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He told her that he met Victoria, then fifteen, a week before his father married her mother. “She was a nightmare, even for a teenage girl,” he shook his head.

  “How bad could she have been?” Ashley asked.

  “Oh, no. You already asked your question. It’s my turn.” Jason leaned back against the wall and she felt heat as his knee brushed hers. She didn’t move away from the subtle pressure and wondered if he was as intensely aware of the physical contact as she was.

  Probably not. Maybe he had a nerve problem and couldn’t feel things in his knees. Or maybe he thought her leg was just bench.

  “Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone before.”

  “Whoa. What kind of something?”

  “Stalling.”

  Ashley rolled her eyes. “Fine.” She blew out a breath and considered her options. “When I was in fifth grade, I was walking home from school and I saw a rabbit get hit by a car. She was still alive, but her back leg was hurt. So I picked her up and put her in my backpack.”

  “Of course you did.”

  “Anyway, I wasn’t allowed to have pets growing up, but I couldn’t just leave her there in the street. So I snuck her into my bedroom and put some Band-Aids on her leg and kept her in my closet.”

  “How do you know it was a she?”

  Ashley bit her lip.

  “Oh no.”

  “Yeah, about a week later, she had eight babies.”

  He covered his mouth.

  “And it wasn’t long after that that I came home and they weren’t in the closet anymore. My parents still talk about the Great Bunny Infestation. They never did find out how all those bunnies got in the house.”

  He was laughing now. “You are a piece of work.”

  “I like to consider myself piece of art,” Ashley sniffed. “Okay, my turn. I have this theory that beneath her makeup and nail polish and hairspray, Victoria is like an axe murderer or something. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever seen her do?”

  He rubbed a hand over his chin, the stubble making a scratching sound. “Pass.”

  Damn it. Maybe she had underestimated his loyalty to his stepsister. “You know that makes me wonder even more. But I will respect the pass. How about this? Why don’t you like Steven?” she asked.

  His eyes narrowed. “You’re good.”

  Ashley painted on an innocent look and steepled her fingers. “I believe you’ve already used your pass.”

  “I never said I didn’t like him.”

  “Stalling.”

  “Fine. From what I’ve seen of him he seems like an ass-kissing weasel.”

  “Well, don’t hold back or anything!”

  Jason shrugged. “You asked.”

  “What makes you think he’s an ass-kissing weasel?”

  “I said ‘seems like.’ And I already answered your question. It’s my turn.”

  Ashley scrunched up her nose. “Fine. What’s your question?”

  Jason was taking his sweet time. He scratched the back of his head and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. She liked watching him squirm. Hell, she just liked watching him.

  “Got one. What’s your biggest relationship fear?”

  Ashley’s eyes narrowed. Where was he going with this? She couldn’t quite shake the feeling that she was playing a part is some weird game known only to him. But he was impossible to read.

  She sighed. “I have this fear about not ever having that first kiss again. You know, the one that’s all hot and heavy and leaves you panting. The one where the whole world melts away and you know that the only thing he sees in that moment is you. I guess it’s just a fear of never been seen again.”

  She spared a glance at him. He was nodding thoughtfully. “I get that.”

  They sat in silence for a minute. “We should probably head back upstairs. They may send out a search party soon.”

  Jason looked at her, eyebrow raised. God he was good-looking.

  “I know,” she sighed. “They probably have no idea we’re missing.” She knew it was true. Steven was probably schmoozing the crap out of a senior partner somewhere while Victoria kicked puppies on the patio.

  “One last question,” Jason suggested. His voice was low and he was watching her closely again.

  “Go for it.”

  “What would you say if I offered you something?”

  “Depends on the something.” He made her pulse race every time he looked at her. This was not the right kind of reaction to have for someone who wasn’t her fiancé. This was the reaction she should be having to her fiancé.

  “A first kiss.”

  Ashley’s heart started to pound. She was sure Jason could hear it thudding away in her chest.

  What if she never had another chance for a first kiss? What if she was destined for chaste pecks on the cheek for the rest of her life? What harm could one kiss do? How dangerous would it be to have his mouth on hers?

  What if he was just teasing her?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Ashley, do you realize you haven’t said a word or taken a breath in over a minute?”

  She laughed nervously. She couldn’t stop staring at him and knew her eyes were probably the size of golf balls. He was just inches away from her.

  “What would you say?” he repeated.

  Ashley recovered herself. “I’d say ...,” she was sensing danger. “Pass.” She jumped up from the bench and started for the door to the hallway.

  “I’d better get back.”

  She didn’t even make it to the door. He caught her from behind and gently, but firmly pressed her against the wall. He moved so fast she didn’t even know he had gotten up from the bench.

  “Don’t walk away from me.” He said it quietly, lips moving against her ear. There was a steel-hard warning in his tone.

  He turned her around slowly, deliberately.

  She couldn’t look him in the eye. Her heart was pounding in her ears and all she could do was stare at his perfect mouth.

  “Do you want me to explain why ‘Pass’ isn’t the right answer?” He dipped his forehead toward hers. Their mouths just a breath apart.

  Ashley shook her head in a jerky side-to-side motion. “No, I’m good thanks,” she whispered. She tried to step to the side, but he merely tightened his grip on her arms.

  The contact overwhelmed her senses.

  “Let me tell you anyway. If you really didn’t want to kiss me, you would have said no, my ego would have deflated, and we would go back to the party as if nothing happened. But you didn’t say no. And given our honesty clause that leads me to believe ...” he slid his hands from her arms to her waist, “that your answer is yes, but you’re afraid of the consequences of saying it.”

  “Consequences?” Ashley was breathless, struggling to focus, but it was hard with him taking up every one of her senses.

  “There don’t have to be any consequences, Ashley.” The way he said her name made her shiver. “Aren’t you just a little curious what it would feel like?”

  She brought her hands to his shoulders, but instead of pushing him back they betrayed her and just rested on his tailored button down. It was crisp to the touch, but she could feel his heat radiating from underneath it.

  “I think I’m having a heart attack,” she whispered.

  He smiled darkly and raised a hand to her throat, his fingers resting over the spot where her pulse thundered.

  “Just one kiss.” He brushed his lips across her cheek and into her hair. “No one will ever know.”

  It was a dark promise. A secret between strangers.

  She almost gave in. Almost let herself sink into that mouth. But there was something hard in his eyes. Another secret.

  She pressed more firmly against his chest until he backed off a step. “Someone always knows, Jason. And I’m not the kind of person who carelessly tosses aside a relationship whenever it’s ...” she looked him up and down. “Tempting.”

  Jason put his hands on his hips and looked away. Th
ere was something in his expression, a mix of regret and relief. Ashley didn’t know what his game was, but she felt like she had won this round.

  “I’m going back to the party. Let’s just forget any of this ever happened.” Without waiting for his response, Ashley spun around and hurried through the door, leaving him alone.

  CHAPTER SIX

  In the powder room, she was able to right some of the damage to her makeup and hair. But she couldn’t do anything about the dazed look in her eyes or the fact that her pulse was still tachycardic. Her usually chatty brain was stunned into silence.

  What was she doing? Almost making out with a stranger in a basement at a party while her fiancé innocently enjoyed cocktails upstairs. Obviously Steven wasn’t the only one who had changed in the past year.

  She sighed and stared at her reflection. “Just who the hell are you?” she whispered. What the hell had made her jeopardize everything?

  The thrill.

  Even as she thought it, Ashley’s cheeks flushed. She had never felt like that before. For a few seconds, she was the center of someone else’s world. It was a dangerous rush to play Jason’s game, whatever it was.

  Shaking it off, Ashley patted her hair back into place and squared her shoulders. Hoping that the guilt wasn’t written all over her face, she went in search of Steven.

  She was halfway down the hall when two older men deep in conversation stepped out of a room in front of her. They paused when they noticed her.

  The taller gentleman on the right seemed vaguely familiar to Ashley. He was broad-shouldered with a full head of white hair.

  “We’ll talk later, Gil,” he said to the man at his elbow, dismissing him. “Excuse me, my dear, have you seen my grandson?” His voice filled the hall with a hint of New England.

  Ashley smiled. “It’s possible. Who is your grandson?”

  Then she noticed his eyes — the familiar shade of emerald — and Ashley felt her smile falter for a second.

  “His name is Jason. And he’s —”

  “Usually frowning? Hates parties?”

  He raised his eyebrows. “That’s a very accurate description of my grandson.”

  Ashley smiled and hoped she didn’t look like a party guest who almost let his grandson get to third base. “You must be Mr. Baine.”

  “Please, call me Eli.” He extended his hand.

  “Ashley Sapienza.” He had to be in his mid-70s, but his grip was strong, vital.

  “Italian?” he asked.

  “On my father’s side. My mother’s family is Irish.”

  “You certainly got the Italian looks,” he gestured toward her dark hair.

  “And unfortunately the Irish temper.”

  Eli laughed. “My Sophia, may she rest in peace, was Irish. We went through all of our wedding dishes the first year we were married. And I won’t even tell you what happened to the cutlery.”

  Ashley laughed.

  “Now you were about to tell me if you knew where I could find Jason, weren’t you?”

  “There you are, Grandfather. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

  Ashley knew without turning that it was Victoria. And had she not been watching Eli’s face she would have missed the very subtle tightening in his jaw. Victoria’s tone was degrees warmer than usual, almost nearing human temperatures.

  “I’ve been discussing dishes with Ms. Sapienza,” Eli winked at Ashley.

  Victoria tossed a fake smile in Ashley’s direction. “How nice.”

  “Was there something that you wanted?” Eli asked.

  All warmth and charm again, Victoria put her arm through his. “I just thought you would want to know that dinner will be served shortly. I put you at my table with a mix of partners and associates. I know how you like to know everyone who works for you.”

  “That I do, Victoria.” His eyes held hers for what felt like an uncomfortable moment to Ashley.

  Victoria smiled brightly and patted his arm. “Well you should probably get back to your party. I’d hate for you to miss any of it, Grandfather.”

  What the hell was going on? Ashley felt like she was watching a Spanish soap opera. Understanding just enough to know there was trouble, but not enough to figure out why everyone was yelling. All they needed was bigger hair and a fast-talking, shirtless Latin lover.

  “I suppose so. Ms. Sapienza, it was very nice to meet you. And if either of you see Jason, please tell him I’d like to speak with him.”

  “He’s probably busy ‘entertaining’ one of the female guests, Grandfather. You know how he is.” Her silvery laugh stabbed through Ashley.

  Eli frowned.

  “I’m only kidding, Grandfather.” Victoria patted his arm again. “He’s probably closeted away working. He’ll turn up for dinner.”

  Eli nodded. “All right then. Ms. Sapienza, would you care to accompany me back to the festivities?”

  “Actually, Grandfather, I need a word with her if you don’t mind. You go on ahead,” Victoria said, ushering him in the direction of the party.

  Uh-oh. Since when did Victoria ever want a word with her? Did she know about Jason?

  Victoria was blatantly studying her, and from her expression, Ashley was pretty sure she didn’t like what she saw.

  “I don’t know what he sees in you,” Victoria said finally, her words were short and clipped.

  “Excuse me?” Ashley felt her eyebrows skyrocket off her brow.

  “Your fiancé.” Victoria sneered at the word.

  For all of .5 seconds Ashley was relieved. Her secret was safe. Then relief bloomed into bloody-murder pissed.

  “You don’t know what Steven sees in me?” Ashley repeated carefully.

  “Good lord, you can’t even follow a conversation.”

  “Are you kidding me? What is wrong with you?” Incredulous, Ashley looked up and down the hallway to see if anyone else was within earshot.

  Victoria stepped closer. “What’s wrong with me is you. You don’t belong here. You’re a sales clerk for God’s sake. You should be on the catering crew. The way you follow Steven around, begging for his attention, is pathetic. We laugh about it. About you and your Target dresses.” Victoria flicked her fingers over the strap of Ashley’s dress, knocking it off her shoulder.

  Ashley shoved her hand away. “You are a freaking psycho.”

  Victoria smiled a dangerous, feline smile. “Oh don’t mess with me sweetheart. I will take you apart.” She leaned in, mere inches from Ashley’s face. So close that Ashley could smell her cloying perfume.

  “Stay away from me. Stay away from my grandfather. And stay away from Steven tonight. He has work to do. Not that you’d understand.” She spun on her towering heels and clacked her way down the hall.

  Ashley sagged against the wall.

  A million comebacks swam through her head. Confrontation had never been her strong suit. Fury clouded her verbal abilities.

  At least she got the “freaking psycho” part out.

  The woman actually ordered her to stay away from her own fiancé. The only consolation was that she finally had concrete evidence that Steven couldn’t brush off. She would tell him, and he would finally see that she wasn’t being some overly sensitive, self-conscious little girl.

  She shook her head to clear it as she hurried toward the salon. In the space of an hour she had been completely overwhelmed by two very different members of the same family.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Ashley spotted Steven across the room. He was with Victoria, who was leaning in close, whispering in his ear. Victoria pulled back and when Steven nodded, she squeezed his arm and left. But not before shooting a triumphant smile in Ashley’s direction.

  Steven returned his attention to the group clustered near the fireplace, and Ashley made a beeline for him.

  When she eased into the circle at his side, he was in the midst of another one of his favorite closing-the-deal stories. She forced a wifely smile and waited.

  She wondered briefly
where Jason was. Would he make another appearance this evening? Would she be ignored?

  Speak of the devil, just as Steven hit the punch line of his story, she saw Jason enter the room. How was it possible for her stomach to drop and her heart to soar at the exact same time?

  His gaze instantly cut to hers and held. She could read the message loud and clear: This isn’t over.

  Steven’s elbow hit her solidly in the chest. “Oh, sorry, babe! I didn’t see you there.” He glanced down at her and she could smell the booze. The small crowd around them was dissipating.

  “Steven, I need to talk to you for a second.”

  He shook the ice cubes in his glass and cleared his throat. “Look, I already know what happened.”

  “You do?” Crap, which part?

  “Yeah, Victoria told me.”

  “Told you what?”

  “About your meltdown in the hallway. Look, I’m not mad. I know you don’t like her, but I can’t understand why you’d attack her like that. You know how important she is in the company.”

  “I attacked her?” Ashley’s whisper carried a barely contained shriek.

  “Babe,” he sighed heavily. “I know you don’t get all of this, but let’s just try to make the best of it since she got you calmed down, okay? Or do you want me to call you a cab?”

  “Let me get this straight. Victoria told you I attacked her in the hallway, she got me calmed down, and now you’re offering to send me home in a cab?”

  “Keep your voice down.” Steven glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention. “Look. You can stay or go. It doesn’t matter to me.”

  He wasn’t even looking at her anymore. He was too busy scanning the room. “Think about it and let me know. I want to go talk to the Senator.” Without waiting for an answer he hurried off. Shell-shocked, Ashley watched him go.

  Fairly certain she was nearing a complete breakdown, she moved to the bar and asked for whiskey. Downing the amber liquid, she closed her eyes as the delicious burn made its way down her throat.

  Maybe she should leave. She could just call a cab, go home, and pack. This wasn’t the Steven she fell in love with and she doubted that she was the same girl he fell for, either.