by Regan Black
Selina scoffed. “Whatever he says, I think he’s always been impressed by you.”
He shot her a quick look. That was a surprising reveal and he wasn’t sure what she gained by sharing it. Selina was impossible to figure out. He pulled away from the Triple R, taking the turn with care and minding the speed limit.
“Oh, open her up,” Selina said. “I’ll cover any speeding ticket.”
She didn’t have to tell him twice. He forgot the strife and ghosts lurking in his family tree and drove toward a less-traveled stretch of road where he could let the Jag loose. The engine responded with a throaty growl and they were suddenly flying low through the twilight, the speedometer edging toward ninety, then ninety-five, miles per hour.
Selina made a sound that landed somewhere between a squeal and a laugh. Jarvis didn’t take his eyes off the road, even as he eased off the accelerator and brought the car back to a normal, law-abiding speed.
“That was exhilarating!”
He glanced over and caught Selina’s wide grin and bright eyes. She had color in her cheeks that made her look remarkably youthful and carefree. Right now, it was easy to see why Payne had fallen for her, and possibly, why he’d been convinced to keep her close both at Colton Oil and at the Triple R.
Darkness swept over the valley as they drove to the exclusive gated neighborhood where the Graves family lived. The pale stucco homes and red tile roofs were set well apart from each other and the landscaping, highlighted by low lights and streetlamps, seemed to be coordinated from the entrance to each individual drive.
Mia had grown up here. It was impossible not to picture her as a little girl learning to ride a bike or as a teen lounging away the summers with a pack of friends around a backyard pool. He’d done those things, too, but across town, and on a much more modest scale.
When they reached the Graves’ driveway, Selina flipped down the visor mirror to check her makeup. “Jarvis, I think your burst of speed was more effective than an hour with concealer and highlighter.” Her cheeks were still rosy and her eyes bright. She added a bit of gloss to her lips and then gave him a nod.
On that cue he steeled himself to run the gauntlet with the various items on his agenda. He came around to her side and opened her door, extending a hand. She emerged with such perfect grace he assumed she’d practiced the maneuver. Or maybe it was one of those things that society women instinctively knew how to accomplish. His mind inevitably drifted to Mia, recalling paparazzi photos that documented her vehicle exits through her modeling years. Beautiful, enticing photos of long, shapely legs and that stunning smile that made anyone she looked at feel like the only relevant person on the planet.
Selina slipped her hand around his elbow, bringing him back to the moment. Her fingers clutched his arm through his suit coat, tightening with every step they took toward the house. She didn’t lean too close, but she made it clear she wanted him to stick with her. He played along, stealing glances and smiling as if they shared a secret, all the while imagining Mia beside him.
Norton and Regina Graves were not waiting to greet them. The doors of the magnificent home had been thrown wide open, light spilling out over the walkway. Two men in catering uniforms stood sentry, checking identification and invitations.
“My place at the ranch has more square footage,” Selina said quietly as they stepped into the foyer. “But Regina upgraded with more marble when she remodeled and brought Norton’s decor into the current era.”
Jarvis bent his head to her ear. “Bigger is better,” he said, knowing it would make her smile.
“And younger is a plus, too,” she replied, her eyes twinkling as she caressed his biceps. “Let’s go raise some eyebrows, cowboy.”
He recognized many of the faces as he worked the room as Selina’s oversize accessory. She surprised him by making genuine introductions while they chatted with industry leaders from across the Southwest. He’d expected to be dismissed breezily if not outright ignored.
She paused between conversations, angling her body closer. Her fingertips stroked his lapel. “Here we go,” she said for his ears only.
Regina glided up, a glass of champagne in her hand. She wore her hair up, but that was the only similarity to the first time he’d seen her at the courthouse. Tonight the dress and heels, along with the jewelry, made a clear statement that she was the trophy wife every man should want.
“Selina!” she gushed. “I’m so glad you’ve made it.” She turned a bold smile on Jarvis. “Is this the nephew I’ve heard so much about?”
“No, no.” Selina laughed easily, but he felt the bite of tension as she slid her arm around his waist. “This is Jarvis Colton, the man who has simply made the last few months a delight. Jarvis, this is Regina Graves, our hostess and Norton’s wife.”
Jarvis glided his hand down Selina’s back in a gently familiar and possessive move. In the past the gesture might have felt gallant or warm. Tonight he just felt sticky. “You have a lovely home, Mrs. Graves.”
“Thank you.” Her gaze narrowed, her lips tilting as she assessed him.
“Where is Norton?” Selina made a show of looking around while pressing close to Jarvis’s side. “We haven’t had a chance to say hello to the guest of honor.”
“He’s out on the deck with a cigar and a few close friends,” Regina said, the insult clear though she’d delivered it with a sugary smile. “Do enjoy yourselves until he returns.”
With a lingering gaze for Jarvis, she walked off. He wanted a shower.
“Oh, well done,” Selina said under her breath. “She’s fuming.”
“Happy to help,” Jarvis said, moving his hand along her spine again.
He let Selina guide him to and fro through the house, until the conversations blurred together. Per Asher’s request, he kept Selina sipping on champagne. Not enough to allow her to wreck her own agenda, but enough that she might feel talkative while he drove her home.
Selina couldn’t be persuaded to interrupt the cigar smokers on the deck, so Jarvis had to bide his time until he could get a good look at Norton. Hopefully, hanging with his “close friends” meant he was safe. Unless Regina had tampered with the man’s cigars. He wouldn’t put anything past her.
Selina shooed Jarvis away once she was immersed in a conversation with several women. He seized the opportunity, selecting a sparkling water and giving himself a tour of the grand house. With luck, he might get to Norton’s office or even upstairs before anyone noticed.
Everywhere he looked, he was greeted by high-end luxury. The furnishings were perfect, the colors and textures and accent pieces creating a flawlessly coordinated effect. He was sure every piece was comfortable, but nothing was comforting.
As he wandered through, he realized the decor was light on family memorabilia. Even his aunt had framed their school pictures each year. He assumed the house had been staged for the party and the personal items removed for safekeeping, until he found photos of Regina and Norton on a mantel and more candid shots of the couple framed and featured on a bookshelf. Notably absent were any photos of Mia or Silas. Hearing a slow click of high heels on the tile floor, he paused to admire the selection of books.
“Here you are,” Regina purred at his shoulder.
Jarvis stepped out of her reach, barely suppressing a shudder.
“You’ve wandered a bit from the party.” She closed the distance again, her perfume snaking around him. “Is the crowd too much?”
“I do enjoy the quiet,” he replied. “I hope it’s not a problem.”
“No, of course not.” She watched him with a shrewd gaze. “You’re welcome to make yourself at home.”
Ugh. She was testing him. He was torn between calling her bluff and calling her out. Embarrassing Selina would wreck his chances of gleaning any information for Asher. And Regina didn’t strike him as a woman to succumb to an ultimatum from a stranger. He’
d believed Mia before that Regina would strike if pressed. Now he could see it in her eyes. She was wondering how to steal him from Selina.
“Norton has quite a collection here,” he said, gesturing to the bookshelf.
“How do you know the collection isn’t mine?” she countered. “Maybe we share it.”
The emphasis she placed on “share” made his skin crawl. He evaded her next attempt to touch him. “Classic philosophy and modern business must lead to fascinating conversations with your husband.” Jarvis spotted a man Selina had introduced earlier and made his escape. “If you’ll excuse me. Please, give Norton my best.”
He figured Selina would give a cheer when she heard about it, but he wasn’t sure one shower would be enough to erase the ick-factor. He spoke with a few more people as he made his way toward the back of the house. Being familiar with Norton’s career and having a thorough understanding of industry and business ventures in the region gave him a leg up on the typical eye candy. He used it to his advantage, gathering snippets of conversations and comments to share with Mia later.
Jarvis learned Norton had been golfing twice since she’d gone into hiding. He hadn’t missed any meetings and no one voiced any concerns about his health or behavior. All of that should ease Mia’s concerns.
What he found more distressing was the lack of concern for Mia or her baby. She was Norton’s only child and had been visible and influential as a model and as Roderick’s wife. No one seemed to miss her. In fact, any sign that Mia had ever lived here or had any relationship with her father was gone. He assumed Regina was behind that, clearing out anything that diverted Norton’s focus on his wife. Rounding a corner, Jarvis came up short as he found himself in front of a painting of Norton and a young Mia. They looked happy and connected, and her natural beauty was already shining. He wondered if Regina had tried to remove it entirely or if she hadn’t yet dared.
Norton walked up right then, his eyebrows lifting when he saw Jarvis.
Jarvis offered his hand and his name. “I’ve followed your career for some time, Mr. Graves.”
Norton met his handshake with a firm grip. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Colton. Hope you’ve followed my advice, as well.”
“Naturally. And I’m better off because of it,” Jarvis admitted. “Is this your daughter?”
Norton faced the painting, his hands clasped behind his back and a frown pleating his gray eyebrows. “Mia, yes. I miss the girl she was back then.”
“She’s off with a family of her own these days?” Jarvis queried.
“Family? No.” Norton’s mouth firmed. “Not anymore. Her mother and I had such hopes for that girl. She squeaked through college, refusing to apply herself to her studies. Then she married an upstart tech genius from New York City.” He sighed. “His business flourished, but the marriage failed, as I warned her it would. Now she’s all but disappeared, taking my grandson with her.”
That was far more than Jarvis had expected. He felt like Norton had siphoned all the air from the room. “I—I’m sorry, sir.”
“I’d hoped, despite Mia being beyond reach, that her son would mark a fresh start for us, but she seems determined to disappoint me.” He rocked back on his heels. “I really thought that would pass once she was out of her teens and twenties. Sometimes common sense skips a generation.”
“I’ve never thought of it that way.” Jarvis didn’t know what else to say. He wanted to leap to Mia’s defense, was in fact trying to come up with some way to clue Norton in that his daughter was in trouble. He was about to tactlessly blurt out the message from Mia when Regina appeared.
“There you are, my love.” She slid up close and rubbed his shoulder. “This isn’t the time for melancholy.”
“Oh, I know.” He gave her a tired smile. “The young man here asked about Mia.”
“Jasper, is that right?” Regina said with a bored expression.
“It’s Jarvis, ma’am.” He corrected her politely and nearly blew it with a laugh when he saw the “ma’am” register on her face.
“Jarvis,” she repeated, her tone chilly. “Mia was a lovely girl and we miss her terribly. I’ve tried to shield Norton from the worst of her carelessness.” She caught her husband’s hand between her own. “Children are forever hurting their parents. Something I’m sure she’ll learn soon enough.” To Norton she said, “You’ll have another chance, dear. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before she comes to the door groveling for help again.”
“Tried to help her launch a business,” Norton grumbled.
“Of course you did. That’s who you are.”
“Such a disappointment.” His face crumpled. “I don’t understand it.”
“She’s selfish, Norton. And self-absorbed. On the bright side, you’ll always have me, my love.” She kissed her husband. Not anything brief or classy or even affectionate. No, she took the time to fuse her mouth to his in an intimate display that made Jarvis’s stomach curdle. “Now, happy thoughts. I came looking for you because the mayor just walked in. You should say hello.”
When he was out of earshot, her sharp gaze locked onto Jarvis. “I’ll thank you not to upset my husband further this evening.”
“Not my intention at all. I was merely admiring the painting.” He smiled when Selina found him and hurried over. “Enjoying yourself?” He drew her close to his side.
“It’s a fabulous night.” She grinned up at him. The expression softened when she saw the painting over his shoulder. “I’m surprised this survived the remodeling, Regina.”
“It will go to storage soon enough,” the woman snapped. “Mia ran off,” she said, her voice just loud enough to carry. “He just needs time to accept it. Norton is heartbroken. I always knew she was a lost cause, but the baby—” she pressed her hands over her heart “—he was crazy over that little boy.”
“That’s terrible.” Selina didn’t sound too broken up about it.
“Eventually, he’ll come around,” Regina continued. “After the way she left...” Regina shook her head sadly. “Some scruffy, gold-digging boyfriend had been by a few times. Only when Norton was at work, of course. Then poof, without a word, she’s moved out and taken the baby. But not before stealing all the cash from my purse and clearing out a fund Norton set up for the little tyke. She hasn’t spoken to either of us since. He’s heartbroken,” she repeated, her gaze drifting to her husband across the room. “I haven’t told him I’ve started searching for the child. I documented everything and I’m sure we can get custody of the baby when the time comes.”
Jarvis had never wanted to strike a woman until this very moment. Regina and her lies brought out the worst in him. He focused on Selina and this time he used her for support.
“Good luck with that,” Selina said. “It’s been a lovely party, Regina, but we should be going.” She batted her lashes at Jarvis. “We both have to be up early tomorrow.”
“Of course.” Regina’s smile didn’t reach her eyes and her mouth was pinched at the corners. “We’ll have to make time for lunch soon.”
“Definitely. Just call.” Selina extricated them from the conversation and aimed straight for the door. “Having ungrateful, greedy stepchildren is the worst. I almost feel sorry for her.”
Jarvis made a sound of agreement, but his temper was about to boil over. Regina was a world-class liar and he hated that it was on him to inform Mia of how misinformed her father was. He’d leave out as much as he could and she’d be happy to hear her dad appeared healthy.
For how long?
“Do you think she meant it, about suing for custody?” he asked, driving away from the Graves home. He hadn’t meant to bring it up, especially not with Selina, but it bothered him.
“Not a chance,” Selina waved that off. “Regina is making the right noises to appease that old coot. She loves to flaunt her money and pretend she has all the power.”
> Jarvis agreed with that assessment one hundred percent.
“There was a time when I felt sorry for Mia. She and Norton were close before he met Regina.”
“You don’t feel sorry for her now?”
“Are you kidding? She landed on her feet. Her husband was sinfully rich and even better looking.” Selina slid the bangles up and down her arm. “People don’t realize how quickly things can change. I used to have more money than Regina. Back when I was Mrs. Payne Colton.”
Jarvis snapped out of his Mia worries. This was exactly the opening Asher had hoped for. “From where I stand, it seems you landed on your feet, too.”
“Of course it looks that way, to you. And I do have some pull, although being his ex-wife means more trade-offs.” She reached over and squeezed his thigh, just above his knee. “These days Regina might have the bigger bank account, but I can be seen out and about with whomever I please. She’s stuck fawning over that love-blind old man.”
Jarvis stopped her wandering hand before it crept too much higher on his leg. With a giggle, Selina subsided. “I hope she’s being smart about things.”
“What things?”
“Well, if Norton catches on to her antics and affairs, she’s doomed. And if she’s been spending as wildly as she seems to be, life after divorce will be a bear. Voice of experience.”
“Was the adjustment difficult?” He really didn’t care, but he needed to keep her talking.
“In some ways.” Selina yawned. “But I’m set for life. A beautiful home, an excellent salary and benefits, plus all the help I need is just a finger-snap away.” She snapped and then stroked his knee again. “Payne used to complain and taught his kids to resent me, but he really should’ve been more discreet.”
“About what?”
“Oh, everything and nothing,” she said. “His secrets and misdeeds are my gold mine.”
Asher would go nuts when he heard this.
“I’ll let you in on a secret, cowboy.” She reached out and petted his shoulder this time. “A smart woman is always paying attention. Don’t you ever underestimate a pretty face.” She sank back into her seat once more, and before Jarvis could prod more out of her, she was out.
