One thing was certain, and that was that she was grateful to Charlotte and Tag for meeting her in the parking lot and walking in with her. She hadn’t really wanted Ash to pick her up, but it also seemed dreadful to wander into this type of event on her own. So, this was kind of the best of both worlds.
“Remember that you promised to give him a chance,” Charlotte whispered to her as they stepped inside.
The walls were a beautiful, dark green, with gorgeous wood wainscoting. Bright chandeliers illuminated the ceiling and gave the whole place the feeling of an enchanted forest in the moonlight.
Waiters circulated with drinks and hors d’oeuvres on copper trays. A pretty banner fluttered from the ceiling announcing the mentorship organization’s fundraiser and all the activities happening this evening, including dinner, the ball, and a silent auction.
Allie felt as if she had been transported into a movie or a fairy tale. She trailed after Charlotte and Tag to check her coat. The group of students who logged their things seemed so happy and proud of their job that Allie was pretty sure they must be part of the mentorship program themselves.
The massive room that normally must serve as a dining hall was lined with leather upholstered banquettes. And the tables that ordinarily might have filled the center of the hall were set up closer to the entrance for the occasion.
As she stepped into the room, Allie saw a familiar figure leaning against a column.
The splendor of the rest of the party seemed to fade away as she met his dark eyes.
Ash looked like a billionaire off the cover of a romance novel in his gorgeous dark suit, the crisp white shirt setting off his dark hair.
She moved across the room without realizing her feet were carrying her to him until she was nearly at his side.
“Allie,” he murmured, his voice a husky growl.
“Hi,” she heard herself say softly.
“You’re exquisite,” he said, taking her hand in his.
His hands were large and warm, and his thumb toyed with the engagement ring on her finger.
“Thank you for the dress,”she managed.
“I hope you and Charlotte had a nice time,” he said with a half-smile. “They were under strict instructions to do whatever it took to make sure it was a relaxing evening.”
“It was fun,” she said, trying desperately not to lose herself in his eyes.
Maybe avoiding him during this last week hadn’t been the best idea. After only a few days apart, she was blown away all over again at how handsome he was, and her heart was fluttering like a frightened bird.
“How was your week?” he asked her.
“Busy,” she told him. “But good. I think I’ve got the kids ready to face the winter break without losing too many skills.”
“Good,” he told her, nodding.
“How was yours?” she asked, ready for him to ask why she hadn’t replied to his texts, and not sure what she would tell him when he did.
“Mine was busy too,” he told her. “The investors who want to take Tailor Beverage national decided to come to town today to check it out. Me being here instead of at headquarters had them nervous.”
“What was that like?” Allie asked, wondering what a group of wealthy investors would make of her tiny hometown.
“They really seem to like it,” Ash said, looking unsurprised. “And who wouldn’t? In my opinion, Sugarville Grove is the nicest town in the world.”
Allie couldn’t help smiling at his praise for the hometown she loved with all her heart.
“I hope you don’t mind that I invited them here tonight,” he added.
“It’s for a good cause,” she replied. “The more the merrier.”
Oddly though, she found shedidmind a little. Tonight wasn’t about business.
I didn’t speak to him all week,she reminded herself.He’s probably given up on actually dating me.
