CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

H E'D MADE A MISTAKE . C AIN KNEW IT AS HE DROVE TOO FAST through the mountains, backup the hill to Jerome. He'd spent a week determined to get Jenny out of his system, give them both a break and himself time to think. It hadn't worked.

He'd thought of Jenny every day, every hour. And he'd worried about her. What if Ryder showed up? What if something else happened in the new section of the hotel? He'd asked Barb to let him know if any problems came up, but if they did, he was too far away to help.

Ten times a day, he'd almost picked up the phone on his desk to call or punched her number into his cell phone. But he had made a promise to himself, and he was determined to keep it.

He needed to clear his head, think things through. He had done the best he could, but his plans were still unclear. In the week since he'd left Jerome, all he'd discovered was that he was hooked on Jenny and hooked badly. He was seeing her tonight, and he was going to let her know how much she meant to him, how much he cared.

He had no idea where things would go from there, but admitting that much was a start.

As he passed the city-limits sign, he wanted to drive the Jag straight to the Copper Star. But even more, he wanted the night to be special for Jenny. He headed for the Grandview, parked in back, and took the elevator up to his suite.

His tuxedo waited in a plastic bag spread over the bed, messengered up earlier that week. He showered and dressed, checked his appearance in the mirror, then the time on his watch. It was a little too early to pick her up, so he contented himself with a scotch on the rocks at the bar in his living room.

When it was finally time to leave, he opened the door to the refrigerator under the bar and took out the white-orchid corsage he'd had delivered to the hotel.

Cain left the suite and headed back to the Jag. He was eager to see his woman. And he was nervous, he realized. Not like him.

There wasn't a parking place in front of the Copper Star. He circled around until he found one, then walked back to the hotel lobby to wait. He had texted Jenny earlier, told her he would be there at six-thirty to pick her up.

Officially, the party started at seven, though most of the out-of-town guests had arrived early to check into their rooms. Cain wanted to be there to greet them when they appeared at the door of the Grand Vista Salon. And he wanted Jenny beside him.

Waiting at the foot of the stairs in the lobby, he glanced at his watch. 6:30. Jenny was always prompt. At 6:35, he began to fidget, shooting the cuffs of his pleated white shirt, straightening his black bow tie. By 6:40, he was ready to go up and beat on her door, but a sound caught his attention, and he looked up to see her coming down the stairs.

His chest clamped down. She looked so beautiful his mouth dried up. The long black-velvet gown couldn't have been a better showcase for Jenny's sexy curves. He caught a glimpse of shapely legs in a pair of strappy high heels as she descended the stairs and felt a primal shot of lust he barely managed to contain.

She had swept her glorious golden-brown curls up on one side and held them in place with a rhinestone clip that matched the long rhinestone earrings dangling from her ears.

Cain had to remind himself to breathe.

When she reached the last step, he moved toward her, allowed his gaze to drift over the soft mounds above the neckline of her gown.

He bent and kissed her cheek. "Saying you look beautiful isn't nearly enough."

She gave him a tentative smile. "Thank you. You look very handsome yourself." There was something in her eyes. He wasn't sure exactly, uncertainty maybe, and something more.

He took her hand and pressed it against his lips. "I made a mistake," he said. "I was going to wait until later, but I need to say it now."

Her face went pale. Keeping her hand in his, Cain led her over to the velvet settee in the lobby, and Jenny sat down. "This thing between us—"

"Wait! Please, Cain . . ." She pulled her hand from his, and it went to the base of her throat. She looked up at him, and her eyes filled. "If you do this now, I won't be able to make it through the evening. Please, Cain, please wait till later."

His chest tightened. "Honey, what's wrong?"

"I know you wouldn't cheat. You said you would tell me when things were over. When you didn't call, I knew, but just for tonight—"

"My God." He hauled her up and into his arms, his throat tight as he held her. "You don't understand. I wanted to tell you how much I missed you. What a mistake I made in leaving. I'm crazy about you, baby."

Jenny clung to him. He could feel her trembling. "Cain . . ."

He realized he had dropped the corsage box onto the floor at his feet. Flowers weren't enough. He needed jewelry, something beautiful to go with her dress. A ring, he thought and immediately blocked the notion.

He eased her away from him, saw a tear rolling down her cheek. He felt unsteady as he whisked it away with the tip of his finger. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I wanted . . . needed some time to sort things out. Please forgive me for being a fool."

When Jenny said nothing, he bent and brushed her cheek with a kiss. "I missed you. So much."

Jenny's features softened. She managed a wobbly smile. "You did?"

"Yes."

"I'm really glad you're back."

Cain drew her closer. "I thought of you every day."

She smiled up at him. "I thought of you, too." Her fingertips smoothed over the satin lapel of his jacket. "Every woman in the place will be jealous of me tonight."

Cain smiled. "Every guy in the place is going to wish he were the man taking you home with him." He tipped up her chin. "I have to do this. You'll just have to fix your lipstick later." And then he kissed her.

He'd meant it to be gentle, a sweet way to apologize and show her how much he cared. But the minute her lips softened under his, heat exploded inside him.

Cain deepened the kiss, taking what he had missed so badly. When Jenny clutched his shoulders and kissed him back, it took every ounce of his will to pull away.

He inhaled a steadying breath and slowly released it. "As much as I wish I could just skip all this and haul you upstairs to my bed, we have a party to attend."

Jenny's smile reached all the way to her beautiful green eyes. "I believe we do."

Cain picked the corsage box up off the floor and took out the ruffled white orchid. "I know this is old-fashioned, but I wanted to bring you something pretty."

Jenny smiled. "It's beautiful."

Cain pinned the flower on her shoulder. "Ready?"

Jenny smiled and took his arm.

* * *

After a brief ride up the hill in Cain's Jag, Jenny walked next to him into the Grandview, down the hall into the Grand Vista Salon. The room was large, but they weren't using all of the available space. The party was intended for a very select crowd. Forty or fifty couples, no more than a hundred people.

Millie had suggested minimal decorations, and Jenny agreed. With its dark wood paneling and art deco chandeliers and wall sconces, the room was lovely on its own, and the idea was to feature the elegant hotel itself.

Jenny picked up the black, feathered mask that had been set aside for her and held it up, covering the top half of her face as she looked at Cain.

"You are a true temptation," Cain said. "I don't know how I'm going to make it through the evening without dragging you into a closet somewhere."

Jenny laughed and ignored a little curl of lust at the thought.

Cain chose a black-and-silver mask in the style of The Phantom of the Opera . When he put it on, covering half his handsome face, Jenny's knees felt weak.

She turned to survey the room. In sky-high, teal-blue satin heels that matched her dress, Millicent walked toward them across the room, a handsome man with a touch of gray in his hair at her side.

"Everything seems to be in order," she said. Peacock feathers waved from the mask in her hand. "Cain Barrett and Jenny Spencer, I'd like you to meet Mark Ellison. Mark is CEO of Ellison-Price Manufacturing."

"Mark." Cain pulled off his mask and extended a hand, which the man shook.

Millie smiled. "We have a good deal of Ellison-Price furniture in the hotel."

"I thought I'd seen the name," Cain said.

"Good to meet you," Mark said. He turned. "Ms. Spencer."

"Jenny." Smiling, she shook his hand.

They made small talk. Jenny could see the interest in Millie's face as she looked at her date, a look returned twofold by her handsome escort. Inwardly smiling, Jenny excused herself to check on the setup of the bars at both ends of the salon. It wasn't really her job, yet she felt a strong sense of duty when it came to the success of the Grandview, and especially the party tonight.

The bartenders wore tuxedos, as did all of the servers. Since the party would be more lively if the guests kept moving and talking, there were linen-draped high-tables scattered around, along with a few regular tables for older people.

Long, black, plumed feathers mixed with brilliant purple waved from silver vases in the center of the tables. Elegant and simple, the opulent purple provided color for the affair, adding to the gala mood created by the masks.

Satisfied that everything was running smoothly, Jenny returned to Cain's side as guests continued to arrive.

"You did a great job, Millicent," Cain said, using the name she preferred. "Everything looks perfect."

Millicent smiled, clearly pleased.

"Now, if you'll both excuse us, I believe we're needed at the door." Cain took Jenny's hand, and they headed for the entry.

Having studied the guest list, Cain personally greeted each person as they arrived. Then partygoers chose one of the beautiful handmade masks from the display on the table. Feathers, sequins, velvet, and satin shimmered. Servers circulated the room, silver trays sparkling with stemmed glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

Others carried trays of hors d'oeuvres: cold paté, potato napoleons with caviar, smoked salmon on cucumbers, and various other canapés. A light buffet was being served featuring small plates, easy-to-eat items like antipasti, oysters, shrimp, chicken, and filet mignon kabobs.

Fruit tarts and profiteroles were among a variety of small desserts. The Scottsdale caterer, with Opal's assistance, had done a magnificent job.

Most of the guests had arrived by the time Cain's grandmother showed up at the door. Emma left the wheelchair in the hallway, and Nell, with the use of her cane, walked proudly into the salon. Cleo walked with a swaying motion into the room beside them.

Upon seeing the women, Jenny's pasted-on smile turned sincere. "I'm so glad you all could make it."

Nell wore a navy-blue dinner suit with a long skirt and beaded navy jacket. Emma kept it simple with a knee-length black suit piped with satin, and a string of pearls.

Cain leaned down and brushed a kiss on Nell's cheek, did the same to Emma, then turned to the big, heavyset woman beside them.

"Well, look who's here," he drawled, eyeing Cleo with what appeared to be speculation.

"Cleo's a friend," Jenny defended. As large as she was, in her flashy fuchsia skirt and flowing-silver sequined top, she stood out among the sophisticated crowd. "Of course, she was invited."

Cain just smiled. "Cleopatra," he said and surprised Jenny by leaning down to brush a kiss on the older woman's powdered cheek. "Welcome to the Grand Vista Salon."

Cleo grinned. "You handsome devil. You haven't changed a bit. Still charming the women the way you did when you were a boy. You're just better at it now."

Cain laughed. He waited for each of the women to choose a mask, then ushered them to the table he had reserved for Nell and her friends. He stopped a passing server. "The ladies will have champagne."

The lanky young man took three crystal flutes filled with golden liquid and set them on the table.

"Jason, isn't it?" Cain asked.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Barrett."

"I'll expect you to personally take care of this table, Jason. See that these ladies have everything they need. Food, drinks, whatever it might be."

"Yes, sir."

Cain spoke to Nell. "Jenny and I need to mingle." He smiled at the group of women. "Enjoy yourselves." Taking Jenny's arm, he led her through the crowd, pausing here and there to renew old friendships and make new ones.

An hour slipped past.

Dylan and Summer arrived, Summer looking like a beautiful angel in her silver gown, Dylan in a rented tuxedo that fit his lean, broad-shouldered frame as if it had been perfectly tailored for him.

Her brother leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful, sis."

Jenny smiled. "You both look incredible. I hope you have a good time."

They looked at each other as if the answer was a given, and behind her back, Jenny crossed her fingers, hoping it would work out for them.

Nick Faraday showed up with a flashy redhead. He looked great in a tux, and his date was gorgeous.

A few more minutes passed. "I need to visit the ladies' room," Jenny said to Cain. "I'll be right back."

Cain just nodded as Jenny slipped away. By the time she returned, he had drifted a little farther into the salon. Jenny froze when she recognized the woman he was talking to.

Anna Hobbs Somerset. In a full-length, gold-lamé designer gown that made her blond hair seem to glow, she looked gorgeous. It was a slip dress, the thin material held up by two narrow gold straps, the shiny fabric draping so low in front it barely covered her pale breasts.

Jenny had gone over the guest list with both Millie and Cain. Anna wasn't on it.

Should she disappear back into the ladies' room before they spotted her, or join them and stake her claim? Or should she simply wait for Cain's next move?

The question was resolved when a good-looking, silver-haired man appeared at Anna's side. Her date, Jenny presumed, when he set a hand at Anna's waist.

With a rush of relief, Jenny pasted her smile back on, walked up to Cain, and rested her hand possessively on the sleeve of his black tuxedo.

"I don't believe we've met," she said, a little too sweetly, as she studied the couple. She didn't have to worry that Anna might remember her. They had never been introduced, and in high school Jenny had been too far down the pecking order for Anna to notice.

Cain introduced them. "Jenny, this is Lucien Rossi, president of Overland Industries, and this is his companion, Anna Somerset."

"A pleasure." The silver-haired man made a polite inclination of his head. He was tall and lean, with Italian features and a suntan. Maybe he played a lot of golf.

Anna's gaze swept over Jenny as if she should have been one of the servers instead of Cain's date. "Jenny."

Jenny kept the smile glued to her face. "Anna."

"Overland produces different types of bulk-handling equipment used in mining," Cain explained.

Lucien smiled. "That's right. Word is Barrett Enterprises may be expanding. Perhaps I should have my people get in touch with yours."

Cain nodded. "We'll make it happen." Jenny felt Cain's hand on her bare back as he guided her away from Anna, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"I swear I had no idea Lucien would be bringing her," Cain said, leading her to a spot away from the crowd.

"I remember seeing his name on the guest list. There's no way you could have known Anna would be his date."

"She's a conniving little witch. I don't trust her not to cause trouble."

"Tonight?"

"She's already caused trouble tonight just by showing up. I hope this is the end of it."

"But you aren't sure."

"No."

Determined to enjoy herself, Jenny was grateful Cain steered clear of Anna and her date for the rest of the evening.

They stopped by Nell's table a couple of times. The women didn't stay late, but from the sound of their laughter, they were having a good time.

"We need to talk," Cleo said to Jenny as she and the others prepared to leave. "Call me as soon as you can."

"I'll call you tomorrow." She watched Cleo make her way to the door and wished she'd had more success tracking down information on the spirit that haunted room 10. Maybe Evelyn Dunning would find something.

She felt Cain's dark eyes on her and glanced up into his handsome face.

"I think we've accomplished what we set out to do here." He smiled, and the gold in his eyes glittered. "I've got something else to accomplish tonight, and I'm more than ready to get started."

Desire slipped through her. Cain's urgency was contagious as he guided her out of the salon to his private elevator. The minute the door slid open in his entry, she was in his arms. His hungry kiss left no doubt of what he planned to accomplish before morning.

Jenny was all in.