Leah, who was standing by their mother, fussing over Emma, stopped to glare at Jack.
“Hey, I’m on maternity leave, notholiday. I’m entitled to time off.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t take too long.”
“Isn’t your new assistant working out?” she asked, concern lining her face.
“Yeah, she was great.” Sarcasm laced his words.
Jack had hired Claire as his new assistant when Leah started maternity leave. He’d been so busy with the new stores opening he never had the time to check out her resumé references. Never would he admit to anyone that her sexy, curvaceous body, smoky gray eyes, and luscious chestnut-colored hair had swayed him into hiring her. Luckily, she’d worked hard and took initiative and soon had the office running smoothly. They worked closely together and he became aware of the light, casual flirting, the occasional brush of a hand on his arm, and the lowcut tops she began to wear.
One Friday night, a couple of days before leaving for the US, Jack had decided to enjoy a scotch in the office after work. It had been a hectic week, and he needed to unwind before going home. Claire had entered the office to ask if there was anything more she could do before leaving for the day. Not having any more work for her, she’d lingered for a few minutes, asking him about his plans for the weekend.
It hadn’t been his intention for it to go any further than talking. He couldn’t even blame it on the scotch—his mind had been crystal clear. An attractive, willing woman had offered herself to him and he happily accepted without thinking twice. Why not? Women in his social circle wanted him for just sex all the time. But Claire wasn’t in his circle; she’d been his employee, and he should have known better and not followed through.
The moment it was over the ramifications hit. When he’d tried to apologize, telling her it should never have happened Claire had taken it badly. She responded by throwing a crystal paperweight at his head which, thankfully, missed and hit the wall behind him, smashing into tiny pieces.
When she screamedI thought you loved me, it shocked him more than the paperweight aimed at his head. Then she preceded to call him every derogative name he’d ever heard and some he hadn’t, and promised to make his life a living hell before storming out of the office, cursing his name and slamming doors on the way out.
Dammit, he could kick himself for being so reckless. He wasn’t dealing with football groupies anymore. He hoped that was the last he’d ever see of her, but he couldn’t shake the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
“What happened?” Leah asked.
“Let’s just say she didn’t work out.” He scowled at the memory.
With a knowing laugh, she said, “You are too good-looking for your own good. Unless it was only your money she was after, then your handsome face was just a bonus.” Leah pulled a face when he tried to give her a threatening stare. “Don’t worry. I’ll be in for a couple of hours next week, but that’s all I can do.”
Throwing his hands in the air in mock frustration, he grumbled, “Why on earth did I ever think having family work for me would be a good idea?”
Giving him a tight hug, she chuckled. “It’s the best decision you’ve ever made, and you’d be lost without me.”
He ruffled Leah’s hair, because he knew it annoyed the crap out of her. He would never admit she was right. “Mum, hand over my niece. You’re not going to hog her all night. You women have food to cook.”
Jack ducked to avoid the kitchen utensils thrown at his head.
Chapter Four
Tuesday nights at Jovi’s Pub had a quiet atmosphere. Soft jukebox music playing in the background replaced ear-splitting bands and rowdy weekend crowds. It was a place where the after-five work crowd could enjoy a relaxing drink. Lauren entered the pub through the heavy cedar doors with the name etched into the worn timber. The smell of beer and sweet alcohol wafted in the air.
She spotted Jade, a bright ball of bouncing energy fidgeting in her seat like a restless toddler. Her flaming red hair looked as hot as the desert sun. The bun tied unsuccessfully low on her head left uncontrollable strands springing around her face.
“Hey. Sorry I’m late,” Lauren said as she slid onto the worn green vinyl seat opposite Jade and let out a long sigh. It had been a busy day, and she was happy to finally get off her tired feet.
“Compared to Ava, you’re early.” Jade looked at her watch. “She called from work, said she’ll be here soon.”
They met at Jovi’s every Tuesday night for drinks. No other plans were ever made on this night. They’d been meeting there for the past three years, ever since Jade enrolled them in a Zumba class promising to be loads of fun. When they showed up for their lesson, the dance studio had been filled with a group of senior citizens. The older men’s eyes bugged out of their heads and their faces flushed an unnatural shade of red as they took in the girl’s tight, skin-baring gym gear. The girls ran out of the class before they gave someone a heart attack and drove to the nearest pub—Jovi’s. And they’d been meeting there ever since.
Ava didn’t keep them waiting long and arrived on a breeze of Chanel No. 5. She was dressed in a conservative navy business suit with a light blue scarf arranged around her neck. Her nondescript clothes, although well-tailored and of excellent quality, should have made her look plain and boring, but the suit couldn’t hide her amazing body. Ava looked more like aSports Illustratedmodel than a family law solicitor.
“Sorry I’m late.” She blew Lauren and Jade air kisses, then picked up the drinks menu. “I got held up at work because my client is insisting she wants to keep the twelve-piece Royal
Doulton dinner set she was given as a wedding gift.”
Lauren and Jade exchanged confused looks.
Before Ava could explain, a young waiter rushed to their table to take their orders.
“Margaritas all around please.” Ava beamed a stunning smile at him.
