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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
STEPHANIE HAD SPENTthe day at Matt’s house preparing for the party, but Stewart was never far from her mind. The night before he’d returned home at a decent hour, swept her up to their bedroom, then kissed and licked and teased her until she was breathless with need. Only when she’d pleaded and begged did he thrust into her warmth and ride her into a powerful climax.
When she’d arrived at Matt’s palatial home, she was surprised the star wasn’t there, but watching Mandy McCormick, the party planner, barking orders at everyone, she could understand why he’d made himself scarce. The woman had finally introduced herself, and led Stephanie to a large guest suite near the top of the stairs. There was plenty of room for the models to change, and Stephanie had carefully carried the garments in two at a time.
But Tia hadn’t shown up.
When the ramp for the fashion show was delivered, Stephanie tried calling her. Receiving no answer, she watched over the crew as it was assembled, and could only hope they’d done it correctly. It jutted against the sweeping staircase which would offer an eye catching entrance as the models came down.
She was about to try Tia again, when Matt Montgomery walked in, and she knew immediately why he’d become a star. He had charisma—a certainsomething—that commanded her attention. But he also had a boyish, almost vulnerable quality that made her want to hug him.
“Hello, I’m Stephanie Baxter, Stewart’s wife,” she declared, walking up and extending her hand. “Thank you so much for letting me invade your party and your lovely home. I hope it’s not too terrible for you.”
“Let’s see,” he began, grinning as he wrapped his fingers around hers. “You’re bringing in gorgeous models to waltz around this house dressed in lingerie. Sounds like my worst nightmare,” he said with a chuckle, then lowered his head and kissed her hand. “It’s lovely to finally meet you. I can understand why Stewart has kept you all to himself.”
His humor and charm caught her off guard. Stewart had said he could be aloof wasn’t particularly friendly.
“Hey, you two!”
Turning around, Stephanie saw Tia walking towards them.
“What the hell?” Stephanie exclaimed, throwing up her hands. “Where have you been? I was starting to worry.”
“Sorry. Jerry’s working from home and he needed my help with something. Hi, Matt.”
“Hi, Tia. I hope he doesn’t run your house with an iron fist like he does the studio.”
“More like an open hand,” she quipped, then grinned and quickly added, “The ramp looks great. Are you okay with all this Matt?”
“It’s a bit late if I’m not,” he retorted grimly, then laughed out loud. “I’m kidding! Like I just told Stephanie, how could I not be happy with a bunch of scantily clad models at my party? I sure beats a Mariachi band.”
“You’re too funny,” Stephanie said, laughing along with him.
“As much as I’d love to stay and chat with you both, I have things I have to do and not much time to do them,” he continued. “There’s plenty to eat and drink in the kitchen, and if you feel like you need something a bit stronger the bar is well-stocked.”
“Thanks, Matt, you’re the best,” Stephanie said gratefully. “You have no idea how much this means to me. It really is a dream come true.”
“Hey, I’m glad to do it. I’ll see you later.”
“He’s a star in more ways than one,” Tia remarked as he walked away. “What a nice guy, and speaking of stars, the girls should be here pretty soon. Tell me again what happened when you asked Stella to model.”
Stephanie frowned. It had been an odd conversation, and she’d only had time to give Tia a brief report.
“It was weird,” Stephanie said, her smile fading. “When I told her we were having a fashion show here at Matt’s, and I asked if she’d be a part of it, she became— I guess you’d call it flustered, then turned me down.”
“It must be John,” Tia said grimly. “You know she’s unhappy in that marriage, and he’s always struck me as the insanely jealous type.”
“I did ask her about that, and she said it had nothing to do with him. I didn’t want to pressure her so I just let it go.”
“And this was on the phone?” .
“Yep, and she said she wasn’t sure if she’d make it to the party at all.”
“It’s got to be John,” Tia repeated. “I’d put money on it. I don’t know why Jerry has so much faith in him, though I know the guy works crazy hours.”
“I don’t know what’s up,” Stephanie said with a sigh. I might—”
