‘Tomorrow,’ Hayley said, the word dying on her breath.
‘Yeah, tomorrow’s a big day for us all.’ He put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
‘The fundraiser is nothing compared to you getting news that could change your life,’ Hayley said. This was happening. And it wasallhappening tomorrow. Now the answer was so close, it was terrifying her. She cared about him so much, more than she had cared about anyone. And knowing that, knowing how fast and hard she’d fallen only made it worse.
He shook his head, his fingers smoothing through her hair. ‘That isn’t true. Most of the people there tomorrow have all had their lives changed. They get out of bed every morning and there’s a giant hole in their hearts and their homes. We all get news that’s going to change our life at some time.’ He kissed her head. ‘Bet it was life-changing when you found out you were having Angel.’
‘Are you kidding?! I passed out in the doctor’s surgery and ate a whole bag of custard doughnuts.’
‘My point is proven.’
‘I’m still not going to be able to concentrate on food and décor and the trumpeter’s issue with the spotlights though,’ Hayley stated.
‘Yes you are, because I don’t want to see you tomorrow.’
‘What?’ She sat up straight, looking at him in shock.
‘I want you to focus on the fundraiser. You and my mom have worked so hard to make this night a success. All the tickets have been sold, it’s going to be the best and most profitable night the foundation has had. Tony has a date… and I’m going to be there.’
She couldn’t help the breath leaving her. ‘You’re coming.’
‘How could I not? Angel says you have a table magician.’
‘She hated that idea.’
‘Well, I love it and so will the mayor and the police commissioner.’
‘I hope so.’
‘So you have to promise me, no calling, no messaging, no thinking about anything but the fundraiser.’
Hayley screwed up her face. There was no way she was going to be able to do it. ‘I can’t.’
‘Promise me, Lois.’
She looked into his eyes and saw the need for her to give him this. Smothering him when he didn’t want it wasn’t going to change the outcome of the result. She just had to hope and pray for good news and let him bring it to her when he was ready.
‘Arrrrgh, I’m going to say this really quickly before I change my mind.’ She closed her eyes. ‘I promise.’
As the two words left her lips, his mouth was on hers, kissing an insistent path across her jawline and slipping down her neck. She giggled as his mouth touched a ticklish spot.
‘So,’ he whispered. ‘You know how you like a magician?’
‘Yes, Clark.’
He raised his head, his eyes dark and full of longing. ‘How about I make your clothes disappear?’
‘Why, Mr Drummond, is that a magic wand in your pants or are you just pleased to see me?’
60
THE MCARTHUR FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER – THE CRYSTALLINE HOTEL, MANHATTAN
Hayley looked at her watch. There were less than thirty minutes before the doors would open and the very first guests would start to come into the room. She held her breath, looking at the layout in front of her. The tables were heart-shaped and Cynthia had mixed up attendees so everyone would be sitting with someone they weren’t overly familiar with. The table cloths were turquoise, the plates bright white, the tableware shining silver and the glasses all polished so you could see your reflection in them. White and turquoise orchids stood in glass vases in the centre of each table together with platinum, gold and turquoise balloons. Turquoise and platinum drapes hung across the windows with beaded butterfly decorations in the middle of each one. The pastel globes across the stage were lit up, shadows of butterflies fluttering inside every piece. It was everything she had wanted and so much more.
‘It looks wonderful, Hayley,’ Cynthia said, standing at her shoulder.
‘You got the balloons I wanted.’ She turned to face her. ‘How did you do that?’
