"Alright, tell me one more time who all I'm meeting," Jennifer called as she stood in front of the closet in the bedroom of Jonathan's penthouse, wrapped in only a towel and trying to decide what to wear.
Jonathan was still in the bathroom, shaving before dinner. "Marcus Werther, who is my LA Vice-President and taking over for me. His wife's name is Doris. They're hosting us along with another of the VPs, Dan Feinstein, and Dan's wife, Margaret. And a couple friends of mine from the Club, where Marcus is also a member. Cyrus St. Cyr—we call him Old Cyrus for reasons you'll find obvious when you meet him—and Arthur Radner. Arthur's got a girlfriend, I think. Barbara. And Cyrus…well, Cyrus is apt to find a date quicker than anyone I've ever met. I'm sure he'll bring someone."
Jennifer ran the names over in her head. Marcus and Doris Werther. Dan and Margaret Feinstein. Cyrus and whoever. Arthur Radner and Barbara. "Right," she answered distractedly.
She wasn't going to complain. It was good, really, that she was going to meet Jonathan's friends and colleagues. Jennifer was going to marry this man, so it was only right that she learned about his life. And she knew that Jonathan wasn't like other men she'd been with who just wanted to show her off and then take her to bed afterward. Jonathan loved her. Jonathan wanted her to meet his friends because he wanted her to know everything about his life and wanted her to be a part of it. That was all well and good. And Jennifer wanted all of that, too.
It was just…oh did it have to be now? She'd been in LA for less than a week, and she didn't want to share Jonathan. It was bad enough that he'd been called into the office today on a last-minute thing, and she was left alone all day. And now they had to spend their evening at a dinner party with these people?
Well, Jennifer did actually need to work on her book, and she should have spent the free time going over her outlines and trying to brainstorm a little. And Max was home, so it wasn't like she was alone. But instead, she'd gotten petulant and pouty because all she wanted was to be with Jonathan and now she couldn't. So instead, she'd taken her car out for a drive. And she went shopping again.
Their first shopping trip two days ago had culminated in a fashion show of everything except the gorgeous red gown she was saving for the engagement party. Each outfit she tried on, Jonathan had taken great pleasure in taking off of her. It took a few hours to get through everything, since they kept getting distracted.
Today's shopping trip, however, had been different. She wasn't shopping for herself. Well, she was, but it was mostly for Jonathan. A woman buying lingerie for herself is one thing. Buying things with lace and straps and sheer bits and cutouts wasn't something a woman did for herself. That was something she did to show off for someone special.
She'd been so eager to give Jonathan a fashion show of the sets she'd bought today, but he had called her from the car on the way back from the office to tell her they'd been invited to a dinner party with his friends in honor of their engagement, and her plans were dashed.
Well, maybe not entirely. In a split second, Jennifer decided exactly what she was going to do tonight.
When Jonathan came out of the bathroom, all freshly shaved and smelling incredibly delicious with his aftershave, she told him to get dressed and then go sit with Max until it was time to go. She wanted to get ready and surprise him.
"I've got something special I want you to see me in. And since we're going to meet your friends tonight, I want to dress to impress."
"I know you'll impress them no matter what you wear," Jonathan answered, putting his hands on her shoulders and kissing the side of her neck.
"Oh yes, I'm sure I will," she replied confidently. "But I'm going to be dressing to impress you."
With an eager grin, Jonathan gave her one last kiss and then left her alone. And Jennifer started getting ready.
The dress wasn't hard to decide on. She'd bought a simple black cocktail dress the other day on Rodeo Drive, so she took that out along with a pair of black pumps to match. She'd dress it up with a bit of jewelry. But the important part was what she wanted to wear under the dress. That was the part that would impress Jonathan, she was sure.
A while later, Jonathan knocked on the bedroom door. "Darling, Max is going down to get the car. Are you almost ready?"
"Just getting my purse," she called back to him. With one more fluff of her hair and a spritz of perfume, she was ready.
She opened the door and presented herself, and Jonathan looked her up and down with a smile. "You look incredible."
"Dressed to impress?" she asked with a little laugh.
"Definitely," he assured her. He reached out for her hand. "Come on, I don't want to be late."
And that was fine by Jennifer. The sooner they got there, the sooner they could go home. Although, if the evening was in their honor, it wasn't as though they could leave early. Well, once Jonathan knew what she was planning, maybe he'd find a way to get them back home a little sooner.
They went down the private elevator in Hart Towers together, from the penthouse down to the garage to meet Max.
As soon as the doors closed, Jennifer started to giggle to herself.
"What's so funny?"
"I've got something to show you," she said.
"Yeah?" he asked, intrigued.
Jennifer pulled at the loose neckline of her blouse to reveal the red lace bra underneath. "I went shopping today. We didn't get a chance for another fashion show, so I decided to wear this set tonight."
Jonathan's eyes practically bugged out of his head. "Set?" he asked in a strangled voice.
"Mhmm." She put her dress back to the way it was supposed to be just as they got to the garage and the elevator chimed. "You can see the rest of it later." Underneath her simple but elegant black dress was a red lace bra with matching panties. She had a garter belt, too, but only an insane person would wear stockings in LA in August. Besides, that was just more for Jonathan to take off her later. The bra and panties were plenty.
Max drove them to the Werther residence in Sherman Oaks, which was a very nice suburban neighborhood. Jennifer, who hadn't spent much time in LA before now, was enjoying seeing the different parts of the sprawling city. Jonathan was very distracted. She tried to ask him questions about things she saw out the window, but his gaze was fixated on the neckline of her dress. It was almost as if he thought if he stared hard enough, he might develop X-ray vision. Jennifer was delighted.
Soon after they arrived, Jennifer found herself glad she came out tonight, despite initially being a bit grumpy about it. Marcus and Doris were friendly and charming, and Jennifer could see why Jonathan liked them. Arthur Radner was immediately her favorite, though. He was bright and sweet and very funny. Jennifer instantly made friends with him.
But after the initial introductions and a round of drinks and toasts to Jennifer and Jonathan, Doris was busy in the kitchen with the help of Margaret Feinstein—who was very quiet and a little standoffish when Jennifer met her—and Jonathan was taken by Marcus and Arthur into the study to discuss some last minute business things leftover from earlier today. Jennifer was left on her own with the rest of the party.
"So, Jennifer, tell us about yourself. Jonathan hardly said anything, just that he was getting married. I only knew your name from the society pages," Dan Feinstein said.
Jennifer felt a little uncomfortable about the way that question was asked. Accusingly. Like she was treading where she shouldn't be daring to marry the great Jonathan Hart. At the same time, however, Jennifer did get a little rush from being in the society pages. She'd never been in a newspaper if it wasn't a byline on a story she'd written. She'd never been the subject of a story before now. It was strangely flattering.
But she didn't feel so flattered standing there with a cocktail surrounded by Jonathan's friends. Supposed friends, at least. She tried to come up with something to say, something to allow her to come off as charming. "Well, I don't know what all there is to say. I'm a writer. I met Jonathan in London in July. And now I'm here," she said with a light laugh.
"Was it so romantic? I bet it was. Jonathan's just so dashing!" Barbara said. She was Arthur's girlfriend, but Jennifer got the sense that Barbara wasn't so serious about the relationship. She had 'opportunist' written all over her tanned face and bleached blonde hair.
"Jonathan is quite dashing, it's true. And very romantic. We count ourselves very lucky to have found each other," Jennifer answered diplomatically.
"Love at first sight," Dan added with a hint of sarcasm and disdain.
"Something like that," she replied.
"Jennifer, can I offer you another drink?" Cyrus called from across the room. "Marcus put me in charge of the bar."
Grateful for an easy escape, Jennifer went over to where Cyrus stood by the bar cart. "That would be great, thank you."
"I thought you might need rescuing from the vultures," he said in a low tone so only she could hear.
Jennifer stifled a giggle. She had been wary of what Jonathan said about Old Cyrus, that she'd know where that nickname came from. The fact that he was easily in his sixties and friends with people in their thirties and forties seemed to answer that. But apparently he was also a ladies' man, which put Jennifer on alert. Still, she was pleased he had recognized her need for rescuing and was happy to spend a little time hiding over here with him. "Are they always like that?" she asked.
"Dan's a son of a bitch, but he's loyal to the company and a hard worker, which is why Jonathan keeps him around. He and his wife are like fire and ice. He comes in too hot and she's a bit too frosty. Doris is close with Margaret, which is how they get invited to things like this. And Arthur is going to be getting rid of Barbara any day now, I'd bet. She's been getting a little friendly with his friends, if you know what I mean," Cyrus told her.
"That's too bad. Arthur seems like a good guy. He deserves better," Jennifer lamented, glancing over to where Barbara was laughing at something Dan said and slapping his arm as she cackled.
"He does. But the big surprise tonight is you."
"Me?" Jennifer turned back to Cyrus in surprise of her own. "What's so surprising about me?"
"We didn't think Jonathan would ever settle down. He's certainly not the type at all. And the fact that he's taking a leave of absence from the company that's been his wife and children and parents all in one for the last decade is quite the shocker," Cyrus said.
Jennifer knew how Jonathan cared about his company, cared about doing the right thing and providing jobs and stability and growth and progress as much as he possibly could. She knew he had worked constantly for years and years, and she knew that everything else came secondary to Jonathan Hart Industries. Even Jonathan Hart himself.
But Jennifer also knew that what she and Jonathan had found together was something very, very special. It was the stuff of fairytales, really. They had a love that leapt off the pages of Shakespeare and Keats and Byron. And they were only getting started.
Jonathan could feel himself growing frustrated. He knew Marcus was right to call him into the office today, but Arthur had been away at that meeting, so the three of them needed to go over the papers that Arthur brought over. He knew that was what needed to be done, and he would lend his opinion and judgment to things the way he always did. It was the last moving piece of the projects Jonathan had been personally shepherding, and he was the one who needed to make the calls to carry it across the finish line. This would be the last meeting that Jonathan needed to have on the issue, and then it was for Marcus and Arthur to handle. And they'd gone through all that and Jonathan was getting anxious to go back to the party.
He realized that he'd not experienced this before. Leaving Jennifer alone with people. In London while they did separate things was fine. Same thing in New York. Even leaving her at the penthouse today so he could go to the office. All that was fine. But this was a party with his friends and colleagues, and he'd never say he left her to the wolves, but it did feel like that in a strange way.
Of course, Jennifer could take care of herself. A woman did not get to be as confident and assertive and charming and perfect as Jennifer if she didn't know how to handle any situation. It was just that Jonathan didn't want to put her in a situation where she had to handle things. He knew she didn't really want to come out to a dinner party tonight, but she was doing it for him and to meet his friends. Frankly, he'd much rather be curled up on the sofa watching television with her or else out on the town just the two of them. And now having to leave her at the party by herself when she didn't want to be there in the first place? He'd have to apologize for putting her in this position.
"Alright, I think that's everything, Jonathan. Thanks," Marcus said with a smile.
Marcus was a good businessman and a good manager. He had a good instinct for all of this. He certainly had more experience than Jonathan did, and Jonathan relied on his counsel. He was the exact right person to put in charge. "She's all yours now," Jonathan said, pleased that he could actually now finally put Marcus in charge and step back the way he wanted.
"We'll send you regular reports," Arthur assured him.
"I don't have any doubts you'll all do just fine. I really appreciate it, guys, thanks. And now I think we'd better get back out and see the reason I'm stepping away from the company," Jonathan added with a grin.
Arthur patted his shoulder. "She's really great, Jonathan. I never would've been able to pick a girl out for you, but just talking to her for five minutes, she seems perfect for you."
"She is," Jonathan assured him. "We were very lucky to find each other."
As the three of them headed out of Marcus's home office and down the hall, Marcus asked, "How did you two find each other? You never said. You went to London for Kingsford Motors and suddenly you were calling me from New York to say you were getting married."
Jonathan smiled. That was exactly what had happened, and the story was a little odd and involved. He told the abridged version. "She was trying to write a story on me, and she lied about her name, and then I thought she was a murderer, and in between all of that, we fell in love."
"What!?" Marcus exclaimed.
If Jonathan had been paying attention, he would have laughed at Marcus's reaction. But they had just gotten back to the living room and Jonathan saw Dan Feinstein standing a little too close to Jennifer with his hand on her arm. And all Jonathan could hear was the roar of blood in his ears.
He felt the urge to rush over and throw Dan up against a wall. Jonathan wasn't a jealous man, nor was he so insecure with himself or with Jennifer to think that she might get stolen away from him. But what had caused Jonathan to lose his head in that moment was the look on Jennifer's face. She didn't look happy. She looked uncomfortable. Like she didn't want to be talking to Dan or to have him touch her. And Jonathan felt his blood boil.
But before Jonathan could do anything, Cyrus approached Jennifer and Dan and put his hand on the small of her back to lead her away. And as he did, Jonathan caught a glimpse of Jennifer's bright smile. She was happy for Cyrus to spirit her away from Dan. She liked Cyrus.
Why in the hell did she like Old Cyrus? Jennifer was surely charming and pleasant to everyone, but the difference in her face between talking to Dan and talking to Cyrus was stark. And Cyrus was fine, but surely he hadn't done or said anything in the twenty minutes Jonathan had been away to ingratiate himself with Jennifer like this.
"Dinner is ready everyone, if you'd all like to come sit down," Doris announced. "I hoped we could all get to know each other a little better, so I've split up the couples. Marcus is at the end, and there are place cards for everyone."
"Oh how fun, thank you, Doris," Jennifer said graciously.
"Shall we, my dear?" Cyrus said, offering Jennifer his arm.
"Indeed we shall," she answered, laughing beautifully and taking the arm he offered.
Jonathan watched them, feeling vaguely sick. When Marcus walked by, Jonathan stopped him. "Marcus, did Cyrus say why he didn't bring a date?" he asked in a low tone.
"Oh, he said he didn't want to be distracted from your fiancée."
Jonathan was left slightly dumbfounded as everyone filed into the dining room around him. Cyrus, that old devil! Jonathan felt his blood start to boil once again.
But there was nothing he could do about it now. He would just have to keep a close watch and step in if necessary. Jonathan went into the dining room and found his place in the center of one side of the table. Doris sat on one side of him with Barbara on the other. Jennifer sat across from him. Cyrus pulled her chair out for her before taking his place beside her. Arthur sat on Jennifer's other side. Marcus was at the head of the table and Dan and Margaret filled in the empty seats.
The butler came to fill their wine glasses and serve the food, but before they started to eat, Marcus raised his glass. "I know we already did a toast to Jonathan and Jennifer's engagement, but this is such a special occasion that I wanted us to give one more. To our friend Jonathan Hart and the wonderful Jennifer Edwards. May their marriage be even more wonderful than they are."
Jonathan looked across the table to Jennifer. She was looking at him with that familiar expression of love on her face. He felt the beast inside him start to calm. After all, when Jennifer looked at him like that, everything was alright with the world.
"Thank you, Marcus," Jonathan said gratefully, taking a sip of his wine along with everyone else.
"Yes, thank you, Marcus," Jennifer echoed. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this welcome. You're the first of Jonathan's friends I've gotten to meet, and I'm so grateful for it. So I'd like to add to the toast and say to new friends!"
"To new friends," the room repeated, taking another sip.
The food was served and the meal was delicious, though Jonathan hardly noticed. He tried to keep up with the chatter that Barbara seemed to be so fond of. And if he was in any different mood, he would have felt terrible about mostly ignoring her. But all he could do was stab his fork into the food and grind his teeth while Jennifer talked and laughed with Cyrus and Arthur all through the meal.
"Jonathan," Doris said, getting his attention. "She really is lovely," she noted, nodding in Jennifer's direction.
He couldn't help but soften. "Yes, she is," he agreed, his eyes inevitably drifting back to his fiancée. She was lovely. The loveliest thing he'd ever seen. Even if she was talking and laughing with men other than him all night.
Jennifer's eyes met his, and they shared their gaze for a moment. She very subtly blew him a kiss, and he smiled. Cyrus put his hand on her shoulder to tell her something, and she looked away for a moment. When she looked back at Jonathan, he was no longer smiling.
"Excuse me. I'll be back in a minute," Jennifer said to Cyrus. She put her napkin on the table when she stood up.
"Do you need anything, Jennifer?" Doris offered as a good hostess.
"No, I'm fine, Doris, thanks. But I do need to borrow Jonathan for a moment. Darling, could I…?" she asked him.
Jonathan stood up from the table and followed her back into the living room. "Everything alright, darling?" he asked her once they were alone.
She arched her brow. "You tell me. You've been sullen all though dinner. What's the matter?"
He felt silly to even think the words. He didn't want to accuse her of anything, and what was left of the rational part of his brain knew there was no cause for any accusation whatsoever. And yet the words fell out of his mouth. "You and Old Cyrus seem to be getting along well."
Jennifer let out a snort of laughter. "Darling, you can't possibly be jealous!"
Jonathan couldn't even protest. "I…"
"Oh Jonathan," she cooed, wrapping her arms around him. "Darling, you have nothing to worry about. No man in the world could ever turn my head. I am engaged to marry the most perfect man who I love more than life itself, and I won't let anything or anyone ever come between us. You are all I want and all I need, now and forever."
He held her in his arms and felt all the worry and anxiety float away as soon as he touched her, as soon as the delicate scent of her perfume filled his lungs. "I still think Cyrus is being a little too friendly."
She chuckled at that. "I promise, he's not the one you should be worried about."
Jonathan pulled back from her, frowning. "Oh?"
"Dan and Barbara are the ones to watch. Cyrus confirmed everything I first thought about everyone here. And for the record, I do like your friends. Arthur especially. But while you and Marcus and Arthur were busy, it was Cyrus who saved me from the wolves," she said.
"What did Dan and Barbara say to you?" he demanded, starting to get heated again.
"Jonathan, it's fine, honest. It's human nature that we don't get along with every person we meet. I don't want you getting upset over things that I can handle, and I certainly don't need you to think you need to rescue me. If a madman is keeping me at gunpoint in the Tower of London, I'm happy for you to be a hero. Otherwise, I can take care of myself."
He let out a deep breath and hugged her close. "I know you can," he murmured softly. "It's only that I love you so much, I just want to do anything I can to make everything wonderful for you."
"And I love that you want to," she answered.
"Maybe we should have just stayed home," he grumbled.
Jennifer chuckled slightly. "Well, I did want to give you another fashion show of what I bought today while you were working, but we can do that another night."
In all the oddness of this evening, Jonathan had almost forgotten that Jennifer gave him a sneak peek of the red lacy lingerie she had hidden beneath her dress. His hands slid down her back to try and feel the outline of it. The faint feeling of lace under his fingers made him groan.
She giggled and pressed close against him, rubbing up on his body. "God, I can't wait to get home," she breathed.
Jonathan gave her a squeeze, eliciting another teasing sound from her.
Jennifer pulled out of his embrace. "You stay right there. I'll be right back." She gave him a small peck on his lips and went down the hall. He did as he was told, staying right where he was. Though hopefully she'd be back soon, because the dinner party was apt to miss them.
She returned within two minutes, hurrying over to him with her hands behind her back. Jennifer then took his hand in one of hers and pressed something into his palm.
"Something to keep you company till we can find some real privacy." And with that, Jennifer turned and walked back into the dining room.
Jonathan opened his hand to find a ball of red lace. Not just a ball, though. His heart skipped a beat when he saw that it was a bit of skimpy lingerie. Red lace to match the bra he'd gotten to see. Jennifer had taken off her panties to give to him. And as he held them in his hands, he noticed that they were a little damp.
If he let himself think about that any further, he'd probably do something really foolish. Instead, he shoved them into the pocket of his jacket and walked on weak knees back to the dining room.