Delaney rolled her eyes. "I've told you, I don't want your gratitude. Seeing you charge what you're worth and get the recognition you deserve is reward enough for me."
Hannah leaned in from her spot at the end of the table. "See? I told you guys. Just because Delaney's good at her job doesn't mean she's not a sweetheart."
The guys all laughed when Delaney scowled at her. "Would you quit doing that, Hannah?" She looked around at them all. "Don't believe a word she says. I'm hard as nails."
Reaves met her gaze across the table. "Seems to me you're going to have to work harder to keep that image up."
"As long as you guys don't start spreading rumors that I've gone soft, we can keep it among ourselves. How about that?"She turned to look Jacob, Bentley, and then Ollie in the eye. "Defending my reputation is a wise business move for you, you know." She turned back to Reaves. "And you. Especially when it comes to Sterling Hartman."
"I know. Thanks, Delaney."
Ollie chuckled. "Can I sign up for some training with you before the meeting, Delaney?"
She laughed. "Now there's a good idea. They don't know you. If they think you're a hard-ass, it might make them a little more anxious to stay on your good side."
Jacob laughed. "It's a good plan. But I don't think you'll need it."
"You think they'll be that worried about keeping Stratton Wines' business?" Delaney asked.
"I expect so," he said. "But I've been talking to every distributor I know." He smiled at Reaves. "Talking up the new management and design team at House of St. James."
Reaves grinned at him. "Thanks, bud."
"Hey, he's not the only one," said Bentley. "I've been doing the same thing. If Aaron and Caleb pass up the chance, there's plenty more interest."
Delaney drummed her long fingernails on the table in front of her. "It almost makes me want to stir up a bidding war."
Reaves looked around at the others. The looks on their faces seemed to confirm what he was thinking. "I think we should wait. If they want us for the new Provenance line, I think that's the best route. For Dad."
Delaney burst out laughing. "Damn. Look at you—stepping up and taking charge. And you're right, by the way. I was only fooling around. The Provenance line is the perfect fit."
Jacob and Bentley were nodding at him, and Alara squeezed his hand under the table. He knew he was up to the job—but having his friends, some of the biggest producers in the business, confirm his instincts still went a long way toward reassuring him.
After they'd all eaten, everyone seemed to break up into little groups. The girls sat at one of the tables, chatting and laughing. Some of the guys sat at another, and the others hung out at the bar.
Reaves turned when Slade came to stand beside him.
"Alara looks like she's enjoying herself. She looks better, too. Is she all right now?"
"Yeah. She's having iron infusions, and she's getting there."
"That's good. I was worried about her for a while there."
"We all were," said Reaves. "And Willow…" He turned and laughed when Willow appeared on his other side.
"Willow wants her man to come dance with her now," she said. "Sorry, Reaves. I need him. You should get Alara up to dance."
He looked over again, and she was sitting by herself now, the other girls all headed toward the dance floor. He hurried to her and offered his hand. She looked a little embarrassed as she took it.
"I don't know how, Reaves."
"That's okay. Neither do I. But they all usually get up when the slow songs start. So, if it's all right with you, we can just hang on to each other and shuffle."
Out on the dance floor, they did exactly that. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest. Her arms looped up around his neck, and her eyes seemed to shine as she smiled at him.
"If dancing means we get to do this, then I'd like to do a lot of it."
He leaned in to press a kiss to her lips. "That sounds like a plan to me. How are you doing? Have you enjoyed tonight?"
