those times.” Zena laughed, her dark eyes glimmering in remembrance.
“The gossip spread all the way to my parents,” Zena recalled, “through their well-meaning church members, of course.” She let out a purely girlish giggle and sighed. “At least they got it right. Bryant and I were quite the scandal. I’m sure we christened every floor of that gorgeous office building of his.”
Minka felt her cheeks heat even as laughter tickled her throat.
“Sorry, love.” Zena winked. “Your ears are still a little too young to hear about such romps.” She patted Minka’s cheeks and took a seat on the cushioned window seat that lined the length of the room.
“Things between your grandfather and I weren’t just physical, Mi-Mi. Bryant was just as interested in the way my mind worked when it came to business. Don’t close yourself off to a man because you’re afraid of what the world may think.”
Minka stood, quietly absorbing the advice.
“You’ll be surprised how the world fades into the background when a man you’d give anything to be with steps into the picture. And you’ll be just as surprised by what’s going to be demanded of you once you sit in the main chair. You’ll do well to have a man who not only understands what that responsibility means, but who also reminds you that responsibility isn’t all your world consists of.”
Zena sighed, satisfied that she’d delivered enough advice. “Just something to think about. Come on, Babylove. We’ll have tea on the terrace,” she said as she walked out of the parlor.
* * *
Minka rushed though the door of her dinner event for the Sharpe Organization and was relieved to see that the event had yet to begin.
The open bar was already being well used. Apparently the organization’s leader, Austin Sharpe, wanted his attendees nice and pliable before the meeting commenced.
Thoroughly pliable, if the level of intoxication of a few of the attendees was any indication. The room had been decorated with Southwestern flair, and the menu reflected the theme. She barely had time to get a drink of her own before she was cornered by one of her colleagues.
Charles Ruggles began slurring his opinions to her about why they should partner up over the course of the next several weeks to ensure that the Sharpe project went off without a hitch.
“Jus’ makes sense for us to join force—forces to ensure it all goes smooth...”
Minka stifled a laugh over Charles’s crooning of the last word. “Maybe we should hold off on setting any private meetings until we know more about what Sharpe has in store for us, don’t you think?”
Charles twisted his mouth. “Nope.” He smacked the word after a moment’s consideration.
“Why don’t we discuss it after the meeting?” She moved to excuse herself from where he’d huddled her against a wall.
Charles wasn’t quite done making his pitch. “You know this’ll involve us at some point...” He barred her escape with a hand planted against the wall. His other hand still clutched a glass carrying traces of vodka tonic. “You’ll enjoy how well we’ll work together—”
“Ms. Gerald? Could I have a minute?”
Minka looked over Charles’s head to the much taller man behind him, and her agitation instantly softened. Charles was still too absorbed in his drunken wooing to notice the interruption.
Minka’s gaze fixed on the stranger with the steady light brown eyes. She nodded just slightly to accept the man’s request, and looked on in wonder as he eased Charles aside and gently laid claim to her arm.
“Thank you.” Minka smiled as the stranger led her through the crowded dining area to another unoccupied corner of the room.
“There was no need for a rescue. He’s harmless,” she said, her heart flipping when she looked up at her escort.
Wait a minute...flipped? The idea gave Minka pause, but yes, her heart had definitely performed some sort of acrobatic feat when the man’s gaze had met hers. She looked on as a curious smile curved his wide, carefully crafted mouth.
“You think I did that for you?” Unhurried, he released her arm. “I was just trying to help the guy. He really shouldn’t go into a meeting with a black eye. It’s not a good look.”
Minka laughed, her head falling back and her eyes closing. She missed seeing the stranger’s curious smile evolve into a provocative grin as he appraised her lovely dark face.
“I’ll have to make sure Charles comes over later to thank you for saving his face from your fist,” Minka said once she’d sobered from her laughter.
“Best to hold off on bringing him near me till after the meeting, or else he’s liable to get that black eye, after all.” The stranger smiled, then extended his hand. “Oliver Bauer.”
Minka settled her hand into his. “Minka Gerald,” she said.
“I know who you are.”
Minka waited for those extraordinary eyes of his to take a trail downward, just like they always did when men first met her. Besides, the cut of her black wrap dress offered quite the irresistible view.
Oliver Bauer’s gaze took no such journey, however. Minka didn’t know if she felt more disappointment or offense over the slight. She blinked again, confusion pooling her eyes.
“Bauer? You’re related to Vectra.” It wasn’t a question. Her new friend and this man shared the most entrancing eye color—a light walnut-brown shade. In Oliver Bauer’s eyes, though, there lurked a playful, almost rakish look.
“She’s my sister,” Oliver confirmed.
Minka frowned. “I thought she said you were older?”
“Well, I am.” He feigned offense that she didn’t think he was. “By eighteen months, thank you very much.”
“Your parents didn’t waste any time, did they?”
Oliver shrugged. “My folks never wasted time when it came to sex.”
Minka surrendered to more laughter. “I’m sorry.” She gave a quick shake of her head and cleared her throat. “You said there was something you needed to talk to me about?”
Broad shoulders lifted beneath an olive-brown suit coat. “Not really.” His tempting mouth curved into a crooked smile. “I just didn’t much care for him talking to you, is all.” He inclined his head in the general direction of Charles Ruggles. His eyes never left Minka’s face. “Ms. Gerald.” He nodded once slightly, then made his retreat.
* * *
“So you’ve all heard the proposal,” Austin Sharpe said once his guests had settled around the meeting table. “Your minds are relaxed by drink and unoccupied by hunger.” Austin grinned
