Page 38 of Mr. Scandalous

Half-way to Connecticut, she regretted her decision. Now, here she was, dressed like a wanton, taking an Uber from the train station to Sarah’s house. Of all the days for Ashley to take sick.

Uber pulled to a stop outside a lovely two-story brick home with a perfectly manicured lawn. Clutching the heavy gift basket with both hands, Eden slid from the back seat and asked the Uber driver to wait.

She hurried up the sidewalk. The long tail of her duster slapped against the back of her legs. She rang the doorbell, fully intending to present the basket to whomever answered, then turn and head back to the car

It didn’t happen that way.

The minute the door opened, she found herself being hauled over the threshold and hugged by a gorgeous blonde who bore a striking resemblance to Alec.

“Come in, come in,” the young woman said, motioning her farther into the house. “The party is just getting started. Everyone is in the den.”

“Um, I’m just here to deliver Alec’s present to the bride-and-groom-to-be,” Eden said. “I’m not a guest.”

“Nonsense, you came all this way, you’re invited. The more the merrier. I’m Sarah by the way.” She extended her hand and smiled broadly.

Eden took it. “Eden Montgomery.”

“Oh my! At last we meet. I absolutely loved the gift basket my friend Jayne commissioned from you for my wedding to Zach. I’m so glad Alec took my advice and ordered one of your creations for Randy and Jill.”

“I’ve got an Uber waiting.” Eden jerked her thumb over her shoulder. “I really can’t stay.”

“Come on, don’t you want to see the look on Jill’s face when she gets a load of that sexy gift basket? I know she’ll be thrilled.” Sarah inclined her head toward the noisy room filled with guests.

But before Eden could protest, Sarah took her by the elbow and ushered her into the den. She introduced Eden to her handsome husband, Zach, and then asked him to send Eden’s Uber driver on his way.

“Let me take your coat,” Sarah offered, holding out her hand.

“That’s okay,” Eden said, tightening the sash of her duster. “I’m chilly.”

What would the women think, she wondered, if they had any idea what she was wearing?

Eden set the basket on a table piled high with gifts. She felt uncomfortable and out of place.

Oh God, what was she doing here?

The last thing she wanted was to get to know Alec’s family and friends. The less she knew about him the better. A peek into his family life threatened to complicate things between them.

Her relationship with Alec was temporary, based on the need for hot sex with an adventuresome man. Sex to clear her mind and dissolve her fears. Sex to reassure her that she was feminine and desirable. Sex to heal the broken places in her soul so she could move forward with her life.

Unfortunately, it seemed she wasn’t about to escape the exuberant Sarah. The bubbly blonde introduced her around the room. Eden met Alec’s other three sisters, Kylie, Alison and Diana, along with his mother, two aunts, a dozen female friends and the bride-to-be, Jill Fincher.

Sarah grabbed a folding chair for Eden and parked her beside the sofa next to Jill.

Jill was a lot like Alec had described her. A cool, classy brunette dressed in an understated fashion. She was quiet and reserved, but with a sharp intelligence that burned from behind wire-framed glasses. She looked as out of place in this boisterous group of rowdy women as Eden felt.

Their gazes met. Jill smiled.

Eden smiled back and they shared an instant camaraderie.

Sarah moved to the center of the room and clapped her hands. “Ladies….” She grinned. “I’ve got a surprise. We’re having our sexual fortunes told by a very gifted tea leaf reader.”

“Sexual fortunes?” Jill asked, a panicky expression crossing her face. “What’s that?”

“You’re going to love it.” Sarah wriggled her eyebrows. “Madame Xavier’s predictions are uncannily accurate. She’ll tell you exactly how to keep Randy eating from the palm of your hand. She’s the one who told me that Zach was going to propose.”

“Trust Sarah to come up with something crazy and exotic like a fortune-teller who specializes in sexy tea leaf reading.” Someone laughed.

“I can’t wait.” Another woman clapped her hands. “I need to know when this long dry spell will be over. I need sex!”

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