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tugged on her braid as butterflies whipped a soufflé in her stomach. Why did Tom always have to look so devastatingly handsome? It wasn’t fair.
    Tonight he wore a well-cut deep blue suit that accentuated the breadth of his powerful shoulders. His snowy shirt and exquisite silk tie complemented the picture of moneyed elegance. Only his black hair, softly curling over his collar, hinted at the wild youth he’d once been.
    Mary Beth rubbed her hands down the sides of her linen slacks, wishing that just once Tom could see her dressed in something other than plain black pants and a white blouse.
    She was Tom’s employee. Nothing more. How she looked didn’t matter.
    “The appetizers are a hit,” he said. “I can’t wait to taste the rest of the dinner.” He didn’t move his gaze from Mary Beth.
    “I’ve got some things in the butler’s pantry I have to check,” Gail said, heading for the small room off the kitchen.
    “You look nice,” Tom said when they were alone.
    His warm smile made the butterflies in her stomach churn out of control.
    “The Bennett’s were thoughtful enough to provide us a room to shower and change.”
    He studied her. “You’ve been avoiding me, Mary Beth.” He walked slowly toward her. The subtle scent of his cologne teased her with sweet memories. “You wouldn’t take any of my telephone calls the past week.”
    “Gail can handle the business as well as I can.” She backed away. “And business is the only thing between you and me.”
    His jaw tightened. “I know that, but I wanted to talk to you.” His gaze softened. “I enjoyed myself that day in your kitchen.”
    She twisted her braid around her hand. Just looking at him made her bones liquefy. He had betrayed her trust and hurt her deeply once. She had to remember that.
    “I have cream sauce to prepare.” She yanked open the refrigerator door and pulled out light cream, butter, and several large shallots.
    “Don’t run away from me, Mary Beth. We have to talk.”
    She deposited her armload of ingredients on the counter and wiped her hands on her apron before turning to face him. Their gazes locked. Her chest ached with yearning.
    “Now’s not the time,” she said. “And besides, we have nothing to discuss.”
    He ran his hand over his hair. “We have plenty to say.”
    She blew her breath out. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. You got us this job, which is a tremendous opportunity. You’re my boss. Let’s leave it at that.”
    He stood inches from her. She stared at his chiseled lips, at the light shadowing of beard on his face. She wanted to trace her finger over his mouth and the firm line of his jaw. She bit down on her own lip, forcing the dangerous thoughts from her mind.
    “I’m not your boss, Mary Beth.” Frustration edged his voice. “Kendrick’s is a subsidiary of Sackett. You and I were friends once.”
    “We’re business associates now,” she said. “Nothing more.”
    “Is that the way you want it?” he rasped.
    “That’s the way I want it.” Liar, a small voice taunted.
    He moved away. Sadness coiled around her heart.
    “Tom, darling, there you are.” A soft, melodious voice came from the doorway. Mary Beth shuddered.
    Taylor Bennett, six foot two inches in her stiletto heels, her silver blonde hair in an elegant French twist, slithered into the kitchen. Her black silk sheath skimmed the rich curves of her long body. Diamonds twinkled from her delicate earlobes.
    Taylor latched onto Tom’s arm, clinging to him like glazed caramel on crème brulee.
    Mary Beth sidled away, glad to put distance between her and the privileged couple who matched each other in height and breeding.
    Old hurts twisted in her like a serrated knife. She was back in high school, the poor kid on scholarship surrounded by the children of the elite. She straightened her spine. She’d worked hard and made something of herself. No one could take that away from her.
    Tom stepped away from Taylor. The