Holiday in Danger (13 page)

Holly nodded. The last thing she wanted to do was cater a huge party in the Cove, but it’s what she came back to do. Her best friend needed her and she wasn’t going to let her down. Even if it made her uncomfortable. She grabbed another tray of empty pastry shells and picked up the bowl of strawberries. “So tell me what this party is for again.”

“It’s a fundraiser for some nonprofit. A casino night. You know, rich people gambling in the name of charity.”

Holly forced herself not to roll her eyes. Casino parties in the Cove had a legendary reputation. Everyone who was anyone would be there. People she hadn’t seen in years would be mingling around tables and eating the little bite-sized treats she’d been making all day.

She snorted and dolloped a spoonful of the strawberries into a shell. “I haven’t been to one of those parties in years.”

Hillary paused. “I forgot you went to a few in high school. It won’t be awkward, will it?”

“Why?”

“I just…he’ll probably be there.”

“You mean Brandon?”

Her best friend nodded. “I should have asked you before I roped you into this. If you don’t want to go—”

“Nonsense. Of course I want to go. Besides, once we set everything up, we’re off the hook for the night, right?”

Hillary nodded. “The facility’s providing all the waitstaff. We’re just delivering the food.”

“Then stop worrying. Trent and Ian will be there and I plan on having a good time.”

Hillary smiled. “Good. I hope you show those two off.”

Holly raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you just warn me not to get carried away?”

“I did. But that was before I thought about what a stir you’d make. Ian’s got to be the most sought-after bachelor in the Cove.”

“You wouldn’t know it if you talked to him. He said he’s been lonely.”

Her best friend nodded. “He had a bad breakup a while back. Some real witch of a woman who was only after his money. He’s been single ever since.”

Holly smiled. “Well, at least he doesn’t have to worry about that from me. I’ve told him a hundred times I wish he weren’t rich. I usually can’t stand people with money.”

“I know. I’m surprised you haven’t convinced him to move into some one-bedroom condo just so you don’t have to be in that enormous house.”

Holly laughed. Her best friend knew her so well. “Believe me, I’ve wanted to. But Trent says it’s the safest place in town. Crazy security and all that.”

Hillary nodded. “Promise me you’ll be safe tonight.”

“I promise. Now let’s get these last few finished so we can get ready. If I’m going to turn heads tonight, I don’t want to look like something the cat dragged in.”

* * *

IAN

This is getting old.
Ian slipped on cufflink and secured the back. “I’ve told you every possible person, business-related or otherwise who might have a bone to pick with me.”

“Obviously not.” Trent leaned against the wall, tux shirt open, no tie. “Think harder.”

“Damn it, man. Don’t you think I have?” Ian fixed his other cuff and slid into his jacket. It’d been months since he’d worn a tux—he’d been too busy traveling halfway around the world to manage new clients and strike new deals to even think about attending a party.

Without a girlfriend to convince him to take a night off, he’d focused on work and let his social life slide. The party at his house had been the first one in months. Hell, the last time he’d worn anything other than a business suit was his little sister Mandy’s wedding.

Ian shook his head. Before Holly, that was the last time he’d had a woman on his arm and he’d ended up breaking up with her that night.
Thank God.
Ivy McClellan was one piece of work he was glad to be rid of.

“You checked out Ivy, right?”

Trent nodded. “Twice. She’s got a solid alibi. Seems her current boyfriend owns a couple of ski resorts and she’s been spending all her time in Vail.”

Ian paused. “She’s got her hook in Dwayne? He’s got to be twice her age.”

“With twice your bank account.”

That woman was something else. “No chance she’s double timing? Got someone local to come after me?”

Trent frowned. “Not that I can find. But I’ll keep looking. She’s the only person from Midnight Cove who hates your guts.”

“Not the only one. Holly’s dad wasn’t fond of me, either.”

“I’m not in the habit of checking on dead people, Ian, but if you really want me to—”

“Funny.” Ian took one last look in the mirror. Classic black tux. No frills. Simple and understated. He could have gone flashy. It was casino night after all. But he had the feeling Holly wouldn’t approve.

“You sure there’s no one else?”

Ian nodded. “I’ve given you every colleague, co-worker, acquaintance, and ex-girlfriend I’ve ever had.”

“Then we’ve got to be missing something.”

“I wish I knew what.” Ian motioned to the door and Trent followed him out of the room and down the hall. Stopping at the bar in the living room, Ian pulled out the bourbon and poured them each a glass.

Trent took one and raised it up. “To finding whoever’s out there with an axe to grind.”

Ian clinked his glass against Trent’s. “And to having a good time tonight. Holly should be there already. Once she’s set up, she’ll be free to party.”

Trent sipped his drink. “You don’t think that’ll be weird?”

“What?”

“That she’s catering and you’re one of the biggest donors.”

Ian blinked. The thought had never crossed his mind. “No. I cut my teeth in the restaurant business. Shit, I still own the Inn with Richard and a couple other places besides.”

“But you’re not involved anymore.”

Ian frowned. “Don’t remind me. Mandy’s wedding was the last time I even looked at a menu. I had planned on opening a bar with Blake and Devin, but—”

“Ivy ruined that.”

Ian nodded. “It’s not like I would have had the time anyway. But damn it, I miss it.”

Trent smirked and took another sip. “What, all the money you’re making isn’t making up for it?”

Ian rolled his eyes. “It helps. But it’s not the same. I always thought I’d be able to do both. The shipping business snowballed.”

“Well, guess it’s a lucky thing you’ve got Holly, then.”

“
We’ve
got Holly, Trent. This isn’t a contest.”

Trent cocked his head to the side. “It isn’t?”

What the hell?
“I was the one who came up with the idea of the three of us together. Why would I be trying to shut you out?”

Trent drained the rest of his drink and set the empty glass on the counter. “Never mind. I’ve got a job to do, you’ve got a charity to support, and Holly’s probably wondering where the hell we are.”

Ian frowned. The past week had been fantastic. Him and Trent and Holly together. They’d done their own thing during the day and fallen into bed at night. Never once had he sensed Trent was conflicted or jealous. But this…was he unhappy?

Whatever was going on, it’d have to wait. They had a party to attend. One where Ian couldn’t wait to wrap his arm around Holly and show her off. He checked his phone. Delivery confirmed.
Perfect.
It didn’t matter that Holly was catering the party. One look at her and everyone would know she was the star of the night.

* * *

HOLLY

“Is this tight? Tell me it’s not too tight.” Holly spun around as her best friend watched.

“It’s perfect. Ian and Trent are going to love it.”

Holly frowned. “That means it’s too tight.”

“Stop it. You’re a knockout in that dress and you know it. Think about all the jealous looks you’re gonna get. I’m bringing my camera.”

“Don’t you dare.” Holly twisted around and took another look at her backside in the mirror. Black tie in Midnight Cove meant floor-length dresses and sweeping updos and killer shoes. Something Holly hadn’t been around in forever.

Her life in LA revolved around the kitchen of various restaurants and her idea of dressing up was putting on a T-shirt and jeans instead of a chef’s jacket and pajama pants. She made pastries for fancy parties. She didn’t go to them.

With a sigh, she turned back around. Hillary was right, the dress was fabulous. They’d spent an entire day at the fanciest dress boutique in town and Holly had tried on every dress in her size. As soon as she’d slipped on the black velvet, Hillary’s squeal had told her it was the one. And it was.

The soft fabric hugged her curves but didn’t bind and the neck came up just far enough to hint at cleavage without giving it all away. And the little swoop train in the back? Adorable. She took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. Getting over herself would be harder than she thought.

“Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts about tonight.”

“I’m not. It’s just…I left. I never wanted to be back here with all the people I forgot about. Standing around a game table while someone like Brandon flashes his Rolex and throws dice across the felt? That’s not who I am, Hillary.”

Her best friend walked over and the silk layers of her dress swooshed around her feet. “I know. But it’s for charity. And Ian and Trent will be there. They want you to go and have a good time.”

Holly opened her mouth to argue when the doorbell rang. She turned to Hillary. “Are you expecting someone?”

“No. Can you get it? I’ve still got to pick the right shoes.”

Holly nodded and gathered her dress before hustling out of Hillary’s bedroom and to the front door. She pulled it open and a delivery man flashed her a smile.

“Can I help you?”

“I have a delivery for Holiday Jones.”

“That’s me.”

“Sign here, please.”

Holiday signed the clipboard and the man handed her a small package. She thanked him and shut the door.

“Who was it?” Hillary’s voice carried down the hall and Holly followed it back into the bedroom.

“A delivery guy. He brought me this.”

“What is it?”

“I have no idea.” Holly tore at the edge of the padded envelope and pulled out a slender black box. Her eyes went wide as she looked up at Hillary. “You don’t think—”

“Open it!”

Holly bit her lip and lifted the lid.
Oh my God.
The box trembled in her hand and she fell into a sitting position on the edge of Hillary’s bed. A pair of earrings and a necklace sat nestled inside deep blue silk.

She held it out and Hillary’s jaw almost hit the floor. “Are those diamonds?”

Holly nodded. Lots and lots of diamonds. It was like the entire front case of Tiffany’s had been squished into a single box and plopped in her hand. “I’ve never seen anything like it up close.”

“Who sent it?”

Holly swallowed and reached inside the envelope. She pulled out a thick piece of card stock.

Hope you’re ready to have a good time. I can’t wait to show you off tonight.

Love,

Ian

She handed the card to Hillary and ran her fingers over the necklace. “He’s crazy.”

“He’s sweet and generous.”

Holly touched her neck where the diamonds would rest and shook her head. “I can’t wear them.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not who I am. I’m not for sale. I’ve told him that before. I don’t want Ian’s money. You know that’s not what I’m about.”

Her best friend plucked the box out of Holly’s hand. She pulled the necklace out and opened the clasp. “You are going to wear these and you are going to get over yourself. He’s not buying you.”

Holly trembled as the cool metal and diamonds touched her skin. Hillary clasped the back and handed Holly the earrings. She put them on without looking. “It sure seems that way.”

Hillary’s tone turned stern. “Stand up and look in the mirror. Take a good, hard look.”

With a deep breath, Holly did as her friend asked.
Wow
. What seemed over the top and out of this world in the box appeared to fit right in on her body. The necklace wasn’t too big or too flashy. The earrings didn’t dwarf her earlobes. They were beautiful.

“See?” Hillary took her by the shoulders and met her gaze in the mirror. “From everything you’ve told me, I think it’s obvious. Ian knows who you are. So does Trent. They don’t want to make you into something you’re not.”

“They don’t?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean they can’t spoil you. Ian said he wants to show you off, so let him. With that dress and those diamonds, there won’t be any doubt who you’re with tonight.”

Holly pressed her lips together. She didn’t want to say it out loud, but that was exactly what she was afraid of.

HOLLY

W
HO
KNEW
PUFF
pastry could be so heavy? Holly hoisted the last tray out of the back of the van and carried it into the mansion’s kitchen. Getting dressed up before hauling inside enough appetizers to feed the entire town was a terrible idea.

Wisps of hair had fallen out of her French twist, her legs ached from teetering on four-inch heels, and if she didn’t take a break soon, she’d be too tired to enjoy herself.

Adding on top of that, the flashes of the rich and sometimes famous as they filtered in the front door made Holly twitchy. Mrs. Morganstern waltzed in draped on her husband’s arm, and the Jennison twins were there with pretty boys in tow.
God
.