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But right then I admit, really admit, what I’ve tried to deny. I’ve been running a lot lately. And I’m also so damn tired of running away.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
In unison, Dash and I turn to greet Bella. She’s stunning in a black dress, with a flare at the bottom, her blonde hair flowing over her shoulders. Her blue eyes are so strikingly similar to Dash’s, it’s remarkable.
“Why are his parties always so stiff and uncomfortable?” Bella asks softly.
“Because he’s stiff and uncomfortable,” Dash replies, echoing my thoughts.
“No comment,” she replies, giving me a wink. “I’ll let you form your own opinions without mine, Allison.”
“Allie,” I say. “Call me Allie.”
“Allie,” she says, seemingly delighted at the offer. “How’s the auction going?”
“Good,” I say. “I scored a couple of big items this week and I feel like tonight will help move things along.”
“I emailed my clients and asked for donations. I’ll have some ‘scores’ for you soon.”
“Thank you,” I say. “I really appreciate that.”
It’s right then that Susie finds us again. “Just the two people I want to see together.”
Of course, there are three of us, but she sees only money and success, which means Dash and Bella. But Bella proves her match, brilliantly avoiding the lunch commitment. Her finesse is inspiring but we’re also joined by yet another guest, and our hiding place in the corner becomes Grand Central Station.
Later, much later, after I’ve met too many people to count, and with Bella or Dash by my side at all times, it seems, I’ve received a great many auction donation commitments.
At present, Dash is chatting with the stuntman, while Bella and I are standing by the cake display, eating birthday cake for some up-and-coming TV writer that I have yet to meet, and I share my observation of her party skills. “You’re so smooth I think I need you to be my life agent.”
“I’ll be your life agent if you’ll be mine. You’re pretty smooth, too. The auction has had a good night.”
“If everyone who promised donations comes through.”
“They will. They all need the tax write-offs. And substance abuse is a real issue in our industry and our youth in general. It’s easy to sell the connection, but it’s a real one. Oh jeez,” she murmurs, lifting a discreet finger toward Dash.
I glance up to find Susie by his side again.
Bella scowls. “So much for smooth. I need to go and save him.” She sets her cake on the little round table we’re standing at and heads in that direction.
I’m smiling as I watch her rescue Dash, but as my gaze shifts to the door of the house, my smile flatlines. I now know the “surprise” Tyler spoke of when telling me about the party and most likely the reason he hired me at all. My father, the Super Bowl champ quarterback, is headed in my direction. The world spins under my feet. I told him I never wanted to see him again, and now, he’s here, and the swell of emotions in my chest, tells me I’m not going to handle this well.
Fortunately, his fans are many, and he’s corned by a group of men. I quickly step away from the table and head the only way that appears to be safe—down a garden path. I’ve made it several feet, dim lights around the path guiding me around a corner when someone catches my hand.
I whirl around to find Dash, holding onto me. “Dash,” I whisper, swallowing hard.
He walks me to him, aligning our legs, and I let him. “What just happened?”
“Nothing, I just—”
“What just happened?” he presses gently.
“You’ll think you were right about me being weak.”
To my shock, he pulls me closer, and his fingers tangle in my hair. “I said vulnerable. Vulnerable is not weak. But make no mistake, I am weak when it comes to you, Allie.”
“What does that even mean, Dash?” I whisper barely able to breathe with his touch.
“It means, I tried to stay away, I tried so damn hard, but I couldn’t do it. I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop wanting you.”
On some remote level, I know that we’re close to the other guests, to the crowd, and I know I should stop this now. I catch his hands near my waist as if this will halt the assault on my senses, but it does nothing except stir hunger in me, a hunger I am helpless to fight.
“We shouldn’t be doing this,” I manage weakly.
“Why do you think I’ve stayed away?” His fingers slide into my hair and he tilts my gaze, my mouth, to his. “If you don’t tell me to stop now, Allie, I’m going to kiss you.”
It’s exactly what I’ve wanted since I met Dash and yet, I’m terrified right now. Terrified by how easily I believe this man could not only own me, but hurt me. And I try to fight what I need, too. I try so hard, but what I say is, “Don’t,” followed by, “Don’t stop.”
