Chapter 19: Callaghan
This is easy. The endorsementdeal of my dreams is within my grasp. No one on the Buzzards even knows I’m hurt because I’m doing this. It’s the perfect cover. But it has me on edge. It’s too easy.
My hotel is a short walk, only a block or so away from the Javits Center. Once I’m checked in, I shower, shave, and get ready for the cocktail reception. At least no one is here to see me grimace as I slide my right arm gingerly into the sleeve of my favorite suit coat.
I head over and check in, receiving my pair of passes. Heaven didn’t tell me I could bring a date. Not that it would have mattered—it’s not like I have anyone to bring. I shove the extra one in my pocket and head for the main door to the event.
But then I see her.
Shit.
Why the hell is my ex-wife here?
While our divorce wasn’t the stuff of legend, it was far from amicable. I doubt she has a positive word to say about me.
The feeling is mutual.
I feel sorry for the latest poor bastard she’s managed to ensnare. He’s got to be a big name. There’s no other reason for her to be here tonight.
I quickly turn around and look for an escape.
What am I doing? This is my night. I shouldn’t be running from her. I’m the one who belongs here. And it’s not like I’m sorry our marriage ended. I’m much better off without her.
It sort of makes me feel like I’m living out one of my nightmares. One where I’m on the field defenseless, about ten players are charging me, preparing to take their shots, and suddenly my legs are stuck in the ground and I can’t lift my arms.
And hell, one of those things is true right now.
Katherine and I didn’t part on good terms, and my success following the end of our marriage has got to be a thorn in her side. She’s going to be nasty.
If only ...
“Callaghan! Is that you?”
Dammit. Katherine’s spotted me. I whirl around, looking for any possible way to escape this encounter. My eyes land on the escalator. I have to shake my head because I’m sure I’m having a hallucination.
Except even when I open my eyes, she’s still there. Hannah LaRosa, looking fine and fierce in a fitted red dress.
Holy shit. I practically start to salivate at the curvy vision in red.
“Callaghan!” I can hear Katherine’s voice getting closer. She’ll be at my side any moment. Before I can make a plan, my body is in motion. Reacting. Doing what it does. Moving without thinking.
Blocking the shot.
I take four large strides which puts me directly in front of Hannah. “There you are! You finally made it.” My voice sounds way too chipper for me, but I can feel Katherine’s eyes on me. I encircle Hannah’s waist with my left arm and pull her body flush with mine. Her eyes grow wide with shock.
I don’t blame her. It’s not like we parted with good feelings when I left her place that day two months ago. I give her a quick wink and then dart my gaze to the right, where Katherine is nearly upon us. I lean in and whisper into her ear, “Please.”
I’m sure that to the outside observer—my ex-wife in particular—it looks like I was leaning in to give Hannah a kiss on her cheek. So, for good measure, I do just that. Her skin is warm beneath my lips, and it takes all the strength I have not to linger.
Hannah’s voice seems a little out of breath. It makes her sound sexy. I don’t mind at all. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Cally.” Her gaze meets mine, and for a brief second, I forget that there’s another world around us.
“Who’s this?”
My arm is still around Hannah, keeping her glued to my side as we face Katherine. I try not to notice how her curves melt perfectly into my body. “This is Hannah LaRosa. Hannah, this is my ex-wife, Katherine.”
