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They stepped out of the elevator and toward the table registering guests and checking invites. He stood close, and his fingers brushed hers, eliciting a tingle that shot through her whole body. “Fate. You were fated for me.”
She didn’t have time to respond. Chloe recited their names, and they were greeted with genuine warmth and led out to the magnificent terrace. Low, comfortable couches filled the space, along with a full bar and tables displaying arrays of cocktail foods. The beautifully dressed crowd mingled in various groups, and a large screen flashed pictures of the animals Sidewalk Foundation had helped, with dozens of local rescues covering upstate and the city of New York. It was a perfect evening for an outdoor party—the air warm but not too muggy, the sky a velvet ribbon dotted with star studs, and the brilliant city skyline sprawled before them in all its glory.
Owen caught his breath, his gaze sweeping over the city. Pride etched his face, as if he relished the feeling of being a native New Yorker and bearing witness to the grit, grime, and beauty of one of the most powerful cities in the world. It was an emotion Chloe recognized well. It was the reason her father pursued politics with a natural zeal; the purpose of why she wanted to make it a better a place for the animals who lived here. Realizing Owen held the same type of passion for the state he’d grown up in touched her. He belonged to this world, too.
And for Chloe, it was an important element she’d always wanted in a partner.
“I’ve missed this,” Owen murmured, a smile curving his lips. “I knew early on I’d never be a surfer or a true Californian. I enjoyed my time for what it was, but this is where I need to be.”
“Me, too. I’d planned to settle closer to the Bishop farm in the Hudson Valley, but I kept being pulled to work in the city. It seemed to call to me—there just aren’t enough shelters with the amount of abuse and neglect cases increasing. Plus, we initiated a new program to increase fosters.”
“I agree. It was another reason the Animal Defense Fund agreed to my transfer. They’re hoping to get some new laws in effect to strengthen penalties—especially pit bull and cock fighting rings.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s wonderful news. We could use all the legal help we can get. Vivian is always understaffed.”
“Another good reason to mingle and share our cause. Shall we?”
He held out an arm.
She took it without hesitation, reminding herself it was good for business.
Chloe ignored her softly sighing heart as he led her into the crowd.
seven
Tonight seemed different.
Owen watched her shine, her tangible, positive energy flowing from her aura, urging everyone in her circle to get closer. He didn’t blame them. He’d been like a moth attracted to her light since the moment he’d met her, but now he enjoyed watching her thrive in the element she was meant for.
They made a great team. Between his legal knowledge and practical skill, combined with her ability to sell the Advocates for Animals group to people who didn’t know about their cause, toward the end of the evening they’d collected a few powerful contacts. The Spagarelli case was big, and many groups were grateful the organization was going hard for the civil suit—too many were easily dropped because of the overwhelming amount of cases.
He sipped champagne, nibbled on appetizers, and enjoyed Chloe’s company. After the presentation, and a few live songs from Rob Thomas, music was piped in for some dancing. They’d chosen timeless oldies better suited to the older generation. Not his usual alternative style, but he always appreciated the classics loved by his grandfather. Sinatra. Bennett. Ray Charles. Elvis.
The memory of Judge Archie Bennett was a twist of love and regret. He wished he’d gotten his act together sooner, but in his mind, his grandfather had been immortal. Owen hoped he was looking down at him with pride, finally witnessing him living a life of both purpose and good-doing. Just like the judge had always dreamed.
A touch on his arm drew him back. “You’re thinking of your grandfather?” she asked softly, eyes gentle.
“How did you know?”
Her head jerked slightly. “Didn’t he love Can’t Help Falling in Love with You?”
“Yes. I can’t believe you remembered that.”
She smiled. “You used to tell me how he’d blast his music on the record player until you wanted to cry. That he refused to wear hearing aids so he’d turn it up.”
Owen laughed. “I was the only teenager to know every lyric of Georgia by Ray Charles. I asked for noise cancelling headphones for Christmas because I couldn’t take it anymore.”
“It must’ve been nice, though. Living with your grandpa.”
He nodded. “It was. I know I complained a lot, but looking back, I learned so much from him. He was tough but fair and never treated me like my opinions were meaningless. He always listened.”
“I love that your mom invited him to stay with you both. It must have helped him to be around family.”
“Actually, my mom needed him. There was no way we could keep the house with her salary. Grandpa pretty much payed the rent.”
“I think it was a mutually beneficial experience,” she said. “He’d be lonely without you both, and you cared for him in his old age. I’d say you both won.”
He touched her cheek, grateful for the way she allowed him to see things, then dropped his hand like he’d been burned. Owen didn’t want anyone to start any gossip she didn’t need, and being together at this function could have stirred up some chatter. He might not want her to date Drew, but he also didn’t want to add to her stress. His voice came out ragged. “Sorry. Old habits to break. I know I lost the right to touch you.”
