From one night…to forever?

With a successful boutique in Charlotte and plans to open another exclusive one in Aspen, Alythia Duffy feels as if she’s finally arrived. Then a wild week in the Caribbean at her best friend’s bachelorette celebration threatens to ruin everything, though Alythia doesn’t regret her passionate idyll with a sensual stranger.

Self-made developer Gage Vincent learned long ago not to believe the words of a beautiful woman. He thought Alythia was different. Yet, how can he trust her after he finds out that she is bidding for space in his hot new skyscraper? Will Alythia be able to prove to him that she is the special woman meant to share his life?

“I think my suggestion should come with a peace offering.”

Aly saw the straps of her sandals dangling from his index and middle fingers. “Hmph, good thing I didn’t get more comfortable.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Whatever interest Gage had in talking seemed to have vanished, for he suddenly pushed off the door frame and advanced.

Alythia was opening her mouth to thank him for returning her shoes. He never gave her the chance, and for the second time that day, her body reacted to the delicious sensation of his mouth on hers. Again, he began with a tentative exploration that quickly blossomed into a sensuous entwining of their tongues.

Gage withdrew from the kiss to outline the curve of her cheek, brush the sensitive skin behind her ear and trail his nose along her neck.

“Gage?”

“Mmm…”

“Do you kiss all women you know so soon after you meet them?”

He nipped at her earlobe. “Would you believe that I’ve forgotten every other woman I’ve ever met?”

“No,” she gasped, still enraptured by his touch and feeling the vibration of laughter through his body.

“You really know how to hurt a man.”

“It’s not out of habit.” Aly felt her sandals bumping her bottom when he switched them to his other hand while he held her. “So what do I have to do to get my shoes back?” she murmured against his jaw, wanting his mouth on hers.

ALTONYA WASHINGTON

has been a romance novelist for nine years. Her 2012 Mills & Boon Kimani Romance title His Texas Touch, second in the Lone Star Seduction series, was nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Best Series Romance category. The author began 2013 with her Mills & Boon Kimani Romance book Provocative Territory.

Trust In Us

AlTonya Washington

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

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Dear Reader,

Thanks for curling up with my latest novel. Trust In Us features Gage Vincent and Alythia Duffy, and brings with it many of the reasons why I love writing romance. In addition to vibrant settings, the attraction between Gage and Alythia is greatly affected by assorted dramas that emphasize how very much this couple wants to be together.

You guys know I love my heroes, and Gage was a treat to create. Here’s a little of what I shared about him in a recent blog: “When I craft that hero of mine, he’s the only one…in spite of all the others who’ve come before him or the ones that I know will come after him. When I’m writing that guy, he’s the epitome, the showstopper.… So which hero inspired this particular blog? His name is Gage Vincent.”

I hope you’ll enjoy this treat.…

Toodles,

Al

To my mom and dad, Alphonso and Carolyn Washington. Thanks for being the leaders of the best support team any author could ask for!

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 1

“It’d be real nice of you to have this all wrapped up by the time I get back.”

“Now, you know I’m good, boss. But even I won’t boast that I could make that happen in a couple of days.”

Gage Vincent kept his eyes fixed on the open folder, which had been hoarding his attention for the past ten minutes. The response from his assistant commanded a smile that accentuated his words with imminent laughter when he finally spoke.

“Jay wants ten days, I’m giving him ten days,” Gage told the young man who occupied the paper-littered sofa on the other side of the office suite.

Webb Reese’s chuckle was a touch muffled behind the papers he held close to his attractive, heavily bearded face. “You taking a ten-day break? That’ll be a first.”

Gage’s face held a stony yet sly expression.

In a show of defense, Webb raised his hands, sending the papers sprinkling down onto the black suede of the sofa. “Just sayin’,” he sang.

Gage returned his focus to the folder, shut it and gave it a wave in Webb’s direction. “Time to start earning that insane salary I’m paying you.”

Webb’s nod was brief. His earlier playfulness had now adopted a more solemn element. “You’re really leaving it all up to me?”

Gage’s lone dimple made a quick appearance when he smiled that time. “You’ve earned it.” He watched Webb come forward to claim the file.

“This is a big deal, boss.” Webb emphasized the reminder by giving the folder a deliberate shake.

“Sure is.” A thick glossy brow rose with challenging intent and Gage studied his assistant of five years with a look of mock suspicion. “Have you learned nothing from your vast experience in my presence?”

Webb attempted to laugh over the tease but seemed too nervous to do so.

Taking pity, Gage pushed aside the other files that required his attention. He reared back in his desk chair while leveling a deep chocolaty-brown stare at Webb.

“I’m leaving this to you because I trust you to handle it right.” Gage inclined his head slightly when he noticed Webb’s eyes widen. “I have a building full of people who’d be happy to chime in with their two cents, argue against your points of view and suggest I fire you upon my return.”

Webb laughed then.

The “building full of people” Gage had referred to—more specifically, the senior executive staff—were all employed by Vincent Industries and Development, or VID, as it was more affectionately known locally—in and around Charlotte, NC—nationally and internationally.

“I need someone to have my back on this, Webb.” Gage was serious, which was made evident by the intermittent flash of the lighter hues in his rich gaze. “You’re the only one who knows my tastes. You know what offers I think have merit and which ones I think are bullshit. In short, you won’t just accept a bid based on the amount of zeroes it brings with it. You’ll look at the people the bid is attached to, their backgrounds, the people attached to them and their backgrounds.”

Webb’s emerging toothy smile hinted at his appreciation of Gage’s words.

“Are you saying you don’t think your top circle of people will care about those things?” he asked.

“My top circle cares about the money they make me.” Gage reared back again in the desk chair, which coordinated with the sofa and other office furnishings. “That’s one reason they belong to my top circle— because I care about the money they make me.

“But I also care about the pockets that money comes from before it comes to mine,” Gage shared once the round of low laughter between him and Webb subsided. “That care involves certain hands-on work that I won’t be able to be a part of, as I’ll be off somewhere wasting my time.”

Webb’s laughter then sounded abrupt. “Dang, sir, you make it sound like a hassle.”

“A hassle.” Gage focused on a point across his expansive office and appeared to be turning the word over in his mind as he reflected upon the observation. “It’s not exactly a hassle. I just don’t see the positive in bringing together the bridal party before the wedding.” He shrugged, sending a ripple through the crisp fabric of the olive-green shirt he wore.

“You’ve known me and my gang long enough, Webb. My boys and I can find drama where none should ever exist. Mix in the bride and her gang... Well...you get the picture I’m trying to create here....”

“It could still make for less drama,” Webb said, evidently adopting the role of devil’s advocate. “Think of it as a chance to meet and get to know each other on a less stressful level before all the real pre-wedding festivities get under way.”

“Less stressful.” Sighing, Gage massaged his eyes while considering the upcoming bachelor-and-bachelorette getaway that had been suggested by the bride-to-be.

“It’s also a time to get to know the bride better,” Webb added while moving to collect the papers that had been strewn around the office during the course of the morning’s meeting.

Resting his head back on the chair, Gage bridged his fingers and factored that element into his thinking. His oldest friend, Jayson Muns, had recently stunned his close group of friends with news of his engagement to Orchid Benjamin. The woman’s background boasted old money. Old as in antebellum old, rare for an African-American family of the South, but it was what it was.

Unfortunately, Jay’s black society princess had a reputation that had been earned on the wilder side. It was a reputation that Jayson seemed totally oblivious to.

“Ten days in the Caribbean...” Webb reminded him. “And I’m betting it won’t be any hardship on the eyes at all to be around Ms. Benjamin and her crew. You can learn a lot about people by the friends they keep.”

Webb continued his tidying—and missed Gage smiling miserably in agreement.

* * *

Myrna Fisher used her free hand to pile her shoulder-length bobbed hair into a loose dark ball atop her head. With that done, she reinserted the outfit just below her chin. She’d folded down the hanger to improve her observation in the full-length mirror.

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d swear your ambition was the only thing motivating you to take this trip.” Myrna barely turned her head to throw her voice across her shoulder.

Alythia Duffy snuggled deeper into the tousle of thick pillows along the head of the high-canopied bed. Her bright eyes never left the snow globe as she shifted it upside down, right-side up and back again.

“I don’t know any better,” Alythia conceded, the bulk of her attention on the rush of white confetti drifting down around a miniature replica of the Charlotte skyline.

In playful retaliation, Myrna tossed the outfit she’d been debating over. The garment landed across Aly’s bare feet, which were only partially visible given all the other articles of clothing Myrna had tossed there during her rushed packing job.

“In spite of my cluelessness, ambition isn’t my only reason for going.” Alythia defended herself in a tone harboring a fair share of mock indignance.

“But it is a reason?” Myrna challenged. Silence met her query and she did an about-face toward the canopy, shooting a glare in Alythia’s direction. “This should be the one time we all put business and all of those other obligations aside, you know?”

Undaunted, Alythia propped herself higher against the pillows. “This coming from the woman who missed her own nephew’s high school graduation for a bikini fitting?”

“Oh, please, Aly...how long are y’all gonna give me grief over that?” Myrna began to rifle through the outfits that would make the cut to be packed for the upcoming trip. “The designer was only in town that night and I’d already been paid five large figures for that shoot.”

“Right...” Alythia took care not to mask any of the sarcasm she was aiming for. “A little business won’t hurt anything,” she reasoned.

Myrna’s mouth fell open and for an instant Alythia thought the woman had gone into shock.

“Are you serious right now, Alythia? One of our group is about to take the vows.” Myrna curved a hand between two perky D-cups and put in place her most sincere expression. “Vows, Aly. Do you get how huge this is?”

Oh, I get it, Alythia thought. She got it all too well. No one, from the local media to the woman’s closest friends, had been more surprised when bad girl around town Orchid Benjamin had announced not only an engagement but also an actual wedding date with her on-again, off-again flame, Jayson Muns. Yes, it was huge.

Melancholy took root inside Alythia, souring her interest in the snow globe perched in her lap. “I’m gonna be there with bells on for her, Mur,” she said, returning the bauble to the white marble night table near the bed. She caught the quick look her friend sliced at her through the mirror.

“I’ll be sure to give Orchid all the attention she needs.” Aly debated slipping back into the rose-blush canvas shoes that matched the drop-tail hem top she wore with denim capris. Myrna didn’t appear impressed or trusting of the promise.

Still, the woman shrugged. “At least you’ll be there in body if not entirely in spirit.”

Thankful for the reprieve, Aly resituated her head on the pillows and studied her anxious friend with greater interest. There was a noticeable weariness to Myrna, given her usual and almost annoying state of cheerfulness. After more than a few seconds of observation, she pushed herself up to half sit among the litter of clothes and pillows.

“What is it?” Alythia’s demand was present in her amethyst eyes. The orbs contrasted beautifully against the dewy caramel of her skin.

“Don’t pay me no mind, girl.” She gave an airy wave. “This bridey stuff is already taking its zany effect on my mood.”

“I don’t buy it.” Alythia raised her hand when Myrna opened her mouth to argue. “I already saw the expression, so spill it.”

“I’m just being stupid.”

“Okay...” Alythia’s drawling reply noted that she wasn’t about to argue her friend’s insight.

Myrna’s smile was more genuine despite the slight strain she couldn’t quite shadow. She tossed a blouse at Alythia’s face.

“Aly?”

“Yeah?”

Myrna moved the clothes to be packed, clearing a spot to sit on the armchair. “What do you think about Orchid’s engagement?” she queried in a tiny voice, as though someone might overhear them even though they were completely alone in the monster penthouse apartment Myrna kept in downtown Charlotte.

“Why?” Again, Aly pushed herself up a smidge higher on the bed. When Myrna just watched her, she shrugged. “I mean, I’m happy....” She shook her head, certain that there was more to the question.

“I’m happy, too.” Myrna scooted to the edge of the chair. “But don’t you think it’s all a little too-too soon?”

“You’re asking this?” Alythia’s words were half matter-of-fact and half playful.

Myrna Fisher was one of the most sought-after lingerie models in the country. The fact that she was black made the accomplishment even more noteworthy. Still, for all Myrna’s savvy allure, her weakness was for relationships. It was well known that the lovely model didn’t go long without a man on her arm. The woman so adored relationships that she had a tendency to become suffocating—a thing most men didn’t handle well, regardless of the woman’s beauty.

Moreover, it did Myrna’s reputation no favors to end things with one adoring suitor only to have another one before the close of the following week.

Appearing somewhat offended by Alythia’s response, Myrna pushed off the chair and returned to holding outfit possibilities before herself in the mirror. “Unlike our friend, at least I don’t pick up random guys to take home.”

Alythia kept her eyes downcast, allowing wavy jaw-length tresses to shield her expression from Myrna’s sight. Myrna’s usual defense was one of many. To her, partners were significant others. No one seemed to have the heart to tell Myrna those “others” were significant only in her mind.

“People can change, Mur.”

“Sure they can, but do people change that much in the span of two weeks?”

“What do you know?” Alythia tilted her head in an attempt to spy Myrna’s actual face rather than its reflection in the mirror.

Myrna was cagey, pretending to be involved in her outfits. “There’s nothing that I can prove.” She suddenly whirled around to point a finger in Alythia’s direction. “And I’m not jealous.”

Aly didn’t think it was wise just then to challenge the vehement declaration as a lie in spite of what she saw lurking in Myrna’s brown eyes.

Alythia Duffy and her close circle of acquaintances had been friends since middle school. They’d been through tense times but always stuck up for each other and defended each other whether or not that defense was warranted.

Though with age came a certain clarity, Alythia thought to herself. There were times when one had to see another for what he or she really was. By all accounts, Orchid Benjamin’s reputation had been tarnished by one sexual disgrace after another since high school.

“I just don’t know if getting married is the best idea for her, that’s all,” Myrna continued.

Alythia, who was now seated in the middle of the bed with her legs folded beneath her, tuned back into Myrna’s diatribe. “Are you suggesting that we say something to change her mind about going through with the wedding?”

The question tugged Myrna’s rapt attention off the mirror and the gossamer lounge dress she was debating over. Again she looked to Alythia and gave a smug gaze. “I’ll reserve judgment till I get a bead on the happy couple during our fun-filled getaway.”

* * *

Gage Vincent was well respected; his reputation was well earned from his fellow industrial entrepreneurs. That respect turned into merited admiration with a hint of envy when the discussion fixed on his stunning success with the opposite sex. It was regarded with an abundance of love when his close circle of friends was in the vicinity.

Gage had known his riotous crew since the days of their rough-and-tumble boyhoods. College and grad school had split the foursome for several years but the bonds hadn’t been broken. The four often traded war stories over drinks, dinner, games of cards or games of a more athletic variety.

While not linked by business, Jayson Muns, Zeke Shepard and Dane Spears were quite appreciative of the fact that Gage’s business saved them the expense of having to purchase their own modes of air travel.

* * *

Orchid Benjamin wasn’t overly impressed. The private aircraft had bold silver streaks trekking both sides of the fuselage to meet at the fin to form the letters VID. Not that the plane wasn’t dumbfoundingly impressive and then some, Orchid thought. What gnawed at her was that her fiancé hadn’t had the good taste and judgment to purchase one of his own.

“I mean, what are we gonna do on future trips?” Orchid asked the woman who had exited the limo behind her. “I know he doesn’t expect me to fly commercial.” She shivered as though the idea were too awful to dwell upon.

“He probably didn’t see the need, Ork.” Myrna pulled sunglasses from her head and perched them across the bridge of her nose. “What for? When his best friend has three of them?”

The rationale apparently pacified Orchid enough. She ran across the tarmac to greet her intended with a throaty—and, in Myrna’s opinion, theatrical—kiss.

Two men stood a few feet away from the affectionate couple. Myrna immediately cast them as friends of the groom. As the other men in her line of sight were in some variation of uniforms, it was a logical guess. From the way they stood back on long legs, hand over mouths, heads inclined toward each other, it also wasn’t hard to guess the topic of their private chatter.

Myrna had been part of enough staged photo settings to have a fairly passable grasp on reading body language. Yep, she thought, Ork’s rep had surely preceded her on the trip. The surge of an approaching engine caught her ear and Myrna let go of a bit more of her apprehension. She released a purely girlish shriek and hurried over to greet the fourth member of their circle.

“How’d you guys manage to swing leaving town without the entire local media descending?” Jeena Stewart placed a hand across her brow while observing the jet in the distance.

“They say Gage Vincent can swing anything.” Myrna dropped a kiss on Jeena’s cheek when they pulled out of their embrace. “Guess that includes leaving town without the whole world knowing about it.”

Jeena nodded, sudden weariness drawing her face into a tight honey-toned mask. “I wish returning my phone calls were one of those things that he could swing.”

Myrna masked her smile, knowing Jeena would take it as an insult. Word was—and speculation ran high toward that word being fact—that Jeena Stewart owed her fortune to the world’s oldest profession. There was nothing anyone could prove, however. Part of the reason for unsubstantiation lay in the fact that Jeena could claim clients for her so-called dating service at local and national government levels, or so it was rumored. Additionally, the woman ran her business like a...well...like a business, with salary and benefits for employees—female and male.

Myrna thought it was all absurd, hence her suppressed, knowing smile. “Guess we’re about ready to take off.” She noted the limo driver passing off her luggage to a member of the baggage staff. “Of course, we’re still one short.” She spared another glance across the tarmac.

Jeena rolled her eyes. “Why am I not surprised?”

* * *

“Ah...dammit,” Alythia said in disgust.

She had hoped taking her car, as opposed to hiring a driver, might play into her excuse of bad traffic, which would have resulted in her missing out on the luxurious flight.

But to her dismay, she arrived at the airstrip to find the plane still waiting. A chorus of birds were chirping somewhere amid the late-morning air as if they meant to welcome her to fun and excitement. Alythia appreciated the welcome but all the while considered circling back to the interstate in hopes of getting caught up in a traffic jam—a tad unlikely at that time of day, but who knew? It all could work in her favor and she might get—

“Can I help you with those?”

Alythia turned, her jaw dropping while her eyes zoned out in a show of surprise.

“Lucky.” She breathed the completion of her thought aloud.

She wasn’t sure if the man who stood within touching distance had sparked such a reaction because of his height. She stood just shy of five-ten in her bare feet, but this guy had to be six-two at least. Sure, it could’ve been the height or the muscular build—more lean than massive. Alythia was more inclined to wager on the man’s remaining attributes.

Whoever he was, he had the most remarkable shade of skin, an unblemished tone of black coffee. The richness was offset by a long, steady brown gaze enhanced by overt gold flecks. His hair was straight textured and close-cropped. Thanks to the morning’s powerful sunrays, Alythia could tell that his hair was of the same deep brown as his eyes.

He was smiling and the curve of a beckoning sculpted mouth was made more attractive by the singular dimple accompanying it. Still, that stare of his was impossible to ignore and difficult to perceive as anything other than intensely observant. His gaze also lent a well-blended mixture of heat and cool to his smile.

“Are you okay?”

She heard him speaking to her, his smile carrying more heat when he leaned close to ask how she was. He extended a hand as if he meant to cup her elbow but barely let his thumb graze the bend of her arm.

Alythia ordered—no, begged—the sudden and completely uncharacteristic desire to moan to cease and desist with the pressure it applied to her larynx.

“I, um— I’m good,” she managed, and then followed up the lie with a laugh. “I was good before I got here and saw that my ride was kind enough not to leave without me.”

He roared into laughter, the sound causing Alythia to jump at the full honesty of it. Despite the contagious effect of the reaction, she winced when he looked her way.

“Sorry, I know I sound ungrateful,” she said.

Curiosity intermingled with his amusement. “Why do you think you’re ungrateful?”

“Most people dream of visiting the Caribbean.” She looked toward the jet once more. “Of those who have actually had those dreams come true, few get there on a private plane.”

“Um, could I take that stuff for you?” he inquired of her bags again before the dumbfounded amusement on his face started to make her feel uneasy.

“Sorry. Um...” Aly began to relinquish her bags. “Thanks for your help— Oh, wait.”

Easing the strap of a tan duffel over his shoulder, he watched her fumble through a plump midsize purse.

“Dammit...I knew I had a five or ten in here....”

“Hey.” He cupped her elbow that time. “There’s no need to tip me.”

Alythia blinked toward the plane. “I’m pretty sure you guys are way behind schedule because of me.”

“We’ll get there.” He voiced the soft reassurance while applying a light massage to the elbow he cupped. “They aren’t gonna leave without you.” He winced a little against the sun in his eyes when he glanced at the plane. “This is a vacation. No clocks. Say it. ‘No clocks.’”

“No clocks.” Alythia nodded in a hypnotic manner while repeating the phrase that sounded like heaven. “No clocks.” She gave in to a smile that demanded to be seen.

Clarity surged in the liquid chocolate of Gage Vincent’s stare and he realized that the woman standing before him had no idea that the plane was his or who he was for that matter.

He dipped his head to peer into Alythia’s eyes and observed her that way for several seconds. He nodded, evidently satisfied that her outlook was improving and more than a little captivated by the stunning shade of her gaze. He then took four of her five bags, effortlessly hoisting the straps across his shoulders and angling one at his neck.

Alythia held on to an overnight case—the smallest of the five. Her smile brightened in approval of the button-down shirt he wore. The short sleeves revealed the flex and ripple of well-toned muscle accentuated by the flawless café noir of his skin.

“Shall we?” He motioned her ahead with the hand secured about the handle of a boxy brown-and-beige case.

“Do you think your boss will be a jerk about me holding up the party?” Alythia asked once they were crossing the tarmac toward the waiting plane.

“You’re good.” He paused. “The man’s a sucker for women. Especially women who look like you.”

“Thank you.” Her words were delivered coolly enough even though his remark had threatened to halt her stride. “Um...will you be on the flight or...?”

“You’ll see me around.” He halted at the foot of the mobile stairway.

“Thank you.” Aly made no secret of the fact that she was attempting to memorize his face before she headed on up the steps leading into the plane.

Gage’s smile went from friendly to smoldering within seconds of Alythia’s exit. He thought her legs seemed to go on forever beneath the airy white skirt that flared above her knees. She wore an emerald racer-back tank that matched strappy sandals that added emphasis on trim ankles and shapely calves. Not until one of the actual baggage handlers interrupted his survey to ask for the cases did Gage look away.

Chapter 2

Gage inclined his head a fraction as though he were attempting to obtain a better view of what he was observing. Absently, he moved the back of one hand across the sleek whiskers that had just started to shadow the strong curve of his jawline. He’d probably have a full beard by the end of the trip, he mused, still staring fixedly at the screen of his MacBook Air.

The golden flecks lurking in the liquid brown of his gaze seemed to sparkle more vividly. He was putting forth a more diligent effort to view the small square footage of space in the same light as the man he videoconferenced with did.

“Sorry, Clive...it’s just not working for me,” he said, at last accepting defeat.

“That’s because you’re not seeing it through a tourist’s eyes.” Clive’s voice rippled out through the laptop’s speakers.

“I resent that.” Gage put up an obviously phony show of being insulted. “I’m as much of a tourist as the next man.”

“Woman,” Clive corrected. “You also need to see this place through the eyes of a woman.”

Clive’s robust and genuine laughter rumbling then, Gage raised his hands defensively. He reclined in the swivel chair behind an efficient but more than adequate desk in the office aboard the aircraft.

“You’ve finally lost me...completely. I’m afraid this requires an expertise that I’m not in any way sorry to say I don’t have.”

“Are you for real?” Clive was incredulous when the screen split and he appeared on the monitor. Soon, though, he relented with a decisive shake of his head. “Look, G, I don’t need you to actually see my plans here.” He referred to the space along the quaint side street within the resort he owned. “I only need you to tell me that you believe the venture has moneymaking potential.”

Gage replayed the clip that had provided a 360-degree tour of the space in question. The area was practically shielded from view due to the overgrown foliage. The camera turned away from the space to offer a brief presentation of the cobblestone street that boasted a twenty-four-hour breakfast bar, nail, wax and massage spa, as well as a bookshop, among its other sole proprietorships.

“Definitely has diversity going for it,” Gage murmured, while more avidly assessing the locale.

Via split screen, Clive could be seen rubbing his hands palm to palm. He even seemed to be performing a little excited dance in his chair, the back of which could be seen moving to and fro through the screen.

“Well?” Clive’s baby-blue eyes were wide with expectancy.

Smirking with evident devilry driving the gesture, Gage let his old friend sweat out the wait for a few more seconds. “I want to take a look at the site when we land, but based on what’s before me now...I can see it.”

Clive bowed his head and Gage’s smirk turned into a grin when he heard the man’s delighted grunt drift through the laptop’s speaker. While Gage hadn’t truly been able to visualize Clive’s business plan for the space at his resort property, Gage saw money. And when Gage Vincent saw money, money was made.

A chuckle accompanied Gage’s grin as Clive’s excitement infected him to an extent. “When’d you get so interested in fashion?”

“Well, hell, Gage, we can’t all be GQ superstars, now, can we?” From the screen, Clive waved a hand toward Gage, who looked worthy of a spread in the famed magazine even in the simple button-down shirt, its cream color accentuating the flawless pitch of his skin.

“I still know what I like, though,” Clive finished indignantly.

Gage’s chuckling rounded out on a quick laugh. He traded stroking his jaw for massaging it and more closely regarded his friend. “Is it the fashion you like or the woman who gave you this idea?”

It was Clive’s turn to raise his hands in defense. “I swear it’s the money the fashion can make me.” The quirky smile that always betrayed his attempts to be at his most serious betrayed Clive then. “The woman only helped me to see it through her eyes.”

Gage’s infectious, hearty laughter erupted. “Is she a blonde or brunette?” he queried through his laughter.

Clive buffed his nails against the crimson polo shirt he wore. “Neither,” he replied.

“Mmm...redhead, then.” Gage was confident with his guess until Clive sent him a look of mock smugness through the screen.

“Not...” Gage observed the easy arrogance in Clive’s resulting smile and fell into another roll of laughter. “Try and save a few of the sistas for the rest of us, will you?” he asked when he’d come up for air. The teasing pleas held a fair amount of seriousness. Gage knew that his old college roommate fully earned his ladies’-man status.

“You and your counterparts are safe.” Clive leaned back in his desk chair. Behind him a view of swaying palms and unending turquoise water rippled in the distance. “Besides, this lady is only interested in me for my building.”

“Good for her. Smart in business and too smart to fall for your foolish lines.”

“Hey! My lines are gold.” Clive shook his head in spite of himself and appeared a touch serious. “You’re right, though—she’s a smart one. Ambitious, too. That combined with your assurance that there is more money in my future is enough for the time being. Besides—” the playful light returned to Clive’s expression “—it’s going to take a lot of time to get the place in shape. That’s more than enough time for me to put my wooing skills to work.”

Smiling broadly, Gage shook his head, as well. “Be sure to let me know how that works out for you.” He wiped at a laugh tear in the corner of his eye and straightened in his chair when he took notice of his open doorway.

The woman from the tarmac waved a hand but began to back out of the office. Gage motioned her forward. Satisfied that she was obliging his request, he interrupted Clive midsentence.

“C? Listen I need to go, but we’ll catch up as soon as we land, all right?”

“Sounds good. See you then.” Clive signed off with a mock salute just before his side of the split screen went black.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were on a call.” She bit the side of her lip, watching as he closed down the laptop.

“Come on in.” Gage was done with the computer and rounded the desk while giving her another beckoning wave.

She hadn’t taken more than a few steps into the office. There she remained. “I only came to apologize.”

“Apologize?” His playful frown prefaced a smile. “Now you have to come in.”

His hand folded down over her elbow, drawing her into the small, albeit state-of-the-art, work space. Despite her reluctance to move forward, she let herself be led into the smartly done office.

“Wow...” She blinked several times in rapid succession, turning to assess every element of the room.

Gage allowed himself to marvel, as well. Sure, he’d marveled over her looks—what man wouldn’t? She was tall and possessed more than her fair share of soft curves, as well as a fragile allure that belied a certain strength. The radiant, creamy caramel of her skin, the stunning amethyst tinge of her stare and the wavy tousle of blue-black bobbing about that lovely face had captured a great deal of his interest. Still, her heart-stopping physical assets didn’t explain the extent of his attention.

What was it exactly? It annoyed him that he couldn’t put a finger on it and yet it beckoned him just the same. Gage believed that once he managed to pinpoint the “it,” he wouldn’t be nearly as infatuated with her as he surely felt he was becoming.

“Alythia Duffy.”

He realized she was giving her name and offering her hand once he’d eased out of the deep well of his thoughts. Taking the hand she extended, he didn’t shake it, only squeezed and held. His grip hinted of possession and gave no promise of freedom.

Alythia cleared her throat.

“You weren’t out there when the introductions went around earlier and I—” She cast a quick look toward the doorway. “I, um... I missed the first ‘getting to know you’ session because I was running sort of late.”

“Right...” Gage allowed unfairly long lashes to settle over his warm gaze as though he were just recalling that fact. “Right...happily late till you discovered your ride hadn’t left without you.”

Alythia hung her head when her eyes closed. Gage could feel her hand going limp inside his and he gave it a few reassuring pumps in an attempt to pull her gaze back to his. It worked.

“Gage Vincent.”

“I know.” Alythia then placed her free hand over the one he’d clasped about hers.

She’d bowed her head again and moved a smidge closer and he took the opportunity to inhale deeply of the light fragrance she wore.

“I’m so sorry about before.” Alythia raised her head suddenly.

“You’ve already apologized to me twice at least and we haven’t even known each other a full day.”

“Oh, I’m—” Alythia appeared to be piping up to extend more apologies. Again she bowed her head. “I didn’t mean to mistake you for working here.”

“Why?” Gage faked confusion, although he knew very well what had her so distressed. “I employ a great group of folks.” He shrugged. “It’s nice to be thought of as one of them.”

“But I shouldn’t have assumed—”

“Why not? I offered to take your bags, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but—”

“You weren’t rude to me, were you?”

“I—” Alythia paused. “I guess not,” she said finally.

Imprisoning her hand in both of his then, Gage squeezed again, using the gesture to tug her closer. “You weren’t. Trust me, I know what rude is.” Briefly, his liquid stare shifted left as though he were about to look across his shoulder.

Alythia piped up once more, this time in order to champion her friends. “The trip hit us out of nowhere. I’m afraid we’re all sort of...um...discombobulated.” She pressed her lips together.

Gage’s eyes locked on her plump bronze-glossed mouth. Silently, he commanded his focus to reside on her words, for the time being, at least.

“Orchid’s your typical nervous bride. I guess we’re all nervous.” Alythia sounded as though she was speaking the last bit to herself.

Gage narrowed his gaze, cocking his head inquisitively in hopes that she’d elaborate on the last. Instead, she fixed him with a dazzling smile that he admitted pleased him just as much as any clarification she might have given.

“I just don’t want us to get off on the wrong foot. It’s important for Orchid that the trip goes well and I can’t afford to be the one that shoots it all to hell.”

Gage felt the wicked flex of muscle along his jaw. “And why should all of that rest on you?”

Alythia responded with a laugh that was clearly tension filled. “There are many ‘whys,’ Mr. Vincent. Among them my inability to be on time when there’s fun to be had.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t mean to ramble. Like I said, we’re all a little nervous.”

Nodding, Gage used the hand he still held captive to pull her arm through the crook of his. “Well, the least an aircraft employee can do is to find a way to settle a passenger’s nerves.”

With that, he escorted Alythia from the office.

* * *

Two delicious mojitos later, Aly was feeling less nervous and far more amused. The dynamics emerging among the newly collected group kept a genuine smile on her face. Whether it was the group or the mojitos that deserved such credit, she couldn’t wager a guess.

Gage had escorted her out to the main cabin and had gotten her settled into a seat somewhat removed from where the rest of the group had gathered. He’d then personally seen to filling the order for her drink.

Alythia kept her gaze trained outside the windows on purpose. She knew Gage’s innocent act of kindness was already being rehashed by her friends.

“How are those nerves doin’?”

Smiling at the question, Alythia looked up at Gage while raising her third mojito, which she was only halfway through. “The nerves are much better.”

Gage claimed a spot on one of the milk-chocolate suede swivels across from where Alythia relaxed. “And how’s the view?”

“The view can’t at all be complained about.”

“Hmph.”

The response drew her stare and she studied him with a knowing intensity. “Guess this is all pretty old hat to you, huh?”

“How often do you travel, Alythia?” he asked, angling an index finger alongside his temple while he watched her.

She turned her attention back outside the window. “Quite a bit, but first class has nothing on this.”

“Well, it doesn’t get old for me,” Gage shared, swiveling his chair a bit. “Every time I take a flight, take time to pull my face out of a report and take a look at the view, I’m reminded of how blessed I am.”

“Must’ve been a hard road to get here.”

Gage grinned. “Hard would’ve been nice. My road was about ten times beyond hard.”

“Ha! I can relate!” Alythia laughed.

“How so?”

Alythia wasn’t of a mind to elaborate. “We’re talking about your hard road, not mine.”

“I’d trade my hard-luck story for yours any day.”

“I’d hate to sour your mood for the rest of the trip, and my story would surely do that.” She sipped at a bit more of the mojito, loving the rejuvenating effects of the crisp drink.

“What if I told you my story could have the same effect on you?”

“All right, then.” Alythia faced him fully, her elbows propped along the arms of the chair. “Suffice it to say that my hard-luck story makes me very appreciative of every good thing that comes my way.” For effect she raised her mojito in a mock toast.

There was a burst of feminine laughter, followed by the roar of male chortling and additional feminine giggling. The sounds drew quick smiles from both Gage and Alythia.

“Sounds like your friends share your point of view.”

Bewilderment sent the elegant lines of Alythia’s brows closer, though she didn’t remain stumped for long. “We’ve all weathered storms and learned from them.”

“Is that right?” He pretended to be stunned.

Alythia rolled her eyes playfully. “Even rich girls have storms to weather, Mr. Vincent.” She aimed a soft smile in Orchid’s direction.

“Hey, Gage?” Myrna called from across the cabin. “Are we gonna fly above the clouds for the whole flight? I want to see the water.”

“Appreciative of every good thing, huh?” Gage spoke the words for Alythia’s ears only and then pushed out of his chair. “Finish your drink.” He squeezed her shoulder on his way to join the group.

* * *

“So?”

“Gage was popping the cap on his Samuel Adams when Dane Spears’s question reached his ear.

“So.” Gage took a swig of the beer.

“Don’t even try it.” Dane’s soft admonishment accompanied a playful frown. “What’s the story?” he persisted.

“What story?” Gage leaned against the Blackwood counter space inside the bar area where his friend had cornered him.

“Come off it, G. You obviously already picked yours.”

Gage eased a measuring look toward his beer bottle. “I think I already had too much to drink.” He shook his head at Dane. “What the hell are you talkin’ about?”

“Don’t take offense, G. Hell, she’s—she’s beautiful.” Dane voiced the compliment as though he was in disbelief of an absolute truth. “If she hadn’t been so late to the party, I’d have probably already staked my claim.”

Grinning as realization hit home, Gage gave another shake of his head. “This isn’t a date.” He downed another swig of the tasty brew.

“Who said anything about a date? I’m talkin’ about a sure thing.” Dane helped himself to one of the assortment of beers chilling in a tub of ice next to the bar. He used the bottle he’d selected to motion toward the women across the room.

“Fine as hell and sure things, every one of ’em.”

Gage narrowed a look toward his friend. “Every one?”

“Well...except the bride, of course.”

“Of course.” Gage enjoyed a few more swallows of beer and enjoyed the view across the room. The view of Alythia Duffy was one that he especially enjoyed. Whether or not he realized it, or would have admitted it if he had.

“Have you met them before?”

Dane settled back against the bar. His arms folded across the snug workout top meant to emphasize an already broad chest as he affixed a keener interest upon the group. “Haven’t formally met any of them, but anybody who’s watched TV or read a paper knows ’em in one form or another. Except for your girl,” he said, referencing Alythia. “Keeps to herself. She’s a beauty but seems kinda standoffish now that I’ve met her.”

Gage smiled, recognizing the last remark as Dane-speak for “She turned me down.” He enjoyed another gulp of the beer, silently admitting that he was as glad of that fact as he was of the appearance of Dane’s sulking.

Alythia being relatively unknown pleased him greatly. What pleased him even more was the fact that she didn’t claim the kind of status her friends seemed to relish.

“Quiet ones are usually the biggest freaks,” Dane chimed in as if reading Gage’s thoughts. He shrugged. “I’m just saying that it doesn’t look like we’ll have to put much work into getting a little somethin’ somethin’ above-or belowground, is all.”

Gage poised his bottle for another swig and changed his mind. “Don’t believe everything you read,” he cautioned.

“Oh, trust me, my friend. Everything I know about that trio, I didn’t have to read.”

Instead of drinking from the bottle, Gage pressed it to his forehead, needing the cool to breach his skin. “Don’t do this,” he sighed. “It’s not the time for conspiracies.”

“That much I know.” Dane seemed to sober. “Already gave it my best shot and Jay’s still over the moon for this one.”

Gage finally pinned his friend with an expression that harbored no trace of amusement. “What’d you do?”

“Felt Jay had a right to know the word on the street about her.” Dane shrugged, downed a bit of the Budweiser he’d selected. “That fool tends to dwell in his own world, you know?”

“Yeah, minding his own business, finding a woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with... Lotta men would love living in that world.”

“Don’t even try it, G.” Dane used his bottle to point in Gage’s direction. “Hookin’ up with the wrong chick can turn a beautiful life into hell on earth.”

“Where’s all this comin’ from, man?”

“Coming from one friend to another.”

“Jay might not see it that way.” Gage went back to girl watching and nursing his beer.

“We usually don’t see it that way when being told something for our own good.”

“Right.” Gage left Dane’s counter-remark unchallenged and pushed away from the bar. “Guys, we can take this stairway down to find our lunch!” he called out to the rest of the group.

Gage waited for Alythia, offering her his arm when she broke away from her friends.

“Thanks.” She leaned into him a little. “Those mojitos were no joke.”

“There’s more where they came from.”

Alythia tilted back her head. “That’s good to know. Being around my girls for ten days will definitely put me in the mood for more.”

Gage slanted a look toward Dane, who responded with a mock toast of his beer bottle. “I know what you mean,” he said.

Chapter 3

It went without saying that the lower deck of the jet made quite an impression on Gage Vincent’s guests. Myrna and Orchid were very vocal in their appreciation of the sumptuous layout of the combination dining room and sitting room. Myrna oohed and aahed while breaking into a light sprint down the wide aisle. She trailed her fingers across the silk-covered beige sofas and chairs with embroidered finishes. Even Orchid, who had seen her fair share of private jets, seemed impressed by the understated decor of the grand space. She didn’t let too much of it show, preferring instead to use the opportunity to school her fiancé. Simply put, if Jayson was confused about what to look for when he bought his jet, use this for an example.

Jeena was equally as impressed. She was busy trying to get Gage to agree to a time when they might chat.

“I know neither of us are in the mood to discuss business, but you’re so busy every time I call,” Jeena rambled while tapping furiously at her mobile as she scrolled through the calendar there. “I’m pretty sure your assistant is sick and tired of talking to me while we try to work on a good time to meet. But I’m flexible with whatever we can...”

While Jeena talked, Gage only half listened. It was of no consequence. If need be, he could have recited her spiel verbatim. A good thing, too, because taking a more avid interest in the woman’s rambling wasn’t a top priority just then.

Gage kept his gait to a leisurely stroll.

So much the better for Jeena. She hoped she might be on the verge of nailing down a meeting with the elusive entrepreneur. Aside from her, the one thing Jeena’s...clients all had in common was Gage Vincent. They were either in business with the man or they wanted to be. Jeena hoped to be on the in business with Gage Vincent side of things. Having him on her side to smooth the way regarding certain ventures would be a coup indeed. But Jeena didn’t realize that she was pretty much carrying the conversation alone, with only Gage’s intermittent “mmm-hmms” to punctuate the discussion.

“I’ll have my assistant get in touch with you,” he managed just as they rounded the corner into the dining area. He didn’t spare Jeena a glance. His stirring gaze was set on Alythia as he and Jeena walked into the room, among the last to arrive.

Gage saw the smile enhancing Alythia’s profile when she angled her head to look up at the recessed lighting that added a golden glow to the cream, beige and cocoa color scheme. The space was devoid of windows, and woodgrain-based lamps had been added to provide warm illumination. Gage dipped his head, hoping to shield the smile that emerged as he studied her reaction.

“And here I thought the bottom of a plane was only for storing luggage,” Aly teased. Turning just as Gage looked up, she favored him with a smile across her shoulder.

Alythia’s comment closed off whatever attention Gage had been paying to Jeena.

“So when should I expect your assistant’s...call?” Jeena finished disapprovingly when she saw Gage walk on ahead to catch up with her friend.

Jeena’s cool, unreadable smile mimicked the one Zeke Shepard wore when he rounded out the group arriving in the dining space. He’d taken a deep interest in the sight of his old friend leaving one beauty to catch up with another.

“My friend has a one-track mind sometimes,” Zeke noted to the petite woman Gage had left behind.

Jeena ceased working at her phone. “One-track?” she queried of the slender dark man next to her.

“One reason Gage agreed to this trip is because all of Orchid’s friends are dimes.” Zeke grinned.

“That’s cold,” Jeena chided, though lightly. She pulled a stylus pen from her bag and blandly regarded the man in question. “I’d like to think he really wanted to do something special for his friend.”

“Well...that, too.” Zeke gave a little shrug. “But being surrounded by four beautiful women won’t be a hardship.”

“Hmph.” Jeena tapped a finger to her cheek and slowed her pace a bit. “Are you saying that he plans to sleep with all of us?”

“Nah.” Zeke’s response was softer, reassuring then. “My man’s already made his selection.”

Jeena stroked the soft hair tapered into a V at her nape while studying Gage and Alythia. The two stood discussing an oil canvas that was on display inside a cozy alcove a ways down from the dining room. She gave a sideways glance up at Zeke.

“And what about you? Have you made your selection, as well?”

“Not much point in making a selection if your choice is otherwise occupied, is there?” He gave a pointed look toward Jeena’s phone.

“Oh, this?” Shrugging, Jeena dipped into a sultrier mode. “It’ll do until something better comes along.” She used one hand to tuck the phone into the back pocket of her coral linen capris; the other she linked through the crook of Zeke’s arm.

* * *

“You live very well,” Alythia told Gage once he had finished the story of how he’d acquired the piece adorning the alcove wall.

“Thanks.” He gave her a gracious nod. “It’s not without a lot of hard work.”

“Just don’t work too hard,” Alythia advised with a playful gleam in her light eyes.

“Don’t work too hard without having anything interesting to show for it.” Gage edited the advice and then smiled encouragingly. “Would you agree?”

Aly regarded the vibrant hues that seemed to shimmer within the canvas and draw the observer’s eye to the brilliant meshing of colors. “I’d definitely agree.” She sighed as though imagining herself in the seascape depicted in the painting. “I might get around to living that truth if I ever get past the ‘working hard’ phase.”

Gage turned his attention back toward the canvas. “This trip’s a good place to start.”

“It was supposed to be.” Alythia couldn’t resist sending an uncertain glance across her shoulder.

“What’s that look for?”

It wasn’t in her nature to confide so easily, but the man possessed the most coaxing voice. Aly wondered if he knew that and how often the attribute worked to his advantage. Her guess was quite often.

“The only reason I agreed to come along on this getaway was because there’s a chance for me to get some real business handled.”

“Real business, huh? In the Caribbean?” Gage’s rich, dark brows rose.

The soothing depths of the man’s voice notwithstanding, Alythia had been bursting to share her news. Silently, she reasoned that she could at least count on Gage not to blab to her girls if she told him.

“I happened upon a business opportunity while I was trying to find a little more info on where we were heading for this trip. I hope to own a chain of boutiques one day.” She shrugged. “Right now there’s only two, but I’m looking to expand. Turns out our resort owner has a shopping village that he’s hoping to cultivate. I’ve convinced him to at least consider giving my shop a chance.”

Gage put in a fantastic effort to school his expression.

“We should go check out the place when we land, all right?”

Alythia was already shaking her head no to Gage’s suggestion. “It’s not necessary and I don’t want to mention it to my friends. They’re still getting over the shock that I agreed to come along.” She folded her arms across the emerald tank that hugged her breasts adoringly.

“It’d crush Ork to know that my priority is once again business and not taking time out with my girls.”

Gage’s grimace over the outlook triggered the lone dimple in his cheek. “Time out with friends takes money.”

“Agreed,” she said with a smirk, “but my friends think the way I earn my money takes up too much time.” She cast a withering look toward the painting then. “Unfortunately, I don’t come from money—” she looked to Orchid “—I’m not model material—” she took note of Myrna “—and I don’t have the nerve to earn my money the way they say Jeena earns hers.”

“That’s good to hear.” He leaned in close and gave her waist a pat. “And you’re wrong. You’re definitely model material and then some.”

Alythia felt her lips part, but she really didn’t expect to handle the task of filling her mouth with words. Thankfully, speaking became a moot point when Gage turned once again, offering her his arm and then escorting her toward the dining room area, where everyone else had already gathered.

Dining room seating consisted of blocky chairs with heavily cushioned seats and backs. A booth seat ran the length of a polished dark oak table and was upholstered in the same embroidered beige silk as the dining chairs and other furnishings.

The space could seat six comfortably, which mattered little to the betrothed couple. They opted to enjoy the late lunch on the sofa that held position opposite the dining table and ran the length of the entire space. There, Orchid and Jayson lounged in a loving tangle of arms and legs. Every now and then, Orchid would burst into wild laughter over something that her fiancé whispered in her ear.

Across from the happy couple, other companion selections appeared to have been made. Dane and Myrna had laid claim to the booth seat while Zeke and Jeena engaged in their own private conversation from the cushiony chairs that put them side by side. Across from them, holding court at the other end of the table, were Alythia and Gage.

“Do you think our travel companions care what’s on the menu?” Gage asked, reclining in the chair he occupied, elbow relaxed along the arm with his hand at his mouth as he spoke.

The question gave Alythia the chance to observe her friends, something she’d been trying not to do since the game of “choose your lunch partner” had gotten under way several minutes prior.

“I don’t think it matters,” she managed. Inwardly, Alythia was cringing. Jayson and Orchid’s...demonstrativeness was understandable. The rest was, in Alythia’s opinion, not a good idea. Not that she was in any way against enjoying all the delights a Caribbean getaway was supposed to offer. Only...if someone got the wrong idea and became disappointed, things would not bode well for the feelings of good cheer desired between the bride’s and the groom’s friends. From the looks of things, Aly noted, it didn’t appear that anyone would be disappointed anytime soon.

From her periphery she could see Gage looking her way. She felt no pressure to make conversation. He was only...looking. She realized that he had a way of doing so that soothed instead of stirred her. Not that his gold-flecked browns didn’t have the power to stir. There was just something about him, some element to his demeanor, that was intensely calming. It was a good thing, too, Aly thought. She was sure to require every calming agent she could summon before the end of the trip. She decided to give that train of thought as little brain time as possible and turned to face Gage fully.

“Forget them,” she said. “I’m very interested in what’s on the menu.”

Chuckling softly, Gage pulled away the fist that supported his cheek. “I think you’d rather see it for yourself instead of listening to me trying to describe it.”

Everyone, in fact, tuned in to the wait staff, who had arrived balancing trays of covered dishes and baskets of golden bread.

* * *

The late lunch was sort of a preamble to the kinds of delicacies the group was sure to enjoy during their ten-day Caribbean stay. The travelers dined on catfish, flown in fresh from the Outer Banks of North Carolina that morning, in a succulent white-wine-and-scallion sauce; chilled shrimp with a tangy tomato, orange and lemon glaze drizzle; steamed squash; and zucchini. There was fresh apple butter for the yeast bread and a decadent apple-cinnamon cobbler for dessert.

Once again private conversations and laughter resumed. The soft talking mingled with the infrequent clinking of silver-and other dinnerware.

“Tell me about your business.” Gage took advantage of their measure of privacy to ease some of his curiosity about the woman dining to his right.

Alythia gave a one-shoulder shrug, keeping her light eyes downcast toward the zesty fish. “It’s just a store.”

His smile was equal parts desire and disappointment. “Why do you do that?” He clenched a fist to resist trailing his fingers along the caramel-toned length of her bare arm.

Again she shrugged. “I’m guessing that selling clothes would sound pretty silly compared to what you do all day.” Faintly, she acknowledged that she really had no idea what he did all day.

“I don’t think selling clothes is silly.” Gage allowed mock bewilderment to cross his dark, attractive face. “I can think of at least three people in this room who I have no desire to see without their clothes.”

Alythia tried to quiet her laughter when Gage fixed pointed looks upon each of his three best friends.

“Does your laughing mean you’re in the mood to tell me how you got into the clothing business?” he asked.

Alythia took a moment to observe him then. He’d propped his fist to his cheek again and she wondered whether it was a habitual stance. Whatever the case, it kept her settled in a comfortable frame of mind conducive to talking.

Everyone appeared relaxed and truly involved in their conversations. The food—which was quickly disappearing—smelled wonderful and tasted even more wonderful. The room where they dined was as much like a work of art as the exquisite pieces that adorned the wall spaces of the aircraft.

Aly thought that the lamp lighting was soothing, very much like the sound of Gage’s voice when he called her name to tug her from her thoughts.

“It’s not such a surprise that I’d go into the clothing business.” She saw his probing stare narrow dangerously and raised her hands in a show of playful defense. “I swear I’m not trying to make light of it.”

Gage had dissolved into laughter. Once done, he relaxed back into the chair and waved his hand in a mock show of permissiveness, urging her to continue with her story.

At ease, Alythia forked up another plump glazed shrimp. “I’ve always dreamed of being surrounded by beautiful clothes.” She popped the morsel of meat into her mouth and took a moment to relish the taste. “Mostly because I never had any growing up. None of us did.” Her expression saddened somewhat when she looked toward Myrna and Jeena. “Then we met Orchid.” She beamed.

“How’d that friendship happen?” Gage glanced over to Orchid and Jayson. “I thought, with her family’s money, she’d have been in some private school.”

Aly levered a weighty look toward her friend. “Yeah, she was, but there were...problems with following a few choice rules and Mr. Benjamin said if she wanted to rule-break, he wasn’t gonna pay an arm and a leg for her to do it. So he sent her to public school.”

“Damn. I heard he was a tough man.” Gage studied Orchid for a moment or two and then shook his head. “Hard to believe she got into so much trouble with a parent like that.”

“Well, Ork’s always done her own thing...but Luther Benjamin was a really great man.” Alythia set down her fork and leaned back into the chair, reminiscence filling her striking stare. “He never treated his daughter’s new public school girlfriends with anything other than acceptance and respect. He was the kind of dad we all wanted.” A sigh followed the admission.

“Wanted but...didn’t have?” Gage carefully probed.

“Myrna’s mom and dad separated when she was little.” Alythia hugged herself a bit, raking her square French tips over suddenly chilled arms. “Jeena never knew her dad, and mine...” She resisted the urge to allow resentment to close her eyes. “Mine was in and out, in and out of my mother’s pocketbook when he’d drank or gambled off his own. If he didn’t steal it, she’d give it to him, no questions, no matter if she had to pay rent, buy food or...”

“Clothes.”

His voice was quiet with understanding that made Aly smile while she nodded slowly.

“My mom died of a broken heart. She tried to be everything my father wanted. When that didn’t work, she tried to buy his love and when that didn’t work, she killed herself.”

The stunning revelation was interrupted when a belt of laughter rang out from Zeke and Jeena’s direction. Gage paid no mind to the outburst on the other side of the room. He appeared stricken and remorseful.

“Hell...” He groaned, having taken her elbow and drawn her so near to him that she was practically seated on the line between the cushions of his chair and her own. “God, I’m sorry for making you remember that.”

“No, Gage.” She smoothed her hand across the one that clutched her arm. “It wasn’t like that. She—” Aly inhaled around the sudden emotion swelling her chest. “She passed slowly over time. There was nothing...physically wrong. She just didn’t want to live—lost the will...”

“I’m sorry anyway.” He squeezed her arm and gave it a little tug.

“Thanks.” Her smile harbored none of its earlier somberness. “I’ll never own up to the idea that I have any ‘daddy issues.’ My sister and I are too busy living our lives for that.”

“I like the sound of that.” Gage applied a soft thumb stroke to the bend of her arm.

“It’s true. We live our lives in tribute to our mom.”

Suspiciously amused, he smiled. “How?”

The high back of the chair provided the perfect headrest and Alythia indulged. “My sister is married to a pretty awesome guy who I’m not ashamed to say I’m just a little in love with.”

Gage’s whistle ushered in quick, hearty laughter. “Does your sister know this?”

“She does.” Aly joined in when Gage laughed again. “Doesn’t matter, though. The man only has eyes for her. He’s been known to actually stop talking midsentence when she walks into a room. And that’s just a little piece of what makes him so incredible.” She sighed, but the sound held a dreamy vibe. “Men like him are in short supply.”

Gage focused on where his thumb brushed Alythia’s skin. “So while your sister is taking great men off the market, you’re putting great clothes on it?”

Alythia’s expressive gaze widened. “That’s a fantastic way to look at it. Hmph, do you mind if I use that?”

Again he performed the permissive wave. “Not at all.”

“Your attention, please.”

The mixed conversations were interrupted then by the sound of the captain’s voice merging in among the warm drone of voices, clinking glasses and laughter.

“We are within thirty-five minutes of our arrival time and ask that you please begin your return to the main deck...”

“We’ll have dessert and coffee upstairs, guys,” Gage called out while the captain continued his message.

“Can we talk more later?” he asked Alythia while the others were pushing out of their seats.

Her smile brightened and she accepted when he offered her his hand.

“I’d like that,” she told him, barely noticing the looks passing between the other couples at her and Gage’s expense.

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