A Catered Romance (10 page)

“It even smells like money,” Mary Beth said, inhaling the subdued scent of cinnamon potpourri that wafted from porcelain bowls set on the elaborately carved side tables.

“Tom came from this?” Gail’s voice was filled with awe.

“This is only the boardroom,” Mary Beth said. “Imagine what his parents’ house is like.”

Gail frowned. “You’ve never been to his house?”

“No.” She shot her friend a rueful grin. “Tom and I don’t exactly come from the same social circle.”

The rich surroundings drove a tiny knife through Mary Beth’s heart, a reminder of the differences between her world and Tom’s. He may have befriended her once, but when the time came he’d chosen his wealthy friends over her. He’d been no different from her father.

“Guess we’d better man our stations,” Gail said, glancing at her watch.

Mary Beth followed Gail to the marble-floored gathering area where white-clothed tables groaned under the weight of heavy silver coffee urns and homemade pastries and sweets. Almond and vanilla coffee flavors competed with the mouth-watering scents of honey, sugar, cinnamon, and fruit. Uniformed food workers from the Sackett cafeteria stood ready to serve the meeting attendees.

“The Sacketts sure know how to throw a party,” Gail said. “Here’s Tom now.”

Mary Beth swung around. Tom strode toward them, the picture of wealth, power and virility in his exquisitely tailored charcoal gray suit and snowy white shirt. Her breath caught in her throat.

When his gaze touched hers, he threw her a smile that made her heart tumble against her chest. She hadn’t seen him since the Greek Festival five days ago. The time apart had softened her embarrassment at the way she’d thrown herself at him and her humiliation at his rejection. They’d talked on the phone a few times to discuss the menus for today’s meeting, but she had kept their conversations polite and businesslike.

“Morning,” he said when he reached them. His attention still on her, he said, “Everything looks and smells terrific, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from my two favorite caterers.”

Mary Beth summoned all her strength to keep her voice calm. “Good morning.” She felt sure Tom could hear the wild thumping of her heart.

“Cozy little place you’ve got here,” Gail said, drawing his attention.

“We like it,” he said with a laugh.

“It is pretty fabulous,” Mary Beth said, focusing on a luxurious Oriental rug that adorned a portion of the marble floor. Tom’s closeness and the familiar subtle scent of his cologne mixed a dangerous brew that threatened her control.

“The others should be arriving soon,” he said. “Do you have everything you need? Any questions?”

“We’re fine,” Mary Beth said, turning back to him. “Your staff’s been great.”

He smiled. “I can’t wait to taste your Maryland crab cakes at lunch.”

“The crab cakes are one of Mary Beth’s specialties,” Gail said. “Let’s hope they’re a hit with your guests.”

“They will be. The Bennetts are still raving about the meal you prepared for them.”

Jealously, like a bitter herb, cramped Mary Beth’s stomach. The Bennetts. No doubt Tom and Taylor spent time together. She chewed her lip, fighting her jealousy. So what? She didn’t care about his personal life.

“Mary Beth, can I talk to you a minute?” Tom’s gaze probed hers. “Alone.”

Excitement and apprehension formed a heavy ball in Mary Beth’s chest. She backed away, putting distance between them. “Gail needs me,” she said, clutching at any excuse to avoid being alone with him.

“Don’t worry about me,” Gail said. “Everything’s all set here. Go ahead.”

Mary Beth gave Gail a quelling look before Tom cupped her elbow to lead her to a quiet corner of the large room.

“What do you want to discuss that Gail can’t hear?” She tried to sound cool but she couldn’t mask the huskiness that softened her voice.

He continued to hold her elbow, standing so close she could see the light shadings of a beard on his clean-shaven face. God, but he looked good enough to eat. She tamped down the crazy urge to slide her fingers over his smooth lapel and trail a path to his firm jaw.

“We have to talk about the other night, after the festival,” he said. “Unless you want me to invite Gail over to listen.” He raised an eyebrow.

“No!” Her face burned. “There is nothing to discuss. We ate great food. Lots of great food. Lots of great wine too,” she added with a wry smile. “And we had a good time. That’s all.”

“Just be quiet and listen to me for once.” His gaze held hers. “I wanted to come in but I didn’t trust myself alone with you. And I didn’t want you to hate me in the morning. I accompanied you to the festival because I wanted to be with you, not for any ulterior motive. I didn’t want you getting the wrong idea.”

Could she believe him? She lifted her chin. “It’s okay, Tom.” She’d never let him guess the humiliation she’d felt that night.

He relaxed his stance. “No hard feelings then?”

She shook her head.

He kept staring at her, making her fidget. She had to get away so she could breathe normally again.

“I have work to do,” she said, turning.

“Not so fast.” He gently pulled her back and stroked his finger along her jaw with the merest whisper of a touch. “Just because I left doesn’t mean I don’t want you and don’t want to be with you. I do. A lot. And I think you feel the same about me.”

She looked down before he saw the answering awareness she knew reflected in her eyes.

Muted voices reached them, becoming louder as the first of the meeting attendees rounded the corner.

“I have to go,” she said, relieved to escape before she made a fool of herself again.

“We’ll talk later,” he said.

“I think not.” She walked away.

“What was that about?” Gail asked when Mary Beth joined her at the head table.

She shrugged. “Nothing.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“Don’t push it, Gail. I still haven’t forgiven you for setting me up to go to the festival with Tom.”

“You don’t mind as much as you pretend.”

“Can it.” She narrowed her eyes at Gail.

“We’ll continue this later,” Gail said. “Brace yourself. The locusts are descending.”

The reception area quickly filled with men and women, all dressed in business suits. Briefcases and laptops had been left in the conference room, freeing them to enjoy the coffee, juice and sweets.

Subdued voices, foreign and American, floated to Mary Beth’s ears. The delicate fragrances of expensive perfumes mingled with the pungent-sweet scents of the coffee and pastries.

Gail nudged her. “Look at the Viking. And he’s heading this way.”

A tall, well-built blond man shouldered his way through the crowd. His sophisticated carriage and the stylish cut of his clothes shouted European lineage and tailoring.

“Ladies,” he said when he reached them. His gaze shifted between the women, coming to rest on Mary Beth.

“Kurt von Zuben,” he said. “Plant manager of the Munich branch.” He spoke with a thick German accent. His sleek, practiced smile made the hairs on Mary Beth’s nape stiffen.

“Mary Beth Kendrick,” she said coolly.

“Gail O’Connell,” Gail said.

“Two beautiful women who cook like angels. Only in America.”

His pale silver gaze ran up and down Mary Beth, making her shiver. “I have a weakness for redheads,” he said. “Especially beautiful ones.” His charm-filled voice slid over Mary Beth like rancid cooking oil.

“I am here in your wonderful city for only three weeks,” he said. “Perhaps you will show me around. I promise you a good time.”

“Von Zuben.” Tom, his jaw set in a tight line, appeared at the man’s side. “There’s someone I want you to meet.” Tom ushered the man away.

The German glanced back at Mary Beth. “We will talk later.”

“Everyone wants to talk to me later,” she muttered. “I don’t intend to be anywhere near here once lunch is over.”

<><><>

“Good morning, Mrs. Hagerty.” Tom’s deep voice drifted from the reception area to the kitchen.

Mary Beth’s hands froze over the pan of stuffed capons she was about to put into the oven. She turned slowly to face the doorway.

“Are they both in?” she heard Tom ask.

“Just Ms. Kendrick.”

“Good. I have an important meeting with Ms. Kendrick. We’d appreciate it if we weren’t disturbed.”

“Of course, Mr. Sackett.”

Tom strode into the kitchen. Mary Beth scanned his tall, muscular form, clad in faded jeans and a white shirt opened at the collar to reveal a triangle of fine dark hair. Need and awareness rose up in her. She leaned against the counter for support.

“I’m doing better at announcing myself,” he said. “I didn’t startle you this time.”

“No, but you surprised me. What was that about a meeting? If it’s business, Gail won’t be back for another hour.”

“Oh, it’s business all right, but it concerns just the two of us.” He walked slowly toward her, a gleam in his eyes. The counter edge pressed into her back.

A shaft of midmorning sunlight lit her face. She shivered, despite the warmth.

“Are you cold?” he asked.

“No.” She slid away from him to the other end of the long counter. He didn’t follow.

“Why are you here?” She took deep breaths and willed her fluttering heart to settle down.

He folded his arms across his chest. The sunlight winked off the stainless steel links of his expensive watch. Nature’s little reminder of the differences between her and Tom.

“I’m on my way to the airport,” he said. “Some problems at our Pittsburgh plant. I’m the only one available to go up there and straighten things out. I’ll be back in time for my parents’ party in two weeks. I had to see you before I left.”

Some of the air escaped Mary Beth’s lungs at the thought of two weeks without Tom and his disturbing, though exciting, presence.

He scanned her face. “The meeting yesterday took longer than I expected and I didn’t get a chance to talk to you.” He smiled. “By the way, your food was a big hit. We reviewed your business plan and potential earnings, and after tasting your food, I look like a hero for bringing your company into the Sackett fold.”

Mary Beth relaxed. She could handle talking business with him. “That’s great. Gail and I know our food is terrific, but we need validation from our customers. And we like people to enjoy our cooking.”

His jaw tightened. “Some of the men enjoyed more than your food.”

“What?”

“Stay away from von Zuben. He’s bad news.”

Anger stiffened her spine. “You may run my business, but you don’t run my life.”

Frustration and determination shone from Tom’s eyes. “I am not telling you what to do, or who to see. It’s just that von Zuben is trouble. I don’t want you mixed up with him. He’s not your type.”

“How do you know?” she asked, placing her hand on her hip.

He moved closer. Her breath faltered.

“You’re not the casual affair type,” he said. “Von Zuben is looking for a little action while he’s here. He has a fiancée back in Munich.”

Indignation made her reckless. “Maybe I don’t care if he has a fiancée. Maybe I enjoy casual affairs.” She’d never consider dating the smooth-talking German, but she wouldn’t let Tom know that.

“Then you plan to go out with him?” His voice was strained.

“That’s none of your business.”

He flinched. “It is none of my business.” He closed the gap between them until he stood directly in front of her. Her heart did crazy little flips.

His features softened. “No, you won’t go out with him.” He twisted his hand around her braid where it rested on her shoulder and pulled her gently toward him. “You’re not his type, Cat Eyes.”

“Whose type am I?” she whispered.

“My type,” he rasped.

She knew she should back away, but the fire in his deep blue eyes held her.

He placed his hands on her shoulders. “While I’m gone, I want you to remember something if von Zuben or any other guy comes around.”

She couldn’t breathe. “Remember what?”

“This.”

His mouth captured hers in a kiss that shattered her world. Self-preserving fear fought with the excitement that sang through her bones. She splayed her hands against his chest, battling the magnetism that drew her under his spell.

Tom’s deliberate possession of her mouth pushed aside her defenses. Feelings she didn’t want to acknowledge gnawed around the edges of her soul, demanding release.

What little resistance she had crumbled in a heap at her feet. She melted against him, savoring his warmth and his taste of peppermint and coffee.

He trailed kisses down her neck to the base of her throat. “So sweet,” he murmured against her skin.

The past, the present, the world, dissolved, leaving her in a magical place where only she and Tom existed. All that mattered, all she knew, was Tom’s closeness and warmth. She slid her arms around his neck, twining her fingers in the thickness of his crisp hair.