Splendor (Inevitable #2) (55 page)

“How do you do it?” she murmured to Ian in a dumbfounded voice. “I don’t remember the name of the last person we just met, much less the first one.”

He laughed softly, pressing a kiss to her temple, ignoring the flash of the photographer’s camera that captured the image. “Practice, my love. Years and years of practice. You’ll learn soon enough, especially as you tend to see the same group of people at most of these events. Speaking of which.” His hand gripped her hipbone just a bit tighter. “I was hoping to avoid them, blast it, but unfortunately Alicia’s parents are making a beeline for us. It had to happen sometime, darling, so it may as well be now.”

Even if Ian hadn’t told her who they were, Tessa would have recognized Alicia’s mother instantly, for the two women bore a very strong resemblance to the other. Claire Spencer had the same pale blonde hair, slender build and fake smile that her daughter did, her voice sickeningly sweet as she greeted Ian. Claire’s smile seemed to freeze in place when he introduced Tessa, especially when she spied the possessive manner in which he was holding her close to his side. Still, good manners insisted that she take Tessa’s proffered hand and give it a brief, polite shake.

Alicia’s father – Bradley – was considerably friendlier, and Tessa wondered if the rather obvious scent of bourbon on his breath had anything to do with that. He took Tessa’s hand in a very firm grip, even bringing it to his lips. Tessa had to suppress a shudder at the feel of his cold, clammy lips on her skin and she drew her hand away as quickly as possible.

“So you’re the pretty young thing we saw Ian with at dinner that night,” teased Bradley in a booming, jovial voice. He was an attractive man – or had been before age and too much booze had given him a paunch and the sort of florid complexion that came from overindulging. “I was all set to come over and introduce ourselves but Claire here thought you looked a bit – er, occupied.”

Ian’s fingers bit into Tessa’s waist, betraying his annoyance. “Well, I appreciate your consideration, both of you. And you’re quite right – Tessa and I were rather intent on having our privacy that evening.”

He diplomatically excused them after a few more minutes of polite chit chat, murmuring in Tessa’s ear as they walked away, “Now you can see why I prefer to avoid them at these sort of events. That fat bastard Bradley never took his eyes off your breasts the entire time. Rather revolting, considering his own daughter is several years older than you.”

This time Tessa didn’t even try to suppress a shudder. “Revolting is the word for it, all right. Ugh, he reminds me of one of those fish with the huge lips. What are they called?”

Ian burst out laughing, not caring a whit that he instantly drew the attention of a dozen or more couples in the area. “I believe the species you’re thinking of is a grouper. And yes, I do see a vague resemblance now that you mention it. But if he dares to kiss your hand again, I’ll very happily shove my fist into those fish lips of his.”

She grinned, resting her head on his shoulder as he plucked two more champagne flutes off a passing waiter’s try. “I wonder how long it will take Claire to spread the news about me to Alicia. She’s probably texting her as we speak.”

Ian’s hand slid to her bare shoulder, giving it a squeeze as he murmured, “Actually, darling, I’m afraid Alicia’s already figured it out for herself. Stay with me now, all right? The little witch wouldn’t dare say anything nasty in my presence.”

But Tessa couldn’t prevent the cold fingers of dread that crept up her spine as she glanced up to meet the murderous glare of her former co-worker. Alicia’s normally pretty face was scrunched up into an angry, ugly expression, and if looks could kill, Tessa would have suffered a mortal wound by now.

As he’d been doing all evening thus far, Ian didn’t go to Alicia and her date, but let them come to him. Tessa noted that Alicia had paled significantly, and was still staring at her with a shell-shocked expression.

Ian quite deliberately chose to act as if there wasn’t the slightest thing unusual about Tessa being here this evening, and on his arm nonetheless. “Good evening, Alicia. A pleasure to see you as always. And of course, I’m sure you’re delighted to see Tessa again.”

Alicia’s mouth opened but she seemed to have great difficulty in speaking as she stared at Tessa in disbelief, taking in her gown, her hair, the sapphires.

Tessa, desperate to fill in the increasingly awkward silence, extended her hand to Alicia. “It’s good to see you, Alicia. How have you been?”

Alicia stared at Tessa’s outstretched hand like it was a coiled snake. “How – why are you here?” Her voice was a hoarse whisper, barely audible.

Ian swiftly interceded. “I would have thought that the answer to that was quite obvious, Alicia. Tessa is here with me this evening as my guest.”

Alicia was almost shaking with suppressed rage. “You’re
dating
her?” she hissed. Her fists clenched as though she’d love nothing better than to pull Tessa’s hair out of its intricately arranged twist.

Ian smiled, but it wasn’t a particularly pleasant expression. “Tessa and I are together, yes. In fact, she’s moved in with me.” Not waiting to see how Alicia reacted to that bombshell, Ian extended his hand to her date. “Hello, I believe we may have met at our office Christmas party. Ian Gregson – Alicia’s employer. Have you met Tessa before this evening?”

While Alicia’s date Ross exchanged pleasantries with Ian, Tessa dared to glance up at Alicia and almost recoiled from the icy cold rage stamped on the other woman’s face. Tessa was very well aware of how long Alicia had plotted and schemed to one day attract Ian’s attention and date him herself. Tessa also knew that Alicia had never liked her, had overheard the scathing comments and thinly veiled insults she’d made about her. She shuddered to imagine what horrible, nasty thoughts must be going through Alicia’s mind right about now.

Fortunately, Ian was very well aware of the animosity being directed Tessa’s way and suavely steered her away to greet another couple. As they walked in the opposite direction of Alicia and Ross, Tessa released a long sigh of relief.

Ian rubbed the back of her neck in his usual soothing manner. “All right there, love?”

She grimaced. “Glad to have that over with, that’s for sure. But can you check my back for claw marks? And I’ve got a terrible chill all of a sudden – must be that case of frostbite I just caught.”

He snickered and caressed the bare skin of her shoulder blades. “She was green with jealously, love. Not only are you ten times more beautiful than she is, but her own date couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Maybe I should have security check her bag for any sharp objects.”

Tessa shook her head. “You know, I should have expected something like this to happen. I had that bad feeling I get sometimes when I have these premonitions. And of course it just happens to be a Wednesday.”

“Darling, I’ve told you a dozen times. That’s just a coincidence. I refuse to believe that bad things haven’t happened on other days of the week. Or that good things haven’t happened occasionally on Wednesdays.”

“Not very many,” she replied somewhat grudgingly. “And I still say it’s some sort of weird curse.”

Tessa’s good humor was restored a couple of minutes later when they met up with Ian’s good friend Matthew Bennett and his wife Lindsey. Tessa had never met Lindsey before, but knew Matthew from the gym and liked him a lot. He was kind and friendly, and she found it hard to believe he was actually a billionaire, for he seemed like one of the most genuine, down to earth people she’d ever met. Not as classically handsome as Ian, Matthew was nonetheless a very attractive man – a little shorter and leaner than Ian, his light brown hair cut in a short, slightly spiky style. And though he wore his tuxedo well, he didn’t seem like the sort of man who liked wearing formal attire or even a suit. He also didn’t seem especially thrilled about attending this ball tonight, unlike his wife who appeared to be having a wonderful time.

Lindsey was laughing, tossing back glass after glass of champagne, and also flirting somewhat outrageously with Ian – a situation that was embarrassing Matthew, pissing off Tessa, and making Ian extremely uncomfortable. Lindsey was a pretty woman, and looked amazing for being forty, the same age as her husband. Petite with glossy dark brown hair and green eyes, she was definitely making sure every male in the room noticed her rather obvious assets showcased by the slinky, low-cut black gown she wore. Tessa was certainly no expert on the subject, but she was almost positive the older woman’s gravity defying breasts couldn’t possibly be real.

Fortunately, Ian had long ago mastered the art of fending off unwanted female attention, and very diplomatically extricated himself and Tessa from what could have become a very awkward situation.

“Poor Matthew,” murmured Tessa in a hushed tone as Ian walked them in the opposite direction of the married couple. “He looked mortified at the way Lindsey kept flirting with you. And it’s a very good thing you got us out of there when you did, because if she tried shoving those fake tits of hers into your face one more time I was going to take her down.”

Ian started to laugh almost uncontrollably, until he became aware of all the curious glances directed his way. Trying to muffle his laughter but not doing a very good job of it, he pulled Tessa into his arms and turned his face against her hair.

“My little tigress,” he murmured, his body still shaking with mirth. “And here I thought I was the only one of us with violent tendencies when it comes to someone poaching on my territory. I’m very glad to know I can count on you in the future to – ah, defend my virtue.”

Tessa couldn’t help laughing along with him. “I think those kickboxing classes I’ve been taking have brought out my protective side. You told me once that you always look out for what’s yours. You’ve got to know that it’s the same for me.” She kissed his cheek before adding softly, “You’re mine, Ian, and no other woman can ever have you.”

Ian’s fingers bit into her waist and she could feel the outline of his erection through the fragile fabric of her gown. “Christ, I wish like hell there weren’t hundreds of people here right now. Because I have the card key for the owner’s suite in my pocket, and I’d love nothing better than to quietly disappear with you and lock ourselves in for a few hours.”

She smiled at him in a deliberately provocative manner. “I wouldn’t say no to that idea. Maybe another time, hmm?”

He gave her a lingering kiss on the mouth, evidently not giving a damn how many people were watching. “It’s a date, love.”

***

Alicia was seething, her barely controlled temper ready to snap at a moment’s notice. She couldn’t recall a time in her twenty-nine years when she’d been this angry, or so in need to throw something. Or better yet, kick someone. Especially if that someone was a certain blonde tramp who had effectively managed to ruin Alicia’s entire evening. No, make that her entire life.

“Hey, everything okay?” asked Ross, who was seated to her right.

Alicia glared at her date, who she was
this close
to dumping for good. She had never considered him good enough for her, and wasn’t at all sure why she was still dating such a loser. And seeing him here tonight among all of these rich, successful men only served to emphasize his shortcomings.

“Fine, yes. Why do you keep asking?” she snapped. This was at least the third time he’d inquired about her rather obvious agitation.

Ross shrugged. “Maybe because you’ve been hitting the booze pretty hard tonight. Not to mention being a little – uh, testy.”

Her voice was dripping with ice as she replied, “If I need a lecture my parents are seated just across the table from us.”

Ross threw his hands up in frustration. “Suit yourself, Alicia. I’m just concerned about you, okay? But as usual, you snap my head off whenever I try to do something nice. I’ll keep my mouth shut for the rest of the evening.”

Alicia defiantly drained her wine glass. She
had
been drinking rather heavily this evening, but who could blame her? After the shock she’d suffered earlier, it was small wonder she wasn’t trying to drown herself in booze right now.

When she’d continued to hear the increasing rumors about Ian and his new blonde girlfriend, she never in a million years would have suspected that woman to be Tessa. Alicia had been stunned speechless to recognize her former co-worker clinging to Ian’s arm and looking like some sort of fucking princess. It was a joke, really, that the naïve, somewhat awkward girl who’d dressed in discount store clothes and clearance rack shoes would be here tonight wearing that regal Marchesa gown, with real sapphires at her throat and ears. Alicia grudgingly conceded that Tessa had always been pretty, but now, tonight, in the right clothes and her hair done up, she was striking. Enough so that Ian Gregson hadn’t allowed her to leave his side all night, or been able to tear his eyes from her for more than a minute at a time.

Alicia wondered wildly how and when they had started seeing each other, and why it had been Tessa – of all people – who’d finally managed to snag the attention of the elusive Brit. She clenched her fists as she thought of all the times she and Gina and the others had gossiped freely about their boss, speculating on who he might be dating or banging, and joking bawdily about Alicia’s potential chances with him one day. And all that time Miss Goody Two-Shoes Tessa had never said one word or even blinked an eyelash, keeping her nose to the grindstone as she always did and refusing to participate in any gossip. Tessa had never once betrayed any interest in Ian, and certainly their standoffish employer had always kept his distance from the support staff.

Had they been seeing each other in secret all this time, since Tessa had begun working at the office? But no, Alicia truly didn’t think Mr. Prim and Proper would fuck a married woman, so this little fling of theirs had begun more recently. And the more she stewed over the matter, the more it was that certain things started to become clear.

Like why Tessa had suddenly been appointed to fill in for Andrew when that had never happened in the past. And why Ian had rather abruptly stopped being seen in public with any of his usual escorts, and then stopped attending certain events altogether. The wheels kept spinning as she realized the “hot blonde” her parents had seen Ian dining with must have been Tessa, and that the “friend” the bitch had stayed with after the fire at her apartment was most likely Ian.