admiring smile.
Jackson never mentioned he’d been a prosecuting attorney in Le Grand for years, and Olivia knew him well enough to know he could care less about the conclusions people might make about him. They made small talk over dinner. Nick seemed personable, thus far, and Xavier appeared to be over his displeasure with his earlier questioning. The food was delicious, and he was able to assess the family dynamics, specifically Nick’s character. The three Wentworths looked as if they were relatively comfortable with each other, in a superficial sort of way.
“It might be fun for the three of you to go out after dinner,” Xavier said. “Nick, maybe you could show them around town.”
Nick swallowed his mouthful of steak too soon. Stretching his neck, he gulped before getting any words out. “I’d love to.”
“Great, what do you think Jackson?” Olivia said.
“Fine with me.” He draped his arm over her chair, leaned back, and continued to observe their interactions.
“Ah, shit.” Nick said as is head dropped to the side. He grimaced, pinching his forehead with his fingers.
“Oh, Lord,” Angela added and looked in every direction, avoiding the sexy red head coming their way. She stopped as the woman came closer and glared at Nick. “She has some nerve. Get rid of her.” She turned to Xavier. “Xavier?”
Xavier raised his brow and opened his hands with a shrug delivering the universal ‘what the hell would you like me to do about it’ gesture. Nick appeared to be over it and smiled as she approached.
The woman flipped her phony red hair over her shoulder and sat her abundant ass on the chair between Jackson and Nick. She slung her arm casually around the back of Nick’s chair. Leaning in, she flashed him a choice view of the cleavage spilling from her sausage-tight, emerald dress. “All alone again tonight, Nick?” she said in a sultry voice. “Where’s that wife of yours been hiding?”
Nick pulled his salad fork from his mouth, leaned back into his chair and patted his lips with his napkin. “Now, Stephanie, what would be the point of her hiding, if I knew where she was? I rather like a mystery.” He dragged his finger along the neckline of her dress, smiling. “Don’t you?” The only response he got was the budding of her nipples beneath the thin fabric of her dress.
Things were getting interesting. No doubt Jackson would get the slant on Nick’s character now. He couldn’t quite place where this little interruption was going.
Red-faced, Angela shook her head and smiled. “Oh Nick, really. Of course he knows where she is. Kinsley’s in Florida visiting relatives with Max.” She toyed with her silverware keeping her eyes lowered as she spoke. “Her mother’s been ill.”
Jackson looked from Xavier to Olivia to Angela. All three straightened up and became quiet. Their eyes wandered about the table. The only one looking at anyone was Jackson, and he wasn’t going to miss the show. He hadn’t been expecting entertainment, but Nick’s initial response to seeing this gorgeous red head didn’t seem favorable, and Angela’s lying sweetened the mix. Sitting right next to them was like having a box seat.
The woman was cozying up to Nick in a big way, but it appeared she wasn’t someone who warranted an introduction. She pulled him in closer and whispered in his ear. “Take me for a ride when you finish up here.”
Nick’s expression turned dreamy, except for the sly grin paired with the light in his eyes. “I suppose I could take you for a ride,” he said, speaking in an oddly normal volume, in contrast to her whispering.
“You certainly have before,” she whispered, a little louder this time as she played her fingers in the nape of his loosely curled, collar-length hair.
Nick looked into her eyes and placed the back of his hand softly against her cheek.
The two had the entire table’s attention, except for Olivia’s. She kept knocking Jackson’s leg with her own under the table. He supposed she wanted him to stop staring. Good luck with that. He had a hunch this was going to be one of the most interesting family dinners he’d ever attended.
So, I’ll meet you later at the bar?” she said to Nick.
“I’d love to meet you.” The back of his hand slid slowly from her cheek to the curve of her neck. “Except I can’t because you just reminded me of something.”
She smiled, lifting one shoulder. A modern day Marilyn Monroe. “What’s that Nick?”
One brow rose, and he pitched