Bitter Fruit E-Book

Lois Cloarec Hart

• Herausgeber: Ylva Publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 276

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Beschreibung

A bet, a straight girl, and a whole lot of trouble—love doesn't play fair. Fuelled by booze and boredom, Jac Lanier accepts an unusual wager from her best friend. Victoria, for reasons of her own, impulsively challenges Jac to seduce Lauren, her co-worker and a young woman Jac's never met. Under the terms of their bet, Jac has exactly one month to get Lauren into bed or she has to pay up. Though Lauren is straight and engaged, Jac begins her campaign confident that she'll win the bet. But Jac's forgotten that if you sow an onion seed, you won't harvest a peach. When her plan goes awry, will she reap the bitter fruit of her deception? Or will Lauren turn the tables on the thoughtless gamblers?

Leseprobe

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http://www.ylva-publishing.com

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

Coming Home

Broken Faith

Walking the Labyrinth

Kicker’s Journey

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Converting and expanding my 2001 novella, The Lion and the Lamb, to this novel, Bitter Fruit, wasn’t originally on my writing schedule, though that imaginary document is never written in stone. It frequently contorts with whimsy and convolutes with woe. But when my publisher, Astrid Ohletz, suggested that Lion would lend itself to a larger story, I took on the project with the help of my wonderful long-time collaborators, Day Petersen and Kathleen Grams-Gibbs. I was writing The Lion and the Lamb when Day and I first met over thirteen years ago, and my now-wife has worked on everything I’ve written since. My dear friend, Kathy, came on board a few years later, and between the two of them, they make our collaborations joyful endeavours. My deepest thanks to you both.

I’m also very grateful to Astrid for her concept and support; to Alissa McGowan for her skilled first edit; and to Ylva’s senior editor, Sandra Gerth, for her steadfast encouragement and insightful second edit. Glendon, as usual, your covers are works of art.

FOR DAY

Whose quips make me laugh,

Whose songs make me cry,

Whose love makes me soar.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

EPILOGUE

ABOUT LOIS CLOAREC HART

OTHER BOOKS FROM YLVA PUBLISHING

COMING FROM YLVA PUBLISHING

Copyright

CHAPTER 1

“I’m bored.”

Uh-oh. Victoria glanced at Jac, whose restless gaze swept the bar, stopping occasionally to scan a knot of people or linger on a woman sitting alone.

Victoria sighed. I should’ve stayed home tonight. “You were the one who talked me into a girls’ night out.”

“Roger’s out of town. There was no point in you sitting home all alone.”

“But did it have to be The Arc?”

“What’s wrong with The Arc? The music is good, drinks are reasonable…” Jac’s gaze followed a woman walking past them. “The women are fine. What’s not to like?”

The fact that I’m really tired of being your wingwoman. “Just once I’d like to go to a regular bar. Just once. Why couldn’t we try Marco’s on Seventeenth?”

“Marco’s? You’re married and I’m gay. If we go to Marco’s, neither of us are getting lucky tonight. At least here…” She winked.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Here you can walk up to just about any woman and find a cure for your ennui.” Victoria rolled her eyes.

“Just about? You doubt me, old friend?”

Victoria groaned, dropped her head on the bar, and thumped it a few times. “God forbid that I ever doubt Jac the Invincible, Jac the Seductress, Jac the Temptress, Jac the mphhh—”

“Okay, I get your point.” Jac laughed and removed her hand from Victoria’s mouth.

“You are such an arrogant bitch.”

“True, but you love me.” Jac sipped her drink, surveying the room.

“So, what’s the matter? Don’t see anyone to your liking tonight?”

“Aw, I don’t know. Maybe I’m not in the mood or something. Jesus, Vic, look at them.”

Victoria glanced over her shoulder. “What’s the matter with them?”

Jac sighed, turned her back to the crowd, and signaled the bartender for another round. “Nothing, really. Awfully vanilla, though. Hell, they’d probably go running to Mommy if I turned one of them over my knee.”

“Well, if that’s the problem, why don’t you go to Sous-terre?” The ultra-secretive private club was notorious for catering to those with darker sexual tastes, and though Victoria had never been there, Jac was a frequent patron.

Jac continued to stare at the bottles lined up behind the bar, her expression unreadable.

“Maybe later.” She threw some bills on the bar, then downed half the Scotch in one swallow. “There’s no challenge anymore. Not here, not at Sous-terre. Nowhere.”

Victoria scowled. “It’s not like you can have absolutely any woman you want, you know.”

Jac’s eyebrow rose. “Is that a challenge?”

Victoria froze, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. When she failed to respond, Jac smirked and looked away.

Suddenly Victoria wanted nothing so much as to win a round from her charismatic friend. Jac had always been the alpha female in their friendship, and as much as Victoria loved her, she ached to claim the laurels at least once. She didn’t allow for second thoughts. “Yes, it is.”

Now both eyebrows rose, and Jac straightened. “Name your terms.”

“I select the target. You have one month, exactly thirty-one days, to get her into bed or you lose.” Victoria was nauseous, but she couldn’t back down now.

“And the wager?”

Victoria hesitated. She had intended to bet money, but impulsively altered her conditions. “If you win, I’ll talk Roger into us going to Sous-terre with you.”

Jac tilted her head. “I didn’t think you had any interest in the club, but all right. And if you win? Not that there’s a chance you will, mind you.”

Victoria clenched her hands around her martini glass and refused to meet Jac’s gaze. “If I win, you forget about your rules and lines of demarcation, and come to the mountains with me for a whole weekend.”

There was a sharp intake of breath.

Victoria finally forced herself to look up.

Jac’s expression was grave. “That really doesn’t sound like a good idea. Do you understand the risks? We’ve been partway down this path before and it didn’t work out well for any of us.”

Victoria was acutely aware that what she was proposing had the potential to destroy their friendship and her marriage. Jac had always been adamantly against crossing that line, but Victoria was helpless to resist a chance, however remote, to be with the only woman who haunted her erotic dreams. “That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.” Dr. Eichler would have my head if he could hear me, but I don’t care.

Long moments passed, until Victoria became sure that her challenge would be refused.

“You’re on, but only because I know you’re going to lose.”

Victoria exhaled deeply and her hands trembled. She didn’t know whether to celebrate or pass out.

Jac focused a cool, businesslike gaze on Victoria. “So who’s the target?”

“Her name is Lauren Blaine. She’s a young woman I work with at the agency.”

“Tell me about her.”

“She’s a great kid. One of those people who has a real, deep down goodness to her, you know? As for looks, she’s cute. She’s not very tall, but you can tell she’s in good shape. She’s got short dark hair, kinda shaggy, and big innocent eyes that see right through you.”

“So, what aren’t you telling me?”

Victoria knew Jac wouldn’t renege now that she had accepted the challenge, so, with a smile, she threw down her ace. “She’s straight, and engaged to be married.”

Jac shrugged. “Minor details. So, when and how do I meet her?”

“I’m taking her out to lunch on Monday for her twenty-fifth birthday. Why don’t you meet us at The Aerie for lunch about one?”

“Done.”

Victoria raised a finger. “And your thirty-one days start ticking off the moment you meet her.”

“All right, but I have terms, too. You’re not allowed to run me down to her, or say or do anything to influence the outcome of the bet. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

Jac pushed away from the bar. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

Victoria watched Jac prowl the crowded room. She wasn’t the least bit surprised when Jac moved in on the women around the pool table and skillfully separated a curly haired blonde from the pack.

Jac leaned close, lightly running one finger down the woman’s arm as she whispered to her. When the blonde laughed and wrapped an arm around Jac’s waist, Victoria shook her head. “Here we go again.” The evening ended in its usual precipitous manner when Jac and the other woman left the bar shortly thereafter.

Why do I always do this to myself? I could turn down her invitations. I don’t have to say yes. She sighed. Get real. You’ll take being with her any way you can, and you know it.

People were Jac’s friends on Jac’s terms. If they didn’t accept that, she made no effort to try to change their minds. No one, friend or lover, ever truly pierced her impassive exterior. Part of Victoria’s sexual obsession was a desire to see if Jac even let herself go in the throes of passion. That, and the fact that you know she’d twist you in knots and wring you inside out.

Exasperated with herself, Victoria banished that line of thinking and contemplated the wager. She had a minor crisis of conscience about turning a wolf loose on the vulnerable young woman with whom she shared an office, but Lauren was devoted to her fiancé. All she talked about was house hunting and planning their life together. She’s way too committed to fall for Jac.

Banishing any ethical qualms, Victoria pushed her empty glass across the bar and shook her head at the bartender. She twisted her wedding ring several times on her finger as her conscience pricked her. I didn’t do anything wrong.

As she left the bar, she tried hard to stop imagining what Jac and the blonde were up to. She failed.

“I called a cab for you. It’ll be waiting downstairs. I’ve already taken care of the fare.” Jac held out the woman’s coat and purse.

“I can stay, you know. I don’t have to hurry home.”

Yes, you do. “I have to be up very early for another engagement and it wouldn’t be fair to you to roust you out of here at five o’clock in the morning.”

“All right.” The woman took a card from her purse and scrawled on the back. “Here’s my number. I had fun tonight, and I’d love to do it again some time.”

“It was wonderful, wasn’t it? Are you okay going down by yourself or would you like me to walk you?” Please say no.

The woman leaned close and slipped her hand inside Jac’s gown to fondle her breasts. “If you walk me down, we might not make it outside.”

Jac fought to stop herself from flinching. She gently but firmly removed the woman’s hand, taking it between hers. “As lovely as that sounds, I really need to get some sleep tonight.”

“Your loss.”

“Indeed. Take care of yourself, and thank you again for this evening.”

“My pleasure.” The woman waved and left the loft.

Jac locked the door, leaned against it, and closed her eyes. “Remind me again why I thought that was a good idea?”She turned off the lights and walked to her windows, where she watched her latest conquest get into the taxi. When the car drove away, she lifted her gaze to the cityscape, bright with lights across the river. Are there any truly happy people out there?

She glanced at the clock. 12:07. I wonder if Marc’s still up. It’s not even midnight his time. Jac picked up the phone and hit the speed dial for her brother, but the call went straight to voice mail. She ended it without leaving a message.

For a long moment she stared at the receiver, trying to think who else might help ease the profound melancholy that shrouded her thoughts.

No one. If you took Marc and Victoria out of the picture, there wasn’t a single soul she could call in the midnight hours. God, how pathetic.

With a weary shake of her head, she set the phone down and turned to climb the stairs back to her bedroom.

CHAPTER 2

Lauren glanced at Phillip, who was totally focused on a tiny screen. He hadn’t looked up from his smartphone since they’d left the city. “Everyone’s really looking forward to meeting you. Mom’s making a big Sunday dinner, and she asked me what your favourites were.”

Phil grunted without looking up.

“Courtney, Adam, and Anjali couldn’t make it down from Edmonton, but I think everyone else will be there.”

“Trying to watch the game here, babe.”

Lauren sighed. He wouldn’t even say hi when she and her mother Skyped. It had taken months to convince him to go home with her to meet her family. “Please make an effort, hon. These are going to be your in-laws, after all—the grandparents of our children.”

He sighed and lowered his phone. “I’m going, aren’t I? I gave up three games this afternoon.” The roar of a crowd rose from his phone, and he snatched it up. “Yes! Touchdown!”

Uh-huh, you gave up the games all right. Lauren shook her head and focused on the road. The narrow, straight lane ran between fields that were golden in the early September sunlight. Her heart rate picked up as she spotted the Andersons’ distinctive barn-shaped mailbox. Five minutes to home.She hadn’t made the trip from the city since mid-August, and she could hardly wait to see her family. Phil and Jason should get along well. They’re both sports crazy.

When Lauren turned into the long driveway, her mother and brother were in the front yard watching two small boys pick up windfalls under the apple trees. “Oh good, Brian and Andrea made it. You’ll love my nephews. They’re adorable.” She waved at her mother and slowed as her nephews ran toward the car.

“Who’s the dude in the wheelchair?” Phil asked.

“That’s my brother, Zac. He’s got cerebral palsy.”

“He’s black.”

“So? I’ve told you six of my siblings are adopted.”

Phil shot her a frown. “Yeah, but you never said one of ’em was black.”

“And one sister is East Indian and one has Down’s, so what? They’re my family. That’s all that matters.” Lauren parked her car next to two pickup trucks, turned off the engine, and hopped out. She swept Jacob and Nick into her arms, laughing as they smothered her with wet kisses.

“Did you bring us something, Auntie Laurie?” Jacob asked.

“Bring, bring, bring,” Nick echoed.

Lauren managed to get a hand into her jacket pocket and came up with two Tootsie Pops. “Something like this, you mean?” She grinned at their squeals of delight.

“Come on, you two, let your auntie catch her breath.” Lauren’s mother pried three-year-old Nick out of her arms. “Go tell your daddy that his little sister is here.”

Five-year-old Jacob squirmed to break free of Lauren’s embrace. “Me too, me too! I want to go tell Daddy, too.”

She laughed and set him down to chase after his brother.

Her mother used her apron to wipe Lauren’s face. “Sorry about that. They were having such fun gathering pie apples for me that I couldn’t say no when they wanted one to eat.” She wrapped her arms around Lauren and hugged her. “It’s so good to have you home. Happy almost birthday, Laurie.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Lauren turned to Phil and gestured him forward. “Mom, this is Phillip. Phil, this is my mom, Cynthia.”

Phil shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Cynthia said. “We’ve been so looking forward to this.” She patted Lauren’s arm. “Why don’t we go up to the house? You’re probably thirsty after that long drive.”

Lauren laughed. “It’s only a couple of hours, Mom. I didn’t exactly have to pack up the wagon train to make the trip.”

Her mother chuckled and linked arms with Lauren. They walked up the pathway with Phil trailing behind.

“Is Dad working today?”

“He was, but he’ll be in soon. He and Jason are finishing the last of the harvest. The rain last week delayed them, but your dad thinks it’ll be a bumper crop this year.”

“That’s wonderful.” Lauren stopped to kneel at Zac’s side and hugged him gently. “Hey, sweetie. How’s my favourite little brother?” She held steady while his arms jerked around her and he rested his head on her shoulder. “Mom said your new therapist is working wonders.”

“She’s a pistol all right, isn’t she, Son?” Cynthia smiled at him.

Zac’s eyes shone as he nodded.

Lauren rose and turned to Phil. “Phil, this is my brother, Zac.” The door opened and Lauren grinned. “And this is my big brother, Brian, and his beautiful wife, Andrea.”

Andrea laughed and shifted Nick to her other hip. “You are such a charmer. It’s a wonder you’ve stayed single this long.” She hugged Lauren and extended a hand to Phil. “We’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”

“Thanks.” Phil shook hands with Andrea and then Brian before an explosion of noise emanated from his phone, and he snuck a glance.

Lauren rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind him. His Seahawks are playing. The world could come to an end, and he wouldn’t notice.”

“I’ve got the game on inside,” Brian said. “You’re welcome to join me.”

“Awesome.” Phil started to follow Brian, Jacob trailing behind them, when Sara came out of the door and immediately wrapped her arms around Phil. She giggled, jouncing him up and down.

He flinched and tried to pull free.

Lauren winced. She’d cautioned Phil about Sara’s affectionate reaction to complete strangers. I guess he forgot.

“Sara, come say hi to your sister.” Cynthia held out her hand.

Sara let go, and Phil bolted into the house.

Lauren exchanged hugs with Sara.

“See my new shoes, Laurie?”

“I do. They’re beautiful.” Lauren admired Sara’s shoes as she lifted each foot up. “Did Mom help you choose them?”

“Unh-uh. I picked them out all by myself. Do you want to see my new coat? Mom helped me pick that out.”

Lauren slung an arm around Sara’s shoulders. “I’d love to see it.”

After Lauren admired the additions to Sara’s wardrobe and spent time with Zac, she went to find Phil, who was in the living room with Brian. “Would you like to come on a tour of the property, hon? It’ll be a couple of hours until dinner—lots of time to show you all my favourite spots.”

Never taking his eyes off the TV, Phil shook his head. “Maybe later, babe. The fourth quarter just started and the Seahawks are only down by three.”

Lauren watched him for a moment, then turned away. “Guess I’ll go help Mom.”

Lauren leaned over to whisper in Phil’s ear. “Please turn it off. Mom’s rule is no phones at the dinner table.”

He scowled, but muted the phone and put it in his pocket.

“So, Phil, Laurie tells us you work with your dad.” Steven nodded at Jason. “I don’t know how I’d run this place without my son. Your father must be thrilled that you joined the family business.”

“I guess.” Phil heaped more chicken onto his plate.

“There are branches of Emerson’s Luxury Auto in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Edmonton now, Dad,” Lauren said. “Phil was in sales, but he was promoted to management a few months ago, just after we got engaged. Frank—that’s Phil’s dad—says at the rate Phil’s learning the ropes, he’ll be able to take early retirement.” Okay, a little exaggeration, but what can it hurt?

“If Phil is in luxury autos, why are you still driving that old bug?” Jason winked at her.

Phil snorted. “That’s what I keep telling her. It’s not good for our image when she runs around town in that bucket of bolts.”

“It’s not a bucket of bolts,” Lauren said. “It’s served me well since I left high school, and it deserves better than being thrown over for some fancy piece of tin.”

Phil bristled. “Fancy piece of tin? I’m not asking you to drive a Porsche, for God’s sake, but you could at least let me put you in a Lincoln or an Audi.”

“Which you would sell right out from under me in a heartbeat if you found a buyer for it, so, no, thanks. The Beetle may have a few miles on it, but it’s mine and it’s paid for.”

“I like your yellow car,” Sara said.

Lauren smiled. “Thanks, sweetie. I do, too.” She glanced at her mother. Cynthia met her gaze for a moment, then turned to help Zac. Damn it. No one’s teasing. This isn’t good. Whenever one of her siblings brought someone home to meet the family, they were usually subjected to endless teasing. Everyone had been perfectly polite to Phil all afternoon, but not even Jason had cracked a joke.

After dinner, Lauren helped her mother clean up the kitchen.

Phillip poked his head around the doorjamb. “Can we get going, babe? I’m going to miss the second half of the night game if we don’t leave now.”

Lauren hung up her dish towel. “All right. I’ll be there in a moment. Thanks very much for dinner, Mom. It was fabulous, as always.”

“You’re welcome. You’re always welcome, you know that. Would you like to take a couple slices of pie home with you?”

“No, thanks. You save the rest. I know how much Jason and Sara love your pie.”

“I made three pies, lots for everyone, though I do wish you’d let me make you a birthday cake. It just doesn’t seem right not to have one when your big day is tomorrow.”

“I appreciate it, Mom. I really do. But there was enough stress with introducing Phil to the family. I didn’t want to add to the hassle.”

“Phsst. As if celebrating any of your birthdays is ever anything but a pleasure.”

Lauren hugged her mother. “Please don’t worry about it. You made my favourite key lime pie and that’s always a special treat.”

“All right…but I do have some presents for you to take home, and don’t even think of telling me no.”

Lauren chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Are you sure Phil wouldn’t like another piece of pie for later?”

Lauren hesitated. Phil had eaten two slices at dinner. “If you’re sure, you can spare one.”

“I can.” Cynthia busied herself slicing and wrapping a generous wedge.

“Mom?”

“Yes?” Cynthia met Lauren’s plaintive gaze.

“You’ve been awfully quiet. Is everything all right?”

“Of course. I’m just a little preoccupied, that’s all. I’ve got a lot on the schedule this week.”

“I know, but…” Lauren wasn’t sure she wanted to put her question into words.

Cynthia reached for Lauren and pulled her into a long hug. With a sigh, she finally released her. “I’m sure he’ll grow on us, sweetie. All that matters is that you love him.” She pressed her lips firmly together and handed Lauren the pie. “You make sure you stay in touch now, okay? Zac and Sara love to see you on Skype, and so do I. Makes me forget you’re so far away in the big city.”

“Between me, Courtney, Anjali, and Adam, you must spend half your time on Skype.”

Cynthia laughed. “Not quite, and your brother isn’t nearly as good as you and your sisters about staying in touch, but it does liven up the evenings when you all call.”

She walked Lauren to the front door where her family waited to share hugs and kisses.

Lauren glanced out at the car. Phil was already sitting in the passenger seat, his head down.

“You come back soon,” Andrea said. “The boys miss their auntie.”

“You mean they miss the Tootsie Pops.” Lauren knelt and hugged the boys one last time. “You two be good, and I’ll see what I can bring the next trip, okay?”

Cynthia pulled a brown grocery bag out of the closet and handed it to Lauren. There were several brightly wrapped packages inside.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“I’ll Skype you tomorrow evening, okay? I can’t let your special day go by without singing to you.”

Lauren nodded. “Looking forward to it.” Her family followed her down the ramp to her car.

“We miss you,” her father said. “Don’t stay away too long.”

Jason waved. “See you next time.”

The drive home was quiet.

Phil was lost in his game.

Lauren was lost in her thoughts.

CHAPTER 3

Lauren looked up from the computer when Victoria stopped by her desk.

“Are we still on for lunch today, birthday girl?”

“That sounds wonderful. But you really don’t have to treat. I’d be happy to pay my own way.”

Victoria waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t be silly. Of course it’s my treat. It’s your special day. But I did want to ask if you’d mind if an old friend of mine joins us.”

“Of course not. Any friend of yours, and all that.”

“Thanks. I should warn you that Jac can sometimes be a little overpowering. I think it’s because she had to fight so hard to make it up the corporate ladder and it’s hardened her a little. But she’s got a good heart, and she and I go way back.”

“No worries. I look forward to meeting her.”

Victoria perched on the corner of her desk. “So, did Phil give you a birthday present yet?”

“Um, no. He never said anything this morning, but then he was running late and in such a hurry that he almost forgot his phone.”

“Oh my God, not his phone. I’m sure he has romantic plans for later tonight.”

“Maybe. Probably.” Hopefully.

“How did it go with introducing him to your family this weekend? Did they think he was the best thing since sliced bread?”

“It went well, I think. You know how these things go—first meeting with the in-laws-to-be. People just need time to get to know each other, so it was a little stiff.”

“I know exactly what you mean. The first time I met Roger’s mother, I was so focused on being on my best behavior that I’m sure she thought he was engaged to a stick-in-the-mud.”

Lauren laughed. “I can’t even imagine you being a stick-in-the-mud.”

“Neither could Roger’s mother after the stagette party.” Victoria winked and stood up. “Well, I’d best get back to work. I told Jac we’d meet her about one at The Aerie. Is that good for you? Irene and Janet said they’d cover for us.”

“Sure, that sounds fine.”

Jac glanced from the data on her computer screen to the time. She had forty-five minutes before she was to meet up with Victoria, and she needed to pick up the first element of her campaign.

Jac enjoyed the anticipation that curled within. Victoria’s challenge had been completely unexpected but welcome. There weren’t a lot of thrills left in her job.

Her earlier years with the bank had provided the stimulation of climbing the corporate ladder, and she had taken great satisfaction in advancing from being a freshly minted MBA to senior sales leader—commercial lending in record time. The men who once trained her now reported to her, a fact that occasioned some resentment in the lower echelons.

For the most part, she ignored the rumblings of discontent and muffled complaints of gender preference. At thirty-four, she had forged her career advancement much as a general would wage a military campaign—understanding her opponents, her allies, and the field of battle—with intimate savvy and unrelenting hard work.And of course, it helped to have no home life and no domestic commitments.

She sighed. In the past few months, her six-figure income, the downtown loft overlooking the river, and the perks her wealth and position brought her felt like small compensation for the loneliness that dogged her with increasing frequency. At least the bet was a break in her routine.

Jac wrenched her mind from its maudlin track. “All right. That’s enough of that nonsense.”She had an excellent job, terrific prospects, and an intriguing challenge to keep her attention for the next month. Once she had bedded Victoria’s friend, she would turn serious attention to achieving the next level in management. “Jacqueline Lanier—Senior Executive. I like the sound of that.”

Jac paused in the alcove of the restaurant. She spotted Victoria and another woman seated at a corner table and took a moment to study her prey. Vic hadn’t lied. The woman was cute, in a girl-next-door kind of way.

Lauren had a slim, compact build and a sweet, open face with a healthy crop of freckles. Sunbeams danced off her chestnut hair, illuminating red highlights.

Jac spoke briefly to the maître d’, handed her coat to the attendant, and began to make her way across the floor. She held a slim, paper-wrapped cylinder. Did Vic say what colour her eyes are? I can’t remember. Jac prided herself on her excellent memory for details, and this challenge was going to demand the utmost from her intelligence, charm, and strategic skills.

Just then, Lauren looked up and met Jac’s gaze, her big brown eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Hello, Victoria.” Jac extended her hand. “And you must be Lauren. I hope you don’t mind me joining you. It’s just been so long since I’ve been able to get together with my best friend that when I heard she was having lunch out today, I rather rudely invited myself.”

There was genuine warmth in Lauren’s gaze as she shook Jac’s hand. “Not at all. You’re most welcome. I’ve been looking forward to our meeting. Victoria speaks of you often.”

Jac set the cylinder in front of Lauren. “This is a small apology for crashing your birthday celebration, as well as congratulations on the big day.” She slid into the chair opposite Lauren, amused at the other woman’s childlike delight with the surprise.

Lauren carefully peeled back the paper to reveal two perfect roses—one white and one red—in a tiny crystal bud vase.

“Oh, my heavens. These are beautiful. Aren’t they beautiful, Victoria?”

“Yes. Jac’s always had excellent taste.”

Jac ignored Vic’s acidic glance. “So, which birthday is it?”

“Twenty-fifth.”

“A whole quarter century? Then this is an occasion for celebration. I hope your twenty-fifth year is filled with marvels, magic, and much joy.”

Lauren looked up shyly. “It’s certainly gotten off to a good start. Thank you very much.” She ran a finger over the red rose, tracing the softness of the petals.

Struck by the unintended eroticism of the gesture, Jac took a hasty swallow of her water.

“We’re ready to order,” Victoria said. “You’d better catch up.”

“Of course. I know we all have to get back to the office.”

Once their orders were taken, menus collected, and coffee cups refilled, they resumed their conversation. Well aware that she was under scrutiny by both companions, Jac maintained an amiable expression, smiling often and chatting comfortably. Small talk did not come naturally to her, but she had trained herself in the art and it stood her in good stead in the corporate world. Now she used it to draw out her target. “Have you been working with Vic long, Lauren?”

“I’ve been at the agency for just over a year now. Victoria was wonderful about taking me under her wing and teaching me the trade.” Lauren smiled at Victoria.

“Do you enjoy it?” Jac liked the sound of Lauren’s voice, but reminded herself this was business, not pleasure. Though if what’s under that dress looks as good as I think it will, there’s going to be a lot of pleasure involved too.

“I love it. It’s wonderful helping people plan their dream vacations and go places they’ve never been. And then there are all the business trips I take. I just got back from the Cook Islands last month. Do you like to travel?”

“I do enjoy it. However, a certain best friend, who shall remain nameless, sent me to this godforsaken island off India last year, where I’m convinced they still practice cannibalism.” Jac grinned at Victoria.

“Hey, you’re the one who said she wanted to get off the beaten path.”

“Uh-huh. Off the beaten path, Vic, not on a whole other planet.” Jac exulted in the sound of Lauren’s laughter. And we’re off…

They chatted easily as their meals were served, and time passed swiftly.

Jac was pondering her next move when Lauren laid a hand on Victoria’s arm.

“Are you sure you can’t come on Friday? I hate to waste the tickets, and I don’t want to go alone.”

Victoria shook her head. “Roger and I have been invited to his boss’ place, and we really have to go.”

“What are the tickets for, Lauren?” Jac hid a smirk at Vic’s instant look of alarm.

“A Blue Rodeo concert at Randall Auditorium. My fiancé and I were supposed to be going, but he says he’d made prior arrangements for a football game with his friends.” Lauren shook her head. “I’m sure I checked with him about the date before I bought the tickets, but he says I didn’t. I can’t get a refund, and I don’t have anyone else to go with.”

“I like Blue Rodeo,” Jac fibbed. “Why don’t I buy one of the tickets from you and keep you company?”

“Really? That would be great. But you don’t have to buy the ticket—I’ll just give it to you.”

“No, I insist on paying for it. I wouldn’t want to take advantage of you.”

Victoria choked, and Jac patted her on the back. “Something go down the wrong way?”