An Irresistible Bachelor(98)

"I've just revealed what Copley did." She walked over to Jack, catching the scent of his aftershave. It hurt just to breathe in the smell. "Look, if there is any diminution in value, I will make you whole."

"Make me whole." His laugh was short. "What an interesting choice of words, considering I've recently concluded that filling up a bank account doesn't work for me like it used to."

When he looked at her, his eyes were so dark, it was as if there were no color in them at all.

"Forget about the problem with the painting and keep your money." He nodded down at the portrait. "All you really have left to do is put on a new coat of varnish, right?"



She nodded.

"And then you're finished."

"I am." A yearning tightened her chest, "Jack, I really want to end up in Boston after the job is finished."

She waited for him to respond, but he just turned away.

"See you back at the house," he said.



Chapter 22





Starting at six o'clock, a steady stream of cars began to arrive at Buona Fortuna. From the window seat in her bedroom, Callie watched them come up the lighted drive, disappear under the porte cochere, and then get parked by uniformed attendants on the lawn. They were a fleet of luxury, every make and model that cost an arm and a leg. She even thought she'd made out a Bentley or two.

All those flashy cars were not inspiring heir to join the party. She imagined the people getting out of them were every bit as glamorous as their choice of transportation. As someone who avoided crowds to begin with, getting thrown in with a bunch of corporate raiders and beauty queens was like the second ring of Hell to her and she was debating the merits of hiding in her room. It smacked of cowardice, sure, but she was almost guaranteed to have a better time.

Besides, she wasn't feeling festive. When she'd come back from the garage, she'd gone upstairs looking for Grace. The door to her half sister's room had been shut, however, and the sensual, masculine laughter coming through the panels didn't prompt a good knocking. Callie had gone to her room to change, resolving to talk to Grace the minute the party was over.

She looked down at her black skirt, the one she'd worn out to dinner with Gray. Twice.

The one that Jack had taken off her body that first night they'd made love.

She thought of burning it just to get away from the memories.

There was a knocking sound and then Grace put her head in the door. "Are you all set? Ross and I are ready."

Callie stood, smoothed down the skirt, and squeezed her feet into her heels.

"You look lovely," she said to Grace with a smile.

Her half sister was wearing a dark red sheath dress that fell, strapless, from her pale shoulders. With her blond hair cascading down her back, she was almost too beautiful to be real.

"Well, thank you. So do you. Those simple lines really suit you." Grace went over to the window and leaned in, looking at the cars. "I used to come to Jack's holiday party religiously, but in the last couple of years I've had to bow out. There are so many friends to catch up with! And I'd like to introduce you to a couple of eligible men, if you wouldn't mind."

Oh, no. Not that.

Grace turned around, a smile on her face, but the expression faded. "Callie? Are you all right? You don't look well."

That was funny, she didn't feel well, either.

"I'm fine. But I need to talk with you."



Concern lifted Grace's perfectly arched brows. "Is everything all right?"

"No, it isn't. After we get through this evening, can we find a quiet place?"

"Of course." Grace eyed Ross who was waiting in the hall. "Do you want to talk now?"

"I think later would be better." She didn't want the pressure of keeping Grace from the party and had no idea how long the conversation was going to take. "Just promise me. By the end of tonight."


Walking downstairs behind Grace and Ross, Callie felt as if she were wearing concrete shoes. Or maybe lead-lined underwear. Her body was impossibly heavy and she gripped the railing as she approached the crush of people in the front hall. There was a jam as guests came in the door and handed their coats to more uniformed staff. The foyer was filled with the sounds of the party and the volley of talk and laughter made Callie wince as her senses became overloaded. There was too much noise, too much light, too many perfumes competing for the same air space.