Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Jason helped Gabby into her knee-length black wool coat, pausing to lift her hair free of the collar. Silky strands clung to his fingertips. He wanted to grab handfuls and coax her onto the table so he could explore her body. Unfortunately, tonight was not likely to be about his wants and needs at all.
His companion’s outerwear was classic but not new. It was the kind of garment a person could wear for several years and still fit in. Highly practical. Definitely Gabby.
When he tucked her into his car, he felt a jolt of something . Tonight’s outing made him feel as if his life was almost back to normal. It wasn’t. He still had a long way to go. But for once, the hollow feeling in his chest was filled with a warm certainty that things were better than they were a year ago during the holidays when he exiled himself to a solitary Christmas in Europe.
When he sneaked a sideways glance at his quiet companion, her expression was pensive. He reached out and took her hand in his. “Thank you,” he said gruffly.
Her half smile was wry. “For what?”
“For being you. You’re tough and resilient but also kind and forgiving. Having you with me tonight makes me feel...” He trailed off, not wanting to spook her.
“Feel what?” The slight frown she wore told him his caution was warranted.
He put both hands back on the wheel. “Happy,” he said, the word light. “I never look forward to my parents’ huge social events. I prefer smaller get-togethers. But you make this one bearable. That’s all. You’re a kindred spirit.”
He hadn’t lied. Every word of that explanation was true. But he couldn’t articulate how he suspected Gabby was the woman he wanted. He doubted his own good judgment, and clearly, his date tonight was not ready to talk about any kind of serious relationship.
When he turned onto his parents’ posh street, he sighed inwardly. Cars were lined up already, even though he had intentionally arrived on the early side. When it was his turn, he made a right into the driveway, rolled down his window, and spoke to one of the two uniformed security guards. “Hey, Dennis. How are things with you?”
The thin older man smiled and ducked his head. “Doin’ alright, Mr. Brightman. You gonna park in the garage?”
“That’s my plan.”
“Big shindig tonight. You kids have fun.” He bent down and whistled. “That’s a nice-lookin’ woman you got there.” He winked at Gabby. She waved and smiled.
As they pulled away, Gabby frowned. “Where will everyone else park?”
Jason eased forward carefully. “Whenever Mom and Dad entertain on a large scale, Dad rents the outer sections of a couple of grocery store parking lots nearby. Guests hop out here at the front door. Valets take cars to the off-site spaces. Then, when anyone is ready to leave, they’re ferried in minivans to where their vehicles are waiting.”
“Wow.” Gabby shook her head slowly. “But your car gets to stay here?”
“Yep. One of the perks of being related to the esteemed hosts.”
He turned around the side of the house and used his garage opener to access the fourth of five bays. “We’re here,” he said.
His date for the evening was quieter than he would have liked. He wondered what she was thinking. There was no way to hide the wealth and privilege surrounding them. Everything he had learned about her came back to haunt him. The hunger. The barely functional early living spaces. The ridicule from cruel classmates. He tried to imagine the scene tonight through her eyes.
The Brightman estate was undoubtedly impressive. The house was constructed of mountain stone from the northern part of the state. But there was nothing rustic about the design. Copper guttering, slate roof. And inside—his mother had hired a decorator from Manhattan, supposedly a woman who had designed for the Rockefellers and the Kennedys.
The twelve-thousand-square-foot house was stunning. Jason liked it. But it didn’t feel like home.
He helped Gabby out of the car and watched as she smoothed her hair. She looked up at him, her gaze guarded. “May I leave my coat here?”
“Sure.” As he helped her out of it and draped it across the seat, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. The garage was quiet enough for him to hear the slight catch in her breath when he was naughty.
She turned to face him. In that split second, he was struck speechless by her elegance and beauty. He knew she wouldn’t believe him if he said what he was thinking. When a woman’s best friend was an actual beauty queen, perhaps it was hard to measure up.
Gabby put her hands on his shoulders, taking him by surprise. Her eyes were deep, mysterious pools of smoky gray. “We could skip the party and have car sex again.”
He had a hunch she wasn’t joking. “Well...” He rested his forehead against hers. “This entire area is covered in surveillance cameras. I’m guessing that’s not your kink,” he said as he traced her collarbone with his thumbs.
The little sound she made as she leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist had him hard and ready.
“You’re right,” she muttered. “Let’s get this over with.”
He chuckled. “Shall we sneak in through the kitchen or use the front door like everyone else? But remember, it’s cold outside.”
She stepped away from him, smoothed her hair, and lifted her chin. “I can manage a few steps around the house. Let’s see if we can get lost in the crowd.”
As they exited the garage, he took her hand. “I won’t leave you, Gabby. This will be fun. Relax and let me show you off.”
Her fingers were so tightly curled in his, he winced at the press of her fingernails. She might be trying to feign courage, but her death grip suggested otherwise.
As they rounded the corner of the house, he groaned inwardly. The interlude in the garage had given the trickle of early guests enough time to swell into a flood. He and Gabby joined the tide.
“Is there a receiving line?” she whispered.
“No. My parents usually take spots in one of the two sitting rooms on either side of the foyer so they can greet their guests. They won’t be together, though. It will be a divide-and-conquer approach.”
Gabby shot him a confused look but followed him into the house.
Immediately they were surrounded by noise and laughter. From the integrated sound system, Christmas music spilled over the crowd at exactly the right volume. Like the music, the holiday decorations were exactly right. This year, his mother had gone with fresh evergreen boughs, silver-and-gold ribbons, and red holly berries.
He and Gabby were flanked by a group of folks his parents’ age. A few of them looked familiar, but he kept his attention on his partner. “We’re going left,” he said.
Part of the crowd saw his father and headed that way. Another gaggle of partiers went straight for the refreshments. For a split second, Jason could see that his mother was momentarily alone.
“Hey, Mom,” he said. She had been facing the opposite direction, but when he put a hand on her shoulder, she whirled around.
“Jason!” Her face lit up. “Why are you so late?”
“I’m right on time, Mom. You know I wouldn’t miss this,” he said. “It’s not the holidays without your party.”
The attractive woman in her late fifties hugged her son. “And you’ve brought a date. I remember you. It’s Gabby, right? Cate’s friend?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Call me Sheila.” She beamed at Gabby. “I’m delighted, my dear. Jason has been a little too hermit-y lately. So nice to know he’s rekindling his social life.” She put an arm around Gabby’s waist. “There’s a lull in the crowd for a moment. Let’s you and I chat. Jason, grab two champagnes for the women in your life.”
Jason saw the color drain from Gabby’s face and then rush back in a flush along her cheekbones.
“Mom, I—”
His mother waved a hand. “Go, son. For heaven’s sake, I’m not going to poison her. Go. I’m thirsty.”
Gabby knew on an intellectual level that Jason had no choice, but it was hard not to feel abandoned.
Sheila Brightman drew her deeper into the house to a small study with book-lined walls. The older woman’s silver lamé dress was tastefully sophisticated. She sighed and leaned a hip against the desk. “We always host these shindigs for business reasons, but the evenings are exhausting. I do enjoy it, though.”
“Your home is beautiful,” Gabby said. In fact, the house looked like something out of an architectural magazine.
“So, tell me about you and Jason,” Sheila said, smiling archly.
“Nothing to tell,” Gabby replied, her tone deliberately casual. “Understandably, he wanted a date for tonight. I agreed to accompany him. There’s nothing romantic between us.”
The other woman’s gaze sharpened. “Are you sure about that? My son hasn’t dated for a year and a half. He’s wallowing in guilt.”
“He was ,” Gabby said. “But I think he’s coming out the other side.”
“He told me all his friends sided with Cate after the wedding disaster.”
“Is that true?” Gabby asked, frowning slightly.
“I’m not sure. It may be that he simply withdrew from them and not the other way around.”
“It must have been terribly painful for all of you.”
“Yes.” Sheila straightened and paced the small room. “Cate would have made a fantastic daughter-in-law. But it wasn’t meant to be.”
Gabby stood mute and frozen. How long did it take to grab two glasses of champagne? “Don’t feel like you have to entertain me,” she said, feeling vaguely desperate. “I’m sure your guests will want to see you.”
Sheila crossed her arms over her chest. “Jason needs to focus,” she said sharply. “Did you know he received sizeable trusts from both sets of grandparents? They became available to him at age twenty-five. Perhaps you could coax him into reconsidering med school or law school. My only son is working like a common laborer to amuse himself. He’s wasting his life.”
“Um...” Gabby swallowed hard. “I don’t have that kind of influence, I promise you. But I’m sure Jason has many options. He’s taking time to decide what he wants.”
“Have you seen that dump of a house?”
“No. Have you?”
Sheila sniffed. “I haven’t been invited. But I looked it up online. It’s dreadful.”
“Maybe that’s why he likes it.”
“Because rehabbing the house is a metaphor for rehabbing his life?”
Gabby laughed, liking Jason’s mother far more than she had expected. “I don’t know that he’s defined it like that. But sure...maybe.”
Finally Jason appeared, his expression slightly frazzled. “I couldn’t find you two,” he said. He handed over the champagne, his gaze apologetic as he gave Gabby hers. “I said hi to Dad. He wants to meet you.”
His mother sighed. “Richard has probably met Gabby on multiple occasions. Does he not remember she was a bridesmaid?”
Gabby’s stomach tightened. “I’d be happy to say hello to him,” she said. “I enjoyed chatting with you, Sheila.” Big fat lie. “Perhaps we’ll have another moment before Jason and I leave.”
At last, the lady of the house exited the room. Jason slumped into a leather armchair. “I am so sorry. Was she brutal?”
“Not at all, really. I’m confused, though. I thought you didn’t get along with your parents. But your mom is lovely, and she adores you.”
He drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. “I adore her, too. And I love my dad dearly. It’s just that the two of them are oil and water. They’re constantly in the middle of one skirmish or another. I don’t know how they ever ended up together. The fact that I grew up surrounded by a thousand battles convinced me I wanted something more peaceful. I guess that’s why I imagined marrying Cate would work. We never fought like my parents.”
Gabby didn’t want to think about Jason deciding to marry Cate. It made her both angry and sad. “Well, your mother hasn’t given up on you being a doctor or lawyer. She asked me to use my influence with you. I assured her I had none.”
He reached for her wrist and pulled her into his lap. “That’s where you’re wrong, Gabby. I value your opinion. Among other things.”
When he slid his hand into her hair and angled her head so he could capture her lips with his, she groaned. This wasn’t the time or place to fool around. But she could no more say no to him than she could walk naked through a ritzy Christmas party.
“Jason,” she muttered, trying to breathe.
“What?” he asked, his thumb stroking her breast through red satin.
“Shouldn’t we mingle?”
“I happen to know there are several lovely guest rooms upstairs.”
For a nanosecond, she considered it. Then, shocked with herself, she tried to stand up. “Don’t be absurd.”
He held her tightly, finding her mouth again, shocking her with a carnal, desperate kiss. “Or I could lock that door behind you.” It was pushed to but not completely closed.
Arousal, hot and sweet and wicked, rolled through her veins. The man was wearing a bespoke tuxedo. He was the epitome of sin on a plate. His hair was silky beneath her fingertips. She wanted to strip him bare and make all her Christmas wishes come true.
But sadly, she was a mature, responsible woman.
“Let me go,” she said. When she sucked his bottom lip, he could surely be excused for not taking her seriously.
“Gabby...” He said her name with a ragged groan that echoed every one of her reckless fantasies.
She toyed with the crisp bow tie at his throat. “This isn’t why we came tonight,” she reminded him, whispering...aching. Beneath her hip, his eager sex made her rethink her good girl ways.
“I know.” His eyes glittered with enough heat to melt her good intentions. Almost.
“I’m getting up now,” she said.
“Okay.” He ran his finger down into the vee of her bodice, raising gooseflesh all over her body. “You are so damned beautiful,” he said softly. “I want you in my bed tonight. Or any bed—if my fixer-upper offends you. I could get us a room at the Ritz-Carlton.”
“We don’t have any luggage,” she reminded him.
“Don’t care.”
When he nipped her earlobe with sharp teeth, she staggered to her feet and smoothed her hair, sucking in a breath and needing more oxygen than she could find. “This is a party. Your parents’ party. You came here to see and be seen.”
“Screw that,” he said.
Before she could frame another cogent argument, the door opened. A female voice intruded. “Jason? Your mom said we could find you here.”
Gabby froze, incredulous that she had forgotten the other awkward time bomb that awaited them. Cate stood framed in the doorway. Harry was right behind her.
Jason’s face turned red as he struggled to his feet. “Um, yes. We had a few minutes with Mom to ourselves. It was nice.”
Harry urged his wife forward. “And yet you’re still here.”
Cate tapped his arm. “Stop that, Harry. We’re all mature adults.”
He grinned at her. “Are we?”
Cate turned back to Jason, a slight frown creasing her brow. “You told me you didn’t have a girlfriend.”
Gabby managed a calm smile, though her insides were going berserk. “He doesn’t. Jason and I ran into each other at a coffee shop recently. We caught up a little bit. He didn’t want to come to this party alone tonight, so I agreed to join him. End of story.”
Harry and Cate were neither stupid nor clueless. Jason’s top shirt button was undone, and Gabby was certain her lipstick was smudged.
Cate straightened her shoulders. “Then now is our moment. Jason Brightman, we’re going to wade out there in the middle of all those gossipy people and let them see there’s nothing to talk about anymore. I’m married to Harry. You have a new female friend, and all four of us are simpatico.”
Harry drew her back against his chest and curled an arm around her waist. “Jason and Gabby get a vote here, my love.”
She slumped against him, her expression mortified. “Sorry. Harry is right. How do you want to deal with the situation? If you’d rather, Harry and I can go out ahead of you and avoid bumping into you completely.”
Gabby didn’t say a word. This wasn’t her fight.
Jason sighed. “Atlanta has half a million people in the city limits. But the upper crust all move in the same circles. If we handle this right, word will spread that you and I aren’t a story anymore. We might as well do it.”
Harry sighed. “Absurd, but necessary.”
Gabby made a face. “I’m a terrible actress. Cate knows that.”
Jason touched her shoulder lightly. “No need to act. You’re here as my guest. Cate is your dear friend. All we need to do is enjoy a few hors d’oeuvres and chat with my dad. In forty-five minutes, it will all be over.”
Cate winced. “I’m sorry we’re putting Gabby through this. You boys go first. She and I will be right behind you.”
When the men walked out, Cate fixed her troubled stare on Gabby’s flushed face. “Why didn’t you tell me about Jason?”
Gabby lifted her chin. “There’s nothing to tell. Look at this house, Cate. He and I are from different planets. Nothing important is ever going to happen between us.”
“Jason’s not a snob. He wouldn’t care about your past.”
“But I care. If I ever get married—and that’s a big if—I’ll pick an ordinary man, not the heir to the kingdom.”
“You’re being flip, but I know you, Gabby. You told me you once had a crush on him. Now you’re his date tonight. That means something.”
Gabby eased past Cate. “Come on. They’re waiting for us. Besides, I’m hungry.” Despite an aversion to being stared at by strangers, Gabby walked right across the center of the house until she spotted two tall, handsome men and a table laden with exquisite holiday treats. “Here we are,” she said. “Have you scoped out the snacks?”
Harry chuckled. “ Snacks isn’t exactly the right word. Sheila has very high standards when it comes to catering.”
“And everything else,” Cate said ruefully.
The four adults loaded their plates and made their way toward the corner of the living room, where Jason’s father held court. When he saw them, a broad smile crossed his face. “There’s my boy.” He hugged his son. “And Harry and Cate. I’m so glad you all came.” He glanced at Gabby with kind eyes. “I know I should remember your name, but I don’t.”
Cate stepped up. “This is Gabby. She was one of the bridesmaids.”
“Ah, yes.” Richard Brightman smiled as he shook Gabby’s hand, his grip warm and firm. She caught a glimpse of what Jason might look like in another twenty-five years. The older man seemed puzzled for a moment. “Am I allowed to point out my surprise that you’re all together in the same room?”
Cate smiled brightly. “We’re doing it on purpose. The gossip from the wedding that didn’t happen is old news. If people see us all getting along, it won’t be a big deal anymore.”
“We hope,” Harry said wryly.
Gabby had some opinions on the subject, but she kept her mouth shut. Beside her, Jason’s body was braced and tense.
For ten minutes, the five adults ate and chatted, laughed and ignored the curious looks from other guests.
Finally, Cate sighed and set her plate aside. “That should do it, I think. Great party, Mr. Brightman. I promised Harry we would head home, put our feet up, and watch a movie.”
“How old is your husband?” Jason teased.
Harry pretended to scowl. “Show a little respect for your elders.”
Jason’s dad excused himself. “You kids have fun. I’m going to work the room.”
Silence fell. Gabby wondered if she was the only one who felt the strained undercurrents. She puzzled over the fact that Jason had told his two friends he didn’t have a girlfriend. Was he being circumspect, or did he not see the two of them as having a relationship that could be defined so easily?
She should be glad about that. Really. She should. Being Jason’s girlfriend was not a choice, even if he asked.
Besides, that word was so inadequate to describe the connection between them.
Cate slid her arms around Gabby’s waist and hugged her. “We really are going to head home. I only made Harry come tonight because I want to stay on good terms with Jason’s parents.”
“And you like dressing up,” Harry teased.
Cate’s smile was brilliant. “I do,” she said. She kissed Gabby’s cheek and then Jason’s. “Bye, you two.”
As the other couple walked away, Gabby sneaked a quick sideways glance at her companion. Had he flinched when Cate kissed him? Or was Gabby creating drama where there was none? At least not anymore.
She touched his hand. “How long do you have to stay?” Now that Cate and Harry had departed, Gabby didn’t recognize any of the guests, though it was a certainty that at least some of this crowd had been sitting in the church eighteen months ago on June 7 and had seen Gabby at the altar and read her name in the program.
For the first time, something odd occurred to her. Many people now chose to have weddings in fancy venues or at exotic destinations. Cate’s family certainly had the resources to throw a big bash like that. But Cate had chosen to get married at the church where she had grown up.
Had it been the reverence of the moment that told Jason he had to call it off? Would he and Cate be married now if the ceremony had been in a converted barn or on a beach?
For some reason, the question bothered Gabby.
Even now, despite everything Jason and Cate had told her individually, it was hard to understand why Jason Brightman and Cate Penland hadn’t been perfect for each other.