Destiny Unknown Page 6

  Her expression turned innocent. "So my guests could meet the man who designed my house. What other reason would I have?"

  "As I recall, when you phoned, you said you wanted me to meet someone."

  "You know me, always trying to introduce you to the right people." She continued smiling, her gaze switching back to Drew and Bernadette. "At the time, I didn't know you already knew her."

  "At the time, I didn't."

  "She'll find him obnoxious," Marian said. "I didn't even want Frank to invite him, but Frank said he owed him."

  "Got to keep the sheet balanced." Cody had heard that often enough from his stepfather.

  "You're such a cynic." Marian glanced his way, then looked back at Drew. "It's bad enough that he ogles every woman around. Tonight, he arrived half-stewed. Seems his date backed out at the last minute." She laughed softly, her words too low for others to hear. "The woman must have been smarter than Drew realized. Anyway, Frank told the bartender to water down his drinks, but every time I look, Drew's back at the bar."

  "Think he'll become a problem?" One thing Cody had learned from being married to an alcoholic, drinking eroded good judgment.

  "I believe he already is. He's stealing your woman."

  Cody shook his head. "She's not my woman."

  "And those sparks I saw the moment she looked at you? I suppose you're going to deny them."

  "You have a good imagination."

  Marian smiled. "You'd make an interesting couple."

  "We're total opposites."

  "Opposites attract."

  "Or repel." A fact Bernadette had made clear. "How long have you known her?"

  "Five months. We met at a party Parker put on to introduce her around. Bern and I clicked immediately, not that we see each other that often. Up until a month ago, simply keeping an eye on you so you didn't do anything too radical with this house kept me busy." Her smile was in her eyes.

  "If the two of you clicked, that should tell you she's not a good match for me."

  "She's a perfect match. Someone to keep you in line." She poked a long, painted nail against the front of his shirt. "Frank said she walked out on you the other day."

  Cody smiled. "Seems I said something she didn't like."

  "Well, see if you can say things she'll like during dinner. She'll be seated next to you."

  "Marian?"

  Grinning, Marian walked away.

  * * *

  Bernadette tried to stay focused on what Drew was saying, but her gaze continually drifted to Cody, in part because he'd strategically positioned himself so he was always in her view and in part because what Drew was saying was so boring. Even her economics instructors at Western had been more interesting. And how a man could talk and down so many drinks was beyond her. Within an hour, Drew managed three Scotch and sodas to her one glass of wine.

  She was relieved when the maid stepped into the living room and announced that dinner was served. Her relief, however, was short lived when the seating arrangement was announced. Cody's smug smile said he'd known they'd be next to each other. Drew complained about being seated at the end of the table. He reminded her of a spoilt brat who always got his way. She hoped he was pleased when Marian accommodated his wishes. Bernadette wasn't. Now she had Cody on her left and Drew on her right. It was bound to be a delightful dinner.

  Seated across from her were the Fitzpatricks. Marian had introduced them earlier. Rick Fitzpatrick, it seemed, was a vice-president at Frank's bank. The youngest. His wife, Patti, hadn't gone back to work after the birth of their first child and she was now five months pregnant with their second. Bernadette guessed both husband and wife to be in their late-twenties. Ignoring the two men seated beside her, she spoke to Patti. "We're thinking of making some changes at Morgan's. What's your impression of the maternity wear selection?"

  Rick answered for his wife. "Must be good. I swear Patti would spend all of our money at Morgan's, if I'd let her."

  Patti pointed at the dress she had on. "I bought this there. What I like is the variety you offer."

  Bernadette tried to concentrate on Patti's comments, not on the fingers snaking down the side of her left leg. She'd had men grope her before, but this was ridiculous. Feather light, the touch of Cody's hand triggered unbidden responses. She moved her leg.

  "What is he doing?" Patti asked, trying to peer over the table without getting up.

  Bernadette glared Cody's way, but all she could see was the back of his jacket and the top of his head near her thigh. Then he straightened, smiling as he sat back in his chair.

  "Dropped it." He held up his napkin for all to see, his smile innocent.

  Bernadette didn't believe for a moment that the napkin had been dropped accidentally or that Cody's hand had just happened to brush against her leg.

  "Problem?" Drew asked, leaning forward to look at Cody.

  "No problem," Cody assured him, grinning. "Just retrieving something I'd lost. Right, Princess?"

  "I am not your princess."

  "Of course not."

  Cody straightened his chair, shook out his napkin and flamboyantly placed it across the front of his trousers. Bernadette tried not to pay any attention. Smiling politely, she prayed no one thought she was with him.

  Once he was settled, she thought she could relax, but soon realized she was wrong. Somehow, he'd managed to position his chair closer to hers. His sleeve now touched her bare arm, and though she was sure others couldn't see it, she could feel him move his arm ever so slightly, the soft cashmere of his jacket sleeve tickling and caressing her skin and sending shivers down her spine. Needing an escape, she inched closer to Drew.

  Again, Cody reached down between them, his hand touching her leg. "Napkin slipped again," he said, grinning. Once again, he pulled it back onto his lap.

  "Perhaps you should tie it around your neck," she said, keeping her voice low.

  "Perhaps." His grin was pure mischief.

  "He could loop it through that necklace he wears," Drew said loudly from her other side.

  Cody didn't respond, just kept smiling.

  "You like dressing like a girl?" Drew goaded.

  Cody leaned forward, and Bernadette tensed. Reaching under the table, she touched his knee. Cody looked at her, winked and said nothing.

  "Pretty dumb to come to a formal dinner party without a tie, if you ask me," Drew continued. "And what is it with that jacket? Your tailor run out of material when he got to the lapels?"

  Through her fingers, Bernadette could feel the tensing of Cody's muscles. Drew was looking for a fight. There was no question about it.

  It was Frank Pierce who put an end to the confrontation. Pushing back his chair, he stood and raised his glass. "I'd like to propose a toast." His nod went to Cody. "To the man who created this house."

  * * *

  Throughout the meal, Bernadette maintained a smile and a straight back and wondered how she swallowed a bite. When Drew wasn't throwing barbs at Cody, he was making suggestive remarks to her. With Cody, it was his silence that unnerved her. Oh, he answered questions the other guests asked about the house and his various projects, but he said nothing to Drew and little to her.

  Which should have been fine. They'd said all that needed to be said. They were opposites, two ships passing in the night. Why pretend otherwise?

  She was sure it was the awkward situation she was in that had her stomach tied in knots. Tension was the reason for her rapid pulse, not Cody's occasional smiles. And so what if her skin tingled every time his sleeve brushed against her arm. She was simply sensitive.

  After dinner, when Frank suggested the women take a tour of the house while he showed the men his game room, Bernadette gave a sigh of relief. She'd had her fill of men for one evening. Once she'd seen the house, she was going to make her excuses and leave. After that, she hoped she never ran into Cody Taylor or Drew Bartlett again.

  Before she had a chance to push back her chair, however, Drew had his hand on her arm. "What do
you say we split now?"

  "Split?" Bernadette played ignorant. "I don't understand."

  "Go to my place . . . or yours." He grinned. "Get to know each other better."

  She felt Cody's hand touch her leg. Quickly she glanced his way. She knew by the look in his eyes that he was offering his assistance. She didn't want his help, and shook her head before looking back at Drew. As coolly as she could, she gave him her answer. "Not interested."

  "Right." Drew continued grinning.

  Pushing back her chair, she stood. "If you'll excuse me now, I'm going to use the powder room, and then I'm going on a tour of the house. And then I'm going home. Alone."

  She emphasized the last word before walking over to where Marian stood. Marian directed her to the bathroom off the master bedroom, and Bernadette headed up the stairs. More than physical relief, she needed emotional relief. A few minutes to herself. Time to settle the rapid beat of her heart and compose her thoughts.

  Monday night she'd been thinking she needed to get out more. Well, tonight was enough to remind her of the pitfalls of dating. There were always the Drew Bartlett's. They drank too much, got obnoxious, and caused more trouble than they were worth.

  There were also plenty of Cody Taylor's in the world, the rebels who liked to stir things up. She'd managed to avoid them in the past. And with good reason, she realized. Being around them was just too dangerous.

  Cody was proof of that. He'd said little, and yet had kept her emotions in a turmoil. He was driving her crazy.

  In the bathroom, she looked around and knew one thing for certain. Much as she might want to avoid Cody, she did like the homes he designed. Standing in front of the vanity, she could feel as well as see the warmth and elegance of the room. "Taylor made," she said aloud and smiled at the words. Next thing she knew, she'd be advertising for him.

  She still hadn't put Cody out of her thoughts when she stepped back into Frank and Marian's bedroom. To her surprise, it was Drew she found standing in the middle of the room. "Next?" she asked, waving a hand toward the bathroom door.

  Drew stepped toward her. "I hope I'm first. At least, tonight."

  She didn't understand, not until his hands were on her shoulders and he was pulling her to him. Even then, she didn't understand. "What the—?"

  "I'm tired of being stood up, of women thinking they can jerk me around. First Sue, now you."

  "Sue?" He was pushing her back, and Bernadette resisted. "I don't—" Her heel caught on the thick pile of the carpeting, and she struggled to keep her balance. Drew's weight was to his advantage, and he half lifted, half dragged her backwards until she felt her legs hit something soft and knew they'd reached the edge of Marian and Frank's king-sized bed.

  She started to scream, but Drew shoved a hand over her mouth, his pudgy fingers blocking her nose. She twisted her head, fighting for her breath. "Stop fighting me," he ordered, glaring down at her. "You know you want this. You've been after me all night."

  She tried to deny it, to push him off. His weight held her against the mattress, her struggles only twisting her dress higher on her thighs. She felt Drew's hand creeping up her leg and strained to clamp her legs together, fear grabbing her mind.

  And then suddenly he was off of her.

  "Get out."

  It was all Cody said, but Drew didn't hesitate. With barely a glance toward her, he headed for the door. Only when he was in the hallway, did he let loose with a string of swear words. Cody took a step toward him, and Drew scurried out of sight.

  She watched Cody, saw the tension slowly leave his body and his fists relax. She couldn't explain the emotions coursing through her. Relief. Adoration.

  Embarrassment.

  Before he turned toward her, she pushed herself off the bed, straightened her dress, and pulled it back down to her knees. Over and over, she rubbed her hands across the front, remembering the feel of Drew's hands on her and the weight of his body. He'd smelled of Scotch and lust, and she tried to wipe the memory away.

  "You okay?" Cody asked, his voice softer.

  "Fine." The word came out tight. She couldn't seem to breathe, couldn't get the feel of those hands off her.

  "Bern?"

  She looked at him, but his face blurred as tears filled her eyes. She bit down on her lower lip, needing to hold onto to some control. She wouldn't cry.

  "It's all right." Cody held out his arms, and without a word, she stepped into his embrace, pressing her face against his shirt. "It's all right," he repeated, and she gave in and let the tears come.

  Crying wasn't her style. She wasn't the weepy type. So she'd been attacked. Nothing had happened. She was acting like a fool, and she was getting Cody's shirt wet.

  One minute. That's all she would take. Just a minute to let her heartbeat slow and the fear wash away. One minute to enjoy the security of Cody's arms and the strength of his presence.

  Except she didn't have a minute. She heard Marian's voice in the distance, explaining the features of her new house. Getting louder. Closer.

  In a moment, Marian would be coming through the doorway and into the bedroom.

  Bernadette didn't wait. She pulled Cody toward the bathroom. "Quick. In here."

  * * *

  Cody watched Bernadette lock the bathroom door. Her eyes were still glistening with tears, her cheeks still flushed when she placed a finger against her lips, asking for silence. He heard the women enter the bedroom, Marian describing the decisions that had gone into the design of that room. All he could think was thank goodness they hadn't designed a lock on the bedroom door. He hated to imagine what might have happened if Drew had locked that door. Hated to think what might have happened if he'd gone with Frank instead of deciding to talk to Bernadette.

  The doorknob to the bathroom turned, and Bernadette sucked in a breath. "Is someone in there?" Marian called from the other side.

  "Me," Bernadette said, her voice shaky.

  "I wondered where you were. I thought maybe you'd decided to take off." Marian's tone became concerned. "Are you all right?"

  "Fine . . . I'm fine," Bernadette said, though her voice cracked. "I—I just need a few more minutes."

  "You're sure you're all right? We saw Drew coming down the stairs. He seemed upset."

  "Probably . . . probably because I was in here. I told him to try the one downstairs."

  Cody admired Bernadette's quick thinking. The question was if Marian bought the excuse. For a moment, she said nothing, then asked, "Do you want us to wait?"

  "No." The word sounded too desperate, but Bernadette quickly continued. "I mean, there's no need. I'll . . . I'll catch up with you."

  "You're sure?" There was another hesitation before Marian went on. "You haven't seen Cody, have you?"

  "Cody?" Bernadette looked his way. "No. Why?"

  "Frank was looking for him."

  "I'm sure he's around somewhere." Her gaze never left his face, her eyes saying more than her words. "He has a way of showing up when you least expect it."

  "Well, if you need anything," Marian went on. "Let me know. We'll be in the next room."

  Bye bye, Cody mouthed, and waved at the closed door. Then he looked back at Bernadette. It was going to take more than a minute before she could face others.

  From the built-in storage shelf he'd designed, he grabbed one of Marian's wash clothes. Dampening it with cool water, he handed it to Bernadette. "For your eyes."

  "I look a sight." She stared into the mirror.

  "You look beautiful."

  The sidelong glance she gave him said she didn't believe him. "How can I thank you?"

  "You don't have to. Always got to rescue the princess. It's a given."

  "Back to that fairy tale?" She did manage a smile. "Was this Dumb John to the rescue?"

  He grinned and tweaked her nose. "You got it, gal. And now I think Dumb John better get out of here before he's discovered in the john."

  He was gone as quickly as he'd appeared, and Bernadette stared into the van
ity mirror, wondering what had happened to her staid, controlled life. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks flushed, and her lipstick smeared. Quickly, she pinned her hair back into place and applied a fresh coat of lipstick.

  Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, she heard men yelling and the squeal of tires. By the time she reached the bedroom door, Marian and the other women were coming out of the next room. They all headed for the front door.

  Bernadette stepped outside with the others, shivering in the cold night air. The men were already gathered around a red truck. As she neared, she saw the lettering on the side. DJ Development. She also saw that its front windshield was shattered, and Cody was kneeling by the front fender, running a fingertip through a stream of green liquid. "He punctured the radiator," he said and slowly rose to his feet.

  "I saw him do it," Rick Fitzpatrick said. "I couldn't believe it. He parked his car next to your truck, got something out of his trunk and started pounding away at your radiator and windshield."

  "Looked like a sledge hammer to me," one of the other men said.

  "I didn't know where you were," Rick said. "But the moment I opened the door, he jumped back into his car and took off. The guy's gotta be crazy."

  Frank shook his head. "I knew he'd had too much to drink, and that there was no love lost between you two, but I never thought he'd do anything like this. What could have set him off?"

  Bernadette felt Cody's gaze burn through her, and she held her breath. Slowly, he shook his head. "Who knows."

  "I'll call nine-one-one," Marian said and started back into the house.

  "And we'll make sure you get a ride home," Frank assured Cody. "And your truck fixed."

  "I'll drive him home," Bernadette said firmly.

  Chapter Five

  One hour later, Bernadette drove her car away from Frank and Marian's house, Cody seated next to her. The police had been called, the incident rehashed and good-byes said. All she wanted to do was drop Cody off at his house, go home, and forget the night had ever happened.

  As if she ever could.

  She turned off the drive onto the street before she said anything. Although she'd been mentally practicing for over an hour, her apology came out shaky, and she didn't look his way. "I'm sorry about your truck."