The VIP Room(110)

"How wonderful!" Her mother rushed over to hug Carly. The two air-kissed.

Now Lauren really felt like throwing up, but she cleared her throat instead.

"Oh, I don't think you've met my daughter, Lauren. Let me introduce you now, although the poor thing is feeling ill. I was about to call a cab to take her home."

Her mother made the introductions and put her hand on Lauren's shoulder.

"Too bad you're leaving, Lauren. Carly could introduce to her friends, and you'd be able to spend some time with people your own age, instead of sitting with the old folks tonight. Perhaps some other time."

Lauren's dismay had turned to anger once she heard Carly's announcement of an impending marriage proposal. That bastard!

She had a wild idea to spoil the future Mr. and Mrs. Perfect's evening. She'd find a way to expose that lying cheat in front of the membership.

Lauren smiled and stood up. "You know what? I'm feeling much better."

She turned to Carly. "I'd love to meet your friends and sit with you tonight. Would that be all right with you?"

Carly clapped her hands. "Oh, yes! Come with me right now. I think the boys were getting ready to head into the bar for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres."

Lauren kissed her mother's cheek and followed Carly out.

"Oh, look! That's them over there," Carly said and took Lauren by the hand. Seconds later, they were face to face with the Holmes brothers, and Carly made the introductions.



* * *



For a moment, Derek thought he was hallucinating.

Wow, did that woman with Carly look like Lauren! He didn't take his eyes off the pair of them until they stood before him. Then his sight laser-focused on Lauren. He heard Carly babbling something and saw Lauren put out her hand.

"So pleased to meet you, Derek," she said, and turned to Cade with a sweet smile.

"Cade, it seems our parents have Carly's parents in common among their friends. I'm surprised I've never met you or seen you here before."

Derek noticed right away that Cade was eyeing Lauren with a bit too much interest, as far he was concerned.

"We grew up in Dumont County, and our parents belong to Four Crowns Country Club. But, my brother and I live here now and decided it was time to join the local social circles."

He moved in closer to Lauren. "Did I hear Carly introduce you as Lauren Daniels?" He emphasized her last name.

Lauren nodded.

"Would your father be George Daniels of Phipps, Daniels & Owen Financial?"

"Yes, do you know him?"

"No, but I look forward to meeting him."

Cade put his arm out to Lauren. "It looks like everyone's beginning to take their seats for dinner. May I escort you in?"

Lauren smiled and her eyes lit up. "I'd love that. I'd be happy to introduce you to my father."

"Is he here this evening?"

Lauren's eyes danced. "Yes, he is."

Derek smoldered inside. She was flirting with Cade! She had no idea what she was getting into.

He watched helplessly as his brother hustled off with Lauren and followed behind as quickly as he could. Cade chose a table with four open seats, but they weren't together, so Derek and Carly were forced to sit opposite Lauren and his brother.

Derek heard Cade ask Lauren if she wanted a drink before the dinner ceremonies began. Lauren said something in Cade's ear, and his brother laughed heartily. Derek thought he was going to explode. He had no idea who Lauren's father was, but if it interested Cade that much, he must be rich and influential. So Lauren is not the average working girl that she appears to be.

Cade stood and started for the door. He doubled back and stopped behind Derek and Carly. "I'm going to the bar," he said. "Would either of you like something?"

Carly shook her head. Derek threw down the scotch he was holding and held up his glass. "Johnny Walker Black."

Cade leaned in and whispered, "This is too good to be true. We've walked in here with the beautiful daughters of the two richest members in the club."

He squeezed his brother's shoulders. "All right, man. I'll be right back."

Derek stared at Lauren from across the table, but she wouldn't look his way. She was chatting with the person on her right.

Derek mind was reeling, trying to figure out what was going on. She had invited him to her place for tonight. Why would she do that if she were going to be here?

He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was absolutely stunning this evening. Her hair was swept back, exposing the long graceful neck that her wavy hair usually hid. And that dress made the best of every inch of her, from her full round breasts to the generous curves of her hips. She was luscious, and he wanted to claim every inch of her right now. The thought that Cade might have any ideas about hooking up with Lauren drove him insane. He had to do something.

Derek stood up and walked around the table, stopping behind Lauren's chair and waited until there was a break in her conversation.

"Ms. Daniels, would you like to dance?"

She looked up at him with her big blue eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Holmes, but no. I had an injury to my ankle a week ago, and I'm still feeling a little unsteady. Perhaps some other time." She turned back to her conversation, and Cade returned with their drinks. He set Lauren's down in front of her and handed Derek the other one.