Page 88 of Welcome Home to Ivy Falls

His mother continued to level me with a stare that fell somewhere between malevolent and appalled.

‘Where’s Dad?’ Ford said.

‘At the bar as usual. He’ll come over and say hello in due time.’

‘Why don’t we go that way now.’

‘Missy is here.’ She gave me another annoyed glance. ‘It would be nice if you said hello, especially after the way you treated her the last time you saw her.’

‘Mother.’ Ford’s voice was like a taut wire. ‘We’ve spoken about this. If you hadn’t ambushed me, there would not be an issue.’

That chilly façade of hers crumbled for just a flicker. ‘Please, son. Go and speak to her like a gentleman. You owe her that much.’

‘Fine, if it will keep the peace.’

She leaned in and pressed a stiff kiss to his cheek. ‘Thank you, dear. It means a lot to me that you’re here.’

Without another word, she slowly crossed the room and stopped next to a group of women who were also dripping in diamonds.

Frustration pulled at the corners of Ford’s mouth. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. That was a grand performance. Your mother missed her calling as an actress. She certainly has a flair for the dramatic.’

He tugged me in and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. ‘You are amazing. Have I told you how stunning you look tonight?’

‘Thank you,’ I said, straightening his perfect yellow tie. ‘You look pretty damn good too.’

His gaze went playful as he leaned in and whispered, ‘I bet it would take me less than five seconds to get you out of that dress. To press my mouth to every part of you. Make you moan wicked things.’

I laughed. Shook my head. I was sure these people would have been beyond mortified if they’d heard us.

‘Promises, promises, Crawford.’

His face sobered. ‘Call me anything you want except that. It was my grandfather’s name and he was cruel. I think that explains why my mother acts like a dragon all the time. She needs to keep herself protected.’

I pressed up on my toes and whispered, ‘Tell you what, not only will I let you take my clothes off, but you can also tear my underwear off with your teeth too.’ His lips twitched until I said, ‘Ooops. I’m not wearing any.’

He tilted his head back and groaned. ‘You’re killing me, Bird.’

I reached up and messed his perfectly combed hair until he looked like my Ford again.

Shit. My Ford. I couldn’t let myself think of him that way.

We walked to the bar and Ford made quick introductions to his father. It was clear where he got his high cheekbones and dark mop of hair.

‘Thank you for coming. This kind of thing means a lot to your mother.’

‘Of course,’ Ford said.

‘Can I get you two a drink?’

‘Piper?’ Ford said.

‘Club soda with lime, please.’

‘Make that two,’ Ford added.

‘That’s not a drink that’s a palate cleanser,’ Mr Foster grumbled.