Forged of Steele Bundle (Books 1-4) - Brenda Jackson [68]
“Hello, Jamie. Welcome to Charlotte,” Chance said politely. He then turned to Kylie. “And, Jamie, I’d like you to meet Kylie Hagan, a good friend.”
After introductions were made Cassandra didn’t waste time. “Chance, I think you and Jamie should spend time together while she’s in town,” she said, disregarding Kylie and Chance’s hold on her arm.
“Really? And why would you think that?”
“Because her father is Senator Hollis.”
Chance’s expression became barely tolerant. It appeared he didn’t appreciate Cassandra’s lack of manners. “Sorry, but is that supposed to mean something to me?”
Cassandra tilted her head back to look at him. The glint in her eyes said she was annoyed. “Well, I thought it would since you’re a businessman interested in world trade and he’s on the Fair Trade Commission in Washington.”
“Well, that’s all rather nice,” Chance said, irritation evident in his tone. “But I don’t think I need Jamie to arrange a meeting with her father if I ever need to discuss business with him. After all, he is a paid politician representing all the people, right?”
Cassandra’s hazel eyes narrowed. “Right.”
“Okay, then.” In an attempt to save face, he changed the subject. “The committee did a wonderful job with the ball tonight, Cassandra. Kylie and I were headed over to the buffet table.”
“Well, enjoy,” Cassandra said, clearly not happy that she hadn’t gotten Chance to bend her way.
Chance gave Jamie a smile. “It was nice meeting you. Give your father my regards.” Tightening his hold on Kylie’s arm, they walked off.
When they reached the buffet table, Chance let out a long sigh. “That woman had a lot of nerve to suggest that I date her cousin while you were standing there. She was willing to use Jamie’s father’s political connection to set her up on a date. I’ve never seen anything so tacky. I’m sorry about that.”
Kylie chuckled as she picked up a plate. “Don’t be. I learned a long time ago that usually it’s people with money who lack real manners.”
“I hope you’re not grouping everyone with money in that category.”
She smiled up at him. “No, only some of them. The Cassandras and the Dereks of this world.”
Chance grinned. “I agree.”
They remained at the ball for an additional hour or so, long enough to mingle and for Kylie to meet Chance’s three female cousins, and his other two brothers, whom she thought were as handsome and as well-mannered as Chance and Morgan. After meeting Sebastian Steele, she couldn’t picture him married to someone like Cassandra Tisdale.
“We’ve hung around long enough,” Chance whispered in her ear. “Ready to leave?”
She looked up at him, her smoldering eyes telling him she’d been anxiously counting the minutes. “Yes, I’m ready.”
They left the ball, then waited as a valet brought Chance’s car to them. It was then that he asked, “Did you need to find Lena and let her know you’ve left with me?”
She shook her head. “I think she’ll have an idea what happened when she doesn’t see me anymore tonight.”
He opened the passenger door on his car when it came. “Will her knowing bother you?”
“No. Will her knowing bother you?”
“No.”
“What about your brothers and cousins?” she asked.
“It wouldn’t bother me for anyone to know we’re together, Kylie,” he said, closing the door when she slid onto the smooth leather seat.
When he got inside the vehicle and slid beneath the steering wheel she said, “Nice car.”
He grinned. “Thanks. I decided to leave the truck home and bring my toy.”
She chuckled. A Mercedes sports car was some toy. “Where are we going?”
He glanced over at her. “Where do you want to go?”
They could go to either her place or his since there weren’t any kids at home. That thought made a girlish giggle escape her lips. He glanced over at her when he pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the interstate. “Are you okay?”
She grinned. “Yes. I was just thinking that with the kids away the parents will play. I feel like being naughty tonight, Chance.”
He surprised her when he braked and veered off to the shoulder