Twice the Temptation Read online

  Gabe tried to smother his laughter at the perplexed look on his brother’s face. Obviously he had expected a more—what were the words he had used?—yes, “manageable and grateful” Jessica.

  He didn’t know squat about Jessica and was too full of himself to learn. Gabe had tried to warn him again this past weekend, but as usual Shelton hadn’t had time to listen. Now it was every man for himself.

  “Something the matter, Shelton?” Gabe asked mildly.

  “No. Ah, Jessica, fix me a scotch,” he requested, sitting back in his chair. “You know how I like it.”

  Her hands clenched. She laid the cards on the heavy glass table and turned to Gabe. “Do you want anything?”

  “No, thank you.”

  Smiling, she rose gracefully and went to the bar in the far corner of the room. As soon as she lifted the heavy crystal decanter, Shelton jumped up and sat next to his brother. “What did you do to her? I’ve never seen her act this way.”

  “Maybe you didn’t take time to look.”

  “Gabe, I haven’t got time for this.”

  “For Jessica either. If anyone has done anything to her, it’s you. You invited her to New York and haven’t called in ten days.”

  “I called today and she was out. I sent flowers.” Shelton glanced around the room. “Where are they?”

  “Maybe you should ask her.”

  “I’m asking you.”

  “Your drink.” Jessica held the squat crystal glass out to him.

  “Thank you,” he said, all smiles and charm. Jessica’s dour expression didn’t change.

  “I’ll hang up your coat.”

  “You’re such a treasure. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Shelton lifted the heavy glass to his mouth, all the time watching Jessica. When he thought she was out of hearing distance, he turned to his brother. “I don’t know what is going on, but I want you to leave. The office opens in three days and I’d like to make an official announcement then.”

  “What announcement?” Gabe asked calmly, although he was anything but.

  “You know damn well what announcement.”

  “Got the ring yet?”

  Shelton actually appeared embarrassed. “Actually no. I haven’t had—”

  “Time,” Gabe finished. “Do you know anything about Jessica? What her plans are, what she likes, her favorite color, food? Anything?”

  “What difference does it make? I’m marrying her, aren’t I?”

  “Are you?” The softly spoken words were a direct challenge.

  “Yes, I—” Shelton began to mutter beneath his breath and snatched his pager from his pocket. “Morrison. Damn! Where’s the phone?”

  “Behind you.”

  Jessica retook her seat and gathered her cards. If Shelton was like her father, he’d be gone in less than five minutes. She glanced at Gabe.

  “Three minutes tops,” he whispered.

  She laughed. They were thinking the same thing.

  Shelton, who had been deep in conversation, glanced up sharply at the sound and frowned. His frown deepened as they appeared to ignore him and went back to playing cards. The receiver rattled in the cradle as he hung up. “I have to leave.”

  Jessica jumped up. “I’ll get your coat.”

  Shelton stared at her, then faced his brother. “What did you do to her?”

  “Why do you keep asking me that?”

  “Because I know you. You saw Jessica as one of your lost souls and you changed her somehow. I want her back the way she was,” Shelton hissed between clenched teeth.

  “Here’s your coat.”

  He was all smiles when he turned and took the coat and tossed it casually over his arm. “Thank you, dear. I really hate that business has kept us apart. Did you get my flowers?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  The wattage of his smile increased. “Where are they? In your bedroom?” he asked in a stage whisper, his voice low and husky.

  Her black eyebrows lifted in obvious displeasure at the inference. “Actually, I don’t know where they are. I gave them to the maid.”

  “You did what?” he shouted.

  “They had snapdragons in them and they made me sneeze.”

  “Snapdragons? I told my secretary to send roses!” he snapped.

  “She did, but among the roses were other flowers,” Jessica explained. “Actually, the arrangement was very pretty. Please thank your secretary for me.”

  Shelton stiffened. His gaze narrowed. “I’m sure your father has had his secretary send you and your mother flowers on numerous occasions.”

  “That he does, and I always call to thank her and send her a gift for her birthday and Christmas,” Jessica returned mildly.

  Her calm explanation removed the lines from Shelton’s brow. “I’m sorry if I appeared a little short. My patience hasn’t been the best lately. I’m working long hours to get the office opened as scheduled.”

  Jessica smiled her forgiveness. “I know. Father is very proud of you and counting on you to do just that. We all have the utmost confidence in your business abilities.”

  Shelton’s shoulders straightened in his double-breasted gray wool suit. “That’s nice to hear.”

  She took him by the arm and steered him toward the door. “I’m sure you have things that need your attention. I wouldn’t dream of keeping you.”

  “Yes,” he said, stopping at the door and staring at her, the frown returning to his handsome face. “The party is Saturday and I want you looking your best. Why don’t you get a new hairstyle and have your nails done? They have some fabulous salons in Manhattan that can do wonders.”

  Instead of being hurt or incensed as she would have in the past, she thought of Rosie’s Curl and Weave on 125th Street. A smile blossomed on her lips. “Shelton, that sounds like a marvelous idea. I know just the place.”

  He patted her on the shoulder. “Good. I guess I better be going.”

  “Good night, Shelton,” Gabe called.

  His baby brother’s eyes narrowed. “Good night, Gabe. I’ll call you later tonight.”

  “Somehow I thought you might,” Gabe said.

  Impatient for him to be gone, Jessica opened the front door. “Good night, Shelton. I’ll see you at the party.”

  “I promised your parents I’d pick you up,” he said. “They’re going straight to the hotel, where they have a room. The party is also being held there.”

  Her shoulders dropped, her lack of enthusiasm evident. “If you insist.”

  Shelton shot his smiling brother another mutinous look. Clearly, they were going to have a talk before the night was over. “I’ll pick you up around five. I want to be there before the guests start arriving at six.”

  “Of course. I’ll be ready.”

  Her quiet acquiescence pleased him. He showed his pleasure by patting her on the arm again. “Good girl. Good night.”

  Jessica closed the door, her teeth clenched. “You’d think I was a dog. Perhaps I should have barked.”

  A whoop of laughter from Gabe had her whirling in that direction. He was laughing so hard she feared he might roll onto the floor. She’d forgotten he always paid attention to her and what she said. Unease pricked her.

  People had laughed at her rather than with her more times than she wanted to remember. A picture of Kendall at the eighth-grade dance came to her. “I didn’t mean to insult your brother.”

  Gabe stopped long enough to wipe the tears from his eyes. “If you didn’t, you’re not the woman I’ve grown to admire. Shelton was being a jerk and we both know it.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “He deserved it. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

  Shaking her head, she retook her seat. “Not about that. About doubting you were laughing at me instead of with me.”

  His smile was tender. “You should be. Now, let’s get back to this game so I can beat you again.”

  She did as he suggested, her tongue poking out her cheek
as she studied the three cards. “Not this time. I raise you another two pennies. Another card, please.”

  “I’ll take another card, and raise you by five pennies.”

  “I’ll see you and raise five. Another card please.” She squealed on seeing the Queen of Hearts. Perfect. “Gotcha,” she said, laying out a royal flush.

  “Guess I’m a pretty good teacher.”

  “The best,” she said, raking up the small pile of pennies. Being with Gabe had taught her to believe in herself. “Can I ask a favor?”

  “Sure.”

  “Do you think you could take me to Rosie’s if I can get an appointment for Friday?”

  “No problem, and I can almost guarantee you can get in. The owner is a friend of mine and I used to be his broker.” He started gathering up the cards. “You’re going to get a new hairdo?”

  “Yes, but not the way Shelton thinks.”

  The corner of Gabe’s mouth quirked. “You’re going to get the braids.”

  “And the reddest nail polish they have for my manicure.” He knew she had it in her. “This I want to see.”

  “Yes, Shelton,” Gabe said as soon as he picked up the phone. At eleven-thirty P.M. it was a safe bet who was calling.

  “I want you to stop seeing Jessica,” his brother ordered.

  Gabe had expected as much. “I can’t do that.”

  “You only took her out because I asked you to, so why are you being obstinate?”

  “I picked her up at the airport because you asked me to. I took her out because she’s a nice woman and I thought you gave her a dirty deal,” Gabe corrected.

  “It comes down to the same thing, and I did not give her a dirty deal. Jessica knows what to expect,” Shelton said, exasperation in his clipped voice.

  “You haven’t spent enough time with Jessica to know what she wants.”

  “Maybe not in New York, but we went out lots in Atlanta.”

  “Did you talk?”

  “Of course we talked.”

  “So you know where she works.”

  “At a shelter,” Shelton said triumphantly.

  “Doing what?”

  After a pause Shelton said, “Helping people.”

  Gabe had to give the lawyer in his brother points for being quick. “She teaches preschool children and she plans to obtain her Master’s.”

  “She’ll have to give all that up once we’re married. She’ll be much too busy.”

  “You’re forgetting something.”

  “What?”

  “You haven’t asked her and she hasn’t said yes.”

  “She will. You saw how easily she agreed to have her hair done. She’ll do anything I ask her.”

  “You really believe that?”

  “I’m considered a very good catch. Jessica is no fool.”

  “On that, we finally agree on something. Good night, Shelton. I have an appointment early in the morning.” Gabe hung up the phone, then placed his entwined fingers behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. Little brother, you’re in for the shock of your life and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.

  SEVEN

  Jessica was nervous. What if it didn’t work? What if she remained an ugly duckling instead of turning into a graceful swan?

  “We’re ready for you, Miss Ames.”

  She glanced at Gabe, her hand tightening in his. “Here goes.”

  “I’ll stop by to check on your progress since the braiding is going to take a long time,” Gabe told her, wishing he could take some of her anxiety away.

  She nodded. “I’d like that.” She took a deep breath and slowly released his hand and started after the assistant.

  A few steps away, she stopped and came back to Gabe. There was something she had to say. “I’m not getting this done for Shelton.”

  His chest felt tight. “I know.”

  Smiling brilliantly, she turned and followed the assistant. “I hope this works.”

  “What?” the assistant asked.

  “Making me over,” she admitted.

  “You have good bone structure and fantastic skin. You just need some help bringing it out.” Smiling, she opened the door to the shampoo area. “You couldn’t have picked a better place. We’re going to pamper you sinfully today.”

  Jessica soon found out the woman wasn’t exaggerating. After her shampoo, she was shown to a quiet room where she was given a bone-melting massage, then served hot tea before she had her facial. She didn’t have to think twice when asked about her nail color during her manicure and pedicure.

  “The redder the better.”

  The staff soon caught on that they were in the process of a transformation. They got into the spirit of things. Three cosmetologists and the manager conferred on the best style of braids for her hair. A soft page boy for the front and sides, and for the back a triple twist in a figure eight for a dynamic impact.

  Gabe came by about that time, saw the excitement in Jessica’s eyes and smiled all the way back to his brownstone. He liked Jessica the way she was, but if a new hairstyle gave her more confidence, he was all for it.

  Lunch was quick; the braiding was not. The time would have seemed unbearable if not for the friendliness of the braider, and the fact that by then the fashion consultant had done her magic with her makeup.

  Jessica couldn’t see herself because the beautician was standing behind her working, but she still remembered how good she looked with her makeup on. Since she was near the mirror, she had removed her glasses and put them in her purse.

  Her anxiety grew for the woman to finish so she could see the end results.

  “All done.”

  Slowly the chair revolved until she saw her reflection in the mirror. Trembling fingers with Exotic Red nail polish touched quivering Plum Red-colored lips. She hadn’t known her cheekbones could be that dramatic or her eyes could look so mysterious. And her lips … they actually looked lush and inviting. She leaned closer so as not to miss one detail. She had already decided she was getting contacts as soon as possible.

  “Oh my goodness. It worked,” she breathed excitedly.

  “You look terrific,” said the salon manager as she walked up. “I knew you’d be sensational. When you start receiving all the compliments, please mention Rosie’s.”

  Jessica glanced at the polished woman in her late fifties and smiled. “Thanks seems so inadequate.”

  “You haven’t seen the bill yet.”

  Laughing gaily, Jessica rose from the chair. “Whatever it is, it’s a bargain.” Opening her purse, she handed the braider a tip. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you. It was a pleasure in more ways than one,” she said, sliding the fifty-dollar bill into her pocket.

  “You mind if I give you a little more advice?” asked the salon manager, her voice softly modulated.

  “Please do,” Jessica said.

  “Get rid of the browns or accent them with oranges or yellows or other bright colors. They’re draining you.” She studied Jessica with a connoisseur’s eyes. “I think you’d look great in red.”

  Since the woman talking was wearing a melon suit that was dramatic and flattering, Jessica readily took the advice. “Any suggestions of where to look for the clothes? I’d like to impress a friend.”

  The manager gave her the name of a shop. “Ask for Yvette.”

  “I will.” She extended her hand. “If I lived in New York, you’d have another customer. Thanks again.” She paid the bill and was fumbling in her purse for some change to call Gabe when she heard her name.

  “Jessica?”

  Instantly she recognized the hesitant voice. Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned, hoping neither of them would be disappointed.

  “Jessica,” Gabe whispered her name in awe and wonder. His black eyes that had always fascinated her roamed over her face as if the sight were something new and exotic he had just discovered, and the discovery was just for him.

  She felt heated. She felt wonderful. Not even the quiv
ering of her stomach could dampen her elation. To have Gabe look at her with desire was something she hadn’t let herself believe could happen. She wished she had on something more flattering than the chocolate-brown tailored pantsuit.

  Most of all she wished she could say she loved him. Loved him so much it hurt not to be able to tell him. Basically she was shy, but she’d find a way of letting him know. She hadn’t met the man of her dreams only to let him get away.

  Gabe’s unsteady fingers touched those incredible cheekbones of Jessica’s, then swept upward to her braids that barely skimmed her shoulders. Her brown skin glowed and her eyes sparkled as if she had suddenly discovered the secrets of the universe.

  Knowing he shouldn’t, but unable to help himself, he brushed his lips across hers, tasted something sweet and uniquely her, and felt her trembling breath brush over his own lips. Desire struck him hard and fast, but tempered with the emotion was a deep tenderness and unspeakable joy for her.

  He loved her, wanted to cherish her and keep her happy always. He loved this changeling of a woman who was finally growing into her own.

  A woman his brother wanted to marry.

  Wishing he could tell her his feelings, but knowing he owed Shelton his chance, Gabe stepped back. But not too far back. When Shelton struck out, Gabe planned to be standing nearby.

  Unsteady from Gabe’s light kiss still pulsating through her body, Jessica did a slow pirouette. “I take it you like my hair.”

  “You’re beautiful, but then you’ve always been beautiful to me,” he told her honestly.

  “Oh, Gabe,” she said, her voice as wobbly as her lips. “If you make me cry and mess up my mascara, I’ll never forgive you.”

  The pads of his thumbs brushed away the moisture in her eyes. “Since I’d like to take you out tonight, I’ll behave.”

  She smiled, her heart soaring. “First, I have to do some shopping.”

  Gabe usually hated shopping, but the thought of not going with Jessica never even crossed his mind. She was glowing, her energy and enthusiasm contagious. Her first stop was an optical shop for contact lenses. Next, they went to a boutique. “Nothing brown,” she told the saleswoman on entering the posh shop in upper Manhattan.