by Jaci Burton
After eleven. He’d left work at eight tonight, come straight home after a short side trip to the fast-food drive-through, headed straight for his desk, and continued to work. God, he needed a few days off. A week or two would be even better. Making partner was supposed to be less grueling, not more. But the work continued to pile on with no apparent letup. Weren’t the grunts the ones who were supposed to put in these long hours? He stretched and leaned back in his chair, swiveling around to take a look at the swimming pool at the club across the street.
He’d been lucky to get this house. On the golf course, right near the clubhouse and pool. He smiled as he stared at the pool, remembering his invitation to Callie this morning. She’d looked so surprised, her warm amber eyes widening in shock. But why? Surely a woman as beautiful as she was deluged by offers. He was probably just one of a handful of men hitting on her.
Okay, maybe he wasn’t hitting on her, but he sure as hell liked stopping for coffee every morning and seeing her. Her soft, honeyed voice and welcoming smile were a calm in the storm of his life. And it didn’t hurt that she was gorgeous, either. Fashion model beautiful, with skin the color of light caramel, curly black hair, and those unusual, mesmerizing eyes. Most days he wanted to linger, to ask her to step around the counter and sit with him just so he could get to know her better. Instead, he was always in a rush, but those few minutes he spent talking to her were the best part of his day.
He knew they were flirting, noticed the way her gaze lingered on him when she thought he wasn’t looking. A guy couldn’t miss a beautiful woman watching him. If he hadn’t been so damned busy these past few months, he’d have asked her out sooner. She even moved outside the counter sometimes when he took the time to sit at one of the tables and read the paper before he headed into the office. She’d clean the tables and pick up a few things, giving him a chance to watch her.
She made his dick hard, with her curvy body and sweet, rounded ass. Even in her loose-fitting coffee shop uniform he could tell she had a body he wanted to get his hands on. A real body, not the waify, ghostly women that frequented his normal social circles. Callie was all woman, and he wanted her in the worst way. He just needed to take that first step by asking her out, like today by mentioning the invitation to the pool.
Actually, he still hadn’t asked her out. He’d tossed his business card and phone number at her as if he’d expected her to do the calling.
“Dumb ass,” he whispered to himself. “Should have asked for her number. Some gentleman you are.”
He wanted her. Wanted to see her outside the coffee shop. He needed a life besides working fifteen hours a day. It was time to redirect some of his projects to the associates and work on his social life.
It was time to go after Callie.
two
“Engaged! Oh, my god, Blair!” Callie leaped from the sofa and threw her arms around her friend.
“I can’t believe it!” Abby said, doing the same.
They enveloped Blair in a huge group hug.
“It’s true,” Blair said, blinking back tears and laughing. “I can hardly believe it myself, but Rand and I are getting married.”
After the squealing celebration, they settled back in the living room at Callie’s house, and Blair filled them in on the details of what had transpired between her and Rand. By the time she was finished, Callie had tears in her eyes.
“That man really loves you, Blair. I think he always has.”
Blair grinned. “Yeah, he does. And I love him, too. God, it’s so incredible to be able to say that about someone. For the first time in my life, I’m in love.”
“Took you long enough,” Abby said.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m a little stubborn.”
Callie laughed. “A little?”
“Okay, a lot. But that’s in the past now. Rand and I are moving forward at a fast clip and making up for all the years of lost time.”
Callie grasped Blair’s hand and squeezed. “I’m glad. You deserve this.”
“Thank you. So do you. Which brings up the topic of our luncheon today.”
Callie swallowed. “Uh-oh. It’s my turn, isn’t it?”
Abby grinned. “Yep. Sure is.”
“Okay, ladies, what have you got for me?” Callie leaned back in the chair, not sure whether she was eager or terrified. Since she didn’t date and hadn’t since Bobby died, she had no idea who Blair and Abby had chosen for her. Maybe they wouldn’t be able to find a guy for her at all, and she’d escape having to fulfill her part of the bet.
Yeah, right. Like her two friends would let that happen. No way would she get out of her sex-filled weekend. They’d find someone for her, of that she was certain.
“Blair has a great idea,” Abby said, pulling her knees up to her chest and grinning.
“Uh-oh. Am I going to like this?”
“Probably not,” Blair said, examining one of her perfectly manicured nails. “But you’re going to do it anyway.”
Callie sighed. “Okay, hit me with it. Who’s the guy?”
“Jack Fellows.”
Callie’s blood went cold. “No.”
Blair’s lips curled in a wicked smile. “Oh, yes.”
“I don’t even know him.”
“Sure you do. Blair says he’s a regular at the coffee shop.”
“For coffee, not for me.” Callie gripped the arms of the chair. “I honestly don’t know much about him.”
“Well, I do,” Blair said. “I took the liberty of doing a little investigating. He works at Walters and Little, one of the biggest law firms in Silverwood. He’s a partner and very close to making senior partner. A real go-getter and hasn’t lost a case yet. He bought a house last year at Silverwood Lakes, is a member of the club, and on the board of directors.”
“Do you know what color underwear he wears? Boxers or briefs?” Callie asked. “God, Blair, what don’t you know about him?”
“Not sure on the underwear, but given enough time and a little skulking, bet I could find out.” Blair grinned.
“You know Blair,” Abby said, rolling her eyes at Callie. “She knows how to get information.”
“I’ll say.” Callie had to admit, she was impressed with what Blair managed to find out about Jack. She was also a little embarrassed that Blair had gone digging. It was like an invasion of privacy.
“It’s all public record, if you’re worried,” Blair said. “He’s written up in the society section of the paper a lot.”
“Oh.” That, at least, made her feel a little better about what she’d discovered.
“Now, for this weekend, the country club is sponsoring a benefit dinner and dance for the new hospital. Since Jack’s on the board, he’ll be there. And so will you.”
“Me? I don’t go to the country club.”
“This weekend you will. Seth got us all tickets,” Abby said.
Callie looked at Abby and Blair, not sure what to say. Jack? She was supposed to fuck Jack? How would she even introduce the topic? They exchanged pleasantries at the coffee shop, and that was it.
Then she remembered his business card and his invitation. Maybe there was something there, some interest on his part. He did seem to flirt with her a lot, but she thought he was just being nice. Jack was rich, successful, a powerful man in the community. What would he want with her?
“Well?” Blair asked.
Callie shrugged. Why not? “I’ll go. We’ll see what happens. I don’t think he’ll even give me the time of day, especially at the club and at an event like that. The socialites will be hanging on him in droves.”
Abby laughed. “Those skinny little bitches have nothing on you, honey. With that body and your sultry, exotic looks, you’ll stand out like Cinderella at the ball. One look at you, and no other woman will exist in Jack’s eyes.”
“Abby’s right,” Blair said. “Especially after we take you shopping for a
new dress, new shoes, get your hair and makeup done, ooh la la. His dick will be hard and pointing straight at you.”
Callie couldn’t help it. She laughed at the thought. “Uh-huh. We’ll see, ladies, we’ll see.”
But she did like the idea of looking attractive for Jack, of thinking she might be able to catch his eye outside the coffee shop. Maybe he wouldn’t even recognize her without her uniform and apron. She smiled at the thought of dusty, dirt-smudged Cinderella being transformed for the ball.
Oh, sure. Like that was going to happen. She might wear a dress and wear her hair up, but she’d still be the same old Callie. And if he didn’t take the bait, it wasn’t her fault, right? She wouldn’t be any worse off than she was now, living alone in her house and enjoying her fantasies.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
At least they had a fun night planned for Saturday. Better than staying home and watching television.
* * *
* * *
Spending Saturday night at a charity ball wasn’t exactly Jack’s idea of a good time. Nevertheless, it was for a good cause, and it was his duty. He hated wearing a tux, though, would much rather be in shorts and a sleeveless shirt, or even better, lounging by the pool outside and enjoying a swim instead of stuck in an air-conditioned ballroom with three hundred other people.
Good cause, remember? Money. Auction. Fund-raiser. That’s why he was here. It was only one night, and besides, at least there was an open bar. Which was right where he was headed, for a cold bottle of beer. He smiled at the bartender, slid a tip in the jar, and took a long, cold swallow before turning around and surveying the packed ballroom.
And cringed as two women, dressed to the nines, slinked their way toward him with perfect smiles plastered on their faces.
Kimberly Blaise and Virginia Marquette. Socialites. Social-climbingettes. One brunette, the other blonde, though he doubted the hair colors were original. Or anything else about their bodies. They’d wanted in his pants, or more appropriately, in his wallet, ever since he made partner at the firm. Them and several other single women at the club. Membership must come with a list of eligible bachelors and their financial statements. He plastered on a polite smile.
“Evening, ladies.”
“Jack,” Kimberly purred. “You look good enough to eat.”
Obvious much? “You look lovely tonight, Kim. You, too, Ginny.”
“Thank you, darling,” Virginia said, placing her palm over his chest. “You will be saving a few dances for us tonight, now won’t you?”
Not if he could help it. “Uh, sure.”
“Are you two already monopolizing Jack?”
Charlotte Daniels. Great. He felt like he’d just stepped on a beehive. God save him. Fortunately, they were all so busy jockeying for position they didn’t even notice he wasn’t paying any attention to them. Which meant he could survey the crowd, think about his next case, sports, whatever.
His gaze caught a group who’d just walked in the door. Recognition struck when he spotted a dark-haired, golden-skinned gorgeous woman in a bronze strapless dress that showed off the color of her skin to perfection.
Something was familiar about her, but he couldn’t quite figure it out. Not until she and her group moved closer, under the lights.
And she smiled.
Holy shit! It was Callie. Her hair was down around her shoulders, riotous curls all over the place, framing her beautiful face. And her smile lit up the entire room. Her gaze flitted around like she was looking for someone. She was with two other women who seemed to be escorted, but so far she didn’t seem to be with anyone. Maybe she was meeting her date here.
Just his luck.
“Jack? Jack, are you listening to me?”
At the whiny pitch of Charlotte’s voice, he turned his attention back to the group of women surrounding him. Listening to them? Hell, no, he hadn’t been listening to them. He’d been mesmerized the moment smokin’ Cinderella had walked into the ball. “Uh, please excuse me, ladies. I have some business to attend to.”
Date or no date, he could at least be polite and say hello.
“Jack! Where are you headed in a such a hurry?”
“Jack. You haven’t even stopped to see me yet.”
Christ. Two more of Silverwood’s socialites. Was he on radar or something? He glanced around their overly coiffed heads to see if he could track Callie, but he’d lost sight of her.
Dammit!
* * *
* * *
Callie craned her neck around the room, knowing she shouldn’t be looking for Jack but unable to help herself. At least she wasn’t here alone, hadn’t been tossed in the front door by her friends and left to fend for herself. They were here, too, along with their men. Abby had brought Seth Jacobs, and Blair had brought Rand McKay.
It was so strange seeing her two best friends paired up, happy as could be with the men they loved. Satisfying as hell to see them both so settled, but still strange.
And she was alone. Not that it bothered her. She was used to it. Okay, maybe she felt a twinge of jealousy that she was here alone, but it passed just as fast as it hit her. Especially after Blair and Abby went to all the trouble to take her shopping and helped her pick out this incredible dress that she absolutely could not afford, that Blair had insisted on paying for, and Abby had done her hair in wildly loose curls, even though Callie had vehemently denied having anything but disgusting tight, kinky curls.
She had to admit, when they were finished putting her together, she looked like one hot babe. The bronze dress complemented her coloring perfectly, bringing out her skin tone and making her eyes flash.
Yeah, she looked hot tonight, all right. But next to all the women here dressed in designer clothes, their bodies perfect, their hair perfect, their social graces perfect, she felt less than, well, perfect.
She was educated and owned her own business, a respected member of the community. She owned a home in a nice neighborhood, paid her taxes, and led an ordinary life. Okay, so she had a few private perversions, but no one knew about those. Other than that, she was normal. Average.
The people here were all wealthy, from high society, and didn’t run in the same circles as she did. They were the blue bloods of Silverwood and she was just . . . average.
That word again. Nothing to make her stand heads above the rest of the women.
She spotted a group of them circling a man in the center of the dance floor.
Her heart thudded as she realized who that man was.
Jack. Looking spectacular in a tux, as if he’d been born to dress so fine. If she thought he’d look edible dressed down, he was even more so dressed up.
And he was surrounded by some of the most beautiful women she’d ever seen. Well-endowed, designer-clothed, made up to perfection, these women looked like they could step out of a limo and onto the red carpet at any awards show and act like they belonged there.
Dayum.
Not a chance she’d ever get close to Jack tonight. She might look better than she’d ever looked before, but would Jack even notice her? Would she even get to talk to him?
“This place is packed,” she whispered over Blair’s shoulder as they arrived at their table and grabbed chairs.
Blair nodded and turned to her. “You’re still the most beautiful woman in the room.”
Callie snorted. “Please. You in your red dress and those shoes I wouldn’t dare wear. And Abby with that tight, skimpy little black number. Girl, the two of you put me to shame.”
“Honey, I’d kill for your skin,” Abby said next to her. “That sweet honey color. So perfect. If I wasn’t heterosexual, I’d be all over you.”
Callie tilted her head back and laughed.
Seth leaned across Abby and said, “If you two are planning some girl-on-girl action, I’m sure Rand and I would love to watch.”
“Seth!” Abby sai
d, feigning shock, but she was laughing, too.
Rand leaned past Blair on the other side. “It’ll take me less than a half hour to go buy a video camera.”
“Asshole,” Blair said, shaking her head. But her lips curled upward. “Men are such pigs.”
“That’s why you love us,” Rand said, kissing her neck.
Blair giggled.
Callie was so damn happy for both her friends. Someday she’d find that kind of happiness again.
Maybe.
“So, where’s the hot guy you’re supposed to meet up with tonight?” Rand asked. “Hope you get as lucky in your bet as Blair did with hers.”
Callie gasped. “You told him?”
Blair shrugged. “Of course I did. Abby told Seth.”
“I feel so used,” Rand drawled. “I hope she uses me again like that.”
“Me, too,” Seth said. “Nothing like being used as a sex object by a gorgeous woman. You ladies should write a book about it. I’m sure more research will be required.”
Callie shook her head. “Honestly. What men won’t do to get laid.”
“Well, now, that’s an interesting topic.”
Oh, God. Jack. Callie scrunched her eyes closed, not sure if she ever wanted to turn around. But she did. She stood and turned, her heart stopping at her first close-up look at a tux-clad Jack, who looked utterly delectable in black and white. His tanned skin against the white collar made her mouth water.
“Jack! What a surprise to see you here.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, taking her hand between both of his. “I thought I spotted you from across the room and wanted to say hello.”
“I’m glad you did. Please, let me introduce you to my friends.”
She made the introductions, then invited Jack to sit with them, certain he’d beg off so he could hang with the collection of beauties currently shooting daggers in her direction. Much to her surprise, he pulled up the chair Blair vacated by scooting over.
“I’d love to join you,” he said, sliding his beer onto the white-clothed table.
