Chapter 27
“Ready?” Luke asked as they pulled up to the front of the Parthenon. He should have remembered the gala was going to be here—he could have taken Rowan somewhere else the other afternoon instead.
“Yes,” Shelby said. “Is someone walking us in while you take pictures?
“Shell—you’re walking in with me.”
“Wait—what?” Rowan asked.
“Yes!” Shelby pumped a fist in the air.
Luke took Rowan’s hand and wrapped it in his. The color had drained from her face. “Marla didn’t explain how tonight would go?”
She shook her head, eyes wide. “No. I just assumed you’d do the press thing while we—I—went inside to wait for you.”
“You can if you want.” He leaned closer. “I’d really like to walk in holding your hand though.”
This was the first chance he had to introduce her to the world as his. He knew the reporters were going to go nuts when they saw him and Rowan together—he’d talked to Marla about it—but one, it would hopefully help kill any rumors going around and two, he wanted there to be no doubt that they were together.
Rowan swallowed visibly but nodded.
“Thank you. I’ll be right by you the whole time.”
“Me, too,” Shelby said.
The limo stopped and the door opened, an usher waiting for them to exit. He knew these things were timed to the second, so he levered himself out of the car. Reaching in, he helped Shelby out first—he didn’t want to have to let go of Rowan once he had her hand.
Camera flashes, already popping, went crazy as soon as he pulled her out. A man with a headset, microphone, and tablet gestured for them to move forward and join the line of other people arriving.
“Jeez. This is like a ride at Disney World,” Rowan said.
“I don’t know…I think Disney could use some pointers on efficiency. It’s like a small army running things,” Shelby said.
Watching their awe, Luke remembered his first big event and how out of place he’d felt. This wasn’t even a big industry show—just a local fundraiser. He still felt like an imposter. Any minute now, someone would come rip off his Stetson and demand he leave.
“Is that the governor?” Shelby asked.
Luke looked around the couple in front of them. “I think so.”
“How tacky would it be if I started asking for autographs?” she asked.
“I don’t know. Are you going to ask them to sign your boobs?” Rowan asked.
Shelby grinned. “A couple of them maybe.”
“Mr. Stone, you’re next,” one of the ushers said.
“I’ve got them,” Marla said, joining them. “Sorry I’m late. There was an issue with Laney’s dress.”
“Laney Faith?” Shelby asked. “I love her!”
“Good. You’re sitting next to her at dinner. Just please don’t mention anything about how short her skirt is—she’s already self-conscience about it.”
“Of course not,” Shelby said.
“Rowan, Shelby, if you look at the carpet, there are tape ‘X’s. That’s where you’ll stop so the press can take pictures and ask questions.”
Luke squeezed Rowan’s hand. “No one told me that little tidbit my first event. I just walked straight through. Never even paused except to tap a couple people on the shoulder to say excuse me.”
