Pyramids and Promises (Omega Mu Alpha Brothers Book 2) (19 page)

Ahmed’s mouth dropped when she walked outside.

“Ya, Miss. Your hair!”

“Like it?” she asked. He might be the wrong person to ask though. She didn’t know how traditionally Muslim he was.

“It is different. But I like it,” he said after a long pause. “Conner isn’t going to know what to say.”

C
onner adjusted his jacket and knocked on Jessica’s door. It was ridiculous that she made him wait all day to see her, and Ahmed’s curious smile on the drive over had driven him a little insane. He knew something Conner didn’t.

Jessica answered the door, and Conner felt like a ton of bricks fell on him. She looked amazing. Incredible in a white dress with black nylons. Her legs went on forever in black heels. But her hair. He swallowed audibly. Her hair. It was gone. Well, not all of it, but most of it.

Her beautiful locks had been chopped off to just above her shoulder. Conner panicked. She didn’t look nearly as much like Nour without her blonde hair flowing over her shoulders.

“Have I rendered you speechless?” Her makeup was natural and flawless, but the glow from her cheeks was all her. That wasn’t artificial. Whatever had caused her to do this, she felt good about her decision.

“I suppose you have,” he finally managed to say. “That dress is hot.”

“And the hair?” She shook her head. It was definitely bouncy and light.

“I loved your hair,” he said quietly.

“I love it too.” She misheard him. “And look.”

She ran her hands through it and lifted her fingers. The underlayer was a dusky dark pink.

“Pink,” he whispered.

“Rose.”

Nour would never put pink in her hair. Conner rubbed his forehead.

“You don’t like it.” Jessica’s face fell.

“No, I do. I’m just so surprised. I never expected this transformation.” He reached for her, but she backed up a step. Hurt and anger written on her face.

“Let me get my purse.” There was a black clutch on the counter that she grabbed.

“Jessica, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind. “You are smoking hot tonight, and I’m going to be the luckiest guy in the room. I can’t believe you went to all of this trouble for me.”

He kissed her shoulder where the lace of her dress ended. She turned in his arms. The hair still shocked him. It would take some getting used to. But it was hair. He wasn’t losing this beautiful jewel in his life because of Nour or because of some preconceived notion of how he wanted Jessica to look.

“I wanted a change.” She brushed her hand along the shorn edge of her hair.

“And it looks beautiful.” He slid his fingers in and lifted up to see the rose color. “I apologize for acting like a jerk. Please forgive.”

“Do you really like it?”

“I do.” He smiled and kissed her. This would take some getting used to, but he didn’t need her to know that.

“Careful.” She pulled away. “You’ll smudge my makeup.”

Ahmed winked at Jessica when he held open the car door. Of course he’d known. That’s what the smile had been for. Conner glared at him.

“You look nice too.” She ran her hand along the edge of Conner’s tux jacket. “This is a good look for you.”

“It’s bloody ridiculous. Who has a black tie event in the desert?” He pulled at his bowtie.

“Don’t.” She took his hand in hers and threaded their fingers together. “Tell me more about tonight.”

“So this old guy Cahill runs my division of the company. I’m one of his pets so to speak, but rumor is he’s announcing his retirement tonight.”

“Are you up to be promoted into his place?” She blinked, and Conner noticed how much thicker and longer her lashes were. She really had gone full out to look good for him tonight.

“No, his son Cahill Jr., the birthday boy, is. But he’s a pretentious blowhard who isn’t really all that fond of me.”

“How is that possible? You can be so charming.” Jessica rolled her eyes.

“I know, I know. There’s a jackass buried deep inside my soul.” Conner laughed. Okay, so her hair was different. It somehow made her more
her
. It took away the Nour aspect, and when he looked at her, he saw only Jessica. Maybe it was the change they both needed. He knew for certain now he wouldn’t be going to the hotel to see Nour.

“So Junior doesn’t like you. Is this a threat to your position in the company?” She was an astute little thing.

“Possibly, but probably not. I can always transfer to another division. But it’s a definite threat to my drilling teams. Guys I’ve worked with for a couple years now. Guys whose families I’ve met. I’d hate to let them down.”

“That’s very nice of you. What can I do to help?”

“Well.” He thought about it for a second. She was the sweet one, offering to help him. “What I really need is for you to look gorgeous on my arm, which you already do. And to have a sparkling personality, which you already have. And in general make it look like I have incredible taste, which believe me, you already do.”

She looked down, and her cheeks flushed a glorious shade of pink.

“Don’t be bashful,” he said. “You’re beautiful and amazing. Own it.”

Her gaze met his, and he was going to kiss her. He didn’t care if he smudged her makeup or not. In fact, he hoped he did. He wanted everyone in the place to know that she was his.

Ahmed brought the car to a stop before Conner got the chance though. Conner cursed and threw him a look.

“Whoa, ya Mister. Perhaps I should install a curtain,” Ahmed said with a loud voice.

Jessica giggled.

“Not necessary.”

Ahmed opened the door and helped Jessica out.

“Best of luck. Do good, ya Mister,” he said for Conner’s ears only.

“Inshallah,” Conner replied and Ahmed gave him a knowing smile.

There was a string quartet playing by the entranceway of the venue.

“Fancy,” Jessica muttered as she looped her arm through Conner’s. Everyone was dressed in their best. Tuxes and gowns. He was glad he’d given Jessica warning to buy a new dress.

“It’s fancy now. Once the old man leaves, the DJ will come out, and this will turn into a rave.” Conner grinned at her expression. “Complete with any recreational drug you could want. Junior knows how to party.”

“Do you party like that?” She frowned as if the thought had never occurred to her that with a high-end lifestyle came high-end perks, including designer drugs.

“Never have. I’ve seen it ruin one too many lives. It’s hard to come back from. I drink every now and then, but no drugs.” Conner shook his head. He was known for being pretty squeaky clean in the company.

Conner spotted Tommy and tugged Jessica in that direction.

“Whoa.” Tommy eyes widened. “The hair. I love it.”

“Thanks.” Jessica beamed, and Conner felt even worse. That’s the reaction he should have had. “And look.”

She showed him the color, and Tommy squealed. He ran his hands through her hair several times, until she was laughing.

“Okay. That’s enough. You’re making a scene.” Conner grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed one to Jessica.

“Grumpy!” Tommy rolled his eyes. “You look nice too, boss.”

“I’m not jealous.” Conner sighed. “I just don’t want you fawning over my girlfriend.”

“Certainly not when I usually fawn over you. Conner likes to be loved,” he said to Jessica. Did one afternoon of dress shopping make them besties? Jessica grinned and winked at him, and Connor relaxed.

“Come on, let’s introduce her around.” Tommy said. Conner held out his arm for her, and Tommy stuck to her other side. She looked good there nestled safely on his arm. Real good. He could see her there permanently.

“J
unior is already here. Holding court.” Tommy pointed to the corner of the room near the bar.

“That’s Junior?” Jessica asked.

“Winston Albert Cahill Jr.” Conner grinned at her. “Daddy calls him Stone. The rest of us just call him Junior.”

“Stone?” Jessica bit her lip to prevent the smile that was threatening to spread across her face.

Conner leaned in close. His cologne was intoxicating, a delicious mix of him and something spicy.

“Yeah, as in rock. Who shortens Winston into Stone?” His breath tickled her ear. She couldn’t help it. She giggled. “That’s the Junior I was telling you about.”

“Wasn’t there a newscaster named Stone?”

“Don’t even get me started.” Conner rolled his eyes.

“Douchebag alert.” Tommy sing-songed quietly for just them to hear. A man in a tight tux with slicked back, oily hair walked up.

“I didn’t realize Junior invited the competition to the party.” He smiled, but really it was more of a barely restrained sneer. “I sure am sorry you ran out of the conference call before we could finish up the other day. Junior wants to work with you. We’re all a team.”

Conner’s arm tightened under Jessica’s hand. There wasn’t much to like about this guy based on a first impression, but Conner’s stress and dislike were palpable. Jessica didn’t like him for that, if nothing else.

“Trent, I’m sure we’ll all do our best for the company.” It was Tommy who answered.

“You know, Conner, it really is a character flaw that you let your assistant speak for you. A real man can doesn’t need a mouthpiece.” Trent leaned in close to Conner’s face.

Conner dropped Jessica’s arm. The muscles in his shoulders rippled. He looked as if he was preparing to rearrange Trent’s scrunched up face.

“Good evening, gentleman.” An older man with white hair interrupted.

“Mr. Cahill, sir.” Conner spoke first. “It’s good to see you this evening.”

“You too, Locke. I do hope you are all getting along.” He might have been older and the one expected to retire tonight, but his eyes were sharp. Jessica doubted he missed anything. Conner’s tense jaw and clenched fist. Trent’s smug grin, Tommy’s wide eyes. If she picked up on it, surely Cahill did too.

“Who is your lovely lady friend?” he asked.

“I’m pleased to introduce you to Jessica Erikson, my girlfriend.” Conner’s hand found the small of her back, and she felt some of the tension drain out of the situation.

Cahill laughed loud and slapped Conner on the back.

“Girlfriend? That is most excellent, my boy. You need someone special in your life. Someone all yours.” He gave Conner an intense look and held out his arm. “May I have the pleasure of escorting you for a drink?”

“Of course.” Jessica knew better than to say no to the big boss. She smiled at Conner. He was starting to sweat.

She took Cahill’s arm and left the three of them behind, gawking after her.

“How do you find the party?” Cahill asked.

“Truthfully, I’ve never been to anything like this.” Jessica glanced above at the crystal chandelier. Thousands of pieces of crystal glittered in the soft lighting. It was breathtaking.

“It’s a little much for me, but Stone likes it.”

“And it is his birthday,” Jessica added.

“Exactly.” Cahill smiled. “Do you have any children?”

“No.”

“It’s hard not to give them everything thing they want.” Cahill led her to a small table. They both sat down. A waiter came by and left them two glasses of rich red wine.

“Hope you don’t mind. Champagne gives me indigestion.” Cahill took a sip.

“Of course.” She took a sip and set her glass down. Being alone with Conner’s boss made her nervous. She didn’t want to say the wrong thing. He wouldn’t admit it, but she knew this was a big night for him.

“Thank you for letting me steal you for a moment.”

Jessica returned his smile, but she couldn’t help letting her eyes surf through the crowd. A sigh of relief eased through her when she spotted Conner not far away, ready to step in if she said something horribly offensive to this big-wig.

“I can see that you care for him. That’s evident.” Cahill chuckled. Jessica’s cheeks warmed.

“It’s wonderful to see. Conner needs something like that in his life. Especially tonight. I have to deliver a decision he’s not going to like.”

Jessica sighed. She had hoped tonight would be good for Conner.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said cautiously. “May I ask what this decision is?”

“I’m retiring and naming my son to take my place.”