Alliance – Chapter 49

“So, are you crashing then because I didn’t see your name on the guest list?”

I could tell the agent was fighting to remain calm, just like I could tell he didn’t like me very much. He should have tried to hide his reaction better though, because knowing that just made taunting him more fun.  The petite brunette at his side didn’t seem to enjoy it as much I did.

“Actually,” she said, “He’s here with me and I can assure you that I’m on the list.” Her eyes narrowed. “I’m always on the list before there’s even a list.”

Though I was certain we’d never met before, I felt as though I’d seen her somewhere. High school? Doubtful. She looked older than me. College. Nope. Same logic.

Then I knew.

“Wait.  You’re that author right?  Monroe, something Monroe.”

“Jenna.”

From her tone, she didn’t like me more than her boyfriend did. Go figure…A woman who didn’t like me. Like that was anything new. At least now I knew why Caldwell turned me down cold.

“I just finished reading your book.  Not bad.”

Jenna’s voice was dripping with irritation when she spoke. “Thank you.”

“There was some pretty racy stuff in there, but I guess I know where you got your inspiration.” I turned my attention back to Caldwell.  “Maybe I was wrong about you.” I fiddled with the lapels of his jacket. “Perhaps I should have come on a little stronger. Might have made for a fun afternoon.”

He scowled at me, but remained silent. From the look on Jenna’s face I could tell he hadn’t filled her in on his visit with me. That was just the opening I’d need to really have a little fun with the two of them, but I thought better of it. He did, after all, pass my test.  There was the scant possibility he was a good man.

Not that I thought that meant he’d catch Raptor before I we did…

“Don’t worry,” I said, flashing a smile in her direction. “You have nothing to worry about. I was just testing him and he passed. Your boyfriend here turned me down cold.  You should feel lucky because most men don’t.  That must make you pretty special.” I smoothed his lapels. “But if you were blonde, I might not care that you have a girlfriend.”

I didn’t give either of them the opportunity to reply before I turned and left them where they stood. Ramsey wasn’t with me and I had no idea when he walked away from the conversation. It surprised me that I was anxious to find him, but I suppose it shouldn’t have.  Against my better judgment, I was smitten.

I’d slit my wrist with one of the pins holding back my loose curls before I’d admit that to him…

When a search of the ballroom didn’t turn up my boyfriend, I decided he might be on the terrace to getting some fresh air. I was about to open the richly sculptured French doors when I saw Reyna, looking frazzled. Since I was still pretending to give a damn about the committee stuff through the end of the gala, I figured I should help her first.

“Is everything alright, Reyna?”

She sighed and shook her head, her black ringlets bouncing as she spoke.  “No.”

Uh-oh. Did she see me dancing with Eric? Was it obvious to her that I could barely control myself around him, much less in his arms? Stay calm. “What’s up?”

“I’m just annoyed.  I don’t like these things as it is and we’re already out of cream puffs.  I never should have agreed to use Suzanne’s caterer.  They’ve been nothing but a headache for me this entire evening.”

Cream puffs? She really needed better priorities. “So what?  There’s nothing you can do about it now besides giving yourself an ulcer. This is a party. You should be out there on the dance floor having fun.”

Reyna sighed again.  “I suppose.”

“Where’s Eric?  It’s his job to make sure that you’re having a good time.”

She shrugged.  “I don’t ever know what he’s up to, but uh, while we’re on the subject…Where’s Jonathan? He did come tonight, didn’t he?”

“He’s here. Somewhere.”

Reyna started to laugh.  “We are pathetic, aren’t we?  Here we are; two sexy, single women and we can’t even keep track of our men.”

“I’m sure they’re around.”

Reyna’s blue eyes grew serious and her tone was confidential when she spoke.  “Watch out for Chelsea.”

“What?”

“Look, your man is hot and she’s not someone you can trust.”

“How do mean?”

“I don’t believe in spreading gossip, but…in this case I know it’s true. She goes after men who are married, mainly, but she was trying to cozy up to Eric a while back, too.”

“Married men. How do you know?”

“Let’s just say she used to be Drake’s assistant until Suzanne made him fire her.”

“Oh.  I think I’m on the same page.”

Reyna’s eyes grew wide.  “If I were you, I’d get back to looking. We can chat more tomorrow. I promise I’ll be better company then.”

After I assured her I would come to the dinner at her house the following night, I headed back towards the terrace.  Even though he wasn’t really my boyfriend, I felt strangely jealous of Chelsea. It wasn’t as though I had delusions of a relationship with him or anything; I just didn’t want to see some other woman weasel her way into bed with the guy I’d been having verbal foreplay with for the last few weeks.

It was my turn to get what I wanted. I couldn’t have Eric because Reyna was in the picture, but Ramsey was mine. The trashy blonde could just wait her turn.

I was not prepared for what I found on the terrace.

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