He shook off the troubling thoughts and met her gaze. “Did you forget something?”
She backed the final steps to her car. “I got a dog.” Her smile widened to a grin. “Finally.”
He frowned, tried to think how that was significant.
“Remember,” she went on, her hand fumbling behind her for her door, “I could never keep a pet because of Mother’s allergies.”
Wait ... yes, he did remember. The family had tried several pets, and they’d each eventually had to go. Elizabeth and Dane had been devastated each time.
“That’s great. What breed?”
“A Lab.” She opened her car door. “My favorite. I’ve always wanted a big old chocolate Lab. I have my own place now, there was nothing stopping me.”
With all that was going on in his life, he had to laugh at the idea of discussing a new pet with Elizabeth. She sent a look of confusion in his direction.
“Are you laughing at me, Carson Tanner?”
He shook his head. “Absolutely not.” He choked back the mirth but couldn’t drag the goofy grin off his face.
“Just for that you can accompany me to the Newton Ball on Sunday night.”
All signs of amusement evaporated. Did he hear her correctly? “Do what?”
She was the one grinning now. “Be my escort. The fundraiser for the Museum of Art. Sunday night, eight o’clock. You can pick me up at seven-thirty. Don’t be late.”
Elizabeth got into her car, wiggled her fingers at him, and then drove away. Carson waved, watching as her taillights disappeared into the night.
Sunday night. He and Elizabeth.
Whoa.
Another smile pulled at his lips.
It had been years since he’d given much if any thought to a personal life. Maybe it was time for that to change.
All the more reason for him to get his act together.
Whatever game Annette Baxter was playing with him, it wasn’t going to work.
He would not fall for her manipulative ploys again.
He was going to nail her hot little ass straight to the proverbial wall.
His determination renewed, he grabbed his briefcase and jacket, climbed the steps, and crossed the porch. Hell yeah, he was back on track now. No more screwing around. He jammed the key into the lock and opened the door.
Carson Tanner was on the case.
The Avenger . . .
His hand hovered at the light switch.
Instinct fired a warning, making him hesitate.
What was that smell?
He took a deep breath, analyzed the noxious odor.
Gas?
