Breathless on the Beach

He nodded. “And his wife, Emily. Charming couple. They really—”

“I’m sorry.” Victoria could hardly believe she was interrupting him, but it was vital she dispel her delusion before anyone noticed she was on the verge of panicking. “Not the same Peter Standish who works at Coleman?”

Richard smiled as if he’d given her a particularly clever gift. “The very same. All one, big, happy family.”

Victoria’s mouth went dry. “But …”

Calla darted to her side and slid her arm around her waist, obviously noticing that Victoria needed the support. “Richard, would you mind if I took some pictures of the property while I’m here this weekend? I’m hoping to do an article for Atlantic Magazine.”

“Snap away. In fact, after tea I’ll show you where Beach-side Homes shot their summer spread.”

“Oh, would you?” Beaming at him, Calla stepped forward and linked her arm with Richard’s. “I want all the details.”

Victoria stared, frozen, as they headed out of the room. She could hear Shelby and Mrs. Keegan preparing tea and trays of cookies, but their voices seemed to float to her from a long way off.

“Who’s Peter Standish?” Jared asked from close behind her. “One of the lovers you kicked out without so much as a one-for-the-road drink?”

She didn’t have the strength for a comeback, or even to move away. In fact, she considered turning around and laying her head against his wide, muscular chest—if only for a second. “My office rival,” she said woodenly.

“What do you do?”

She swiveled and wished she hadn’t, since their faces—specifically their lips—wound up mere inches apart. “My mother didn’t tell you?”

Confusion swam in his eyes. “Not that I remember.”

Why would she? She’s The Legend; I’m the trainee. “I’m a vice president at Coleman Public Relations.”

He straightened, and she was almost sorry for the loss of closeness. “Ah … the new safe.”

Victoria scowled. “What do you know about it? It’s supposed to be top secret.”

“Rose told me.”

Victoria found that an odd way for a temporary employee to refer to the venerable Rose Rutherford. But then her hostess had a fair amount of charm, which she was rumored to dispense heavily on cute, young guys.

“You really think you can convince people to spend several grand on a big metal box?” he asked.

My mother could. Dispelling all doubt, Victoria lifted her chin. “Given the right motivation, I can convince people to spend several grand on anything.”

“And what’s the right motivation this time?”

“The Rutherford Securities contract and a senior vice presidency.”

“One the unwelcome Mr. Standish is also up for?”

“Not if my boss has any sense.”

“Does he?”

“Most of the time.” She fisted her hand at her side. “What is he doing here? Why is he ruining my plans? Why in the world did Richard invite him?”

“Your boss?”

Victoria sighed. Jared had already proved he wasn’t dense. Being difficult, however, seemed to come just as naturally. “My rival.”

“Want my opinion?”

“You ride horses and consult on corporate politics?”

His eyes darkened for an instant, and she knew the insult had hit home. She was unprepared when his reaction made her feel guilty, though.

When had she gotten so mean?

Victoria had never been particularly gentle, but her obsession with ambition had changed her. Tact was rare outside of landing a deal. Vulnerability was reserved for only a few. Was her desire to live up to her mother’s legacy so important? Was it really impossible to be successful and yet different from her?

“I watch people,” he said, his anger restrained, yet apparent. “Mostly people like you. You run around in circles, chasing each other, or the next big deal or trophies and promotions. Seems to me like a giant waste of time.”

What else is there? she almost asked. “And what do you do that’s so much better?”

“I chase adventure,” he said, his voice quiet and deep. “Wanna join me?”

She dismissed the spark of desire she felt. She had bigger things at stake than sex. And abandoning a lifetime of climbing the corporate ladder wasn’t an option. Hell, ambition was coded into her DNA. “Can’t,” she said, forcing strength into her voice that usually came naturally. “I need this promotion.”

“You probably deserve it.”

“I do.”

“So you surely realize why Richard invited you and your rival to the same party.”

“Do I?”

“Yeah. Richard likes to be the center of attention.”

“Of course he does, but how do you know—” She stopped as his intention became clear. “Richard wants us to fight for the contract.”

Jared nodded.

Victoria wanted to scream over the injustice. If Peter got the Rutherford contract instead of her, he’d likely get the senior VP position, too. Her grand plan was crumbling around her, and all before the weekend had even started.

“If it matters,” Jared said lightly, “I’m rooting for you.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “I like winners.”

“And you think I’ll win.”

“Call it a hunch.”