Jennifer's cab pulled up to the elaborate home of Allison Rogers. It was because of Allison that Jennifer felt she had achieved her success. Allison knew all the right people and had all the right connections.
"Jennifer" she squealed, "you look wonderful, but then again, you always do." Allison called to the houseboy to come and carry her luggage into the spacious ranch.
Jennifer always loved to visit Allison. She loved her ranch and riding the horses. It reminded her of her childhood in Maryland, where she was around horses constantly.
"Why don't you go upstairs and rest awhile" Allison said. "After dinner, we'll talk and tomorrow get to work on your book and tomorrow night you'll get to meet the man who will be your new publisher, Tom Stratford."
Jennifer smiled. Another dinner party she thought. How many have I been to so far, maybe a hundred. Most of them were the same, boring, stuffy people, with men constantly leering at her. She would indulge Allison, though. After all, if it wasn't for her, who knows if she would have been so successful.
Jonathan drove up to the resort. Yes, he thought, golfing, boating and some relaxation. Just what I need. He checked in and after the bellhop carried his luggage up, he threw himself on the bed, his mind whirling with thoughts. In the morning, he would finalize his deal and at night he would see his friend Tom and his wife Susan at their dinner party. He promised them the next time he was in town, he would spend some time with them. Great, he thought a dinner party with publishers, but Jonathan was accustomed to these parties. After all it was at these parties that he made some of his best business deals.
The sun was shining brightly when Jennifer awoke the next morning. She was anxious to get to work, but also anxious to do some riding. That was the one thing she missed the most living in New York. After a quick breakfast she had one of the horses saddled up and rode for an hour. When she got back to the house, she was anxious to get start working on her book with Allison. After spending the better part of the afternoon in the library with Allison, Jennifer retired upstairs to get ready for the party. She was hoping she wouldn't be sitting next to someone too boring, as she had some horrendous experiences. Men always seemed to stare at her - as though they were undressing her with their eyes. Maybe tonight would be different she thought, and proceeded to dress.
Jonathan was extremely pleased after he closed his deal to purchase the ranch. He was looking forward to spending his weekends on the ranch. He always loved horses, and promised himself he would spend more time riding and enjoying himself on his new ranch. He went back to the hotel to rest before taking a shower and donning his tuxedo for the evening.
Allison's champagne colored Jaguar pulled up into the circular driveway of Tom Stratford's exclusive mansion, and was greeted by two parking attendants. They opened the doors of the car and directed them inside. Jennifer certainly was impressed with the surroundings. The home was elaborately furnished, but with a warm, friendly feeling. They were escorted into a dining area which opened onto a patio with a magnificent view of the Pacific.
Tom Stratford immediately walked over to Allison recognizing her immediately. He stopped in his tracks, however when Jennifer came into his view.
"Tom, so good to see you," Allison said.
"Yes," Tom said. "You look wonderful. And this must be Jennifer."
As Jennifer extended her hand he could not help but stare at this exquisite woman. Her shoulder length, auburn hair was slightly pulled away from her face, accentuating the diamond studs in her ears. Her hazel eyes sparkled and a few of the freckles on her cheeks added an almost innocent quality to her beauty. Her midnight blue dress clung to her perfect figure, revealing just enough of her bodice to entice any man.
"I am delighted to meet you," she replied.
"The pleasure is mine," said Tom.
"Is something wrong?" Jennifer asked as Tom was still holding her hand staring at her.
"No, forgive me, somehow I did not picture you like this," he said. Allison told me you were attractive, but I guess sometimes words are not enough."
Jennifer blushed turning her head to the side. "Thank you," she said.
"Let's get a drink", Allison said, realizing Jennifer would be the center of attraction for the rest of the night.
Jonathan was running late. The phone had rung as he was just about to leave the hotel. His lawyer had some last minute details to go over with him concerning the sale of the ranch. He hurriedly closed up his briefcase and proceeded out to his car.
Jonathan pulled up to the circular driveway and hurried out of his car. He was glad to see that the dinner had not actually started. He managed to locate Tom among the guests and went over to greet him. They said shook hands and spoke for a few minutes and Tom excused himself and encouraged Jonathan to mingle with the rest of the guests.
Jonathan walked over to one of the waiters about to pick up a glass of champagne when out of the corner of his eye he noticed crowd of men, obviously gathered around a woman as he heard a female's voice. Curious, he walked toward the group and then he saw her. For a moment time seemed to stand still. He could not help but stare at this beautiful lady wearing a blue dress, small diamonds sparkling from her neck and ears, her deep auburn hair reflecting the light in the room. He proceeded to introduce himself and held out his hand to her. "Hello, I'm Jonathan Hart."
Jennifer extended her hand gazing intently into his eyes, almost unable to move. Jonathan could not take his eyes off her. She smiled as she felt her cheeks flushed. So this is Jonathan Hart, she thought. She had read about him in the newspapers, being a shrewd businessman, yet being a philanthropist and a kind and caring human being. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. His blue eyes twinkled and his smile just melted her.
"I'm Jennifer Edwards, she said.
The rest of the men in the group seemed to sense what was happening and slowly, one by one, wandered off. Jonathan and Jennifer spoke for a few minutes, and were interrupted by the major domo calling everyone to dinner. As luck would have it, they were seated at opposite ends of the dinner table. Jennifer could sense Jonathan watching almost every move she made, as everytime she looked up, he was smiling at her. She smiled back, struggling with the feelings she was experiencing. I hardly know this man, she thought, but throughout the the entire dinner she could think of nothing else but him. Jonathan, likewise felt the same way.
The dinner finished and the guests were directed onto the patio. It was a beautiful night, the moonlight reflecting on the ocean. Jennifer walked with Allison to the far end of the patio, and only seconds later, Jonathan was standing behind her. He introduced himself to Allison, and Allison sensing the inevitable excused herself.
"Would you like to take a walk on the beach?" Jonathan asked.
"Yes, that would be nice, Jennifer answered.
Jonathan and Jennifer spent the next hour strolling on the beach. Jonathan was enraptured with her. He wanted to know everything about her, and she about him. He told her about the ranch, he had just bought and asked her if she would like to see it the next morning. She agreed, and they walked back inside.
Jonathan went over to talk to Tom and Susan and some of the other guests, but could not help glimpsing at Jennifer.
Jennifer was speaking to one of the authors there. She was trying to concentrate on what this man was telling her, but all she could think about was Jonathan and that she was going to see him tomorrow morning. The party ended and the guests filed out.
Jonathan was waiting for Jennifer at the door. They said goodnight, knowing that something incredible had happened to them.
