“Probably.” Ina shrugged. “Or you could take my hand and we could run out of here to get milkshakes.”
That made me laugh. “I love the way you think, but sadly, duty calls. The milkshakes must wait.”
“That could be the title of my biography,” she said, grinning. “Go knock ‘em dead.”
Feeling energized by her smile and support, I marched toward the stage with my shoulders back and my head held high. Then I took the microphone back from the host, who looked thoroughly confused.
“My apologies,” I said to the crowd. “My date was running late. We planned to arrive together, but make a plan and God laughs, right? Anyway, I already forgot was I was saying and I’m sure you have too. So everyone have a good time, be generous and kind, and if you’ll excuse me, I owe a gorgeous lady a drink.”
The applause that followed was mixed with laughter and a few whistles. I could already imagine tomorrow’s headlines. I didn’t care about those right then.
I stepped off the stage and made my way back to Ina, who was trying very hard not to laugh.
“That was smooth,” she said. “You might actually be charming sometimes.”
I offered her my arm. “Come on. The milkshake will have to wait, but let’s get you a drink anyway, before we’re mobbed.”
I guided her through the crowd to a quieter corner of the ballroom. It wasn’t exactly private, but was at least marginally less exposed than the center of the room. I flagged down a server and got her a glass of champagne, then spent a moment just looking at her.
“You look like a vision,” I said.
“Lucas picked the dress. I’m pretty sure he missed his calling as a stylist.” She took a sip of champagne and made a face. “Damn, this is a little sweet, don’t you think?”
“Thank you!” I said, leaning into her. “Did they put Splenda in it or something? It’s terrible.”
Ina smiled. “Then why are we drinking it?”
“Because getting a real drink requires going to the bar, and everyone becomes a real chatty Cathy standing there, waiting fortheir stuff.” I shook my head. “No thanks. Easier to stick with the sugar drink.”
She looked up at me through her dark lashes. “Be honest. Are you upset I’m here?”
“No way.” The answer came out with zero room for argument. “Well, I was hoping to spare you from tonight’s tedium. But I also spent this whole evening wishing you were here so I had someone to talk to. Someone I could joke with about the crappy champagne.”
“You didn’t want to suffer alone,” she teased. “Misery loves company.”
“It’s impossible to be miserable when you’re wearing a dress like that,” I said, giving her body an appreciative look. “And Lucas told me to bring you.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Well, he never told me about the dress.”
Her cheeks turned pink at the compliments and warmth filled my chest.
“But honestly,” I said. “I didn’t want to expose you. I hope you understand the position Lucas put you in by having you show up here.”
She nodded slowly. “I do.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“I’m strapped into a gown and wearing heels that could be used as torture implements, what do you think?”
That dress was something else. Lucas deserved a raise. She was covered except for her shoulders and arms, but I had never seen anything so sexy. I’d had my hands on her body and had a pretty good idea of what was under the clothes she typically wore to the office, but seeing her all wrapped up in a bow like this was a feast for the eyes.
When I first saw her, I damn near swallowed my tongue.
“Do you want to get out of here?” I asked. “I mean, I know you got all dressed up and I appreciate it, but I think we’ve given the world a show already. Mission accomplished.”
I wanted to go somewhere quiet with Ina and talk about everything we’d been avoiding since Saturday.
