A Calculated Seduction(33)
“You did a fantastic job, Dulcy!” He released her and kept her anchored to his side. “You certainly have outdone yourself with this. Don’t you think so, Ethan?”
She looked at Ethan, who wore almost the same exact smile as Bill. Dulcy was struck by how much uncle and nephew resembled each other.
“Why, don’t you look nice, Ethan,” Maude said when she finally made her way to them. Her red calf-length dress had a fitted bodice, flared at the waist and complimented her ivory skin.
“Thank you, Maude.”
“Have you seen Gerry yet, Dulcy?” Bill asked.
“Ethan and I arrived a few minutes ago, but I haven’t seen him. You know Gerry. He’s not going to be on time for anything but a ride.”
“Now, Miss Menendez, I never knew you were particularly interested in my ability to ride,” Gerry said from behind her.
Her face warmed as she turned to greet their guest of honor. He was an attractive man. Tall, muscled, with blond hair and green eyes, he was the epitome of what people thought of when they talked about cowboys. He had a reputation with women on the circuit and apparently, he couldn’t talk to women without flirting. It was a natural as breathing to him.
He was dressed to the hilt tonight. Red shirt, black jeans and a pair of black, ostrich MacMillan boots. One thing about Gerry, he knew how to dress the part.
“Mr. Dillon, how are you this evening?”
“Just fine, Miss Menendez.” His eyes roamed down her dress all the way to her shoes. Then, they traveled back up, pausing briefly at her breasts. “Really fine.”
“I’m sure you know everyone here except Maude Bellows. Maude, this is Gerry Dillon.”
Gerry stepped forward, took Maude’s hand and brought it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He immediately turned his attention back to Dulcy. “I’d like a tour of the room, if you don’t mind, Miss Menendez.” He held out his arm and Dulcy slid her hand up his elbow.
“What would you like to see first?”
* * * *
“Ethan quit glaring at their backs, you’ll leave scorch marks,” Bill said.
“I just don’t trust the guy. Dulcy told me he came on to a few employees.” She apparently left out that Gerry had been coming onto her. It was apparent the bull rider had a long-standing relationship with Dulcy. And just that thought had his predatory instincts roaring to life. That feeling of ownership swamped him before he could deal with it. The raw jealousy caught him unawares. He just wasn’t accustomed to dealing with these kinds of emotions.
“I’m sure she can handle herself,” Maude remarked and he glanced at the older woman. “Dulcy’s a lot tougher than people give her credit for.”
Ethan grunted, then turned back to watch Gerry Dillon as he placed his hand on the small of her back. He bit back a growl, knowing it would not be good for the company to tear his arms out and beat him over the head with them.
He’d convinced himself he could put up with Gerry’s attention until the man slid his hand down to pat Dulcy on her rounded ass. He stepped forward, but Bill placed a restraining hand on his arm. He looked down at the hand and then at Bill’s face.
“She can handle herself, Ethan.”
“I know she can, I just don’t like anyone handling my employees. ”
“Go take a breather and I’ll take care of it. You go over there, we could lose our star.”
He nodded and with one last glance at Gerry and Dulcy, he headed to the bathroom.
* * * *
“Gerry, if you don’t take your hand off my ass, I’m going to break it and various other body parts you’re fond of,” Dulcy said.
She couldn’t believe the idiot was actually trying to cop a feel. He chuckled, but moved his hand. “I never knew you were so sassy.” His green eyes sparkled, a sexy grin curving his lips. She knew his type. He was harmless, a man who liked to flirt, and if she were interested he would be fun. But she knew if she said no, Gerry would listen. He would never cross that line without permission.
She crossed her arms beneath her breasts and stepped away from him. “Gerry, I’m not your type.”
“I haven’t met a beautiful woman who wasn’t my type. Besides, it’s not like your dating that stone faced executive.”
“Ethan? No, I’m not.”
“Well, what’s wrong with me?” He took a step closer, backing her up against the wall. Irritation crawled up her spine, stiffening it. She wasn’t afraid of him because she knew exactly what a well-placed knee would do to his ardor.