Night Prey by Sharon Dunn

Author:Sharon Dunn
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

The satin skirt of Jenna’s gown rustled as she took a sip of her punch. For the third time, she looked toward the door of Peter Hickman’s house, thinking she would see Keith. Apparently he had decided not to come to the fundraiser.

Cassidy bustled up to Jenna holding a small plate piled with hors d’oeuvres. She pointed to a cracker with a dollop of white stuff and green onions on it. “These are really good.”

Jenna took the cracker and nibbled. The smoothness of the cream cheese mingled with spices, making her mouth water.

Cassidy tugged at the waistline of her dress. “Good turn out, huh?”

“Yes, most of the town is here.” Many of the volunteers had come, but she also saw a lot of people she didn’t recognize. They must be friends of Peter’s. Craig Smith stood in a corner leaning close to another man in a cowboy hat.

Again, Jenna caught herself glancing at the door. The fundraiser was fun. Why then did it feel incomplete without Keith?

Cassidy leaned toward her. “I haven’t seen Peter yet, have you?” She adjusted a clip in her blond hair.

Jenna shook her head. Peter’s house was huge and partygoers were spread throughout it. The room they were in was open with large wooden floor-to-ceiling beams and a slate floor. A bubbling fountain served as the centerpiece. The room stretched out into a balcony where more people gathered.

A man with brassy red hair peered at them through the doorway that led to a ballroom where country music and party chatter spilled out.

“Oops, there is my hubby, better go.” Cassidy placed the plate of food in Jenna’s hand. “Are your feet glued to the floor?”

“No.” Jenna took another bite of cracker. She set the plate on a little table. She needed to stop nervous nibbling.

“Enjoy yourself, mingle, remind people that we need donations year-round.” Cassidy scooted away, hooking her arm in her husband’s and disappearing into the ballroom.

Craig Smith raised his voice; his face scrunched up into a grimace as he left the man he had been talking to. He stalked past Jenna.

“How is that new bull working out?” she asked.

He stared at Jenna for a moment as though he were trying to place her. “Fine,” Craig barked and headed into the ballroom.

Jenna sauntered toward the balcony where several couples had their heads bent close together. She set her drink on the railing. A cool evening breeze wafted up to her. Peter had built his house in a high spot so most of the valley was visible. Close by, she could see Peter’s barn and corral that held two horses. Beyond that were the mountain peaks of the King Ranch. The water tower on Craig Smith’s place was visible, as well. But despite the lovely view, she still had the urge to turn back around and see if Keith had arrived.

She leaned on the railing and closed her eyes. She really had to let go of the idea of more than a friendship with Keith. His friendship was wonderful—more than enough for her.

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