"Their beer may be like water, but they have unbelievable distribution networks and of course massive marketing machines,” he continued, still smiling. “As part of the deal, we'd get to tap into that, which is huge. But we just couldn't do it.” He sighed. “Anyway, we're back to finding other investors. It won't be a problem, there's lots of interest. But then this week we had another problem."
He sipped his drink and Ashlyn looked up at him, impressed with his business knowledge. She really did want to know about his problems, strangely enough. This wasn't just putting on an act to hook him and reel him in.
"We heard a rumor this same brewery is putting out a new ‘craft beer.’ Something that's apparently going to be just like our California Blonde Ale."
She frowned. “They're copying you?"
"Yeah, but we don't know how they did it.” He sighed again. “And to top all that off, my brother's having some personal problems right now.” The corners of his mouth tightened, and Ashlyn found she really didn't like that expression on him. Something fluttered deep inside her.
"You and your brother are close?” she asked gently.
"Yeah, I guess so. Anyway, that's too much of a downer to talk about right now.” He smiled. “More champagne?"
"Mmm ... sure. And I think I'll slip into the ladies’ room if you'll excuse me for a minute."
"Okay. I'll meet you back here."
She watched him move away and sighed. With his height and athletic shoulders, he stood out in the crowd of suits.
But she had work to do. Quickly, she headed to the restroom, keeping an eye out for Derek. There he was. She changed direction and casually wandered over to him.
"Hi again.” She smiled at him.
"Ashlyn. I wondered where you'd gotten to.” His smile and his eyes were predatory, and she could feel in her gut he was another pig/ dog. “Sorry I had to leave earlier. I had to speak to someone on a business matter.” He moved closer. “Are you here alone?"
She went through her routine, fixing her gaze on him with simulated interest, smiling, touching his arm. With Zach, she hadn't had to fake it—her attention and enjoyment had been completely genuine. But with this guy, she had to call up every acting skill she'd ever learned in all those years of ballet and musical theater her poor mother had forced her to take, hoping it would turn her into a little lady. Eventually her mother had given up on that idea.
Soon Derek was leaning closer, and then his arm was around her waist. The heavy scent of his aftershave almost choked her. All the while, Ashlyn tried to keep a cautious eye out for Zach. He'd be looking for her. Luckily the room was big and crowded. If she was smart, she'd just abandon this whole thing—but she might not get another chance with Derek.
"Let's go for a walk,” Derek suggested. “Away from the noise for a few minutes."
"Okay,” she agreed and once again let herself be led across the room. Luckily they were near a door opening into the hall.
He led her down the carpeted hall, away from the foyer area, until they reached another quiet alcove. Surreptitiously, Ashlyn opened her purse and started the camcorder. Then she hung the bag over her shoulder by its strap and arranged it on her hip.
Derek turned to her. “You're really a beautiful girl,” he said, smiling. “I can't believe I didn't remember you at first."
She shrugged one shoulder. “Oh well. It was months ago."
"Months wasted,” he murmured. “If I'd met you sooner, we could have gotten together sooner."
Oh boy. He was a fast mover. Thank God, because she didn't have much time.
His hand stroked her bare shoulder and arm. She smiled encouragingly.
"I have a room here at the hotel. In case it was a late night, I didn't want to be drinking and driving. How about we go up there for a while?"
Ashlyn pretended to look surprised. “What for?” she asked, eyes wide. He chuckled and touched her cheek.
"You know what for,” he murmured and leaned in to kiss her softly. She turned her face up to him to allow the kiss. “You are so sexy. We could have a drink, see what happens..."
Ashlyn hoped that was enough, because it was all she could take tonight. Unlike Zach, this guy repelled her. Her skin tightened.
She smiled slowly. “What's your room number? I'll meet you up there."
"Twelve-ten."
"Okay. See you in ... five minutes?” He nodded eagerly. She walked slowly down the hall and around the corner, and then sprinted in her high heels for the stairwell.
As she drove home, her heart squeezed in her chest at the thought of Zach returning with a glass of champagne for her. She pictured him wandering around, looking for her, waiting for her, and then getting ... what? Worried? Impatient? Disappointed, maybe? Pissed off, probably.
Her throat tightened. Shit. This was so against the rules. Remember, he's a lying, cheating bastard. When she stopped at a red light, she bumped her forehead against the steering wheel ... once, twice ... then rested her head there and took a few deep breaths, until a honk behind her alerted her to the green light.
"And she disappeared again,” Zach said mournfully to Connor over breakfast at Denny's the next morning. The aproned waitress poured coffee into their cups and slapped the check down on the table. Conversation hummed unevenly around them, and dishes and cutlery clinked.
After Jess had kicked Connor out on Thursday—why, he still had no clue—he and Zach had been staying at a hotel near work. Zach's kitchen renovation was almost done, otherwise Connor could have stayed with him. Now they were both temporarily homeless. Just fucking great.
Zach poked at his sunny-side-up eggs.
"Get the hint, man,” Connor said sourly. “She's not into you."
"Yes she is. I could feel it."
Connor made a rude noise and tossed down the piece of toast he wasn't eating. He gulped some coffee. “Women."
Zach looked at his brother sympathetically. “You haven't heard from Jess?"
Connor shook his head miserably. “I just don't get it,” he said. “I know I've been working a lot lately, but hell, that's what it's like to have your own business. That's no reason to end our marriage.” His face tightened, and Zach's chest constricted. He, too, was perplexed by this sudden move on Jessica's part.
"Tell me again what she said."
Connor sighed heavily. “She said she knew I was cheating on her, she had evidence of it. But she wouldn't say what the evidence was or who I was supposedly cheating on her with—or anything else. Just that our marriage was over. And,” he added, “she called me a few choice names I won't repeat."
"And you're not cheating?” Zach asked, narrowing his eyes.
"God no!” Connor's pained gaze met his brother's before he quickly looked away.
Zach's eyes narrowed even more. He tapped his fingers on the table. “You're sure? You're not forgetting to tell me something?"
Connor looked down at the table briefly, and then back up at Zach. “I love Jess. I don't want anyone else. I would never do that to her.” Then he sighed. “Okay, a few months ago something happened."
Zach's gut clenched, his restless fingers going still. “What happened?” he growled.
Connor shook his head. “Nothing, really. It was just ... this girl ... she had a crush on me or something. She was coming on to me pretty strong, but I told her no way, I'm happily married, not interested."
Zach studied his brother. “Who was it?"
Connor looked away again. “I'd rather not say. But I swear, nothing happened."
Zach nodded. Connor's word was good enough for him. “Okay,” he said. “Does Jessica know about her?"
"Yeah. She asked me about some phone calls from the girl. I told her it was business and it was nothing."
"Shit.” Zach thought for a moment. “But that was months ago ... right? We need to find out what's going on now. Have you talked to Leanne? Women tell their best friends everything."