Secret Designs(8)

Dylan narrowed his eyes. Did Sandy know about the argument he'd had with Adam last week? He had already apologised, but he knew his buddy was still hurting a little bit from what he'd said.

He supposed he should go. He wouldn't want Adam to think he wasn't keen on patching things up with him. If he went he could also let him know Kane was happy to personally work on his house renovation. Adam would be ecstatic. Kane's firm wouldn't normally have taken a relatively small job, but Kane was doing it as a favour to Dylan.

"Okay, I'll be there," he said resignedly.

"Great! No need to bring anything," Sandy said with obvious glee.

"Thanks. Who else is going, by the way?"

"Oh, uh, Trey, of course. Plus I've invited a couple of my friends to even things up."

Suspicion stirred his gut. He knew her game.

"See you later, Dylan!" Sandy said hurriedly, and hung up.

He sighed. No doubt Noeleen, one of Sandy's girlfriends, would be there, too. Noeleen was very pretty, but he wasn't interested in gold diggers. They spelt trouble.

During his birthday party a few weeks ago, he had overheard Noeleen tell Sandy that she was desperate to be his girlfriend, so that she could watch Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks from his balcony where they would have the perfect view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

He scowled as he remembered Sandy's response: "Yes, I'd love for you to have a rich boyfriend, too. They're quite handy when it's time to pay off the credit cards."

"And it doesn't hurt when they're such hunks," Noeleen had replied, and the two women had giggled like teenagers.

Last week, after much soul-searching, he'd finally said something to Adam. But Adam was too infatuated with Sandy to listen to his warning that Sandy's feelings for him might not be real. Adam had demanded that he and Sandy be left alone.

It took three days before Adam talked to him again. He had to tread carefully, so as not to antagonise his friend further.

He shook his head in displeasure. A guy in love could be so easily fooled by a woman, if he weren't careful. For his part, he was grateful he'd learned his lesson.





*******



"Dylan! It's great to see you again, handsome!"

Dylan hid his bemusement as Noeleen reached up to kiss him square on the lips. He bet she'd be rubbing herself against him like a cat soon. She was in one of the too-tight, too-short dresses she loved to wear. She was great to look at, but she left him cold.

Oh, what the hell, Dylan. Why don't you play your own game?

The idea perked him up. He certainly wouldn't enjoy the night if he let himself get irritated. Why not turn the tables and annoy the shit out of Noeleen? With any luck, she'd finally give up on him.

He gave Noeleen his brightest smile. "Hey, beautiful! It's wonderful to see your pretty face again."

Noeleen's face lit up and her lips formed a sultry smile. "I haven't seen you in weeks, Dylan. I'm glad you're here." She clung to his arm as they made their way to the kitchen.

He gave his two best friends, Adam and Trey, a man-hug and gave Sandy a peck on cheek. When he turned to Lenore, Trey's 'date' for the night, he placed his hands on her arms and gushed, "Lenore, you're looking good!" He then enveloped her in a tight hug, caressing her back for a couple of seconds before kissing her soundly on the cheek.

Lenore blushed and simpered.

"Dylan, here's your beer," Noeleen said sourly, casting a cold glare at Lenore and grabbing his arm.

"Uh, thanks, but is there any wine?" He preferred the beer but he was warming to his game.

"Oh, sure, sure. White?" Noeleen asked, eager to please.

"No. Red, please."

He glanced at his two buddies and caught them suppressing their grins. They knew what he was trying to do. Yes, it was caddish and juvenile to play two girls against each other. He hadn't acted like that since his early twenties. But knowing what Sandy's friends were truly like, he had no problems pushing the guilt aside.

He was glad to see that Adam didn't seem to mind. There was hope for his friend yet.

He turned his attention back to Lenore. "So, how've you been, gorgeous?"

The flattered woman was now staring at him with hope in her eyes. "Oh, I've been good, thank you, Dylan," she purred. "And you? You certainly look well." She openly checked him out. Her eyes lingered on his crotch then returned to his face with an inviting smile.

He stopped the snort before it escaped him. Here was a woman ready to 'steal' him right in front of her friend, Noeleen. Where was the value of friendship?

"Thank you. I've been good," he said, and turned his attention back to Noeleen, who had a ferocious look on her face.

"Thanks, Noeleen. You're a real sweetie." He winked at her as he took the glass of red wine from her hand, making sure he brushed his fingers with hers.