Condemned (2 page)

Chapter Three

“Remind me how much I hate this shit if I’m ever stupid
enough to agree to something so degrading again,” Brett muttered to Jesse as
they waited backstage.

“Relax,” Jesse urged. “You said yourself how good the
publicity would be for the station.”

“Screw the station.”

“You don’t mean that. Think about your email lady instead.
Aren’t you looking forward to talking with her in person? Don’t forget to
flutter your hands.”

Brett groaned. “Damn, I never should have told you about
her. I wish I had replied to that one from yesterday. She may say she has
nothing in mind other than dinner but right now, I feel as if I’ve been set up
for something more. I’m not so sure I like it either.”

“I’m surprised. I never expected you to be nervous when
faced with an opportunity like this. You’ve been going on for months about how
nice it is to have a woman who is capable of seeing you for who you are. I’d
think you’d be chomping at the bit to get out there.”

“I am I guess. It’s just, I don’t know. What if she doesn’t
like me after she meets me?”

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Jesse declared. He was
more worried that Brett would screw up the chance he was being given. When
Brett had shown him the first message, Jesse had checked on the sender out of
concern for his friend. He was surprised when he’d learned her identity. As her
emails continued, he’d come to admire her determination. She’d found a way to
capture Brett’s interest, knowing she might not otherwise. The woman in
question was a treasure that Brett had never recognized. Hopefully, tonight
he’d remember all the comments he’d made and look deeper than he had in the
past. If not, Jesse feared his friend would miss out on someone very special.

“Why aren’t you at least a little anxious about doing this?”
Brett interrupted his thoughts.

“One, I’m not nearly as interesting to this crowd as you
are. Two, I’m looking forward to talking to whoever it is that wins my bid. I
can’t wait to find out why someone would choose me over the rest of you. Three,
I’m much better at hiding my emotions than you are. The truth is I’d rather be
just about anywhere than here. This is to help kids like Max. If we keep that
in mind, we can make it through a couple of hours of anything.”

Brett nodded as he was told he was next. When he moved into
the spotlight, Jesse added silently that he already had his winner secured and
didn’t have to be concerned. Well, he didn’t have to worry if Brett’s bid ended
the way it was supposed to. If someone other than his mystery lady won, Jesse’s
alternate plan would need to be set into motion and that outcome wasn’t as
certain as his first was.

Andrea Sloan sat quietly and waited for Brett to be
announced. What had possessed her to attempt something so harebrained? Who was
she kidding here? Brett Hudson had no interest in her. He’d made that
abundantly clear, frequently, during the time she’d known him. He’d dismissed
her the first time he’d laid eyes on her when she’d arrived at her Great Aunt
Sadie’s months earlier. He tolerated her company when Sadie was with them but
disappeared as soon as it seemed they’d be alone. Too bad she’d fallen in love
at first sight. Andie knew Brett would like her if he ever let himself get past
her less-than-model-perfect appearance. There was much they could share but she
knew him well enough to know he always went for looks first. She knew he
wouldn’t give her the opportunity to show him how good they could be together.

As she watched him stroll across the stage, flashing his
smile at the audience, Andie refused to let herself chicken out. She’d come up
with this idea so Brett could get to know her well enough to hopefully make him
want to spend more time with her even though she didn’t have the looks he
preferred. He hadn’t replied to her offers to end her game so she couldn’t
become a coward now. She had to bid on him and hold him to the promised dinner
where she would explain her actions to him. It was her only chance to have his
undivided attention and she would do it no matter how humiliated she might be
by the end of the evening.

Unfortunately, there was as much bidding for Brett as she
anticipated. When the price crossed three thousand dollars, her heart sank.
Even though she had told Brett she was financially secure, she was reaching the
limit of her easily accessed cash. Most of her competition had dropped out, so
she thought she might still have a shot at winning. She was top bid and about
to be declared the winner when she heard a new voice behind her double her
offer. She turned with the rest of the audience to see a stunning blonde
sauntering toward the front of the room to claim her prize. The woman was
wearing a royal blue sequined dress that completely covered her but managed to
leave no doubts about what would be found beneath it. How had she let herself
be foolish enough to think that a woman like that would let Brett be won by
someone like her?

Andie forced herself to smile when Brett met her eyes and
shrugged even though she could see the relief on his face. Whatever made her
believe that all it would take was a few words and Brett would abandon all he
sought in favor of her? Raising her chin another notch, determined not to let
Brett see her disappointment, Andie was startled when someone placed a hand on
her arm.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” A petite woman smiled at her.
“This is for you.” She was handed a piece of paper. “Please, read it now and do
exactly as it says.”

When Andie unfolded the note and would have looked back to
the woman she discovered she was alone.

Andie
, the paper read,
No matter what it takes,
win my bid. I will reimburse you for any amount. We need to talk. Re: Charity
Auction. Jesse.
Andie felt the blood drain from her face as she read the
bottom of the note.
P.S. Brett is a blind fool.

Jesse knew! He knew and he wanted to talk to her. Andie began
to panic. She couldn’t face him ever again. She had to get out of there.
Immediately. As she turned to the nearest exit, intending to run, she collided
with the woman who had given her his note.

“You need to let yourself trust Jesse,” she said softly as she
blocked the path to the door.

“Who— How—”Andie felt her face flush with embarrassment.

“Cousin Holly.” She extended her hand with the same kind
smile as before. “I was supposed to win him after you got Brett. Jesse was
worried about you though, so he wasn’t taking any chances. He made me promise
to give that to you if someone else took Brett away from you. I’m only to bid
if you don’t. I’d guess that means he has a plan and intends to help you.”

“But…”

“Look, I don’t know what-all is going on here. My cousin is
infuriating in the way he only gives out enough information to accomplish his
goal. I know Brett is one of the few people he trusts enough to consider a
friend. I’m not entirely sure how you fit in but something Brett is doing to
you has Jesse angrier than I’ve seen him in a long time. I don’t know how well
you know Jesse but I can assure you he doesn’t offer to help just anybody. I’d
say that means you must be pretty special. If he’s willing to get involved, he
must feel very strongly about this. May I recommend you at least hear him out?”

“I don’t think I understand.”

“I don’t either but I must admit that I’m very intrigued.”
Holly smiled warmly. “Hell, he didn’t even tell me your name but now at least I
can see why he sounded so protective when he asked me to help him with this.”

“What?”

Holly laughed. “You have a quality about you. It makes me
wonder who you are, who you really are, not who you let show on the surface.
What’s your name?”

“Andrea Sloan, uh, Andie.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Andie Sloan. I hope you’ll
tell me all about this when it’s over.” Holly slid her card into Andie’s hand.
“Call me sometime soon. You already feel like a friend and I can’t wait to hear
your story. There’s Jesse. You are bidding, aren’t you?”

Andie nodded at the expectant look on Holly’s face. When she
won, she realized she was alone again. In a daze, she walked to the area next
to the stage where she would be introduced to her bachelor.

Brett was standing next to the woman who’d won his bid, with
the other couples, waiting to be paraded across the stage one last time. He
watched as Jesse swept Andie into a hug, kissing her cheek. Briefly, a flash of
something he could only label as possessiveness flickered through his mind. He
dismissed it as quickly as it appeared, deciding it was just his ego. Here he’d
thought Andie wanted him when it was Jesse she was after all along. She must
have been bidding on him to drive up the amount the hospital would receive for
research, knowing someone else would top her offer.

Brett didn’t permit himself to wonder at the jealousy he
felt when the woman he’d been avoiding for months gifted his friend with a
smile he hadn’t noticed before. His own date was saying something to him and,
since she was his mystery woman, he needed to give her his undivided attention.
Why, then, did Brett find his thoughts returning to the other couple?

It didn’t help his frame of mind when Jesse and Andie turned
down his invitation to join them for a drink. The reason given was that they
wanted a quiet walk alone to talk. They claimed to be nervous with one another
but from the way they were behaving they sure seemed comfortable enough. Added
to that, he felt the fool for thinking Andie had eyes for him. He couldn’t
believe how wrong he’d been with that. Just another example of the toll his
life was taking on him.

Chapter Four

Jesse waited at the door to Sadie Brown’s home for someone
to answer the bell. When Sadie appeared, he asked sheepishly, “Am I still
welcome here?”

“Of course. Come in. Andie will be down in a minute and I
want a word with you first.” Sadie led him into her late husband’s study,
seating herself behind his imposing desk.

Jesse understood the significance of the gesture and
remained standing until she motioned for him to sit. “I take it Andie told you
what I’m hoping to help her accomplish.”

“Yes, she did.” Sadie paused to glare at him. “What makes
you so certain this little plan of yours is going to be successful? Most people
don’t take kindly to being manipulated. I should know.”

“We’re not exactly manipulating Brett into anything. All I
intend to do is give Andie the opportunity to relax and be herself around him.
I’m sure you’ve noticed how jumpy and unnatural she is when he’s in the same
room. I’m just giving her some moral support so she can be comfortable and act
like she does with the rest of us. I think your niece is a real sweetheart.
Brett knows that on some level, even though he refuses to let himself see it.
He’s afraid of what she represents and is hiding from what I’m positive is
inevitable. All Brett needs is a pressure-free situation to see how great Andie
is. I plan on providing that. I really don’t see any of that as being
manipulative, do you?” Jesse waited for her response.

“No, but your comments bring a question to mind.” Sadie
stared at him steadily. “If you know Andrea is as truly wonderful as I do, why
are you pushing her toward the playboy? I’ve always found you to be a charming
young man yourself. Jordan respects you and that’s a good enough reference for
me.”

“I did consider pursuing Andie at one point. The notion flew
right out of my head the instant I was in the same room with both of them. I
couldn’t help but notice that your niece is head over heels in love with Brett.
I suspect she has been from the moment they met. At times, I can’t believe he
hasn’t realized it yet because her feelings radiate from her so strongly that
they’re almost tangible. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Andie. I know I’ll enjoy
the time we spend together while we’re working on this and I’ll probably miss
her company once Brett comes to his senses.

“As Jordan may have mentioned, I don’t allow myself the
luxury of friendship often. She’s too special to ignore. I doubt if romance
would be an option for us even without Brett in her heart but I would like a
place in her life. I want her in mine. She’s such a warm, caring, giving woman
and I’m honored that she’s willing to share herself with me. You know, not
everyone can accept the way I live my life. Andie is always happy to see me
when I turn up and never questions me when I don’t. She’s a rare treasure and
I’m honored that she trusts me enough to let me help with this.”

“Oh God,” Andie groaned as she appeared in the doorway.
“Aunt Sadie, you promised not to attack Jesse.”

Jesse sprang out of his chair to face her. “Your aunt didn’t
attack me at all, Andie. She’s justifiably concerned and wanted a few
reassurances that I have your best interests at heart and…” His voice faded as
he looked at her.

“Jesse?” Andie asked timidly.

“Wow.” He whistled softly.

Sadie snorted. “See? What did I tell you?”

Andie blushed as Jesse circled her. “After we talked this
morning, Aunt Sadie decided my wardrobe could use a little sprucing up. We went
shopping and found a few things.”

“Oh, man.” Jesse whistled again. “Are you sure I can’t tempt
you away from Brett? I’m going to have trouble remembering that we’re doing
this for his benefit with you looking so delectable.”

“Jesse! Stop teasing me.” Andie blushed as she put her hand
on his arm.

“Young man,” Sadie interrupted fiercely. “May I remind you
that that’s my niece you are devouring with your eyes?”

“Forgive me, ladies. Miss Sadie, I promise Andie is
perfectly safe with me. My attentions will remain pure and any physical contact
will be friendly in nature.” Andie rolled her eyes as Sadie nodded with
satisfaction at his response. “Seriously, Andie, you look absolutely stunning.
I mean, you always look good but that is perfect, you know, soft and alluring
but classy and approachable all at the same time.”

“Thank you.” Sadie smiled at her niece. “I tried to tell her
that in the store but you saying it is so much more convincing.”

“You sure it’s okay? I still think it might be too plain.”

“Not at all,” Jesse replied instantly. “Consider what Tish
wore to the auction last night.”

“She looked gorgeous.”

“Yeah, but that dress was way much too much. She may have
pulled it off without looking ridiculous but you have to agree that it was on
the flashy side. I suspect that she doesn’t know the meaning of subtle and
understated. She may be the epitome of glamour but beside your natural beauty
and warmth, she’ll come across as gaudy, cold, and fake.”

“Somehow I doubt that.” Andie clearly didn’t share his
opinion.

“Trust me on this one please.” Jesse looked her over
appreciatively again. “As a man, I find you so much more attractive than
someone like Tish every time.”

“But will Brett? He gravitates to flash, remember?”

“He’s a damn fool!” Jesse declared hotly.

“Listen to the boy, Andie dear,” Sadie added. “You look
lovely and the other items we chose today are equally flattering as well as
practical. What good is all that money Jordan keeps making me if you won’t let
me indulge from time to time?”

“Aunt Sadie, I’m sorry if I seem unappreciative. I shouldn’t
be so ungrateful. You’re too kind to me.”

“Nonsense, child. I don’t have a kind bone in my body. Ask
anyone. Now why don’t you two get out of here and go dazzle the idiot? Jesse, I
expect you to give this girl the attention she deserves. Make the playboy
squirm. It’ll be good for him to know he’s not the only man in the room for a
change.”

“I’ll do my best.” Jesse winked wickedly as he held his arm
out to Andie. “If I’m right, he’ll be questioning his former need for distance
by the time the entrées are served.”

* * * * *

Brett and Tish were already seated when Jesse ushered Andie
into the restaurant. The establishment’s soft lighting and subdued atmosphere
provided the perfect background for her new outfit. Jesse saw Brett frowning as
he glanced between Tish in the garish red costume she was poured into that
evening and Andie. He wondered if Brett shared his opinion, that the skin-tight
dress and extensive makeup made Tish seem as if she was trying too hard to draw
attention to herself.

“Thanks.” Andie smiled sweetly when Jesse held her chair.
“Nice to see you again, Tish. Brett, it was so kind of you to invite us to join
you at the last minute.”

“No problem,” Brett muttered as he watched Jesse’s hand
cover the hand Andie rested on the table.

“I tried to tell Andie you two hit it off so well that our
company wouldn’t be an intrusion,” Jesse said smoothly, not giving Tish the
opportunity to comment. “Unfortunately, we’re not as lucky as you are. I
thought being with a friend and seeing how comfortable you are together might
help Andie relax.”

“Jesse!”

Tish leaned forward. “Just ignore him. He means well but men
can be so insensitive sometimes.”

“Thanks, Tish but I think Jesse is very sensitive with the
way he arranged this evening with my comfort in mind.” Andie let her gaze drift
over Brett and linger on Jesse. “I’m just not as poised in new situations as
you seem to be.”

Tish preened. “It is a gift,” she stated proudly. “We’ll
talk later, just us girls. I can give you some pointers that you might find
helpful.”

Jesse fought back a laugh at the look on Brett’s face. He
obviously wondered what Tish could possibly teach Andie. “If my opinion
matters,” he interrupted, “I think you’re charming. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Thank you both but perhaps we could talk about something
more interesting? How was your week, Brett? Aunt Sadie mentioned you stayed in
the city.”

“For a change.” Brett couldn’t decide if her eyes had always
sparkled so much or if Jesse was the inspiration. “I had a slew of meetings
this week to get out of the way.”

Over their dinner, they discussed Brett’s current
occupations. When it seemed he was having trouble hiding his concerns, Brett
turned the focus of the conversation to Tish. After a lengthy monologue on all
the various charities she was active in, Tish apparently decided it was time to
charm Brett by showing her willingness to accept his friends.

Smiling sweetly, Tish began, “Forgive me, but I feel I’m at
a bit of a disadvantage here. You all know each other and I’m an outsider.
Perhaps you could indulge me and tell me what it is you do.” She looked
expectantly at Andie.

After listening to all the things Tish was involved in,
Andie frowned. When she heard Tish’s question and cringed, Jesse tightened his
hand around the fingers he had been absently toying with, sensing her
discomfort and hoping to give her courage. “I’m giving piano lessons right now.
I was a substitute music teacher the past two years but I haven’t found a
permanent position yet,” she replied in a dull tone.

“Oh my!” Tish exclaimed as if she found Andrea’s occupation
fascinating. “I admire people like you. I don’t think I would want to subject
myself to the way substitutes are treated. I’m sure that hasn’t changed since I
was in school.” Dismissing Andie, she switched to Jesse. “Your turn.”

“I install security systems,” he answered blandly.

“You mean burglar alarms?” Tish didn’t quite manage to
conceal what she thought of that.

“Yeah, you could say that.” He shrugged, glancing at Brett
as if he dared him to say more. “Will you excuse us? I see some others are
dancing and I find myself not able to resist the temptation. Andie?” He held
out his hand to her as he rose.

Giving her a moment to calm down on the dance floor, Jesse
stroked her back lightly. “Whatever’s going through your mind right now, I want
you to stop it.”

“I can’t help it. I feel like such a useless blob.”

“Why are you letting her get to you like this?”

“Didn’t you see the way he was looking at her while she
talked?”

“He was showing interest in a new acquaintance. Andie,
listen to me. She’s a spoiled brat who’s never honestly worked at anything. So
what if she can drop a few names? I bet if I checked into it, I’d find that Ms.
Michaels contributes very little. She’s decoration. Brett, on the other hand,
has worked damn hard to get where he is. He admires that quality in people. I
know he does. And you, my dear, are working just as hard. You have the ability
to reach people and share something you love with them. Last night, you told me
your mother wanted you to do more. If you had listened and ended up playing
keyboards for some star musician, you might be famous now. Instead, you chose
to give others a chance to find something special. Once Brett gets over the
fluff he’s going to realize there’s not that much to Tish.”

“But look at her.” Andie nodded toward the other couple who
had joined them on the dance floor.

“Glitzy fluff,” Jesse declared. “You’re better.”

“Oh come on! How can you say that? I’m not blind and neither
are you. You can see what her body’s like.”

“Sure,” he agreed. “Let me make a purely male observation
for you. Yes, Tish looks hot. Yes, Tish has a great body. I doubt if it’s all
real. Think about this for a minute. Say you’re a guy and you entice Tish to
join you in a more intimate setting. Once you peel her out of that dress, it’s
over. There’s nothing more to unwrap. She’s killed the anticipation. You may
want her, with the way she’s teasing right now, especially since most other
guys are looking at her with lust and you with envy. As a man, I should point
out here that if you care about the woman you’re with, you certainly don’t want
her flaunting herself like Tish is.

“You, on the other hand,” Jesse caressed her cheek, “are so
enticing. That peachy color makes you look so soft and feminine. With your
brown hair and tan, you look so wholesome. You don’t even seem to be trying…”

“I’m not.” Andie blushed.

“I know and that makes you even sexier. That dress shows how
shapely you are without really defining it. There’s something for a guy to look
forward to if you decide to take the evening further. When your man finally
pulls himself away from that full mouth of yours long enough to lift that dress
off you, there’s everything you’re wearing underneath it to add to the reward.”
Andie couldn’t contain her giggle at the way Jesse was speaking to her. She
didn’t see it, but the sound drew Brett’s attention instantly. “Describe your
lingerie.”

“Jesse!”

“I’m serious, Andie.” Jesse surprised her with a quick kiss.
“Tease me. Tell me what I’d find if I were the guy lucky enough for you to gift
with your body.”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Oh you can. You will. Be wanton and torment me. I know you
have it in you,” he urged, pleased with the flush that was spreading over her
features. “Pretend I’m him. Trust me, Andie. Tell me.”

“Well… Tell me what you think Tish has on first.”

“Nothing. Not a damn thing. Not even any stockings to fuel a
fantasy. Now you, I bet you’re even wearing some sort of slip.” He ran his hand
more firmly across her back. “I’d say it’s a full length one.”

“Okay.” She looked up at him with trust in her eyes. “You’re
right. I do have on a full slip. It’s ivory silk.”

“And under it?”

“Under it,” she gulped, “I’m wearing thigh-high stockings,
not pantyhose.” Jesse groaned and pulled her against his chest. “I have on a
bra and panty set.”

“What color? Lace or silk? Thong? Front or back hook?”

“Ivory. Front hook bra. God, I can’t believe I’m telling you
this.”