An Irresistible Bachelor(75)

His mother's face tightened. "Maybe in the privacy of your own home. But what about in the outside world? You need someone who understands the kind of life you lead. Blair can support you—”

"And you think Callie can't? My lifestyle isn't rocket science. I see the same five hundred people, at the same parties, year after year. I could do it with my eyes closed and so could anyone with half a brain."

"That's a considerable simplification and you know it. Listen to me, Jack, I know how hard it was for your father and me—”

Jack didn't bother to keep the boredom out of his voice. "My father worshipped you and you've had a great time playing grande dame for the past forty years. So don't try and pretend it was all a chore, okay?"

She took a deep breath. "There's no reason to talk to me like that."

"Was there anything else you had to say, Mother?" As soon as the words came out, he regretted the invitation. Of course there was going to be more.

"Jack, you simply cannot do this. Especially if you are going to run for governor." As his eyebrows lifted, she explained, "Gray Bennett's mother called and told me that he's been here in Boston, meeting with you. It's obvious what you're planning."

"Ah, the Smith College alumni network at its best."

Mercedes came up to the desk with her particular brand of urgency, clearly prepared to force her will on

Those fine trappings of wealth meant nothing to her. It was Jack she wanted. Jack naked and trembling from passion. Jack's voice stripped of all culture and refinement, her name leaving his lips in nothing more than a guttural burst.

She leaned into him, holding on tight. She wanted Jack Walker, the man. Not the business legend. Not the newest star of his prestigious family.

When he pulled back, he said, "You amaze me."

His fingers brushed against her cheek and then lifted her chin so he could kiss her. His lips were as soft as his eyes.

"We should probably go," she said. "Why don't I meet you back at the house? I have to shut down Nathaniel's beauty spa and I'd like to change."

He placed a lingering kiss against her lips and then put on his pants. After tucking his shirttails in with sharp movements, he pulled his jacket on and casually slung his blue tie around his neck.

But he didn't leave right away. He just stared at her, a slight smile playing over his lips.

"Come here," she said, motioning to him. "Your hair looks like it's been blown dry by a box fan."

He came up to her and put his head down, standing patiently while she fixed him up.

"And we should put the tie on properly. You'll look less ravished that way." With a seductive smile, she turned up his collar, slid the silk into place, and quickly executed a pretty good Windsor knot. She nodded at the result. "You're almost perfect. But there's nothing we*re going to be able to do about the wrinkles in your suit and shirt."

Jack reached for her, his arms going all the way around her body. "I can't seem to let you go."

"Which is perfectly fine with me."

When he finally left, it took her ten minutes to close up shop and head for the house. As she stepped out into the brisk night air, she felt so alive she wanted to laugh out loud. The world seemed to have expanded and she was able to find possibilities and excitement in everything, even the darkened sky. There were things to look forward to, plans she could make, places she suddenly wanted to go.

All with Jack, of course.

She pictured the two of them heading upstate and staying at some B&B in the wintertime. There would be a fireplace in their room and a big bed with lots of blankets and pillows. They would make love for days straight as the snow fell outside.

When she opened the back door, she was smiling.

She jerked to a halt.

Jack and the blond woman were staring at each other over the island in the kitchen. On the slab of granite between them was a large diamond ring.

Their heads snapped around to her.

"So you're Callie," the woman said softly. "You're the one."





Chapter 17





Looking back and forth between them, Callie put it all together. It was the blond from the Plaza Hotel hallway. The scarf and earrings that had been in Jack's suite were hers.

Callie fought a sudden urge to be sick.

"I'm Blair Stanford," the woman said, sticking out her hand and narrowing her eyes.