Devil in Texass(62)

“So nice to see you again,” Mrs. Bain said. Liza could’ve sworn she was channeling

a Civil War debutante forced to be polite to a Yankee. Her light brown eyes flashed to Liza’s hair and a disapproving frown crossed her bare lips for just the briefest of

moments.

Recovering so fast that Liza was sure no one but her had noticed the disdain Lydia

felt for her—and her do-it-yourself bottle job—her Royal Witchiness turned to Emelda

and said, “This has been a lovely reception.” She set her empty glass on Sean’s tray and added, “Shall we proceed to lunch? We do have business to attend to.”

That haughty tone of hers was like fingernails on a chalkboard. But Liza kept her

temper in check. Though, she wasn’t about to be dismissed one more time by this

woman.

The New Yorker in her took over. Raising her voice in order to get everyone’s

attention, she said, “Ladies, if you’d allow me to present this afternoon’s luncheon…”

She turned away from them, not giving anyone—Lydia Bain, in particular—the option

to protest.

They followed Liza down the hallway, the little group abuzz with excitement over

what was next to come. But when Liza reached the door to the meeting room, she was

all alone. She turned back, only to find the ladies had all stopped at the door to the kitchen on the opposite side of the hall.

Where they’d normally find the feeding trough.

Liza smiled. “We’re breaking tradition today, ladies,” she said, her gaze landing on

Lydia. “Jess and I thought you deserved a special treat for all that you do to support volunteer work in Wilder. Really, it’s such a noble cause.” She truly did mean that part.

“Your monetary and personal contributions have, I’m sure, helped to shape this

community. I realize I’m new here, but even in just the short amount of time I’ve been in Wilder, I’ve experienced a sense of community that I’m certain you all are greatly responsible for. So we thought a modicum of gratitude was due.”

Liza stepped aside—hoping she hadn’t laid that last part on too thick. You could

take the girl out of the PR gig, but not the PR out of the girl—it was in her blood.

The women moved toward her, looking skeptical, excited and baffled all at the

same time. Particularly Lydia, for whom Liza had a special smile.

The first to walk through the door was Emelda. She let out a sharp gasp and the

other women all but trampled her to get inside the meeting room to see what had

grabbed her immediate attention. Liza’s glance slid to Jess, who winked at her.

As the Junior League of Wilder filled the room Liza had set for them, a loud fervor

erupted as they took in the sights and sounds and smells. Liza and Jess lingered

outside. Several minutes passed before Emelda joined them in the hallway.

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Devil in Texas

“Well, I just…” She shook her head, clearly at a loss for words. Liza could see it

pained her greatly to admit she’d gotten more than she’d expected from the stranger in town. “This is just so lovely,” she said with a stiff upper lip. But Liza could see she was impressed, despite herself. “Quite a treat, really.”

“I’m glad you like it,” she replied.

“Well.” Emelda seemed to consider her words before she said, “We hope to see you

at service next Sunday.” Then she turned on her stubby heels and marched back into

the room, her ginormous hat barely fitting through the doorframe.

Jess clasped Liza’s arm and said, “Thank you! Really!”

Liza smiled back. Obviously, these women’s opinions mattered to her new friend.

But today, she’d also seen a side of Jess that told Liza she was loyal to who she was. Just one more thing Liza liked about her new boss.

“I’ll come back later and clean up,” she said.

Jess nodded. “Thank you. I’ve got Aunt Murdy’s party to go to this afternoon, so I

appreciate your help.”

“I appreciate the job.”

Extracting herself from Jess, Liza popped into the kitchen to thank Sean profusely

for his help.

Jokingly, he fanned his face with his hand and said in a mock-Emelda tone, “Well, I

just…”

Liza laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

“I don’t know what that means, but I’m here all day, six days a week for your

entertainment pleasure. I get Mondays off for good behavior.” He rolled his eyes, then added, “And the fact that no one ever books a meeting or a party on a Monday.”

“I’ll remember that. See ya later,” she told him.

Liza left the Elks Lodge and the Ladies Who Lunch and headed back into town to

tidy up Jess’ shop—which looked like a twister had passed through it—before she

returned to the Lodge to clean up the luncheon.

* * * * *

Later that night, she walked into Pietro’s on Jack’s arm. They were greeted by the

expected aroma of mouthwatering Italian food. What took Liza by surprise, however,

was that it was standing-room only.

“Holy cow,” she said to Jack.

“Best restaurant in town. Gets a little crowded on weekend nights.”

“A little,” she mumbled under her breath. Thank God they had reservations. And

that Ruby was such a big fan of Jack. Liza hoped the wait wouldn’t be too long. Now

that she was inhaling the delicious scent of garlic and spicy meat, she didn’t think she 157

Calista Fox

could keep herself from busting down the kitchen door in search of whatever dish

created that heavenly scent.

“We’re having the special, right?” she asked, already planning her meal.

Jack grinned. “That’s where I’d put my money.”

“Yeah, me too. Damn, whatever it is, it’s making me salivate.”

“I’ll be sure to wipe the drool from the corners of your mouth,” he said as he bent

his head to hers and spoke low and sexily in her ear. “With my tongue.”

Wildfires broke out all over her body, their flickering flames teasing her erogenous

zones. “Behave,” she whispered back. “Or Ruby will kick us out.”

“Not likely,” Jack said with a snort. “I’m her best customer. Besides, she likes that I keep things lively.”

Liza had no doubt about it—on both counts. Jack definitely knew how to make life

more interesting.

“You’re late,” a familiar voice greeted them.

Liza’s head snapped in the direction of the podium, where Ruby stood, crossing off