Trust in Us (15 page)

“Not really.” Aly folded her arms across her tummy and leaned forward. “Gage and I...we moved fast, too, and I still don’t know how much hell there will be to pay because of it.”

“You guys looked happy, though.”

Alythia couldn’t deny that. “Gage Vincent is a man a woman can fall in love with very easily.”

“I’m happy for you, Aly. For real.” For all her good cheer however, Orchid’s easy expression faded into something tight. “Makes me regret what I’m about to tell you.”

Bracing herself, Alythia wondered if she was about to experience a little of the hell she’d just spoken of.

“Gage may have already told you, but I’ll go on and confirm...I’m suing Jayson.”

“For what?” Alythia blurted.

Orchid made a quick waving motion toward her cheek. “Have you already forgotten what happened, Aly?” She looked offended. “The fool actually had the nerve to hit me.”

“And that was wrong.” Alythia ventured forward carefully. “Wrong, just like the wrong you did in sleeping with one of his best friends when you were supposed to be there celebrating getting married.”

Orchid came down a bit from her self-righteousness. “I regret that.” Her stare faltered then.

“How in the world did it happen, Orchid? Why?” Aly turned to face her friend more fully. “Whether the marriage was a sham or not, things at least had to be going well in the bedroom. You guys were pretty...demonstrative. Or...am I mistaken?”

A sudden and uncharacteristic look of total honesty claimed Orchid Benjamin’s fair-skinned face. “Sex has always been my escape, Aly.” She sighed. “Pouting and wanting to get back at Mommy and Daddy for not having that chocolate waterfall at your seventeenth birthday party? Have some sex and all will be well.” She shared the insight as though she were a television announcer promoting some grand new product.

“Dammit... Such an idiot.” Again Orchid drew her fingers through her hair. “I guess that’s what that night with Dane was about. Part of it, anyway. Some of it was me just wanting to show Myrna that she’d picked another toad and that she still hadn’t found her happily-ever-after Prince Charming.”

Aly leaned over to top off her tea again. “And the other part?” she asked.

“Jayson.” Losing interest in maintaining perfect posture, Orchid slumped on her side of the sofa. “We had a fight about my ‘friends.’ That little show between Jeena and Zeke on the terrace during our group breakfast and then there was something that happened with Myrna and Dane at one of the clubs—it all pulled quite an audience. Jayson said that Clive called a little get-together with them. He told them some of the other guests had voiced concern that he allowed that sort of...element into his resort.”

Alythia held the teapot but didn’t pour. She was suddenly frozen to her spot. “Gage didn’t say anything.”

“Chances are he wouldn’t.” Orchid smiled sourly. “Most of the unfavorable remarks Clive’s staff had received were about the women who had been causing such a ruckus.”

Aly put the pot back on the warmer. She’d suddenly lost her taste for more tea.

“That’s what we argued about.” Orchid sat a little straighter on the sofa. “Then our
chat
led him to revealing that his family was having second thoughts about him getting tied up with someone like me. All this was even before the trip. Before we even announced the engagement. They want the Benjamin-family respect and society status but not a— How was it that he put it?” Orchid inclined her head at a thoughtful angle. “Oh, yeah, they wanted the society status but not a whoring fiancée-turned-wifey.”

“Sweetie...” Aly scooted close to squeeze Orchid’s hand. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s no big.” Orchid shrugged. “I slapped him, or rather it was the big-ass bag I was carrying that delivered the blow.” She smirked. “It bruised that ego of his, all right, and I guess he wanted to show me that he wasn’t goin’ down like Zeke. Had to hit me to show he wasn’t a punk.”

“Ork, do you really think suing him is the answer? Can’t you just let it rest? Jay’s gonna have enough on his plate dealing with the blow Dane gave him by sleeping with you.”

“Hmph, Dane.” Orchid’s eyes narrowed a fraction. “Do you know he didn’t even try to stop it? It was like he had no idea that I was about to marry his best friend. I was just another woman to bed. He was just as much the slut in all this as I was.”

“Maybe that’s the takeaway here.” Aly leaned over and smoothed a lock of hair behind Orchid’s multi-diamond-studded ear. “You’re better than all this, hon. You always have been. No one
all
bad would befriend a poor nobody from the wrong side of town like me.”

Orchid’s eyes suddenly flashed with defiance. “You’re the best person I know, Alythia Duffy.” She sniffed a little as though a sob was on the horizon. “You’ve helped me through some times no money can fix,” she said.

Alythia cupped her cheek and smiled. “This time
you’re
the only one who can fix it. Sex has been the easy way out for you. Maybe it’s time for a more complex plan.”

Finally, Orchid nodded. The move was slow but determined. “I’ll do the heavy lifting but will you still be there for me to lean on from time to time?”

“Hmph.” Aly shook her head. “Where else do you think I’d be?” She tugged her friend into a hug.

Chapter 15

I
n spite of the vastness of Vincent Industries and Development, Gage had created his successful enterprise using funds from a small loan he’d secured from his parents. He had refused any additional help from them and had used the money to acquire a modest five-story brick building far away from the sleek downtown high-rises and other businesses. Yet Gage had remained humble and true to his roots. He’d continued to conduct business from the simple office space that his impressive array of business associates and aspiring business associates knew to be his headquarters.

Gage hadn’t remained completely averse to vanity, however. The building’s top floor had been reserved as his private office, complete with a small living, dining and gaming area. The primary office space was state-of-the-art and expansive, providing the man in charge with whatever he needed to tend to his every interest.

Just then, the man in charge was mixing work and play as he took part in an overseas conference call while trying to reach the next level on the newest military-themed video game in his collection.

“I like that, Oscar. An in-person meeting sounds good,” Gage agreed, all the while wincing in response to the maneuver he was attempting to complete on screen.

“Yes!” He celebrated the outcome of the risky gaming move. “We’ll make it happen soon!” Gage drew the call to a close, the luster with which he completed the conversation having more to do with his satisfaction over his gaming performance than with the upcoming meeting with his associates in the U.K.

He removed the phone’s headset and was gearing up for a reentry when a knock landed on his door. The exciting game was totally forgotten.

“They told me to come on up.” Alythia took a tentative step just past the doorway, her uncertainty evident. “Is this a bad time?”

Slowly, Gage left the leather lounge chair where he’d taken the call. “Your timing’s never bad.”

“You said you’d call.”

“I know.” Gage maintained his spot by the chair. “Then I thought it might be better if you took the wheel on that.”

She nodded. “That’s what I figured.”

“So what’s the verdict?”

“I’m scared.” Her response was simple and she accompanied it by slapping her hands to her thighs in a show of surrender. “Those feelings aren’t going to go anywhere anytime soon. But I’m not ready to let all that win.”

Obvious relief softening his attractive, dark face, Gage began his journey toward her. “Can I take you out now? Show everyone you’re mine?”

“That sounds rather possessive, Mr. Vincent.”

“You’re damn right it is, Ms. Duffy.” He spanned her waist, squeezing her hips. He moved on then to skim her bare skin beneath the petal-pink drop-tail blouse she wore.

“I don’t know if we can be trusted out and about on Charlotte’s city streets on our own, though. We may need chaperones.” She sighed.

His mouth was at her neck. “What have you got in mind?” he murmured, the words holding an absent quality, as he was far more interested in ravaging the satiny flesh behind her ear.

“Dinner and maybe...some dancing....” She waited for the last to capture his attention and smiled when he raised his head to watch her expectantly. “Angela and Owen have a date night at least once a month. They’d like to share this one with us.”

“I like it.” He gave a singular nod and then the brilliant chocolate tone of his gaze grew heated. “I can’t promise to be on my best behavior, though, even with two chaperones.”

He kissed her and Aly delighted in the lazy nudging of his tongue against hers.

“What?” Gage read the weariness in her eyes when he pulled back.

Alythia pressed her lips together to gather her resolve. “I know about the meeting Clive called with you and the guys after that thing with Zeke and Jeena.”

“Hell.” Gage growled the curse and moved away.

“Did you think I couldn’t handle knowing?” Aly followed him deeper into the office.

“It was pretty stupid.” He leaned against his desk. “We were all at fault with it.”

“But
we
were the unsavory element.” There was no accusation in her tone.

Gage reached for her hands. “Clive’s soft heart is gonna get him in some real trouble one day. He knew the sort of drama he was letting himself in for when I called and told him about Jay getting married and us wanting to take a group trip to the resort. But he’s never been able to say no to a friend.”

Alythia shook her head. “Well, that makes two of us since I just told Orchid I’d be her support system while she works on remodeling her character.”

Gage kissed the back of her hand just as laughter burst out between them.

* * *

“Sorry for interrupting the cash flow.”

Angela Hays’s vibrant hazel eyes sparkled with satisfaction. She raised her wineglass to toast her little sister. “No apologies necessary, Aly-cat. In Owen’s case an interrupted work flow signals free time to take his sexy wife on that Paris trip she’s been hinting at.”

“And the hints haven’t been all that subtle.” Owen Hays clinked his glass to Gage’s as the two newfound friends shared a laugh.

“But that was one case I didn’t mind walking away from.” Owen sobered and smoothed a hand over his shaved head. “Wouldn’t be good for anyone involved to follow up on it.” He sent his sister-in-law an encouraging smile. “How’d you leave things with her, Aly?”

Alythia hid her hands in the bell sleeves of her emerald wrap dress. She had just told her dinner partners that Orchid might be of a mind to rethink her plans to sue her ex-fiancé. “I tried to get her to see what was right, tried to remind her that despite what anyone thinks, she
did
have a sense of right and wrong.”

“Hey, now!” Owen rubbed his hands together. “That’s enough to bring back my appetite.”

“Oh, Lord...” Angela rolled her eyes. “Whose appetite were you using to devour that slab of flesh over there?” she said, eyeing the remaining half of the massive rib eye that Owen had ordered.

“This can wait till I take a break.” Owen stood and offered a hand to his wife. “Dance with me, girl.”

Angela rolled her eyes again but giggled like a small girl and didn’t hesitate to accept her husband’s request.

“Despite what
anyone
thinks, she did have a sense of right and wrong.” Gage replayed Alythia’s words when they were alone at the table. “Was that a dig at anybody in particular?”

“No.” Aly pushed aside her dessert fork and rested her arms on the table. “But I do think it’s fair to wonder when our feelings about our friends will get the better of us.”

“Well—” Gage was pushing back from the table then too “—until we reach that point, I’ll take you for a dance. Owen had the right idea.”

Aly winked. “Told you he was quite a man.” She took the hand Gage offered.

The music was sensuous but it kept a tempo not quite suited for the snug hold Gage kept her in.

“Your possessive streak is showing again, Mr. Vincent.”

“Good. I guess that means I’ve achieved my goal.” His hand firmed at the small of her back and he drew her into a kiss that grew deeper with each second that passed.

Aly was first to regain consciousness of their surroundings. She tugged at his tie until he freed her mouth.

“So what’s showing your possessive streak supposed to achieve?”

“It’s supposed to remind me that it’s past time for me to get you out of here and into someplace with more privacy.”

“We haven’t even had dessert yet, you know?” She bit her lip on a smile.

“Well, well, Ms. Duffy.” He began to gnaw at her neck. “You’re so very right about that,” he muttered.

* * *

Alythia took a detour toward the ladies’ room when she and Gage left the dance floor. She was touching up her lipstick when a familiar voice caught her ear.

“Well...well, they say the quiet ones are usually the freakiest.”

“Mur!” Aly called, whirling from the mirror and happy to find her friend standing just inside the bathroom.

“I see one of us came back with a man.” The remark could have been considered playful were it not for the distinct look of reproach in Myrna’s alluring eyes.

“Mur...don’t.” Aly raised a hand wearily. “Can’t we just put all that petty stuff that happened in Anegada behind us?”

“That’s sweet.” Myrna folded her arms across the square bodice of the black baby-doll dress that flattered her long legs. “And it’s easier for some than others.”

“Honey, Dane—Dane wasn’t worth it. Orchid said that he had no qualms about sleeping with her and that he didn’t think twice about what she had going on with Jayson.”

“Oh, please! Like she cared!” Myrna stalked about on the open-toed stilettos she wore. “The only thing she probably gave him time to tell her was where his bed was.”

“Myrna, stop.” Alythia slashed the air with a wave of her hand when she ventured forward. “We’ve been friends too damn long. Too much is invested in us for you to let some snake like Dane Spears ruin it.”

“Oh, Dane didn’t
ruin
us, Aly. Our weird friendship has been circling the bowl for years.” She gave Alythia a judgmental once-over. “You don’t even want to associate with us, always using business as an excuse to get out of spending time with us.” She suddenly smiled. “But then again, I guess it was all worth it. I hear congrats are in order.”

Aly frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“I guess all that private time you want everyone to think you weren’t giving to one of the most powerful men in town paid off. Seems you’re one of the lucky bastards about to grab digs in that swanky new downtown high-rise of his.”

Alythia stilled noticeably. “How do you know that?”

Myrna slowly threw up her hands. “Aly, please...you’re not the only one with powerful friends, or bed partners, I guess I should say....” She regarded Aly more closely then. “Whoa...you didn’t know you were in, did you? How interesting. I wonder why that is? Why hasn’t that cutie of yours told you what I’m sure you’ve been waiting to hear for months?”

Myrna paced the outer area of the powder room, tapping a finger to her chin and presenting herself as a study in concentration. “Maybe he knows you were just screwing him for the building. Though that’s no hardship, as gorgeous as he is. Guess he just wants to...milk you a little longer before he gives you the good news and your walking papers.”

Alythia blinked, assessing the new information.

Myrna’s apologetic look was belied by a triumphant smile. “Forgive me, Aly. I’m not trying to hurt you, girl.” She shrugged and headed for the door. “You were a good friend, but you should be prepared for little run-ins like this, especially if you plan on holding to the claim that you would’ve gotten that space if you
hadn’t
upped the ante on your bid.” She winked and pulled open the powder room door. “Enjoy your dinner. Owen and Angela look great.”

Then she was gone. Aly returned to studying her mirrored reflection.

* * *

The couples said their good-nights shortly after dessert. Alythia had enjoyed the entire evening in spite of her “toilet talk” with Myrna. Part of her mourned the loss of such an old friendship. Though it
was
indeed a lost friendship. She could accept that. Myrna was angry over a lot more than her, and it would take a very long time for her to come back around.

Still, another part of her was wickedly peeved, but at Myrna or herself Alythia couldn’t be completely certain.

She was so absorbed in her thoughts, in fact, that she didn’t realize they were parked outside her complex until Gage was at the passenger side of his truck and freeing her from the seat belt.

She blinked and was suddenly all smiles. “What a great night, huh?” She took the hand he offered and stepped out of the car.

“Owen and Angela are so much fun to hang out with. Thanks for coming with me....” Alythia rambled on so much that she didn’t take much notice of Gage’s extreme silence.

They headed into her downtown apartment building and covered the ten-flight elevator ride to her floor.

“Can I get you anything?” Aly offered once they were inside the apartment and she had tossed aside her things en route to the kitchen.

“You can tell me what Myrna wanted.”

Alythia stopped short, turning and frowning a bit when she discovered that he hadn’t left the foyer. Gage was still resting back on the front door, hands hidden in the deep pockets of his trousers. Alythia retraced her steps, her expression screaming a question she couldn’t form the words to ask.

Gage read it easily enough and shrugged. “I saw her at the restaurant, figured she’d find a way to get time alone with you.”

“She came to congratulate me.” Aly smiled dourly at the question coming to his handsome face and continued. “Seems I’ve been accepted into the new downtown space.” She ducked her head, fiddling with the edge of one of the wrist-hugging sleeves of her wrap dress. “Were you going to tell me, Gage?” She kept her head down.

“No.” His answer was simply stated and he took her by the wrist before she could move away from him. “And I’m leaning toward us having a ‘do not discuss’ clause in all matters having to do with our businesses.”

“A ‘do not discuss’ clause.” Aly ignored her desire to smile. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of one of those before.”

“Good, ’cause I just came up with it.” He raised a broad shoulder, letting it slide up along the door where he still reclined. “I’m known for being innovative like that.”

“Well, it’s definitely that.” She didn’t resist leaning in when he tugged.

Gage made no effort to relinquish his stance against the door. He had a strong hold on her wrist, and his hand at her neck cradled her there with a gentleness. His kiss was a subtle cross between commanding and cajoling. Soon Aly’s fingers were entwined about the fabric of his jacket lapels, tiny moans escaping her as she took what he gave and reciprocated with her own brand of passion.

With a pat to her cheek, Gage withdrew from the kiss but remained near. He studied her face, searching her bright eyes with a measuring fire. “You aren’t gonna do something crazy like refuse to take the space, are you?” He rested his head back against the door. “I’ll break my own rule this time and tell you that I left all of the decision making to my assistant and the rest of the team. Until you told me, I had no idea you were even connected to the bid pool.”