Page 59 of The Billionaire's Special Relationship

“Absolutely,” Tabby said. These people were professionals. No way was she going to try to dictate to them.

When she spoke firmly, Stuart relaxed. Ultimately, she was his responsibility, but he had to delegate tonight. He had to survey the landscape tonight.

The big, double doors of the mansion were opened by Jennifer’s butler, and they all walked inside. Lou and the bodyguard remained on either side of the front door, as if they were security for the entire event. Which Tabby thought was odd.

There were various small groups of people laughing and talking and standing around when Stuart and Tabby entered the massive living space. With soft music playing, it seemed like a very nice, very quaint dinner party.

But Tabby took issue with one thing. She leaned against Stuart. “What in the world are they playing?”

“Sounds like Perry Como to me.”

“Who’s Perry Como?”

Stuart laughed. “Some old white guy.”

“You mean like you?”

It was Tabby’s time to laugh. Until he pinched her butt.

“Ouch!” she said as her smile left. It hurt. For real. Which made Stuart laugh again.

“He’s back! Welcome back, Stuart!” It was Logan Stoudemire and his wife Gheri. “I thought yougave up on us.” He and Stuart shook hands.

“Good to see you again, Logan. How are you, Gheri?”

“Better now that you’re here,” Gheri said with a smile. “I know Jennie will be pleased. Who’s the pretty young lady?”

“Logan, Gheri, this is Tabitha. This is my lady.”

Logan was about to shake Tabby’s hand. But he stopped midway and looked at Stuart. “Excuse me, your what?”

Stuart smiled. “My lady. My girlfriend.”

Logan looked at Gheri, but she was as shocked as he was. “Does Jennie know?” Gheri asked Stuart.

“And how is it Jennifer’s business that I have a girlfriend?”

Before Gheri, who was Jennifer’s best friend, could answer that question, the announcement came. “Everybody partner up. It’s that time again!”

Tabby was confused. “What time again?”

“Time to dance. They announce it every half hour or so,” Stuart said. “You partner up with somebody different every time.”

“Give her a spin, Logan, will you?” Stuart said. “I’ll take care of your wife.”

“Don’t take care of her too good,” Logan said with a grin. “Come on, Tabitha. Let’s show them how it’s done.”

Tabby looked at Stuart, but he was already going on the dance floor with Gheri.

At first, Tabby thought it was kind of lame.Why force people to dance when everybody looked like they were already having fun? But although the music wasn’t to her liking, as it was apparently yet another old white man crooning, she enjoyed the energy in the room. Everybody seemed to be having a blast. Including Stuart. So she did too.

But it wasn’t until after the dance and Tabby went over to Stuart and Logan did they realize Alan and Nora were at the party too.

“She invited Nora too?” Tabby asked, surprised.

But Stuart was shaking his head. “I doubt it. She can’t stand her either. More likely Nora found out I was coming and decided to invite herself, and make Alan bring her.”

“He’s that close to his mother?”