Hot Property (Hot Zone 4)

“Amy?”

She turned at the sound of her name above the noise of the happy crowd. Sophie Jordan approached quickly, a warm smile on her face. No matter how many times Amy saw Sophie, she was always shocked by her beauty and perfection. Tonight her honey-blond hair was pulled back in a neat knot, her face beautifully made up.

Amy hugged Sophie, the sister who was the organizer behind the Hot Zone. She had met Sophie for the first time in Florida last year. Though Sophie wasn’t as touchy-feely as Amy, she hugged right back.

“You look happy. Marriage to my cousin

must agree with you,” Amy said, taking in Sophie’s glowing face.

Sophie grinned. “Well, marriage to Riley is pretty darn good.”

“I just bet it is. Where is my cousin, anyway?”

“He’ll be here soon.”

“And your sisters?” Amy glanced over Sophie’s shoulder. “Are they around here somewhere?”

“Unfortunately Micki’s still on the island—her husband, Damian, owns a slice of paradise. Her daughter had a respiratory infection and Damian insisted on taking the family to a warmer climate for a little while. From what they say, it seems to be helping. But Annabelle is here working the crowd. I’m sure you’ll see her soon.”

Amy nodded. “Well, please send Micki my love.”

“I will. And you can do it yourself at the first staff meeting in a few days.”

Amy already knew she was stepping into a high-profile, high-pressure place with loyalty and dedication in spades, and she wanted to play a successful part. Nepotism might have gotten her the job, but only proving herself would keep her here. She was definitely ready for the challenge.

“Well, look who’s here!” a booming male voice said. Her uncle’s partner, Yank, pulled her into a big hug at the same time Amy caught sight of his wife, Lola, standing behind him.

Amy waved to the other woman, who smiled right back.

“Just tell me your crazy mother and aunt are still at home in Florida,” Yank said as he stepped back.

Lola groaned. “Ignore him. He’s had a drink or two and doesn’t know what he’s saying.” She smacked her husband on the shoulder.

“I’m stone-cold sober. You’ve been watering down my drinks all night.” He leaned closer to Amy. “She thinks just because I can’t see, my taste buds have gone, too.”

And he thought Amy’s relatives were crazy? She shook her head and laughed. “No problem, Lola. I’ve heard from Uncle Spencer that Yank says whatever’s on his mind.” She shot the older man a grateful look. “Thank you for giving me a chance here,” she told him.

Yank grinned, obviously pleased. “You see? The only one who’s got a problem with me is you,” Yank said to his wife.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Okay, you said your hellos, Uncle Yank. How about giving me a chance to introduce Amy to some other people at the party?”

“I’d like that.” Amy rubbed her hands together.

“Why not start with someone she knows and ease her in. John Roper’s over there in the corner,” Yank said without much tact.

Amy’s stomach flipped. “Oh, I think we can skip over him,” Amy said, only partially meaning it. A traitorous part of her wanted to get a glimpse of him again.

“Nonsense. Amy wouldn’t want him to think he was avoiding her, considering he’s been eyeing her since she walked into the room,” Yank said.

“He has?” Amy asked, then wished she could bite her tongue and take it back. Still, she had to admit it stroked her ego to know Roper’s eyes had been on her since she’d arrived. She had to force herself not to glance at the corner and look over at him.

Lola scowled at her husband. “Leave Amy alone,” she instructed.

“Lola’s right,” Sophie said. “But tell me something. Just how would you know where Roper is, considering you can’t see well enough to identify anyone?” Sophie perched her hands on her hips and eyed her uncle warily.

“She’s got your number, old man,” Lola said, laughing.

“Who are you calling old?” he grumbled.