The Corporate Raider's Revenge by Charlene Sands

Author:Charlene Sands [Sands, Charlene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Category
ISBN: 9780373768486
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2008-01-07T00:00:00+00:00

Trent raised a flute of champagne. “To my brother, Evan, his beautiful new wife, Laney, and to the little baby who’ll call me Uncle Trent soon. Congratulations.”Julia raised her flute of champagne, as well, while Evan and Laney lifted the glasses of sparkling cider Evan had ordered for both of them.

They toasted then sipped their drinks. Awkward silence followed as they sat at a private table for four in a cozy elegant restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard. Trent insisted they celebrate in style and Laney didn’t have the heart to refuse the kind offer.

Trent broke the stifling quiet when he questioned Julia. “How long have you two been friends?”

Julia smiled when she looked at her and Laney’s nerves calmed. Her friend had that effect on her and right now she appreciated the comfort. “Since babyhood, right, Laney?”

“Yes, our mothers had been close friends.”

Julia laughed. “We really had no choice in the matter. It’s a good thing we liked each other while growing up.”

Laney was aware of Evan watching her. Every time she glanced his way, his eyes were on her. While Julia sat beside her on one side, calming her, Evan sat on the other having the opposite effect. She hadn’t forgotten the sizzling hot nights she’d spent with him at the Wind Breeze. She’d been wildly attracted to him and he’d been the balm she’d needed to heal her broken heart. When he’d walked out of her hotel room that last day, she thought she’d seen the last of him. Now here she was, married to him and carrying his child.

If only she could look at him and not doubt his intentions. If only she could allow herself the freedom to let down her guard. But she’d learned her lesson with both Justin and Evan and she wouldn’t be fooled again.

Laney sat quietly for most of the dinner, listening to Trent and Julia make small talk while she ignored her husband. She was fully aware that he noticed every small bite she managed to take during the meal. She’d ordered filet mignon with all the trimmings and thanks to the nausea pills she decided to take, eating a small meal wasn’t so much of a chore anymore. When she pushed her plate away, Evan assessed the remainder of her meal and appeared relieved that she’d eaten half her food.

Trent had ordered a wedding cake that the baker delivered personally to the table along with his good wishes. Laney even managed to down half a slice. But then her stomach rebelled and she put her hand to her flat belly.

“What’s wrong?” Evan asked, not missing a thing.

“Nothing really. Same old, same old,” she said, trying for humor.

Julia added her concern. “You do look a little tired, honey.”

Laney attempted to console her friend. “I’m fine, Jules. It’s been a long day.”

Evan nodded, setting his napkin on the table. “It’s time we headed home.” He glanced at Trent and Julia. “Please stay and finish your cake and coffee. And thank you both. Trent, I’m glad you stood up for me today.

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