“But I thought—I hoped …” Suzi turned to Jordan, who’d edged himself closer to Jill, draping his arm across her shoulders as though they’d been an item for quite some time.
“Yes?”
Suzi glanced from Jordan to Jill and then back to Jordan. Tears brimmed in her bright blue eyes. “I thought there was something special between us….”
“I’m sorry, Suzi,” he said gently.
“But Daddy seemed to think …” She left the rest unsaid as she slowly backed away. After three short steps, she turned and dashed out of the room. Jill popped another cracker in her mouth.
Several people were looking in their direction, although Jordan seemed unaware of it. Jill, however, keenly felt the interested glances. Not exactly a comfortable feeling, especially when one’s mouth was full of caviar.
After an awkward moment, conversation resumed, and Jill was able to swallow. “That was dreadful,” she muttered. “I feel sorry for the poor girl.”
“Frankly, so do I. But she’ll get over it.” He turned toward Jill. “A lot of help you were,” he grumbled. “You were stuffing down crackers like there was no tomorrow.”
“This is the first time I’ve tasted caviar. I didn’t know it was so good.”
“I didn’t bring you along to appraise the hors d’oeuvres.”
“I served my purpose,” Jill countered. “But I’m not happy about it. She’s not a bad kid.”
“Believe me,” Jordan insisted, his face tightening, “she will get over it. She’ll pout for a while, but in the end she’ll realize we did her a favor.”
“I still don’t like it.”
Now that her mission was accomplished, Jill felt free to examine the room. She wandered around a bit, sipping her champagne. The young man playing the piano caught her attention. He was good. Very good. After five years of lessons herself, Jill knew talent when she heard it. She walked over to the baby grand to compliment the pianist, and they chatted briefly about music until she saw Jordan looking for her. Jill excused herself; their meal was about to be served.
Dinner was delicious. Jill was seated beside Jordan, who was busy carrying on a conversation with a stately-looking gentleman on his other side. The man on her right, a distinguished gentleman in his mid-sixties, introduced himself as Andrew Howard. Although he didn’t acknowledge it in so many words, Jill knew he was the president of Howard Pharmaceuticals, now retired. Jill pointed out that PayRite Pharmacy, where she worked, carried a number of his company’s medications, and the two of them were quickly engaged in a lengthy conversation. By the time dessert was served Jill felt as comfortable with Mr. Howard as if she’d known him all her life.
Following a glass of brandy, Jordan seemed ready to leave.
“Thank you so much,” she told Mr. Howard as she slid back her chair. “I enjoyed our conversation immensely.”
He stood with her and clasped her hand warmly. “I did, too. If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep in touch.”
Jill smiled. “I’d enjoy that. And thank you for the invitation.”
Then she and Jordan exchanged good-nights with her dinner companion and headed for the elevator. Jordan didn’t speak until they were inside.
“What was all that with Howard?”
“Nothing. He invited me out to see his home. Apparently it’s something of a showplace.”
“He’s a bit old for you, don’t you think?”
Jill gave him an incredulous look. “Don’t be ridiculous. He assumed you and I knew each other. He just wanted me to feel welcome.” She didn’t mention that Jordan had spent the entire dinner talking with a business associate. He seemed to have all but forgotten she was with him.
“Howard invited you to his home?”
“Us, actually. You can make your excuses if you want, but I’d really like to take him up on his offer.”
“Andrew Howard and my father were good friends. My father passed away several years back, and Howard likes to keep track of the projects I’m involved with. He’s gone in on the occasional deal.”
“He’s a sweet man. Did you know he lost his only son to cancer? It’s the reason his company’s done so much in the field of cancer research. His son’s death changed his life.”
“I had no idea.” Jordan was obviously astounded that he’d known Andrew Howard for so many years and hadn’t realized he’d lost a child. “You learned this over dinner?”
“Good grief, dinner lasted nearly two hours.” She sighed deeply and pressed her hands to her stomach. “I’m stuffed. I’ll never sleep unless I walk off some of this food.”
“It would’ve helped if you hadn’t eaten half the hors d’oeuvres all by yourself.”
Jill decided to ignore that comment.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Jordan surprised her by asking.
“Not in the least, as long as you promise not to make any more remarks about hors d’oeuvres. Or lecture me about the dangers of swimming at night.”
Jordan grinned. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
They walked through the lobby and out of the hotel toward the beach. The surf thundered against the shore, slapping the sand, then retreating. Jill found the rhythmic sounds relaxing.
“What sort of project do you have planned for Hawaii?” she asked after a few minutes.
“A shopping complex.”
Although he’d answered her question, his expression was preoccupied. “Why the frown?” she asked.
He shot a quick glance her way. “The Lundquists seem to have some sort of hidden agenda,” he said.
“You said Daddy’s grooming Junior to take your place,” Jill prompted.
“It looks like I’m headed for a proxy fight, which is an expensive and costly proposition for everyone involved. For now, I have the controlling interest, but by no means do I have control.”
“This trip to Hawaii?”
“Is strictly business. I just wish I knew what’s going on behind my back.”
“Good luck with it.” This was a world far removed from Jill’s.
“Thanks.” He grinned and suddenly seemed to leave his worries behind.
They strolled for several minutes in companionable silence. The breeze was warm, the moon full and bright, and the rhythm of the ocean waves went on and on.
“I suppose I should go back,” Jill said reluctantly. She had a full day planned, beginning first thing in the morning, and although she didn’t feel the least bit tired, she knew she should get some sleep.
“Me, too.”
They altered their meandering course in the direction of the hotel, their shoes sinking into the moist sand.
“Thanks for your help with Suzi Lundquist.”
“Anytime. Just say the word and I’ll be there, especially if there’s caviar involved.” She felt guilty, however, about the young and vulnerable Suzi. Jordan had been gentle with her; nevertheless, Jill’s sympathy went out to the girl. “I feel kind of bad for Suzi.”
Jordan sighed. “The girl just won’t take no for an answer.”
“Do you?”
“What do you mean?”
Jill