Hot on Her Heels (14 page)

“Obviously the point isn't just to raise money for Skye's foundation,” Lexi said. “It's also a see-and-be-seen kind of party, as well. Dallas society and all that. Senators, congresspeople.”

Dana pressed her hand to her suddenly writhing stomach. “You're not making me feel better.”

“I'll do that later,” Lexi said kindly. “I want you to understand what we're talking about. This is Garth's world.”

“And I don't belong there.”

Lexi grabbed her arm. “No. That's
not
even close to what I'm saying. You totally belong there. But if you want to fit in, to be comfortable, you're going to have to learn the rules.”

She held up her hand before Dana could interrupt. “There's a big difference between fitting in and selling out. I'm not asking you to be someone else. I'm asking you to dress in such a way that you don't insult your hostess, who I would like to remind you, is a close friend.”

Dana pressed her lips together. “Fine,” she mumbled. “What should I wear?”

“You'll probably be more comfortable in pants and a jacket,” Lexi said, moving deeper into the store.

Dana followed her, careful not to brush against anything. She wasn't sure where exclusive boutiques stood on the “you break it, you bought it” policy, but she and her credit card didn't want to get into trouble.

“What about this?”

Lexi held up a tailored jacket. Or maybe it was a blazer. Dana wasn't sure. While she stared at it, her friend was talking. She could see Lexi's lips moving, but there wasn't any sound except for a massive buzzing in her ears.

Had someone blindfolded her and told her that her life depended on her describing the jacket, she wouldn't have been able to do it. Not when all she could see was the small, hanging price tag.

Fifteen
hundred
dollars. You could buy a used car for that.

“What?” Lexi asked. “Are you feeling all right?”

Dana shook her head and pointed. Lexi glanced at the tag, then shrugged.

“It's Donna Karan. Her clothes are beautiful and I think they'd really suit your body.”

“Fifteen hundred dollars? It's a jacket.”

“It's a designer label.” Lexi sighed. “Dana, this is what quality clothes cost.”

“Are they sewn by albino virgins born on February 29th?”

“Maybe you'd be happier with something else.”

Something that wouldn't make her credit card scream for mercy.

Lexi circled several racks, then glanced back at Dana. “Would you consider a dress?”

Dana would rather consider quality time in a snake exhibit at the zoo. A dress, as in not pants? “I guess.”

Instead of circling the racks, Lexi circled Dana. “When was the last time your legs saw sunlight?”

“1943.”

“Very funny. Pale is in. Blinding white doesn't look attractive on anyone. I'll get you in at the spa. We'll give you a nice fake tan that glows.”

Dana frowned. “What does it matter what color my legs are? I'll be wearing panty hose.”

Lexi stared at her. “No. We don't do that anymore. Colored tights are always a possibility with a wool skirt and boots, but…” She seemed to brace herself. “When was the last time you wore a dress?”

“Prom.”

“High school prom?”

“It's the only one I went to.”

Lexi linked arms with her and rested her forehead on Dana's shoulder. “I have to apologize. I've totally failed you as a friend.”

“Why? I'm fine.”

“You're many things but fine isn't one of them. We'll go classic,” she said. “A little black dress.” She straightened and smiled. “The good news for you is you can get one for a lot less than fifteen hundred dollars.”

“Lucky me.”

Fifteen minutes later, Dana had to admit Lexi might be on to something with the dress thing. She'd tried on three already and each of them looked pretty good.

The first had been made out of a shiny fabric that was a little stiff. The front came up to her collarbone but the back had a cut-out that dipped down to the belt. Lexi had explained something about a specially designed fancy bra that would hold the girls in place, but Dana wasn't so sure about walking around with her back exposed.

The second was silk. She knew because Lexi had gushed about it. It had a wrap-style top and a full skirt.

“Too retro,” Lexi said.

“Too girly,” Dana added.

The third, which according to legend should have been just right, wasn't. It was cut low enough for most of her breasts to show.

“I'm not flashing the world,” Dana said, staring at herself in the mirror and trying not to wince. Then she reached for the zipper and stepped out of the dress. “There will be old people there. I don't want to put anyone off the appetizers.”

“Or give them a heart attack.” Lexi looked at the remaining dresses. “Maybe. I don't know. Maybe.”

“What?”

“I'm thinking.”

Dana had to admit there was one advantage to shopping in the exclusive part of town. The dressing rooms were really nice. Large, with a couple of chairs and big mirrors. Now that she thought about it, the space was about the size of her living room.

“Here.” Lexi handed over what looked like a latex tube.

“What is that?”

“Your new best friend. It's an indestructible man-made fiber designed to hold every inch of you in place. Otherwise known as shapeware.”

Dana turned the black tube over in her hands. “How do I get into it?”

“Wiggling and a lot of prayer.”

The task seemed impossible, but Dana stepped into the tube and started pulling up. Lexi got behind her and tugged, as well. It took a few minutes, but finally the tube was in place.

It wasn't just tight—it pressed in from every direction. She wasn't sure she could fully expand her lungs. Eating would be impossible.

“I can't breathe in this thing.”

“You'll get used to it,” Lexi said, apparently unconcerned about Dana's asphyxiation.

Dana took a few practice breaths and found that by inhaling slowly, she could get more air in her lungs.

“Try this,” Lexi said.

The “this” was a simple black dress that looked like it had been created by bands of fabric sewn together. They alternated dull and shiny. The neckline was square and the straps were the same width as the bands.

“It's too small,” Dana said, eyeing the dress and hoping it would look good on her.

“It's meant to be fitted. Which is why you're not breathing. Try it on.”

Dana slipped the dress over her head. It felt tight, but not too tight. She eased it into place. Lexi fastened the zipper, then sank into one of the chairs.

“My work here is done,” Lexi said happily.

Dana faced the mirror. The dress was amazing. It clung to every curve as if she'd been sewn into it. She looked sexy and feminine and not the least bit like herself.

“Shoes,” Lexi said, pointing to the boxes they'd brought in along with the dresses. “Try that box on the left. They're satin, too.”

They were also armed with a four-inch heel.

“I don't think so,” Dana said, staring at them in total fear. “I'll kill myself.”

“You'll look good as you go. Try them on.”

Dana slipped on the shoes.

Despite being a bit wobbly, she looked good. Better than good. Her legs were endless, with great curves. It was like being in someone else's body but looking into her own eyes. A surreal moment.

Lexi rubbed her lower back. “We'll get you into the spa the day before the fund-raiser. You can get the fake tan and we'll do something about those eyebrows.”

Dana peered into the mirror. “What's wrong with my eyebrows? I have two.”

“You practically have four. We'll fix it. Then on the day of the fund-raiser, I'll come by and help you get ready.”

Dana turned around and looked at her friend. “This isn't me. I'm not into this stuff.”

“You don't know that for sure. You've never tried. I'm not saying you have to become a beauty school graduate, but spending a couple of minutes a day on your appearance doesn't make you a bad person. Or a weak one. You can still be as tough as you want and dress nice.”

“Maybe,” Dana admitted. It wasn't about being bad,
it was about being vulnerable. Which Lexi wouldn't understand.

“He won't know what hit him,” her friend added. “More important, you'll feel fabulous.”

She was used to feeling competent and in charge. How important could fabulous be?

She glanced back at the mirror. Maybe it was time to try.

 

D
ANA DROVE TOWARD HER
apartment, doing her best not to think about the packages in the backseat of her rental. She'd never spent that much money on clothes in a year, let alone one afternoon. The good news was the dress and heels together had cost a lot less than the jacket. The bad news was she had to wear them.

Garth had better be appreciative, she thought, both nervous about his reaction and anticipating how he would react. She doubted he expected her to be all glamorous.

She turned left onto her street. It was quiet, as usual. She signaled a few feet before the entrance to her complex. She'd barely started the turn when there was a loud pop and the rear end of her car started to wobble and bump.

Several things happened at once. She checked her mirrors to make sure no one was right behind her, then she jerked the car to the side of the road, braking at the same time. As she quickly came to a stop, she grabbed for her purse and pulled out her gun, then slid down in
the seat. Even as she opened the door, she heard a car speeding away. She jumped out to see if she could catch the license plate, but there wasn't one. Then she leaned heavily against the car.

Her gaze dropped to the left rear tire. There was a hole in it, where the bullet had entered. Had they been trying to scare her or had the shooter missed? Either way, another message had been sent. One she couldn't keep to herself.

She reached back into the car and dug out her cell phone. She dialed the number from memory. When the Titanville sheriff's office picked up, she identified herself then said, “I need to report a shooting.”

D
ANA SIPPED ON THE COFFEE
she'd been given, although she figured she wouldn't need caffeine for a month. She was plenty wired from the shooting. She'd already completed her report about the incident, although she wasn't looking forward to talking about it. No one was going to want to hear that Jed Titan was her prime suspect.

As she sipped, she watched the door. She knew Garth would show up. He'd been very quiet when she'd called and told him what had happened, but she hadn't been fooled. He was pissed that Jed had been so blatant.

But the first familiar face she saw wasn't his. Instead Mary Jo Sheffield, his attorney, hurried in.

“Are you all right?” she asked, putting her leather briefcase on a chair.

“I'm fine. But my car was a rental and I don't think they're going to be happy when they see the tire.”

“What about the shooter?”

“I never saw the perp. It was a black town car. There
are a thousand in the city. Limo companies use them for airport runs. No license plate.”

“Was he a bad shot or trying to scare you?”

“That's my question. If I had to guess, I would say trying to scare me.”

Joe Campbell, a guy she'd worked with for two years, walked over. He didn't look happy.

“You sure about your report?” he asked. “You're saying Jed Titan is behind this?”

Mary Jo bristled. “My client,” she began.

“You hired a lawyer?” Joe looked hurt. “Dana, you work here.”

“I didn't hire a lawyer,” Dana told him. “Mary Jo represents Garth Duncan, who's a friend of mine. She can be a little overzealous.” She turned to Mary Jo. “Back off for a second, okay?”

Mary Jo nodded, but didn't physically move away.

Dana turned back to Joe. “I realize that this is Titanville and Jed's not only related to the founder, but a model citizen. But I know he's behind this. Did you check with the Dallas PD?”

“Not yet.”

“Call them. They'll confirm there's an investigation.”

“I also have the names and numbers of people at the FBI and ATF,” Mary Jo said. “There are several ongoing investigations. And Jed has threatened Dana.”

Joe looked at her. “He threatened you? Did you report it?”

Dana groaned. “Not officially.” She glared at Mary Jo. “I never said he threatened me.”

“You didn't have to. I'm a good guesser. Based on my instincts, I'm also going to say this isn't the first time he's come after you.”

Garth chose that moment to walk in and join the conversation. He'd come from the office, so had on his suit, but for some reason, he looked a little rumpled. And worried.

He walked directly to Dana and pulled her to him. “You okay?” he asked.

She felt awkward being hugged in public, in front of Joe, where she worked. “Um, fine.”

“Good.” He released her and greeted the others. “What did I miss?”

“Dana was just going to tell us about her previous encounters with Jed,” Mary Jo said calmly.

Garth spun toward her. “There have been others?”

“It was nothing,” Dana said, wishing Mary Jo had kept her mouth shut. “I was run off the road a couple of days ago.”

“Run off the road?” Garth and Joe said at the same time.

“That explains the rental,” Mary Jo murmured.

“You have a rental car?” Garth asked. “Since when?”

“It's no big deal.” She dug in her purse and pulled out the paper with the license plates on it. “Here, Joe. You won't find anything, but it's all I have.”

“What happened?” Garth demanded. “And why the hell didn't you tell me? We had a deal.”

She knew he was referring to the fact that she'd promised to move in with him if Jed came after her. “This happened before that,” she said.

“You kept it from me. You lied.”

Mary Jo slipped her arm through Joe's. “Let's go get some coffee and leave them to work this out.”

When they were gone, Garth narrowed his gaze. “Start talking.”

Her temper flared. “You're not my boss. You don't get to say what I do.”

“You deliberately withheld material information. Dammit, Dana. Jed is coming after you and I'm the reason. Do you think I want anything to happen to you?”

“No. You're worried about everyone. I get that.”

He grabbed her arm, his expression intense. “I'm worried about
you
. I wanted you to move in before this ever happened. I let you put it off because I thought you were safe and you let me believe that.”

She glanced down then back at him. “You're right. I'm sorry. I didn't think it was that big a deal.”

“He hired someone to run you off the road. Then he paid you a private visit. Now this. How big a deal does it have to get before you pay attention?”

She pulled free of his grip. “I'm sorry. Okay? I should have said something.”

“Damn straight.”

“I don't want to be anyone's responsibility.”

“It's too late. Jed knows we're together. You're just as vulnerable as Lexi or Izzy or Skye. You're part of this.”

She knew what he meant, but even though he was trying to scare her, she couldn't help feeling a warm little jolt inside her belly. Being part of something was important to her. She hadn't allowed it to happen many times in her life. Just as intriguing was Garth's statement that they were together. Was that how he saw things?

“Dana?”

“I'm listening,” she said quickly. “I'm sorry. I should have said something before. I thought he was trying to scare me. I didn't think he would take it any further.”

“And now?”

“I'm not so sure.”

He seemed to brace himself. “I want you to move in with me. We talked about it before. I know it's not what you want, but things are getting dangerous.”

“I know,” she said.

“He'll keep coming after you. I swear, Dana, I'll…What?”

“I know,” she repeated. “I'll move in with you.”

“Just like that?”

“There's nothing like getting shot at to change someone's perspective. He wants to distract us from what's important. I'm not saying living with you will be much protection, but I'll do it. On one condition.”

He drew in a slow breath. “Typical,” he muttered.

“I don't want Lexi, Skye or Izzy to know about the shooting or him running me off the road. It'll scare them. They're already being protected, so that's not going to change. But if they know, they'll be upset and they'll feel guilty. That won't help.”

Garth considered her words. “Fine,” he said, after a second. “But I'm telling the guys.”

She didn't like that. She didn't want to keep information from her friends, but she hated the thought of them taking the blame. None of this was about them. Jed was the one who'd gone over to the dark side.

She was most worried about Lexi and her baby. If anything happened to either of them, she would never be able to forgive herself. But to let the
guys
know?

“I hate that,” she told him. “Just for the record. And when they do find out and they're pissed, I'm so going to blame you.”

“Ask me if I care. Do we have a deal?”

She nodded.

“Do you mean it this time?” he asked.

“Ouch. I meant the last one.”

“You withheld information.”

“That doesn't mean I didn't mean it.” She sighed. “I'm moving in with you. Isn't that enough?”

“For now.”

 

D
ANA FOUND THAT PACKING
up everything she owned and leaving her apartment, even temporarily, was
harder than she'd expected. She wasn't comfortable with the idea of living with Garth. Despite his statements, she still considered their relationship undefined. What exactly would he expect from her? What were the house rules? While asking would be the most mature way to handle the situation, she wasn't feeling especially grown-up at the moment.

She loaded everything in her nearly restored truck, doing it herself. A concession that Garth had fought. He'd wanted to come with her, as if expecting Jed to be lurking outside her apartment. Or inside—which he'd already done once.

She double-checked her drawers and the closet, trying to make sure she didn't leave anything important behind. Not that she would be very far away. If she needed something, she could stop by and get it.

Still, even with just her clothes and personal things missing, her apartment seemed sad and abandoned. This had been her home for nearly four years. She liked the small, quiet space. She'd bought the prints above the sofa at a garage sale and the coasters, pictures of hunky naked guys under glass, had been a gift from Izzy. There were memories here.

“Get over it,” she said aloud. She was moving in with Garth for a few weeks at most. She would be back. Life as she knew it hadn't ended.

But she was feeling uncomfortably emotional as she got into her truck and drove toward his high-rise condo.

When she pulled in front of the building, Garth was waiting.

“I got you a parking spot,” he said. “Number one-eighty-two.” He handed her a card that would let her into the underground garage. “Use this to get in. I'll meet you by the elevator and help you carry up your suitcases.”

She stared at the small, white plastic card. “They have spare parking?”

“I get two spaces with my condo. This is the second one. It's next to my car.”

She wasn't sure if she believed him. Did he really have an extra spot or had he rented or bought one for her? Not that she would ask. She didn't trust him to tell the truth. Besides, what difference did it make? He could afford it.

Except telling herself that didn't make her feel any better. She didn't want him buying her things or taking care of her. That implied an obligation she didn't want to have. It made her nervous.

“This is why I keep relationships simple,” she muttered as she drove into the parking garage and found the spot in question.

A few minutes later, both Garth and George, the doorman, had joined her at the truck. With all three of them carrying things, they had her truck unloaded in one trip. Once everything was in his condo and George had left, Garth handed her a key on a ring.

“You know the main layout,” he said, pointing to the
kitchen. “Help yourself to whatever you want. I don't keep a lot of food around, but if you need girl food, that's fine.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Girl food?”

He grinned. “Yogurt. Stuff with soy.”

“Because you see me as the soy type?”

“All women keep secrets.”

“Maybe, but none of mine involve soy.”

She followed him down the hallway. She'd been in his bedroom before and expected him to head in there, but instead he kept walking and pushed open the door at the end.

The room was much smaller than the master, but had a big window and a killer view. There was a queen-size bed, a dresser, a desk and a flat-screen TV on the wall.

He turned to face her. “I thought you'd be more comfortable here. I didn't want to assume…”

It was the first time she'd seen him unsure of himself. He didn't look directly at her as he spoke and after gesturing to the bed, he shoved his hands into his slacks pockets.

A guest room. Who would have thought?

She thought of the big bed in the room down the hall, of sleeping next to him every night, of having him touch her and take her until she was weak with wanting to give all she had. And if she did that, what would be left of her?

“This would be great,” she said.

Something flashed through his eyes. Something that
if she'd been brave like Izzy or beautiful like Lexi or emotionally strong like Skye she might have thought was disappointment, but being just her, she ignored it.

He jerked his head to the right. “Bathroom through that door. The closet is big, but if you need more room, I have it in mine.” He pulled one hand out of his pocket and looked at his watch. “I have a meeting. Are you going to be okay by yourself?”

“I'm hardly by myself. Our command center, as your sisters call it, is rarely quiet. One of them is forever dropping in. Then there's delivery people, our resident computer geek and the sandwich delivery guy.”

“I'll be back around seven. Want me to bring Chinese?”

She nodded.

“If you need anything,” he began.

“I'll call,” she told him. “I'm good. I'll get settled and be here when you get home.”