laugh rang out, full-bodied and infectious. “Gee! And all this time I thought you were hanging out with me to get your face plastered across all the tabloids as the mysterious male in my bed and in my life.”
“Darn. My secret is out.”
He heard a slight rustle behind him and glanced up to see his mother smiling at someone behind him.
Carina held out her hand and said, “Pamela. Come join us and give us a chance to catch up. Kerry was here a few moments ago. She and Connor should be back shortly.”
Clay fought to remain expressionless as Pam eased past him and sat down in the empty chair between him and Carina. “Hello, Mama Cee,” she said in her husky voice. A wisp of a floral scent wafted around him from her passing. “It’s so good to see you again.” She slowly turned her head and said, “Hello, Clay.”
He noticed that she didn’t add how she felt about seeing him again. At least she wasn’t being a hypocrite.
Clay nodded. “Pam, I’d like you to meet Melanie Montez.” He turned to Melanie and said, “This is Pamela McCall, the senator’s daughter. She’s been a friend of the family for years.”
Pam smiled at Melanie. “Hello. I feel a little tongue-tied at meeting you in person. I’ve really enjoyed your work.”
Clay watched Melanie’s face as she quickly took in the woman’s appearance. He wasn’t sure how Pam managed to look classical as well as seductive, all without baring any part of her body. Melanie smiled at Pam and said “Thank you” without losing her poise.
He hadn’t realized it until right now, but there was a strong physical resemblance between the two women—both blondes, both tall, and both with eyecatching figures. He hated the thought that he might have been attracted to Melanie because of her resemblance to Pam.
He turned to Melanie. “I haven’t had a chance to dance with you in a while. Shall we?” he asked smoothly, standing.
Melanie took his hand and rose. She looked over at Pam and said, “It was nice meeting you,” before following Clay out on the dance floor.
Once dancing, Melanie asked, “What was that all about?”
Clay pulled her closer so that their bodies touched from chest to knees. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She leaned back in his arms and looked into his eyes. “Now, that’s interesting. You’ve never been evasive with me before. One of the things I’ve most admired about you is how you are so direct with me.”
He sighed. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“I want to know what’s between you and Ms. McCall. The tension between the two of you was undeniable. If it’s none of my business, just say so, but don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“You’re right. I was avoiding answering you because she isn’t one of my favorite people. However, my family thinks the world of her. She grew up as part of our household. She probably spent more time with us than at her own home.” He moved slowly across the dance floor before adding, “And the truth is, we used to date in high school until she made it clear she was no longer interested in a relationship with me.”
“Ah. You must have been quite serious about her or it wouldn’t still bother you today.”
“I was just a kid back then and it doesn’t bother me to see her today. Not really. I haven’t thought about her in years.” He knew that was a lie as soon as it came out of his mouth. He’d worked hard not to think about her and most of the time he’d succeeded. Determined to put his past where it belonged, he added, “I’m much more interested in the future than I am the past.” He knew that statement to be a hundred percent true.
“She’s very attractive,” Melanie said musingly, as though discussing a painting.
He nibbled on her ear. “Maybe, but I’ve only got eyes for you, sugar.”
Pam watched them dance together for a moment before turning to Carina. “He’s changed a great deal, hasn’t he?” She knew the regret she felt was echoed in her voice.
Carina patted his hand. “First loves are always hard to get over. He managed, just as you did. It was a tough time for you both.”
“But he’s never forgiven me. That’s obvious.” Pam didn’t know why she should feel so much concern after all these years that she had made an enemy of Clay, but the truth was that it hurt. She’d been such a child back then, so caught up in her own pain and turmoil, that she hadn’t faced what her behavior had done to him.
Carina nodded her head toward Clay. “He’s done very well, you know, and loves his career, working in the Special Forces unit of the army. I don’t think he has any regrets. It was just a surprise to see you here when he wasn’t expecting it.”
Pam watched him in silence for several minutes before she said, “I want him to be happy. I figured his ego might have been bruised for a while, but I suppose I hoped that eventually he would realize I saved us both from a serious mistake.”
“Waiting until the night before your wedding to tell a man that you no longer want to marry him takes its toll, honey. Yes, you were both too young. I thought so at that time, but no one was listening to what I had to say then. But it was very hard for Clay. He dealt with it the best way he knew how.” Carina studied her for a moment before briskly saying, “Let’s put all of that in the past where it belongs, all right? What I want to hear from you now is how you’re enjoying your job with the FBI, not to mention hearing about that delectable-looking young man you’re with.”
When the music stopped, the band announced a short break. Melanie paused in the middle of the dance floor and asked, “Do you have any idea how much longer we need to stay? I’m really tired.”
Clay glanced at his watch. “In that case, why don’t you go on upstairs? I’ve got that meeting with my uncle and I don’t know how long I’ll be, but you don’t have to wait around for that.”
“If it’s really all right with you, I think I will get some rest,” she replied, leaning against him.
He gave her a quick kiss and said, “I seem to have gotten my second wind, but when this last rush of adrenaline is gone, I’m going to be ready to collapse, myself. I can’t remember the last time I managed to get more than a nap during the past few days.”
“If you’re sure you don’t mind…”
“No, you go on. Oh! And you’d better tell me the room number. I never thought to ask when I called you from the lobby.” They walked out of the ballroom during their conversation and paused in the hallway outside.
“It’s a suite,” she said, “just as you requested. It’s really very nice. Number 973. Keep knocking so I’ll hear you, in case I fall asleep.”
“Better yet, I’ll get another key at the desk.” He kissed her again, this time with a little more heat. “I’ll enjoy waking you up once I’m lying beside you.”
Clay watched as Melanie walked down the hallway toward the lobby. He wished he was going with her now, but she was the reward he had to look forward to once he was through with this
