Whose secrets? Jason Wainwrights? Dakota had joined them in the living room at last and her entrance was worth the wait, to judge by the smitten look on her husbands face. She and Billie looked a lot alike. They both had beautiful caramel skin, thick black hair and strong, sculpted features. Dakota was tall, but at six feet, Billie was taller. And Dakota had a figure that Billie envied. She always said that Dakota was built like a real woman. She had an awe-inspiring bustline, a small waist and womanly hips with big curvy legs. Billie always felt kind of bony and boyish around her big sister, but she knew better than to complain because Dakota would fuss at her about her self-esteem if she did. Besides, her long slender frame had earned her big bucks as a top model, so she would have been a real hypocrite to whine about it. Still, with Dakota looking so fabulous in a violet crepe dress with a halter neck and a plunging neckline, it was hard not to glance at her own small breasts with sheer dismay.
Dakotas dress was artfully draped in the front and the skirt swirled away from the empire waist and showed off her legs in her Manolo Blahnik pumps, a gift from Billie, whod gotten them free after a runway show. Billie had to laugh at the way Nick was looking at his wife. They needed to be leaving the house right now or Nick would talk Dakota right back up the stairs to the bedroom and no one would see the couple for the rest of the weekend. She decided she had to break the spell or miss the chance to meet her real-estate idol.
You two are just gorgeous. I love that dress, Dakota, and Nick, your tux is slammin. Lets go so we can pay our respects and leave early, she said hurriedly.
Dakota knew better than that, however. You want to meet Jason Wainwright, dont you? Just watch yourself around himhes supposed to be a big player. Real big, she added as she inspected Billies outfit. You can ask Toni about him. Shes going to be there tonight, so you can get the scoop from her. Toni was Dakotas close friend and just happened to be the lifestyle editor of the paper for which Dakota worked. She knew just about everyone in Chicago, but Billie didnt care.
Im a big girl, Billie said mildly. I know how to handle myself with some ol wannabe Casanova. Besides, Im interested in him for strictly business reasons. Hes not even my type, she said with a sniff.
Dakota made a comical face to keep from laughing. Youre right, youre absolutely right, you are good and grown. But from what Ive heard, Mr. Wainwright is any womans type. Very potent, from what I understand. She paused as her husband held out the arms of her evening coat.
Billie slipped into her own faux-fur coat that Nick held for her while Dakota continued talking.
All Im saying is that youre so gorgeous youre going to knock his eyes out of his head. Youre the type he goes for, hot and sexy. Just dont be surprised when he puts the moves on you, Dakota said.
Billie made a sound of disagreement. Stop being so overprotective! Ill bet you that Louis Vuitton bag youve been eyeballing that you are one hundred percent wrong about this, she told her sister. Nick, youre my witness, okay? I say hes going to be strictly business, and if Im wrong Dakota gets my bag, which I havent even used yet.
Nick chuckled and shook his head. Youre on your own, little sister. My name is Bennett and I aint in it, he said in his Georgia drawl. He went out the front door first so he could help them both across the threshold. Giving them each an arm to hold onto, he looked down at them with a smile. But Im on Dakotas side on this one. Watch yourself around this guy because he eats up pretty girls like candy. Or he tries to. Be careful. Thats all were saying.
Billie just shook her head. As much as she appreciated their caring advice, she was positive it was totally unnecessary.
Jason Wainwright was standing at the top of the suspended staircase, which was the centerpiece of the atrium in the lobby area. He had greeted so many guests and accepted so many kudos and good wishes that his throat was getting dry. He took a flute of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter and sipped it while he watched the throng of fashionably clad partygoers on the main floor. He hated to admit it, but he was getting a little bored with his own party. He was hosting this gala event to show off his new office building on Lakeshore Drive and it was a smashing success. His new building, all black marble and glass, was beautiful and the perfect place from which to conduct the real-estate business that had made him a millionaire several times over.
All the right people were there, the food was perfect, the music was perfect and the Moët was flowing. Even his date was perfect. Her name was Patrice and she was very pretty. She was an actress/model/singer or dancer; he couldnt keep up with all her aspirations. She had everything he required in a companion; she was gorgeous with a nice personality and no inhibitions. Since he never spent more than a month with any woman, he had no interest in the more intricate aspects of their personas. As long as she looked good on his arm, she could be flavor of the month and get his signature kiss-off gift, a Tiffany necklace. It was what it was and there was no use in trippin over it.
He was deep in thought when his younger brother Todd joined him. The resemblance was there, but they were far from identical in appearance. Both were tall, although Jason, at six-four, was the taller of the two. They were both muscular, but Jason was slimmer than Todd. His cheekbones stood out in sharp relief and he had a more sculpted appearance. They shared a deep-brown skin color, but Jasons eyes were the tawny color of sherry while Todds were dark brown. Todd was clean-shaven and Jason wore a mustache and goatee with his close-cropped hair, a marked contrast to Todds long locks. What they shared more than anything was the ability to read each others thoughts. It bordered on clairvoyance and it excluded everyone else in their family. It was like a connection between the two brothers. At the moment Jason wouldnt have minded severing that connection.
You look like youre at a funeral, Slappy, Todd said, using the childhood nickname that they often called each other. You got all of Chicago to turn out on the coldest night of the year and you look like you just lost your last million, he said with a wicked grin. He scanned the crowd to see what was causing his brother to look so disenchanted with his own party. When his eyes fell on Patrice, he understood everything.
I gotcha. Youre getting ready to bounce Patrice and its bothering you, he said.
Jason drained the last of the champagne and looked around for a waiter to get rid of the flute. Youre half right, half-wit. It is about time for Patrice and I to go our separate ways, but its not bothering me, as you so eloquently put it. Its not bothering me at all, he said.
Todd raised an eyebrow. Thats whats got you so upset, Slappy. Youre getting tired of tossing away perfectly nice women, but you dont know how to stop, he said wisely. You have no reason to dump her, but youre gonna do it, anyway. You need help, bro.
Jason didnt even bother to roll his eyes at his brother. Drop the psychobabble, would you? If I wanted to hear that crap Id start watching talk shows. Talk about something you know for a change.
Todd didnt hear the edge in his voice because he was looking at some people whod just arrived. Isnt that Nick Hunter? Didnt you say he just got married? Dang, his wife is fine, he said reverently.
Jason didnt even bother to roll his eyes at his brother. Drop the psychobabble, would you? If I wanted to hear that crap Id start watching talk shows. Talk about something you know for a change.
Todd didnt hear the edge in his voice because he was looking at some people whod just arrived. Isnt that Nick Hunter? Didnt you say he just got married? Dang, his wife is fine, he said reverently.
Jason glanced in Nicks direction and he had to agree. Nick was hard to miss, even in a crowd, because of his towering height. Tonight he was impossible to ignore because of the woman next to him. Todd was right, she was a beauty. Hed heard a lot about the prizewinning journalist Dakota Phillips and he was looking forward to meeting her. But his eyes were drawn to the woman on Nicks other side. Her head was turned away from Jason, but even from a side view she was a treat for the eye. He was wondering if Nick had a sister hed never mentioned when she turned so that she was full-face to the two men. A flash of recognition raced through Jason, and Todd took a deep breath.
Man, thats Wilhelmina! You didnt tell me she was coming tonight! Damn, she looks even better in person than she does in pictures.
Jason tried to act nonchalant, but he had to agree with Todd. The woman was beyond fine and hed seen her in magazines, on magazine covers, in commercials and in a couple of movies. Suddenly there was no place he wanted to be more than where he was right now. He gave Todd his usual cocky smile and said, Ill see you later. Therere some people I want to say hello to. And with no hesitation he went down the stairs to meet the fascinating new arrival.
Chapter 2
Billie looked around the gathering with a smile on her face. She wouldnt have admitted it to Dakota, but she was scanning the crowd for a glimpse of Jason Wainwright. She didnt see him, but she was pleasantly surprised to see some people she knew. A tap on her shoulder was accompanied by a deep, chastising male voice. When did you get to town and when were you planning to call us?
She whirled around and looked up into the face of one of her dear friends, Antoine Brown, a point guard for the Chicago Bulls. His wife, Chloe, was a college classmate of Billies and she had been close to the couple for years. Billie laughed at the mock-stern expression on his face and gave him a big hug.
Ive been here since December and I promise you I havent been ignoring you on purpose! Ive talked to Chloe a couple of times, as a matter of fact. You were on the road and I know shes been too busy to mention it. Ive just been going a million miles an hour, is all. My sister got married and Ive started a whole new career and Ill tell you all about it later, she said with a smile. Wheres Chloe?
Shes sitting over there he pointed waiting for me to drag you over. Shes got a surprise for you, he added.
After introducing Antoine to Nick and Dakota, Billie went with him to greet his wife. She was a petite, pretty woman whose pregnancy was just beginning to show. Billie gave her a tight hug while expressing her joy. This really doesnt qualify as a surprise, you guys. I was expecting this, she told the beaming couple. After the first baby I knew you couldnt wait too long. How is my goddaughter, anyway?
She was deep in conversation with her friends until she was claimed by another old friend. This time it was Kareem Davis, a linebacker for the Chicago Bears. He didnt waste time chiding her in the way Antoine had, because he knew she was now living in Chicago. Still, he was pleased to see her, which he demonstrated by picking her up in a huge bear hug.
Youre looking extra-fine, girl. Seems like the Windy City agrees with you, he said once hed put her down.
She smiled up at him. I love it so far. Ive been working with my brother-in-law to learn how to rehab houses and Im learning more than I did in four years of college, she told him. Hes going to let me be a project manager once we find the right house.
Kareem nodded his approval. Youre at the right place tonight, then. Jason Wainwright is like the real-estate god of Chicago. Have you met him?
Not yet, but Im hoping to, Billie answered.
Well, come with me and let me introduce you, he said.
Billies face lit up and she took the hand he offered her. Lets go. Hes the reason I came here tonight.
Jason was heading toward Billie like a guided missile when Patrice stepped in front of him. Ive been looking for you, she said in her low, modulated voice. Where have you been?
She was looking at him calmly, without a hint of recrimination in her voice or anger in her face. It was one of the things he liked about her, actually. Patrice had the demeanor of a well-trained geisha. She was virtually without emotion of any kind and if she ever desired more passion from him she never expressed it. In a way being with Patrice was like being with an android, a beautiful empty shell that would only do what she was programmed to do. He had to force himself to smile at her and pay attention to her words, because all he wanted to do was find Wilhelmina. There was something irresistible drawing him to her and he couldnt wait to find out what it was. He couldnt be rude to Patrice, however.
Im sorry I was gone so long. I was talking with some people. Are you enjoying yourself?
She gave him her usual automatic smile that didnt express amusement or humor; it merely seemed like another programmed reaction. Its a wonderful party, Jason, but Im getting a little tired. I had an early call this morning, she said.
Jason looked at her solicitously. If youre tired why dont you go home? I can have the limo take you now, if you like.
Her eyes, made larger with the clever application of individually applied false lashes, blinked. If youre sure you dont mind, that would be nice. Youre so thoughtful, Jason. Will you be coming by later?
He took her hand and squeezed it gently, which was for him an overt public display of affection. Sure, honey. If its not too late Ill come by. You go get your coat and Ill have the limo in front in two minutes.
In minutes he was looking around for the elusive Wilhelmina again. His date was gone and there was nothing to prevent him from resuming his trajectory. He caught sight of her on Kareems arm and he frowned slightly, although he wasnt aware of it. That was the third man hed seen her talking to that night. He could certainly understand the attraction, because she was the most desirable woman in the building. He couldnt hate all the men who were salivating over her, but if he could hed tell them that their efforts were futile. He was a man whod gotten what he wanted out of life by learning to trust his instincts and go after what he wanted, and what he wanted was the laughing woman in the spectacular blue dress.
Billie and Kareem had to work their way across the floor because they kept getting stopped by one person after another. She had caught a couple of glimpses of Jason Wainwright, but it didnt seem like they were ever going to meet. He was busy circulating, the way a good host should. She was chalking the near miss up to simple bad timing when she saw him talking to a stunning woman who looked like she had a claim on him. Oh, hes got his lady with him, she thought. Well, why wouldnt he, at a big bash like this. Ill just have to meet him some other time when itll be easier to talk business. Once that decision was made, she was about to tell Kareem that she was going back to her sister and brother-in-law when the sound of a deep voice stopped her.