by Cat Schield
“I’m sure he would.” Claire glimpsed a bit of sparkle on Jenny’s left hand and gasped. “You two are engaged? When did that happen?”
Jenny was glowing as she glanced up at Steve. “Last night.”
“That’s amazing.” Claire wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed, before turning to Steve. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“We’re pretty excited as well,” Jenny said.
“Have you set a date?”
“We’re thinking next April. Both of us have huge families, so the wedding is going to be big. We’ll need lots of time to plan.”
As much as Claire could’ve stood around and listened to Jenny describe her dream wedding, all three recognized they had a job to do. There would be plenty of time to talk after the meal was served and the guests left.
While Claire walked them through her menu and the wines she’d chosen, she noticed a trace of wistfulness threading through her emotions. Although she and Jasper had dated for several years, she’d never enjoyed the type of partnership Jenny and Steve had. Would she ever feel that with anyone? Should she settle for less? The thought didn’t appeal to her. Yet she loved being a mom and wanted more children. And as much as she’d adapted to raising Honey on her own, she didn’t want to slip up and get pregnant a second time without a solid commitment with the child’s father.
The sound of the door chimes came from the front of the house. Linc’s guests were starting to arrive. She needed to focus on the meal and push all unprofessional thoughts out of her mind. This proved easy once she heard all the laughter and jovial voices in the dining room. Claire was determined to make her first big dinner party for Linc memorable. She’d spent hours on the menu, deciding what flavor combinations might impress a group of people who were used to the finest.
“They’re raving about your lamb,” Jenny crowed as she entered the kitchen with an armload of empty plates. “I’d say Linc will be thanking you for making this dinner party memorable.”
Claire smiled in pleasure as she assembled the final course. “I’m really glad. I was nervous that the food wouldn’t be up to their regular standards.”
“Are you kidding?” Jenny peered over Claire’s shoulder as she plated the decadent chocolate cake with pomegranate sauce. “Your food rivals anything these types could find along King Street.”
Her friend’s praise warmed Claire. “Thanks.”
As Jenny departed with the first of the desserts, Steve returned to the kitchen with another empty wine bottle and a message from Linc.
“He asked if you’d come in and meet everyone.” When she hesitated, Steve handed her one of the desserts and motioned toward the dining room. “Come on. Take your bow.”
Caving to Steve’s encouraging smile and her own need to see Linc’s reaction for herself, Claire carried in the final dessert plate and placed it in front of Linc. She then stepped back to survey the group.
The assembled guests were dressed for a formal dinner party with the men in suits and ties, while the women donned expensive cocktail dresses and jewelry. They sparkled and glittered beneath the dining room’s large chandelier and Claire couldn’t help but wonder which of them would be on Linc’s arm at the next charity event or at the yacht club, helping him cheer on Knox during the upcoming regatta.
“This is Claire Robbins,” Linc said with a smile. His eyes connected with hers, sending a light shiver down her spine. “You can thank her for the delicious dinner.”
Claire had paired each course with a separate wine; most of the guests had the relaxed appearance of the mildly intoxicated. Still, she hoped that her food—and not just the wine—had contributed to the convivial atmosphere.
The redhead seated to Linc’s right took note of Claire’s chef whites. “Oh, you’re a real chef. Where did you learn to cook like that?”
“I attended culinary school in San Francisco,” she explained.
“And now you’re Linc’s housekeeper?” A blond man, his green eyes lazy as he sipped his wine, looked her over as if she was a piece of artwork he was evaluating. “Seems like your skills are wasted on him.”
“Claire is a single mom,” Linc jumped in before she could defend her choices. “Working for me is a lot less stressful than slaving away in a restaurant kitchen.”
“Is that true, Claire?” A man with glasses and dark hair asked. “Is working for Linc as easy as he makes it sound?”
“He is gone over half the year.” Claire masked her discomfort with a polite smile. “And I appreciate being able to spend so much time with my daughter.”
“Honey is so sweet,” Sawyer put in. “She just turned two a few weeks ago.”
“I’ll bet she’s beautiful just like her mother,” the blond man said.
“Actually, she takes after her father’s side of the family,” Claire responded with a polite smile. “Well, I’ll leave you to your desserts. I’m glad you enjoyed the meal.”
Returning to the kitchen, Claire regarded the dirty dishes piled on the countertops and sighed. She liked maintaining a neat, organized work space and this was far from it. Jenny was rinsing plates in the sink and piling them so they could be loaded into the dishwasher. Fortunately, all the china was dishwasher safe, so the only items Claire had to wash by hand were the antique crystal stemware.
“Thanks for getting this started,” Claire said to Jenny.
“Are you kidding? You promised us leftovers. And I want you to know you can hire Steve and me to serve anytime. Linc Thurston is really nice. And most of his friends aren’t too bad, either. You’re really lucky to work for him.”
“I am lucky.”
Claire lifted her fingers to touch the earrings Linc had given her, remembering how his eyes had lit up earlier that evening when he noticed her wearing them. Just thinking about it sent her blood thundering through her veins. He’d almost looked...possessive. Which thrilled her even though she recognized the danger inherent in the feeling.
On the other hand, considering how well her food had gone over, perhaps he was a little concerned that one of his friends might try to poach her. The thought pleased her. Not that she’d ever consider leaving Linc. But it gave her ego a bump, thinking her skills might have garnered some interest.
While Steve kept an eye on things in the dining room, Jenny and Claire packed up the leftover food and chatted about Jenny’s dream wedding. Claire could picture the low-country wedding on the grounds of an antebellum mansion. The ceremony would take place beneath oak trees dripping with moss, followed by an elegant reception beneath a tulle-draped tent.
“It’s going to be beautiful,” Claire said with a sigh. “Have you thought about colors yet?”
“I’m thinking a misty blue with accents of pale and bright pink.”
“That sounds gorgeous.”
“What colors did you have for your wedding?”
On the long trip from California, Claire had prepared for all sorts of questions about her wedding and marriage, so the lie came easily to her lips. “We eloped to Las Vegas and I carried a little bouquet of pink and white roses.”
Jenny looked disappointed. “I couldn’t imagine eloping. My family would be so disappointed. I’m the only girl, so my momma has been dreaming about my wedding for as long as I can remember.”
“It wasn’t like that for me,” Claire said. “My mom left when I was seven.”
And made limited attempts to stay in touch. This was what motivated Claire to devote her energy to Honey. She didn’t want her daughter to know the slightest trace of neglect.
“I’m sorry,” Jenny said, looking mortified. “I didn’t realize that. You don’t talk much about your family.”
“There’s not much to say. I don’t speak with my mom and my dad has a wife and kids that keep him really busy.” Hearing a trace of sadness in her tone, Claire forced a smile. “I have Honey, and she’s a
ll the family I need.”
“But what about getting married again?”
“Maybe. I know it would be good for Honey to have a daddy, but I’m not sure I’m ready...” She trailed off and hoped Jenny wouldn’t suggest another evening out with one of Steve’s friends.
“I’m starting to get the picture.”
Claire’s gaze snapped to her friend. “What do you mean?”
“You have a thing for your boss. I don’t blame you. He’s hot. But don’t let that get in the way of finding love.”
“Linc?” Claire’s voice broke a little as she said his name. “That’s silly. Sure, he’s charming and sweet, but he’s way out of my league.”
“He’s out of nearly everyone’s league. Unless you’re a supermodel, sports star or a celebrity.”
Jenny was right, and Claire considered how earlier she’d imagined Linc was attracted to her. What a ridiculous misconception that had been.
“Linc has nothing to do with my disinterest in hitting the dating scene,” Claire said. “I’m just not ready.”
“But you have a little crush on him.”
Why deny it? “Well, of course. I’d have to be dead not to. But where he’s concerned, I have my head on straight.”
Five
The dinner party dissolved around ten o’clock with most of the guests departing for The Lucky Mojo, a rooftop bar featuring Cuban jazz music and salsa dancing. It was a favorite spot for their group of friends, who often ended the night there.
To Linc’s surprise, Knox chose to stick around and join him poolside for a cigar and a glass of Glenmorangie Signet. Roses, hydrangea and freshly mowed grass scented the November evening. A cool breeze sifted through the crepe myrtle and palm fronds that provided shade for the private garden during the day.
“Nice party,” Knox commented, nodding toward the lights still shining in the kitchen.
“Except for Austin and Roy,” Linc countered. “Any idea why they were acting like complete assholes tonight?”
“Roy has a thing for Della Jefferson.” Knox enjoyed dishing on their friends and could be called on for all the latest drama. “But Austin got there first.”
Austin had the money, looks and social position to have any woman in Charleston and used the triple threat to score as often as possible. Roy was an engineer from Savannah who’d gone to work with Boeing straight out of grad school. He liked to party and had been introduced to Austin, Knox and Linc after his attempt to pick up Sawyer at Burns Alley on King Street had met with devastating failure.
“Got to her as in slept with?” Linc rolled his eyes. “Didn’t he know Roy took her out to dinner last week?”
“You know how Austin is. A different girl every night.” Knox smirked. “He probably didn’t even remember Della’s name the next morning.”
Linc considered that and wondered when Austin would stop acting like a frat boy. The guy was turning thirty. It was time to slow down.
“Do you think Roy is really into her?” Linc quizzed. “Or is he just pissed that Austin cut in on him again?”
Knox shrugged. “Between the two of them, Roy and Austin have slept their way through most of the eligible women in Charleston. I’ve never known either of them to get territorial before.”
“Then maybe Roy does like her.” Linc pondered the changes in their group dynamic as each of his friends began to settle down. “Speaking of people hooking up and/or dating, do you have any idea who Sawyer is seeing?”
Knox didn’t miss a beat. “No. As far as I know, she isn’t seeing anyone.”
“That surprises me.” Linc puffed on his cigar and stared at his friend. Had Knox’s response been too carefully casual? “Usually you know everything that’s going on with our circle.”
“She hasn’t said anything to me.”
Linc considered this. Would Sawyer confide in Knox? She’d always viewed Linc’s friends as a group of party boys, despite the fact that they all had successful careers. And she was right. Work hard and play hard. That was their motto.
“I thought maybe you’d heard something. You two cross paths all the time, know the same people. I can’t imagine she could keep everyone from knowing.”
Knox shook his head. “Have you asked her?”
“She told me to mind my own business.”
“Shouldn’t you do that?”
“I can’t. She’s seeing someone and doesn’t want anybody to know. That piques my curiosity.”
More than anything, Linc wanted Sawyer to be happy. It worried him that she was seeing someone and refused to come clean about the guy. What was wrong that she felt compelled to keep him a secret?
“Your sister is an intelligent, savvy woman. She doesn’t need you playing interfering older brother.”
“I didn’t realize you were such a fan of my sister.” Linc narrowed his eyes at his friend. “Are you seeing someone?”
“No.”
“Have you ever considered dating Sawyer? You two have a lot in common, and I could think of worse brothers-in-law than you.”
“Brother-in-law?” Knox looked shocked. “I’m not going to marry Sawyer. What is going on with you? Man, you need to get laid. Stop worrying about everyone else’s love life and get one of your own.”
Getting one of his own was what he was trying to avoid at the moment. Had he really almost kissed Claire earlier? The temptation to slide his fingers around the back of her neck and pull her close had almost overwhelmed him. The arrival of the waitstaff had happened about ten seconds too soon.
Linc shook free of the memory. “What’s wrong with Sawyer?” he demanded, getting the topic back where he wanted it.
“Nothing. She’s fantastic.”
“But you wouldn’t consider dating her?”
“I...” Knox trailed off, eyes wide as he contemplated Linc. “Why are you trying to fix me up with Sawyer?”
“I know you’d treat her well.”
“What makes you assume that?”
“Because you know how protective I am of her and that would make you work damned hard to be sure she’s the happiest woman on the planet.”
“That is exactly why I’d never get involved with your sister. You are such a jerk to every guy she dates. No one is ever good enough. If she is seeing someone, it’s no wonder she’s keeping it a secret.”
“I hate secrets,” Linc said, thinking about how his father’s unwillingness to come clean about his bad business deals had caused him to sink deeper and deeper into trouble. “Nothing good comes of keeping the truth hidden no matter how bad it is.”
“You should talk,” Knox said, his tone loading the words with significance.
“What do you mean?”
“Your housekeeper?”
The sharpness of Knox’s tone penetrated Linc’s good mood. “What are you talking about?”
“Tonight at dinner. I saw the way you looked at her.”
“How was that?” he asked lightly as if he didn’t want to grab his best friend by his lapels and shake the answer out of him.
“Like you couldn’t wait for the rest of us to get the hell out of your house so you could be alone with her.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Linc made a scoffing sound to throw Knox off but saw that his friend wasn’t to be deterred. “Claire works for me. That’s all there is to it.”
“And if she didn’t?”
“She’s still hung up on her dead husband.”
“Are you so sure about that?”
“Yeah.” Linc doubted his drawl gave anything away. “Why would you think otherwise?”
“Because there’s the way she gobbles you up with her eyes.”
Although Linc’s heart stopped at Knox’s observation, he’d spent enough time in the public eye to keep his expression under control.
“She doesn�
�t.” Linc frowned. Did she? The thought appealed to him. “You’re making stuff up to mess with me.”
“Only partially. I wanted to see your reaction.”
“And?”
“You might not be sleeping with Claire, but you want to.”
“And what’s so wrong with that? She’s beautiful, sweet, and we get along great.” Wait...where was he going with this? Linc was supposed to be coming up with reasons why he didn’t want to sleep with Claire.
“She’s also your housekeeper,” Knox pointed out unnecessarily.
“Men have been known to fall for their secretaries and nannies. Why not a housekeeper?”
Knox’s eyebrows shot up. “Fall for?”
“Figure of speech,” Linc said with a careless shrug. “Sounds better than ‘sleep with.’” He rubbed his face. “Damn. I’m back in Charleston only a few weeks and my Southern manners kick in.”
Knox laughed the way Linc had hoped he would, and for a few minutes, they smoked in companionable silence. It couldn’t last. Linc could feel his friend’s curiosity pressing on him even as he kept his gaze fixed on the tranquil turquoise pool glowing softly a few feet away.
“Why did you really break up with London?” Knox asked.
“I’ve already told you. Because I wasn’t in love with her. And I don’t really think she was in love with me.”
“What makes you think that?”
Linc shrugged. “She liked the idea of what I represented, an old Charleston family. Ever since her family moved here, they’ve been trying to crack the ‘inner circles’ of Charleston society. London wanted to be a debutante and that was never going to happen. But if she married me and we had a daughter, she could live vicariously through her.”
“You’re not interested in all that stuff.”
“I don’t really care one way or the other.”
“Are you sure about all this? She’s been seen out with Harrison Crosby and he’s the furthest thing from old Charleston as you can get.”
“Trust me. London was obsessed with the whole society thing. So much so that every woman who attended tonight’s dinner party has pulled me aside at some point since my engagement ended and given me an earful about my ex-fiancée.”
