Trust Me on This - Jennifer Crusie [37]
“What’s he buying you a condo for?” Harry stopped pacing and glared at her.
Victoria glared back. “He’s not. He just thinks he is. It’s his idea for the week. Next week, he’ll want a ranch in Texas.”
“With you on horseback.”
“I don’t do horseback. What is this?”
“Nothing,” Harry said. “Just stay away from him.”
“Harry!” Victoria said, but then Alec knocked on the door and she went to let him in. Harry would just have to solve his own problems, which looked to her like simple jealousy. There was a ridiculous idea. She smiled at the thought, and then kicked herself for smiling, taking her exasperation at Harry and at herself out on Alec.
“What are you so happy about?” Victoria asked him when he was with them by the table, all smiles. “You were wrong. That nice Dennie is not a crook. We’re having breakfast tomorrow.”
“That’s what he’s so happy about,” Harry growled, still glowering at everyone, “and that’s because he’s not thinking. Did it ever occur to you,” he said to Alec, “that it might be a double play?”
“Yes.” Alec’s smile faded. “But I dismissed the thought because it was low and suspicious of me.”
“What’s a double play?” Victoria said, looking from one to the other. “Dennie tried to save me. I like her.”
“Yes, and that makes you trust her,” Harry said in disgust. “And when you’re all pals, she says, ‘Oh, I know all about real estate, so I can get you a real deal.’ Then she and Bond walk off with your money. I can’t believe how gullible you two are.” He glanced at Victoria and then looked away. “At least, I can’t believe how gullible Alec is.”
“I don’t believe it,” Victoria said.
“Then why was she so anxious to meet you?” Harry asked. “She’s practically been stalking you. She wants to have breakfast with you. Why?”
“Maybe because I’m fascinating?” Victoria said, exasperated.
“No, that’s not it.” Harry turned away before she could say anything else. “We can’t trust her.” He narrowed his eyes at Alec. “You didn’t tell her anything, did you?”
“No.” Alec sat on the edge of the table, feeling depressed again. “Which tells you how open and trusting I am.”
“Good for you,” Harry said.
“Shame on you,” Victoria said.
“Forget her,” Harry said, “and concentrate on Bond. You’re going to be buying some real estate tomorrow. String him along for tonight. Tell him you need the night to think it over. Don’t move too fast—”
“Harry, I’ve been doing this most of my adult life,” Alec said, glowering now himself. “This I know how to do.”
“I still don’t believe Dennie is involved in this,” Victoria said stubbornly.
“I don’t know what I believe,” Alec said. “Except that it’s quarter to eleven, so I believe I’ll have another drink. In the bar with Bond.” He stood and bent to kiss Victoria’s cheek. “Sleep tight and don’t spill the beans at breakfast.”
“There’s a hope,” Harry said, and she glared at them both as they went out the door.
Men. Always assuming they knew what was best, always stomping around, always—
She wanted Harry. The thought appeared from out of nowhere and totally screwed up her concentration. She was a rational adult woman, well past the age of making stupid mistakes involving sex. She was much too smart to get involved with anybody like Harry, especially since Harry seemed to loathe her because all he did was yell at her, but she didn’t believe that, either.
Harry wanted her. She wanted Harry. Harry wasn’t going to do anything about it. So that left her.
“Don’t be stupid,” she said out loud, and then wondered which would be stupider, trying to seduce Harry or deciding not to and spending the rest of her life wondering what would have happened if she’d had the guts to take the risk.
If you’re not risking, you’re not living, Janice had said.
The hell with it. “Here’s to life,” Victoria said, and picked up the phone to call room service.
As soon as Alec left, Dennie splashed cold water on her face to get her thoughts back where they belonged and reapplied her makeup. Bondman would care about stuff like makeup, and he was definitely her next stop. If Alec wasn’t going to meet him until eleven, maybe