by Ray, Francis
He pulled her into his arms, placed his chin on top of her head, felt her tremble. “I’ll be there, and you and the baby will be fine. Please don’t be scared.”
“I’m not—not really. It’s just…” Her voice trailed off.
“Just what?” he urged. “Tell me so I can help.”
He felt her shrug her shoulders and moved his hand up and down her back in a comforting gesture. “I guess it’s all starting to be more and more real. I went to a doctor in New Orleans who confirmed the pregnancy, but I’ll need to get one in Austin, think about birthing classes.”
“They have excellent doctors here and in Tucson,” he said carefully.
Slowly, she lifted her head, her gaze level. “My doctor will be in Austin.”
Not if Lance could help it. “When you make the appointment, I’m going with you.”
“I’d like that.”
“Good.” His arm remained around her shoulder as they returned to the house. He stopped a short distance from the garage. “You feel up to a drive?”
She glanced up at him. “Is there a destination or are we just driving?”
“I had another call; that’s why it took me so long,” he explained. “It was Sierra. She asked for my help with planning a fund-raising auction. We’re meeting her at one of your favorite places in Santa Fe, the Red Cactus.”
Her mouth gaped. Fallon took two steps back from Lance and glanced down at her clothes. “You expect me to meet one of the most fashionable women in the country, not to mention richest, in wrinkled Bermuda shorts and blouse?”
“You look fine to me.” Maybe there were a few wrinkles from her lying down, but nothing major. He reached for her arm. “Sierra won’t care what you have on.”
Fallon batted his hand away. “Men are clueless at times. What time were you to meet her?”
“A little over an hour from now. I wasn’t sure how you felt, so I wanted to give you time to feel better, since I wanted you to go with me. Since you’re feeling all right I thought we’d go early and grab—” He was talking to Fallon’s back.
“Give me ten minutes.”
Lance stared after her. Women. Thank goodness, it looked like his picker had finally gotten it right.
* * *
Fallon’s ten minutes turned into fifteen, then twenty. She wasn’t usually fussy about clothes, but she wanted Lance to be proud of her.
I wanted you to go with me.
She tucked the words into her heart and slipped on another sundress, this one apricot colored, with a fitted bodice and flared hem. Her mother had sent mostly casual clothes. The last two dresses and the pants hadn’t fit right. Fallon had lost weight.
A knock sounded on her open door. “You all right?”
“Yes.” Turning, she went to stand in front of him. “I’m sorry it took so long.”
His warm gaze ran over her. “I’m not. You look beautiful. I almost hate to share you.”
Nothing could have pleased her more. She kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks. I needed that. Let’s go.”
Twenty minutes later, they were standing in front of the podium of the Red Cactus. Fallon gave her name and the hostess immediately picked up two menus. “I could get used to this,” Fallon said in an aside.
“I’m meeting Sierra Navarone,” Lance told the young hostess. “Please let me know when she arrives.”
The woman paused. “Are you Mr. Saxton?”
“Yes.”
The dark-haired woman smiled. “Sierra is already here. Please follow me.”
The woman wove her way through the crowded restaurant to a large booth with banquette seating in red tufted leather. With Sierra was Ruth Grayson on one side of the booth. Facing them was a stunningly beautiful young woman wearing a cream-colored Chanel suit and a triple strand of pearls. Fallon immediately thought class, culture, and old money.
After greeting everyone, Lance and Fallon took a seat in the oversized upholstered chair at the end of the booth table. Fallon eyed the chips and salsa and wondered if she dared try to eat any.
“Lance, thank you for coming,” Sierra said to him. With a twinkle in her eyes, she said to Fallon, “It’s good to see you’re still taking advantage of opportunities.”
“Life is more interesting that way,” Fallon said.
“I agree.” Sierra smiled. “I’d like you both to meet Skylar Dupre, event director for Navarone Resorts and Spas.”
“Hello,” Skylar greeted warmly, her cultured voice crisp, with a Boston accent. “It was nice of you to meet us on such short notice.”
“My pleasure,” Lance said. “If there’s anything I can do to help with the project Sierra mentioned, I’d be more than happy.”
“Thank you, Lance.” Mrs. Grayson placed her hands on the wooden table. “Since you’ve had experience with auctions, I wanted your input on the one we’re planning. Although I trust Skylar’s judgment and expertise in this matter.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Grayson; your faith and confidence mean a lot.” Skylar faced Lance. “But Mr. Saxton has gained a sterling reputation in Tucson and beyond in a very short time for his expertise in auctions. I’m willing to listen to anything he has to say to make the fund-raiser for the music department at St. John’s a huge success.”
“I’m at your disposal, but do you mind if we order first?” Lance asked. “Fallon’s breakfast wasn’t that great.”
“Of course.” Mrs. Grayson signaled a waiter.
Fallon didn’t know if she wanted to kick or kiss Lance. Since she was eyeing the chips again, she had a pretty good idea.
“Did you try to cook, Lance?” Sierra teased.
“I wouldn’t subject her to that kind of punishment,” he said.
“Yes, Mrs. Grayson?” the waiter inquired.
“Sam, we’d like to order,” she told him. “In the meantime, please ask Brandon if he can send out a couple of appetizers for our guests. This is the first time Skylar has eaten here.”
The young man’s gaze moved to Skylar. He blinked, straightened his narrow shoulders. “I certainly hope it won’t be your last.”
“I’m sure it won’t,” she answered, the corners of her mouth curving upward.
“What would you like to drink?” the waiter asked.
Skylar smiled easily at the mesmerized man, Fallon thought. Apparently Skylar was used to the effect she had on men. “Fallon and Lance, please order first.”
“Vegetable soup and lemonade,” Fallon ordered, and couldn’t ignore the astonished expression on Sierra’s and her mother’s faces. They both were aware of Fallon’s usually hearty appetite.
“We’ve planned for a special dinner tonight, so we’re eating light,” Lance explained smoothly. “I’ll just have chips and lemonade.”
“I admire your restraint.” Skylar picked up the menu. “I’ve heard for months about the food here. I think I’ll have the combination chicken/beef fajitas. Pepsi.”
“Make mine the same. Fajitas and Pepsi, that is,” Sierra said with a mischievous grin.
“I’ll have the Cobb salad with smoked salmon, and lemonade.” Mrs. Grayson handed Sam her menu.
“I’ll get those out as soon as possible.” The young man moved away.
Sierra picked up a chip, then scooted the basket across the table in front of Fallon. “Skylar, I think you can add another one to your list.”
“Sierra, you’re imagining things. Mr. Saxton—”
“‘Lance,’ please.”
“Lance, and please call me Skylar. As Sierra told you on the phone, I came up with the idea to have a fund-raising auction at Sierra and Blade’s home and invite a very select guest of people with the financial means to bid on high-ticket items donated from celebrities, businesses, and collectors.”
“The castle?” Fallon almost whistled. “The media has wanted a look at your home since you moved in. People will come just to see the house.”
“The house will be a strong draw, but I also want them to purchase,” Skylar said, her brow
s furrowed.
Sierra wrinkled her nose. “It was maddening at first … until Blade bought up all the surrounding property around us. Nothing gets on our property without Rio’s permission.”
Fallon couldn’t resist any longer and reached for a chip. “Rio impressed me as very efficient.”
“Security is paramount,” Lance said. “You’ll have some very high-profile people and valuable merchandise.”
“That won’t be a problem with Rio in charge,” Skylar said with complete confidence. “As Ms. Marshall said, Rio is very good at what he does.”
“Too efficient at times,” Sierra muttered.
“That’s because you can’t get by him,” Mrs. Grayson said.
Sierra shot an annoyed look at a nearby table where two men sat. “What do I need with bodyguards in my brother’s restaurant?”
“So Blade won’t worry,” Mrs. Grayson and Skylar answered in unison.
“And that’s the only reason I let Rio get by with this.” Sierra munched on another chip. “But one day, Rio and I are going to have a heart-to-heart.”
Mrs. Grayson frowned. Skylar looked worried. Fallon had heard that Sierra liked having her way, but Rio looked like a man who wasn’t easily pushed … if at all.
“Your drinks and appetizers.” The waiter served their drinks and the appetizers. “Brandon said to let you know that your food will be right out.”
“Thank you.” Mrs. Grayson said grace. “Please help yourself. Fallon and Lance, Brandon likes to see people eat at his restaurant.”
Sierra picked up a mini-taco. “He gets testy if they don’t.”
Unable to resist, Fallon picked up another chip and dunked it into queso. “Good food is one of my weaknesses.”
“Mine, too,” Sierra agreed, her eyes twinkling again. “Among other things.”
Fallon’s lips twitched. Sierra was terrible and oh, so right. She was referring to Blade, of course. Fallon had to admit some men changed all the rules. But Sierra had Blade’s love; Fallon was a long way from getting Lance’s.
“I can certainly see why Brandon has such a great reputation as a chef.” Skylar sank startling white teeth into a mini-quesadilla. “We’re planning a party with food and dancing early in the evening before the auction. It will give people time to view the pieces and enjoy the evening.”
“I would suggest setting aside a room for the items and discreet guards.” Lance placed his folded hands on the table. “You might not have to worry about theft, but there’s always breakage to consider or a party crasher.”
Skylar shook her head. Hair, as rich and luxurious as sable, framed her exquisite face. “Party crashers won’t be a problem. All of the guests will be vetted before the event and checked at the entrance of the estate for identification and again before they enter the house. So will the trunks of their cars. The invitation is person specific, with clear instructions. No guests allowed unless cleared a month before the auction.”
“Rio again,” Lance said.
“He doesn’t like surprises,” said Skylar.
“Blade, either.” Sierra picked up a nacho. “If the fund-raiser wasn’t for Mama, he would have just written a check and said no.”
“Blade understands how important this is to my students,” Mrs. Grayson said. “After the auction is over, the college will be able to not only purchase new instruments but increase scholarships as well.”
“Mrs. Grayson, auctions can go either way,” Lance warned.
“Ours will be successful,” she replied easily.
“It certainly will.” Skylar picked up her glass. “To success.”
“Failure isn’t an option. To success.” Sierra picked up her glass and the women saluted one another.
“Hi, everyone.” Brandon arrived with a tray of food. Directly behind him was the waiter with platters as well.
“Hi, Brandon, thanks again for the priority seating.” Fallon dipped another chip into queso. “Excellent as usual.”
“Thanks, Fallon.” Brandon placed the sizzling fajita platter in front of Skylar. “The plate is hot. Please be careful.”
“I will. This is my first time eating here, Brandon, but you have a right to be proud.” Skylar reached for her flour tortilla. “If I wasn’t flying out tonight, I’d come back tomorrow.”
Brandon straightened and folded his arms across his wide chest. “You ladies are going to make my male waitstaff unhappy when you leave. A couple of them are wondering if they stand a chance.”
“Not with Fallon they don’t,” Lance snapped, and scooted closer. “She’s taken.”
Since Fallon loved the stubborn man and was carrying his child, she chose to ignore Lance’s possessive attitude. Besides, it gave her bruised ego a little boost to know Lance was a bit jealous.
“How about you, Skylar?”
“Navarone keeps me too busy to think about dating.”
Fallon used to think the same thing and now look at her, pregnant and in love and trying to be part of a couple.
“Speaking from experience, when the right person comes along, whatever certainties you have about love and romance will be turned upside down,” Brandon told Skylar.
“He’s right,” Sierra agreed. “Blade changed everything for me.”
“Skylar, you will find that out as well,” Mrs. Grayson said softly.
Brandon groaned. Sierra grinned.
Skylar frowned and glanced from Mrs. Grayson to Brandon to Sierra. “Did I miss something?”
“No, you didn’t miss a thing.” Mrs. Grayson picked up her lemonade and just smiled.
Chapter 15
“That was a power luncheon if there ever was one,” Fallon said from the passenger seat of Lance’s car.
Lance had to agree as he headed out of town and back to the house. “They’ll let nothing stand in the way of them succeeding.”
“That’s the only way it can be for women who want to do well.” Fallon folded her arms across her chest. “You have to know what you want and have the single-minded determination and unshakable confidence to go after it.”
Lance wished he had the nerve to ask if what she wanted included him. She cared. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t let him sleep in the bed with her. By doing so, she’d shown him that she also trusted him. This morning he’d seen desire flare in her eyes, but she hadn’t acted on it. Hot sex wasn’t what she was looking for from him. If he wanted to keep her, he’d better find out what it was, and quick.
“They invited us to attend the auction so we’ll get to see how well things work out for them.” He tried to sound casual instead of anxious that she wouldn’t be with him by then.
“It’s two months away,” she mused. “I could still wear my bridesmaid dress and not look like walking death this time.”
He couldn’t tell from her statement whether she still planned to be with him or not. He turned into the driveway of the house. One thing was certain: he didn’t like to think of her being around all those influential men and his ring not on her finger. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Men won’t be able to keep their eyes off you.”
She looked at him out of the corners of her eyes. “Sierra is beautiful and vivacious, but no man attending would be stupid enough to show any interest in her. On the other hand, Skylar has that stunning beauty to go along with her obvious cultured breeding and buckets of money.”
“They’re attractive women, but they can’t compare to you.” He stopped by the garage and turned off the engine. He sensed her staring at him. “What?”
“You really think that?”
His mouth flattened. “I do. Men will be trying to pick you up, but they’ll have to get past me first.”
Fallon rolled her eyes. “Not that. I meant the part about Sierra and Skylar not comparing to me—not that I think you’re right or anything,” she quickly added.
Didn’t she know how utterly beautiful she was? His finger gently lifted her chin. “No woman can hold a candle to you in beauty, in charm, in cou
rage. The beauty attracted me, but the charm and courage are just as compelling.”
“Oh, Lance.” Her smile trembled. “I can tell you’ve been around Francisco.”
His brows knitted. It was important that she know he meant every word and that they came straight from his heart. “He had nothing to do with this. I just told you what I feel.”
She kissed him on the lips, then pulled back with a sassy grin. “If I’m not careful, you’ll give me the big head.” She got out of the car.
Lance did as well. “Why don’t you go rest? I’ll check and see how Carmen is progressing with dinner.”
“I can’t wait.” She made a face. “I ate two bowls of chips at lunch. Thank goodness, no one seemed to notice.”
He had, and that’s why he was going to make sure Carmen had prepared a great dinner. “Of course not. Besides, Sierra said Brandon gets testy if people don’t eat. Go rest. I’ll probably do some paperwork, so you can call your mother and Megan and Megan can threaten me some more.”
“She doesn’t mean it.”
“I’m not so sure, but I’m not going anyplace, so her threats won’t work.” He kissed Fallon’s hair. “Go rest. I’ll come get you for dinner.”
“I think I’ll work on finishing the article. I’ll tell Mama and Megan you said hello.” Fallon walked away, waving over her shoulder.
Lance grunted and started for the house. Megan didn’t like him. Tough. Thank goodness, Fallon was independent enough that she didn’t need her sister’s approval to be with him.
Opening the front door, he went straight to the kitchen and found it empty. Frowning, he looked in the oven. Nothing. He started for the refrigerator just as his cell phone rang.
“Carmen, where are you?”
“At the hospital. My mother-in-law fell,” came the shaky reply.
“Is she all right?” he asked. He’d met Francisco’s mother a couple of times and thoroughly liked her. She lived alone and had six doting children and numerous grandchildren who adored her.
“Yes. Just bruised, but Francisco is a nervous wreck from the scare. I can’t come back and finish dinner.”
Lance glanced around the kitchen as if expecting food to appear. “Of course. I’ll order something.”
