Arlington Heights by Erica Lewis

Author:Erica Lewis [Lewis, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Urban Books
Published: 2014-12-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

All roads led to Harper’s palatial estate in Southampton. He’d planned this black-tie gala down to the smallest detail. Arlington had put him off all week, and he allowed her to twist anxiously in the wind without so much as stepping foot back into the Heights offices. This was to be the night to kick off the official campaign for Kingsley and there would be a few surprises in store. All of the magazine’s employees as well as the board members were in attendance. Harper insisted. He’d sent out invitations to all the elite of New York; even the Honorable Mayor David Dinkins’ office RSVP’d. Harper was certain that Arlington would not be a disappointment. Still, he’d always been a man with a backup plan. She would not decline his offer. He felt he could count on her ambition. Either way, the press was sure to enjoy a feeding frenzy.

Endless quantities of champagne flowed into Baccarat crystal flutes. Sterling silver serving trays filled with the most expensive caviar, scallops, and escargots never went empty. Elegantly attired guests milled from the ballroom through the gardens chatting and gossiping as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach mingled with the warm late-June air. Harper was in league with a very powerful and influential group. Even if they didn’t like him, most admired him; at the very least, they respected his position.

The first of the guests started to arrive around six. By eight, despite his cool demeanor, Harper had grown a bit agitated. He knew all about the saxophone-playing photographer and wondered if in the end Arlington would choose love over money and power. His concern proved unfounded when she made a show-stopping entrance through the terrace doors and set tongues wagging. The fact that KMI now controlled her magazine had spread like wildfire. After catching wind of Harper’s triumph, most of the guests were only there to see if she had the nerve to show. Arlington was breathtaking in her strapless white silk and gold organza Valentino.

Harper moved to her as if he was accepting an award. He kissed her on the cheek as cameras flashed. “I’m so glad you decided to come after all.”

Arlington stood regally with a frozen smile. “It’s not as if you gave me a lot of choice.”

“We are very much alike, you and I.”

“We are nothing alike, Harper.”

“Of course we are. Your being here confirms that.”

“I’m only here to keep my magazine.”

Harper took two glasses of champagne from the tray of a passing server and handed one to her. “Let’s make a toast, shall we?” He looked at her as if he expected a repeat of the coffee incident. “I suggest we drink to our new partnership.”

He clinked her glass and sipped. She refused to drink. She then spotted Ty across the room waving to get her attention. She smiled and started toward him. She stopped when Harper touched her arm.

“Don’t stray too far. I’ll be making an announcement shortly.”

Arlington cut her eyes and walked away. Harper then signaled to one of his assistants, who promptly disappeared into the house.

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