He knew her too well to be anywhere near complacent, but he decided to humor her for now. My social life is plenty full, Gran. Too full to settle for just one female out of the bunch.
His social life was full, all right. Full of renovation and restoration. Logan was busy, just not busy playing the field. But a white lie wouldnt hurt anyone, least of all Emma, who needed to believe Logan was happy and on the lookout for the future Mrs. Montgomery.
While he met, dated and appreciated females as much as any man, he didnt see a long-term relationship in his future. The women he met at the P.D.s office and the opposing counsel he ran into around the courthouse cared more for what the Montgomery name could do for them than in Logan himself. Same for the women in his parents illustrious social circle. They sought only to marry and keep their steady income streaming in. All were disappointed and disinterested once they discovered Logan lived off his salary and kept himself isolated from the family legacy.
A marriage for the sake of appearances, like the one his parents shared, didnt interest him. No one benefited from a loveless unionespecially not the requisite number of children, born only for show. Children raised by servants and ignored by their parents.
Open your eyes, son. You never know whats in front of you. Now, as I was saying about your father and his mayoral ideas. If making your point in private doesnt work, we can always resort to the headlines. Judge Montgomerys Son Dating Ex-Hooker. Not that Im in favor of that approach, mind youCatherine deserves better. She pointed to the woman in the corner.
At least now she had a name. Hed need one if he wanted to get to know her better.
You know how the papers exaggerate about sex, Emma said. Youll be a dropout candidate before you know it.
He let out a groan. Humoring her was getting more difficult. I hate to break it to you, Gran, but sex scandals dont affect approval ratings anymore.
Emma shrugged. Maybe not but I can see youre interested. So go for it with Cat and get caught. My money says the embarrassment will be enough. Your father will call off the campaign.
Logan shook his head. You really do have an overactive imagination. Theres no reason to go that far. A press conference minus the candidate will take care of any expectations.
And how would that affect your job at the public defenders office? I happen to know its a first step toward opening your own law office down on the docks.
Both are my business and as much as I appreciate your concern, I can handle my life without help.
As if on cue, a large hand slapped Logan on the shoulder. Good to see you, son. I knew you wouldnt miss a chance to mingle with your supporters.
In a move shed perfected over the years, his grandmother raised an eyebrow and nodded her head, as if to say, I told you so.
He met his fathers gaze. Of course not. These people are very important. To Emma, Logan added silently, which was the only reason hed chosen to attend.
His father puffed out his chest and beamed, obviously misconstruing Logans agreement. Logan didnt bother to explain. The judge would never listen.
Im glad you agree. Now youve got to learn the art of working a room, Edgar said.
What room? Logan asked, deliberately playing dumb. He glanced at the sky and the clouds that had been steadily rolling in. I thought this was an outdoor garden party, not a political fund-raiser.
I like your sense of humor, son.
Behind the judges back, Emma caught Logans attention with a wave. She rolled her eyes and they shared a silent laugh at the judges single-mindedness.
Glad youre amused, Logan muttered.
Yes, but you know as well as I do that behind every event there is a purpose, the older man said. The fact that you showed up for this is telling. He adjusted the lapels of his jacket.
Logan waited a beat before walking around and placing an arm around his grandmothers shoulder. The only thing my appearance should tell you is I wouldnt miss one of Emmas extravaganzas. Beyond that, I have no purpose or hidden agenda.
He gave the older woman a loving squeeze. Her frailty stunned him a moment before he reassured himself. Behind the aging body lay an agile mind and a generous spirit.
I promised him a good time, something youve never learned how to have. An irreverent gleam sparkled in the older womans gaze.
The judge shot his mother a warning look then faced Logan once more. We need to talk.
Logan studied his father. With his dark double-breasted suit and air of authority, Judge Montgomery appeared every inch the man in control of his domain. Too bad for him Logan no longer lived within that realm, nor could he be manipulated. Theres nothing to discuss.
The judge shook his head. I want whats best for you, son, and that means putting you in public office.
Placing me in office is whats best for you. You want me to carry on the political tradition. I want to live my own life.
Youre young. He clapped Logan on the shoulder. Youll come around.
Logan raised an eyebrow. Youre probably right. After all, I bought my house even after you put a down payment on a penthouse apartment in Boston. I took the P.D.s job even after you pulled strings at Fitch and Fitzwater, the leading firm downtown. He shrugged. I suppose if you hold your breath long enough, I might come around after all.
Edgar narrowed his eyes. This is your influence, the judge said to his mother.
If so, Im proud of him. And you should be, too, Emma said. Shame on you, Edgar. I raised you better than this.
Logan, see to it your grandmother gets some rest. Shes cranky. Well talk more later. He issued his commands and, without awaiting a response, he turned and strode toward his guests.
Hes determined, Emma said.
Im more determined. But Logan was also tired of the battle. A part of him wished he didnt have to fight his father for every step he took in his own life.
Still think you dont need my help? Emma asked.
I love you for your concern but I can handle the judge alone.
But her kind of help would be so much more fun, his grandmother said, her gaze shifting from him.
Logan followed her glance at the woman standing on a chair, adjusting a speaker, and he had to agree. Still, no matter how tempting, he wouldnt use an innocent woman as a pawn in his familys game.
But that didnt mean he couldnt pursue this attraction and get to know her for his own reasons. As Emma had probably predicted, she fascinated him in a way few women did and he wanted to know why. He placed the champagne glass down on a passing servers tray.
Im here if you need backup, Emma said.
He kissed the older womans weathered cheek. Im sure I can handle it, he said wryly. He glanced across the lawn to where Catherine had settled back into bartender mode.
She handled the bottles and glasses with ease. Logan grinned at the sight. One of the cocktail waitresses paused and whispered something in her ear. Catherine bolted from behind the bar and headed toward the house. Without her presence, the bar loomed as empty and boring as the party had minutes earlier.
Logan sighed, seeing opportunity vanish at least for the moment.
Logan sighed, seeing opportunity vanish at least for the moment.
Shes got the goodies, Emma said. Shell be back.
I believe drinks or liquor is the politically correct term these days. He couldnt help but needle his grandmother.
His gaze followed Catherines retreating form. The well-shaped bottom and trim waist were a sight to behold before she disappeared inside the open French doors.
Emma cleared her throat. From your perspective Id say shes got the goodies, she said with a laugh.
He chuckled. Id say you were right.
A SEXY MAN HAD been watching Catherine for the last fifteen minutes. He had dark hair, model-like looks, and a penetrating stare that made her muscles weak and her heart flutter. She couldnt imagine what sparked his interest when there were dozens of other women at the party. Female guests dressed in silky dresses and flowing chiffon skirts, beautiful women with perfectly manicured nails and hair straight from the beauty salon.
Catherines sneakerscomfortable shoes for a day of working on her feetsqueaked as she crossed the gleaming marble floors. She cringed and kept going. Years had passed since she had felt thisinadequate, she thought, coming up with the right word. She glanced down at her working outfit, the same one she wore to any party her company catered. Instead of feeling comfortable in her own skin, she felt out of place and transported back in time, to when she and her sister had been the Luck girls from the wrong side of the tracks.
Catherine shook her head and raised her chin a notch. There was no sense denying it. The rich were different. But Catherine had worked too hard and come too far to let insecurities hit her now. Shed survive this party. As long as the threatening rain held offand her chef didnt bail out.
She and her company Pot Luck couldnt afford the disaster. With Kayla, her business partner and sister, pregnant and under doctors orders to stay in bed, Catherine was handling more than usual. Between doing the food prep work for today, substituting as bartender, overseeing along with her manager and planning upcoming bookings, Catherine was overworked and stressed. As soon as the temperature warmed, people clamored to organize outdoor events and Pot Luck was booked solid.
She couldnt complain about being busy, but she did long for future days when all they would have to cater was full-scale parties like this one. But for now Pot Luck accommodated any requestfrom complete party packages, to hors doeuvres only, to simple decorations and party favors. Some day, once their reputation was more firmly established and the bank account posted a hefty surplus, they could be more discriminatingand Catherine could make more use of her culinary background as well. After this event, someday could arrive faster than shed ever imagined.
The Montgomery party had been a coup and Catherine had no problem with rearranging her schedule to accommodate Emma Montgomery. Success here would mean referrals to the wealthiest people and most prestigious companies in Hampshire. She wouldnt allow anything to ruin this chance, especially not a temperamental chef who was her oldest friend.
She entered the state-of-the-art kitchen where stainless steel and chrome gleamed from every corner of the room. Nick, youre a hit! Catherine made her way around a long center island and placed a kiss on his clean-shaven cheek.
The duck isnt cold, he denied, whacking at a large chunk of meat with a knife.
I never said it was. The guests love the hors doeuvres. Theyre going to spread your name from here to downtown Boston.
Another loud whack sounded against the cutting board. Im already famous in Boston. I dont need to take abuse because your help cant get in here fast enough to serve hot food. Beneath his anger and frustration, she recognized the concern and warning. Someone had been complaining about the temperature of the food. She cringed. Shed take care of her lazy help, but first she had to calm the chef.
Catherine glanced at his exaggerated pout. Shed grown up with Nick. She knew when to worry and when a word or two would smooth things over. She snuck a peek inside the large oven and inhaled an enticing aroma. This smells heavenly. I dont know another chef who can create the way you do. She returned to his side. The food is almost as good-looking as you are.
The knife slammed into the wooden board again and he glanced up, dark eyes narrowed. Dont try to flatter me, Cat. It wont work. His gaze settled on her for the first time and he touched her cheek with one hand. Youre red.
The day is so overcast I forgot the sun-screen. Catherine shrugged. Besides we cant all bronze like you.
Youre fair. You ought to be more careful.
She rolled her eyes. For as far back as she could remember, Nick had looked out for her. He had classic Mediterranean looks and most women would have snatched him up at the slightest chance. Not Catherine. Lovers came and went; best friends were for life. If youre so worried about me, stop yelling at the help.
Theyre incompetent.
Ill talk to them. I promise.
Its a start. Whats going on out there? Is Mr. Right mingling among the guests?
Back off, Nick. Just because youre engaged doesnt mean everyone else wants the brass ring. Catherine had no desire to have this conversation with Nick yet again. Look, the bartender never showed. Im already pulling double duty and I cant afford to have the help leave in tears. Now will you lay off the girls?
He raised an eyebrow. If you promise to use this party as an opportunity. There are men out there, Cat. All types of men. Tall and thin, fat and balding, rich and richer. Take your pick.
A sexy stranger with dark hair and compelling eyes filled her mind. She pushed the thought aside. Before shed entered this immense house filled with elegant women, shed believed herself over the painful memories associated with her lower-class upbringing. Just working this party, being surrounded by delicate perfection, brought the painful memories back full force.
Sexual attraction from across a crowded room meant nothing when she and the stranger were obviously worlds apart. You know the guests here are way out of my league, she told her friend.
Only because you think so, not because its true. You spend too much time alone.
Catherine shrugged. At least the companys good.
Nick groaned.
Is it my fault every guy Ive dated isnt the one? Catherine had yet to meet a man worth risking her heart for. Despite what Nick thought, she certainly wouldnt find him here.
You walk away before any guy can prove himself. Take me, for instance.
She rolled her eyes. I turned you down when we were sixteen and you survived. She glanced at her watch. I promise nothing else will leave this kitchen cold. Back off the help?
Consider opening your eyes to the men out there, he countered.
Ill consider it, she lied. Youre a prince, she called over her shoulder, adjusting her bow tie as she ran out of the kitchen.
She darted back outside, dismayed to find the clouds darker and heavier than five minutes before. The storm was rolling in faster than predicted. Winded from her sprint out of the kitchen, she rested her hands on the bar and closed her eyes. She inhaled deep, then exhaled, searching for calm. Too much hinged on getting through the rest of the afternoon without mishap.