Bid Me Now (11 page)

She had only just turned toward the kitchen when Bree and Abe walked in. “Thank God you’re here,” she hissed as Bree leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek.
 

“Is Marcus hitting on you?” giggled Bree into her ear.

“Kind of. Don’t leave me until other guests arrive.” As Bree chortled in glee, Miri grabbed her arm. “I’m serious! He’s acting so weird.”

At least she didn’t have to wait long. People drifted in, and by twenty past, the lobby was full of chattering guests, their voices resounding off the expansive marble floor, making it difficult for anyone to be heard.

After shaking so many hands and saying “thank you” a hundred times, Miri had finally managed to push thoughts of Nick to the background. Well, almost. It might have lasted a little longer if hadn’t been for Abe poking her in the side to look at the very large Janice Patterson dressed in a floral tent.
 

Miri’s gaze found Nick chatting with a small group a few feet from the door. At his height, he was hard to miss. In an immaculate dark suit and white open-necked business shirt, he was, without a doubt, one beautiful man. His listeners obviously agreed, if their admiring stares were anything to go by.

Miri tipped her head to get a better view of his strong profile. The fact that he hadn’t sought her out on arrival made him seem almost elusive. Sexy elusive. Miri could barely move as she soaked up every inch of him. He’d come here tonight for her. Did that make it a date? Miri hoped it did.

As if sensing her, Nick turned and looked directly at her, the barest of smiles curving the corners of his mouth. She jumped at being caught staring. He seemed to know her every move. How did he do that?

 
Miri smiled and swayed on her wedges, hoping she looked exactly how she felt. Aroused. Ready.

“I’ve been looking at your Nick.” Alex’s signature perfume speared Miri’s lust-stupefied brain before she’d even registered the words. “He’s everything that Bree said and more.”

Miri forced her mind back to the moment. Finding a neutral expression under Alex’s probing stare was never an easy task.
 

“Have you been introduced? I don’t know when he arrived.” Miri was too scared to look back at Nick. If the heat in her face was anything to go by, she had to be bright red, and Alex had to know the reason.

Alex, as usual, got to the point. “Bree said you two went out to dinner a couple of nights ago. Did he mention the mill?”
 

“No, we didn’t discuss the mill. By the way, where did you buy that gorgeous suit?” Miri slid a finger along the lapel of Alex’s white jacket. “Is it Dior?”

“Don’t try to change the subject, Marisa.” Alex pursed her red lips thoughtfully, nudged Miri’s chin up with a scarlet-tipped forefinger, and studied her like a specimen on a laboratory slide. “You’re all aroused, my dear. Interesting.”

Miri reddened a little more. The woman was as discreet as a strip-o-gram. “For goodness sake, don’t you ever forget about sex for a single moment?” she half-growled, half-laughed, flicking Alex’s hand away.
 

Alex arched a brow as if the question was bizarre. “Occasionally, but another time for that conversation. Right now, I need to talk to your Mr. Brannagh.”
 

“Why do you want to…?” She trailed off as Alex silenced her with a dismissive wink and swayed across the room toward her target, who by this time had been cornered by Janice Patterson.

Miri sighed. Alex would soon break that up.

“Have you noticed Marcus is wearing a belt with suspenders? Isn’t that some kind of fashion
faux pas
?” Bree asked, sidling alongside Miri.

“Probably, but he always wears both. Where is he, by the way?”

“Talking to the mayor and giving your Nick the evil eye.”
 

Oh, hell. Marcus definitely had an anguished look about him. “I didn’t tell him that Nick would be here. He doesn’t look happy.”

“Some understatement. He’s about to bust those suspenders. You sly baggage, inviting Nick and keeping it quiet.”

Miri felt a surge of guilt. She should have told Marcus about Nick when she’d had the chance. But it wasn’t as if she and Marcus were an item. “Anyway,” she said, determined not to drop her mood, “are you and Abe enjoying the evening?”

“Yeah, it’s absolutely fucking fantastic. Have you kissed Nick yet?”

“Of course not. I haven’t even had a chance to speak to him. Besides, Alex has him cornered.” She turned to watch Alex talking animatedly to Nick, smiling her best smile up at him. He didn’t seem interested.

“He looks like he can more than handle her. You want something to eat?”

The mention of food made Miri’s stomach rumble. Following the ever hungry Bree to the hors d’oeuvres, she flicked a glance to her watch again. Close to eight-thirty. Too late for food, but just time enough to use the bathroom before the unveiling.
 

Abandoning Bree, she was partway across the lobby, having successfully fended off a group of guests who wanted her attention, when Alex intercepted her outside the bathroom.

“I need to talk to you, my sweet.”
 

“Oh, can it wait? The unveiling is in a couple of minutes, and I have to powder my nose.”
 

“Well, all right. But I
will
see you later. It’s important. Good luck, darling. You’ve done a wonderful job.” Alex gave her a quick hug before melting back into the crowd, leaving Miri to go to the bathroom.
 

By the time she’d emerged, people had gathered around the sculpture in anticipation. Marcus stood in front, eyeing his gathered audience with a look of unsuppressed pride. Miri crumpled a little at the prospect of having to smile and shake a million hands all over again. She walked through the crowd to join him, the hum of voices receding as she came to a stop next to him. Then, without warning, Marcus took her hand and curled it up to his side, squeezing her fingers possessively. Lord, what was he playing at now?

Miri retrieved her hand as casually as she could manage with ninety people staring at them. What had gotten into Marcus was anyone’s guess, but he was definitely acting strangely. She watched him check his speech notes, then begin to speak. Considering how he liked to talk and his enthusiasm for the Egg Beater, he did manage to keep his speech to less than nine minutes. Half a minute short of mind-numbing.

“So I give you the
Circle of Life
.” Marcus pulled the cover away.
 

Miri knew her latest commission was good, but she wasn’t prepared for the loud gasps from the crowd, followed by the roar of approval and thunderous applause that went on and on. She had to admit that it did look dazzling. Every concentric circle gleamed under the display spotlights, the multicolored enamel perfectly setting off the delicate latticework.

“Congratulations, Miri.” Marcus stood back and applauded her, his eyes roaming warmly all over her. Miri tried to turn away when he closed the gap between them, but he quickly took her hand, leaving her no choice but to stand close to his side. So much for respecting personal space. With a small, almost hesitant smile, he bent his head to deliver the congratulatory kiss and, expecting it on the cheek, Miri inclined her face to his. Her eyes scanned the crowd for Nick.
 

Marcus moved so fast, Miri didn’t see it coming. A quick slide of Marcus’ free hand around her waist to turn her, his mouth finding hers in a flash, his body bending her back so she was trapped against him.
 

Oh, God, at least he hadn’t put his tongue in her mouth, but he still had a decent taste of her. By the time he’d released her, everyone was clapping again, and Janice Patterson was shouting out in her typically boisterous manner that they made a beautiful couple and Marcus was smirking like his bad mood had just gotten a whole lot better.
 

Miri felt her throat constrict as if she’d swallowed an oversized bubble of air. She parted her lips to speak, but nothing came out. On the other hand, Marcus was beaming like he had just won something. Her.
 

Numb with shock, Miri watched Marcus turn, his eyes carefully searching among the crowd. Following his gaze, her heart somersaulted when she saw his target. Nick stood at the back of the group, hands in pockets, legs braced wide apart, his gray eyes flints.

Marcus turned back to Miri, flashed her a triumphant grin, and then addressed his audience. “As you can see, Miri and I are thrilled that you could be here tonight. Please stay for as long as you like. There’s plenty of food and champagne left.”
 

As the crowd moved away to look at the Egg Beater in detail, Miri stood absolutely still, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Was this some kind of payback over the dinner at Jean-Paul’s? He’d always been so kind and considerate. Sure, he’d asked her out many times, but he’d never touched her or even tried to touch her.

As if hearing her thoughts, Marcus moved in to give her a hug, but Miri took a sharp step back in warning. So sharply, her feet almost gave way. She stared at the floor, hearing him give a small apologetic cough to the guests still gathered around. “Can you give us a couple of minutes, folks? Our artist is a little overcome.”

Overcome? More like ripping mad. She refused to look up as Marcus continued making thank-you noises to guests as they hovered around the sculpture. When she finally braved a look at everyone, Nick was nowhere to be seen.
 

Marcus bent to her ear, his voice heavy with contrition. “Miri…look, I shouldn’t have kissed you in front of everyone. It was just impulse. You’re so beautiful, and I’m so proud of you and what you’ve achieved.” He gestured in the direction of the sculpture. “After we’ve finished here, would you let me take you to supper tonight? A small celebration. Anywhere you choose.”
 

Miri was beginning to wonder if Marcus had completely lost it. He just didn’t seem to get it at all. Looking around at the guests, she saw that most had moved away to find more food and wine. Alex had disappeared as well.
 

Miri cleared her throat, frantically thinking of something to say that would put a stop to the whole thing. “I’m afraid…ouch!” she yelped at Bree’s sharp jab in the ribs.
 

“Actually, Marcus, we already have plans for a late supper with friends at the Art House, haven’t we, Miri?”

Thank goodness, Bree to the rescue. “Actually, yes, we’re booked, so I’m afraid you’ll have to make other arrangements,” confirmed Miri with a politeness that had the effect of fading Marcus’ pleading grimace. “Anyway, if you’ll excuse me for a few minutes…”

If Marcus didn’t like her plans, he didn’t bother to argue as she made a swift one-eighty on a heel, mouthed a “thank you” to Bree, and headed for the kitchen to find ice water and solitude.

When she put her head through the kitchen entrance, the caterers were still trying to destroy the stainless steel, so she stole into the adjacent supplies room. Resting her face against a stack of photocopier paper boxes, she pictured Nick in his BMW on his way back to his hotel or wherever he might have gone. Her whole being ached at the loss of him. She would gladly give away the whole evening just to be with him.

“Miri, you are amazing.” Nick was behind her, his warm breath grazing her cheek as she felt him slip his hand over hers, turning her to him.

He was here, his gray eyes smiling down at her, his gorgeous mouth curved in a soft grin.
 

“Nick, I thought you had…had…” Her words stuttered to a stop. “Thank you,” she added shyly.
 

“Are you okay? That was some show.” He tucked one side of her hair behind her shoulder, and she angled her face to his touch.
 

As she looked up at him, her giddy relief at his presence made it difficult to answer. “I’m…fine. Marcus didn’t realize what he was doing…” She stopped, knowing Nick wouldn’t believe her words any more than she did. “I don’t know what got into him,” she finished lamely.

Nick shrugged. “He was just marking his territory for my benefit. But it wasn’t respectful. I can thump the jackass if you like.”
 

Of course he could. So easily. “Oh, no, that’s not necessary…” She stopped when she saw a trace of laughter in his eyes, but even then she couldn’t be sure that he was joking. “I’m sure he won’t do it again. But he really glared at you.”

“Uh-huh, felt it clear across the room.”

“Oh, God, how awful.” She looked at his tailored white shirt, inspecting the buttons in a neat vertical line in front of her. What a pity none were undone. “Did you meet many people before the unveiling?” she asked, wondering if he would mention his conversation with Alex.

“Well, I talked to your Arts Committee chairperson, Janice. I thought she was going to ask me for a date. A few others, including your friend Abe.”

Maybe it was a good thing he hadn’t mentioned Alex. A little of Alex could go a long way, and she’d had her fill tonight. Besides, Alex had disappeared, apparently taken away by something important, which in Alex’s world could be anything from meeting a man to a two-point drop in the Dow. A quick catch-up call tomorrow morning would do.

 
“Mariette Hastings wasn’t here tonight, did you notice?” Miri asked, still inspecting Nick’s buttons.
 

“No Mariette,” Nick agreed with a quiet chuckle. “Your client had someone else in mind for tonight. Anyway, I want to know about your art. Miri, you are an artistic and technical genius. How did you do the calculations for those sections?”

“Computer-aided design software,” she murmured absentmindedly, staring harder at his buttons. Would it be too forward to undo one? Then another?
 

 
“Right. I thought you must use a CAD system. It’s an incredible work.” He laughed again. “Are you listening? You seem to be thinking about something else.”
 

“What? Oh, yes, I’m listening.” Now would be perfect if Nick kissed her.
 

“What would you like to do now? Go back to your friends? Or I can take you home if you don’t have a ride. You must be worn out.”