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I pressed my lips to her forehead. “You’re important to me, Jillian. Whether he said it three days after we were married or a year after our supposed divorce, it wouldn’t have mattered. That never changed.”
She didn’t say anything as she dropped her gaze and closed her eyes. In silence, we swayed to the music. When she was in my arms, the rest of the party faded away. For a moment, I could pretend that she wasn’t just in it for her reputation or that I wasn’t using her for land. Tonight, we were just a man and a woman enjoying the sensuality of the music. As we danced, I moved closer and closer until our bodies were pressed up against each other’s. Not suitable for the gala, but certainly suitable for my needs.
I needed her.
The song ended, and I reluctantly led her away. “I could use some champagne,” she said in a soft voice. Her eyes were unreadable, and I couldn’t tell if she was feeling the same thing as me or not.
Nodding, I followed her to the edge of the crowd. Accepting two glasses of champagne, I handed her one. On impulse, I opened my mouth to ask her to share my bed tonight, but we were interrupted by Harry. He walked slowly toward us in an expensive tuxedo and a black cowboy hat. Although it had only been a week since I’d seen him last, he looked like he’d aged years.
The man was not doing well.
“Don’t you two look like a beautiful couple,” he said with a smile. “Mrs. Ward, you are a sight even for these old eyes. Absolutely beautiful.”
“Mr. Blackwell.” She tensed beside me, and my stomach turned. The mask had returned, and she was readying herself for a performance. “You say the sweetest things, but it’s mostly the dress. The clothes make the man, right? Or in this case, woman?”
Harry tipped his hat slowly. “It’s more than the dress, my dear. It’s the flush you wear when your husband touches you and the twinkle of love in your eyes. No one in this room could ever mistake you for anything other than desperately in love. I’m so glad things are working out.”
Was that love in her eyes? I ached to ask her, but she was studiously ignoring me. “I’m afraid most of what you’re looking at is my reaction to the party. I’ve never been to anything so fancy before. I feel like a princess tonight.”
“Not a princess,” Harry protested. “A queen. Brendan, are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m surprised. You don’t usually like to go to these things.”
I shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable under his direct stare. “Unfortunately, the job calls for it. My investors like for me to make an appearance in the world from time to time, and I couldn’t resist an opportunity to give Jillian a nice night out.” I hated myself for even involving her.
“And showing her off. I’m afraid that I’m on my way out. It’s far past my bedtime, but it was lovely to see the two of you out. Enjoy the rest of your evening, my dear, and Brendan, we’ll be speaking soon.”
“Yes, sir. Can I call you a car?”
He waved a dismissive hand. “I’ve already taken care of that. No need to worry about me. You two just enjoy yourselves.”
As soon as he was out of sight, Jillian pulled away from me and downed her champagne. Harry’s words had clearly gotten to her. “Do we need to stay much longer now that he’s gone?” she asked as she pulled at her dress.
“Are you okay?”
“I think the crowd is getting to me,” she muttered as she avoided eye contact. “If you have more elbows to rub, I’ll just get some fresh air.”
“I just need to make a contribution, and then we can be on our way. If you want to wait outside for me, I’ll just be a few minutes.” I handed her the tag for the car from my pocket. Once again, the moment for us was gone, and I was with the woman who was only being forced to be my friend.
She might have thought that the night was over, but we were only just beginning.
I let her have her space while I drove us home, but once we were safely locked inside our hotel room, I confronted her. “Your mind is spinning, but you’re not letting me in,” I accused as I shed my jacket and tie.
“I’m just not used to big parties like that,” she said coolly. The ice princess was back, and I wanted to make her melt. “There’s no need to make a big deal about it. I was willing to stay as long as you needed me to stay.”
“You’re lying to yourself if you think that’s true. What’s wrong, Jillian? Did you decide that you liked dancing in my arms a little too much? Did you let your guard down for a second and consider letting me in?”
