “I never would have guessed he owns his own investment firm at such a young age.”

  “All of my brothers own their own business. Luke is a private investigator, Morgan a lawyer.” There was pride in Sierra’s voice that she didn’t even try to hide.

  “He said giving up wasn’t in his family. What an understatement.” Sabra sipped her coffee. “Any other woman besides Ruth would have been broadcasting the fact.”

  A frown darted across Sierra’s brow. “She usually does.”

  Sabra bit into her crepe. “I didn’t even know she had children until Pierce picked me up.”

  Sierra’s attention peaked. If you were around her mother longer than ten minutes, you knew about her children, especially the married ones.

  “How is the prettiest realtor in the country?” boomed a loud voice.

  Sierra went still, then glanced up to see a jarring reminder of why she didn’t want a man in her life.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I DIDN’T EXPECT TO SEE YOU UNTIL AFTER LUNCH to sign the papers,” Sierra said, hoping against hope that Mitchell Shuler would take the hint and leave.

  He grinned instead. “I called your office, and one of the realtors said I might find you having breakfast.
” He pulled out a chair next to Sierra and scooted it closer. “Guess my luck is still holding.” His grin was just short of a leer when he looked at Sabra. “Sitting with two beautiful women.”

  Sierra reluctantly introduced Sabra, remembering all too well her comment about not having to like people to work with them. Famous last words.

  “Sabra Raineau, the Broadway actress.” His large hand closed around Sabra’s and held on. “Thought I recognized you. I’m not much for plays, but some of my business associates like that kind of thing.”

  “I’m sure,” Sabra said blandly. “I’d like my hand back.”

  He laughed as if she’d said the funniest thing in the world. “I like sassy women.” He turned so his body edged closer to Sierra’s. “I thought we could go someplace and get better acquainted without that other realtor guy being in the way.”

  Subtlety was not his forte. So she’d be just as blunt. “I’m busy, as you can see.”

  The jovial smile disappeared. “You’re not very friendly after the sale.”

  Sierra’s temper spiked. “You purchased a piece of property. Not me.”

  His dark eyes narrowed. “Maybe I’ve changed my mind about that as well.”

  Sierra didn’t even have to think. “Your deposit will be returned by registered mail as soon as I can get back to my office.”

  His head snapped back. “You can’t brush me off like I’m a nobody.”

  “I just did.”

  “You—”

  “If the property is available, I’d like to see it,” Sabra said.

  “It is.” Sierra caught on quickly. Sabra was smart and had hit where Shuler would feel it the most. His ego. “Will one this afternoon be all right?”

  “Perfect.”

  Shuler bristled. “Wait a minute. I didn’t say I didn’t want the property, just that I don’t want it from you.”

  “That might be difficult, since I’m the exclusive realtor and own the property. Good-bye.” Sierra turned away.

  “No one flips me off.” His large hand clamped around her upper forearm.

  Sierra slowly looked at him, her eyes simmering with anger. “Take your hand off me.”

  His laugh was nasty and loud. “Like I’m scare—” His words ended on a yelp of pain as Sierra twisted his thumb back. He fell out of the chair, landing on one knee yelling in pain.

  Growling, Isabella came to her feet and started for Shuler. Sabra grabbed her leash, but from the rage on Sabra’s face she was clearly considering letting the dog go.

  “Hold her,” Sierra ordered.

  “Sierr—”

  “No,” Sierra interrupted. “I know what I’m doing.” Releasing Shuler’s hand, she stood, her legs braced, her voice and eyes as sharp as icicles and as cold. “Don’t ever touch me again.”

  Staring at her with fury in his eyes, he came slowly to his feet. “You just made the biggest mistake of your life.”

  “Not me, you,” Sierra told him. Her hands came up, flexed at the wrists.

  “Why don’t we just see.”

  “Stop!”

  Sierra recognized Faith’s frantic voice but kept her gaze on Shuler. She didn’t have a doubt he’d attack if she turned her back on him. She stepped out of her heels and stayed ready. Faith didn’t know a thing about self-defense.

  “I’m Faith Grayson, executive manager. My family owns this hotel.” Faith insinuated herself between Sierra and the angry man. “You’re causing a disturbance. Please leave.”

  “I could give a rat’s behind about who you are or what anyone wants. I’m not going anyplace until she pays.”

  Sierra nudged her sister-in-law aside. “Stay out of it, Faith. I can handle this.”

  “I’m well aware of that. I just don’t want the hassle of doing the paperwork when he ends up in the hospital. My lawyers hate that sort of thing.”

  “Sierra’s hotshot attorney brother won’t mind.” Gripping Isabella’s leash, Sabra rounded the table. “He’d probably be thrilled. After he took you apart, Shuler. That is, if Sierra’s other three brothers left anything.”

  Shuler’s eyes narrowed. “You threatening me?”

  “Just giving you a friendly piece of advice. You probably didn’t pay any attention to Faith’s last name when she introduced herself, but she’s married to Sierra’s brother.” Sabra stopped beside Sierra. “The two brothers I’ve seen are six feet plus and have hard muscles and bad attitudes when upset. And they love their little sister. You know how protective older brothers can be.”

  Uneasiness flickered in the man’s eyes. “I haven’t done anything to her.”

  “When you mess with one Grayson, you mess with them all,” Sierra said.

  “I’m married to one,” Faith said.

  “I’m dating one,” Sabra added.

  “Leave,” Sierra told him. “My breakfast is getting cold.”

  “You—”

  “Say it.” Sierra stepped closer. “Make my day.”

  Faith took her cell phone out of her jacket pocket. “I guess I better call for an ambulance.”

  “We tried to warn him,” Sabra said, shaking her head. “I hope you don’t have any plans that can’t be postponed while you’re recovering.”

  “You’re all crazy.” He turned and stopped abruptly.

  Two security guards pushed their way through several male employees who stood a few feet behind the women. The men didn’t stop until they had insinuated themselves in front of the women. Neither smiled. Neither had an ounce of fat on his six-foot frame.

  “Emmit and Conrad, please escort this gentleman out of the hotel, and make sure the staff is made aware that he is not to return,” Faith instructed.

  The men in plainclothes stepped forward. “Easy or hard. Your choice,” Emmit said. From the look in his eyes, he didn’t mind hard.

  Shuler moistened his lips and glanced around as if expecting help or looking for a way to escape. A short man with a mustache and a chef ’s hat and jacket was behind him. Shuler swallowed when he saw that the man had a stainless-steel rolling pin in his hand and anger in his eyes.

  “In three seconds, we’re going to make the choice for you,” Conrad said, his eyes narrowed.

  Shuler needed no further urging. He hurried away with the two men following closely behind.

  Nodding her appreciation to the male staff and a fond smile to her executive chef with the rolling pin, Faith spoke to the watchful guests. “Please forgive the interruption of your breakfast. It is a source of pride that at Casa de Serenidad the safety of our guests is our number-one priority. Breakfast is on the hotel.”

  Faith took a seat at the table and spoke to the waiter who hurried over. “Please bring me a cup of coffee and fresh plates for our guests.”

  “Right away, Mrs. Grayson.”

  “How much time do you think we have?” Faith asked when the man hurried away.

  “Not enough.” Sierra made a face.

  Faith nodded slowly. “I don’t want to add to your worries, but Pierce called this morning while Brandon and I were having breakfast to invite us to your celebration lunch at one P.M.”

  Sierra groaned, then let her forehead rest heavily in her open palms. “Why couldn’t I have waited until after the deal was signed to celebrate?”

  “You don’t have to worry. Shuler is too much of a coward to come at you again.” Sabra gave Isabella an affectionate pat and picked up her coffee. “He tried that heavy-handed crap on a friend of mine until her boyfriend set him straight. He left so fast the bottoms of his shoes were probably smoking.”

  Sierra lifted her head. “I would have already forgotten about him if it wasn’t that the loss of the sale will interrupt my plans.”

  “Then what is it?” Sabra replaced her cup without drinking.

  “You weren’t that far off when you told Shuler about my brothers. If they find out what happened, one or all of them will pay him a visit, then they’ll come looking for me.”

  “I’ll have Brandon and my
brothers to deal with.” Faith wrinkled her pretty nose. “I’ll probably get a call from Daddy as well.”

  Sabra frowned. “This wasn’t either of your fault.”

  “They won’t see it that way, especially since Brandon and Pierce knew Shuler was a lech. I . . .” Sierra paused as the waiter served them, then left. “I should have passed on the deal.”

  Sabra looked thoughtful. “Sometimes we don’t have a choice.”

  Sierra wrinkled her nose. “In this case I did.”

  “I’ll speak to Brandon,” Faith offered.

  Sierra almost smiled. “He’s usually putty in your hands, but I’m not sure about this time.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” Sabra offered.

  “No, I don . . .” Sierra’s voice trailed off as she lifted her head and stared long and hard at Sabra. Sierra slowly smiled. “Since you’re dating a Grayson, there just might be.”

  Sabra spluttered. Sierra smiled, then picked up her glass of orange juice and toasted her.

  SABRA DIDN’T KNOW HOW SHE’D LET SIERRA TALK her into attending the luncheon. Ever since she had achieved a fair amount of success, she’d received numerous calls for assistance in one way or another. No one rolled over her, that is, until Sierra. Faith, whom Sabra had thought quiet until she’d faced down an angry man, had teamed up with Sierra. Perhaps if Sabra hadn’t liked them and wanted them to like her as well, she might have had a better chance.

  On the cab ride to the college, Sabra rehearsed what she planned to say to Ruth, but when the time came she stammered worse than one of the college students. “Sierra, er, invited me . . . to the . . . em . . . luncheon this afternoon.”

  “I wasn’t aware that you knew my daughter.” The affable, sweet woman Sabra had known for the past few days was gone. In her place stood a no-nonsense woman with shrewd, all-knowing eyes.

  Sabra moistened her lips. “Pierce introduced us. This morning we happened to meet and had breakfast together,” she explained. She clamped her teeth together to keep them from nervously chattering. The less said, the better.