Cold beer in hand, I wander toward a group of bodyguards, standing by the ice sculpture. While shooting the shit with Suds and his Australian friend, I search the pool and the softball field but there’s no sign of the woman who’s haunted my dreams since winter.
Turning to go, I run straight into our billionaire host. “Sorry.”
“Dash, my man, I thought you couldn’t come.” His assessment of my health couldn’t be more on the money. Other than charming my own cobra, I haven’t had a sexual release since meeting a certain ex-Marine pilot.
About to apologize for leaving mid-party, I spy my heart’s desire by the pool and my half chub swells to a full-on boner. What is it about her? For sure, she’s pretty. She keeps herself in excellent shape, but more like a Marine than the yoga bodies I used to date.
The security tycoon, too smart for his own good, spears a tiny hotdog offered on a silver tray, and follows my gaze. “What’s the problem? Did she turn you down?”
“Not really.”
The billionaire chuckles. “That was a yes or no question.”
“It’s complicated.” Rubbing my jet-lagged eyes, I scratch the growth on my chin.
“Aren’t they all.” He slaps me on the back then points out a pretty girl by the springboard flirting with a young man a few years older than her. “Shit. That’s my daughter.”
“Need help?” I keep pace as he stomps across the lawn.
“Oh, no. I got this.” Worried by his tone, I grab Suds and Sam, sitting at a picnic table. “We may have a situation.”
Private detectives, it doesn’t take them long to assess the crisis. Suds puts two fingers in his mouth and whistles shrilly through his teeth.
This draws Slate’s attention who pokes at the Aussie. “Who’s the poor bloke?”
The Patten boss sighs. “Jeremy’s on his first leave. His CO asked me to keep him out of trouble.”
“God, chill out. He’s what? Eighteen? And they’re only talking.” At a familiar female voice, I turn, swallow hard, and brain cells cease to fire.
Unable to sayhi, how are you, orwhy haven’t you answered my texts, I address the pool romance.
“He’s a man. I’m sure sex is on his mind.” For weeks, I’ve been rehearsing what I would say when I saw her again.
That was not it.
Thankfully, Lanita misses the more personal aspect of my comment, and scoffs. “They’re cute. There’s nothing going on.”
Catching up with the billionaire, she taps his arm and points to a lounge chair nearby. “Your wife has had her eyes on them all afternoon. If you say anything embarrassing, your daughter is never going to forgive you. Believe me, I know.”
Before I can ask what her father was like, Grayson sighs and swivels toward the bar. “How about I buy you all a drink?”
Once we’ve shared a few polite laughs, Landy pulls me aside. “We need to talk.”
A dog on a leash, I follow her to a secluded garden area with an iron bench, sit, and start my prepared speech. “I’m very sorry for inviting you to my hotel room, then kicking you out.”
“No problem. I’m not your type. It happens.” As she crosses her arms, my heart stops.
How had I missed her jumping to the wrong conclusion?“God no. Just the opposite. You were too good for a one-night stand.”
Her eyes roll. “Fine. I accept your apology. You’re excused. You may go.”
“That’s it? We’re going to ignore this thing between us?”
“There is nothing.” At the air quotes emphasizing her last word, I cringe and give it one last try.
“I travelled halfway across the globe, hoping to find you.”
“Karma sucks.” She bolts, rushes toward the melodic sounds of guitar strings, and when she stops, I follow her gaze. Under twinkling lights, couples slow dance to a solo sung by a beautiful woman in a long red dress.
