Star of His Heart - Brenda Jackson [43]
When Jada stopped at the corner before crossing the street, she suddenly had the strangest feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around, then up and down the street. Other than people who, like her, were walking quickly to their destinations, she didn’t see anyone who seemed interested in her presence.
Shrugging, thinking she must have been mistaken, she crossed the street and continued walking and thinking that today would definitely be a busy day at work.
It was nearly eleven in the morning when Ashton finally returned to his hotel room. He stopped as soon as he entered, immediately picking up Netherland’s scent. His gaze flew to the unmade bed. As a child living on the Cherokee reservation he had been taught to recognize various scents, and he would know the scent of a woman anywhere. Especially the scent of his woman. Those two nights he had slept holding Netherland in his arms he had inhaled every delicious scent about her.
He walked over to the bed. Housekeeping had not been to his room, and Netherland’s presence still lingered.
It appeared that she had come to his hotel room and had slept in his bed. He would have given anything to walk into his hotel room last night to find her there waiting on him.
Ashton pulled his sweater over his head and went to the closet to hang it up. He stopped short. Her scent was just as strong in his closet. Keen, observant eyes scanned every garment before zeroing in on his military jackets—one in particular. He reached out and pulled it off the hanger. He lifted the jacket to his nose before holding it tight against his chest. His jacket had come into contact with Netherland’s body. There was no doubt in his mind that it had. Stunned, he shook his head and wondered what all this meant. When he saw her tonight he definitely was going to find out.
Chapter 13
The jazzy sound of Count Basie poured forth from the small orchestra as Netherland made her way around the room. She was pleased how Sisters had been decorated for this evening’s affair. Even with a cost of three hundred dollars a ticket, the place was packed, and from the looks on everyone’s faces they expected to have a good time and enjoy themselves. The sisters in attendance were decked out in striking evening gowns and glittering jewels, and the brothers looked utterly dashing in their tuxes. She had even encouraged her hostesses to come wearing after-five attire and all of them looked great. Dinner was to be served exactly at eight and once dinner was over, the bidding would begin. Afterward, everyone would celebrate and join in the dance that was planned from midnight until three. There was no doubt in Netherland’s mind that the auction would be a huge success.
She slid her gaze across the room to the head table. Chicago businessman Nicholas Chenault and his wife Shayla had been the first to arrive with his in-laws, Paul Dunlap and Cassie Foster, and with their friends, Trent and Brenna Jordache. Jake and Diamond Swain Madaris had arrived a few minutes later along with their friends Sterling and Colby Hamilton and Kyle and Kimara Garwood. Also sitting at the table were Justin and Lorren Madaris; Dex and Caitlin Madaris; Trask and Felicia Maxwell; and Clayton and a young woman Netherland knew was the youngest Madaris sibling, twenty-year-old Christy. The young woman was simply gorgeous with her reddish-brown hair and a toasted-almond complexion. Netherland also noted Syneda’s in-laws, Jonathan and Marilyn Madaris, were in attendance, as well as Syneda’s father, Syntel Remington. Netherland glanced down at her list. According to the seating arrangements there would be close to twenty-five people sitting at the head table.
“Nettie, your gown is absolutely gorgeous, and you look totally fabulous in it,” Syneda said, coming from behind. “It’s so sleek, elegant and sophisticated-looking, and you have just the body, height and figure for it.” She grinned. “It will