She snatched another candy from the dwindling dish and popped it into her mouth, letting the sweetness coat her tongue, distract her. None of that mattered anymore. All that mattered was that the police werent going to believe her.
Especially not if they checked her record and saw the accusations her relatives had used in her arrest. Luckily, before shed died, Sierras mother had arranged and paid for Sierra to attend a prestigious boarding school starting in ninth grade. The only reason her aunt and uncle had let her escape at fourteen was that it wasnt money out of their pocket, and the possibility that Sierra might blab to the country-club set about her uncles advances made her even less welcome in their home. Boarding school became her haven. And once shed met Belle there, her home.
She knew calling the authorities about the photos was useless, but somehow the idea still made her feel as if she were doing something. So she didnt say a word as Belle dialed.
Okay, the guy I talked to is coming by the office, Belle said as she hung up the phone. You have all the pictures in a file, right?
All there in the drawer, Sierra said, barely concealing her shudder as she unwrapped another piece of candy. If this kept up, shed put on ten pounds.
Belle glanced at her watch, then grimaced. Im supposed to meet the CEO of Family Publications in a half hour to discuss photographers and push her to finally sign this next round of contracts. Let me make a few phone calls and Ill rearrange the appointment.
Sierra was shaking her head before Belle even finished talking. No way, she protested. This picture geek isnt going to upset, change or interfere with Eventfully Yours in any way.
Belles green eyes rounded at the fierce tone. Her openmouthed shock made Sierra sigh.
But dammit, she had too much riding on this deal. Shed hooked an account big enough, wide-reaching enough that Eventfully Yours hit it big as a marketing planner as well as an event planning company. But more importantly, the income from this job would make her feel like shed finally kicked in her part, financially. When theyd started the company five years ago, Belle had fronted the start-up money. Shed never blinked or hinted that she minded, but it still bothered Sierra. After all, Belle was the party girl, Sierra was the organized brain. They each brought a vital element to the business, complementing each others style and strength. But being able to organize a party for two thousand and arrange seating wasnt enough to pull her weight. Sierra needed to pay her way, too.
All her life, shed been the rich little poor girl. Wealthy family, very little money of her own. Fancy boarding school, hand-me-down uniforms. Even now, to keep up with her rich friends and their lifestyle she shopped with coupons, scoured outlet sales and vintage stores.
But now she and Belle were on the verge of hitting it big. Sierras share of the profits from this new account would pay off her half of the start-up money, provide a tidy little nest egg to invest. And it would buy her the new pair of Louboutins shed been dreaming about.
But Sierra couldnt tell Belle any of that. Belle would insist, as always, that the money didnt mean anything and brush her off. So Sierra plastered on a calm mask and offered an apologetic smile. Sorry. Its just that were on such a great roll lately. Lets just stick with our current plan. Ill handle the cops, you handle the account, okay?
Okay, Belle said slowly. She watched Sierra unwrap another candy, this one peppermint, and grimaced. Look, I know this is upsetting you. I dont think itll do too much damage if I call to say Im going to be a little late.
Maybe. Or maybe not. Family was a huge opportunity, one that would add publicity management to Eventfully Yours prospectus. Instead of planning parties, the business would start handling entire marketing campaigns. For instance, with Family, Sierra and Belle had created a series of events designed to impress the investors and advertisers the publisher was courting. This was their shot to move up, to take on more.
No pervert with a camera was going to ruin it for them.
Figuring shed break down and cry like a wimp if Belle kept trying to be supportive, Sierra took a deep yoga belly breath and shook her head. Theres no reason for you to stay. The cops will come, look at the pictures, ask a few questions. Besides, this is a key meeting. Even calling to say youre going to be late could jeopardize the power balance.
Most clients were thrilled to let Belle and Sierra call the shots when it came to their events. But some, like this magazine publisher, were heavily into control. Rather than letting her and Belle do their jobs, they were sucking up the gals time and wasting their own money by demanding approval of every little detail. This meeting to approve the event photographer was a perfect example.
We want Family to use our people, and theyre on the fence already about our photographer because of his last show, Sierra reminded her. The new magazine publisher, a multimedia venture, prided itself on promoting family values. Tristan might be a little edgy, but hes the best photographer weve worked with and Id really like to see him on board for this project.
I think I can swing them around once they see his portfolio, Belle stated. Her green eyes still showed worry, but being a good friend she took her cue from Sierra and focused on business. But Ill definitely need you there on Monday. This launch is so complicated, they want us both at the next PR meeting.
Sierra nodded, automatically keying the information into her Outlook program.
Tell you what, Belle said, her words perky and cheerful. Sierras gaze flew to her friend, and she frowned. What was she up to? Come by for dinner tonight and well compare notes. You can tell me how the cops handled the photos and Ill fill you in on the meeting.
Dinner. It sounded innocent enough, but Belle looked too sweet. Always a bad sign. Since Sierra couldnt think of any reason to refuse, though, she just nodded.
Ill be by at seven, she agreed. Then as Belle was leaving the room, she added, Just make sure youre not serving chocolate.
Who knew all it would take to lose her appetite for her favorite sweet was a pile of naked bodies.
Maybe the next shot would include donuts. If so, shed drop these pesky five pounds in a flash.
THAT EVENING, Sierra smoothed her hand over the silk of her fabulous thrift-store skirt and took a deep, calming breath. Then she rapped on Belles door.
Shed practiced her breezy smile on the drive over, was sure she had the whole its-totally-not-a-big-deal verbiage down pat. The last thing she needed was Belle worrying. Or worse, calling the cops again.
Mitch Carter, hottie extraordinaire and Belles fiancé, let her in with a grin. He had intense brown eyes, a smokin body and the sweetest smile in the world when he looked at her best friend. If she didnt already think of him as a brother, Sierra would be half in love with the guy. Since half was as far as she ever fell, she figured that said it all.
Hey, Mitch, she greeted as he welcomed her with a hug. The guy was baffling that way. Über-successful businessman, he was one of the top developers in the country, yet he wore jeans, boots, and gave hugs. As if he didnt have anything to prove. Yup, definitely baffling.
Cmon in, he said, ushering her through Belles condo where they were living while their house was being built. Bright and airy with splashes of color, the space suited Belle perfectly. A vivid contrast to Sierras place with its heavy, dark intensity.
Hey, Mitch, she greeted as he welcomed her with a hug. The guy was baffling that way. Über-successful businessman, he was one of the top developers in the country, yet he wore jeans, boots, and gave hugs. As if he didnt have anything to prove. Yup, definitely baffling.
Cmon in, he said, ushering her through Belles condo where they were living while their house was being built. Bright and airy with splashes of color, the space suited Belle perfectly. A vivid contrast to Sierras place with its heavy, dark intensity.
Yum, homemade guacamole? she asked as she stepped into the open kitchenette with its long breakfast bar and chrome stools. The red enamel appliances, black-and-white tiled floor and kitschy wall art made the eating area look like a fifties diner gone posh.
Sierra helped herself to a tortilla chip slathered with guacamole, bit it, then saluted her partner with the other half of her chip as she chewed.
Whatd the cops say? Belle asked from the stove, where she was sautéing onions and bell peppers.
Im fine, thanks for asking, Sierra returned with a droll look. I appreciate the dinner inviteeverything smells wonderful. And yes, this is a new skirt. Dya like it?
Belle rolled her eyes, but that didnt stop her from dropping her gaze to the vivid red pencil skirt and making an approving noise. But as distractions went, Sierra should have tried shoe shopping, because one second later Belle was raising a brow and giving her that Well? look.
Sierra sighed and slipped onto a red vinyl-and-chrome lowbacked stool and scooped up more of the avocado dip. She didnt need the seconds it took to eat the chip to gather her thoughts since shed rehearsed plenty on the drive over, but she used the time anyway.
The cops said there isnt anything they can do, she reported in a breezy tone as she sipped the margarita Mitch handed her when he walked by.
They can investigate, Belle insisted, stabbing the vegetables with her spatula.
Not really. Theres no threat. These are just pictures, and pretty crappy ones at that. There is nothing to go on. As offensive as it might be, sending crappy pictures isnt a crime.
Sierra shoved another loaded chip into her mouth to keep the I told you so from spilling out next. A shiver of fear worked its way down her spine, but she told herself she hadnt expected anything else. They knew the situation. The cops didnt think it was a big deal.
But the pictures are blatantly sexual, Belle sputtered in protest.
No, they are blatantly a joke. Irritating, tacky and rude, but not criminal. At least the police had believed that someone was sending the pictures. Theyd been polite, a little surprised at some of the poses, and in one case complimented her on her dexterity. But the bottom line was there was nothing they could do for her. Except offer a grocery list of cautions and warnings, most of which required someone to hold her hand. Just in case.
The idea of a babysitter made Sierra shudder. She totally refused to even consider just in case.
Theyre going to do something though, right? I mean, theyll keep an eye on you just to make sure youre, you know, safe and all?
Who knew keeping up a fake smile could be so much work? Just discussing this made Sierra want to scream. But she managed to keep her look cheerful and easygoing. They wrote up a report. Ill keep them apprised of any more pictures and theyll stay on top of things.
Belles low growl was a dangerous thing. It wouldnt take much to send her off to the phone to call the cop shop and throw a fit. For a second, Sierra missed the good old days when Belle had backed off from any sort of confrontation.
Whens dinner? she asked in a blatant subject change. She was done giving those stupid pictures her attention and energy. Shed followed the rules. Shed reported the mess. Now it was time to move on with life. Or more importantly, on to fajitas.
Belles look was a combination of irritation and something Sierra couldnt quite place. But her friend gave a short jerk of her shoulder, poured the sautéed vegetables on a platter and said, In a couple minutes. Im just waiting for Mitch and, um, something.
The something became apparent sixty seconds later when Mitch walked in with a platter of barbecued ribs. Sierras stomach constricted with sudden nerves, but she didnt know why. Then the scent hit her over the wafting smell of dinner. Earthy, male and totally sexual. Shoulders tight, she turned to watch the man following Mitch.
Her hottest fantasy and her biggest nightmare. The one guy guaranteed to push all her buttons and send every thought of self-preservation straight out of her head.
Temptation in a cowboy hat.
Well, hell, Sierra sighed.
Hadnt her day been stressful enough already?
Chapter Two
REECE CARTER.
Long, lean and sexy.
Heat flashed in Sierras belly as she faced the only guy to scare the hell out of her.
Not because he was the sexiest man on Earth and made her want to strip him naked, then lick her way up his body. That she could deal with.
What scared her was that she was a savvy, strong and opinionated woman. But when she saw Reece, she instantly wanted to become sweet, timid and compliant.
So she spent all her time around him being a hard-ass bitch, just to prove she could.
Pathetic.
Her breath quickened as she took in the delicious width of his shoulders encased in a black T-shirt. She wanted to trace her palm over the fabric where it curved lovingly over his big, muscled biceps. She wanted to press her cheek to the hard lines of his torso and run her fingers down the slim, denimcovered hips. The man had a body like a swimmer, with the tightest ass shed ever seen grace denim.
He made her mouth water.
He had ever since shed seen him for the first time six years ago at Belle and Mitchs first wedding rehearsal dinner and fallen into instant lust. Then hed opened his mouth and theyd fallen into instant verbal foreplay. Nobody could turn her on with a few words like Reece could. Unfortunately, nobody could make her lose control with just a few words like he could, either. Because it hadnt taken more than a half-dozen exchanges for her to realize he was too much of a threat to her. To her independence, to her self-control. That hadnt stopped her from getting hot and wild with him on the dance floor, though.
Pitiful that shed been saved from the biggest mistake of her life when her friend dumped Mitch at the altar. Shed used loyalty as her reason to turn down all of Reeces advances after that. Not that thered been too many. A few weeks of phone calls, one or two in-person date requests. Then poof, he went away. Just like shed wanted.
A shame, really. He was so delicious to look at. His white Stetson cast a shadow over wavy black hair, midnight-blue eyes and a chiseled jaw. All-masculine hotness.
Their gazes met. In his eyes she saw both desire and assessment. The unspoken message was that he wanted her like hell, but he didnt like it.
Sierras shoulders stiffened at the judgment. But that didnt stop her body from going into instant lust mode. For one second, she wished the picture of her face pasted on the woman using the sex swing could be real if Reece was the guy shed be swinging with.
Then he opened his mouth and, as usual, ruined everything.