Return to You

reason he could
justify siccing Clancy on Elaine. He found it distasteful to even
question her loyalty.
    Although his
assistant was hiding something from him.
    He'd realized it when she came back from her
errands clutching a Romantic Notions bag. She had a secret. He
wasn't sure if he was more shocked that she kept a secret from him
or that she'd bought something from Olivia's boutique.
    Of course, Elaine wasn't entitled to confide
in him, and she could buy anything she wanted. But, according to
Mae, Olivia sold sexy, high-end lingerie. Was that what Elaine wore
underneath those staid suits?
    He couldn't count the number of times over
the past few days he'd wondered what was in that little bag. Every
time Elaine walked into the room, he could hardly keep himself from
staring at her body, looking for a clue, a hint at what was
underneath.
    It was insane. He couldn't believe he was
mentally undressing her. She was his assistant, for Christ's
sake.
    Clancy downed the last of his coffee. "I'll
get right on this. I expect you'll want periodic reports."
    "Yes. Though I'd like to stress the need for
confidentiality."
    "Of course." Clancy unfolded his long legs,
stood up, and held out his hand. "I'll be in touch, Mr.
Parker."
    "Thank you." Parker stood
and shook Clancy's hand. The grip was confident and firm. Damn . He'd been prepared
to dislike Clancy, but everything about the man made it impossible
to feel anything other than admiration.
    He watched Clancy return his mug to the bar
and exchange a few words with the pretty blonde manning the
register. Parker wondered what was said when she glanced over at
him curiously. Clancy pecked her on the cheek and left.
    Parker drank his coffee, waiting to feel
satisfaction at a plan in motion. He only felt a vague sense of
unease.
    But Elaine wouldn't find out, and the end
justified the means.

Chapter Ten
     
     
    "Gwen, I really think you should
reconsider," Eve said, reclining on the couch and stretching her
legs out in front of her.
    Olivia grinned as she rearranged the pillows
behind her on the floor. "What Eve means, Gwen, is that a tribute
to the Grateful Dead isn't the direction you want to take your
art."
    Gwen frowned and rolled onto her side to
face Olivia. "Are you sure? I think it'll sell really well."
    "The tribal theme you did
for your opening was spectacular. But I don't think tie-dye gourds
are in the same niveau ."
    Gwen nodded slowly, absorbing the
advice.
    "Niveau?" asked Lainie with a puzzled
frown.
    "Level," Gwen absently explained.
    Olivia cocked a brow. She hadn't realized
Gwen knew any French.
    "Oh." Lainie pointed to the lamps that lit
the room. "Did you design those as well?"
    "Yes."
    Lainie leaned over to look at one more
closely. "They're lovely."
    It'd been over a week since Lainie walked
into Romantic Notions. Earlier this evening she'd run into the
woman on her way out of the house and, on impulse, she asked Lainie
to join them.
    Olivia hadn't been sure how Lainie would fit
in, being so reserved. After a glass of wine, she'd kicked off her
shoes, curled her legs under her, and burrowed into the other end
of the couch. She contributed to conversation shyly, but it was
charming rather than off-putting. Eve and Gwen certainly took to
her. There was something endearing about her, something that made
you want to take her under your wing and protect her.
    At the same time, she knew without a doubt
that Lainie was hiding something. And she couldn't figure out what
that might be.
    Gwen turned to Olivia. "So you think I
should do something more classic?"
    "More classy . Your shop is in Laurel
Heights. You want to differentiate yourself from the craftsy types.
I think your art could become fashionable. You could charge a
buttload once your name gets out."
    "I don't want my name to get out. Not in a
big way."
    "But you do want to be known for
beautiful art."
    "Yes."
    Olivia nodded. "The grand opening idea was
great though. Don't rule that out."
    "I'd be happy to help you cater it," Eve
offered.
    "We should talk about something else," Gwen
said. "Lainie must be bored."
    Lainie shook her head. "Oh no. Don't stop
plotting on my account."
    "Olivia hasn't even started," Eve said. "She
can plot better than John Grisham."
    Gwen poured some more wine for herself and
offered some to Lainie. "I didn't say Olivia couldn't still plot,
but we should talk about something other than work. Get on with
girls' night."
    "What do you usually do on girls' night?"
Lainie asked,