SHE WAS GOING to kill him. She wasn’t sure when or how, but sooner or later, she was going to kill Morgan Brewer. Her father had only said, “Have fun,” as she was dragged from his side onto the dance floor, her mortification reddening her face and neck. She wasn’t sure what kind of point Morgan was trying to make, but she would make life hell for him for embarrassing her like this.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Vince, leaning against the bar on the opposite side of the room, a bourbon in his hand as he watched them sway back and forth to the music. His forlorn expression put a knot in her gut, his pain quite visible. Pain she knew she had caused. Yet, she had given him no indication in the past year that would have even hinted that he could waltz back into her life and attempt to sweep her off her feet. He had just assumed, and he had assumed wrong. He popped into her field of vision again as she circled around and she could see the thickness of his arms. They were strong enough to sweep her off her feet if he desired. She gave herself a mental shake. She didn’t need to be thinking of Vince’s arms, especially when she was twirling in Morgan’s. Vince was a dangerous route she had already traveled. She knew it to be a dead end. Morgan, on the other hand, just wanted to get under her skin.
He twirled her again and dipped her slightly, his smile announcing that he was having the time of his life.
It was working. He was getting under her skin.
“Loosen up. You want your money lenders to see you having fun, don’t you?”
“They are not my money lenders. Hopefully, they are donors, however. I don’t borrow money.”
“Everyone borrows money.”
“Not me. I make use of what I have. And if I don’t have it, I don’t do it.”
“And people giving you money is better?”
“For the community center, yes. The center isn’t a business. It’s to help the people in this city and for that people can donate and participate.”
He continued to sway her across the floor and, before she knew it, she was able to relax a little. She wasn’t holding herself so stiff in his arms, enjoying the music as it flowed around them. She smiled as she caught sight of her father in one of her passes. He was smiling back at her as he watched her dance. She wished he was the one dancing with her, right then. She was sure he missed it. Her mother and he would go out all the time, tripping the light fantastic as he would put it. Not clubbing, of course, as her generation and those following were prone to do. They went ballroom dancing. They even dressed up for it. Her mother wore long flowing gowns. Her father dressed in dark suits and bow ties. She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. Now her mother was gone and her father was trapped in a wheelchair. Life could change at any moment, which is why she tried to make the most of each breath she was given to improve the lives of those around her. She wanted people to be able to have the life her parents had, that she had at one time.
“Don’t they look amazing out there? The perfect couple,” Jacqui said.
“What? You don’t think we’re the perfect couple?” Marc twirled her under the diamond chandelier, his arm around her waist, holding her tight against him.
“Oh, I think we’re great and if we’re like them when we hit their age, I will classify us as the perfect couple.” She gave him her best smile and he kissed her nose. “I don’t want to be one of those couples that never go out and who actually act their age, sitting at home, moaning about being too old to do anything. I’d rather die first.”
Marc squeezed her waist. “We’ll live every moment if I have anything to say about it. As a matter of fact, let’s go to that gala in Hattiesburg next week. It’ll be fun.”
“You hate those things. You’re always saying how stuffy they are and that you have to do that enough.”
He shrugged. “But you don’t, and you want to go. Let’s do it. I’ll get Vince to cover the office and we can get your parents to babysit Maggie. It’ll be fun. C’mon. Live in the moment. Say yes.”
She laughed. “You should have been a lawyer. Fine. We’ll go. But I’m not sure about my parents watching Maggie. My dad spoils her bad enough as it is.”
“At three, I’m sure we can undo whatever damage he does over one weekend,” he kissed Jacqui’s cheek. “Good. It’s settled then. I’ll make the arrangements tomorrow.” He twirled her under his uplifted arm and then pulled her backward, her back against his chest as he swayed back and forth and nuzzled her neck. “We may even leave the hotel room.”
“Uh huh, I see how it is. Get me over there under the guise of attending the gala only to seduce me into bed all weekend.”
He growled, low and deep. “I could only be so lucky.”
“What?” Morgan cut into her thoughts.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re smiling and I know I didn’t say anything funny. So, what were you thinking?” His green eyes sparkled as he seemed to take joy in her smile. It helped put her at ease.
“Just thinking of the last time I danced. It’s been quite a while.”
“Must have been a good night. Your smile seemed to say it was, anyway.”
“It was.” She found herself squeezing his shoulder as the memory took her breath away a little. If he noticed, he didn’t say anything.
“Tell me about it.” And by the expression on his face, she believed he truly wanted to know.
“Excuse me,” Brent stepped up and touched her on her elbow. Saved by the bell, so to speak, she thought. “Jacqui, it’s time for you to give your speech.”
She released Morgan’s hands and gave him a small smile. “Sorry. Duty calls. Thank you for the dance, though.” While the memories were still painful, it was nice to think back on a good time in her life.
He gave a slight bow of his head. “It was my pleasure. Although, I still want to hear that story.”
She didn’t say anything, just smiled as she allowed Brent to lead her to the podium. Morgan didn’t need to know those stories. Those were hers alone, her memories to get her through the years until she joined Marc. They were not fodder to feed Morgan’s game, whatever game he was playing. She took a deep breath. Still, it felt good to dance in someone’s arms again.
She stopped at the base of the dais as Brent climbed the two steps that would put her above everyone else in the room. Like her heels, it was a power ploy. People respected those they had to look up at and she made sure they always looked up to her. He held his arms out. “Good evening, everyone. I hope you are enjoying the night.” Everyone applauded as they came to a stop wherever they were and turned their attention to the podium. “We should thank Jacqui Karston for her generosity, the food, the drinks, the great band.” He pointed to each as he listed them off and again everyone applauded. “The night is far from over, though, and we hope you continue to dance the night away. However, there is a reason we are all gathered here besides the dancing and drinks and I want to introduce Mrs. Karston and have her come up here to share with you her heart and vision for the Maggie Karston Community Center.” He stepped back from the podium, clapping as he gestured for Jacqui to take his place.
She placed a giant smile on her face, wearing it like an accessory. With her back straight and head high, she climbed the two steps, giving Brent a slight nod of appreciation. She gripped the podium with trembling knuckles. She preferred being behind the scenes, not in front of the crowd. That was Marc’s job, and it was one she hated having to take over.
She nodded to those gathered in front of her. “Thank you. Thank you for coming out tonight in the middle of the week and joining us in our endeavor to bring a community center to Biloxi that will benefit those who need it most. However, this cannot be just my vision. Tonight, I’m hoping you make it yours as well. I’m hoping that you embrace the community center, not only now as we try to raise money to help get it off the ground, but for years to come. We need a place for our children to play in safety. We need a place for men and women to gather for activities and group meetings, a place people can come together in safety and unity. We need this community center. Biloxi needs this community center. I hope you agree and I also hope you’ll be a part of it by giving a donation to see it come to life. You will not just be standing by me. You’ll not be standing by The Karston Foundation, either. Instead, you’ll be standing by the families of Biloxi. I hope you’ll join me and, together, we can stand with them.” When she finished speaking, she stepped back from the podium and stood, her hands clasped in front of her as she smiled out at the people who smiled back and cheered her words. Hopefully, before the night was over, they would be signing checks and leaving them with Lily. The community center needed their cash as much as their support.
As she gazed out at the audience, she saw Vince staring at her, his eyes beaming with pride she didn’t deserve while he clapped his hands with more energy than a two-year-old. She smiled weakly at him, not sure how she felt. She continued to turn her gaze around the crowded room and saw her father applauding, his smile also telling her how proud he was of her. She smiled back at him, relishing his encouragement. He had always pushed her to follow her dreams.
And then there was Morgan. He nodded his head slightly at her, his cocky smirk telling her he was impressed, and she felt herself blush at his attention. She wasn’t sure why his approval mattered to her. He was the hired help. He was annoying, as well. She smiled back at him and bowed her head slightly in return, her face flushing even more, as she realized that it was his approval above the others that had made her feel like a success.
And then the thought was gone as people swarmed around her once she was free of the dais and her attention consumed with more shaking hands and the acceptance of her accolades.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Staring at her over the rim of his glass, he watched as she stepped down from the dais. Her speech had been short and sweet, but Morgan had no doubt that people would be putting large checks in Lily’s hands before the night was over. The woman was truly inspiring. She had surrounded herself with great people. She inspired loyalty, and, even though she was cold as the ice sculpture in the center of the shrimp cocktail, she brought out the warmth that hid in people’s hearts. He had no doubt her fundraiser would be a major success.
As soon as her feet stepped free of the steps, she was swarmed by all of those who wanted a few minutes in Jacqui Karston’s limelight. He couldn’t say he blamed them. Regardless of how much the woman frustrated him at times, he had to admit she was beautiful with her long, flowing hair, her emerald eyes, the way her skin shone when the light brushed against it. She walked with confidence, determined in the course before her. Beautiful, she most certainly was, but it was that confidence that made her so attractive.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” Vince stepped up beside him, a fresh glass of bourbon in his right hand, his left stuffed into his front pants pocket. “The way she can call people to action. Inside, she’s churning like Katrina when it hit the coast. She hates it, public speaking. Yet, she’s so damn good at it.”
Morgan glanced down at his empty glass. He wanted another drink, but he really should be getting home. He needed to stop screwing around with Jacqui’s head and get back to his real job. “She’s impressive. I’ll give you that. She can still be a pain in the ass, though.”
Vince chuckled as he took a sip of his drink. “Don’t I know it.” He then smiled at Jacqui as she laughed at something someone beside her said.
“So, why are you here? Emotional masochist at heart?” Morgan slid his empty glass on a serving tray as one of the wait staff walked by them.
Vince gave a slight shrug. “I prefer to think I’m a hopeless romantic.” He let out a breath. “Who knows. I argued with myself before leaving the house tonight, desiring a thick, juicy steak instead, but found myself dressed up and in the parking lot here. I’m not really sure why.”
“Bullshit. We both know why. I still say you’re a glutton for punishment.”
“Perhaps.” Vince took another sip of his whiskey. “But Jacqui Karston is someone worth being a glutton for.”
Morgan patted the other man on the back. “Just be careful. The heart is a big thing to gamble with and by the looks of it, Jacqui keeps her cards close to the vest.”
Vince nodded and Morgan wished the man goodnight. On his way out, he stopped by Bert Clydesdale and wished him a goodnight, as well. He enjoyed the old man’s company and bluntness. He would have wished Jacqui a good night, as well, but she was still swamped with possible donors. Giving her a smile she never saw, he then wondered if it was too late to call Stacey Rogers for a little after hours booty call. As he stepped into the night air, he swiped his phone and scrolled the contacts until Stacey’s name scrolled into view. Work could wait until morning.