“Thanks.”
“Where’d you get the idea to host this shindig on the roof?”
She couldn’t tell him about being inspired by Ronin’s secret rooftop garden, so she hedged, “It’s been a long time since I had a par-tay, and I wanted to do something different. Isn’t it fun to see who our friends bring?”
“Or who doesn’t show up.” He swiped a slice of bread and dipped it in the garlic butter before she could swat him. “So, where’s your hunkalicious Master Black tonight?”
“No clue. And he’s not my Master Black. We banged the headboard a couple of times and that’s it.”
Chaz forced her to look at him. “What’s really going on, North Dakota?”
He called her that when he wanted her attention. “Nothing.” She smiled. “It’s all good. I promise. Now, do you think we should haul the food to the roof? Or serve it down here?”
“Down here. Definitely.”
“Would you be so kind as to ring the dinner bell?”
After everyone had gone through the chow line, Amery fixed herself a plate and headed to the roof.
Applause greeted her. Then Emmylou raised her wine cooler. “A toast to the excellent hostess, Amery Hardwick, for arranging such an awesome dinner party. For feeding us and for welcoming old friends and new.”
Amery blushed when everyone toasted her. “I’m just glad you all came and brought friends, or I’d be eating pasta for the next three weeks.”
Laughter.
She seated herself across from Larry and Rich.
Larry patted her arm. “We missed you this week. Chaz said you dragged him to a different bar for happy hour Friday night.”
“Dragged? Please. Chaz put up a token protest. He’s been forcing me to go to Tracks for years. And as much as I love hanging out with you guys . . .”
“Trust me, sweets, I understand. Finding a straight guy who regularly hangs out in gay bars usually means he’s not entirely straight. I don’t blame you for casting a wider net.”
“Did you meet anyone at the bar Friday night? Or did Chaz scare them all away?”
Amery laughed. “He scared them away. You should’ve seen the pants he was wearing.” She kept an eye on her guests while Larry and Rich bickered good-naturedly over a TV show, their cockapoo, Fritzie, and Larry’s pesky mother. She shoved her plate aside.
Chaz’s neighbors, Jake and Lucas, sat on either side of her with their dessert. She gestured to Larry and Rich. “Have you guys met?”
“Yes. Chaz is acting as your cohost tonight if you hadn’t noticed,” Rich said.
“I’m fine with that. I’m flying solo anyway.”
“Beautiful woman like you?” Jake said. “How’s that possible?”
She turned her head to study him. Tall. Good looking. Dark hair and dark eyes. Sweet smile. But he did nothing for her. Not the way Ronin did.
Stop thinking about him.
“So, Jake, I admit I’ve got a total mental blank about what you do for a living.”
“We bankers are either villains or ghosts.”
“Now I remember. Investment banking.”
“Specializing in small businesses,” he added.
She smiled at Lucas. Equally attractive. Sandy brown hair, green eyes, freckles, and dimples, but she felt no zing of attraction. “And how about you?”
“Professional mud wrestler. This is the cleanest I’ve been in weeks.” He paused and grinned. “Just kidding. I run an at-risk management system for kids with a history of truancy.”
“That’s noble. Does the program keep them in school?”
“Our attendance numbers have gone up significantly, which is encouraging, and they increased our budget this year. Not to bring up business at a social event, but we’re looking at upgrading our existing pamphlets with a hipper design to appeal to our demographic. The kids complain what we’ve got is lame and straight out of the 80s. Since you own a graphic design business, would you be interested in pitching an idea?”
Amery never turned down the possibility for new work. “I’d love to. Can you get me copies of the existing brochures and all your promotional materials?”
Lucas said, “Hey, Chaz, buddy, can you come here and bring your murse?”
Jake snorted. “Watch him get bent out of shape about his man purse.”
“It’s not a murse, you moron. And you don’t get to make fun of my messenger bag since you asked me to put something in it,” Chaz sniped. He lightly whapped Lucas on the back of the head with it before dropping it on the table.
“Sorry.” Lucas turned and grinned at Amery. “Just because it doesn’t have flowers and rhinestones on it doesn’t mean it’s not a purse.”
Amery bit her cheek to keep from laughing.
“Anyone need anything from the kitchen?” Chaz asked. When no one answered he disappeared into the roof-access doorway.
Lucas slid the envelope in front of her. “It’s all right here, including my contact info. Take a look and let me know either way if it’s something you’d be interested in. We could discuss specifics over lunch.”
“Thank you. I will.” They discussed national ad campaigns, arguing good-naturedly about the impact of social media versus traditional media outlets.
Jake made the time-out sign. “The truth is no one knows what works.” He beamed at Amery. “I’d be happy to discuss what does work in the business world—having your banker as a partner. I’d love the chance to pitch to you on why you should switch your business banking to Western National.”
What was up with these two tonight? They’d hung out a few times the last year and they’d never come on this strong.
Maybe after being with Ronin Black you have sexual confidence you’ve been lacking and men take notice.
“Look who I found wandering around downstairs,” Chaz said.
Amery turned around and Ronin stepped into view.
Speak of the devil.
“Chaz invited me up,” he said to Amery.
Of course he didn’t ask permission to join the party or explain what he’d been doing wandering around in her alley in the first place. Or why she hadn’t heard from him at all in the last two freakin’ days.
Immediately Sandan Zach stood, offering Ronin a slight bow. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here tonight, sir.”
“You’re not the only one.” He shot Amery a slightly sheepish smile. “I’m glad to see everyone is enjoying Amery’s hospitality.” Ronin moved to stand behind her. Keeping a proprietary hand on her shoulder, he offered his hand to Jake. “I’m Ronin Black. And you are?”
Jake seemed flustered as he introduced himself. As did Lucas. Amery saw Rich and Larry exchange a smirk as Ronin shook hands with Lucas.
Pissed off that he’d crashed her party, she stood. “Excuse me.” She sidestepped Ronin and headed to the other table.
Emmylou had her arms draped over her date’s shoulders as they chatted with Josie and Roz. Suze from next door leaped up, intercepting her. “Amery, thanks so much for the party. My parents are having a great time.”
“I’m glad. Hey, I just wanted to say I’m sorry for not stopping over and reassuring you guys after the break-in that even the cops think it was a random incident. But then again . . . I haven’t seen much of you and Mark lately. Are you both traveling a lot for work?”
“Mark is. I’ve backed way off on my travel schedule.” She smiled serenely and touched her stomach. “You’ll see a lot more of me after the baby comes.”
“You’re pregnant?”
Suze laughed. “Five months already.”
“How exciting! I am so happy for you guys. I know you’ve wanted this for a while.”
“Thanks.” Her gaze drifted to someone who’d stepped behind Amery. One guess who it was.