Just Deserts - Brenda Jackson [12]
“A major designer is putting a project together for the holidays and wants me included.”
Alarm rammed through his nervous system. He couldn’t help wondering if this thing with Marc would be what sent her back to the world she’d left behind five years ago. “What did you tell her?”
“I told her there was no way I could participate. I have a full-time job at A&T.”
He appreciated her loyalty to the company and was grateful she wasn’t thinking about leaving A&T. To be open-minded and fair, he said, “You know, if you really want to do it, we could arrange things for you to take some time off. It might be a good opportunity for you.”
She shifted to her side on the lounger to face him. “Thanks but no thanks. I told you when I came back that I didn’t want that type of life anymore. I was burned out, and even if Paul had lived I think eventually I would have returned home.”
This was the first he’d heard that. “I thought you enjoyed your career as a model.”
“I did at first, but then the long hours, living out of my luggage and barely eating to stay thin ran its course. I had begun to get homesick and it took everything I had to get up each day and pose in front of the cameras.”
“Did Paul know how you felt?”
“No, I never told him. I came close to doing so one night when he called, but before I got the chance he told me about his orders to go to Iraq. Now I’m glad I never told him. You know Paul. He would have left worrying about me.”
Tristan didn’t want to tell her that Paul had worried about her, anyway. That was one of the reasons he’d asked Tristan to look after her if anything was to happen to him. Paul had also been proud of her. Tristan would never forget the time Dani made the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Paul had purchased all the magazines off the rack at one particular store to give copies to their customers.
“Are you really happy working at A&T, Dani?”
“Yes, that’s the only part of my life I’m enjoying right now. I feel close to Paul there. The business was his dream and when you told me he left his share of the business to me, I was deeply touched. I know how hard the two of you worked to make the company a success. I like handling new accounts and watching sales increase, and making sure we’re meeting those companies’ needs and doing whatever we can to better serve them.”
Tristan nodded. She was smart and did an excellent job; she’d become a real asset to the company. But then, he’d figured she would. He’d had no qualms about her taking over for Paul.
He saw her smother a yawn and knew she was probably tired. It had been a long flight, they were now in Pacific time but their bodies were still thinking Florida time.
“Do you want to take a nap before dinner?”
She smiled. “I think I will. Do we need to make reservations for dinner?”
“Yes. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks.”
He watched as she stood and covered her bikini with the cover-up. “What time do you want me ready and dressed for dinner?”
“Um, how about around six?”
“That’ll work.”
He stood, as well, and together they began walking toward the door that led to a bank of elevators. When he placed his hand at the small of her back, he actually felt heat there. And he couldn’t help but look forward to dinner with her later.
Chapter 3
Once Danielle had changed out of her bathing suit and slipped on comfortable lounge wear, she contacted Alex and Renée.
Alex answered, seemingly more alert than she had been the last time they’d spoken. The same thing with Renée. When both women said they were alone and their men hadn’t come in from work, Danielle appreciated the difference in time zones.
“Has either of you discovered anything else?” she asked, dropping into the love seat in her room.
“Before we answer that, we want to know how things are going in San Francisco. How is Tristan?”
Danielle rolled her eyes, knowing why they were asking.