“Good luck,” the man said, and he ushered his lady back to their table.
“You’re famous,” Tyler said.
“I’ve had a few requests for autographs. A teller recognized me at the bank and a group of teenagers noticed me in the café. I get a lot of messages on the website. Some are creepy.”
“The price of fame,” Maggie said with a loud sigh.
A solo male guitarist started on another bracket of songs, the music soft and dreamy and perfect for lovers.
“The guy has a good technique,” Ryan said. “Julia, do you want to dance?”
“Do you play?” Tyler asked.
“A little,” Ryan said.
Susan laughed. “He’s actually being modest. He’s a pretty fair musician.”
Connor and Maggie joined Julia and Ryan on the dance floor, leaving Tyler alone with Susan.
“What would you like to do after dinner?” he asked.
Susan groped for his hand under the table and their fingers entwined. “I’d like to be alone with you.”
Tyler’s pulse jumped on seeing her expression. “In my room?”
“Yes.” She glanced across the room at her friends. “I’d better let Julia know I’m leaving. What room number are you?”
“I’ll wait for you.”
“No,” Susan said. “People keep looking in this direction. We’d better leave separately or else we’ll start a gossip blitz.”
“How about if I say goodnight to your friends first and pretend I’m leaving?” Susan was right to act with caution. Josie had mentioned the stories in the ladies’ magazines. If an enterprising reporter got hold of the fact Susan was dating someone other than Nolan, they’d shout the news across the media.
And his mother would create merry hell. She barely spoke to him as it was…
“Tyler?”
“Sure.” He pushed aside his past to concentrate on Susan. “Good plan. I’m in room 612. Will you stay the night?”
“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate.
“What about Nolan?”
Her nose crinkled in a cute manner. “Your brother and I are not a good match. He doesn’t approve of me, and I’m still trying to figure out why he picked me during the last round.”
“See you soon,” Tyler said, standing. Without a backward look, he strode between the tables, most of them still full despite the lateness of the hour. He tapped Ryan on the shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt. I’m off now. It was great to meet you all.”
“You’re still gonna play rugby, right?” Connor asked after he steered Maggie over to them.
“Sure,” Tyler said. “What time do you need me and where is the game?”
“Have you got a phone?” Connor asked. “I can text you the details. Is Susan not going to go with you?”
“We’re leaving separately,” Tyler said, after giving Connor his number.
“Good idea,” Ryan said, offering his hand.
Tyler left with a final wave and hoped like hell Susan wouldn’t keep him waiting too long.
