Page 47 of Earl

“I would not quite say he isn’t. He is glowering at me as if he wants to rip my throat out.”

“That’s his problem.”

“And also, mine. I happen to have some investments with him and would not want to jeopardize our friendship. But perhaps, I should give him something to worry about.”

“What are you doing?” She squeaked. Before she could say anything else, he was kissing her full on the mouth.

“There. Now I am officially in his bad books.”

“We are not involved.”

“Oh darling, I think you are.”

*****

Cathy was a bundle of nerves. She had spent so much time and effort trying to avoid Earl that it had taken the enjoyment out of the night. By two hours in, she was exhausted and depressed, and ready to go home.

She had insisted that both Byron and Justin as well as Teresa, who had arrived late with a guy she had started seeing, should stay and enjoy themselves. She had called an Uber and went home.

She had trooped upstairs, undressed, taken a quick shower, removed her makeup and plaited her hair in one thick braid that was now lying over her left breast.

The silk robe she had on partially covered her nakedness and she was seated on the sofa directly across from the towering tree, the lights blinking on and off and dazzling her eyes. Justin had called her twice to check on her and Byron had wanted to know if she needed company.

She had told him no, that she was going straight to bed. What are the odds, she wondered dismally. Earl Drummond? The Earl Drummond.

She was about to get up and make herself some tea when she heard the doorbell. “Justin.” she muttered. “I am going to kill him.”

Marching towards the front door, she did not bother to peep through the security, before pulling the door open. Her breath stopped; her body turned rigid as she stared at the tall dark-haired man standing on the porch.

Her mouth turned dry, and she felt all the saliva disappearing. He was delicious looking. From the crown of his ink black hair to his broad shoulders covered in immaculate black.

“I would like to come in.” His familiar deep voice had her knees going weak. It was the same voice that had haunted her for weeks.

“How did you know my address?”

His sensuous lips curved slightly, his gray eyes wandering over her face.

“Your friend Justin gave it to me under extreme duress. It’s freezing.”

Stepping back, she allowed him entry and watched as he shrugged out of his cashmere jacket.

“Where is your date?”

“Still at the function. Yours?”

Without answering, she turned and led the way into the living room.

Standing in the middle of the room, she watched as he took in the tree, the decorations and the fire in the hearth.

“You are into Christmas.”

“Very. What are you doing here?”

He heard the censorious tone and barely stopped from grimacing. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he rocked back on the heels of his Italian loafers and stared at her.

“Had your fill?”

Her sarcastic tone nearly made him smile. Ever since he knew she was Cathy who had been plaguing his very existence, he had been consumed with getting near her. The minute they had beenformally introduced, his world had quickly dwindled to just her and he had forgotten about Diana.