A Steele for Christmas by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

male testosterone in one place.
    “The five guys you’re talking about are the Steeles. The oldest one is married so he doesn’t count.” There was no need to mention to Dee that recently she’d had the pleasure of locking lips with one of them. “And before you make any of your far-out suggestions, the answer is no. I couldn’t ask one of them to go to Memphis with me and pretend to be my fiancé.”
    “Why not? They are friends with Cohen and seem like the sort of guys who’d like having a little fun—especially if it’s to set both Wallace and Gail back a notch.”
    The thought of doing something like that made Stacey smile. If only it would be that easy.
    “What would it hurt, Stace?”
    If only her friend knew. She saw an involvement of any kind with a man like Eli Steele a heartbreak just waiting to happen. “They’re successful businessmen who have more to do with their time than play a game of pretend with me.”
    She changed the subject when she told Dee about Cohen’s promotion and that he would be moving to Florida. Dee didn’t say anything for a minute and Stacey knew why. Dee had been in love with Cohen forever—at least since high school. And although Dee nor Cohen ever let on, Stacey had a feeling something had happened between them at one time or another. She never asked and Dee never told.
    “Hey, if you don’t want to move with Cohen to Florida, you might as well pack your bags and return to Memphis,” Dee said, interrupting her thoughts. “At least we’re closer to Florida than Arizona.”
    Stacey knew that was true but there was something holding her here. Exactly what, she wasn’t sure. All she knew was that she wanted to make Phoenix her home. “Yes, but this is my home now. I truly like it here.”
    “Okay, but I think you not wanting to move back here has everything to do with Wallace and Gail. I understand why you’d want to distance yourself from them, but it’s been almost seven months.”
    “Trust me, I know how long it’s been and I’ve moved on with my life here in Phoenix. The thought of those two together doesn’t hurt like it used to.” And she truly meant that. In her opinion, their deceitful behinds deserved each other.
    “I’m glad. And I hope you’ll consider my suggestion about bringing one of those gorgeous hunks with you to my parents’ anniversary party. It would serve Wallace and Gail right to see you’re happy and have moved on with your life.”
    Dee had a point there, but unfortunately Stacey knew she didn’t have the means—specifically the man—to pull such a thing off. The image of Eli Steele flashed into her mind once again and she could only wish.
     
     
    Eli glared at the man standing across from his desk. Lexander Stone was another well-known businessman in town and someone Eli considered one of his closest friends. They had gone to high school and college together and whereas Eli had gone on to law school, Lex had gone to grad school to get his MBA. Lex and his family owned numerous furniture stores in over twelve states across the country.
    “What do you mean that some of the older members of the business council are talking about backing Samuel Nesbitt?” Eli asked.
    Lex held out his hand. “Calm down, Eli. I’m just the messenger who by right really shouldn’t be telling you any of this. I overheard my old man talking on the phone and thought considering our friendship, I’d give you a heads-up.”
    Lex then dropped down in the chair across from Eli’s desk. “From what I gather, they all know you’re the most qualified—hands down. You’re an astute businessman, a brilliant attorney, and savvy when it comes to knowing the right people and making things happen. But…”
    Eli’s eyes narrowed even more. “What’s the damn but?”
    “You have a reputation around town. They see you as a notorious playboy, who likes to dazzle and bed the ladies. They don’t know if you’re suitable to be president of such a