George smiled ruefully, hugging his wife and ruffling his sons hair at the same time. Brad is very determined. When he wants something, he gets it.
Youre spoiled, Brad. Laura Yorita shook her head. You cant always have everything you want.
So far he has, George grumbled. You should see the car he just bought. A 65 Mustang in mint condition. When he told me it was on eBay, I tried to bid on it but got locked out. A million people must have been trying for that car, but Brad somehow managed to get it. The prettiest little convertible I ever saw. Original seats, hubcaps, detailing
Maybe you should stay here and salivate over Brads car, Laura said sweetly, while I take Collin home for his nap.
George grinned at his wife. No, Ill come with you. See you at the office Monday, Bradbut you better not drive that car. And you better not polish that trophy within my sight.
Brad watched the three of them leave. Holding his sons hand, George bent to whisper in Lauras ear. She laughed and nodded. He put his arm around her waist and they continued on, George shortening his steps to match those of his wife and child.
A slight frown etched Brads brow and he turned away, staring at the other runners crossing the finish line but not really seeing them. He hadnt always gotten what he wanted. There was one thing that continued
to elude him.
Water, mister?
Brad took the proffered bottle, nodding his thanks to the race volunteer. Drinking the cold liquid, he turned his gaze back to the race.
Another runner had just crossed the finish linea woman. She had a great figure, large breasts, small waist, curving hips, long legs. She looked familiar. Hed seen her somewhere before.
Yeah, now he remembered. At a party hed attended a few weeks ago. The woman had been there. He hadnt paid too much attention to her thenbeyond the obvious, that is.
An actress, someone had told him.
He studied her more closely now. In addition to her other attributes, she had a beautiful face and carried herself with grace and self-assurance. She wore no engagement or wedding ring.
An idea sprang into his mind.
An insane idea. A completely ridiculous idea.
But then again, it had been an insane idea to start an electronics company just when all the tech stocks were taking a dive. And it had been ridiculous to expand into e-business, just when all the dot-coms were going belly-up.
In short, he would try. And he would succeed.
Because the truth of the matter was, in the end, he always did get everything he wanted.
Chapter One
Samantha Gillespie shuddered.
The reaction was involuntary. She really had nothing against marriage, Sam told herself as she studied the dress on the dais before her. It just wasnt something she wanted to do right now. Or any time soon. She was only twenty-four, for heavens sake, and no matter what her mother said, Sam wasnt ready to get married yet. Not when life held such an endless array of possibilities. Why would she want to give that up for marriage?
Well? a voice demanded impatiently from the back of the shop. Have you finished it?
Sam glanced over her shoulder at the petite woman standing in the doorway of the small office at the far end of the showroom. Almost, Sam told her sister. I think it needs a few more clusters of roses at the back.
For heavens sake! Dressed in a pastel-pink suit and frilly white blouse, Jeanette glared over the top of her chunky, black-rimmed reading glasses, her lips pursed. Samantha recognized the expressionand the suit. Shed tried to get Jeanette to wear something less insipid, more contemporary, but her sister refused to cooperate. I cant wear that stuff you wear, Jeanette always said.
Which was completely unfair, Sam thought, tightening the knot of the shirt tied at her waist and smoothing her ancient blue jeans. The casual look might not suit Jeanette, but a deep red suit with a tailored cut would flatter her dark hair and eyes and make the most of her pleasingly plump figure.
Why dont you let me make you a new suit? Sam wheedled, ignoring Jeanettes disapproving expression. We got in some red linen that would look gorgeous on you.
No, thank you. Jeanettes toe, in a dull pink pump, tapped a stern tattoo. I would prefer you worry about Miss Blogdens gown rather than my attire. She and her mother are supposed to be here in half an hour. Mrs. Blogden will be furious if the dress isnt finished.
Dont worry. Samantha retrieved a sewing kit and some pink silk from an antique armoire, then returned to the dais where the dress in question was reflected in a three-way mirror. It wont take me long.
Good grief, Sam! Jeanette advanced from the office to the hat stand in the middle of the rooma more strategic spot for lecturing. Must you always wait until the last minute? You know what Mrs. Blogdens like.
Sam sighed. Besides wearing boring clothes, Jeanettes favorite activity was to lecture Sam on her habit of procrastinating. Sam listened sometimes, and even made sporadic efforts to change, but somehow her bad habits always crept back.