He stopped at a traffic light. Studying her, he was pleased to see the earlier tightness around her lips had eased. “I want to be honest with you, I’m planning to do a little business tonight. I hope you don’t mind.”
A sick feeling washed though Carrie. He was being truthful with her. Of all things for Rick to say. She couldn’t respond. Didn’t have the words. When he found out what Cathie had done, with Carrie’s help, he would be angry. Would feel he had been tricked. She had to play her part well enough that he never found out.
He took her hand. “Despite having business to see to, I plan to make sure you have a good time.”
She worked to control the trembling of her hand. “So what do you have planned?”
“As you know, I’m in real estate development. A man I’ve been trying to get a meeting with is going to be here tonight. I’m hoping to persuade him to see me. You know, the ‘social situation mellowing him’ idea.”
She turned towards him finding him even more interesting. “It must be nice to watch an empty or abandoned lot become something useful because of your vision.”
His look turned quizzical and it took him a minute before he spoke. “I’ve never thought of my work in that lofty a manner. I kind of like the idea I’m adding something positive to the Atlanta skyline. I just hope Don Herbert sees it that way.”
“Me too. Do you often conduct business at fundraisers?” She didn’t keep the note of censure out of her voice.
“No. I usually give privately and skip the fanfare, so tonight’s an unusual occurrence.”
She winced. He had no idea how unusual.
Chapter Two
Carrie’s nerves were still humming as Rick pulled to a stop in front of the Governor’s Mansion. She’d never been enamored by a guy so quickly. He’d merely picked her up and she was already smitten. It wasn’t just his looks, which were out of this world, but he was a gentleman, he wanted to make things better in his city and was attending something that would help children. Why Cathie would want to pass up a chance to spend an evening with him baffled Carrie.
A valet rushed to Rick’s side of the car. He handed the key to the man and came around to help her out. Seconds later Rick offered his arm and led her up the marble steps of the large, redbrick home with columns on all sides.
“I love a Greek Revival house. I’ve always wanted to see this one. To do so for a formal party is almost too good to be true.”
Rick gave her a long look. “You continue to surprise me.”
Panic formed into a ball in the pit of her stomach. “I surprise you?”
“You do. You know your architecture.”
“I read it on the internet. I wanted to see what color dress would be best with the décor.” She really was fishing around for something to say to keep up the pretense.
He snorted. “I think that one will work just fine.”
“Work?” Carrie gave him an accusing look, glad to draw the attention away from her appreciation of the house.
He looked contrite for a second. “You’re so beautiful I doubt Herbert could resist meeting you.”
“So I’m your ‘in’?” If she kept him off center maybe he wouldn’t notice her blunders so much.
“As bad as I hate to admit it, the answer is yes.”
He looked so sincere and apologetic she couldn’t help but try to ease his conscience. Plus, guilt at what she was doing pricked her like a needle. “I can’t complain. I got to get dressed up.”
That sexy smile she was starting to become so besotted with formed on his lips. “And you do look incredible. I appreciate you understanding. Besides famous homes, what other things are you interested in?”
Giving him a suggestive smile and batting her false lashes, she channeled Cathie for once. “I’m not giving all my secrets away. You’re going to have to wait and find out.”
It was fun to flirt. To let go some. Something she hadn’t done with Brian. But Rick struck her as a person who would expect her to back up suggestions like the one she’d just made. The idea didn’t scare her, instead hot anticipation built low in her.
After being in the moist summer air, she wasn’t sure if it was the cool of the inside that sent a shiver through her or Rick’s rich baritone when he said close to her ear, “Careful. I might just hold you to that.”
She liked Rick’s reaction. It was nice to have a man act as if he was interested in her. Even if he believed she was her sister. It had been too long. Brian had acted as if he just tolerated her by the end of their relationship. Even in the short time she’d known Rick, he’d made her feel more alive than any man ever had.
A band stationed at the far end of the ballroom was playing a pop tune as they entered. A few couples were already dancing. Two amazing chandeliers joined the small white lights twinkling around the room, giving it a festive atmosphere. In a large recess a long buffet table was set up. Rick stopped and surveyed the room as if he was looking for someone.
“Is he here?” she asked.
“I don’t see him. Yet.” He smiled. “Until then I plan to enjoy being here with you.”
As long as he continued to do that she would be perfectly happy. When he looked at her she felt like the only woman in his world.
“Why don’t we have something to eat and drink?” Rick suggested.
“Sure.” She hadn’t eaten much during the day. Worry had gotten the best of her. Fear she couldn’t carry off being Cathie. It was easier when they were younger, but as they had grown they’d become more diverse. She was still having to remind herself to act like Cathie. It was more difficult to do now that she’d met Rick. She’d gotten so caught up in learning about him she’d forgotten her stand-in duty.
At the buffet table, they filled their plates and found an empty corner out of the way where they could eat.
“Do you mind telling me about this project you’re working on?” She really did want to know more about him.
For a second he looked shocked but recovered quickly. “It would be an entire community with the usual stuff of pool, tennis courts, but I want to add some additional aspects.”
“Like?” She took a bite of her shrimp canapé. It was delicious but not as much so as the sound of Rick’s voice.
His eyes lit up as he spoke. “Maybe a small shopping area, ball fields, a lake and walking paths. Something for everyone.”
“It sounds wonderful. So, why’s this Mr. Herbert not willing to sell?” She couldn’t keep the curiosity out of her voice.
“He wants someone to value the space and do something for the community.” She watched him take a bite of his food. Rick really did have a sexy mouth.
Carrie swallowed hard and nodded. “That sounds reasonable. But isn’t that what you’d be doing?”
“So far my ideas haven’t been enough. I hope for him to see by me being here to help raise money for the children’s hospital that he can trust me.” Rick looked off over her shoulder. There was a note of triumph in his voice when he said, “There he is.”
Carrie took his plate. Stacking it on top of hers, she set them on a tray nearby. “Let’s go say hello.”
Rick grinned and offered his arm. “That sounds like a plan.”
They worked their way around couples, a few whom Rick acknowledged with a nod, towards a balding, heavy set man. A woman with short gray hair stood beside him. As they approached, another woman joined them and Herbert’s companion’s attention was on her.
“Hello, Mr. Herbert,” Rick said when they reached him.
“Why hello, Marshall. I didn’t expect to see you here.” They shook hands then Mr. Herbert’s attention turned to her. His look fell to her breasts making her feel more exposed than the dress warranted. Carrie shuddered. If that leering glare had been from Rick she would have appreciated it, but from this ‘dirty old man’ it made her feel in need of a bath.
Mr. Herbert continued his perusal until Rick put an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “This is Cathie Rodgers. My date for
the evening.”
Mr. Herbert completed his review of her before he smiled. “Lovely.”
“Thank you, I think so too.” Rick gave her a reassuring look and squeeze.
“I guess you came over here to discuss that property.” Mr. Herbert took a sip from his highball glass.
“I can’t deny it crossed my mind. I really wish you’d give me the opportunity to at least show you what I have in mind.” Rick sounded frank instead of pleading.
“I thought I made it clear I wasn’t interested,” Mr. Herbert said in a tired tone as his attention returned to her cleavage.
Carrie cleared her throat. She waited until they made eye contact. “Do you mind me asking where this land is?”
“It’s in Bankhead,” Rick offered. “Near the MARTA station.”
“I know that land. It’s an eye sore.” Her look didn’t leave Mr. Herbert’s. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I hate waste. It’d be a wonderful place for people to live. Close to transportation. I happen to know that area could use a community center. That spot would be perfect.”
Rick looked impressed. “That could be incorporated into my plans.”
Mr. Herbert’s eyes sparkled. “I like the idea. Something like Herbert Community Center.” He said to Rick, “You call my assistant on Monday and make an appointment.”