Desert Rain (15 page)

It was very dark by the time Holly and Beth stepped outside. Wind-driven clouds hid all
but occasional pale flashes of moon.

Music rippled through the night, strains of a waltz that was centuries old. Countless
strings of tiny white lights wove through trees and over fences, guiding people to the
dance pavilion. The pavilion was just beginning to fill, drawing laughter and beautifully
dressed couples into its billowing interior.

Some guests had attended the auction and barbecue and then gone to their nearby homes to
change into evening clothes. Others had brought their formal clothes and changed in one of
the McKenzies six guest rooms. Still others had simply attended the auction looking as
princely as the Arabians they had come to

admire and buy.

The mixture of fashion and elegant, silk-tasseled horses gave Holly the feeling of being
transported to a fairy-tale world where gleaming Arabians pranced amid a diamond glitter
of wealth.

Bemused by the transformation of Lincs ranch, she looked across the yard to where the
auction was taking place. The platform was like a large stage, darkened but for a
spotlight.

Inside the cone of light, a dark stallion pranced with muscular grace, held by no more
than a delicate, braided-silk show halter. With each movement of the stallions body,
elaborate silk tassels on the halter rippled, weaving light into shimmering patterns.

What a stunning animal, Holly said.

Beth followed her glance.

Thats Night Dancer, Beth said. Hes Shadow Dancers sire. Thats why Linc was so worried
about the foal.

Surely you arent auctioning off that stallion!

Beth laughed at the thought.

Nope, she said proudly. Were just showing off the best Arabian stud this side of anywhere.
Linc does it at the end of every auction we have at the Mountains of Sunrise.

Holly waited for a few moments more, watching the spotlighted platform. But her eyes no
longer followed the horses movements. She sought the tall man in the shadows who held the
stallions silken lead.

From this distance she could not see the mans face. Only the potent grace of his movements
as he controlled Night Dancer identified the man as Linc.

Hes quite an animal, isnt he? Beth asked.

Yes. She smiled and added dryly, Both of them.

Giggling, Beth picked up her long skirt and began walking toward the pavilion. Holly
followed, holding folds of smooth midnight silk in her hands to keep the hem clear of the
grass.

Linc didnt see Holly or his sister walking toward the dance pavilion. He was already
heading back to the barn, leading the ranchs most valuable asset.

Holly and Beth joined the glittering guests inside the pavilion. The bandstand was at one
end of the enclosure, a bar and buffet at the other, with groupings of tables and chairs
in between.

Suddenly Beth took Hollys arm and tried to drag her off to the left side of the vast tent.
She threw Lincs sister a startled look. Hurry, Beth explained. I just spotted Cyanide.

Cyanide?

Over there.

Holly stopped long enough to glance beyond Beth.

Across the room, flanked by several men, stood a petite blond. She was wearing a long,
tight, red sheath. It was cut low in front, slit to mid-thigh at one side, and covered
completely in scarlet sequins.

Oh, Holly said. You mean Cyn. Cyanide, huh? Can you think of a better name? Several, but
youre too young to hear them. Beth smiled with pure malice.

Bet Ive thought of them, Lincs sister said.

Wisely, Holly said not one word.

Lets go, Beth said, tugging impatiently at Hollys arm. I cant wait to see her reaction.

Give Cyn a minute or two. No need to spoil her evening right off.

Why not? Shes spoiled enough of mine.

Holly just smiled.

Slow down, honey, she said to Beth. Let me do it my way.

Whats that?

In cold blood.

Beth drew in her breath, tried to see Hollys face, but couldnt. She had already turned
aside to look at the rest of the people gathered beneath the pavilions colorful ceiling.

Okay, Beth said. Ill wait.

But she still gave a bitter glance to the spot where Cyn stood in sequin-studded splendor.
The woman was radiating the kind of sexual signals guaranteed to bring every male within
sight to attention.

Just looking at her made Beth feel awkward, young, and plain. What now? she asked,
sighing. Stay with me. Introduce me to everyone you know. Beth sighed again, more loudly.
Obviously she wasnt impressed by Hollys strategy for revenge on Cyn.

Theres more to attracting menand keeping them attractedthan a flashy red dress, Holly
explained.

Tell that to Cyn.

Oh, shell get the message, Holly said, turning back to Beth. In spades.

Cool, Beth said with pure malice. After Ive introduced you to people, what then?

Then Ill cut off Cyns claws and make a bracelet for you.

Beths breath caught. She looked closely, seeing beyond the beautiful exterior to the core
of steel beneath.

For the first time, Beth realized that Holly could be as formidable as Linc himself. You
know, Beth said, I hope you dont ever get mad at me. I only get mad at people who are
cruel. Like Cyn. Then Holly smiled, softening her expression.

Come on, Beth. Ive got a roomful of people to meet. Everyone? Not just the men? Everyone.
Beth groaned, looking at the people in the pavilion. There are zillions of them, she said.

Holly laughed at Beths impatience. Not quite, Holly said. Where do we start? she asked
glumly. Do you know the gray-haired gentleman and the woman in the lavender dress? Sure.
But hes old.

Hollys lips quirked. No man who is still breathing isthat old, she said. Beth gave her a
I-hope-you-know-what-youre-doing look, took her hand, and led her to the couple. Hi,
George, Mary, Beth said. This is Holly North, Lincs

Im a friend of the family, she cut in quickly, before Beth could say fiancŽe.

After tonight, she wasnt sure that Linc would want to see her again, much less marry her.

But I wont think about that now, she told herself firmly.Right now all that matters is
showing Beth how to handle herself with malicious creatures like Cyn.

After tonight, a lot of women like Cyn could be strolling through Beths life again.

And Lincs.

Despite Hollys bleak thoughts, she smiled and held out her hand to Mary and then to
George. It was hardly the first time Holly had hidden fear or sorrow behind a breathtaking
smile.

Im delighted to meet you, Mr. and Mrs.? Holly said.

Johnston, said the man, taking her hand. But call me George.

Only if you call me Holly.

Holly squeezed the mans hand firmly, released it, and turned toward his wife.

Thats a lovely color on you, Mrs. Johnston. I envy you. If I wear lavender, I look like I
have terminal flu.

The compliment was genuine, for Holly disliked even the social lies that she had learned
were sometimes necessary.

The womens shrewd blue eyes weighed Holly, then forgave her for being too beautiful.

Please, call me Mary, she said, smiling. Then she laughed. The idea of you being jealous
of me is ridiculous.

Not to me, Holly said ruefully. I love purples and cant wear any of them.

George and Mary own a ranch about three miles up the valley, Beth said. George raises
quarter horses.

Holly gave him a sideways look.

Youll be disowned if youre caught at an Arabian auction, Holly whispered. Ill never give
you away. Cross my heart and hope to die.

George and Mary both laughed.

Actually, he admitted, my favorite riding horse is half Arab.

Holly began a spirited, knowledgeable discussion of various equine breeds and
cross-breeds. George and Mary leaped into the conversation. Their lives, like those of
many people in Garner Valley, revolved around horses.

Soon other people joined the group, drawn by the laughter and the charming, beautiful
woman who was at its center.

When Holly was introduced to the new people, she memorized names and faces. Often she
complimented the women on some aspect of their appearance. Always she guided the
conversation so that no one was left out.

When the group became too large for easy conversation, Holly signaled Beth with a glance
and withdrew without leaving a ripple behind.

Eagerly Beth whispered to Holly.

Cyns over there near the cheesecake, she said.

Hope she doesnt curdle it.

Beth snickered. Cmon, lets go see her.

Not yet. There are a lot more people to meet.

Beth groaned.

Dont look so disappointed, Holly said. I like meeting people.

I dont see how meeting old married couples is going to make Cyn eat her words, Beth said
bluntly.

Watch.

Like I have a choice? Beth muttered.

Holly looked around. She saw a young couple standing alone and rather uncertainly at the
edge of the dance floor.

Do you know them? Holly asked.

Beth sighed. I know everyone.

Introduce me.

Dutifully Beth led Holly over to the couple.

It didnt take long before other young couples were drawn like bright leaves into a
whirlpool. Then several men and women who were alone also joined in.

The conversation ranged from horses to politics to the intricacies of downhill skiing and
mountain trail bikes. Again, Holly became the center of an animated, laughing group.
Again, it was her real interest in people rather than her beauty alone that held everyones
attention.

Again, Holly withdrew quietly when the crowd reached the point that it no longer needed a
center. As Beth led Holly toward another area of the room, the younger girl smiled like a
cat licking cream.

Im catching on, Beth said.

Are you?

At least two of those men left Cyn to join our group.

Holly made a noncommittal sound and looked around the room.

Linc still wasnt there.

She had hoped he would come to the pavilion, see her making friends, and perhaps not be so
angry with her Shannon appearance.

But no matter where Holly looked, she didnt see a man who carried himself like Linc. With
my luck,she thought unhappily,he wont get here until we start peeling the handsome single

males off Cyn.

Holly grimaced. She enjoyed meeting people. She did not enjoy being a siren.

Yet in her job as the Royce Reflection, she had learned to do both quite well.

Ill stall a little longer, she told herself.Then Ill do what has to be done .

By the time Holly had gathered and faded out of two more groups, Linc still hadnt arrived.
Worse, it became impossible to find new people to meet.

Holly couldnt move ten feet without being asked to dance. Her campaign to charm the people
who lived nearby and worked with Linc was an unqualified success, one that she enjoyed as
much as the people who warmed themselves in her presence.

But Linc had seen none of it.

Well, she said to Beth, lets get it over with.

Cyn?

Cyn.

Cool. Shes still by the cheesecake.

Together they walked toward Cyn. It took ten minutes to go fifty feet because Holly was
graciously refusing offers of food or dance or conversation at every step.

Okay, Holly said. I want you to distract her. Ill come in from the back. Distract her?
How? Holly smiled gently. Remember the mirror, honey?

Beth nodded.

Two of the men dont look much older than you, Holly pointed out.

Beth looked startled.

Dont you know them? asked Holly.

Yes, but

Holly waited.

What do you want me to do? Beth asked.

Do you like any of the men?

Oh, sure. Jims a lot of fun, and even though hes only nineteen, hes the best trainer in
the valley, next to Linc.

Then tell him.

Beth blinked and nibbled on her lower lip.

Go ahead, Holly encouraged. Nobody will bite you for being honest. Except Cyn, of course.
Dont be honest with her. Ignore her completely.

Holly watched while Beth walked slowly toward Cyn. When the girl was only a few feet away,
her chin came up and her posture straightened.

As Holly moved to circle around, she saw Cyns look of surprise when she saw Beth. Well,
well, Cyn said, since when does Linc let you play dress up? Holly held her breath and
hoped that Beth would hold her tongue. Ignoring Cyn, Beth turned and smiled at the young
man next to the alluring blond. Holly couldnt hear what was said, but it was clear that
the young mans attention was no longer on Cyn. Wheres your chum? Cyn asked. The plain one,
little miss whats-her-name.

Beth looked up and smiled. Right behind you, Cyanide. Cyn turned and looked past Holly,
not recognizing her. Then Cyn looked again. Her mouth opened, closed, and opened once
more. Hello, Cyn, Holly said casually. Then she turned her brightest smile on the stranger
who had his right hand possessively on Cyns arm.

Im sure I would have remembered if we had been introduced, murmured Holly, holding out her
hand. Im Holly.

The man gave her the kind of up-and-down look that she found offensive. She kept her smile
in place even when he took her hand in both of his and drew her closer.

My name is Stan, he said. Where on earth did you come from? Or was it heaven? Manhattan.
She hoped that no one would notice that her smile was as thin as her patience with Stans
sort of man.

She turned to the older man who was standing on Cyns other side. Deliberately, Holly gave
him a flirtatious look from beneath long black lashes. As her right hand was securely held
by Stan, she offered her left.

Andyouare...?sheasked.

Gary, he said dryly, taking her hand. Im just along for the ride.

She looked at the man more closely, then gave him a genuine smile.

Arent we all? she answered, her voice as dry as his.

He reassessed Holly in a single glance, smiled and nodded. He tucked her hand under his
arm.