Unlikely Love: A Hot, Romantic Suspense Series: Book 1 (The Carlisle Sisters) (12 page)

“Remember my art exhibit from last month?”  Tracy asked.

“How could I forget?  It was wonderful.  And what a great way to spend my first trip in New York,” Beth grinned.

“It was fabulous, wasn’t it?  But this news is even more so!  I still can’t believe it!”  Tracy exclaimed.

Beth moved to sit on the couch.

“Sit.  What’s happening?”  Beth asked curiously.

“This,” Tracy grinned as she waved a letter about.

Beth snatched the letter from Tracy’s hand.

“What is this?”  Beth asked as she opened the envelope.

“I’ve been invited to Saint-Tropez in France to take part in the Art de Magnifigance, a grand art exhibit that takes place at the legendary Annonciade Museum.  Phillippe Beaupre, the director of the museum, has asked me to show my work at the exhibit!”  Tracy explained excitedly.

“Oh, my God!  In France?”  Beth nearly yelled.

“Yes!  Do you realize what this will mean for my career?  Every prominent art dealer and buyer will be there,” Tracy said.  “These shows are very rare.  The Annonciade Museum only has these exhibits every five years to ten years; and they are very selective as to who they invite.  To receive a request to show there is one of the highest honors paid to an artist.  I can’t
believe
that they want me.  It’s incredible!”

Beth leaned in and hugged Tracy.

“I’m so happy for you, Trace.  This is a dream come true for you,” Beth smiled happily.

“I keep thinking that I will wake up and realize I’m dreaming,” Tracy said.  “It’s so unreal.”

“Well, believe it.  You’ve got the letter to prove it!”  Beth grinned. “And, of course, I’m going with you.  Ten herds of buffalo couldn’t keep me away.”

“You know what?”  Tracy asked.

“What?”

“Maybe it really was a good thing that we came back to Texas; back
home
.  Good things have been happening for us since we did,” Tracy said thoughtfully.  “You and Grey are getting married and I had a great showing in New York.”

“What about Jen?  Things haven’t exactly gone blissfully well for her,” Beth said.

“True.  The incident with Jarod was, unquestionably, a horrible experience but it’s over now and I’m hoping things will pick up for her, as well,” Tracy said.

“Tell that to Jen.  She refuses to put it behind her,” Beth said.  “It’s almost like she’s punishing herself.”

“Or us,” Tracy murmured.

“What do you mean?”  Beth asked.  She was baffled by Tracy’s comment.

“Haven’t you noticed that she likes to act as though
we
are to blame for the incident?”  Tracy asked.  “Oh, she doesn’t blatantly come out with it; but she drops little innuendos.  It’s very aggravating.”

“I’ve caught a few of her comments but chose to ignore them.  I figured she would get over it eventually,” Beth said.

“Well, I wish that day would hurry up and get here.  I’m close to telling her a few things,” Tracy grumbled.

Beth chuckled.

“You?  The ‘
we have to get along
’ sister?”  Beth grinned.

“You’re living here and I’m the one left to hear her grievances; and there are a lot of them.  My patience is wearing thin,” Tracy muttered.

“Well, try to hang in there.  Even Jen will tire of her own griping; especially if it isn’t having the desired effect,” Beth encouraged.

“Easier said the done,” Tracy protested.

“Forget about Jen.  You’ve got way better things to think about; like going to France!”  Beth said lightly.

“Let me get dressed and then we can find Grey to tell him the good news.”

Beth rose and went into her bedroom.

“I wish Blaze were here.  I would love to share it with him,” Tracy mused.

“Why can’t you?  I thought the two of you were getting close.  What happened?”  Beth called out from the bedroom.

“We were but he was called away on business that has kept him really busy.  He said that he would call but that’s only happened once,” Tracy said.

“Well, don’t give up on him yet.  I think he’s a very good guy; and they’re hard to come by,” Beth said.

“It’s hard to hold out for someone who hasn’t made his presence felt,” Tracy said sadly.  “He took off right after the police arrested Jarod.  I was barely able to say goodbye to him.”

Beth came back into the room.

“Grey said that he was called away on important business.  Of course, he wouldn’t tell me what
kind
of business, but I’m sure he’ll be back,” Beth said.

“What makes you so sure?”  Tracy asked.

“Because he likes you; a lot.  I could tell by the way he looked at you,” Beth replied.

“I wouldn’t bet any money on that,” Tracy said cynically.  “He’s a spy who’s trained to give the wrong impression.”

Beth frowned at Tracy’s pessimism.

“I think I’m right and it’s not like you to wallow in skepticism,” Beth reproved.

“Just being realistic,” Tracy said.

“Well, try a little optimism.  It’ll make you feel better,” Beth said cheerfully.

Tracy pushed out her lower lip in an insincere pout then grinned.

“OK, I’ll trust your gut.  But only until I come down from this high that I’m on!  Let’s find Grey and tell him the news,” Tracy said happily.  “He’ll just love the fact that we’re leaving him to jet off to France.”

“He won’t be happy about having to stay behind,” Beth remarked.

“But somebody has to; so it may as well be him,” Tracy reasoned.

The sisters giggled and left the cabin.

*****

Grey watched Beth and Tracy as they climbed the steps of his private jet.  They had been thrilled when he announced that he’d arranged the flight for them.  Neither of the sisters had ever flown privately before; so this was a special treat. 

They turned to wave their final goodbye and Beth threw him a kiss which he caught and put to his heart.  He loved Beth more than he thought possible.  He never believed that a woman could steal his heart the way Beth had.

He was going to marry her and he couldn’t wait.  His life had certainly done a three-sixty and he couldn’t be happier.  Nothing could destroy the happiness that consumed him; nothing and no one.  He had left his solitary, lonely life behind.  He was now part of a family and business that he loved and he wouldn’t let anything tear it apart.

He continued watching as the grounds men rolled the stairs away from the plane after the door had closed.  Then the jet began to push forward, slowly making its way onto the tarmac where the pilot would have to wait for clearance to take off.  Confirmation must have come quickly because within minutes the plane began racing down the runway.

As the plane lifted off the ground and soared into the air he smiled.  His ladies were off to take Saint Tropez by storm.  The Frenchmen wouldn’t know what hit them.  His cell rang and he pulled his phone from his pocket.

“Hello?”  he answered.

As instructed, Grey listened to what the man on the other end of the line said.  Then the line immediately went dead.

“Hello?  Hello?”  he called out.

There was only silence.  Grey’s breathing became rapid as he considered the words of the caller.  He thought of the likelihood that the call was a hoax.  After a few seconds, realization set in and pure loathing washed over his features.

*****

CLICK HERE to buy “Blazing Love”
for your Kindle!