Beauty and the Feast (21 page)

“When I first attended these events, I had no idea what to say. Marsha tutored me. I’ll admit I’m not entirely comfortable with this crowd, but you will meet some very nice people here. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”

“Did you check out my toes?” Eva interrupted him.

Gabe glanced down. He studied the gold polish on her long toes as she displayed her feet for him. She’d obviously splurged on a pedicure for the occasion.

“I have to say,” he admitted, “That your toes weren’t high on my list of body parts to attend to, but I think I may have to reconsider. I might be tempted to pop one in my mouth later.”

Gabe watched as a smile lit up her entire face.

“That wasn’t my intention,” she said. “I just think they look pretty. I’m not a girlie-girl, Gabe. This is all new for me.”

“One would never know,” he replied, smiling in return.

“By the way,” Eva added, “you fill out that tux extremely well.” Her bright eyes wove their way up and down his body and he felt himself grow even harder beneath her gaze. Time to get moving.

“C’mon, sweetheart,” he said, stepping forward into the room. He forced himself to swallow the urge to back her into a corner and rub himself all over that luscious little body. “There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

An attractive pair of cold blue eyes followed Eva’s every movement as she wove her way through the room. A blond head of exquisitely coiffed hair turned whenever Eva turned. Bare, white, shoulders shifted as Eva shifted. Stephanie Lindstrom squeezed a lime into her third gin and tonic, feeling her anger grow exponentially each time Eva Raines smiled. The woman had big, straight, white teeth. They annoyed Stephanie no end. Gabriel was just as bad, his stance proud and possessive. He kept a protective hand moving between the woman’s back, her neck and her arm, as he introduced her to the people who really counted. God, it seemed as if he couldn’t stop touching the woman. It was enough to make Stephanie gag.

Her own escort, Paul Rupnik, shifted at her side, restless. He was a bright, young lawyer from her firm. He had hopes of making partner within five years. Right now, he was eye candy, pure and simple. Stephanie shot a glance at him. Her eye candy was eyeing Eva Raines.

“Why don’t you go get another glass of wine,” Stephanie commented, her voice dry, suppressing the urge to smack the back of his head.

He nodded, grateful, as he ambled off toward the bar, detouring a little too close to Gabriel and Eva for Stephanie’s liking. As she watched, Gabriel worked his way near her, heading toward a group of winery owners, a hand on Eva’s lower back. Stephanie moved out of his line of sight and headed to the far corner of the room. She smiled and nodded absently to her acquaintances, business and otherwise, as she passed. She’d known Gabriel had been invited to the dinner. She assumed he’d make an appearance, but to bring his housekeeper? And make her play dress up, no less? It was like putting lipstick on a pig. Stephanie wondered if he’d personally taken Miss Raines shopping and to a salon and told them exactly how to make her over. She snorted. He’d probably given the assignment to Marsha, his miniature pit bull.

She’d met with Eddie Jamison over breakfast and he’d filled her in on Miss Eva Raines. Eddie was no dummy. Despite her more general instructions, he didn’t waste time investigating anyone else. He knew exactly who she was interested in, although he was able to provide her with a juicy tidbit about Gabriel. She learned Gabriel had just discovered a half-brother, apparently the abandoned child of his deadbeat father. Although he was still a juvenile, the kid had a rap sheet and he’d been placed by the state in a school for troubled teens. Gabriel hadn’t publicly acknowledged the boy yet. Stephanie wondered if he intended to. Perhaps a rumor dropped in the right ears could cause him a little embarrassment. It was worth considering.

As far as Eva Raine’s background was concerned, unfortunately there was no such drama. She was merely an uneducated housekeeper. She worked for an agency in
Napa
, idiotically named ATAP, All Things to All People. The woman cleaned houses for a living, for God’s sake. She cooked bland meals for old people. Eddie mentioned that she’d graduated from the
California
Culinary
Academy
, but as far as Stephanie was concerned, the woman obviously hadn’t been able to cut it in any of the Bay area restaurants she’d worked in. Gabriel, or more likely, Marsha, had hired her to cater the dinner he’d planned for her. Stephanie suspected that was how the two met and she was willing to bet good money that the woman saw dollar signs and had hopped into bed with Gabriel at the first opportunity. Maybe she even wore a maid costume. Considering the dress and the shoes and the hair, so far, her gamble appeared to have paid off. Stephanie wondered if Eva made a habit of this kind of thing. Who knew? Maybe she was a working girl who really worked it. Cleaning woman slash whore. Maybe she was good with a blowjob. Men liked that, didn’t they? Someone who could perform like a pro? How else could a farm girl make it in the big city?

Stephanie took a sip of her gin and tonic. She grimaced, annoyed to find that her ice had melted and the drink tasted like water. A server walked by with an empty tray and Stephanie set her glass aside, seeking out the closest bar and ordering another. Where had her date gone to? Stephanie scanned the room, looking for his dark gray suit. She didn’t spot him, but her eyes lit on Gabriel. She watched him laugh out loud, probably at some stupid
Napa
Valley
inside joke. She noted with interest that Eva had left his side. She appeared to be wandering the room in the company of a doctor’s wife, checking out the hors d’oeuvres. More likely cruising for potential customers. Stephanie chuckled as she watched the woman pop a wild mushroom turnover into her mouth. Eva wouldn’t fit into that dress for long. Poor Gabriel. What a sap. Stephanie decided that this was an opportune moment to say hello. She patted her hair and smoothed down her already smooth skirt, grabbed her drink and sauntered in his direction.

Gabriel Abbott felt an arm slip beneath his as a voice purred in his ear, “I’m delighted to see you, Gabriel.”

Stephanie Lindstrom. Fuck.

He released his arm from her grip and turned to greet her politely. Gabe kept his voice neutral. “How are you, Stephanie? You look beautiful, as always.”

“Aren’t you the charmer,” she said with a seductive smile. “I’m absolutely fine.” She gave him an appraising look, starting with his toes and working her way slowly up to his head. “I must say, you’re looking well. Apparently that little girl you came in with agrees with you.”

Gabe struggled to think of a reply that wouldn’t embarrass Stephanie in front of the couple he’d just been speaking with. He stared at Stephanie for a moment, as if daring her to say more, and then he excused himself to find Eva.

“I always say,” came Stephanie’s voice from behind him, “There’s nothing like a good housekeeper. Reliable help is so hard to find these days, don’t you think, Gabriel? Especially someone who provides full service. I understand Miss Raines does… provide full service, that is.”

Gabe felt the blood rush to his head, but he didn’t want to confront Stephanie at a social event. If she’d been a man, he would have decked her. He stood frozen for an instant and he heard another voice behind him, Eva’s.

“Did I hear you mention my name?”

Gabe was afraid to turn around. While he would never hurt a woman, a riled Eva was perfectly capable of tossing the taller Stephanie Lindstrom on her ass. He backed up and faced the two women, wondering if he’d have to intervene.

“Why, yes,” Stephanie purred again. She offered her hand. “I’m Stephanie Lindstrom. I was Gabriel’s date the night you were hired to cook for us.”

Eva stared at the extended hand like it was leprous. Gabe watched as she looked directly into Stephanie’s eyes. “Too bad you didn’t get to stick around and enjoy it,” she countered.

Gabe stood, fascinated, as a blush crept up the back of Stephanie’s neck.

“Yes,” Stephanie replied, her voice sticky with venom. “What a shame Gabriel was called away.”

“What a shame for whom?” asked Eva.

“Oh, well, for you, of course. All that hard work, gone to waste.”

“I wouldn’t say it went to waste,” said Eva. “I believe Gabe found my tasting menu to be quite pleasurable.”

Gabe nearly choked at that one. He noticed that a young man in a dark gray suit stood nearby, listening to the exchange.

“I’m sure he did.” The chill in Stephanie’s voice couldn’t be any more obvious.

Adam suddenly appeared at Gabe’s back. “Are we about to witness a girl fight?” he asked. “Because my money’s on your date. The woman’s got cojones.”

Gabe leaned back and deliberately stepped on his friend’s toes.

“Shit, man,” Adam hissed in his ear. “It’s a compliment.”

“Excuse me, Miss Lindstrom.” Gabe watched Eva pass Stephanie and head in his direction.

“Gabriel Abbott must have a lot to offer a girl like you, more than I imagine you ever dreamed of having,” Stephanie called after her.

Eva froze. She turned and faced the woman. “Oh, yes,” she said, her voice equally frosty. “He certainly does. In fact, I think I’ll let you imagine exactly
how much
a man like Gabriel Abbott has to offer a woman like me.”

Stephanie’s face turned beet red and she stared over Eva’s head, directly at Gabe. He stared back. The corner of his mouth twitched, despite his best efforts to keep a straight face.

“Perhaps a better question would be,” said Stephanie, “What can a housekeeper from
Hick Town
,
U.S.A.
, possibly offer a man like Gabriel Abbott? I mean, other than a temporary diversion.”

Gabe bristled at her words and was about to interrupt when Eva straightened her shoulders.

“You know, Miss Lindstrom, I may have grown up on a farm, but I’m not the one standing here with a corncob stuck up her ass. Excuse me.”

Gabe had to turn his back to hide his laughter while Adam began to cough. The man sounded as if he was about to choke to death. When Eva reached the two men, her smile was strained.

“Don’t you dare say a single word. Just kiss me,” she demanded, taking his hand. “Kiss me right now like you mean it.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Gabe took Eva in his arms. He leaned down and slanted his mouth over hers. She opened for him and his tongue quickly found hers. Her mouth felt warm and silky and she tasted like his Pinot Noir and wild thyme. By the time he lifted his head, he was hard as a rock and aching to bury himself inside her, reception or no reception. He gazed at her lovely face. Her lips were red and moist. Her eyes closed. She appeared as aroused as he’d ever seen her.

“Hey,” interrupted Adam’s voice, quietly. “Maybe you two should get a room. You’re attracting quite a bit of attention. She’s gone, by the way.”

Gabe and Eva glanced at him.

“Stomped off with her boy toy in the gray suit. What did you do to piss her off like that?”

“Long story,” groaned Gabe. “Adam, do you mind? I need to stand here for a moment.” He continued to hold Eva close.

“No problem.” Adam winked at Eva. “I’m Adam Grossman, by the way.” He stuck a friendly hand in her direction. “Nice to meet you.”

“Eva Raines,” answered Eva, sounding breathless. She shook his hand. “You’re the wine maker.”

“That would be me. Look, you two need me to run interference for you, or something? You need to step outside for a moment to cool off?”

“Might not be a bad idea,” replied Gabe. “Do you mind if we go outside for a few minutes?” he asked Eva.

“No, I think we should,” she said. “Besides, we need to talk about what just happened.”

“C’mon, then,” answered Gabe, with another groan, “Let’s get it over with.”

Gabe ushered Eva out the door and around the corner into a dark alcove surrounded by thick shrubs. The evening light was soft and muted, the air chilled. Eva realized the sun must have just set.
San Francisco
was not known for warm summers. She shivered. Gabe opened his suit coat and wrapped it around her, drawing her back against his broad chest. Eva had to admit that the man gave off a lot of heat. She assumed he must still be uncomfortably erect because he tried to keep that particular portion of his anatomy away from her bottom.

“Is she right?” she asked, her voice soft. “Is there any truth to what she says? Am I merely a diversion? Are you slumming, Gabe?”

Eva felt Gabe jerk, as if she’d given him a jolt of electricity.

“Slumming?” Gabe turned her around and stared into her eyes. “I can’t believe you listened to a word that came out of Stephanie’s mouth. Surely you can see that she’s pissed off and she wants to get to me by hurting you. Slumming… I can’t believe you just said that. You know my background. You know how I grew up.”

“But Gabe,” Eva fought back tears, “Some of what she says is true. You’re, well, you’re experienced. I have to assume that you’ve been with many other women, beautiful women, sophisticated women, educated, professional women. Women any man would be proud to be seen with. Why me? I don’t have what they have. I can’t offer you what they can. Gabe, you’re the first man…” Eva’s throat closed on a sob. She struggled to get herself under control and she managed to continue, her bottom lip quivering, “You’re the first man to spend the night at my house. The only man…the only man I’ve ever let into my bed.”