“Who abandoned you?” The arms that held her tightened as he asked the question.
“We’re not going there, Gelderman. One messed-up family is enough to deal with right now. Besides, we need to go to dinner.”
“I’m a good listener, Annabelle, and I have broad shoulders, so if you need them, I’m here.”
“You have enough to deal with without adding my problems, Ethan.”
“All right, but I’m here if you change your mind.” His lips skimmed her neck.
“So is he nice, this Stephen who’s going to marry Hope?” Annabelle said, changing the subject. She didn’t like talking about her life; it depressed her, and for the next few days she was determined to forget about it.
“Yeah. I only met him once, when I flew to Austin to catch up with Taylor and Hope. Like us, he’s in oil, but unlike us he seems to have a normal family that even likes each other. He loves Hope and she him, so I can’t ask for any more for her.”
“And if he’s in oil, I’m sure your father likes him too?”
“Yes, although Stephen doesn’t need anything from my father, so he tolerates him,
but stays out of his way most of the time. I suspect because Hope has told him what Father can be like.”
“You need to let me go now, Ethan. It’s time we left.”
“Or I could strip you naked and we could take up where we left off, with you on top and—”
“Stop!” Annabelle pulled out of his arms and headed back to her room to collect her bag. Then, sucking in a deep breath, she took Ethan’s hand and let him lead her to dinner.
The dinner was being held in a formal dining room that could easily seat two hundred people. If she had to guess, Annabelle would say it was half-full. They had been seated with the family near the head of the table, otherwise it would make a statement she was sure Number Four (as she was now calling Ethan’s father, simply because he didn’t deserve more from her) didn’t want, not here when he was playing host to the hilt.
Every guest was dressed in their best, and she could only imagine what they’d wear tomorrow. Silently she thanked Macy for her second outfit, and most especially the real diamond necklace that was tucked securely in her suitcase. She was sure that if anyone could spot a fake gem, it would be this crowd.
Servants marched in and out with silver trays and bowls filled with delicious foods. Her wine was topped up even if she had only taken a sip, and it was a taste of another world that Annabelle knew she would never frequent.
“So, Annabelle, what’s this Lake Howling like?”
Brad was seated to Annabelle's left with Ethan directly opposite. The middle Gelderman had been attentive and polite to her, but she had also watched him drink steadily, which had given his arrogance a boost. This was a man used to having his own way, especially with women.
“It’s lovely. In fact I believe it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.” She smiled across the table when Ethan gave her look that asked if she was all right.
“A small town girl. I thought there was something sweet about you.”
“Yes, I’m a small town girl, and I prefer it that way. My friends and family are important to me, and in Howling I get to see them often.”
“I need a big city,” Brad said, then picked up his wine glass and swallowed a large mouthful.
Annabelle watched his eyes narrow as he looked across the table at Ethan.
“I like the excitement and pace of city life, unlike my brother.”
“Your brother has a lot of friends in Howling,” Annabelle said. “He’s well respected there, and in Brook,” she added.
“Now, that does surprise me, but then the people are different here in Texas, and respect is earned a bit differently.”
“No, it’s earned the same everywhere, the way I see it, Brad. Ethan just cares about people, and consequently they care about him.”
“I don’t want to talk about Ethan, Annabelle. It’s you I want to get to know better.” He turned his body so his leg brushed hers. She felt a hand skim up her thigh under the table. “If the ladies of Howling are as beautiful as you, then I’ll be sure to make it a place I visit soon.”
He thought he was smooth like his brother, she thought as she removed his hand, but there was something missing. His charm was too forced and predictable, unlike Ethan, who made a woman comfortable when he flirted and complimented her. He would also never have groped her under the table.
“Brad, let me straighten you out on a few things, so the next few days run smoothly for us,” Annabelle said softly. “Your brother is a man I care very much for,” she added, meaning every word. “He’s kind and honest, genuine, and a seriously handsome package, and you’d be wasting your time flirting with me, because there is no man his equal in my eye.” As soon as she’d spoken them, she realized those words were uncomfortably close to being the truth.
