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‘Will I do dressed like this?’He gestured to the suit he wore so impeccably.
She nodded, unable to speak.He could wear a sack and still manage to make it look designer.
Alicia lived in an apartment in the flashiest area of town.Wealthy—conspicuously so with a ridiculous amount of security.Cally’s heart sank as she saw paparazzi lying in wait.Of course, Alicia would always welcome any opportunity to get publicity.Even her daughter’s ‘on the quiet’ wedding.Her heart plummeted further when she saw a limo pull up and deposit a couple of socialites whom she knew her mother patronised.
Blake pulled over several metres from the entrance, away from the photographers.‘Not quite the quiet dinner you thought it was going to be, huh?’
‘I’m sorry.’Cally shrugged.‘Mother likes to make the most of any occasion.’
‘Relax.It’ll be a piece of cake.’He unclipped his seatbelt and turned to study her.‘Hmm.’
‘What’s wrong?’She didn’t need the hint of disapproval right now.
‘You don’t look like a passion-exhausted bride.’
He wrapped his arm around her, rested his hand possessively on her still slightly narrow waist.The thrill from his touch made her catch her breath.He must have sensed her reaction because his fingers moved, teasing slightly.She saw his grin as his face loomed large.He kissed her—thoroughly.So that when he finally lifted his head away she was breathless and wishing they were back at his house.His hand rested on her knee, fingers drawing small circles—delicious movements that made her want him to inch higher and higher up her thigh.But they stayed there, gently teasing, and the smile his lips teased too.
She strove for some dignity, wanting to cover the depth of her desire.Pushed him away—far too late and ineffectually.‘You’ve ruined my lipstick.’
His grin widened as his gaze dropped to her lips—lips that wanted the pressure of his again immediately.‘You don’t need lipstick.Your mouth invites the most when naked.’The raspy edge to his voice was the only hint that maybe he wasn’t as unshaken by that kiss as he appeared.
She felt the tug of sadness—he had no idea of her inner turmoil right now.There was so much they didn’t know or understand about each other, not least their deepest needs and desires.She stole a steadying breath and steeled herself to handle their situation.At least they did do the sex bit well.
As they exited the car and walked towards the doors she blinked at the flashes and inwardly cursed Alicia.If she wanted to live her life out on the pages of trashy magazines that was her decision, but she didn’t have to drag her Cally along with her.
Inside the building the security guard escorted them to her mother’s suite.The music could be heard behind the closed door.No, this wasn’t to be some nice quiet dinner.This was one of her mother’s infamous soirées.Where she’d gather as many of her C-list celebrity pals as possible and they’d air-kiss and bitch behind backs.
As they walked through the crowd in the foyer Alicia glided across the room like a golden goddess to greet them.She looked stunning in a simple sheath.With shoestring straps, the dress clung to her figure—the kind of body most twenty-year-olds would be lucky to possess, let alone a woman well into her middle age.Her highlighted hair hung loose and sleek down her back.She was a true representative of that tall, glamorous Antipodean look, where she’d be as comfortable on the beach as in the boardroom.It was only when you got up close that you could see the cutting edge in the blue eyes.
‘Darling.’She embraced Cally in one of those hugs that pretended to be close but where no part of the body touched except light hands on backs.
Her gaze skipped over Cally and went straight to Blake, stopping and staring.‘I can see why you’ve kept him such a secret.I wouldn’t want to share him with anyone either.’
Blake’s arm tightened around Cally, drawing her nearer to him.‘We weren’t expecting such a turnout.’
Alicia’s stare became more of a cool glare.‘I wasn’t invited to my own daughter’s wedding.You decided to have a small, private ceremony but I thought I’d have the reception for you.’
Cally munched down on the inside of her cheek.Yeah, right.There weren’t any ofherfriends here.Alicia wouldn’t know who they were.It was all vague acquaintances and useful contacts.The whole thing was just an excuse for Alicia to do the glamour-party thing—and get more publicity.
She looked around—at the clever lighting, the DJ in the corner, the beautiful staff serving the beautiful people.‘You’ve really outdone yourself, Mother.’
‘My daughter deserves the best.’Alicia gave Blake another less than subtle look-over.
Cally watched her mother give her new husband the eye before glancing away as the nausea rose.The room was packed with millions of model types—she’d spent years trying to avoid them but they’d invaded her home.In their presence she’d always determinedly fought against feeling inferior, unattractive and short.It couldn’t get much worse than this.
Good things come in small packages.Good things come in small packages.
Mentally she tried to get a grip, but, no, the mantra wasn’t working.
Cally had worked long and hard to get over the insecurities and feelings of inadequacy her mother had foisted on her.And for the most part, she’d succeeded.But as she looked around the room every scrap of self-esteem she’d built disintegrated piece by piece.So what if she’d built a fabulous business?Why couldn’t she have inheritedsomethingfrom her mother—another couple of inches, say, evenfractionallylonger limbs?
‘Blake McKay.So it really is you.’
Cally turned her attention back to her husband and Alicia stage-whispered in her ear as the owner of the sultry voice put her hands on Blake’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to each cheek.
‘Turns out Paola is an old friend of Blake’s.’Alicia’s smile revealed polished white teeth.‘Funny how small the world can be sometimes.We’ve been working on a shoot together.She’s Brazil’s biggest supermodel and really is such fun andsobeautiful.’
Beautiful wasn’t the word.Paola was tall and impossibly slim with even more impossible breasts.Her hair was brunette with highlights that Cally could never have no matter how much she paid the hairdresser.And she was looking at Blake with an undeniably possessive, predatory,knowinglook.Cally quickly glanced at Blake and saw the unmistakable flare in his face.It was an expression he’d never worn when looking at her.Energy sizzled between the two and it was obvious to anyone who cared to look.
