A Calculated Seduction Read online

  Were they or was she covering up for him? If she thought he was on to her, she might lie about their involvement.

  She shifted in her seat, and he heard the creak of leather, the sliding of silk against silk. He repositioned himself so he wouldn’t embarrass himself. His tux pants drew tighter over his erection and he had to do something before they reached the hotel.

  Walking in with a massive boner wasn’t something he wanted to do.

  * * * *

  By the time they reached the hotel, Dulcy’s nerves were worn. If things continued on the same path, she’d be nothing but a puddle of anxiety by the end of the evening.

  When Dulcy had opened the door and seen Ethan standing on her balcony, she’d been momentarily stunned. The man filled out a business suit well, but he was devastating in a tux. The cut was expensive, but the color, charcoal gray, was what mesmerized her. It was the exact color of his eyes. Her nipples grew hard and her sex pulsed at the memory.

  She glanced in his direction as they walked down the hall. The combination of his spicy cologne and his own personal scent drifted toward her. With every whiff, her head swam. It was either that, or the fact she hadn’t eaten since lunch. She’d been too nervous and being the muncher she was, Dulcy knew she would eat too much tonight.

  The function didn’t start for another thirty minutes, but both of them had wanted to get there early to make sure everything was set up properly. They walked through the door and Ethan whistled.

  Decorated in red, black and silver, the MacMillan Boots company colors, the large ballroom had been transformed into a cowboy wonderland. Imitation miniature mesquite trees, strewn with sparkling white lights, dotted the room. Giant-sized posters of Gerry Dillon, hung from the ceiling. One was a close-up of him, while the rest were scenes from each of his four bull-riding championships.

  A small balding man, his belly almost as wide as his height, rushed forward, his forehead dotted with sweat.

  “Miss Menendez, so wonderful to see you again,” he said, glancing pointedly towards Ethan.

  “Thank you, Mr. Brown. Mr. MacMillan, I’d like to introduce Mr. Dirk Brown. He’s the catering manager here.”

  Ethan smiled and extended his hand. “You did a wonderful job here, Mr. Brown.”

  All of his muscles visibly relaxed with Ethan’s approval.

  “You don’t have a problem with the trees?”

  Ethan wandered away while Dulcy made the final checks with Mr. Brown. After answering some questions, she walked over to Ethan, who was prowling the room. There was no other way to describe it, the man moved with the lethal grace of a leopard.

  He stood with his back to her, looking out the oversized windows that led to the patio. His shoulders filled out his coat. Her eyes traveled down his back and she wondered about it. Was it lean and muscular, where she could watch every muscle move?

  Before she reached him, Bill’s voice rang out through the room.

  “Dulcy, Ethan! This is fantastic!” Dulcy turned and smiled at him. Dressed all in white from his ten-gallon hat to his cowboy boots, Bill strode forward and hugged her.

  “You did a fantastic job, Dulcy!” He released her and kept her anchored to his side. “You certainly have outdone yourself with this. Don’t you think so, Ethan?”

  She looked at Ethan, who wore almost the same exact smile as Bill. Dulcy was struck by how much uncle and nephew resembled each other.

  “Why, don’t you look nice, Ethan,” Maude said when she finally made her way to them. Her red calf-length dress had a fitted bodice, flared at the waist and complimented her ivory skin.

  “Thank you, Maude.”

  “Have you seen Gerry yet, Dulcy?” Bill asked.

  “Ethan and I arrived a few minutes ago, but I haven’t seen him. You know Gerry. He’s not going to be on time for anything but a ride.”

  “Now, Miss Menendez, I never knew you were particularly interested in my ability to ride,” Gerry said from behind her.

  Her face warmed as she turned to greet their guest of honor. He was an attractive man. Tall, muscled, with blond hair and green eyes, he was the epitome of what people thought of when they talked about cowboys. He had a reputation with women on the circuit and apparently, he couldn’t talk to women without flirting. It was a natural as breathing to him.

  He was dressed to the hilt tonight. Red shirt, black jeans and a pair of black, ostrich MacMillan boots. One thing about Gerry, he knew how to dress the part.

  “Mr. Dillon, how are you this evening?”

  “Just fine, Miss Menendez.” His eyes roamed down her dress all the way to her shoes. Then, they traveled back up, pausing briefly at her breasts. “Really fine.”

  “I’m sure you know everyone here except Maude Bellows. Maude, this is Gerry Dillon.”

  Gerry stepped forward, took Maude’s hand and brought it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He immediately turned his attention back to Dulcy. “I’d like a tour of the room, if you don’t mind, Miss Menendez.” He held out his arm and Dulcy slid her hand up his elbow.

  “What would you like to see first?”

  * * * *

  “Ethan quit glaring at their backs, you’ll leave scorch marks,” Bill said.

  “I just don’t trust the guy. Dulcy told me he came on to a few employees.” She apparently left out that Gerry had been coming onto her. It was apparent the bull rider had a long-standing relationship with Dulcy. And just that thought had his predatory instincts roaring to life. That feeling of ownership swamped him before he could deal with it. The raw jealousy caught him unawares. He just wasn’t accustomed to dealing with these kinds of emotions.

  “I’m sure she can handle herself,” Maude remarked and he glanced at the older woman. “Dulcy’s a lot tougher than people give her credit for.”

  Ethan grunted, then turned back to watch Gerry Dillon as he placed his hand on the small of her back. He bit back a growl, knowing it would not be good for the company to tear his arms out and beat him over the head with them.

  He’d convinced himself he could put up with Gerry’s attention until the man slid his hand down to pat Dulcy on her rounded ass. He stepped forward, but Bill placed a restraining hand on his arm. He looked down at the hand and then at Bill’s face.

  “She can handle herself, Ethan.”

  “I know she can, I just don’t like anyone handling my employees. ”

  “Go take a breather and I’ll take care of it. You go over there, we could lose our star.”

  He nodded and with one last glance at Gerry and Dulcy, he headed to the bathroom.

  * * * *

  “Gerry, if you don’t take your hand off my ass, I’m going to break it and various other body parts you’re fond of,” Dulcy said.

  She couldn’t believe the idiot was actually trying to cop a feel. He chuckled, but moved his hand. “I never knew you were so sassy.” His green eyes sparkled, a sexy grin curving his lips. She knew his type. He was harmless, a man who liked to flirt, and if she were interested he would be fun. But she knew if she said no, Gerry would listen. He would never cross that line without permission.

  She crossed her arms beneath her breasts and stepped away from him. “Gerry, I’m not your type.”

  “I haven’t met a beautiful woman who wasn’t my type. Besides, it’s not like your dating that stone faced executive.”

  “Ethan? No, I’m not.”

  “Well, what’s wrong with me?” He took a step closer, backing her up against the wall. Irritation crawled up her spine, stiffening it. She wasn’t afraid of him because she knew exactly what a well-placed knee would do to his ardor.

  “You have to ask? First of all, your type is usually a big Texas blonde with even larger attributes. Gerry, you’re a flirt who will never settle down. You don’ t have a serious bone in your body.” She leaned forward, trying hard not to laugh at the mutinous look on his face. He looked like a three-year-old who had been denied a treat. “And office gossip has you lacking in stamin
a.”

  His face flushed red, but a surprised laugh burst out of him. “What is it about you that makes me feel like a little boy who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar?”

  She threw her hands in the air and started to walk away. “I give up.”

  “Hey.” He grabbed her arm and she turned to find him smiling at her. “I’m just kidding with ya. Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  “No, but I can shoot him.” He laughed and released her.

  “I sure do like a woman with a little vinegar in her.”

  “Really? Then your soulmate will probably be a woman with a temper the size of Texas.”

  A little of his humor faded away. “You are probably right about that one, hun.”

  It was the first honest statement she had ever heard pass his lips. She wanted to ask more, but something over her shoulder caught his attention. She turned and found Bill approaching. His eyes were narrowed and his gaze was focused Gerry.

  “You having problems him, Dulcy?” he asked.

  “No, Bill. Gerry was just being Gerry.” She smiled and he relaxed. She glanced around and noticed the room had started to fill up with guests, but it was one blonde-haired beauty who caught her eye.

  Her sister had dressed in a short red dress, a tacky little matching cowboy hat on her head and her arm wrapped around a brown-haired man. They were making their way to her and she squinted, trying to discern who was her sister’s escort. When she realized who he was, they were too close for her to run the other direction. They stopped within a couple of feet of her.

  “Dulcy, you look just cute as a bug.”

  “Not the words I would have chosen,” her companion said. It had been years since Dulcy had seen him, but he looked almost exactly the same. The same understanding smile curved his lips when he broke off their engagement. “Hey, Dulcinea, how are you doing?”

  Chapter Ten

  “Hello, Jason.”

  Jason’s facial muscles relaxed as if he’d been unsure of Dulcy’s reaction. Did the man not know her at all? She would never make a scene at a function that involved her work. Heck, she didn’t make a scene when he had dumped her, she definitely wasn’t going to do it now. It was one of the things that always bothered her about him. Whenever he felt unsure of himself, he picked a public forum.

  “It’s great to see you, Dulcy. You look fabulous. ”

  “I told you she looked different,” Tori said as she cuddled closer to Jason. He’d been the one boyfriend who didn’t pay attention to her stepsisters when Dulcy was in the room and he looked highly uncomfortable at the moment. There was a little part of her—okay a big part of her—that was really enjoying.

  Gerry shifted beside her and draped his arm over her shoulders. “Miss Menendez, why don’t you introduce me to your friends here?”

  “Gerry Dillon, this is Jason Fellows and my stepsister, Victoria Sanders. Jay and Tori, this is Gerald Dillon, bull rider extraordinaire. ”

  Gerry squeezed her shoulders as he chuckled. “Nice to meet both of you, but Dulcy and I have some things to look into. We’ll catch up with y’all later.”

  He pulled Dulcy away and steered them in the direction of the patio when a very angry Ethan MacMillan stepped into their path.

  * * * *

  “Where do the two of you think you’re going?” Ethan asked, his teeth clenched so tight, his jaw hurt. The bull rider had his hands all over her and was probably trying to sneak her into a darkened corner to find out if she was wearing pantyhose or stockings. Ethan knew, because that’s what he wanted to do.

  “Why, I’m escorting Miss Menendez to the patio for some fresh air.” Gerry wore a mocking smile that had Ethan’s hand itching.

  Dulcy rolled her eyes and batted Gerry’s arm away. “Gerry, behave. He was just...well...”

  “I was saving you from a boring evening with your stepsister and that guy. What was with him anyway, drooling all over you like that?”

  She was silent for a moment and then placed a hand on each rounded hip and turned on Gerry. “What do you mean ‘what was with him’? Am I not the type of woman to drool over? Jeez, you really know how to make a girl feel great.”

  Thank God she was finally yelling at someone else. Ethan was beginning to think he was the only male she ever yelled at.

  Gerry gave her a sheepish grin and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Been hit one too many times in the head during a ride. Sorry, didn’t mean it that way. What I meant is he seemed to know you. ”

  Her shoulders slumped slightly. “Yes, I did know him. I didn’t know he made it up from Houston that often. Anyway, I guess I should be thanking you.” She leaned forward and gave Gerry a kiss on the cheek that had Ethan seeing red. “Thanks. Spending time with them would have driven me over the edge. Now, I need to freshen up before the crowd gets too big. I’ll be back in a few minutes. ”

  She walked away and Ethan stood mesmerized by the feminine sway of her velvet-encased hips. What he wouldn’t give to slide his hands around those hips and take a cheek in each hand, slide his cock into her... He studied her rear as she headed out the door. No panty line. The woman was walking around in stockings and no underwear. Or a thong. God, he would love to see her in a thong.

  “You got it bad.”

  He grunted but didn’t make any other comment as he watched her turn the corner.

  “If you’re interested in the gal, you need to let her know. Otherwise, someone’ll snap her up.”

  He crossed his arms and faced Gerry. Somewhere in his late twenties, his blonde hair overgrown and his face tanned by the Texas sun, Ethan knew a lot of women found him attractive. He was known for being a love them and leave them type. He had been linked to country singers, Cowboy cheerleaders, and more than one starlet from LA.

  “I don’ t think she’s interested in you, Gerry. You’re not her type. ”

  The jackass laughed. “Yeah, I know, but neither are you. In fact, I would say she was more not your type than the other way around. She’s the ‘get married and have a houseful of kids’ type. You’re not.”

  He wasn’t, but it irked him to hear Gerry say it. “You don’t know that. Besides, I never said I was interested.”

  Gerry’s green gaze danced with humor. “Oh, so you don’t mind Anderson having his arm wrapped around her?”

  Ethan cut a look at the entrance and sure enough, there was Anderson, all snuggled close to his date. He stalked in their direction as Gerry’s laughter grew louder.

  “Tell her I said hi.”

  * * * *

  “Now, why don’t you tell me what has you so flustered,” Pete said, as he wrapped his arm around Dulcy.

  Her nerves had been riding on thin ice since Ethan picked her up. She’d been worried about the Gala, about Ethan, about everything. Throw Jason and Tori into the mix, and she was sure she’d have an ulcer before the night was over.

  “Let’s head over to the bar and I’ll tell you about it,” she said. “Not only did Tori show up, dressed all in red—”

  “How appropriate.”

  She chuckled. “Well, I have to agree on that one. Anyway, she brought Jason.”

  “Jason? The ex-fiancé Jason?” He whistled. “So, why did she do that?”

  “Who knows? I have a feeling it was more his idea because he never really could stand my stepsisters.”

  “Don’t try to make me like him.” His eyes twinkled with mischief and she smiled. The muscles clenched in her back relaxed just a bit.

  They reached the front of the line and ordered their drinks.

  “You could always go home,” Pete said, as they wandered through the crowd.

  “First of all, I can’t. I have a job to do. Besides, I wouldn’t give Tori the satisfaction.” She sipped her champagne while Pete ignored his club soda. “She was the one who told me the only reason he was interested in me was my money. She was right, but it didn’t help to hear it from her.”

  She’d finished her drink and headed to the bar for an
other as Pete followed her. Once she had her drink, she took his hand and meandered through the crowd once again. Part of her job was to act as hostess and she would not let MacMillan Boots down. Even if the thought of another ride in the limo had her body tingling and her head swimming with ideas about straddling his lap and screwing him in that back seat.

  “Well, maybe she didn’t invite him here to get back at you,” Pete said when they were alone. “I don’t know if she’s smart enough to come up with a plan like that.”

  Dulcy giggled. Her second glass, or was it her third, of champagne was starting to affect her. “No. I agree.”

  Pete took her glass away from her and she frowned at him.

  “You’ve had enough of that. You need to keep a level head tonight. ”

  “I couldn’t agree more, Anderson.”

  Dulcy peeked over Pete’s shoulder and giggled again. “Uh oh, we’re in trouble, Pete. It’s the boss man.”

  * * * *

  Ethan’s temper was riding a thin line. It had taken him over forty-five minutes to make it to Dulcy and Anderson. As he weaved his way through the crowd, he kept one eye on them and had to be cordial to their guests. He counted at least two glasses of champagne and nothing to eat. He didn’t want Anderson taking advantage of her.

  Anderson turned. The relief Ethan saw on his face puzzled him.

  “Mr. MacMillan. Dulcy is not a drinker and she needs some food to sober her up. She won’t listen to me, but she will listen to you. ”

  “I’ll take care of her.”

  Dulcy was frowning at both of them. “How very male of you two to decide that.”

  “Dulcy, go with Mr. Macmillan. They have pigs in a blanket over there.”

  Her expression lightened. “Munchies. Still don’t like you telling him I’ve been drinking.”

  She’d crossed her arms, accentuating her breasts even more. All her creamy white skin held him mesmerized. His hand itched to touch, to caress. Anderson looked down at her, his hand on his hips. He acted completely disinterested. What was wrong with the man?

  “I didn’t have to tell him. Now, go with the boss and stay away from stepsisters and ex-fiancés.”