Nailed - Opal Carew Page 0,69
been building up.
After Kane left the room, she waited another half hour, but when she heard people arriving, she knew she had to get moving. She didn’t want to let Kane down.
She got through her shower and by the time she’d finished her makeup, the pain in her head was just a dull ache. She pinned up her hair, and slipped on her dress. She peered at herself in the mirror as she stepped into the tall shoes.
Just one thing missing.
She retrieved the lovely necklace Kane had bought her. She fastened it around her neck and gazed at herself in the mirror. The butterflies were attached to the chain near her collarbone on either side, and continued down her chest, the bottom one nestling between her breasts in a provocative manner. The lovely colors and line of the piece, set against the low-cut neckline of the black gown was quite stunning.
She ran her finger over the delicate, glittering butterflies in awe. They were so beautiful. The fact Kane had bought this for her still touched her.
She smoothed down her dress and took a deep breath, then opened the bedroom door. The noise from the party filled the house. Soft music. People laughing and talking. She held the oak banister as she walked down the stairs. She couldn’t see Kane anywhere.
Her stomach tightened. She didn’t like stepping into this crowd of strangers. She caught sight of Will and pressed through the crowd to talk to him.
“You look lovely, River,” Will said as she approached him.
“Thank you,” she said as she stepped close.
He introduced her to the couple he’d been talking to. She shook their hands and immediately forgot their names. She really wasn’t good at this.
“Kane said you had a headache. I hope you’re feeling better,” Will said.
Her fingers brushed against her temple. “It’s not too bad now.”
He slid his arm around her waist and excused them from the other couple as he led her to a chair in the living room.
“You sit here and I’ll get you a drink,” he murmured against her ear, so she could hear him above the sounds of the party.
She nodded her thanks, and found herself sitting in the middle of the party alone.
“Hello,” a tall, platinum-blonde woman said as she sat in the chair next to River.
“Hi,” River responded. The woman was quite beautiful, in a polished, sophisticated way. Her gold dress glittered with scattered, clear sequins and her nails were done in a deep crimson red with a smattering of gold glitter.
“That’s a beautiful necklace,” the woman said with a smile.
River’s finger stroked over one of the delicate butterflies. “Thank you.”
“So do you know Kane well?” the woman asked.
“Yes, we’ve known each other since college.” River knew she should say that she was his new wife, but she didn’t feel comfortable taking the lead as hostess. In truth, she found the woman intimidating.
Will appeared in front of her, holding a flute of champagne. “Here’s your drink, River.”
“Will, sweetheart,” the woman said with a dazzling smile. “I would love a glass, too.”
“Of course,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”
The woman watched Will’s retreating back, her gaze fixed on his ass.
“He is a sexy man. I hope you don’t mind me saying so,” she said.
“No, of course not,” River answered, and realized the woman thought Will was her date.
She leaned in close to River and said conspiratorially, “Have you ever had the pleasure of”—she grinned—“being with both him and Kane together?”
River’s eyes widened.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve shocked you.” She patted River’s hand. “It’s too bad, because I have and I would love to do it again. But if you and Will are…”
“No. Will is just a friend.”
“Ah, good. Then maybe I can arrange to have the pleasure again.”
The woman’s gaze locked on something across the room and River glanced around to see Kane on the other side of the dining room, opening the patio door.
“Excuse me. I’m going to go chat with our host.”
Still in shock at the woman’s revelation, River watched her stand and walk across the room, the glamorous dress hugging her curves seductively. Should she go after her?
Will returned and glanced around. “Where’s Francoise?”
“I don’t know,” River said distractedly, watching the blonde woman go out the patio door. “I haven’t met her yet. I’m sure Kane will bring her over to meet me when she arrives.”
“River, you’ve already met her. She’s the woman you were talking to.” He held up the glass of champagne he held. “This was for her.”
Her gaze shot