Page 58 of Tempting Eden

“I can’t let you go out looking like this. This should be just for me.” His voice at my ear, low and silky, had thrilled me. The memory of it still did, and goosebumps broke out along my thighs despite the warm sea air.

The pool was an oasis, with Bess’ stars shining brightly overhead. Jack placed the last of the flowers and sent the assistant hurrying away to hide the wrappers and trimmed bits of greenery.

I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind. It was game time. And I needed to be at the top of my game if I was going to pull this off.

I felt the light touch of a hand on my backside and turned to find Gray admiring my outfit.

“You’ve never looked better.” He was wolfish and already smelled of alcohol.

“Thanks, Gray. Now shoo. I’d hate for you to be watching over my shoulder. Makes me nervous.” I gave him my best coquettish smile, though I would have preferred to slap the lecherous grin off his face.

‘Fine, fine. I just wanted to stop by and see what the hens had gotten up to. I’ll catch you after the party.” He squeezed my ass before leaving. He didn’t wish me luck.

Jack came over, tension in his walk. “Did he touch you?”

“No. Just a pep talk.” The high from earlier was gone. The pit had opened beneath me as I remembered the things I’d let Gray do to me just so I could get this far. Shame burned in my cheeks.

Jack didn’t seem to notice; he relaxed a bit and brushed a stray hair from my face. “Good. If he ever gives you any trouble, just tell me. I can take care of him.”

I couldn’t respond. My secret silenced me, rooted me to the spot. He seemed to notice my chill. His blue eyes searched mine, looking for a reason that I could never give him. Of all the things I was ashamed of, nothing was worse than what I’d done to make vice president at Thornfield, and what I’d done to stay there.

His brows pinched together with concern. “What is it?”

For all the dark past he had, Jack had made his mistakes in his youth. I made mine much later and kept on making them. But there was no turning back now.

I shook my head. “Nothing. I’m just… I’m in sales mode, is all.”

He believed my lie and dropped a kiss on my forehead. “Don’t worry. You got this.”

The band began to play, softly at first and out of tune. Bess’ assistant caught Jack’s attention, and he went to assist her with some last-minute issues. I hovered by the pool as the band got their feet beneath them. They played a current top forty hit, the lead vocals ratcheting up as she sang about the cliché of love and loss.

I passed them and returned to the lobby entryway. A server offered me a drink. Not yet. Later? Yes. But not now. Bess stepped up beside me.

“Showtime,” she said and downed the same drink proffered by the waiter.

The scene was set. Headlights flashed through the glass doors, then another set, then another. People began filing in. Brokers and buyers, hard to tell who was who. I affixed a smile to my face and began greeting. After that, the night moved quickly. Introductions, sales pitches hidden in talk of luxurious lives, offers and counter-offers. The room grew louder, and the band competed with the sound of the guests, who numbered well over a hundred. I moved through the crowd, shaking hands with well-dressed new money and casually-dressed old money. I poured wine, I told jokes; I would have stood on my head if it would have gotten the place sold.

Even without any acrobatics on my part, deals were made. Each time I knew I had one sold, I’d motion for Jack. He’d bring a contract and mark the unit from our list.

I took a few of the guests up to the model units and showed them around the amenities. Jack was there in my peripheral vision, keeping up with any deals. I felt calmer, more confident just knowing he was there.

My outfit worked almost too well, with a few brokers and buyers getting handsy on occasion. With the small sea of booze flowing through the building, that was to be expected.

Jack was nearby each time, and each time I saw him clench his jaw and move toward me through the throng. I averted disaster by side stepping the offender and continuing my sales pitch. No hard feelings, though Jack seemed ready to break a few of the men’s wandering fingers, if not more.

The night was moving smoothly, sales coming at a steady pace. I had begun to relax just a bit as I saw the finish line looming up ahead.

“Rochester, baby!”

I turned toward the pool area. Gray stumbled through the crowd, knocking over a waiter as he barreled forward.

“You getting it done?” His words slurred as he openly gaped at my breasts.

I smiled even bigger at the closest guests who were staring at Gray as if he were a particularly vulgar form of insect. I grabbed his arm and led him to the end of the bar.

“What are you doing here? I told you I have it under control. Please go back upstairs.” I hissed.

“Got the penthouse sold?” he asked before tossing back the nearest tumbler of whatever.

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