The Villa

honesty, don't you think?"
    "No. Yes. Stop." She tried to laugh. He looked like some sort of sophisticated knight in his formal black with his rich blond hair glinting in the shimmer of light. A foolish thought, she told herself, for a middle-aged woman to have. "Are your children here?"
    "Yeah. They whined about being dragged here, and now they're having the time of their lives. You're beautiful. I did mention I was going to tell you that, didn't I?"
    She nearly giggled before she reminded herself she was forty-eight, not eighteen, and supposed to know better. "Yes, I believe you did."
    "I don't suppose we could find a dark corner and neck."
    "No. That's a definite."
    "Then you'll just have to dance with me, and give me a chance to change your mind."
    It staggered her that she thought he could change it. That she wanted him to. Inappropriate, she told herself firmly. Ridiculous. She was years older than he.
    God, what was she supposed to do? Say? Feel?
    "There are a thousand thoughts going through your head," he murmured. "I wish you'd tell me all of them."
    "Jesus." She pressed a hand to her belly where a soft, gooey ball slid in among the flutters. "You're awfully good at this."
    "I'm glad you think so because I start feeling clumsy every time I see you."
    "Fooled me." She drew in a breath, steadied herself. "David, you're very attractive—"
    "You think so?" He touched her hair, couldn't help himself. He loved the way it curved against her cheek. "Could you be more specific?"
    "And very charming," she added, struggling to keep her voice firm. "I'm very flattered, but I don't know you. And besides…" She trailed off, her smile freezing. "Hello, Tony. Rene."
    "Pilar. You look lovely." Tony leaned over to kiss her cheek.
    "Thank you. David Cutter, Tony Avano and Rene Foxx."
    "Rene Foxx Avano," Rene corrected with a purr. She lifted her hand, wiggled her fingers to send the diamond circlet wedding ring flashing. "As of today."
    It wasn't a stab in the heart, Pilar realized, as she'd thought it would be. But more of a burn, a quick shock that annoyed as much as it hurt. "Congratulations. I'm sure you'll be very happy together."
    "Oh, we already are." Rene slid her arm through Tony's. "We're flying out to Bimini right after Christmas. It'll be lovely to be out of this cold and rain. You really should take time for a little vacation yourself, Pilar. You're looking pale."
    "Strange. I was thinking how vital she looks tonight." Gauging the ground, David lifted Pilar's hand, kissed her fingers. "Delicious, in fact. I'm glad I had a chance to meet you, Tony, before you left the country."
    Smoothly, David slid an arm around Pilar's waist. "I've had considerable trouble reaching you the last few days." He gave Rene a glance, just a few degrees short of polite. "Now I see why. Let my office know your travel plans, won't you? We've business to discuss."
    "My people know my plans."
    "Apparently mine don't. You'll excuse us, won't you? We need to make the rounds before heading up to the villa."
    "That was unkind," Pilar whispered.
    "So what?"
    Gone was the flirtatious charm. In its place was power of the cold and ruthless sort. It wasn't, she thought, any less appealing on him.
    "Over and above the fact that I didn't like him on principle, I'm COO and should have been informed if one of the VPs was going out of the country. He's been dodging me for days, avoiding my calls. I don't care for it."
    "He's just not used to having to report to you, to anyone."
    "He'll have to adjust." Over her head, David spotted Tyler. "So will others. Why don't you help clear the way a little and introduce me to some of the people who are wondering what the hell I'm doing here?"
     
    Ty was trying to be invisible. He hated big parties. There were too many people to talk to, and too few who had anything to say. He'd already calculated his plan. One hour in the winery, one hour in the main house. Then he could slide away, go home, catch a little ESPN and go to bed.
    As far as he was concerned, the music was too loud, the winery too crowded and the food too rich. Not that he minded looking at people, especially when they were all slicked up and polished and trying to look better than the people they were talking to.
    It was kind of like watching a play, and as long as he could stay safely in the audience he could manage for a while.
    He'd watched the little drama between Pilar and Rene. Tyler was fond enough of Pilar that he'd have sacrificed his