Page 69 of Calamity Rayne Knocked Up

My breath hitched as I recognized his name. This was Remington’s target.

His gaze dropped to my bodice. “I see Hale’s been busy since the wedding.”

My neck warmed, my blush crawling to my chest as he stared. “Speaking of Hale, I should probably get back to my husband.”

“There’s no rush. These dinner parties can be so tedious. Just once, I’d love to see a cat fight or something slightly amusing happen.”

“Oh, I don’t think anyone here would do that.”

“You think those women out there are without venom? They all hate each other.” He chuckled then rubbed his jaw. “But not you, right? You look… There’s something different about you. Something…wholesome.”

Being analyzed by a complete stranger was extremely off-putting—especially in a nearly see-through dress. Talk about direct. Remington would have his work cut out for him with this guy.

“Well, I don’t know if I’d call myself wholesome, but I’m not vicious or venomous. I’m just Rayne.”

“Just Rayne.” He grinned. “What a curious name.”

Okay, we talked for too long and now I was getting a weird vibe. It was time to wrap this up. “We’re actually scheduled to meet next week.”

He cocked his head. “Are we?”

“On the fifth. I work for Remington.”

His brows lifted. “Maybe you should work for me. This is the first I’m hearing of this. I should fire the half-whit in charge of my schedule and hire you. Whatever Davenport’s paying you, I’ll double it.”

I laughed nervously and edged toward the door. “Well, I’m not sure how my boss would like that.” Another nervous smile. “He’s also my father-in-law,” I reminded, in case he was seriously suggesting I do somethingdisloyal toward my Davenports. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Xander.”

“Are you really in such a rush to get back to him? As Remington’s right hand, shouldn’t you take the opportunity to work the client?”

I did a double-take. Talk about being forward. “Excuse me?”

“He’s had you research me, right? Find out where my stockholdings are, where I like to eat, who I like to fuck?”

My smile fell.

“Relax. It’s an old game he’s been playing at for years. You seem nice, so I’ll save you some time. He’s not getting my company.”

This was getting uncomfortable. “I don’t have the details of his plans.”

“Let’s not pollute this peaceful introduction with lies, Rayne.” He rubbed his jaw and studied me. “You struck me as someone…honest. Am I wrong?”

The alternative was to call myself a liar. “Being honest doesn’t mean I know my boss’s intentions. He’s a very complicated man with a very busy schedule.”

“So am I.” He grinned, flashing a line of pearly white teeth. “It’s cute how you defend him. I’d bet there isn’t another person at thisparty—including his children—who would think to protect a man like Remington Davenport. He must pay you damn well for that sort of loyalty.”

“I’m just a loyal person. It has nothing to do with my paycheck.”

A dimple formed in the dark stubble beside his mouth. “I’m beginning to see why Hale married you.” His gaze moved over me. “I bet every man out there knows who you are.”

“That’s two bets in under a minute.”

“What can I say? I can’t resist a gamble. How am I doing so far?”

“Well, up until five minutes ago, you had no idea who I was. So I guess you're not always right.” But he was doing better than I wanted to admit.

“Touché. But I know who you are now, and you’re not easily forgotten.”

I was too tired to unravel his innuendos. “If people know who I am, it’s because I’m the only pregnant woman here.”

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