The VIP Room(108)

Her father chuckled. "You know me too well. Your mother did suggest I call, but I agree with her that it would be a good idea for you to start mingling with people your own age at the club. It's not all men that joined, either. Several women members have been approved, too."

"Well, imagine that in the twenty-first century!"

Her sarcasm wasn't wasted on her father. "That's enough, I get it. But, please, Lauren, do this as a favor to me. If you say no, your mother will continue to harass me all week long."

Lauren knew he was right. "All right, Daddy, for you."

"And I'm serious about you making some friends at the club. There's been a big turnover in the membership, and you could at least give it a chance, you know."

"Fine. What time should I meet you there?"

"No need to drive. We'll pick you up at six o'clock."

Lauren heard the finality in her father's voice and knew it was senseless to argue. "OK, Daddy. See you then."

She heard noise in the office outside her cubicle, which meant her co-workers were trickling in. "I've got to go now, though. Monday morning meeting and all."

"Sure, honey, have a good day."

Lauren opened the calendar app on her phone and entered her two new dates for Saturday and Sunday. She left Saturday's event posted in black ink, but added a heart icon next to Derek's name in red and highlighted the event with her cursor. She looked at her screen and thought for a moment that the red color actually oozed out of the heart.

She dismissed the disturbing thought as the alarm from her laptop buzzed, signaling her that her department meeting was beginning in five minutes.





Chapter 4





Derek cruised up to the entrance of Spring Rock Country Club in his Corvette. He watched as two valets raced over to open his door, eager for the chance to park the car. A quick look around told Derek that most of the members and guests were arriving in limos and expensive sedans. He didn't see many sports cars and figured the valets wanted to take his car for a spin. He handed the keys and a twenty to the first valet to arrive. "Park her near the entrance and there's another one of these when I leave."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," the pimply-faced attendant said.

Derek noticed the look of satisfaction the kid threw to the valet he beat out as he drove the Stingray down the driveway and pulled it back around to rest directly opposite the entrance. Once he was assured his car was well placed and he'd have easy access for a quick getaway, if needed, Derek headed into the lobby to look for Cade. When he didn't see his brother, he walked outside.

While he waited, his thoughts gravitated to Lauren. He missed her and regretted that he had committed to come here with Cade before he spoke to her. If Lauren had called him ten minutes earlier, he could have been with her right now.

Derek shook his head. The dishonesty with Lauren had to stop. It may have been only one week, but their long conversations in bed and on the phone let him know that she was the real thing. She deserved the same back. He decided to bring her to his house the next night after their date and reveal his true identity.

An engine roar brought him back to the present. Cade was pulling up in his Porsche 918 Spyder and must have gunned the engine to get his attention.

Derek was surprised to see the hard top on the car until the valet opened the passenger door and helped Carly out. Rage surged through Derek's veins. He watched as Cade exited the auto, came around to take Carly's arm, and escorted her up to the entrance to greet him.

Derek refused to acknowledge Carly and pulled his brother aside. "Why did you bring her? I told you she's been stalking me, and I want to put some distance between us."

Cade put his arm around his brother's shoulder. "Relax, little brother. Carly's parents are prominent members of this club, and it looks good to have her with us. I've already spoken to her about it, and she knows it's all for show. Don't forget, it can't hurt her image to show up with the two best looking and most eligible bachelors at the event. Now, smile and play nice."

Cade turned and ushered Carly into the lobby. Derek's eyes rested on his Corvette and he considered leaving. Nothing felt right tonight, and he had a premonition it was going to get worse. He exhaled loudly and forced himself around. He had promised Cade he'd give this a try, and he would keep his word.

Derek caught up with them in the lobby. He nodded to his brother to indicate he was on board. "You're in charge, here, Cade. Where do we go?"

Cade took a quick glance around the lobby and pointed to the sign that said Registration. "I'll go sign us in. Hopefully there's no name tags," he joked.

Derek put his hands in his pockets and tried to not to look directly at Carly. He didn't want to give her any openings for physical contact or even conversation. He saw a thin young man approaching them with a big smile, like he knew them.

Bounding right up to Derek, the young men held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Philben Deveroux, the event photographer for this evening. Would you folks mind if I took a few quick snaps? We're creating a new member picture board to display during the welcome dinner."

Derek was about to beg off, but Carly leaned in, took his arm, and flashed a big smile. "Of course, we'll pose for you, Philben."

She giggled and teased, "Now, make sure you get my good side," and proceeded to strike various poses, all while perched on Derek's arm.