“There’s a lot of give and take that goes on in these fundraisers. You have to know how toplay the game.”
“Apparently you’re very good at it.”
“It’s just—”
“Hey, Sugar Tush. You are looking sweet today.”
Scott turned at the rich voice. An obvious playboy in a tux stood behind them, his eyes roaming Heather’s figure in a far too familiar manner. Who the hell did he think he was?
Sighing, Heather faced the newcomer. “Hi, Clif.”
* * * *
The last thing Heather wanted right now was to deal with Clif. The man was an obnoxious boor who thought everyone should fall at his feet. Unfortunately, he moved closer to give her a kiss. If she slapped him now it would cause a scene. Not that she cared, but her mother would have a fit and be embarrassed, especially since the woman apparently wanted to push her and Clif back together. Not inthis lifetime.
Allowing the kiss, then pushing Clif’s wandering hand off her ass, she stepped back.
“Clif, this is Scott Holland, my friend and business partner.” She’d love to introduce him as more but they hadn’t talked much about exactly what their relationship status was. Earlier he’d said something about them sleeping together. Was that all it was to him? It was beginning to feel like a whole lot more to her.
“Clifton Farthington, the third,” Clif announced regally then held out his hand.
Scott shook it, his eyes assessing the newcomer. He didn’t have anything to worry about. Clif was hardly competition. But the look on Scott’s face had her wondering if he was jealous or feeling inferior. Which he definitely was not. Unfortunately, Clif always carried a larger-than-life air about him. His blond hair was styled perfectly in a slicked back wave and his facial hair was trimmed to look like casual stubble though, she knew for a fact he shaved every day.
“Business partner,” Clif said, looking at her. “I didn’t know you took on another realestate agent.”
“I’m in the construction business,” Scott said before she could correct Clif. “Heather and I are working on a project together.”
“How lovely,” Clif said drolly, then grinned as he glanced over her dress. “And I must say, you are looking ravishing as always. How about I go find you another drink then we can discuss renewingourpartnership?” He took the empty glass from her hand and attempted to slide his arm around her. Quickly, she sidestepped and walked closer to Scott.
“Sorry, Clif, but Scott and I need to chat with a few people here. I’m sure you understand.”
Clif sighed. “Sure, business first. I’ll catch you later or call. Your mother seemed to think you’d be interested in getting together again.”
Grabbing Scott’s arm, she sauntered away muttering, “Yes, my mother always was delusional when it came to you.” She honestly didn’t care if he heard or not.
Scott stiffened. “If you want to reconnect with him, you only have to say the word. I’m sure I can find someoneto chat with.”
The jealous tone in Scott’s voice sent thrills through her. Once they were far enough away from Clif and in a fairly empty part of the room, she turned and touchedScott’s cheek.
“I have no desire whatsoever to reconnect or anything else with Clif. I dated him for a few years when we were younger and it was a few years too many. He doesn’t care anything about me or what I want. His interest lies in merging our family fortunes together.”
Although he was certainly interested enough in the sex they had too, but she wouldn’t tell Scott that. Though he might like hearing he was far better in bed than anyone else she’d ever been with. Or maybe it was simply they had more chemistry together. But since she didn’t want to hear about his ex-girlfriends, she figured he wouldn’t want to hear about her past lovers.
“We’ll forget about Clif then. Didn’t you say there’d be food at this place? I’m kind of hungry.”
“There is.” She led him over to where waiters were setting up trays with fancy hors d’oeuvres. They grabbed a small plate and nibbled while discussing what other features she wanted inher new house.
Once done, she cleaned her hands on a napkin and placed the remnants on a side table.
“Shouldn’t we throw this away somewhere?” Scott glanced around, probably looking for the trash barrel.
“That’s what the waiters are here for.” When Scott threw her a disgusted look, she ignored him. “Enjoy it while you can. You won’t get it at home.”
He placed his empty plate on the same table then scanned the room. His eyes narrowed. “Drew’s here. Did you knowhe’d be here?”
Shrugging, she replied, “I asked my parents to invite him. There are people here who could help his career.”
“And where’d he get the money for this? Prosecutors don’tmake millions.”
