Sweet Revenge

her eyes and mouth, but figured a tuck here and there and some soft focus would take care of them.
    Phoebe Spring had been a gold mine when she’d left Hollywood. With a little effort and a lot of savvy she would be one again.
    “So, Celeste.” With his arm still around Phoebe’s shoulders, he swung around. “Nice place.”
    “Thanks.” Celeste reminded herself that Phoebe wanted him, perhaps needed him. He did have a reputation for making the right moves. And gossip, particularly the sleazy kind, was often just gossip. “How was your flight?”
    “Smooth as silk.” He grinned, moving his fingers up and down Phoebe’s arm. “But I could use a drink.”
    “I’ll get it.” Phoebe jumped to serve in a way that made Celeste wince. “It’s bourbon, right, Larry?”
    “That’s right, sweetheart.” He made himself at home on Celeste’s long white sofa. “Now, who’s this pretty little thing?” He flashed a smile at Adrianne as she sat stiffly in a chair by the window.
    “That’s my daughter.” Phoebe offered the glass, then sat beside him. “Adrianne, come meet Mr. Curtis. He’s a very dear, old friend of mine.”
    Reluctant, and unconsciously regal, Adrianne rose and crossed to him. “I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Curtis.”
    He laughed and took her hand before she could avoid it. “None of that Mr. Curtis stuff, honeybunch. We’re practically family. I’m just Uncle Larry.”
    Adrianne’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t like his touch. It wasn’t like the shoe person, but hot and grasping. “You are the brother of my mother?”
    Larry sat back and roared as if she’d executed a clever trick. “She’s a pistol.”
    “Addy’s very literal minded,” Phoebe explained, sending Adrianne a nervous smile.
    “We’re going to get along fine.” He sipped, sizing Adrianne up over the rim of the glass as he might a new car or anexpensive suit. Potential, he decided. A few more years, a few curves, and it might be a very interesting arrangement.
    “Adrianne and I thought we’d finish up our Christmas shopping.” Celeste held out a hand. Adrianne clasped it gratefully. “Well leave you two alone to talk business.”
    “Thank you, Celeste. Have a good time, baby.”
    “Bundle up, honeybunch.” Larry winked at Adrianne. “It’s cold out there.” He waited until the door shut behind them, then leaned back against the cushions. “Like I said, sweetheart, it’s good to have you back, but you’re on the wrong coast.”
    “I needed some time.” Phoebe twisted her fingers together. “Celeste has been wonderful to us. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”
    “That’s what friends are for.” He patted her thigh, satisfied that she didn’t object when his hand lingered. Generally, he preferred the less voluptuous type, but there was nothing like sex to put a man in the driver’s seat. “So tell me, baby, how long are you staying?”
    “I’m here for good.” The moment he finished his last swallow of bourbon, Phoebe was up to refill his glass. This time she poured a glass for herself. Larry only lifted a brow. The Phoebe he remembered had never sipped at anything harder than wine.
    “What about the sheikh?”
    “I’ve filed for divorce.” She wet her lips, glancing around as though someone might strike her down for the statement. “I can’t live with him anymore.” She drank, afraid she wouldn’t be able to live without him either. “He changed, Larry. I can’t begin to tell you how much. If he comes after me—”
    “You’re in the U. S. of A. now, sweetheart.” He drew her close, once more skimming his glance down her body. She was well into her thirties, he calculated. Older than his usual choice. But she was vulnerable. He preferred his women, and his clients, vulnerable. “Haven’t I always taken care of you?”
    “Yes.” She held on, ready to weep with relief. She knew her looks had begun to fade. It didn’t matter, she told herself as Larry stroked her back. He was going to take care of her.“I want a part, Larry. Anything to start. I have Adrianne to think of. She needs things, deserves things.”
    “Leave it all to me. We’ll start off with an interview before you go to the West Coast. ‘The queen’ is back, that kind of thing.” He gave her breast a quick, casual squeeze before reaching for his drink. “Make sure they get a picture of you with the little princess. Kids make great copy. I’ll start paving the way, do some talking,