“Congratulations,” Jessica replied through gritted teeth.
Tim couldn’t help but notice Stephen having a stare-down with his ex-wife, taking long pulls of his drink. The way he was looking at her was unnerving.
“Jessica, I’m perplexed. Where is your signature color tonight? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything butpink. Why I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Tim helped Jessica to her feet. “I hate to break up this conversation, but I promised Jessica a dance.”
Sensing her relief, he watched her smooth the bodice of her golden gown before she looped her arm through his. As they walked past the couple, he had to stifle a smile when he overheard her say, “Have a nice life.”
Chapter Nineteen
Out on the dance floor, they turned and faced each other, swaying to the mellow beat of a classic song the live band was playing. Tim could tell Jessica was tense and pulled her in closer.
“Relax, baby. The worst is over.”
“Ya think?” she asked, looking up at him. Her brow was furrowed causing a small crease to form at the top of her nose. He smoothed the line with his finger, and she sighed. “People are staring.”
“Because you’re so beautiful tonight. In your gorgeous yellow gown. Every man in this room, including your ex, wishes they could be the lucky guy on your arm.”
Her cheeks tinged pink, and she shook her head.
“I’m that guy, Jessica. And I couldn’t be happier.” The subtle blush that highlighted her cheeks made his manhood twitch.
They danced to a couple of songs, Tim twirling Jessica effortlessly across the floor, making her smile glow like the sunny color of her dress. When they returned to their table, Elizabeth and her husband greeted them.
“Oh. My. God,” Elizabeth touted loudly, swiftly standing to come around the table and gawk. “Darling, you look so beautiful! And that color!” After a quick air kiss on both of Jessica’s cheeks, she turned her attention to Tim. “Andyou….”
“Yes?” Tim bashfully responded, trying hard to conceal a big grin. The woman approached him in a current of expensive perfume.
“You took my advice and revealed your handsome face.” She grabbed his chin, making his lips pucker. “So much better,” she purred seductively.
“Okay, okay. That’s enough Mrs. Rich. Aren’t you going to introduce Tim to your husband?” Jessica wiggled her way in-between the two and gestured toward Mr. Rich.
“Good evening. I am Jacque Rich. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Tim was astonished by the man’s thick, French accent. His dark eyes stared back at him from behind dense glasses as he thrust his hand out. “In America, we shake, yes?” The man looked aristocratic wearing a silk ascot while puffing his chest out.
“Oh, Jacque, just kiss him on the cheeks as you do with everyone else,” Elizabeth teased, pushing Tim forward. “Go on. He won’t bite.”
Tim awkwardly bent forward as Jacque quickly and efficiently air-kissed his cheeks before slapping him on the arm. “Vous êtes un gentleman.”
The group laughed as Tim shook his head. “Whatever you say, man.”
The first dinner course was served, an indication for everyone to take their seat. A waiter circled the table and offered wine to each guest, Tim immediately recognizing the bottle.
“The Stag is excellent, Jessica. You should try it. It’s from the North Coast of Napa in California.”
“You know wine?” Elizabeth curiously asked, her perfect eyebrow arching with interest as she cradled her chin in her hand and rested her elbow on the table.
Laying a dinner napkin in his lap, Tim nodded. “Somewhat. Mostly the California wines.”
“He’s originally from California,” Jessica added.
“Oh? Whereabout?”
The dinner conversation was light, and Tim didn’t give too much away as they dined on lump crab cakes, Caesar salad, and center-cut filets. By the time dessert was served, they were all acting like old friends, Jacque humoring them with his French anecdotes as the wine overflowed in topped-off glasses. Couples swarmed the dance floor as the music turned livelier. Tim savored the warm bread pudding in vanilla sauce and had just taken an enormous bite when Jessica’s parents approached the table.
“Mama.” Jessica stood and stiffly hugged her mother, then her father.
