Read Online Deal of a Lifetime by Rue Allyn - Free Book Online

spread gossip. Do you understand me?” Con made good use of a quietly threatening tone.
    Again three heads bobbed.
    He released his grip on Chili Pepper Guy but held the stare. The man sagged against the wall.
    “Let’s all hope I don’t have to talk to Mike.”
    “No, sir, er that is, yes, sir. You won’t have to speak to anyone.”
    “Good.” Con straightened his tie, spun on his heel, and left.
    ****
    Tam spent the rest of the afternoon mortified at how easily she’d given in to Con’s kisses and in dread of being identified as the woman making out in a public hallway. Fear of ridicule kept her so tied in knots she didn’t even object when Con joined her at lunch and remained by her side. Not until the dessert course at dinner did she realize no one mentioned the couple making love outside Buddswell’s offices. Nor did she hear her name on anyone’s lips other than Con’s.
    He apologized several times in moments when no one else was near, but she dismissed his attempts to smooth over the incident, knowing she was just as guilty of crossing the line.
    The minute dinner was over, she made her excuses. “I’m sorry to leave, but I’ve acquired a headache. I’m going to retire early. I want to be well rested for tomorrow’s tour.”
    The people sharing their table murmured polite concern and goodnights.
    Con caught her hand, halting her progress from the room. Worry frowned on his forehead. “Do you want help?”
    Tam shook her head, withdrawing her hand. “I just need a hot bath and some extra sleep. Please stay and enjoy the evening’s activities.”
    “Promise you’ll call me, if you change your mind.”
    The corners of her mouth lifted. “I promise, but I won’t need to.”
    Con watched her leave. Her walk was straight and steady. She talked briefly with acquaintances. All too soon she disappeared from sight.
    He tried. He really tried to set worry for Tam aside and enjoy the evening. Buddswell had arranged a silent auction—all monies to be donated to his favorite charities that raised environmental awareness and sponsored wilderness experiences for underprivileged children. Con wandered the aisles, but nothing appealed until he spotted a ruby-and-emerald-crusted pendant in the shape of a chili pepper, suspended from a platinum vine-and-leaf chain. He made a bid for three times what the pendant was worth, confident that few other bidders would be willing to top that number. Tam would love the pendant that was representative of her home state. She wouldn’t have to know that chili peppers would always bring that hallway kiss to his mind. Happy with his purchase but still discontent, Con left the conference area. He needed to see Tam. Telling himself he just wanted to make certain she was okay, he headed for their room.
    ****
    “I love you, Mommy. Here’s Aunt Sarah. Bye.”
    “Goodnight, fairy girl, you’re the best.”
    As Sarah came on the phone Tam dabbed at the tears that threatened. She missed her daughter.
    “How’s Susa doing?”
    “She misses you something fierce, but she’s getting along okay. We count the days together, and I try to give her something every day to distract her from your absence. Today we’re having her best buddy Nancy for a sleepover.”
    “I trust your judgment, but do you really think a sleepover on a school night is a good idea?”
    “Normally no, but tomorrow’s an in-service for the teachers. Susa will be out of school all day. Having Nancy here will keep both of them occupied. Her mom’s taking the girls roller skating around noon tomorrow. Then we only have to get through the weekend until you’re back home.”
    “Home sounds really good right now.”
    “Is everything okay? You sound a bit frazzled.”
    Count on her aunt to pick up on the smallest nuance of trouble. Tam’s emotions were frayed, but she didn’t think elder wisdom would help when the concerns shredding her peace were about one tall, dark, stubbornly territorial man. Tam had never