“Last time I looked, my name was still on the office door. I came to make sure the two of you hadn’t killed each other off.” He grinned at her and then frowned at the grimace on her face.
“Well, maybe I’ll hold off on killing the two of them since you’re back early.” She changed the grimace to a grin and directed it at Ariane. “And who might this lovely lady be?”
Michael smiled and put his arm around Ariane, bringing her closer to his body. He was amused when Melissa’s eyes grew wide and she got an astonished look on her face. “Melissa, this is a friend from Wyoming, Ariane Blue Hills. Ariane, this is my right arm, the person who keeps this office running smoothly, Melissa Rogers.” Michael watched as the two women shook hands and hoped that Ariane didn’t notice his hesitation over the word friend. What the hell am I supposed to call her?
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Melissa.” Ariane’s voice was soft and almost musical.
Melissa gave Michael a sly grin and then turned back to Ariane. “You have no idea how good it is to meet you.” She turned to Michael with her hand on her hip. “Something you want to tell me, Michael?”
Michael felt himself blush, something he rarely did, and was trying to think of an appropriate response when the door to the office opened and in walked Peter and Cynthia. As he watched, Cynthia’s eyes went to the arm he still had around Ariane, and a mask of hostility fell over her face.
“Michael, it’s good to have you back. I didn’t expect you to come dragging in until Friday.” Peter chuckled. “You’ve always left things until the last minute, so I figured you’d show up just in time for the party.” He glanced at Ariane and held out his hand. “I’m Peter Caulder, Michael’s partner.”
As Ariane reached to take the offered hand, Michael rushed to make the introductions. “I’m sorry, Peter. This is Ariane Blue Hills. She’s a close friend from Wyoming, and she’s staying with me for a few weeks.” After they’d shaken hands, Michael turned her toward Cynthia. “This is Cynthia Carlisle, an associate of the firm. Cynthia, meet Ariane Blue Hills.”
Cynthia didn’t offer her hand, just a nod of her head with that same hostile look she’d worn when she arrived. Michael fumed at her response and tightened his arm protectively around Ariane as she moved closer to his body.
“Pleased to meet you, Ms. Carlisle.” A slow flush was rising up Ariane’s neck that made Michael want to cuddle her in his arms in a comforting gesture. Luckily Peter broke the embarrassing silence.
“Ariane, may I call you Ariane?”
“Of course,” she replied.
“Excellent! You may call me Peter.” He smiled at her, and Michael felt Ariane relax. “I’m getting married in a few weeks, and we’re having an engagement party at my fiancée’s home this Saturday night. It’ll be a formal affair, and I hope you’ll join us for the festivities. I’d love for you to meet Veronica, my fiancée.”
Ariane glanced shyly at his charming partner. When Peter wanted to put people at ease, he had a winning personality. It was something that Michael was grateful for right now. “Thank you, Peter. That’s very kind of you, but I didn’t really bring any clothes with me that would be appropriate for a formal party.”
Michael felt terrible. He had forgotten to explain to Ariane that the party would be formal. He saw Cynthia smirk and was about to say something when Melissa spoke up.
“I have the perfect solution.” Melissa winked at Ariane. “How about you let me take you to lunch and while we’re out, we’ll go shopping for a dress for the party?”
Ariane looked stunned. “Oh, no. I wouldn’t want to put you out that way.”
“You’re not putting me out at all. As a matter of fact, I’d really like a new dress myself, but I absolutely hate shopping alone. It’s so much more fun when you have someone to go with you.” She gave Michael a sly grin. “Besides, Michael has a whole stack of messages on his desk he can work through while we’re gone so everything can be cleared up before the weekend.” She leaned closer to Ariane and whispered in an exaggerated voice. “Besides, I can tell you all of Michael’s secrets while we eat.”
When both men laughed, Melissa held her hand out to Michael. He gave her a quizzical look.
“Credit card, please,” she asked.
Michael shook his head and reached into his pocket for his wallet. He handed the little plastic card to Melissa. “Get her anything she wants and everything she needs for the party.”
“Michael, I can’t.” Ariane tried to object, but Michael cut her off.
“No arguments, baby. This is my treat, please.” He placed his hand on her neck and pulled her close for a quick kiss, ignoring the hiss of sound coming from Cynthia. “You go and have fun with Melissa. She’s right. It’ll give me time to get caught up here and then we can have the evening together.”
Ariane looked doubtful but with a sigh gave in to his wishes. She glanced over at Melissa. “Okay then, I guess I’m all yours for now.”
“Great, then let’s go do some plastic damage.” With a wicked grin, she grabbed Ariane’s hand and started for the door.
“Michael, I’m really looking forward to Peter’s party, but my car’s in the shop. Could I please beg a ride with you on Saturday?” Cynthia’s voice had dropped to a husky level, and she had moved closer to Michael.
“That’s gonna work out just great then.” Michael was startled by Melissa’s voice from the doorway. “You live really close to me, Cynthia. I wasn’t looking forward to driving to and from the party by myself, so I’ll be happy for you to ride with me.”
Cynthia opened her mouth, but before she could say anything Peter spoke up. “Great, that’s settled then.”
After glaring angrily at Melissa, Cynthia stormed down the hall toward her office. Michael looked over at Melissa and was surprised when she winked at him. It was all he could do to keep from laughing.
“Come on, Ariane. We’ve got some shopping to do.” The two women left, leaving Michael alone with Peter.
“Let’s talk in my office,” Peter said. He started down the hall as Michael sighed then followed along behind him.
“Have a seat, Michael.” Peter sat down behind his desk and peered at Michael through narrowed eyes. “So tell me, who’s the girl?”
Michael could feel his temper rising just from the tone of Peter’s voice. His friend had always been a snob, but it had never bothered him before. “I already told you, she’s someone I met while I was in Wyoming visiting Maddie.” He didn’t even try to tone down the hostility in his voice.
“Okay, don’t get all huffy. I’m just curious. It’s been a long time since I saw you with a woman.” He gave Michael another long, measuring look. “Why did you bring her home with you?”
Michael didn’t want to discuss his feelings with Peter. Hell, he hadn’t even worked out in his own head how he felt about Ariane. He squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. “I like her. I like her a lot, okay?” He stared at his partner, almost daring him to say anything. “We both wanted to get to know each other better. It seemed like a good start to bring her here and introduce her to the people I spend most of my time with.”
“You’re serious about her?” Peter sounded incredulous, fueling Michael’s temper even more.
“I don’t know what I’m feeling yet. But if I am serious, what business is it of yours, Peter?” His voice had risen until he was practically shouting at his partner.
“Dial it back, big man. I’m not saying anything bad against her. Hell, she’s beautiful.”
Peter’s voice had that tone that Michael had grown to recognize and hate. “But?” he replied.
Shrugging his shoulders, Peter stood and walked around the desk to sit in the chair beside Michael. “She seems a little unsophisticated.”
Gritting his teeth, Michael waited a moment before replying. “You got all that about her character in that five minute meeting, did you?”
Peter leaned back in his chair and laughed. “I’m not trying to insult your little frie
nd. She looks like a great playmate, really hot. I guess my upcoming nuptials have me thinking long term about women in general. I just look at her and don’t see someone who’s appropriate marriage material for you.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Come on, Michael. You’re going to need someone who matches your personality, your ambition, and your education. What does she do for a living?”
Michael sighed, knowing this was going to add fuel to Peter’s fire. “She takes care of preschool children.”
“Hmm. You’re not talking about being a teacher, are you?”
“No, she’s not an actual teacher.”
“You’re ambitious, Michael. We both are. We want to take this firm as far as it can go, and we both need the right connections to help us get there. You’re going to need the type of woman who’s comfortable in social settings, one who fits in with the upper crust, for you to be able to make the right contacts. Frankly, I don’t see Ariane being able to fill those shoes.”
For the first time, Michael wished he could find his inner wolf. He’d give anything to be able to shift right here in this office and scare the life out of his asshole partner. He stood and turned toward the door. “You don’t worry about my relationship with Ariane, Peter. She can handle herself in any situation, and, frankly, it’s none of your business.”
“Okay, Michael. I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve seen her in action on Saturday. It’ll be a good test to see how well she fits in with your life here. But a word of warning.”
Michael paused but didn’t turn around. “What is it?”
“You better keep your eye on Cynthia. I saw her face when you introduced Ariane. She sees her as a threat, her competition if you will.” He got up and walked over to the door to put his hand on Michael’s shoulder. “You’re still my best friend, and I don’t want to see you hurt. Watch your back, okay?”
“I will, thanks, man.” He left without another word.
* * * *
Ariane sighed when Melissa brought another armload of dresses to the dressing room and hung them on the hook. She never knew shopping could be so exhausting. “Are you sure we shouldn’t just take the blue one? It was a perfect fit,” she pleaded.
“Yes, it fit, but it didn’t cry out.” Melissa’s eyes were twinkling. “Try this one next.” She held out an emerald green dress and then let out an excited cry. “Oh, look, Ariane. It’s the exact same color as your eyes.” She smiled broadly. “I think this one is going to be the one.”
Sighing again, Ariane stepped out of the dress she had been trying on and stood still while Melissa lowered the new one over her head. She’d lost her shyness somewhere around the tenth dress Melissa had her try on. The woman had an infectious personality that didn’t allow anyone to be in a bad mood. She was only about an inch taller than Ariane’s five foot four inch frame but a lot heavier than her one hundred and ten pounds. She had a pleasing figure though, large framed but very curvy and feminine. The men of her pack would love her since they usually had a preference for voluptuous women.
“Oh, my God, this one is definitely crying out to me, Ariane.” Her eyes were positively shining as she turned Ariane around to face the mirror. “It’s perfect. You’re going to knock his socks off.”
Ariane looked in the mirror and could scarcely believe her eyes. She didn’t even recognize herself. She’d never worn anything this beautiful before. Turning slightly to get a look at the back, she gasped. “Melissa, I can’t wear this. I’m nearly naked!”
“Nonsense, you’ve got all the important parts covered, and these straps will keep anything from becoming uncovered.” She put her hand on Ariane’s shoulder in a comforting manner. “Trust me, Ariane. This dress is definitely appropriate for this party, and there’s nothing wrong with it. You’re going to be the most beautiful woman there, and Michael is bound to feel like the luckiest man in the world.”
Ariane turned back to the mirror. The dress had thin spaghetti straps holding it up. The front dipped down between her breasts so far it almost showed her navel. It had two tiny strings crisscrossed between her breasts to hold the material together. There was no way she could wear a bra. The back of the dress was equally scandalous. It dipped down to the top of her buttocks, exposing her entire back except for the two thin straps that crisscrossed at the middle holding the material in place. It was tight enough to mold to her skin everywhere, completely showing off the shape of her body. Her uncle would be horrified if he saw her in this. “Do you really think Michael will be pleased with it?” She hated that her voice sounded so timid.
“Honey, he’s gonna flip out. He’ll love it and probably won’t be able to keep his hands off you the entire night. He’ll be jealous of anyone that even looks twice at you.” She got a wicked look on her face. “Besides, it’ll drive Cynthia nuts.”
At the mention of the other woman’s name, Ariane felt her body stiffen. “Um, what’s the story between the two of them, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Melissa gave an unladylike snort. “There is no story. She’s always wanted him, and he’s always said no. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about.”
“She’s awfully pretty.”
“On the outside, maybe. But on the inside she’s pure poison. Michael’s looking for beauty through and through, and I saw the way he looked at you. She doesn’t stand a chance against that. Now, let’s get this off, and we’ll go pick out some shoes and a purse to match.” She looked a moment at the thin shoulder straps. “Maybe we should pick you up some type of wrap as well since the evenings can get a little chilly.” She smiled broadly. “Then, I’m taking you to a Texas special lunch!”
Ariane allowed the other woman to help her out of the dress and then quickly put her own clothes back on. She wanted to believe everything Melissa had said, but she was worried about being able to fit into Michael’s life here. She felt so out of her element and was afraid of making mistakes that might embarrass him. Lost in her own thoughts, she blindly followed Melissa out into the store to find some shoes.
* * * *
Michael glanced at the clock for the tenth time in the last half hour. He’d caught up on all his messages and eaten the deli sandwich he’d had delivered from downstairs. Now he was impatiently waiting for Melissa and Ariane to return. He’d been thinking all morning about what Peter had said, and the more he thought, the angrier he got. He wasn’t going to base the success of his career on what some cultured woman could do for him. God, is that why Peter’s marrying that bitch Veronica? She’s as cold as they come. He glanced at the clock again. Where the hell are they?
He glanced up, a smile on his face, when his door suddenly opened. The smile quickly faded when he saw Cynthia step through the door, closing it behind her. “What do you want, Cynthia? I’m very busy right now.”
Without saying a word, she walked around his desk toward his chair. He quickly stood up to face her. With a sly smile, she put her hand on his shoulder and stepped really close. Her breasts were brushing against his chest. “I missed you, Michael.” She put her other hand on his shoulder and began sliding both of them around his neck. “I could make you so happy,” she whispered. Pushing even closer to him, she ground her hips against his groin.
“Have you lost your mind, Cynthia?” He grabbed her arms and yanked them away from his neck. He was furious when she grabbed his arms and pressed even closer. “Get the hell off me, right now or—”
* * * *
Ariane felt a bit nauseated staring at the huge plate of barbeque beef that had been served to her for lunch. Do they really eat like this here? There’s no way I can eat all this. She looked up to see Melissa staring at her. She timidly smiled. “It’s just a bit more than I can eat at a single meal.”
Melissa laughed and patted her arm. “Don’t worry about it, nobody ever cleans their plates when they come here. Everyone takes home leftovers.” She smiled. “Their food is great heated up for sandwiches the next day or even for you a
nd Michael for dinner tonight.”
Ariane relaxed, thankful that she wasn’t expected to eat much. She was too nervous to do the food justice anyway. “So, how long have you known Michael?”
“A little over five years. We met when he hired me to be their secretary, and our friendship just grew. He and Peter took a chance on me right out of college. I’d never had another job. Actually, I think Michael took the chance. I don’t think Peter was behind hiring me from the very beginning.”
“Why do you say that? Don’t you think Peter likes you?”
“I don’t think Peter likes anyone who can’t further his career along in some way.”
Ariane laughed. “Ouch! I guess that leaves me out then since I can’t possibly do anything to help his career along.” Her voice turned more serious. “How long has Cynthia been working with him?”
Melissa continued to eat her lunch while they chatted. “Only about a year, and I’m not sure she’ll last much longer.”
“Why’s that?”
“She’s a troublemaker, through and through. I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure she’s the one who let it slip to Michael’s clients that he was taking a month off to visit his sister. Some of them got real panicky, which is why he had to come back here for those two weeks. None of them would rat her out, but since I didn’t tell them, and I’m pretty sure Peter didn’t, it only left Her Highness!”
Ariane giggled. “Tell me about Michael. Does he have a lot of girlfriends?” There was no hiding the jealousy in her voice, even though she did try.
Melissa grinned. “I haven’t seen Michael with any type of steady girlfriend in over four years, and that wasn’t serious.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “In fact, I haven’t even heard of him having a date in over two years. You were a major surprise when you walked in with him this morning. How did the two of you meet, if you don’t mind my being nosy?”
“I’m a friend of his sister and her husband. They introduced us. Actually, I think Maddie is playing matchmaker in a big way. She’s made it really clear that she’d be happy if the two of us got together.”
Martine, Missy - Denying His Wolfen Heritage [A Wolfen Heritage 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 16
