Rivals Read Free Page B

with the new. No one sticks around long enough to be old. But there again you have the contrast. These romantic flings of hers are too few and far between. Therefore, you can’t call her wild. Her behavior is definitely unconventional.” After a fractional hesitation, she added, “Of course she was married briefly about nine years ago. Supposedly, it was one of those young marriages that simply didn’t work. At least that was the official line at the time.”
    â€œAnd unofficially?”
    â€œTruthfully? I never heard anything to make me think otherwise,” the Van Cleeve woman admitted. “A failed marriage has made more than one woman wary of trying again. It could be as simple as that or it could be her career.”
    â€œWhat does she do?” Currently, careers were fashionable among socialites. But in his experience, Chance had found that the women were rarely more than dilettantes, dabbling in photography or modeling, owning art galleries, antique stores, or exclusive little dress shops invariably managed by someone else.
    â€œFlame’s a vice-president with the Boland and Hayes advertising firm,” she replied, then added, “Of course, it’s common knowledge that she has to work for a living. Even though she comes from one of San Francisco’s founding families, there is little or no money left. No doubt a humbling experience, but I can assure you she’s never suffered any hardship as a result. Like anywhere else, it pays to know the right people.”
    â€œLike Malcom Powell,” Chances guessed.
    â€œShe handles his advertising account personally. And—there’s been a lot of speculation lately about what else she might handle personally for him.”
    He detected something in her voice that raised his suspicions: “You don’t believe it.”
    â€œNo,” she admitted. “By the same token, I don’t believe Diedre when she insists that Malcom takes a fatherly interest in Flame. But what else can a wife of thirty-five years say? Believe me, if a father eyed his daughter the way he does Flame, he’d be subject to arrest. He wants her, but he hasn’t had her.”
    â€œHow can you be so sure?”
    â€œIf Flame was having an affair with him, she wouldn’t try to hide it. It isn’t her style.” Jacqui frowned, as if aware she wasn’t making herself clear. “I guess what I’m trying to say is—if Flame cared enough to get involved with a married man, then she wouldn’t let herself feel any shame or guilt.”
    â€œWhat about the other man with her? Is he her latest fling?”
    â€œEllery Dorn? Hardly.” She laughed, then explained. “Ellery is every married woman’s choice for a walker when her husband isn’t available. He’s handsome, witty, charming—and gay. Surprised?” She shot him a knowing glance. “Not to worry. Few people ever guess that about him. That’s what makes him so ideal.”
    â€œThen he’s nothing more than a safe escort.” Mentally Chance filed that little piece of information away along with all the rest. The more he learned about Flame Bennett, the more intrigued he became.
    â€œThey’re good friends as well. As a matter of fact, Flame is probably closer to Ellery than anyone else. Of course, he’s a vice-president in the same agency, so I’m sure the fact they work together has something to do with that.”
    â€œProbably.” With a little push of his shoulder, he straightened from the wall. “Speaking of walkers, Lucianna is bound to be wondering what happened to me. I enjoyed the chat, Jacqui.”
    â€œSo did I. And from now on, I’ll be watching your progress with more interest.”
    â€œNot too closely, I hope.” He winked at her as he moved away.

2

    W ithout being obvious, Flame watched as Chance Stuart leisurely wound his way through the guests. He was tall,