“I know. And I’m sorry for putting that pressure on you.”
I scratch at a mark on the glass. “I understand why you had to do it.”
“I’m kind of surprised you didn’t bring a plus one. Mum said you haven’t been out with anyone since you broke up with Dominic?”
“I went on a date with Ivan Harrison,” I protest.
“But he’s not here?”
I pick at my fingernails. “No. It didn’t work out.”
He’s quiet for a moment. Then he says, “I’m sorry about Dominic. I thought I was going to hear wedding bells there.”
I swallow hard. I can’t explain how it makes it harder that Dad liked him. If only he knew what Dom was really like…
He sighs, puts his arm around me, and squeezes my shoulders. “Why aren’t you up dancing? There are plenty of young men here who’d love to get their hands on you.”
“Dad!”
“I’m just saying.”
“It’s difficult when I have the KGB on my tail.”
Dad glances over at where Luke is strolling around the perimeter of the lawn, and chuckles. “He’s here to stop unwanted visitors, not to police your dance partners.”
“Maybe you could tell him that.” I’m half-serious. He wouldn’t stop me from dancing with anyone—probably. But all day I’ve felt his gaze on me, watching me. “He’s taking his job way too seriously.”
“Good.”
I sigh and frown at my father. “Don’t you think this is all a tad overkill? Your house has a wall around it and security on the gate, and cameras covering every inch of the grounds. I reallydon’t need a sharpshooter trained on me every second of the day.”
Dad leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I just want to keep you safe.”
“I get that. Luke explained that if someone kidnapped me, they might demand an extortionate ransom. And I know you’d pay it.”
“Probably.” He laughs as I nudge him. “Of course I would. You’re the most precious thing in the world to me.” His expression turns firm. “And that’s why I’m very happy that he’s stuck to you like Super Glue.”
“Yeah, but couldn’t you have picked someone a little less…”
“Less what?”
“Tall?” I say lamely.
“Tall?” He glances at Luke. Then he looks back at me. Slowly, his lips curve up. “Have you got a crush on him?”
“No! God no. He’s amajorpain in the ass.”
“He’s rock solid, is what he is. He’s been on duty all day and he hasn’t touched a drop of drink. I like him.”
“You’re welcome to ask him to dance, Dad.”
He chuckles and gets to his feet. “Don’t sit here all evening, love. You’re too young to be on your own for long.” He smiles and walks away.
I grumble under my breath and nod as a waiter comes up to offer me more champagne. “Thank you.” I have a mouthful, too miserable to limit myself.
I shouldn’t be miserable. Dad’s right. I’m too young to be depressed because one relationship broke up and my date didn’t work out. I should be playing the field! Going out with dozens of guys!
Somewhat gloomily, I swirl the champagne around in my glass. I’ve felt oddly flat since my conversation with Luke on Monday. It’s nothing to do with him; he’s been his normal,reserved, polite self, although I’ve detected a touch of softness behind his usual steely gaze. But I think it’s his horror at my confession that really got to me. His shock at Dominic’s behavior was supportive, but oddly it also made me feel embarrassed and stupid to have put up with it for so long. I don’t like that Luke thinks I’m a pushover.Idon’t like being a pushover.
