“I sent him a ticket. I was hoping he and Charlotte might hit it off.”
Scott looked around the room. “You know Charlotte is on one side of the room and Drew’s on another. Do you plan on introducing them?”
“They’ve already met a few times, although I’m not sure if Charlotte remembers. She gets a little involved in her own world at times.”
“Seriously? Drew and Charlotte? I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen. Drew likes his women a bit more…substantial.”
“Substantial?” How dare he insult her sister. “Are you saying Charlotte isn’t good enough for him? I’ll have you know Charlotte is extremely bright. She may not have finished a degree yet, mostly because she isn’t sure what she wants to do, but she’s not stupid.”
“I never said she was.” He caressed her shoulders then ran his hands down her arms. He could make her forget everything when he touched her like this. “I merely meant that Drew is the outdoorsy type. He likes to hike, fish, and play sports. Charlotte looks like she’d blow away ina stiff wind.”
Rolling her eyes, she had to admit that was true. “That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t hit it off.” Right now her sister was holding out her champagne flute to a waiter indicating she wanted another one. “She can be a little high maintenance though.”
“I’m going to say hi to Drew. Did you wantto come along?”
“I need to talk to Charlotte about a few things. And no, not about Drew. If they’re going to hook up, I’d rather they figure it out on their own. I’ll simply try and get them in the same place atthe same time.”
“You might want to do it when there aren’t a few hundred other people around.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek then drifted away.
Moving through the crowd, she stopped to acknowledge some of the people who might help with the mill project. She’d have to make sure to spend more time with them later. Charlotte stood holding court, her admirers stunned by the gossamer creation she wore.
Her sister sure knew how to emphasize her good assets while downplaying others. Her dress was a pale peach and the light fabric draped in two thin strips over her slim shoulders to dip almost to her navel in the front. Several long clunky necklaces dangled there. The dress was equally as low in the back. A light brown scarf wrapped around her tiny waist and draped down one hip, breaking up the pale color. A few pieces of ribbon crisscrossed around her torso; probably the only thing holding the dress in place. The full skirt flowed to the ground, but as Charlotte dismissed her crew and moved forward, her long trim leg poked out through the slit in the front.
“Sweetness,” her sister greeted her. “That dress looks amazing on you. Iknew it would.”
Grabbing Charlotte’s hands she pulled her in for a kiss. “Thanks for arranging for me to wear it. I hated the thought of forking out that kind of moneyfor one night.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Mom would have bought it for you in a heartbeat. Half the guys here have been drooling overhow you look.”
“And I appreciate that I don’t owe Mom any more than I already do. She’d have me marrying someone like Clif in no time.” The shivers were automatic any time she thought of that man.
Charlotte had convinced their father to start a small gown rental business for occasions such as this. Many of the wealthy women had no problems spending thousands of dollars for a dress they’d only wear once. But a few of the more frugal ones preferred to simply borrow one and then give it back. Their dad had put Charlotte in charge of knowing who to offer the service to. Most of the customers wouldn’t want anyone to know the dress was only on loan. Her sister was extremely discreet, and the gowns were housed in a back room at the largest Silvaggio’s. Their father donated gowns that came in and had any kind of defect. The one she was wearing had a slight discoloration near the hem.
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. “What did Scott thinkof the dress?”
“He said they forgot the back of it. I told him yours was worse.”
Looking down at the strips of exposed skin Charlotte shrugged. “It’s not like I have a whole lot to show off. Some of the guys here tonight have bigger boobs than I do. I’d wear something skimpier but I only want to shock Mom, not send her into a coronary. I haven’t heard awordfrom her about the dress but her eyes have said plenty.”
“I’ll bet. Hey, can you discreetly check my back? The beautician covered any of the remaining burn marks with airbrush makeup but I wasn’t sure how it was lasting.” Turning slowly, she pretended to search the room.
“Still looks great. How are the plans coming forthe new house?”
Facing her sister again, she said, “I’ve picked out the plans and Scott has had me out a few times to see about cabinets and bathroom fixtures. The cops just released the property from their investigation so nothing’sbeen done yet.”
“What did they say?
Heather took a deep breath. “It looks like the gas line could have beentampered with.”
Charlotte took her hand and squeezed. “I’m glad you’re all right. Please, be careful. I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t. Scott’s being totally obnoxious aboutprotecting me.”
“I wouldn’t mind him protecting me.” Charlotte’s eyes stared into the distance where Scott chatted with Drew.
“Eyes back in your head, Char. He’s mine. You can have his friend, Drew. The one he’s talking to.”
Charlotte tipped her head as she glanced across the room. “Cute. He’s the lawyer, right? That’s too conventional and Mom might actually approve of him. I need someone who will shakeher up a bit.”
