“Hmph.” She took up her cards again. “They are disgusting. And idiotic. That’s why I don’t keep any in my own house. But they’re nice from a distance.”
Trying not to imagine that he and the other residents were just exotic animals in a zoo, Walker ducked down and met Rayleen’s eyes above her hand of cards. “It’s just for a few months, Rayleen. Please? As a favor to me? I’ll make sure she doesn’t play hockey in there. In fact, if she does, I’ll kick her out myself.”
Rayleen scowled. “Goddamn women. They’re starting to breed like rabbits in there. Every time I look up, there’s another.”
“Please?” he repeated, folding his hand around hers, cards and all. “For me?”
She jerked her hand away. “Fine. Just cut the shit. She can move in, but she’d better not put up any pink paint. Or frilly curtains. It ain’t a damn henhouse.”
Walker leaned in and kissed her cheek before she could get away. “I owe you, Rayleen.”
Her face went pink as she shoved him away. “Oh, go on. Stand by the bar and look pretty before I change my mind.” She was grumbling as he moved away, but Walker tossed Jenny a big smile.
“Refill?” he asked, pushing his glass toward her.
“I can’t believe you pulled it off!”
“Aw, she’s just a big softie.”
Jenny laughed so hard she had to brace herself on the bar. “Yeah. Sure. You keep telling yourself that.”
But Walker knew he was right. Rayleen was harmless, and she was going to love Charlie. He was sure of it.
* * *
“OH, CHARLOTTE, there you are!”
Charlie gritted her teeth at the sound of Dawn Taggert’s voice, but she made herself smile as she turned around to greet the other woman. She’d known her boss would likely be at this baby shower. After all, the mom-to-be was one of their old friends from high school, another girl like Dawn and Charlie who’d been invited to all the after-school clubs and none of the parties.
They’d all been good girls back then, and so far, Charlie was the only one who’d fallen from grace. Dawn had yet to miss a chance to remind her.
As Dawn closed the distance across the crowded living room, Charlie realized that Dawn had the mom-to-be in tow. Charlie forced her smile wider. “Sandra! Congratulations! Thank you so much for inviting me. It’s been so long.”
“It has,” Sandra said, hugging Charlie past her hard belly.
“You look amazing.” She did. She had a smooth bob similar to Dawn’s, though several shades darker than Dawn’s blond hair. And despite the amazing bulge of her stomach, she looked as if she hadn’t gained weight anywhere else.
“You look great, too.”
“Thanks.” Charlie smoothed a self-conscious hand over the cardigan sweater she’d pulled on over her dress. She didn’t feel great. She felt dowdy and unnatural and thin as a stick in her modest clothes and ballet flats. She hadn’t dressed like this since she’d interviewed for college, but she’d been trying to change her image. Besides, Dawn had insisted her head of security couldn’t wear heels and be effective. Charlie wanted to protest that she felt much more badass in heels and a tight skirt, but unfortunately she wasn’t in a position to argue.
“Your house is beautiful,” Charlie said to Sandra.
“Thank you. Peter bought it as a surprise when I made partner.”
Partner. Right. They both cleared their throats and shifted uncomfortably, but Dawn jumped right in. “Speaking of work, Charlie, will you come in early tomorrow? You’re going to need to put in a few extra hours in the next weeks before the grand opening of the resort.”
Charlie ground her teeth together as she watched Sandra look away. Sandra was uncomfortable, yes, but she was also trying to hide a smile. “I’ve been in early every day this week. It’s not a problem.”
“I know, although I’m surprised, considering the hours you keep.” She turned to Sandra. “I thought she would’ve settled down after that mess in Tahoe, but...”
Both women turned to look at her with pity, but their pity looked suspiciously avid. Scandal was so delicious, after all. Or it was as long as you weren’t involved. Charlie had enjoyed scandals and gossip herself, up until a few months ago.
She didn’t want to be defensive, but she was under attack yet again, and it grated against her bones. At least Dawn was masking her distaste in politeness this time. “All my late nights since I moved here have been spent working,” she said slowly, carefully.
“Right,” Dawn answered with a sly smile. “That’s why the facilities manager was in your place until ten last night.”
Charlie’s smile slipped as her heart thundered. She’d been worried her suspicions had been paranoia, but this was the confirmation she’d been looking for. Dawn had been watching her. Spying on her.