Chapter Nine
Several hours later, a dazzling Caitlin stood before her full-length mirror for a last minute inspection before she left for the reception. She stared at her image. No question, she looked different, sexy, smoking. Her dress had intrigued her on the mannequin. The red color, not one she ever chose, caught her eye first that morning. Must have been a hangover moment from the flirty night before.
Her motto was to always blend into the environment, not make a fashion statement with her clothes. But tonight wasn’t work, and this dress would never blend into the crowd. Not that it was flamboyant. It just made a statement about whoever wore it—something such as I’ve arrived. Well, hadn’t she? And worked hard for that status?
The silk material draped nicely about her curves, the V-neckline stopped short of being indecent, yet suggested cleavage. She enhanced the effect by wearing her strand of matched pearls. Their creamy luminescence highlighted her pale skin. The pearls stopped just above the shadowed cleft dipping below the neckline.
Bare arms, tight fitting bodice, and snug midriff all accentuated her small waist and curving hips, a sheath skirt ended just above her knees. Red strappy pumps with heels higher than she usually wore gave Caitlin a willowy appearance. Yep, definitely smoking.
Even her usual business-like, updated version of a pageboy was no more. Her hair stylist talked Caitlin into a more festive style for the reception. Her auburn tresses were fashioned into a froth of waves and curls, swept away from her face on one side to display an ear with a pearl cluster earring attached.
She applied dabs of her favorite perfume behind her ears, along her collarbones, in the V of her cleavage, wrists, elbows and knees. She licked her lips, grabbed her white cashmere coat, snapped off her bedroom light and headed down the steps, toward the kitchen and the garage door. She better not make a fool of herself, but she loved how she looked. Would Mike think the same?
She grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter, checked her evening bag to make sure she had some cash, then headed into the heated garage.
“Let the night begin,” she sang as she headed down the drive.
Following her usual practice in public parking lots, she parked a distance from other cars, yet facing the clubhouse entrance. The edge of the parking lot abutted the wooded area of the club, shielding tennis courts from the view of the lot. She didn’t relish the long walk to the clubhouse in her strappy shoes, but she’d manage that, too. Tonight she was invincible.
She wasn’t the first to arrive, or the last, but she was one of the few entering the building by herself. Nearer the doors, the lighting got better, which helped her avoid puddles of melting snow and ice. Throughout her walk, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Yet whenever she glanced toward the wooded edges of the lot, she spotted no one.
The dark-wood paneled hallway inside the building provided a welcome rush of warm air, heady smells of cooking food, and babbling sounds of conversation riding above a chamber quartet playing softly in an adjoining room. The reception was in full swing. She handed her coat to the attendant. Weaving her way to the receiving line, she waited to greet the newlywed couple, Keith’s youngest daughter and her new husband.
The reception line moved slowly, so Caitlin scanned the crowd hovering around the bar, near the hot and cold appetizers, or settled into amiable groups throughout the large, dimly lit club-room, which overlooked the golf course. No familiar faces popped into view.
With his distinctive tarnished silver hair Keith loomed above the crowd just ahead of her. His diminutive wife, Marcy, stood at his side. She spied Caitlin, smiled, then said something to Keith who looked up, caught Caitlin’s eyes with his and mouthed “Wow.”
Caitlin chuckled at his response.
Keith and Marcy were the poster people representing happy, long-term marriages. Many times, Keith had told Caitlin that Marcy and he were anticipating the day their last child left the nest because then their honeymoon would begin again. To celebrate that fact, Keith had told her he’d be gone “on vacation” for the next week. His absence put a greater burden of responsibility on Mike and her to keep Northland running smoothly while implementing the changes. Without Keith, the week would be more difficult.
She hated Keith’s timing, but he had been adamant and he paid her salary. Though concerned about everything happening at the plant, he expected Caitlin and Mike to handle business. Well, next week should prove their mettle. Earn their stripes in Keith’s eyes.
Caitlin shook hands with the groom, kissed the lovely young bride, and wished them both well. Then she moved on to Keith and Marcy.
“You’re stunning tonight and that color’s wonderful on you.” Marcy kissed the air near Caitlin’s cheek. “Isn’t it grand that Keith and I are getting away for a few days? I tell you after these wedding plans and all the riga-ma-role Keith’s had at work, we need it.” At the last words, Marcy looked up at her husband.
“Caitlin, you’re lovely tonight. Save me a dance, even if I am the doddering father-of-the-bride,” Keith added. Caitlin nodded and moved on, the crush of people becoming oppressive. “Oh, Caitlin, the Northland group is in the other room,” Keith said and pointed the direction for her.
Mouthing her thanks, she headed first in the direction of the bar. A tap on her shoulder along with a warm hand on her arm halted her progress.
“A familiar face in a crowd of strangers.” The deep baritone held a southern lilt.
Caitlin turned and gazed into Mike’s eyes. “I’ll second that.”
“You look...se...amazing. I love...everything.” He pulled her closer as a man laden with three bottles of beer struggled to move through the crowd. “Just clearing the path, Cait—not getting fresh, so don’t get all bristly.”
Her heart thudded. She didn’t even pretend to scan the crowd. “Good excuse, Rafferty. Taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.”
“My reputation in business is unquestioned when it comes to that.” His mouth wore a sexy smirk that shouted he had monkey business on his mind.
“So I’m told.” She enjoyed the firm pressure he maintained on her elbow. “Familiar faces are hard to find tonight. You must be feeling really left out.”
Mike nodded. “Sure do. Guess I need to keep a lifeline.” He did not loosen his grip on her arm. “And you’re the best looking lifeline around.”
“You look quite...smashing yourself, sir.” Those incredible eyes smoked with anticipation and offered an invitation. She wasn’t at work now. Professionalism be damned. She glanced down toward her shoes, and then up into his face, cleanly shaven, smelling faintly of spicy designer cologne. Yes, this situation’s good.
“We are what’s called a matched pair.”
“At least a complementary one…” His unspoken invitation delighted her. She approved the well-tailored, light gray, silk blend suit, carefully molded to his athletic frame; his shirt was fine cotton with a light pink hue and a tie, which incorporated the gray and pink of his shirt and suit plus some deeper accents. He exuded health, success, and confidence.
“I didn’t see you while I waited in line.”
“I just arrived. Took a look at that line and debated even going through. Then I spied you and made my decision. The happy couple doesn’t know me so they won’t miss my personal congratulations.”
Caitlin chuckled at Mike’s last words, said in a grotesque imitation of Groucho Marx. “They only have eyes for each other. Most likely, they wish this whole thing was done.”
“Can’t blame them for that.” He moved in closer to allow another guest to weave through the crowd. “Though I have no direct knowledge regarding that.”
She ignored his last remark. “I was heading for the bar before joining the Northland group in the next room. Care to join me?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” Mike muscled their way toward the bar.
Cocooned within the boisterous crowd, Caitlin felt mellow with Mike at her side. No analyzing tonight, just two people enjoying the situation.
“Drinks on Keith,” he told her as he handed her a tall vodka tonic.
“Shall we?” She turned to head toward the dining area and the Northland table.
“Do we have to?”
“Dinner’s on Keith, too.” She didn’t give a darn about dinner. “We have a duty—”
Mike snorted at that, but followed, his hand at her elbow. “I don’t intend to lose you in this crowd.”
“With this dress, that’s not likely.”
“Someone else could monopolize you; however, I won’t let that happen.”
“Dominating, aren’t you?” That sultry voice wriggled from some place deep inside her.
“You led last night; I followed, remember? One thing I know about you, Cait? You’re always fair. So tonight, it’s my turn to lead.” His eyes held hers as firmly as his hand gripped her elbow.
“Perhaps, for a while.” Her heart skittered around in her chest. She wanted to continue this conversation and yet…she didn’t. If she didn’t, the tenseness between them wouldn’t be good either. Surely he just wanted a lively, interesting companion for the reception, just as she did. Besides what was the harm in a few hours when she went with the flow instead of ordering and controlling it? She liked the idea—but it scared her, too. Perhaps with the others around, the deepening warmth between them would lessen. Besides, they had so many years to get caught up on.
“There’s our group—over there. Wait till you meet all the wives—and remember their names. You won’t have time to think about leading me.”
“Don’t count on it, Cait.”
****
Mike sat at Caitlin’s right during dinner and monopolized her in conversation whenever possible. He dominated her thoughts. Much good natured joking centered around the cash outlay Keith expended on this grand wedding. Caitlin explained to Mike that Keith had a reputation as a bit of a tightwad concerning “frivolous” expenditures at work. If it wasn’t related to production, marketing, or expansion, it wasn’t approved.
“Weddings could fit that criteria,” Mike responded; the vice president of finance called that an understatement.
With the last course finally served, Caitlin rose and asked to be excused. Almost immediately, Mike followed. That action was sure to prompt speculation among their group.
Once in the hallway leading to the restrooms, she stopped and turned toward him. “You don’t intend to follow me in here, do you?”
“Ahh, no...why don’t I wait for you in the bar? When the dancing starts, we could sort of wander off by ourselves.”
“Wandering off may not be easy here.”
“I’m resourceful.” His eyes suggested other ideas. “I prefer wandering with you tonight, now that I’ve officially met the ’Northland men and women’.”
“Give me a few minutes.” Caitlin stood outside the powder room door. She stepped into the room, found it empty, and sighed in relief. She needed a short break—from everyone. Things were going too fast, moving beyond her control.
Even the men at the table assumed she and Mike were an item and treated her differently as a result. Or was it the dress? Damn, why had she been so foolish to succumb to such a dress? “Because you loved it and love yourself in it,” she muttered to herself as she rearranged its lines in front of the mirror, checked her make-up, and applied fresh gloss and perfume.
Tonight, be Caitlin, the woman, not the executive. Get through the night. Shoving her fears aside, she sauntered out to meet Mike.
Strains of band music greeted her as she moved toward the bar. She heard the band leader introducing the bridal couple and their parents as they stepped onto the floor. She joined Mike and with drinks in hand, they ambled into the ballroom to watch the wedding party dancing to a standard love song.
They stood on the sidelines until the leader urged everyone to join them. Mike needed no second invitation. Handing off their glasses to a waiter, he whirled her onto the floor, holding her against his body. The athleticism he displayed on a ball field carried into his dancing. He led her around the room in a series of sweeping whirls, dips, and fancy footwork. By the end of the number, she puffed like an overworked engine and begged for a slower pace.
The band struck up another favorite, “The Lady in Red.” Its haunting beat and suggestive words symbolized her tonight.
Mike extended his arms. “Dance, my lady in red?”
She walked into his embrace.
He hummed slightly off key into her ear and pulled her closer to him. She found herself embracing the moment. Under the rich fabric of his suit and shirt, she felt his heart beat. His rhythm matched hers.
She rested her hand against his neck.
“I like that.” His words caressed her.
“I’m glad.” She followed his lead into an intricate swirl. His thumb moved lazily in circles at the small of her back. Her body responded as tremors of excitement skittered around inside, turning her bones to butter. “I…like that…very much,” she purred, more content than her mother’s pampered cat.
“I’m glad.” He pulled her even closer. As one they drifted among the dancers, oblivious to all but each other. “This song...it’ll always be special. You’re my lady in red…for tonight.” His eyes focused on her, but she didn’t pull away.
“Tonight, I am a lady in red, exciting and out there a bit, but tomorrow, I’ll be like Cinderella, back to the same old person and routine.” Despite the music ending, she didn’t move from his embrace. “Since I never went, I imagine this is what a young girl at the prom would feel like.”
“Then you should wear red more often,” he whispered near her ear.
“That might not be safe.”
“But imagine the fun.” Following her mood, he kept his arm snugly around her waist.
“Humm. Maybe,” she whispered. The music started again—soft, slow, sensual. Their movements copied the music. It drugged her, or was that the effect of Mike’s arms, his scent. Whatever—magic touched her.
“Okay, you two, break it up.” Keith tapped Mike’s shoulder. “The lady promised me a dance tonight and you’re monopolizing her. I know she skips out early so…” Keith deftly traded partners with Mike.
Feeling wrenched apart, Caitlin watched Mike move off with Marcy in his arms. A platonic distance separated them.
Chuckling at his coup, Keith led her into the dance. “You two getting to know each other…a bit better?”
“We were talking business.” Keith danced well, but Caitlin felt strange in his arms, like she didn’t fit.
“Don’t try kidding me, Cait. There’s business and then there’s monkey business. Don’t do anything foolish. Remember you have to work with this guy for a long time.”
“Are you giving me an order, Keith?” Her voice had ice at its edge.
“Absolutely not, but Marcy tells me you could be at a vulnerable time in a woman’s life.” He sounded uncomfortable with his words.
She stiffened at his words. “Perhaps for Marcy.”
“Don’t get riled. We know how single-minded and determined you are, but you must get lonely sometimes.”
“You sound more like my father, Keith, instead of my boss.” She strained to look directly at Keith, towering above her. Marcy must have a constant neck ache. In contrast, Mike was just the right height. No neck ache for her.
“I am, to my daughters, but I’m your boss…and Rafferty’s. I value both of you as employees who have to work together and get along. If you get into something too fast, which you can’t or don’t want to handle or pursue later, there goes a good working relationship. Plain and simple. Northland gets hurt.”
“You know me better than that. Work is work.”
“Always has been, but Rafferty’s different. You seem edgier around him, even at work. I’ve noticed it. He’s cautious around you, too. Be careful.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” She arched her head upward to view his face when he answered.
“I know he told me he needed to get out of Georgia…fast. Something to do with his ex-wife.”
Twice today, Caitlin received subtle warnings about Mike. She shuddered, because she didn’t think she wanted to heed them, if they were valid. “I’ve known him for a long time, even though I haven’t seen him in years. We were friends in college and we still are.”
“Fine, Caitlin, I only want the best for you. You’ve always been special to me.” He squeezed her in a friendly way as they danced and she relaxed once again. “By the way, you look fantastic tonight.”
“Well, thank you, kind sir, and I’ll be careful. You go on your second honeymoon and have a great time. Mike and I will be here when you get back. Everything will go smoothly and we’ll be perfect working partners. All for the greater profit margin and working harmony of Northland Marine.”
“I’ll depend on that.” Keith refused to rise to her bait. Instead, he smirked in his irritating all-knowing way. Once the music ended, he left her, distracted by another of his father-of-the-bride duties. Just like his phone calls, he never said good-bye.
She left the floor alone, not looking for Mike because she knew he’d find her. She found a small table for two in a sheltered tiny alcove. Her toes tapped in time to the music. He appeared and motioned her upward with a quirk of his curled index finger and a wink.
He pulled her into his arms to the strains of yet another love song. “I heard a lecture about how wonderful you are. How you mean a great deal to Marcy and Keith. The underlying message, very subtly put, is don’t hurt the lady in red.”
She settled in his arms as if she belonged there. And sighed with contentment. “Keith cautioned me about mixing business with pleasure. In a fatherly tone, I might add.” She nestled tighter against him. Pleasure overtook business at the moment.
“Better father than employer. Does Northland have a fraternizing policy?” He tightened his embrace.
She glanced up at him. “In this day, Mike? Come off it. Besides, I’d have to enforce the policy on myself, right?” His cologne tantalized her senses. Oh, dear God, she was so out of her comfort zone.
“You’re one lady who could do it,” he responded in a grim tone.
Caitlin knew the truth of his words. “Well, we don’t have such a policy.”
Mike nodded his head. “Good,” he muttered and swept her down the floor. “People are certainly jumping to conclusions tonight, aren’t they?”
“People do. That’s why I always strive to keep my life in control. What about you?”
“Whenever I haven’t, Cait, I’ve gotten into trouble. I admit, though, I’m not as good at it as you.” At his response, she smiled into his shoulder.
“That’s because I’ve been working at it longer.”
He dipped her gently. “Cut that out. You know I always hated that line.”
“I need to be cautious, Mike, and so should you. We intend to work together for a long time. Remember what happened before?”
“We were younger then and didn’t know as much—especially me. Aren’t you enjoying yourself tonight?”
“Too much so,” she murmured and buried her nose into his neck.
“And last night?”
“Yes. You could be addictive, but I won’t allow it.”
“We fit well, don’t you think?” He pulled her closer; she didn’t object. Instead a dreaminess settled over her. “Like this, and at work.”
“As long as work is work, and nothing else…at work.”
He pulled her even closer. “No problem, but I have to tell you your perfume drives me crazy.”
“I promise never to wear it to work.”