Chasing Glory (4 page)

“It’s only been six months. I don’t have the time or energy, much less the inclination, to take on a relationship. Especially with someone who’s already mapped everything out to suit himself. I’m doing this for the money, period.”

Catherine batted her eyelashes, not giving in. “Just because he thinks he’s interested in Alyssia now, who’s to say when he finds out what a bitch she is, he couldn’t become interested in you? And as I said, it needn’t be an emotional attachment. A good old-fashioned mattress test can do wonders. Think about it.” She gave Glory an up and down glance. “What are you going to do about shoes and a bag?”

Chapter Six

Irritation rode Tal’s thoughts. He
cleared a spot on his desk. One of his new sauces had gone critical during a storage test and this was the first chance he’d had to look at the list Glory gave him yesterday afternoon. He wanted to be prepared before the dinner tonight. He was familiar with some of the restaurants because he occasionally dined out to see if his products were competitive with what was being served. But he was clueless about ninety percent of the designers of clothing, shoes, and jewelry that Alyssia preferred.

He smiled. He had Glory to help him.

The frown returned when Tal saw the type of clothes she liked on men.
Italian-cut shirts
, light-weight English tailored slacks, European loafers?
The items looked expensive, which wouldn’t have mattered if they were at all practical. And they added up to a metrosexual look that he would feel outright silly wearing. He sighed. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have some for social occasions once he was married. He did own a new black suit and a tuxedo given to him by his stepbrother, William. Otherwise, his wardrobe consisted mostly of jeans, cotton shirts, chinos, and a lone navy blazer.

Glory to the rescue again. He’d ask her to take him clothes shopping.

• •

Tal knocked on Glory’s door and glanced around at tidy houses in the well-established neighborhood. Real estate prices had skyrocketed here in the 80’s and 90’s, then the market had fallen for four years straight. It was beginning to right itself, but would never be that inflated again. He wondered if she owned or rented.

Glory’s housing became a non-issue when she opened the door. The same poleaxed feeling Tal had experienced in the workout room yesterday hit him again, and he simply stared.

Her chin-length hair was pulled up with sparkly pins, and wisps curled forward to frame her face. The dress she wore showed off beautiful legs, a slender waist, and other outstanding curves.

He swallowed. “You look beautiful.”

Glory blushed and smiled. “Thank you. I have something more conservative, and it would only take me a minute to change if you think that would be a better choice.”

Tal shook his head. “No, no. This is great.”

She handed him her wrap. “Are we ready to go, then?”

He stepped back, realizing he blocked her way. “Oh, yeah, sure. Let me help you with that.”

Glory pulled the door closed behind her and slipped into a silky white wrap with fringe, a hint of fragrance drifting up to him. Tal inhaled and cleared his throat. “Warm night.”

He walked Glory to his car, settled her in, then went around behind, flapping his collar to get some air to his overheated skin.

They were fifteen minutes from their destination and as he pulled away, Tal sighed. “I studied the list you put together, but I have a few questions.”

Glory gave him her attention. “I’ll be glad to help.”

“Thanks. I don’t know anything about the designers Alyssia likes. Would you be able to tell if she’s wearing any of their stuff tonight?”

She grinned. “Stuff?”

“Guess that’s not the right term to use for expensive clothing and jewelry.”

Glory pursed her lips, bringing another warm flush to his skin.

“I’ve thought about that,” she said. “I believe your best approach would be an old-fashioned sincere compliment. Alyssia is a beautiful woman, and if you admire her taste, you won’t have to keep tabs on who made what. I can help you learn about the designers later.”

“You smell very nice,” he said.

Glory gave him a thumbs up. “Exactly the kind of compliment we’re talking about.”

Tal concentrated on the road. “I meant you. You smell nice.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

He tipped his head. “I have a small notebook and pen in the glove box that should fit in your purse. Since I’m ostensibly there to answer questions, and you to take notes, it’ll probably be best if we stick close. You know, in case either of us has to help the other out.”

She put the items in her purse and gave him a nervous smile.

• •

The Sorrento epitomized the term elegant boutique hotel. Tal pulled under the green awning and spoke to the attendant over the splash of the fountain. He didn’t feel entirely comfortable with all the ostentation, but knew beautiful surroundings made for good marketing.

He took Glory’s arm and led her into the plush lobby.

At the reception desk, they were told the Kingston function was being held in the Penthouse. When they stepped off the elevator, a hotel staffer took Glory’s wrap. Tal looked with appreciation at the setup. He’d sat through Alyssia’s pre-presentation meeting with attending in mind. She had, for an exorbitant fee, gotten the chef to use at least one of Kingston’s products in each course. All of their products were represented in a display to the side of the room.

To their right sat a large table with gleaming silver, crystal, and dinnerware. People talked quietly in groups or enjoyed the view of the Seattle skyline while music played softly in the background. Alyssia had done them proud.

Tal recognized everyone except a silver-haired couple and a man about his own age. The guy made directly for them, his appreciative gaze raking Glory. When he reached them, he took Glory’s hand, bringing it to his lips.

An instant dislike for the man surprised Tal with its intensity. He didn’t like this. Not one bit.

• •

Glory overcame the impulse to yank back her hand. She’d traveled extensively in Europe, where the custom was still in evidence, but thought it nicer when a man bowed slightly over a woman’s hand, instead.

“Pryce Welker. Please call me Pryce. And you are?”

“This is Ms. Glory Danvers,” Tal said.

The transformation was instant. Pryce Welker peered at her face and broke out in a huge grin. “Not
the
Glory Danvers of
Chasing
Glory
?”

The name of her blog and this man’s enthusiasm brought a warm flush to Glory’s face. “Guilty as charged,” she said.

“I’m PRW100,” he replied.

She recognized the signature of one of her most frequent commenters. The picture that accompanied his screen name was of a man in full snow ski gear standing in front of a posh hotel. “Nice to put a face to the name,” she said, rescuing her hand from his grip.

Glory glanced at Tal. He seemed totally surprised by the exchange, but held out his hand. “Tal Kingston.”

Pryce Welker raised an eyebrow as he shook Tal’s hand. “Head of Research and Development? Ms. Hartford didn’t mention you were coming.” His gaze returned to Glory. “Nor that you would be bringing such a lovely, and famous in her own right, companion.”

Tal edged slightly closer to her and Glory almost giggled at the male posturing. She sobered as Alyssia saw them and inserted herself between Pryce and Tal, a half-smile in place.

“Tal. I didn’t realize you’d be joining us.”

What? They were crashing the
event?

“I mentioned at the pre-presentation meeting that I planned to attend,” he said. “I thought I’d be able to answer any product questions Mr. Welker might have. I twisted Glory’s arm to come along and take notes.”

Glory held up the small pen and notebook, trying to look ready for business.

Alyssia’s glance left ice crystals in its wake. “Glory doesn’t report to you.”

“Who cares?” Pryce said smoothly to Alyssia. “She’s here and I’m a big fan. Please see to it that two extra seatings are provided. One of them for Ms. Danvers, next to me.”

A pale blue vein throbbed in Alyssia’s temple. “Fan?”

She made it sound like Glory was a stripper.

Pryce grinned. “Indeed. She’s one of the best travel bloggers on the internet.”

Glory smiled as Alyssia and Tal processed Pryce Welker’s compliments. Alyssia’s jaw tightened, but a slow grin spread across Tal’s face. “No, kidding?” he said. “That’s great.”

Alyssia was not ready to give ground. “I’ve read her personnel folder. I don’t remember anything like that.”

Tal gave Alyssia an assessing gaze and the compelling personality Glory had witnessed at their first meeting surfaced.

“We can discuss this later if you want,” he said. “Right now let’s take advantage of the nice event you’ve created.”

Pryce took Glory’s arm and steered her toward the display of products.

“I have a few questions,” he said.

Glory turned to shoot a look of desperation at Tal, but she needn’t have bothered. He was right behind them
. Why was he right behind them? He should be hanging around
Alyssia.

“Glory won’t be able to help you, much,” he said. “She’s a fairly new employee. I’m your man when it comes to questions about our products.”

“Pryce smiled. “The questions I have are of a personal nature. My father’s the one who’ll want to talk products.” At that point, he turned and effectively shut Tal out.

Glory reached past Pryce and picked up a jar of mint sauce, pretending to examine the label. She caught Tal’s glance and tipped her head toward Alyssia. He spared a frown at the back of Pryce’s head and walked off.

Beyond the display, the room opened onto a string quartet in black tie, seated beside a portable dance floor. The floor was placed in front of the beautiful view.

Pryce held out his hand. “My parents are very fond of dancing and Ms. Hartford has seen to it that every possible whim of theirs is anticipated. Luckily for me, an opportunity to hold a beautiful woman has presented itself.”

Glory accepted his offer, but harbored no illusions. She was being fawned over because she was available at the moment. Maybe if she kept Pryce busy for a while, Tal could sit next to Alyssia and soak up some of her wonderfulness.

Glancing at Pryce through her lashes, Glory considered the possibility that she could arrange for Catherine to meet the tall, dark, and handsome, not to mention rich, new bachelor-about-town. She took his measure.
Let’s see, about six two, thick dark hair and kind, grey eyes. Oh, and he was wearing a midnight blue suit. No brown
here
.

Pryce was a very good dancer. Her ex-fiancé had been too, so Glory felt confident she was keeping up. This was her first dance since her breakup and she was really enjoying it.

“May I call you Glory?” he asked as they moved around the floor. “The name fits. And please tell me you aren’t seeing anyone.”

Temporary flirtation or not, it had been a long time since any man had paid this much attention to her, and Glory was flattered. “That would be fine. And no, I’m not.”

“I know you’re an excellent blogger. What do you do at Kingston Limited?”

“I’m an executive assistant.”

He smiled. “So, if I made a surprise visit tomorrow, you’d greet me?”

“Why would you visit tomorrow?”

“Two reasons,” he said. “First, so I can take you to lunch. Second, to sign the contract Ms. Hartford is working so hard to sell my father.”

Glory stopped. “I don’t understand. Why are
you
signing the contract?”

Pryce walked her to the edge of the floor. “My parents live here and my father runs east and west coast operations. I oversee the Mediterranean routes. When he contracted with a line that covers the Asian Pacific Rim, he suddenly became semi-retired. He plans on my taking over the west coast as well as the new contract responsibilities. The real reason is to get me to move back to the U.S. and settle down. Now you know my secret. Can I trust you to keep it until lunch tomorrow?”

Glory nodded, then Pryce looked over her shoulder, his lips twitching.

“Your knight is riding to the rescue.”

She turned and saw Tal striding toward them. He fixed her with a narrowed gaze before speaking to Pryce. “Your parents are talking contract terms and would like you to sit in. I’ll keep Glory company.”

Pryce took her hand. “Remember, you’re sitting by me at dinner.”

As soon as he was out of earshot, she asked Tal, “Did you get a chance to speak to Alyssia?”

He frowned. “I thought that’s what I was paying you for. Not to spend the evening dancing with some player.”

Glory held his gaze. “I get it that Pryce is a player. He’s also a single, good-looking, successful professional. Alyssia is a single, beautiful, successful professional.” She leaned in. “What I don’t get is why you’re over here, when she’s over there? I thought if I kept Pryce busy, you could watch Alyssia at work. She’s very good at what she does. You could use those observations to compliment her later.”

She thought Tal might get defensive when she called him on his actions, but saw an apology forming before he spoke.

“Sorry,” he said, glancing toward Pryce. “You didn’t have much choice when Junior dragged you off, did you?”

Junior?
She clamped her lips and shook her head. Tal was acting like a jealous boyfriend, not someone who wanted to get to know another woman. And as much as it was an ego boost, she needed to help him redirect. “Okay, forget Pryce. Let’s revisit your goal for this evening.”

Tal took a deep breath. “I wanted this to be the first step in getting to know her better and so far, it’s not working.”

Glory laid her hand on his arm. “We’ve only been here ten minutes.”

“Yeah. You’d think with all the hours I clock testing the same ingredients over and over, I’d be used to waiting for results, wouldn’t you?”

“This is different,” she said, smiling encouragement. “Give it a little while. Maybe she’ll relax.”

“You’re a good sport.” One corner of his mouth went up. “Would you help me with something before dinner starts?”

Glory pulled out her pen and notebook. “Fire away.”

“Not what I had in mind,” he said. “I want to dance with Alyssia but my skills are rusty.” He nodded toward the floor. “Care to take a spin?”

Glory thought briefly about the hazards of consulting in open-toed shoes, then held her arms out.

Tal pulled her comfortably close, moving to the music. His hand felt warm against her bare circle of skin. Um, something she hadn’t even noticed when she’d danced with Pryce. After a few missteps, they did very well. She was beginning to enjoy herself when she heard, “Nice. Nice fit.”