Man from Half Moon Bay Read Free Page B

thought it quite likely he would treat her in that same way.
    She could feel the tension stiffening her muscles and deliberately drew a deep breath, forcing herself to relax. She’d take a hot shower and go to bed. There would be time enough for typing up her notes on the Donovan interview tomorrow morning. Now she must make sure no thoughts of Jordan penetrated the walls she’d built against him. She would go to sleep and by tomorrow her defenses would be stronger.
    It was the tactic she had used during those first weeks after she had left him, and it had worked very well. She had only to live hour by hour and minute by minute. Yes, that was the way to survive. She moved wearily toward the Oriental lattice divider that screened her bedroom and bath from the rest of the loft. She had learned a great deal about surviving in these last months, she thought. Jordan had almost destroyed her as an individual, but she had fought back and was her own person again.
    And she was damn well going to stay that way.
    Mac Devlin’s penthouse apartment was all glittering crystal chandeliers, white and ebony velvetcushioned modern furniture, and open space. At the moment almost every inch of that space was occupied by laughing, talking men and women who were more glittering than the crystal chandeliers. From the doorway Sara’s gaze idly searched the crowd. She knew some of the people, but most of them were strangers. Then she caught sight of Kelly and Nick O’Brian across the room talking to Mac and immediately began to work her way toward them. She had gone only a few feet, when Penny appeared at her side.
    “You made it.” Penny grinned as she took two fluted glasses from the tray of a passing white-coated waiter and handed one to Sara. “Hold on to this. It might be the last drink you’ll get before dinner. Mac should have tagged the waiters with fluorescent safety strips. It’s almost impossible to find one in this mob.”
    “Why didn’t you suggest it?”
    “I haven’t been able to get near enough to him even to shout.” Penny’s gaze flicked over Sara’s sleeveless wine-colored velvet gown. “Pretty.” She made a face. “But if I had bazooms like Racquel Welch, I wouldn’t be wearing that cowl neck. If you’ve got it, flaunt it, I always say.”
    “That’s what I always say too.” Sara’s green eyes were twinkling as she turned her back on Penny. “But flaunt it discreetly.”
    The velvet gown bared her entire back and formed a daring V that ended two inches below her waist.
    Penny laughed and shook her head as Sara againturned to face her. “As your editor, I think I should suggest you get a better dictionary. There’s no way that gown could be called discreet.” Her smile faded. “I haven’t forgotten about Honolulu, by the way. I was yanked into a production meeting this afternoon or I would have pinned you down about—”
    “How did you like the Donovan story?”
    “The bit about his wife and family was good stuff.” Penny frowned. “Quit trying to sidle away from the issue. I’m not about to let you— What’s wrong? You look as if someone just hit you in the stomach.” Penny turned and followed Sara’s gaze across the room to the corner in which Mac was holding court. Her lips pursed in a soundless whistle. “And who could blame you? I feel a little weak-kneed myself. Lord, he’s gorgeous. Sort of a cross between Mel Gibson and Brenda Starr’s mystery man, isn’t he?”
    “Yes,” Sara said numbly.
    Penny took a sip of her drink, her brown eyes narrowed on the tuxedo-clad man in conversation with Mac. “Do you suppose he’s a movie star? Who else would have nerve enough to wear a black patch over one eye? He looks like a buccaneer in one of those old Errol Flynn movies.”
    Sara didn’t answer.
    “I think I may just gird my loins and try to fight my way over there,” Penny murmured. “What a fantastic tush. I’ve always been a sucker for men with—” She broke off as soon as