“I know you are thinking about flying home tomorrow, but maybe you should stay a few more days and come with me to the charity dinner Wednesday.”
“You want me to go with you?” The invitation was surprising and wonderful.
“Yes, Tam, I do. I don’t have a date, and I really shouldn’t be going with someone else seeing as we’re engaged—”
She laughed interrupting him and causing him to show her the heavenly God-gifted Hartley smile. Despite the angst of lying to her family, she couldn’t deny that it was thrilling spending the time with him. She was also feeling a little relaxed. She was so used to being run off her feet and over the last forty-eight hours she could feel some tension leave her body. Nonetheless, the anxiety of being among this crowd again was giving her different kind of stress. She could easily squash those feelings using the excuse that she just had to only endure one more day with these people, then she could return to her happy working class life. Yet, going on a real date with Lance was a rare opportunity. “I’m sure you won’t have a problem finding an escort even at the last possible second.”
“Yes, but I want to take you.”
Again, speechless.
“What do you say?”
“I’d have to call Jacob. I’m scheduled to be back in the office Monday and I worry about Debbie.” Tammy wouldn’t back out on her responsibilities no matter how tempting his offer was. Boy, was it tempting.
He nodded. “I figured that. I talked to Jake this morning when you were still in bed. Tess can cover. Elaina said that Debbie’s doing much better this month and she and Marie can deal with anything that comes up.”
Her eyes widened. He already made the arrangements? When did he have the chance to do that? Perhaps when she was getting dressed for today. “What if I said no?”
“I’d beg.” He lifted a single brow and gave her an expression that said it was totally beneath him.
She bit her bottom lip to keep from bubbling up with laughter. Yet, seeing this handsome man on his knees popped into her mind and she felt her belly heat up. “Why, Lance Hartley prostrating himself before a woman? Never,” she teased back trying to hide her desire.
“Oh, I’m not immune to prostrating myself to get a date with my faux fiancé.” The look of displeasure stayed in his expression telling her he really didn’t want to but there was amusement in his gaze.
This time she did laugh.
His dropped the expression of indignation. “You have a beautiful laugh Tammy.”
Something different flashed across his expression but before Tammy could examine it, Vern opened the car door severing their eye contact. Apparently he’d parked the car already. For some reason she hadn’t even realized it. “Okay, I will stay for the charity, but don’t go behind my back and make decisions for me again.” She tried sounding firm but it escaped her. It was because he turned back and centered his eyes on hers. The look made her stomach flip-flop around with butterflies. She’d always wanted him to look at her, really look at her like he was now and she certainly wasn’t disappointed. It was everything she’d thought it would be and more. She felt on top of the world with the attention he’d been showering on her. Any woman would feel the same way in her position no matter how much experience they had. She’d dare anyone to make a liar out of her. Just look at him! He oozed sex appeal. He was tall, muscular, and filled out a suit like a GQ model. Simply put, he was gorgeous, and he was focused entirely on her.
“I won’t promise adamnthing,” he stated as he leaned close to so Vern wouldn’t hear. “Didn’t you know darling? I like being in charge.” His eyes gleamed.
There went that pulsing heat in her pelvis again. Before she could say anything else, Lance got out of the car and straightened his suit jacket before turning offering her his hand. Tammy accepted it and emerged from the limousine with a smile trying to squash the physical response he just evoked in her. She doubted her mood could be spoiled on this wonderful day for her brother. How wrong she was.
***
They were met at the door by a staff member, one of many hired for the event, that were greeting the guests at the entrance. He led them through the house towards the back yard where other people started to gather. Then he bowed and dismissed himself. Tammy was actually feeling a little disappointed that none of her family were there to greet her. Just as she thought that, she saw Royce surrounded by six groomsmen, all in black tuxedos, standing in the large doorway to the back. He broke into a grin when he spotted her.
“Tammy!” The other six men turned to see what he was waving at. He brushed through them and gave her a bear hug lifting her off her feet and swinging her around. “I’m so glad you came. I really didn’t want to do this without my baby sister.” He put her down and extended his hand to Lance who shook it. “Glad you could come too, Lance.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Lance answered sincerely.
It was obvious to Tammy that he liked her brother. For some reason, that meant a lot to her. “There’s a lot of staff here.” Tammy was referring to the multitude of people wearing white shirts, black bowties, and black pants that seemed to outnumber the guests so far. Both the men and the women wore the same uniform. It was to easily distinguish them from the elaborate guests.
“Mother outdid herself. Wait until you see the back lawn. Of course Anne had no say, but she was surprisingly okay with all of that.”
“Well, she loves, you. I’m sure she’d be happy getting married anywhere.”
“I’m very lovable,” he agreed with another face splitting smile.
She shook her head and laughed. “You are too conceited for your own good. I should warn Anne what she’s really marrying.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’ve already seduced her; she’s smitten so good luck. She knows a good thing.”
“Royce!” She burst into laughter.
“Hey Tamara!”
