Layla, whose grin reached her ears, tapped Connor on the leg. “Look at my new dress, Uncle Connor.”
Connor held her little hand and kissed it. “You’re the prettiest girl on the whole island.”
Layla fluffed up the layers of her skirt. “Do you think they have cupcakes at the party?”
“They have tables full of food in there. I think I even saw a cupcake or two. Why don’t you head in with your brother and check? Jani and Fleur will take you in. Your mom and I will be right there. I just want to talk to her for a second.” Once the kids were led away by Fleur and Jani, Connor turned to Elaine.
His shy grin did strange things to her. As for that suit, it was giving her all sorts of ideas, none of which were appropriate or welcome.
“So,” he said. “You really are sparkly.”
She must be blushing. Her cheeks burned. “It’s Marci's dress.”
“Well, I’ll have to talk to Marci and reimburse her. That dress was clearly meant for you.”
She didn’t think it was possible, but the heat level in her cheeks went up. “Thanks. You look nice, too, Connor. I don’t think I’ve seen you in a suit since…” The funeral. She didn't want to talk about the funeral. “In a long time.” She straightened his tie, which was a little crooked. Her fingers heated like her cheeks. “This tie is an amazing color on you.”
“It’s my favorite color.” He gazed at her, his face serious.
She made the connection. It was the same blue as her eyes.
“Oh.”
“How was your night with the ladies?”
“Good. How was your night with Marcelle?” She hated herself for asking but didn't want to appear rude. Plus, she really wanted to know.
“It was quick.”
Too much information.That’s what you get for asking dumb questions, Elaine.
“Marcelle’s a great woman, but we didn't hang out long. I wasn’t really into it.”
“So you didn’t sleep together?” The words tumbled out of her mouth. Horrified, she brought her hands to her cheeks. “Oh, my God. I have no idea why I just asked that. It’s none of my business.”
He laughed. “Don’t sweat it. And for the record, no, I didn’t sleep with Marcelle.” He reached for her hand. “Elaine, I’ve got to go to work, but I’m off at ten. Will you save me a dance?”
“I might step on your feet with these heels.”
“I wouldn’t mind one bit. I’ll come find you. Have fun, okay?”
“Okay.” As he drew closer, her bear stood up and took notice, doing its best to bump its head against him. She’d only ever seen the bear do that with one other man, Lloyd. The novelty and the familiarity threw her for a loop, and she froze. Connor leaned in, kissed her on the cheek, and smiled.
Something inside her melted. She was pretty sure it was her common sense.
“I’ll see you later, lady.” He headed off down another hallway.
She stood in the same place for a couple of minutes. It wasn’t until Soren and Gioia walked up behind her that she remembered where she was.
Gioia normally tackled her with a hug, but she stood absolutely still, wedged against Soren’s arm. Not a centimeter of space separated them. They looked as if they’d been glued together.
“Hey, guys. Why the stiff posture?”
Gioia and Soren stepped apart. Her son, Gunnar, unfolded from somewhere behind them. All six feet of him.
“Gunnar.” Elaine gave him a hug. “You’ve grown.”
The teen turned red. “Hey, Mrs. Gleason.” His voice cracked.
