Work Like You Don't Need the Money (11 page)

As he headed up the stairs, he heard Emma telling Holly, “I've given you the downstairs, since you'll be here a couple of nights. You've got your own bathroom and a sitting room overlooking the lake, come see.”

Pete groaned. If he was going to get to her in the night, he'd have to avoid waking Ben
and
go creeping all around the house. This wasn't looking good! And he was still suffering from the pent up frustration of getting so close to having her this afternoon. He threw his bag on the bed, grateful the room held two queens and not the bunk beds he'd feared. He wouldn't even be able to take care of the frustration himself with Ben lying just feet away from him. Holly was right, he had to figure out how to make it happen. The when had to be soon, he knew that much.

He joined the others on the deck. Jack handed him a cold beer, and he took a long swig.

“Thanks, Bro. I needed that.”

Missy and Laura were chatting with Emma about bridesmaids dresses, a subject that would not normally interest Pete at all, but he imagined Holly in an off the shoulder number. Dusky pink, exposing her slender neck and shoulders. Showcasing those pert little breasts, matching the color of her nipples that stood to attention for him whenever he looked at them. Jesus! He had to pull it together!

“What color are you going for, Mouse?” he asked.

Jack gave him a weird look, but Emma was so involved with her plans she didn't seem to think it odd that he asked.

“I'm thinking maybe a dusky rose,” she replied.

Pete bit his lip and nodded as Holly stepped out onto the deck, and he felt the rush in his veins. He may have to risk sneaking around the house in the night after all. He turned to Jack and Ben, determined to distract himself.

“So guys, what's the plan for the rest of the weekend?”

“Work, work, and more work for me,” said Ben. “I know I shouldn't complain, but I'm ready for the busy season to be over.”

Pete nodded. “At some point we need to get together with Dan and figure out this fella's stag night.

Ben grinned. “Night? I say we make a weekend of it. I'm thinking Vegas?”

Jack looked away. “I figured we'd just get the guys together for a few beers?”

Pete slapped him on the back. “You leave it to us.”

Jack nodded, not looking too convinced.

“What have we got lined up for tomorrow?” asked Pete. “Is there anything we can do on the house or is this one all about wedding plans?”

Jack shrugged. “Not much more we can do on your place until we get rolling, and I think Em's talking details with the ladies.”

“You don't look too thrilled?” Ben raised an eyebrow.

Jack ran a hand through his hair. “No, I am. It's just that I'd planned to take her up to Napa this weekend. It kind of got lost in the shuffle. Marcos is over at the moment and I'd hoped to see him.”

Pete smiled to himself as the beginnings of an idea formed in his mind. “Too bad,” he said. “You haven't seen him since last year, have you?” He and Jack had known Marcos and his brother Antonio since their days in Austin. Marcos ran the family vineyard in Sicily, Antonio owned another in Napa.

“Nah,” said Jack. “I haven't and I really wanted Em to meet him. She loves his wines and Antonio's too.”

Pete rubbed his chin. “Are you planning on using their wines for the wedding?”

Jack grinned. “Now there's an idea!”

“And there's no fixed plan after tonight then?”

Jack looked at him. “Have you got something in mind?”

Pete grinned, actually he did, but he wasn't ready to spring it yet. Instead he said, “I was thinking we could all do brunch at the resort in the morning, that's all . Looks like the ladies have got lots to talk about. I was thinking we might take a look at Four Mile Creek after brunch and leave them to it?”

“Brunch sounds great,” said Ben. “It should be quiet enough for me to join you. I'd love to come out to Four Mile with you too, but you know that's not happening, not on a Saturday afternoon.”

Pete had been hoping for that answer.

“I could do it,” said Jack. “If Em's caught up in dresses and flowers with the girls. I know the last week has been crazy, but the three of us do need to get our heads together on the plans for the development soon.”

The Phoenix Corporation was in the process of buying a sizeable piece of land on the Eastern shore of the lake from Ben's grandfather. The three of them were going into partnership to develop an upscale community of mixed residential and vacation properties.

“Let's see how it pans out, shall we? You may have your hands full tomorrow afternoon too, taking care of your lady's needs.” Pete was hoping that he'd be finding himself if that situation, if this plan worked out.

Jack nodded. “Let's play it by ear.”

Missy was the first one to call it a night. “I'm pooped, guys,” she said as she stood. “I'm going to check on Scot and Dan and then turn in.”

That was all it took for the rest of them to start saying their good nights, too, and head inside. Pete's eyes found Holly's.

“Good night, Pete. See you in the morning.”

He frowned at her, he'd still be hoping to find a way to get to her in the night. She shook her head firmly. Her meaning clear. Boy, he could not catch a break!

Ben slapped his back. “Come on roomie, let's turn in.”

Chapter Eight

Holly leaned back in her chair and looked around the table. It was a beautiful morning out on the deck of the Boathouse restaurant by the lake. Missy and Laura were talking wedding cake. She, herself, was all about clothes and flowers and color schemes, she was happy to let them take care of the cake.

She envied Emma the life she had up here in Summer Lake. Jack was a wonderful man, not to mention gorgeous, and there was no mistaking the fact that he was completely in love with her. The gruesome foursome, as Emma liked to call her group of childhood friends, were great fun. Jack's brother, Dan, had joined them again this morning and they made quite a crowd. Holly noticed people look over at their table occasionally when one of the guys would laugh loudly or when Missy shouted at Pete when he teased. It felt strange to her to be a part of the 'in-crowd' as they appeared to be up here. People stopped by their table to congratulate Emma and Jack or to have a word with Ben. Everyone in the place seemed to know Missy. The respect shown to each visitor to their table by Pete didn't surprise her at all. She wasn't used to being with a crowd of 'beautiful people' as this bunch were. She liked it, though she kept reminding herself she musn't get too used to it.

Pete's voice cut across the banter, “Enough talk of cake! What about the booze, Jack? Have you got that covered?”

“Not yet. Though I would like to get some of Antonio's wines in.”

“That's your friend in Napa?” Emma looked at Jack. He nodded.

“You need to get some from Marcos too, so you don't cause a family feud.”

“Who is Marcos?” asked Emma.

“Antonio's brother,” replied Jack. “He runs the family vineyard in Sicily. You liked his Frappato, remember?”

Holly was surprised to see her friend's face fall.

“We were going to go up there this weekend. Marcos is the one who is in Napa at the moment, isn't he?” asked Emma.

“It's no problem,” said Jack, “We'll see him again. I'd like to invite them both to the wedding.”

“Why don't you go up there?” suggested Pete.

“We will,” said Jack. “We'll just have to see when we can work it in.”

“No time like the present. Marcos isn't over for long.”

“It'd take too long to get up there though,” said Jack.

“Not if you take Papa Charlie,” said Pete. “You could leave this afternoon, take your fiancée for a romantic dinner, catch up with Marcos, and be back by lunchtime tomorrow.”

Jack looked at Emma.

“But everyone's here,” she said. “We couldn't just leave.”

“Why not?” asked Pete. “No one's going to miss you, are we guys?”

Missy laughed. “Laura and I were trying to figure out how to get rid of you for a while anyway, Em. You're the best baker of all of us, but we want to do this cake for you, not have you supervising!”

“It's makes no difference to me,” said Ben. “I've got to get back to it once we're done here.”

“And you know I'm going to be working with Scot, we won't notice who's here and who isn't,” added Dan.

“And I'm off to Four Mile Creek,” grinned Pete. “So that seals it. You guys aren't needed around here at all.”

“But what about you?” Emma looked at Holly.

“Holly can come with us and help with cake,” offered Missy.

“I was hoping you might come out to Four Mile with me,” said Pete. “I'd like to get your ideas on the shopping center we're planning.”

Holly knew that wasn't all he'd like to get, judging from the way he was looking at her. She looked from him back to Missy. “I...” she began.

Emma cut her off, “Sorry, Miss, but if I'm going to fly away and leave you all, it will be on the condition that Holly goes with Pete.”

Holly jerked her head back to look at Emma. It was what she wanted, but she'd thought she'd have to stick with the girls.

Emma laughed, “Sorry, Holly, but we both know your talents do not lie in the kitchen. I don't want you anywhere near my cake! But I would love to think that you could guide these three into building a shopping plaza that'll be worth having up here.”

Holly smiled. “I guess you do have a point, Sweetie.”

“Great,” said Jack. “So, we can really go? I'd better call Smoke and have him get the plane ready.”

Holly caught Pete's eye and he smiled at her. She guessed that he'd engineered this whole thing just so they could be together. She was thrilled.

Holly hugged Emma as they stood outside the restaurant. Missy had taken Laura and Dan back to her house. Ben had gone back up to the lodge to prepare for the Saturday afternoon rush. Pete and Jack were both making phone calls.

“You really don't mind me abandoning you?” asked Emma.

“Don't be crazy, Sweetie. There's no way I'd let you miss out on jetting off to Napa with your gorgeous fiancé just to babysit me.”

Emma smiled. “At least I made sure I'm leaving you in capable hands. And you have to tell me all about it when I get back.”

Holly pursed her lips, but said nothing.

“Oh, come on!” laughed Emma. “I told you that once I saw you together, I'd have facts and not just intuition to go on. The electricity between you and Pete is dangerous. I knew I was on to something getting you two together. Have you seen the way he looks at you? Be warned though, he
always
gets what he wants, and he wants you—badly. I knew you'd be great together, you're so well suited.”

“It's just sex, Em.” Holly couldn't afford to think about how well suited they were. Pete had admitted there was no room for her in his life. She had to be satisfied with a place in his bed.

“Ha! It's so much more than that, and we both know it!”

“Don't start, Em.” Holly looked over at Pete. He stood talking into his phone. The sun reflected off the lake behind him, silhouetting his broad shoulders, making his hair shine gold. As if he felt her eyes on him, he looked up and smiled. She knew she should stop this now, before she got too attached to him but, as always when he looked at her, she felt as if he held her captive with his eyes. She knew she would do anything he wanted, just to feel his lips again, his hands, his warmth, his hard body against hers. She may be on a path to self-destruction, but she intended to enjoy every minute of the ride. He ended his call and walked toward them.

She turned back to Emma, who was watching her with a knowing smile.

“Don't say a word, Sweetie. Okay?”

“Certainly. I'll just get out of the way before the sparks start flying again.” Emma smiled sweetly.

Jack was ending his call too. “Okay, Mouse. Smoke will be ready to go whenever we can get to the airport.” He gave Pete a curious look. “He didn't seem too surprised by the request either.”

Pete just smiled. “Have a great time guys. I think we'll take a cab out to my parents place so I can get the old truck.”

“You don't want to ride back up to Em's with us so you can take mine?” asked Jack.

“No, thanks. That's the opposite direction.”

“Here you go,” said Emma, handing Holly a key. “The fridge is stocked and there's plenty of booze. You're welcome to stay up there too, Pete.”

Jack nodded. “I hope you are going to stay too, Bro? I don't like the thought of Holly staying up there by herself.”

Holly saw that half smile lurking as Pete said, “Don't worry, I'll take
very
good care of her. Now you guys stop fussing and get a move on. Say hi to Antonio and Marcos for me, and would you bring me back a crate of the Cab Franc?”

“Done deal,” said Jack.

Holly waved as they drove away. She was surprised when Pete took her hand.

“Alone at last,” he grinned. “Let's go get a cab.”

Pete gave the driver his parents address, then put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him on the back seat.

“That worked out nicely, hey Sweetheart?”

Holly smiled up at him. “Did you really orchestrate all that just to get rid of them?”

Pete widened his eyes in shock. “Me? Would I do something like that?”

“Yes, you.” She laughed. “Did you?”

“Damned right I did. I
had
to Holls. How else could I get you all to myself again? No way was I spending another night camping at Em's under a very uncomfortable tent pole!”

Holly rolled her eyes. “Wow! You mad romantic fool you. And I thought it was my wonderful personality and scintillating conversation you were after.”

Pete's brow lowered. “You're the one that keeps insisting that sex is all that's on offer.”

“Lighten up, Bigshot. I was just teasing.”

His smile returned, but his eyes remained dark. “I should have known. You
are
such a tease.” As he spoke, he cupped the back of her neck and lowered his face to her. He brushed his lips against hers and smiled. Holly drew in a sharp breath as his hand slipped under her skirt and warm fingers slid up her thigh. She looked at the rear view mirror, but the driver had his eyes fixed on the road ahead.