Penthouse? If he had a penthouse in that area, he was really rich. There was just so much she did not know about this family—about Lance. She recalled that he said something to the driver about a penthouse back at the airport, but she thought it would be in a less expensive part of town. Quite frankly, she was speechless.
His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his jacket pocket to read whatever text he received and she took the opportunity to study his handsome profile. He was definitely a good looking man. His posture was straight—for some reason that appealed to her. It made him seem important, confident and focused. He was muscular, had a nice square jaw, with a day’s worth of fashionably trimmed stubble on it; a look she found enticing. His nose was straight—autocratic. He had an incredible masculine mouth and she always thought it would feel like heaven against hers. She bet the man could kiss the socks off of a woman. Her eyes went to his hands. He had big hands, with long fingers, and they were tanned from working outside. They were the hands of a hardworking man. Right now he wore a very expensive platinum Rolex on his wrist. It probably cost more than she made in a year. She bit her bottom lip. Money. Why did he have to have money? Well, some was okay, but now she knew he had millions. At least he didn’t act like he was filthy rich. Well, he had the confidence of a man who had everything he wanted, but at the ranch, he dressed casual. He normally wore a western cut shirt, worn jeans, dusty boots, and a Stetson. Someone new to there wouldn’t know he was part owner.
She took a deep breath and let it out slow. That was when he was the most appealing to her while working side by side with his employees. Yet, the four thousand dollar suit he was wearing right now also had some appeal. Gosh he just filled it out so perfectly. Perfect. He was perfect.
At that exact moment his eyes met hers. She blushed outright being caught admiring him. Thankfully he misread her expression.
“Are you okay?”
“Just nervous. I’ll be fine.” She lied through her teeth then berated herself for being so stupid.
He studied her for a moment longer. A slight smile pulled at the corner of his sensual mouth. It was barely noticeable, but she noticed it, because her stomach flipped around. Then he nodded briefly and returned to his phone. Did he figure it out? That she was practically worshiping him in that moment? Could she possibly be any more embarrassed? Silently she prayed he hadn’t figured out she was.
She averted her gaze to the front window before he caught her ogling him like a child in a candy store again or, a stewardess in first class.
The surroundings were familiar now. They were only a few minutes from her parent’s apartment now and she could feel her heart start to pound faster in her chest.Here comes the anxiety.
The car coasted up to the curb outside her building. She turned to him as he tucked his phone away. “Thanks for the lift. I’ll call you about Saturday.”
The driver got out to retrieve her bag.
Lance turned and looked out the window to the building. “I’ll walk you up.”
“No I’ll be fine. I appreciate everything.” God she really didn’t want him to meet her mother.
He nodded, pulled the latch on the door to the sidewalk and got out. He then held out his hand.
Typical Hartley, a total gentleman. Her eyes went to his large hand knowing it would be warm and rough from working the ranch. How could she not accept it? Just to touch him.
Unfortunately as soon as she emerged from the limo, there was her mother. She was standing there holding her white toy poodle—Muffy, Muffin—something along that line. She always had some sort of high society breed such as that. It wasn’t because her mother loved dogs. It was an accessory. Yet, she spent more money and attention on that accessory that she did her own daughter. Standing beside her, with a mocking smile was the other reason she left New York.
***
Here she was, still having her hand held by possibly the most handsome, well-dressed man on the planet and she runs into her mother and her ex-fiancé! Her mother’s eyes darted back and forth between the two of them. Clear surprise registered in her expression.
“Tamara?”
“Mother,” she answered flatly steeling herself against emotion. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lance look down at her. He obviously never heard that tone come out of her before. Not many people have. It was a deep seated distrust that she’d buried when she left this place. Now it came back like a burst dam. As usual, her mother didn’t notice, or didn’t care to notice.
Her mother’s eyes then went to Lance. “Since my daughter seems reluctant to introduce us. I’m Elizabeth Van Allen.”
Tammy swallowed hard. She was being rude, but she was still tongue tied. She honestly didn’t expect to run into her so soon.
“Lance Hartley,” he answered matter-of-factly.
“You look amazing Tamara,” said the man standing beside her mother.
She was trying to ignore him. Angst started building in her just being there. Finally, her attention went to Richard Cavanaugh; tall slender and arrogant. She nodded, “Hello Richard.” She kept her voice even, but she started to tremble. Then she suddenly felt Lance’s hand squeeze hers. She’d forgotten he still held it. She looked up at him and saw the most incredible look of reassurance from him. Bless him for being so insightful! She felt herself smile to say ‘thank you’. He gave her a brief subtle nod. She then found her voice and introduced the both of them. “Lance, this is Richard Cavanaugh. A family friend.”
“Our families go back three generations. He’s more like family,” her mother added as if Tammy just insulted Richard. She was also insinuating that he was more family than she was. “We honestly didn’t think you’d show.” She didn’t sound pleased that she was there.
“My big brother is getting married. Of course I would,” she answered in the same even tone. She was doing her best to keep the hurt out of her voice.
“Well, wonderful then.” Although her tone said something different. “Richard just made junior partner at his law firm. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes.” She didn’t care. Her mother couldn’t help but dangle the man in front of her as if she made a huge mistake. She expected it. She just wished it wasn’t in front of Lance.
“He’s engaged to your sister, Melanie. Isn’t that grand? We are so happy that he will be part of our family despite the failed relationship between you two.”
