hadn’t seen her in years. Her hair had darkened from the reddish-blond color he remembered to a soft auburn, and her beautiful eyes had lost their sparkle. He’d never met Arthur Henley but decided on the spot that the man should be horsewhipped for making Katie miserable.
“Hi, cuz’, how about a dance?” he asked as soon as he was close enough to be heard.
Katie, looking his age rather than the ten years older he knew her to be, glanced around at him in surprise. “Clay? My word, I can’t believe it! You grew up on me when I had my back turned.”
He led her out on the dance floor. “It’s good to see you again, Katie. Where are you living these days?”
“In Austin.”
He was surprised when he took her in his arms to discover that she was tiny. Because of the age difference, he’d always remembered her as being one of the “big kids” in the family. Time certainly had a way of changing a person’s perspective. She barely came to his shoulder, even though she wore high heels.
“You’re looking smashing tonight. Black definitely plays up your beautiful coloring,” he said. It was true. Her fair skin, amber eyes and dark red hair were all enhanced by the midnight color of her gown.
Her eyes filled with tears. “You’re good for my ego, Clay,” she whispered, and looked away.
“I can’t believe the twins are already five. I remember hearing about their birth. Guess I’ve been away for longer than I realized. Maybe I’ll get to see them while I’m home this time.”
She glanced at him in surprise. “Don’t you have to get back to your assignment right away?”
“Actually, I’m on a thirty-day leave, so I’ll be hanging around for a few weeks.”
She brightened. “Well, then. Why don’t you plan to come see us next week? I know the girls will be delighted to see their handsome cousin.”
He wanted to ask her about Henley but decided not to bring up a subject that would be a reminder of all she’d been through. Instead, he kept the conversation lighthearted and teasing. By the time the dance was over, she was laughing with a hint of the old sparkle in her eyes.
He escorted her to the table where her parents held court, bowed over her hand and thanked her for the dance with suitable intensity—causing her to laugh again—then returned to his own table.
Once again, Melanie was dancing. Since his dad was in deep conversation with someone Clay didn’t know, he held out his hand to his mother. “Would you like to dance?”
She grinned. “Taking care of all us neglected women, are you?” She hopped up and took his hand. “I’d love to.” He swung her out onto the dance floor. “Do you know how long you’ll be here?” she asked after they circled the floor once in silence.
He glanced at her and shrugged. “I’m officially on leave for thirty days, but I understand there’s more to my being here than that. I’m to meet with Cole later tonight and will probably find out what’s expected of me.”
“They’re all really worried, Clay. And they aren’t certain who they can trust. Whoever was behind those attacks has money and power. Your dad feels they probably already have their fix in with those in authority.”
“I wonder what they think I can do to help?”
“Your dad says you’ve developed useful skills during your stint in the military that would assist in the investigation to find out who’s behind the assault. Once we have that, Cole will be able to handle it from there.”
“I’ll do whatever I can. You know that. I’m curious why he didn’t ask his own son? Clint’s working in clandestine operations and has more experience in that type of investigation than I do.”
She smiled. “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Cole.”
Clay turned them around on the crowded dance floor so that he was now facing in another direction. His attention was drawn to a woman dancing nearby. She was tall and held herself proudly. The high-necked, long-sleeved silver dress she wore was provocative in its simplicity, subtly drawing the eye to her sleek lines. She wore her blond hair drawn up in a classic style that emphasized the pure, aristocratic planes of her face.
She looked like a princess to Clay.
Suddenly she looked his way and he got a glimpse of her eyes. He’d only known one person with eyes so blue they were almost purple. His worst fears had just been confirmed. She had shown up for the benefit. On some level he must have known that he would see her there tonight. However, nothing had prepared him for the sight of her after all these years.
She’d been an attractive teenager. She’d become a stunning-looking adult.
“What is Pamela McCall doing here? I would have thought she’d be too busy with her social life in Washington.” He looked around the room. “Is her father here as well?” He studied the man dancing with her. He was as dark as she was fair. They made an attractive couple.
Not that it mattered to Clay, of course.
“I don’t think the senator was able to come. Allison mentioned that he sent his regrets.”
“And his daughter. Is that her husband?”
Carina glanced around. “I don’t think so. I don’t believe she ever married.”
“Now, why doesn’t that surprise me?” he muttered, turning so that he was no longer facing in Pam’s direction.
“All of that happened years ago, Clay,” his mother said in a gentle voice. “Don’t you think it’s time you forgave her? You’re both different people now.”
He could feel his heart pounding at the sudden shock of seeing her after all of these years.
“You’re right,” he agreed smoothly, fighting to control his reaction. “She means nothing to me.”
“She and Kerry have been friends since they were small girls. I know how hard it was for you to—”
“It’s all right, Mom. Really.” He turned once again before he said, “So tell me what you and Dad have been doing since I saw you last November.” For the rest of the dance he concentrated on his mother’s conversation and ignored the other people on the dance floor.
When the dance was over, Clay escorted Carina back to the table. Melanie had returned moments before. He sat down and draped his arm on the chair behind her. “Having fun?” he asked, leaning over and playfully nipping at her ear.
She chuckled. “Actually, I am. This kind of party has all the ingredients of some of my childhood fantasies. To be rubbing shoulders with all the rich and famous families of Texas is something to be savored.”
He straightened. “Ah, now I know why you showed such an immediate interest in me when we first met.”
She coyly batted her lashes at him and gave him a simpering smile. “But of course, sugar. My attention was in no way swayed by your sexy good looks and fantastic bod. It was only the name Callaway that appealed to me and fed all those girlish fantasies.”
