Jessica laid her head against the seatback and reached across the interior to run her fingertips across his cheek again. He leaned into her touch. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my entire life,” she admitted.
His exposed cheeks revealed dimples as he smiled wide. “That makes two of us.”
*
A small line of expensive vehicles had formed as the valet team quickly opened doors for special guests attending the Gala. Tim swallowed, realizing he was a tad bit nervous. People were going to recognize him as the neighborhood yard guy whether he had shaved, or not. His primary goal was to make Jessica happy during the night, wining and dining her, dancing if she so felt like it. Quickly, he got out of the car and helped his date along the cobblestone walkway to the front entrance. She gripped his hand tightly, her smile reassuring with her bottomless blue eyes. As they approached the check-in table, one of her neighbors on the board made an audible sound, much like a gasp, before pulling herself together.
“Hello, Martha.”
“Good evening, Jessica.” Running the end of a pen down a long guest list, she found Jessica’s name with the “plus guest” next to it and checked it off. “Enjoy the Gala.” Her smile was tight.
“Oh, we will.”
The mass of wealthy party-goers was huge, and heads turned as they made their way into the ballroom. The big band music was toned down, the group playing softly for the dinner crowd. Jessica held tightly to Tim’s hand, pulling him through the room to their table. They were the first ones there, and thankfully, their table was tucked in the back corner. The gorgeous flower centerpiece stood out among the white linens, and tiny tea lights cast glowing orbs across the large windows.
“How are you doing?” Tim asked, bringing her hand up to his mouth and kissing it.
“I have to admit. I’m nervous. Did you see my mama or daddy when you came in?” She was sitting erect on the fancy, tufted chair.
“No. I didn’t see your ex, either.”
Breathing in through her nose, she nodded. “It’s only a matter of time. You want some champagne?”
“Sure. I’ll go grab some from one of the waiters floating around.”
Tim stood and excused himself through the crowd. As a waiter briskly walked past, he snagged two flutes of bubbly and returned to the table.
“That was fast,” Jessica giggled.
Settling next to her, he held his flute up in the air while resting his hand on her bare shoulder. “To us,” he whispered. When her eyes met his, her expression softened and he felt her relax beneath his touch.
“To us.”
As the expensive pink liquid slid down his throat, he was startled by a condescending voice interrupting their toast.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my baby mama and her blue-collar beau.” Stephen Kaufman stood next to the table with his hands on his hips, his gold cufflinks glinting in the chandelier light.
Tim stood and gripped the back of Jessica’s chair. He knew it was only a matter of time before they’d run into him, although, it would have been nice to have a few moments sipping champagne with Jessica alone.
The pretentious man looked him up and down. “It’s remarkable how you could almost pass for a blue-blood in this room.”
“Stephen,” Jessica shushed.
“You clean up mighty fine. Are you enjoying the finer things in life thanks to my ex-wife? Are you biding your time until your next rendezvous with a wealthy cougar?” His throat rumbled with a chuckle as he lifted a crystal tumbler of dark liquor up to his mouth and took a swig.
“I don’t want any trouble, Mr. Kaufman. Jessica and I would like to enjoy the evening, so if you don’t mind, I’d like you to leave us alone.”
Jessica looked up at him and smiled while laying her hand over his.
“What are you doing, Stephen? I’ve been looking all over for you.” A curvy brunette approached the table and slid her arm across Mr. Kaufman’s shoulders. He stood stiffly and allowed her to paw all over him. Her skin-tight, leopard-print dress barely contained her ample bosom, and her red nails looked like claws.
“Oh, hi, Jessica.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm until her attention turned to Tim. With her eyebrow cocked, her gaze ran from his feet to his face, her mouth registering a slight twitch of satisfaction. “Who are you?” she asked, intrigued by his presence.
“This here is Jessica’s date—and my gardener, Tim McGill.”
“Former gardener,” Tim interrupted, standing his ground.
“Wow. Lucky you,” Traci joked, winking at Jessica. “Did you hear the news? We’re engaged!” She thrust her hand out showing off an enormous diamond.
