The Taming of a Wild Child (10 page)

He didn’t know what to say to that.

“I’m just telling you that, right or wrong, you brought this on yourself. You can’t take on the big dogs and not expect to get bitten. Like I said, the pack is loyal.”

Just as she dropped that bomb her phone pinged again, cutting off his chance to respond as she grabbed it and read the text. Once again, her attitude changed completely as she laughed at whatever was on the screen.

“Sorry.”

Before he would question her apology, his own phone started to ring.

As he fished it out of his pocket Lorelei said, “I wouldn’t answer that if I were you. Not if you want to remain unfound tonight.”

“Really? Julie got my number
that
quickly?”

“Never underestimate what a woman will do—especially when she’s horny. I’d be careful with Julie Hebert, though. Even Vivi doesn’t like her, and Vivi likes everybody.”

He sent the call to voice mail. “I don’t understand you at all, Lorelei.”

“So few do.” She chuckled. “But then that makes us even. I don’t get you, either.”

“I’m not exactly a mystery. What you see is what you get.”

She looked at him closely, then shook her head. “No. I don’t think so.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The fact you’re on my porch.”

Once again the quick change in topic had him scrambling to catch up.
Boy, Lorelei really didn’t want to play games
. “Think about it for a second. That’s not really a great mystery, either.”

She gave him a smile that made him want to take her right there, on the swing, without giving a single damn about who might see. “At least you’re honest about it.”

“Do you want me to lie?”

“Nah. If I want sunshine blown up my skirt I’ll call Jack.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you know I’m the most
fascinating
woman he’s ever met?”

There was that strange need to punch Jack again. “Actually, I would agree.”

“Oh, so you
can
do empty flattery?”

“No, it’s just I’ve met most of the same women. The competition isn’t that stiff.”

“Ouch.” She shook her head. “If that’s your pickup line, no wonder you’re still single.”

“So are you.”

“
That
took careful planning on my part, my friend. The kennel club is all about selective breeding, you know, so I stay far away from the prize studs.”

It was his turn to laugh at her. “The mutts are much more interesting anyway.”

She grinned back and took another drink. They sat there in silence for a few moments, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. And that was kind of odd.

But it was nice, too.

Then Lorelei sighed. “Don’t take this personally, but I think you should go.”

“What?” How was he
not
supposed to take that personally?

“If you stay, I’m probably going to invite you inside.”

He didn’t actually see the problem with that, but Lorelei’s voice was so heavy,
she
obviously did. “And here I was kind of hoping you would.”

She sighed. “Two hook-ups make a fling. Three hook-ups … Well, then it starts to become something. And this isn’t supposed to
be
something.”

And he was a mutt
. “‘Something’ is a mighty big category. Lots of room for interpretation.”

Her chin lifted as she considered that. “True. Something doesn’t have to be anything. I’m just not sure what, if anything,
this
something could be. Everything is so complicated right now that a something that’s not anything might be a good thing. Or nothing. Or something like that.”

He’d lost the thread of this conversation pretty quickly, causing him to rethink his earlier assessment of her sobriety. “How much have you had to drink, Lorelei?”

She laughed and ran a hand over her face. “That didn’t make much sense, did it? But it’s not alcohol. I’m more tired than anything else. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Neither did I, now that you mention it.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“I know why you’re here, but I want to know why you’re here instead of at Julie Hebert’s. Or Jess Reynald’s, for that matter.”

“You’re prettier, for one thing.”

She frowned at him. “Honestly, now.”

He’d had another flippant answer, but at that qualifier he swallowed it. “Jess and Julie have agendas. I don’t like being an item on an agenda. Or a means to an end, either.”

“I thought we were clear that Julie was just wanting to use you for sex?”

“If she were just looking for a good time, that would be one thing. But Julie’s on the rebound and angry with it. I’m not about to get pulled into that. She’d just be using me to get back at her soon-to-be-ex. Jess’s agenda is a bit more complex, but both of them are playing games and I don’t play.”

“So you assume I don’t have an agenda?”

“Oh, you have an agenda, too. Whatever you’re out to prove right now by taking over for Vivi.” The look that passed over her face told him he’d hit a nerve there and confirmed his suspicions. “I’m obviously not a part of the plan. You wouldn’t be so worried about ‘everything’ otherwise.”

“How astute of you.” Although it was politely enough said, a barrier dropped between them at that moment. “In fact, you would be—
are
,” she corrected, “a big old monkey wrench in my plans. Which is why this can’t be something.”

“I respect the fact you’re honest enough with yourself—and me—to say that. Of course that also means that
you’re honest enough to take this for what it is—
without
it becoming something or anything beyond that.”

“Wow.” She blew out her breath and shook her head. “I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted.”

“Neither, actually. You asked for honesty.”

“And it seems like I got it.”

With another deep sigh, Lorelei stood and stretched. Maybe honesty hadn’t been the best policy. Maybe he’d read this situation wrong. Of course if he had, and Lorelei had been looking for some other answer, it was probably a good thing he’d found out now, instead of later. It was disappointing, but …

“I’m going to bed.” Lorelei picked up the tablet from the swing and grabbed her beer from the table.

Well, he had his answer. “Good night.”

Lorelei paused with her hand on the door. “Are you coming?”

“L
ORELEI, HONEY, PLEASE
sit up straight. I hate it when you slouch.”

Mom hated so many things: slouching, chewing gum, Lorelei’s hair in her face, white shoes after Labor Day … Lorelei pushed herself upright and wrapped another pink ribbon around the top of the prize bag she was making for one of her mother’s friend’s daughter’s baby showers. “Sorry, Mom. I’m just a little tired today.”

“I’m not surprised. The way you’ve been kept running between Connor’s studio and Vivi’s gallery and all of those meetings and things … I’ve barely seen you all week.”

It was true that she’d been busy, and if her mom wanted to assume it was just because Connor and Vivi were out of town that was all for the good. Lorelei saw no need to enlighten her to anything different. Mom did not need to know about her extracurricular activities. That was a little secret she was keeping totally to herself. It was the only thing keeping her sane. Donovan was an excellent stress-reliever—not only physically, but mentally, as well. He made a good sounding board and a sympathetic ear. He was also pretty damn good for her ego, and her ego needed all the boosting it could get these days.

“Sarah Jenson told me about the speech you gave at the
Women’s Leadership lunch. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to hear it myself. She said it was very good.”

“Thanks. Vivi gave me the theme, but I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.”

“Well, I couldn’t be prouder. I knew you had it in you. It just took you a little longer to settle in.”

Lord, it was like being handed a long-stemmed rose and being expected to smile while the thorns shredded your skin. Lorelei just nodded and unspooled another eighteen inches of pink ribbon. Five more to make and then she could probably escape, while still remaining in her mother’s good graces for the help.

“Speaking of …”

Mom started in a casual tone, and Lorelei’s antennae twitched. Her mom’s casual tone meant the topic was anything but casual.

“I hear that Jack Morgan asked you to dinner.”

The connection between Sarah Jenson, the Women’s Leadership luncheon and Jack Morgan was as clear as mud, but she’d let it pass. “How’d you hear that?”

“Jack mentioned it to his mother, and Dorothy told me.”

Why on earth would Jack tell his mother? “He did, actually.”

“And …?”

“And I told him that I was completely booked until Vivi got back into town, but that we’d talk about it then.”

“You’ll ‘talk about it?’ Lorelei …”

“Mom, you just said yourself how busy I am. It’s not like I turned him down flat or anything. I just want to focus on what I’ve already got on my plate. There’ll be plenty of time for dinners after Vivi gets back and I’ve had a chance to recuperate.”

“Fine. I just wanted you to know that I think it’s a wonderful idea. Jack is an excellent catch.”

“What does Mrs. Morgan think?” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice, but her mom didn’t call her on it.

“Dorothy’s willing to move past all of that now.”

“I should hope so. It’s been almost ten years.” Mrs. Morgan had been president of the St. Katharine’s parent-teacher association when Lorelei’s freshman class had disagreed with an edict regarding the winter formal. While official blame had never been cast, and nothing had ever been proved, Mrs. Morgan still gave Lorelei that
look
every time she saw her. “It’s not like her garden didn’t benefit in the long run,” Lorelei added quietly. “Manure is an excellent fertilizer.”

Her mom frowned and shook her head, effectively changing the subject. “So, when you ‘talk about’ dinner with Jack, are you going to say yes?”

Damn it. She was losing brownie points now with this conversation. “I don’t know, Mom. We’ll see.”

“Why, honey? What’s wrong with Jack?”

“Nothing that I know of.” That much was true. Jack was perfect on paper, but while there was nothing
wrong
with him, she was coming up with few reasons why he would be
right
. There was no good way to say that to her mother, though, because she really doubted Mom wanted to hear about tingling or the lack thereof where Jack was concerned. “I mean, I don’t really know him all that well.”

“And that’s what first dates are for.”

Mom had stayed out of her love life for the most part, but Vivi’s engagement and wedding had her hyperaware at the moment. Maybe it would pass soon.

“I just wish that tacky woman hadn’t started that rumor about you in the paper.”

“It’s not even a rumor, Mom. It was an observation—and it’s not false. I
did
hang out in the bar until the wee hours of the morning.”

That earned her a frown for her behavior. “But she made it sound tawdry. Which was not the best—”

“Yet I seem to be doing just fine regardless. The rumor didn’t stick, and no one has brought it up in over a week.” In an attempt to change the subject before Donovan’s name actually came up, Lorelei said, “And did you see the write-up in yesterday’s paper about the Children’s Music Project?”

“Yes, and what a good picture. That purple dress was a good choice. It looked very nice on you.”

Donovan had said almost the same thing late last night, when they’d sat in the pool in his courtyard. Only he’d added, “It looked even better on my bedroom floor …” with a grin and a leer. Lorelei kept her eyes on the slippery ribbons, hoping Mom would think she was concentrating on the prize bag and not notice the smirk she was trying to keep in check.

“In fact I’m thinking about looking for something for me in a similar color for your father’s retirement dinner. What do you think?”

Since Lorelei had inherited her mother’s looks—looking at Mom was the next best thing to a mirror with a portal to the future—any color that worked on her would work on her mother, too. “I think you’d look fabulous.”

“Your father and I are going to the Delacroixes’ for dinner tonight. You’ve been invited to join us if you’re not busy.”

“I don’t know, Mom. There’s nothing on the schedule for tonight, and I think I should probably leave it that way. Maybe have a quiet night and go to bed early.”

“That’s a good idea. A night in every now and then is good for your mental health. Take a long, hot bath and curl up with a good book.”

“That certainly sounds like a good plan.”
Her
plan,
though, was much better: she was picking up Thai food on her way to Donovan’s, and while she’d go to bed early it would be not be to sleep, and she certainly wasn’t curling up with a book. The bath idea held promise, though …

She tied the last ribbon and fluffed the bow. “Anything else you need, Mom, before I go?”

“Already?”

“I’ve got some phone calls to make and emails to sort through.”

“I almost miss the days when you weren’t so busy.”

“Ah, but in those days you were after me to do something productive. Now I am.”

“And I’m so pleased. Enjoy your night. Will Callie be joining you? A girls’ night in?”

Lorelei coughed. “No. Callie is really busy with exams and things.” And she was quite thankful for that. It made Lorelei’s coming and goings at odd hours less noticeable.

Leaving her mom’s with a sigh of relief—and one of exasperation, too—she went straight to the studio on Julia Street. The receptionist was reading a magazine. She wasn’t the only one with a lighter workload while Connor was gone. Lorelei sent her home early, saying that she would watch the phones while she worked.

ConMan was normally a hive of activity, with musicians coming in and out of the recording studios while their entourages milled around the reception area and the phones rang off the hook, so the silence and stillness felt eerie.

That was a blessing, though, because she really did have a ton of emails and phone calls to deal with—including another one from Vivi, who wanted an update on how things were going. Vivi just couldn’t let go. Instead of the detailed report she knew Vivi wanted, she chuckled and just typed,
All is well. Enjoy your honeymoon
.

The other emails and phone calls were easily dispatched, except for a couple that Connor would have to deal with, but Lorelei still hadn’t received a text from Donovan, telling her he was home from today’s round of televised punditry. She paid a few bills, did a little busy work around Connor’s office, even shopped online for a wedding gift for Vivi since she hadn’t found time to get one before.

Still no text from Donovan. It was now an hour past the time he’d said he’d be done, and she didn’t know if she should be worried or just plain angry. Where the hell was he? Technically, where he was when he wasn’t with her wasn’t her business, but they’d made plans, and common courtesy required that Donovan contact her to let her know if the plans had changed. An hour wasn’t just “a little late.” An hour crossed into “stood up” territory. She called his phone, but it rolled straight to voice mail. She hung up without leaving a message.

Screw it
. This was just plain rude and she wasn’t going to put up with that.

She turned off the lights in the studio offices as she gathered her things, safe in the knowledge that she had every right to be angry and the steam coming out of her ears was completely justifiable.

What didn’t make sense was that she felt a little hurt. Shrugging that off, she focused on being mad instead.

She checked her watch in disgust. She’d waited so long to hear from Donovan she’d now have to sit in rush-hour traffic and fume. By the time she was three blocks from home she was really good and mad—and of course that was the moment Donovan finally decided to call.

She was half tempted to ignore his call, but decided she’d rather give him a piece of her mind instead.

Donovan opened with an apology. “So sorry.”

“For what?” she asked with as much innocence as she could. She was
not
going to give Donovan the idea that she actually cared one way or the other.

“Did you not hear about the scandal breaking in Baton Rouge today?”

“No, I’ve been really busy today.” That wasn’t a lie; she’d accomplished quite a bit.

“I was already in the studio when the news broke, and suddenly every network needed a talking head. It was insane. By the time I could catch my breath my battery was dead—”

She parked, turned off the ignition and climbed out. The sweltering heat hit her like a wall and didn’t help her mood any. “Sounds like you were quite busy.”

“I am sorry, though. I saw you called, but—”

The lame apologies were not going to work. “Your battery was dead. I know.”

“Well, I’m finally done and I’m starving. You ready?”

“Sorry, Donovan.” She tried to inject just the right note of insincere disappointment into her voice. “When I didn’t hear from you I made other plans for tonight.”

“I see.” The words were clipped.

Where did he get off, acting like this?
She
was the one who had the right to be annoyed about this. She didn’t need this kind of crap from him. “Good.” She opened the door and stepped into the cool air of her house.

There was a brief silence before Donovan sighed. “You’re mad at me.”

There was no reason to lie. “Yeah.”

“I apologized.”

“And I appreciate that. Doesn’t change things, though. It’s simply good manners to call when you’re going to be late.”

“My battery was dead.”

“And no one else had a phone? There wasn’t a single phone in the entire building? Wow, that changes everything.”

“Lorelei …”

“Don’t. Look, I’m not your mother, so I’m not asking for an accounting of your time. I just expect a little respect for mine.”

“Duly noted.”

“Good. Now, I’m going to let you go and get on with my night. Bye, Donovan.” Disgusted, she dropped her phone back into her purse and flopped onto the couch.

That hadn’t been her best, most mature moment ever—but, damn it, she had the right to expect basic levels of human respect. She wasn’t some booty call he got to make when it suited him.

Of course she now felt as if she’d cut off her nose to spite her face. Her stand for principle meant she was now going to spend the evening alone.

Yeah, her pride was a problem. She’d meant to draw a boundary and might have burned the bridge instead. She should have just let it go.

Bath, book, bed. It wouldn’t kill her. She’d start with a glass of wine.

Donovan stared at his phone. Had she really just hung up on him? Because he was late and hadn’t had time to call? He’d been
working
, for God’s sake, not just playing around. Some people had
actual
jobs,
real
responsibilities that took precedence over a social calendar. Did she expect him just to stop in the middle of what he was doing to call her? It wasn’t as if he’d blown her off completely; he’d called as soon as he could.

But it seemed that wasn’t good enough. Good Lord, Lorelei
needed a taste of life outside her little bubble before she got all high-and-mighty about tardiness.

Rush-hour traffic only increased his temper, and by the time he got home his mood was downright foul. He turned on the TV, grabbed a drink and settled in to watch a race, but it bored him pretty quickly. Eyeballing his laptop, he decided he would work a little, but for the first time ever, work didn’t hold any appeal, either.

Mainly because deep down he’d rather be doing something else. And the realization that he wanted to do that something else with Lorelei was a bit of a shocker.

I’m not asking for an accounting of your time. I just expect a little respect for mine
.

It’s simply good manners
.

Lorelei did have a point, he admitted. This was new territory for him. He preferred casual relationships for that exact reason: casual was easier. Lorelei was—or was supposed to be—even
more
casual, but for some reason he couldn’t dismiss her words.

Which also meant he couldn’t dismiss her anger, and he had to admit it was justified. Which put him in the wrong—a place he wasn’t used to being.

Why did it bother him so much?

With a sigh, he reached for the phone and called in a favor.