‘And the rest is history,’ Erin said, her hand resting on her chest. ‘What a delightful story.’
It was certainly fiction, Tasha thought, aware that he had spent several years after college going to open auditions until he landed his first part in an advert for floor cleaner, before being cast in a television soap before going to Hollywood and being lucky enough to land a supporting role in a film that went stratospheric.
She took another sip of her drink, struggling not to contradict Riley when she noticed Callum looking at her.
‘Dance with me,’ Callum said, arriving at the table and taking Tasha’s hand.
‘One sec,’ Tasha said, reaching out to pick up her half-empty glass of champagne. She took a sip.
‘We need to get you a fresh glass of something,’ Callum said. ‘You must have been nursing that for a while now.’ He reached out a hand to her. ‘So, do you want to?’
Confused, Tasha frowned. ‘Um, want to what?’
‘Dance with me.’
She put the glass back down onto the table and nodded. ‘Lead the way then.’
As soon as they reached the dance floor set out in front of where the trio played, Callum took her in his arms. Tasha couldn’t help thinking how natural they felt together. It was strange how she barely knew Callum, but he somehow seemed very familiar. Was this feeling what people meant when they said that when you met the one, you would know? She pushed the thought aside, aware she was being fanciful.
‘Sorry I got waylaid and didn’t eat dinner with you,’ he said, smiling down at her.
‘It’s your family party, of course you should spend time with them,’ she said, not wanting Callum to feel guilty. ‘Anyway, I’m used to looking out for myself at events. In fact, I’m usually working, now I come to think of it.’
‘Well, you’re not working tonight.’ He scanned the room. ‘Talking of work, did you see where Riley or my sister went? They were at your table but they’re not there now.’
Tasha presumed Callum was concerned about his sister falling for Riley and completely understood. Erin seemed sensible enough but from her own experience sense seemed to vanish just when you needed it most.
‘I’m afraid I didn’t.’ Not wanting Callum to worry, she said, ‘Would you like to go and look for them?’
He shook his head. ‘No. Erin is a grown woman and won’t take kindly to me interfering, however well it’s meant.’
Tasha could understand that. Then again, she mused, it must be nice to have an older brother who looked out for you. Maybe if she had a sibling she might not feel quite so lonely.
17
CALLUM
He had hoped to find time away from his family to dance with Tasha and was enjoying every second. She was a remarkable woman, independent and clever as well as beautiful and kind. She never spoke about any family though, he realised, and wondered whether there was a reason for that or if she just didn’t feel she knew him well enough to speak about them. Maybe she didn’t have family.
‘Having fun?’ he asked as one song ended and another began.
‘I’m having a wonderful time.’ She beamed up at him, causing his stomach to flip over. All he needed was to fall in love with someone who would soon be leaving.
‘I’m glad.’ He raised her hand and she twirled underneath it, laughing.
Someone tapped him on the shoulder. Seeing it was his father, Callum slowed to a stop. His father was scowling. Concerned, Callum gave his dad a questioning look. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Sorry for interrupting your fun.’ His father directed his comment to Tasha.
‘Please don’t worry about it.’ She glanced up at Callum. ‘Is something the matter?’
James waved them over to the side of the room where the music wasn’t as loud. After checking no one was close enough to overhear them, he lowered his head. ‘There’s someone lurking in the garden. I didn’t want to alert any of the guests, least of all your grandfather, so thought I should mention it to you. Maybe you can go and have a discreet look outside.’
Callum thought of the movement he believed he’d seen in the rhododendron border. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll go right away.’
‘I’ll come with you.’ Tasha took his hand when he went to argue.
‘You go and have fun, Dad.’
