Soft, tasteful strings perfectly timed drift out into the tepid night. The interior is lit beautifully, opulent and elegant. Two men in suits are perched on either side with a tablet in their hands. His strides are short to accommodate my much slower pace as we near the impressive entrance, and I’m grateful he is courteous, despite my offhanded jibe. I don’t have to look to know he’s wearing that half smirk. “How courteous of you to point that out.” Worthy to step an insanely gorgeous heel into the grand estate of Jay and Doris Elser. I’m not so desperate for a hint of a compliment from Colin’s mother, but Colin was right. That makes us even.Īs my unsteady fingers tighten on the silk of the suit-clad arm, I tell myself one hour. I left her with Rome back at the penthouse.Ĭolin is going to be furious when he sees me. We had a room full of top-notch female arsenal at our disposal, and Cara wasn’t shy about utilizing them. While I showered and picked out a dress, she spent the time on the internet for tips on how to do my hair and face. Actually, it’s Cara’s creation, but I’m her masterful result. This is the first time I’ve really dolled myself up. My palms are sweaty, borrowed nerves doing a ya-crazy jingle in my stomach. “Where’s my phone? I need to make a call.” “Cara, help me get ready.” There must be at least ten cocktail dresses in that massive walk-in I claimed, and I finally have a reason to wear one other than to prance around the bathroom belting it out with Adele. “I need to crash a party.” Two pairs of startled eyes gawk at me. That is what this is, while he strolled out of here like he was some thoughtful gentleman and sneaking to a party where he’d uninvited me. In a huff, I’m up, pacing as my mind frantically whirls.Ī distraction. “The one and only.” A crab cake pauses midway to his mouth. The fatigue, the muscle weakness, that’s going to linger for a while. “I’m fine, Rome.” I am, for the most part. Where’s he got to go on a Saturday night?” I mean, Paige was barely released from the hospital. It just seemed weird that he ran out just because there’s someone else here. “He’s good to Paige, seems to really care about her, so I guess he’s more than all right. For a rich dude.” The reluctant sigh deflates out of him. Yada, yada, yada.”Ĭara tosses him a curious look. “He sure was in a hurry to get out of here. Rome falls back on the sofa to sip at his water. Her pretty grays sparkle with surprised amusement. Maybe that means he’s over the pie incident?” she asks with obvious hope. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, Paige.” Cara pats Rome on the shoulder as he wheezes in noisy air.Įyes watering, he waves her off to indicate he’s fine. “There wasn’t anything you could’ve done.” Rome’s entire body jerks at her all-business jolts, arms flapping about. “I wish you had told me about…you know.” With a fist pressed into Rome’s stomach, Cara gazes at me from his side while expertly performing the Heimlich maneuver, something Bob insisted all of us learn. He was making arrangements for his company so we can travel to Denmark.” In hindsight, I should’ve known it wasn’t what it looked like when she didn’t react. “That was a misunderstanding,” I explain, sheepish that I caused this whole mess. She’s so petite, the top of her head scarcely reaches his shoulders. Her slender arms wrap around him from behind as he hacks. Cara is instantly on her feet and hauling Rome off his seat. “He had it coming if he was messing around with another woman.” “Colin doesn’t hold a grudge.” I hope.Ĭara’s chin lurches up. He’s not even trying to downplay it.” Cara fingers the bruschetta on the petite plate, sending the diced tomato pieces tumbling. “Make it quick, Rudy,” I remind him as he pulls away. One last taste of her soft lips, and I’m out, dashing through the elevator to my waiting car. “You ladies– and gentleman- have a good evening.” That changes the instant his eyes set on Cara. Roman saunters in, honing in on me with distrust. Her lips work, but she nods, acknowledging the sudden strain in the room. I return my attention to Paige with a raised brow. Outwardly uncomfortable, she doesn’t meet my gaze. “Hello, Cara.” It was a reserved greeting, followed by a tight nod. She’s far from being by herself, but I’d rather it’d be me keeping her company after her harrowing ordeal.Īt her hopeful question, I peer over at her friend. “Are you sure you won’t stay?” Wounding an arm up, her fingers smooth over my jaw. Rounding behind her, I smooth my palms down her shoulders and lean down to give her a quick kiss on her mouth. I gesture for her to stay put when she makes to push off. Legs curled lazily beneath her on the sofa, she immediately glances over at my entrance.
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