Page 54 of Art of Love

He didn’t look at the crowd as he sang. He looked at her.

She stood in the middle of the room, lips parted, chest rising slowly. Like she knew.

When the last note faded, there was a beat of silence, then an eruption of applause. A few cheers. Someone tried to get a video, but security stepped in.

Abe stood, gave a small nod, and returned to her side without a word.

“You wrote that for me,” Dylan said softly, her voice barely above the hum of chatter.

He reached for her hand. “I didn’t plan to.”

She looked up at him, eyes shining. “Abe Collins, you’re full of surprises.”

He leaned close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “Stick around. I’ve got a few more happy surprises left in me.”

And for the first time that night, he didn’t want to leave the party. He wanted to stay exactly where he was, with her. Champagne, chandeliers, fake smiles and all. Because as long as she was there, everything felt real.

“There he is.” James walked towards him, Reba following a few feet behind. James slapped him on the shoulder and then gave him one of those stupid hugs men gave each other when they don’t really mean it.

It was funny, before the accident, Kara and Abe had been best friends with James and Reba. Later, after Abe had boosted James’ career, the man had become more distant. The couple pulled away further after Kara’s death. He’d believed at first that it was because they thought that he had something to do with Kara’s death. After his career really took off, he no longer cared as long as James kept things professional.

“This must be Dylan...?” James said when he straightened and extended a hand towards her.

“Beck, Dylan Beck,” she answered, shaking his hand.

“Right.” James’s eyes narrowed but then Reba stepped up. “James Lyle, and this is my wife, Reba.”

“Kara and I were best friends,” Reba said in a tone that was a little too sharp. Abe saw James wince slightly and take his wife’s arm. It was obvious that Reba was already more than a few drinks in.

Dylan didn’t miss a beat and just smiled as if she hadn’t heard what Reba had said.

“On that note, I think I’m going to take her home.” James wrapped his arm around his wife.

Before they could turn to go, however, Tony walked over. “You aren’t leaving yet,” he told James and Reba.

“Yeah, I’m going to get her home.” James motioned towards Reba, who had grabbed two more drinks from a tray.

“Bummer.” Tony glanced at him and Dylan. “Oh, this must be the new arm candy,” Tony said with a wink.

Abe could have punched him.

James used the distraction to steer his wife towards the door after handing off the two still full glasses to a waiter.

“That new bit, you didn’t mention you had that in your arsenal,” Tony said. He noticed that Tony didn’t bother to introduce himself to Dylan. No doubt because the man believed she wouldn’t stick around for long.

“It’s not for sale.” He quickly wrapped his arm around Dylan’s waist and pulled her closer. “A one-time performance.”

“Too bad. You had the crowd wanting more.” Tony took a glass of champagne and handed it to Dylan. “Pretty ladies should always have a drink in their hands.” He winked at her.

Abe smiled when Dylan immediately set it down. “I’ve had my fill tonight. Thanks.”

Before Tony could reply, someone across the room called him and he disappeared in the crowd.

“I should have warned you about him,” Abe said softly.

Dylan chuckled. “I spotted him a mile away.” She shrugged. “Now, how about we have a dance? Then you can introduce me to the most famous person here that you know.” She purred as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and brushed her body against his.

Every thought he had about staying at the party disappeared.