Probably the wrong time but definitely the right man.
Chapter 35
I can hardly believe it,” Lyra said. “My first night in Burning Cove and I danced with a famous movie star at the hottest nightclub in town. And then I danced with lots of other men. This is the best night of my entire life. No wonder you left home, Viv. Partying in Burning Cove is so much more fun than going to all those boring society affairs back in San Francisco.”
Vivian smiled ruefully. “I think you’ve had a few too many pink ladies.”
It was shortly after two in the morning. She and Nick and Lyra were standing outside Lyra’s room at the Burning Cove Hotel.
“Who cares?” Lyra did a giddy pirouette in the hallway, her skirts swirling around her ankles. “I’ll tell you one thing. I am never, ever going back to San Francisco.”
When she stopped spinning she staggered a little. Vivian caught her by one arm to steady her. Nick took Lyra’s other arm.
“She’s going to feel a little different in the morning,” he said to Vivian.
“I think you’re right,” Vivian said.
Lyra gave that observation a few seconds of close consideration. Then she giggled.
“You may be right,” she said. “But you know what? I don’t care if I have a hangover. It will be worth it.I danced with Ripley Fleming.And then I danced some more. I danced the whole night.”
“Yes, you did,” Vivian said. “Now give me your room key.”
“Sure.” Lyra fumbled with the catch of her small crystal-beaded handbag. When she got it open she handed the key to Vivian.
Vivian opened the door. “Need any help getting ready for bed?”
“Nope.” Lyra sailed past her and flipped the light switch. She turned around with a laughing smile. “You two can run along now. I’ll be just fine.”
“Lock the door,” Nick said.
“You bet,” Lyra said.
She smiled and closed the door. There was a loud snick as the bolt slid home.
“Have fun, you two,” she called through the heavy wood paneling.
Nick took Vivian’s arm. They walked out into the softly lit gardens, following the path that led to their villa.
“You’re worried, aren’t you?” Nick said.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Lyra in such a carefree mood,” Vivian said. “It’s a little unnerving.”
“You’re used to being the wild sister,” Nick said. He sounded amused.
“Well, yes, I suppose so.”
“Looks like you now have some competition.”
“Evidently. Don’t misunderstand me—I’m very glad Lyra discovered the truth about Hamilton before the wedding and I’m relieved she gave him back his ring. But now I’m afraid that in this new mood she’ll do something rash.”
“Such as?”
“I don’t know,” Vivian said. “That’s the problem. There are so many ways an attractive, vivacious woman with a lot of money and a reckless, devil-may-care attitude can get into trouble in places like Burning Cove.”
“There you go, thinking dark and depressing thoughts again. I believe I mentioned I have a remedy for that.”
A fizzy little wave of anticipation shivered through her, heightening her awareness. It was as if some part of her was suddenly attuned to the invisible energy of the night, the lush gardens, and most of all to the man who stirred her senses as no other man ever had.
