Jackie was speechless. What was Nick doing here? What was Goldman doing here? She closed her mouth as she took him in. The tight white turtleneck flattered Nick’s ripped cut muscles in his chest and arms. His blue jeans were dark and he wore tan snow boots. His facial features were still sharp and angled.“Nick,” Gabriella smiled and went to him. They hugged.Goldman stood up.Gabriella turned her attention to Goldman. “Jeff,” she said and hugged him. “You look great.”“Thanks,” Goldman said with a wry smile. He wore a black turtleneck. His didn't stick to him like Nick's, but it looked good on him. He wore jeans and black boots.After Gabriella released him, Goldman slowly sat back down, letting his backrest on the couch. He looked at Patty.Jackie looked at Patty. She was slowly rounding the edges of the room. She looked nervous.That's right. Patty didn't tell Goldman that she was put on leave. When Patty talked to Carter on the phone, he said Goldman demanded to know what was goin
It was 2:15 p.m., and everything was going smoothly. After Jackie got over the initial shock of seeing Nick in Aspen, she had smiled at him several times during afternoon drinks.Nick had to be careful. He didn’t want to push too fast. Nick’s flight had landed at 10:15. Goldman’s had landed at 10:45. Billy picked them both up at the airport.Gabriella had thought it would be a good idea to surprise Jackie by having Nick show up at the chalet wearing a tux, ready to take her to the gala. Nick had rejected the idea because he was anxious to see Jackie. He didn’t want to wait.Billy didn’t have much to report. Nick’s heart sunk when Billy had said Jackie hadn't mentioned him once, but Billy had been encouraging. What was also encouraging was Jackie’s warm, inviting smile during afternoon drinks.The chalet had two staircases that split the bedrooms; four bedrooms on one side and four bedrooms on the other. Billy and Gabriella strategically placed Jackie and Patty on one side and the happ
It was 2:15 p.m. Patty paced in her room. She was too wired and nervous to take a bath. This was a setup. It had to be. It was too much of a coincidence. Patty didn't think Jackie was in on it. Jackie was just as shocked as she was.What the hell is going on? Unless . . . of course. Billy and Gabriella want to get Dalton and Jackie back together. This is about them. Dalton must have brought Goldman for moral support. This has nothing to do with me. Billy and Gabriella don’t know. If they did, they would have said something to me, she thought. Jackie kept her word.Patty slowed her pacing, but she still paced. She still had more to figure out. Why in the hell did they exaggerate about guys approaching me? That’s what I can’t figure out.There was a knock on her door.“Come in,” she yelled and stopped pacing.Billy and Gabriella entered her room. They were wearing black robes. Billy was carrying a black velvet box.“Hi,” Gabriella said with a gentle smile.Billy closed the door.“Ah, th
Gabriella and Billy had helped Patty out of her clothes. Gabriella and Billy disrobed. They went to the bed. Patty pulled down the covers. Gabriella and Patty lay down together. Billy sat on the edge of the bed – watching them. Patty gently kissed Gabriella’s neck. Gabriella’s hand slid down Patty’s chocolate body. Patty let her hand roam, too. They rubbed each other’s large breasts as they softly moaned together. “Get on top of Gabriella, Patty,” Billy said gently. Patty slowly got on top of Gabriella. She glided her hand down her breast. “Nice,” Billy said. “Why don’t you . . . rub Gaby’s clit? She likes that.” Patty’s hand trembled as she reached down into Gabriella’s heat. She found her clit. Patty slowly rubbed it from side to side. Gabriella looked at Billy. “She’s so gentle,” she moaned softly. Patty felt her cheeks warm. Billy smiled and climbed on the bed with them. He
It was 3:20. Goldman had just finished stretching in the gym. He got on the treadmill and started walking. He wanted to work off some steam and clear his head. He glanced at the clock. Dalton was late. He was supposed to meet him in the gym at 3:15. Humph. Maybe he got lost in this big ass cabin.Goldman thought about the conversation he had overheard two hours ago. The girls hadn’t known they arrived, yet. They were making a big fuss over this guy Patty met at lunch. Apparently, a lot of guys had approached her during the past few days. Goldman didn't usually mind competition, but this was different. It would be an uphill battle to compete with fancy diplomats, lawyers, and plain out luxury lifestyle guys. He didn’t roll like that. He was a country boy who loved riding his Harley and eating a home-cooked meal. He was surprised that he cared so much that Patty had met other men. He didn’t like it. Goldman felt angry and discarded. I have
It was 7:50 p.m. Goldman, Dalton, and Billy stood in the living room waiting on the girls. They were dressed in black tie. Goldman pulled at his collar as he looked in the wall mirror. It finally loosened up around his neck without the bow becoming completely undone. Dalton and Billy were enjoying a brandy while they chatted.Gabriella came down the stairs. She wore a long, slimming green gown with wide straps. She wore long green gloves that covered her elbows. Diamonds and emeralds hung from her neck and ears. Billy beamed. “You are a vision, my honey. Like always.” Gabriella giggled. “Thank you.” The couple gave each other a smooch. Nick smiled. Goldman smiled and turned back around to check himself in the mirror again. His dark hair was parted on the side and slicked back. He was nervous. He didn’t mind wearing a suit, but black tie affairs weren’t his thing. Billy let out a low whistle
Patty lightly rested her hands on Gerard’s shoulders. His hands gently held her waist. They swayed to the band’s tune.“This afternoon you said you were in telecommunications, correct?” he asked.Patty glanced down. “Actually, Jackie said that. I’m afraid she made my job sound more . . . professional than what it really is.”“Oh,” he said as his eyebrow rose.Oh god, he’s going to think I’m a loser who’s desperate for a man.“I’m . . . a switchboard operator. I’m the lead switchboard operator, but a switchboard operator just the same,”He smiled. “Don’t be ashamed of having an honest job, my dear.”“I’m not ashamed . . . it’s just that . . . I thought you might not . . . approve,” she said bashfully.He tilted his head. “You think I’m that much of a snob?”Shit!“Oh no,” Patty said quickly. “It’s just that . . . you’re a diplomat and a businessman . . . and I’m sure you usually spend time with people who. . . have more to offer.”“It appears you have plenty to offer,” Gerard said as
Patty was having a great time. Gerard’s offer was professionally generous and personally promising, but it had a time limit. He gave her three weeks to think about it. Gerard wanted to find someone to take over Dawit’s administrative duties soon. He offered to fly her to New York for a few days to look around and get a feel of the city.She expressed concern about Rufus. Patty wasn’t going to leave him behind no matter how great an offer was. It turned out that Gerard loved dogs and he had two dogs in Africa. He agreed to help Patty acquire accommodations in New York where Rufus would be welcomed. He also expressed interests in learning more about English Mastiffs.She still had Gerard’s business card from this afternoon, so if she had any questions, concerns or if she just wanted to talk, he invited her to contact him.They quietly swayed to the music. Gerard gazed upon Patty's face with a relaxing smile. Dalton and Jackie walked on the dance floor. They started to dance. It was obvi