Finding Kate Huntley by Theresa Ragan Read Free Book Online Page A

AIDS fundraiser was going to be Los Angeles’s event of the year. Hundreds of celebrities dressed in designer tuxes and sequin gowns would arrive within the hour to help save the world.
    His young wife’s hand rested on his arm as he looked around the ten thousand square feet of extravaganza. The room was set up for dancing beneath myriad crystal lights suspended from a soaring ceiling. He took in row after row of tables covered with fine white linen and accented with crystal vases filled to the brim with fresh flowers.
    He hated the thought of how much this event was costing the organization. But he also knew the more bountiful the glitz and glamour, the more money they would bring in when the night was over. Nobody knew how to put on a charity event and lure the media as well as Dr. Elizabeth Kramer. She’d been putting on events for AIDS research for well over a decade. It was all about knowing who to invite, and then making sure they showed up.
    Harrison had seen the other side of the coin, too. There were organizers of charity events who thought they could throw a crab feed and call it a day. He’d never forget the celebrity ski event he’d attended with his first wife. Hot dogs and beer were served as B-list stars were paraded around for a few hours. The organizers ended up giving away more than they got.
    He had learned a lot over the years from Elizabeth. The more ostentatious the event, the more money they netted at the end of the night. And tonight would more than likely exceed all of their wildest dreams.
    “There’s Elizabeth,” his wife said as they watched the woman approach from across the room.
    Harrison took note of his wife’s critical gaze as she compared Elizabeth’s purple beaded gown to her own Elizabeth Emanuel silk chiffon. His gaze roamed over his wife’s slim waist. “How much did that dress cost me, sweetheart?”
    Instead of answering, Sheila smiled and squeezed his arm.
    “So nice to see you,” Elizabeth said to Harrison and his wife.
    Despite breaking off his affair with Elizabeth months ago, it was clear by the way Elizabeth looked longingly into his eyes that the woman was having a tough time letting go.
    “We’re glad to be here,” Sheila said. “Lovely gown.”
    Harrison met Elizabeth’s gaze. For a woman well into her fifties, she was pleasant on the eyes. She was also quite intellectual, an attribute that had drawn him to her from the very first moment they met. “The room, my dear Elizabeth, looks almost as divine as you.”
    Elizabeth blushed and gestured toward a young woman giving instructions to the waiters and waitresses. “I’m afraid the champagne hasn’t been brought out yet, but if you would like I could have my assistant, Amy, bring out a bottle in honor of your arrival.”
    “Sheila,” Harrison said to his wife, “would you mind giving the two of us a moment alone.”
    “I’d prefer to stay here with you,” Sheila said.
    Harrison gestured with his chin toward the entrance. “Your favorite actor, John McBride, has arrived.”
    Sheila looked over her shoulder, her face brightening at the sight of the actor. “Oh, well, in that case, I’ll make myself useful and greet the guests.”
    “I’ll catch up to you in a moment,” Harrison said as Sheila walked off.
    When he turned to Elizabeth, she was peering into his eyes with a yearning that made him miss the enthusiasm she used to put into their lovemaking.
    She raised a hand to his jaw. Her thumb grazed his bottom lip.
    Gently, he removed her hand from his face. “Now is not the time, Elizabeth.”
    “Then why did you send Sheila away?”
    “I wanted to see how you’re holding up.”
    “I’ve been lonely, Harrison. I miss you.”
    He hadn’t expected such a heartfelt confession. “You’ve done it again, Elizabeth,” he said, hoping to change the subject. “You’ve used your magic to turn this ballroom into a fairytale.”
    She sighed. “She doesn’t love you the way I do, Harrison. Why