Reckless Moon Page 7

  Beth groaned with real feeling. “Enough already. I’m sorry I asked. I wonder how he has the energy to drag himself to work every day.”

  Hal entered the kitchen, glancing at his watch. “Honey, shouldn’t we be going? We have to pick Lisa up at your mother’s in half an hour.”

  Lisa was Mindy’s younger daughter, alternately known as Thing Two.

  Mindy stood and began inserting Tracy’s arms into the sleeves of her sweater. Jason came up behind Hal and said to Beth,“Do you think I could have another cup of that coffee for the road?”

  “Sure,” Beth replied, going to get it. She hoped Jason wasn’t planning to stay behind and turn the evening into an opportunity to get to know her better.

  He was. He lingered after she had shown Mindy and family to the door, asking her about law school and her plans for her practice. Beth tried to be polite, but after about twenty minutes of pleasant but distant conversation, Jason took the hint and went home. Beth feared that he had not given up, however, and sensed that he would try again in the future.

  After Jason left Beth went into the downstairs powder room and splashed cold water on her face, trying to revive herself for the task of poring over Bram’s file. She glanced in the mirror as she turned to go and wondered if she was looking at a fool. Jason was attractive, intelligent, and prosperous, with what her father would have referred to as “good prospects.” He was a tall, slender blond with green eyes and a shy smile. Why didn’t she like him? She knew the answer. He wasn’t Bram. She was crazy about a bearded rogue who would probably hang around just long enough for his father to get well and then go off to sea again. There was no future in that, but she couldn’t seem to change her feelings.

  She folded the towel neatly on the rack and pulled the door shut behind her. She wasn’t going to worry about that now. She had work to do.

  * * *

  During the next three weeks Beth met with Bram frequently to assist him with his legal problems.

  He asked her to dinner three times. She refused.

  He asked her to go for a drink with him five times. She refused.

  He asked her to a hockey game, an anniversary party, and the grand opening of a new theater. She refused.

  Beth was not enjoying herself. The constant strain of saying no when she really wanted to say yes was fraying her nerves. But she stuck to her guns and kept their contact on a purely professional level.

  At first Bram treated her stand with tolerant indulgence. But as time passed and he saw that she had no intention of giving in, his attitude became increasingly hostile. Things deteriorated to the point where they were conducting their business in an atmosphere fraught with tension, speaking to each other with frigid politeness and walking on eggshells lest either of them disturb the delicate balance. Bram’s withdrawn silences, his measured glances cut Beth to the quick, and the undertone of mild sarcasm she well remembered from earlier conversations had resurfaced with a vengeance. She was at her wits’ end: She didn’t know what to do. If she began to see him socially she was headed for trouble, but there was a limit to how much more of his icy manner she could endure.

  In late September the Chamber of Commerce was holding a fundraiser for the United Way, and Jason Raines invited Beth to attend with him. At first she hesitated; such affairs always seemed phony to her, an excuse for local politicians and business people to get together and toot their own horns. But Jason finally convinced her to go along. She had to admit that she could use the exposure, and realized that she’d better get used to such socializing if she expected to build up a practice.

  The night before the party she was trying on various dresses, unable to decide what to wear, while Marion sat on the edge of her bed and offered a running commentary on each outfit. Marion’s husband was away for the weekend, and she had driven up from New York that afternoon to visit her sister.

  “That’s too short,” Marion announced as Beth pirouetted in front of the mirror. “It’s always been too short. I don’t know why you bought it in the first place.”

  “I bought it because it was on sale,” Beth replied, examining the sweep of the dress against her ankles.

  “That isn’t going to make it any longer,” Marion replied.

  Beth shot her a look and reached for the zipper at the back of her neck. “All right,” she said. “That narrows it down to a choice between the aqua chiffon and the red silk.”

  “Don’t you have anything else?”

  “No, Marion, I don’t. My wardrobe of formal wear is severely limited. We didn’t go in much for gowns at the law firm in Boston where I worked.”

  “Then buy something.”

  Beth slipped out of the dress she was wearing and put it back on the hanger. It was easy for Marion to say; her husband’s family minted money in their cellar out on Long Island. If Beth splurged on an expensive dress she would be skimping on ribbons for her typewriter.

  “It’ll have to be the chiffon,” she said, taking it out of her closet.

  “What about the red one?” Marion asked, crossing her legs.

  “It makes me look like a chorus girl. That’s not exactly the impression I’m trying to create.” Beth donned the aqua dress and let Marion fasten it She stepped back to the mirror and both women were silent as they examined the effect.

  “I think it’s out of style,” Marion finally said.

  Beth slumped in disappointment “What am I going to do? I already told Jason I would go with him.”

  “Does Mindy have anything?” Marion asked.

  Beth stared at her sister. “You know Mindy’s taste. Everything she owns looks great on her and makes me look like an embroidered lampshade.”

  Marion stood up suddenly. “Wait a minute. I left some of my things in the closet in my room when I moved out. They’re still there. Remember that off-white strapless number I got for last New Year’s Eve? The fabric’s light—I think you could get away with it. I’ll be right back.”

  Marion went down the hall to her old bedroom and Beth replaced the aqua dress in the closet. She was standing barefoot in her slip when Marion returned with the dress.

  Beth had forgotten how pretty it was. She and Marion had similar coloring and were almost the same height and weight, so it fit. The draped bodice tapered to a fitted waist and the shirred skirt featured a side slit that bared a portion of one graceful leg. Beth stepped into her shoes and studied her reflection in the mirror.

  “There you go,” Marion said triumphantly. “It looks as if it were made for you. Put your hair up, and with a necklace and earrings it’ll be perfect. I have a lace shawl that will go great with it, too.”

  Beth hugged her sister. “Marion, you’re a life-saver.” She was turning to glance at the rear view when Marion said, “Is Bram going to this shindig?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Beth replied. “Bram wouldn’t be caught dead at one of these things.”

  Marion raised her brows. “I wouldn’t be too sure. Joshua is certain to get a courtesy invitation, and Hal told me that Bram’s been taking his place at a lot of functions recently. If I were you, I’d be prepared to see him.”

  “It never occurred to me that he might go,” Beth said thoughtfully.

  Marion shrugged. “Ordinarily I would agree with you, but he’s been trying to cooperate with Joshua lately. If his father wants him to go, he’ll be there.”

  Beth absorbed that in silence.

  “That obviously bothers you,” Marion said.

  Beth sighed.

  “I don’t understand,” Marion went on. “I thought you were working with him. Aren’t you getting along?”

  Beth removed Marion’s gown and folded it over her arm. “That’s one way of putting it.”

  Marion pursed her lips. “Okay, Bethany, I may not have a cum laude law degree but even I can see that something is up with you. What’s going on?”

  “I should never have agreed to represent Curtis Broadleaf.”

  “Why? Is it too much for you?”<
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  “No, no. I had to do a lot of reading on corporate contracts to familiarize myself with the sort of work I would be handling, but once I got into the swing of it I was okay. I’ve been weathering it pretty well.”

  “Then it is Bram.”

  “Yes.”

  Marion took the dress away from Beth and put it back in its protective plastic bag. “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. You two have always been a volatile combination.”

  “He’s forever pushing for a personal relationship, and I’m afraid to get involved with him. You know what he’s like.”

  “I know what he’s like,” Marion confirmed grimly.

  “And the more I resist, the more hostile and defensive he becomes. He’s retreated behind this wall of excessive politeness; every word he says sets my teeth on edge. We’re circling each other like a pair of…of...”

  “Tigers about to mate?” Marion suggested.

  “I wish you wouldn’t be quite so graphic,” Beth said faintly.

  “It’s the image that comes to mind,” Marion said crisply. “I’ve never seen such chemistry. I’ve often thought that you two were destined for something.”

  “Yes. Disaster.”

  Marion shook her head. “That’s not what I’d call it.” She eyed her sister sympathetically. “He takes your breath away, doesn’t he?”

  Beth swallowed, and then nodded.

  “Well, then, I’d say you’re lucky. Most people never feel that way about anybody.” She reached out and patted Beth’s arm. “You’ll cope with it.”

  “I’m not so sure.”

  “I am,” Marion said in a definite tone. “You’re the only woman I know who could take that guy on and hold her own.” She headed for the door. “I’ll see if I can dig up that shawl.”

  “Thanks,” Beth called after her, bemused by the tone of admiration in her sister’s voice. Marion was not one for tossing bouquets; she really seemed to think Beth was equal to the task of handling Bram Curtis.

  Sis, I hope you’re right, Beth thought. She glanced at the pile of garments decorating her bed and set about putting them away.

  * * *

  The next night was cool and clear, and Beth was ready when Jason came to get her in his dark blue Volvo. He looked neat and attractive in his evening clothes, and complimented Beth lavishly on her appearance. The party was being held in one of the ballrooms of the Sonesta Hotel in downtown Hartford, and the affair was already under way as they entered.

  The first person Beth saw was Bram. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a gray cummerbund and gray bow tie, accented by a silk shirt that flashed polished buttons when he moved. On his arm was a tall, dazzling redhead in a low cut green dress. He turned as Beth walked through the door with Jason, and his eyes met hers. He stared at her for several seconds, and then bent to make a comment to the woman with him. She laughed, and Beth looked away.

  “You okay?” Jason asked.

  “Of course,” Beth said quickly. “Where’s our table?”

  Jason led the way to their seats, and then went to the bar to get them both a drink. Beth found herself talking to one of her tablemates, the wife of a prominent surgeon who was an officer in the local United Way chapter. The conversation diverted Beth until the woman said, “Oh, there’s Dr. Reynolds. Who’s that dark man with her?”

  She was talking about Bram’s date. “She’s a doctor?” Beth asked, her heart sinking.

  “Yes,” her companion said. “Couldn’t you just kill yourself? She’s on staff at Johnson Memorial with my husband. Can you imagine looking like that and having brains, too? No wonder she can snare such a handsome date.”

  The sprained-ankle specialist, Beth thought glumly. This was the woman Mindy had mentioned. Beth watched as Dr. Reynolds whispered something in Bram’s ear, and his dazzling grin flashed from across the room. Beth sighed. It was beginning to look like a long night.

  Jason returned, and once dinner was served Beth began to feel better. Bram and his friend were seated on the far side of the dance floor, and her view of them was obscured by several potted palms, so Beth was spared the sight of their mealtime conviviality. But during the interlude before dessert the band started to play and Jason asked her to dance. She didn’t see how she could gracefully refuse, so she walked with him onto the floor. Jason was a correct if spiritless dancer, and Beth was able to follow him effortlessly until the conclusion of the set. As they applauded with the rest of the group, she realized that Jason was standing next to Bram.

  Beth tugged on his arm to capture his attention, but it was too late. Jason had noticed the man at his side.

  “Here’s one of your clients, Bethie,” he announced in a delighted tone that made Beth want to hit him with a rock. “It’s Curtis, isn’t it?” Jason said to Bram. “I seem to remember selling a summerhouse to your father.”

  Bram turned, favoring Jason with a cool, dark glance. “Yes, my father is fond of buying things. You may also recall that when we were all in high school I put your brother in the hospital.”

  Beth closed her eyes as the men shook hands.

  Jason chuckled. “Yeah, Ronnie always was a hothead. Well, it looks like I’m here with your lawyer, Curtis.”

  Bram looked at Beth. “So it appears,” he said evenly. Only Beth detected the edge in his tone. “Hello, counselor.”

  Beth nodded, wishing that she were home watching reruns on television.

  “May I introduce Althea Reynolds?” Bram was saying. He took the redhead’s hand and brought her forward. “Thea, this is my lawyer, Bethany Forsyth. Beth, my doctor, Althea Reynolds.”

  The two women eyed each other as Jason beamed.

  “How do you do?” Beth murmured.

  Dr. Reynolds smiled, displaying perfect teeth.

  “You’re doing all right, Curtis,” Jason chuckled. “My doctor is sixty-five years old with an arthritic hip.”

  “I’m sure Bethie will help you get in touch with the changing times,” Bram said mildly. Beth didn’t miss the slight emphasis on the nickname, which he knew she didn’t like.

  Mercifully, the music began again, and Beth seized Jason, practically dragging him across the floor.

  “Good seeing you, Bram,” she babbled, steering Jason away. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Reynolds.” She had hustled Jason to the opposite end of the floor before he had a chance to object.

  “You seemed anxious to get away from those two,” Jason observed in what was surely the understatement of the year. “Don’t you like Curtis?”

  “Don’t be silly,” Beth replied. “Isn’t the music lovely?”

  “Sure,” Jason answered, looking down at her with a bewildered expression. “This is the same band they had at the Lions Club Christmas party last year.”

  “Isn’t that interesting?” Beth said brightly. “I guess you have to attend quite a few of these functions.”

  She was able to engage Jason in conversation until he suggested that they return to their table and have dessert. They were about to do so when Bram materialized from nowhere and tapped Jason on the shoulder.

  “I wonder if I might borrow your date for this dance,” Bram said shortly.

  Jason stepped back and released Beth. “See you back at the table, Bethie,” he said cheerfully.

  Bram moved in smoothly and took Beth in his arms. “Enjoying yourself, Bethie?” he asked mildly.

  “I’m having a wonderful time,” she answered, trying not to react to the smell of Bram’s shaving soap, the feel of his body next to hers. This was the closest she’d been to him in weeks, and her senses were responding accordingly.

  “Oh, I can see that you are,” Bram said. “Raines looks like stimulating company.”

  “He’s very nice,” Beth said stiffly.

  “Really?” Bram inquired, arching one dark brow. “What do you talk about with him? Interest rates? Closing fees? The availability of mortgage money?” He steered her past the clustered tables and into an alcove near the hall.

  �
�Jason is accomplished and well read,” Beth said. “You’d be surprised at what we have in common.”

  “I’d be surprised, all right,” Bram muttered darkly. He stopped dancing and pulled Beth after him out of the ballroom and past the hatcheck girl, who looked up in amazement. Beth tried to wrench free as Bram shoved her into the dim, empty lobby.

  “Let me go!” she demanded. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “I’m getting you away from that bunch of solid citizens in there,” he whispered.

  “You can’t make me stay here,” Beth fumed. “I’ll cause a scene.”

  He smiled. “Go ahead. Do you think I care? I’d scandalized half of the valley several times by my eighteenth birthday; it’ll be nothing new for me.”

  Beth closed her mouth. He was right. She was the one with something to lose.

  Bram advanced on her as he saw her relent. He took her chin in his hand and gazed down into her eyes.

  “Do you let him kiss you?” he asked softly. “Do you let him make love to you?”

  Beth couldn’t answer, riveted by his dark gaze.

  “You won’t let me touch you,” he whispered. “You run all over town with that…that...dullard, and I can’t come near you.” He seized her wrists and pulled them up next to her face, pinning her. “Why, mouse? Why?”

  Beth’s lips parted, but no sound escaped them.

  “Have you forgotten what it was like with me?” he rasped. “Let me remind you.” He took a step forward and his lips crushed hers.

  Beth tried to resist, but her body refused to obey the commands of her mind. Her mouth opened under his as he enfolded her in an embrace that left her limp, clinging to him.

  Bram bent his head, and his lips trailed over her exposed shoulder. “Your skin is like silk,” he muttered. “The feel of it, the scent of it has been in my blood for ten years.”

  Beth sank her fingers into his hair, holding his head against her. She felt so weak that without his support she would have fallen.

  Bram’s hands moved up from her waist, over her back. He braced her against him with one arm and slipped the fingers of his other hand inside the top of her dress. Beth gasped as he caressed her breast, his thumb probing her swollen nipple.