Touch of Heaven by Maureen Smith Read Free Book Online

gift-wrapped present she’d handpicked for Warrick and wearing a brand-new sundress she’d thought was so pretty. Until Deniece opened the door, took one look at the bright flowers bordering the hem of her dress, and burst out laughing.
    Raina gave herself a mental shake, dismissing the humiliating memory.
    â€œSo,” Deniece began conversationally, “how’s business, Raina?”
    â€œCan’t complain,” Raina answered neutrally, knowing it was a loaded question. Deniece Labelle could care less about Raina or her business. Judging by the malicious gleam in her eyes, it was clear she had an ulterior motive for asking the question.
    Raina didn’t have to wait long to find out what it was. “I’m sorry to say that I’ve never been to Touch of Heaven,” Deniece said snidely. “I only patronize the Uptown Day Spa around the corner. It’s a bit pricier than your spa, but, well, you get what you pay for.”
    Raina flashed a cool, narrow smile. “I’m sure that’s what Warrick will be saying when you wake up together tomorrow morning.”
    Deniece’s face pinched with anger.
    Before she could retaliate, one of the valets stuck his head through the door and said, “Mr. Mayne? Thank you for your patience, sir. Your car is ready.”
    Raina watched as Warrick escorted Deniece outside to the gleaming black Bentley waiting at the curb. He helped her gently inside and closed the door, then tipped the young parking attendant, whose eyes widened appreciatively at the generous offering.
    Before climbing behind the wheel Warrick paused, his dark gaze returning to Raina where she stood inside the foyer. Their eyes met.
    She lifted her chin.
    Warrick winked at her, then ducked inside the car.
    Her stomach was still fluttering when the tinted passenger window slid down halfway. Deniece gave Raina a look of vicious triumph before the Bentley rolled away.
    A moment later Bradford pulled up across the street and waved Raina over, because the restaurant’s driveway was reserved for valet-parked vehicles only. He apologized profusely for the delay, citing a heavy volume of traffic in the parking garage. Raina could only smile and nod, wondering how what had started off as such a promising evening had ended so abysmally.

Chapter 4
    W hen Raina arrived at the office the following morning, she had a voice-mail message from Tyler Ralston, the owner of Ralston Development. He left his cell phone, office and home phone numbers, asking Raina to call him back to “discuss an urgent matter.”
    And so it begins.
    Heaving a deep, resigned sigh, Raina dialed the office number and was put through immediately to Tyler Ralston. “Why, hello there, Miss St. James!” he greeted her, his voice a broad, gravelly drawl that reverberated across the phone line. “Thanks so much for returning my call.”
    â€œNo problem. What can I do for you, Mr. Ralston?”
    He guffawed. “No need to be so formal! We’ve been neighbors for two years now. Just call me Ty.”
    â€œAll right,” Raina murmured, resisting the urge to roll her eyes toward the ceiling. “How can I help you?”
    â€œWell…since you asked. I understand that Warrick Mayne was in the area yesterday. I was just wondering if you had an opportunity to visit with him.”
    This time Raina did roll her eyes. Visit with him? As if she’d had Warrick over for tea and scones?
    â€œAs a matter of fact,” she said evenly, “I did have an opportunity to speak to Mr. Mayne.”
    â€œGood, good. Then you already know all about his plans to relocate his company headquarters to Houston. Did he show you the architectural drawings of the proposed office complex? It’s quite impressive. Over three hundred thousand square feet of office space, a high-tech laboratory, an atrium, a five-star restaurant, an Italian-style courtyard, even a fountain out front.”
    As