The VIP Room (35 page)

"Sure, honey, have a good day."

Lauren opened the calendar app on her phone and entered her two new dates for Saturday and Sunday. She left Saturday's event posted in black ink, but added a heart icon next to Derek's name in red and highlighted the event with her cursor. She looked at her screen and thought for a moment that the red color actually oozed out of the heart.

She dismissed the disturbing thought as the alarm from her laptop buzzed, signaling her that her department meeting was beginning in five minutes.

D
erek cruised
up to the entrance of Spring Rock Country Club in his Corvette. He watched as two valets raced over to open his door, eager for the chance to park the car. A quick look around told Derek that most of the members and guests were arriving in limos and expensive sedans. He didn't see many sports cars and figured the valets wanted to take his car for a spin. He handed the keys and a twenty to the first valet to arrive. "Park her near the entrance and there's another one of these when I leave."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," the pimply-faced attendant said.

Derek noticed the look of satisfaction the kid threw to the valet he beat out as he drove the Stingray down the driveway and pulled it back around to rest directly opposite the entrance. Once he was assured his car was well placed and he'd have easy access for a quick getaway, if needed, Derek headed into the lobby to look for Cade. When he didn't see his brother, he walked outside.

While he waited, his thoughts gravitated to Lauren. He missed her and regretted that he had committed to come here with Cade before he spoke to her. If Lauren had called him ten minutes earlier, he could have been with her right now.

Derek shook his head. The dishonesty with Lauren had to stop. It may have been only one week, but their long conversations in bed and on the phone let him know that she was the real thing. She deserved the same back. He decided to bring her to his house the next night after their date and reveal his true identity.

An engine roar brought him back to the present. Cade was pulling up in his Porsche 918 Spyder and must have gunned the engine to get his attention.

Derek was surprised to see the hard top on the car until the valet opened the passenger door and helped Carly out. Rage surged through Derek's veins. He watched as Cade exited the auto, came around to take Carly's arm, and escorted her up to the entrance to greet him.

Derek refused to acknowledge Carly and pulled his brother aside. "Why did you bring her? I told you she's been stalking me, and I want to put some distance between us."

Cade put his arm around his brother's shoulder. "Relax, little brother. Carly's parents are prominent members of this club, and it looks good to have her with us. I've already spoken to her about it, and she knows it's all for show. Don't forget, it can't hurt her image to show up with the two best looking and most eligible bachelors at the event. Now, smile and play nice."

Cade turned and ushered Carly into the lobby. Derek's eyes rested on his Corvette and he considered leaving. Nothing felt right tonight, and he had a premonition it was going to get worse. He exhaled loudly and forced himself around. He had promised Cade he'd give this a try, and he would keep his word.

Derek caught up with them in the lobby. He nodded to his brother to indicate he was on board. "You're in charge, here, Cade. Where do we go?"

Cade took a quick glance around the lobby and pointed to the sign that said Registration. "I'll go sign us in. Hopefully there's no name tags," he joked.

Derek put his hands in his pockets and tried to not to look directly at Carly. He didn't want to give her any openings for physical contact or even conversation. He saw a thin young man approaching them with a big smile, like he knew them.

Bounding right up to Derek, the young men held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Philben Deveroux, the event photographer for this evening. Would you folks mind if I took a few quick snaps? We're creating a new member picture board to display during the welcome dinner."

Derek was about to beg off, but Carly leaned in, took his arm, and flashed a big smile. "Of course, we'll pose for you, Philben."

She giggled and teased, "Now, make sure you get my good side," and proceeded to strike various poses, all while perched on Derek's arm.

Philben didn't hesitate for a second. He started snapping away and had about twenty shots before Derek pulled himself free.

"Great, great! You are such a handsome couple. Yes, you will certainly be the highlight of the presentation tonight! Thanks so much. Now let me get your names and make sure I get the spelling right."

Derek had a notion to do a Sonny Corleone and grab the camera and stomp it to bits. Instead he said, "There's been a mistake. We're not new members or a couple. Please--"

Carly grabbed Philben's arm and led him away. "That's Derek Holmes and Carly Richardson."

Derek sighed and glanced around the lobby, now crowded with the incoming guests. He did a double take. He saw a woman who looked like Lauren in a dark blue gown scurrying away. He didn't have a clear view through the crowd. He started after her, but then stopped. It couldn't be her. What would a middle class accountant be doing here? Must be because he missed her so much that suddenly he thought her saw everywhere.

L
auren pushed open
the door of the women's room with so much force that door swung back and hit the inside wall. She kept going until she was stopped by her reflection in the full-length mirror opposite the door.

It can't get any worse.
Upon entering the lobby with her parents, she had looked around, hoping to see one of her old friends or at least a familiar face. That's when she saw Derek and Carly posing like celebrities for the photographer. A crowd had gathered around them, and who could blame them? There stood a towering handsome hunk in a sharp tuxedo and a gorgeous blonde in a strapless dress that hugged her bodice with a full skirt that flowed from her waist the size of a quarter. A real-life Barbie and Ken.

Lauren glared at her reflection through her tears. And there she was, looking like the mother of bride in this awful blue sequined dress her mother made her buy so she'd have formal attire to wear in case she got an invitation to a black-tie event. She couldn't look more frumpy if she tried.

She headed into the area with the bathroom stalls where there were no mirrors and leaned against the wall, trying to gather her wits.

What was Derek doing here?
It was hardly likely that he could be a new member, not with the insane fees they asked at this place. Yet there he was with the woman he had sworn meant nothing to him.

Lauren felt a stab in her heart that traveled down and twisted her stomach. He lied about Carly and where he'd be tonight. Ha, business dinner with his brother, right. What other lies had he fed her? Lauren bent over as her stomach cramped violently.

How could this be happening?
Five minutes ago she was in the back seat of her parents' car, fantasizing about Derek and remembering the intimate conversations they'd had while he was away. Besides talking for hours about their childhoods and dreams for the future, they indulged in some super hot phone sex using the dildo as a substitute for the real thing. He told her what he wanted to do with his hands and his manhood, and she did it. They even came together over the phone. Right before her father pulled into the club's driveway, she had decided she would share the truth with Derek the next day, and introduce him to her parents as soon as possible.

"Lauren, what's the matter?"

Lauren turned around. Her mother appeared concerned.

"Are you sick?"

Lauren nodded.

"Come, dear. Let's go sit down." She led Lauren over to a sitting area with a chaise lounge, several armchairs, and small coffee table. After settling Lauren in a chair, she stepped over to the sink to wet a washcloth, which she handed to her daughter.

Lauren saw her mother's mouth moving, but didn't hear a word she said. What a fool she was! A big, fat fool! Why was Derek messing with her at all? Oh my God. She was just an easy lay, or maybe he felt sorry for her. And then she brought him home and shared her toy collection with him. Oh, God! Lauren doubled over, holding her stomach.

"Lauren!"

Her mother's voice broke through her haze. She looked up and took the wet cloth.

"Put it on your forehead, dear."

Lauren patted herself with the cloth, and then dropped her hands to her lap, leaning back in the chair with her eyes closed. She couldn't go back out there and face Derek and Carly. Not tonight. Not ever.

"I want to go home, Mother. Call me a cab, please."

"Of course, dear." Her mother pulled her phone from her purse.

"Mrs. Daniels, is that you?"

Lauren turned to the voice, as did her mother.

"Carly, how nice to see you!" Her mother broke into a big smile. "Are your parents here tonight, too?"

"No, they're cruising around Europe, so they couldn't make it."

"Are you here by yourself, then, dear?"

"No, I came with some friends of the family who are becoming members tonight."

Lauren sat up at attention.

"Anyone I know?" Lauren's mother leaned in, eager to get the inside info.

"I don't think so. Their family lives in Dumont County, about an hour away from here, but they've been friends with my folks forever. Both their sons live and work here, though, so it seemed a better choice than their parents' club.

"Mmhmm. Tell me something about these boys."

"Well," Carly smiled and covered her mouth like a little girl with a secret. "We practically grew up together, so I'm very close to both of them. But one is special, you know, and I wouldn't be surprised if he popped the question soon--maybe even tonight!"

"How wonderful!" Her mother rushed over to hug Carly. The two air-kissed.

Now Lauren really felt like throwing up, but she cleared her throat instead.

"Oh, I don't think you've met my daughter, Lauren. Let me introduce you now, although the poor thing is feeling ill. I was about to call a cab to take her home."

Her mother made the introductions and put her hand on Lauren's shoulder.

"Too bad you're leaving, Lauren. Carly could introduce to her friends, and you'd be able to spend some time with people your own age, instead of sitting with the old folks tonight. Perhaps some other time."

Lauren's dismay had turned to anger once she heard Carly's announcement of an impending marriage proposal.
That bastard!

She had a wild idea to spoil the future Mr. and Mrs. Perfect's evening. She'd find a way to expose that lying cheat in front of the membership.

Lauren smiled and stood up. "You know what? I'm feeling much better."

She turned to Carly. "I'd love to meet your friends and sit with you tonight. Would that be all right with you?"

Carly clapped her hands. "Oh, yes! Come with me right now. I think the boys were getting ready to head into the bar for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres."

Lauren kissed her mother's cheek and followed Carly out.

"Oh, look! That's them over there," Carly said and took Lauren by the hand. Seconds later, they were face to face with the Holmes brothers, and Carly made the introductions.

F
or a moment
, Derek thought he was hallucinating.

Wow, did that woman with Carly look like Lauren!
He didn't take his eyes off the pair of them until they stood before him. Then his sight laser-focused on Lauren. He heard Carly babbling something and saw Lauren put out her hand.

"So pleased to meet you, Derek," she said, and turned to Cade with a sweet smile.

"Cade, it seems our parents have Carly's parents in common among their friends. I'm surprised I've never met you or seen you here before."

Derek noticed right away that Cade was eyeing Lauren with a bit too much interest, as far he was concerned.

"We grew up in Dumont County, and our parents belong to Four Crowns Country Club. But, my brother and I live here now and decided it was time to join the local social circles."

He moved in closer to Lauren. "Did I hear Carly introduce you as Lauren Daniels?" He emphasized her last name.

Lauren nodded.

"Would your father be George Daniels of Phipps, Daniels & Owen Financial?"

"Yes, do you know him?"

"No, but I look forward to meeting him."

Cade put his arm out to Lauren. "It looks like everyone's beginning to take their seats for dinner. May I escort you in?"

Lauren smiled and her eyes lit up. "I'd love that. I'd be happy to introduce you to my father."

"Is he here this evening?"

Lauren's eyes danced. "Yes, he is."

Derek smoldered inside. She
was flirting with Cade!
She had no idea what she was getting into.

He watched helplessly as his brother hustled off with Lauren and followed behind as quickly as he could. Cade chose a table with four open seats, but they weren't together, so Derek and Carly were forced to sit opposite Lauren and his brother.

Derek heard Cade ask Lauren if she wanted a drink before the dinner ceremonies began. Lauren said something in Cade's ear, and his brother laughed heartily. Derek thought he was going to explode. He had no idea who Lauren's father was, but if it interested Cade that much, he must be rich and influential.
So Lauren is not the average working girl that she appears to be.

Cade stood and started for the door. He doubled back and stopped behind Derek and Carly. "I'm going to the bar," he said. "Would either of you like something?"

Carly shook her head. Derek threw down the scotch he was holding and held up his glass. "Johnny Walker Black."

Cade leaned in and whispered, "This is too good to be true. We've walked in here with the beautiful daughters of the two richest members in the club."

He squeezed his brother's shoulders. "All right, man. I'll be right back."

Derek stared at Lauren from across the table, but she wouldn't look his way. She was chatting with the person on her right.

Derek mind was reeling, trying to figure out what was going on. She had invited him to her place for tonight. Why would she do that if she were going to be here?

He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was absolutely stunning this evening. Her hair was swept back, exposing the long graceful neck that her wavy hair usually hid. And that dress made the best of every inch of her, from her full round breasts to the generous curves of her hips. She was luscious, and he wanted to claim every inch of her right now. The thought that Cade might have any ideas about hooking up with Lauren drove him insane. He had to do something.