Bennett ran his hand along her cheek. “I’m sorry if I’ve been out of sorts. I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
There it is, she thought. “City business?”
“It’s always something, isn’t it? But this weekend, it’s just us, darling.”
She smiled. “And quite a few friends.”
“We can escape anytime we want,” he said, drawing his hand down her back until her skin tingled with sweet memories. “I love you, Ivy. Maybe I haven’t said that enough lately.”
She pressed a finger to his warm lips. “I hear it every day, but more than that, I feel your love. I hope you can feel me loving you right back.”
“Always,” he murmured, his breath hot against her neck.
They lingered on the balcony for a few minutes, enjoying the feeling of being in each other’s arms. Whatever issues they might have evaporated in their kisses.
Ivy’s phone buzzed, and she groaned. She hated to answer it.
“It might be one of the girls,” Bennett whispered against her neck.
“You’re right,” she said with a soft sigh. Even though Sunny and Misty were young adults now, they were always her children. She loved Bennett for understanding that.
She picked up her phone and answered it. “What’s up, Shelly?”
“Where are you guys? You’re missing the party.”
“We’re here, and we’re changing.”
“Okay, good. What are you wearing?”
“This isn’t high school, Shells.” Ivy chuckled while Bennett just smiled. “I brought my wine-colored dress. I thought I’d match my clothes to the wine, just in case I spill a glass.”
Shelly’s voice sounded tight. “You’re not wearing that with Mom’s pearls, are you?”
“That’s a weird question, but no, I’m not. How many glasses of wine have you had?”
“Still on my first. I just wondered what happened to you, that’s all.”
“We’ll see you soon,” Ivy said lightly.
“I guess that’s our signal to join the group,” Bennett said, kissing her once more.
She changed into the flowing dress she’d brought. Made of a flattering jersey fabric, the style was chic in itssimplicity and easy to wear. She picked up a thick twisted strand of garnets and rubellites her mother had acquired years ago on a buying trip to India for their import business.
“Need help with the clasp?” Bennett asked.
She swept her hair off her neck for him.
“I like your hair like that,” he said, clasping the necklace before kissing her neck. “Will you wear it up tonight?”
She opened her bag and brought out a clip to hold her hair. “How’s this?”
Bennett’s approval shone in his eyes, not that she needed it, but she enjoyed it.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, kissing her again. “And this is the start to a beautiful weekend.”
“It’s nice to be guests for a change,” she murmured. “We can pamper each other. Did you see the large bathtub?”
“I sure did,” Bennett replied, his eyes sparkling.
