AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 14
Arriving at the Town Hall, Holly paid the taxi driver and stepped out of the car, wearing the full-length dress. The chill of the evening hit her bare arms as she had not worn a jacket. The only two coats she possessed were the green parka and peach canvas jacket. And her blue pashmina did not go with the red satin dress either. Holly passed an A-frame withThe Beauty of Somerset Awardswritten on it, followed by an arrow pointing to the entrance. Once inside, shespotted Mitch before he saw her. Her eyes were drawn to him immediately and a shiver ran up her back. He appeared different in his dinner jacket. Even though she knew with certainty it was him, she still peered through her professionally made-up eyes to make sure. He was closely-shaven and his hair was neat. Whilst she found his slightly dishevelled look incredibly sexy, she also appreciated the groomed Mitch.Her palms became damp. His eyes caught hers and he stared momentarily, before a smile spread slowly across his face.
He was soon at her side. ‘Wow, you’d fit in at the Oscars.’
Oh, no, I’ve overdone it, Holly thought as she blushed. ‘It’s my friend’s dress. I told her it was a bit OTT.’
‘Not at all. Red suits you. And your hair …’
Holly touched the nape of her bare neck. ‘Jaz also booked me in at the hairdresser. She said that I needed anup-do.’
Mitch smiled. ‘You really are,The Beauty of Somerset.’
Holly’s blush travelled down her chest.
Mitch held out his arm. ‘Let’s join the crowd.’
Walking into the function room, Holly noticed a few people stare at them and heard a woman whisper, ‘who are they?’
Nina approached, wearing a knee-length cerise, body-hugging, satin dress with a huge bow on the left shoulder. It showed off her enviable curves and tanned legs. Holly had expected Nina to be there with her councillor hat on.
‘Holly,’ Nina said leaning in for an air kiss. ‘Lovely to see you and this is?’ She flashed a smile at Mitch.
‘This is Mitch, my er …’ Holly glanced at him.
‘Neighbour,’ Mitch said, smiling at Nina.
‘Okay. Not a couple then?’ Nina’s smile grew, showing her whiter than white teeth.
‘No.’ Holly pulled her arm away from Mitch. Why did he have to point out he was just her neighbour? He could have said friend, at least. For a moment she had imagined they were on a date. Holly forced a smile.Networking, remember the networking,she thought.‘I gave Mitch the landscape painting as a thank you for saving me from the fire. And he entered it into the competition.’
Nina looked from Holly, then back to Mitch. ‘Amazing.’
‘So, as a thank you, I invited him to accompany me this evening.’
Nina widened her eyes. ‘Oh. How sweet. And you’re the one that rescued Holly from the flames?’
Holly shook her head and was about to explain but Nina hooked an arm into Mitch’s. ‘Let’s get the hero a drink,’ she said as she led him away.
Holly sighed. Thrusting her shoulders back she followed them towards the drinks table. She noticed Mitch turn his head but she glanced downwards to avoid his gaze. Holly was glad that she had chosen to wear flat shoes with the dress. Her long legs meant she looked elegant with or without heels. Arriving at the table, upon which the pre-dinner drinks were being served, she took a flute of champagne. Noticing Mitch trying to catch her eye, she avoided his gaze and surveyed the room but could clearly hear Nina chatting away and Mitch laughing loudly, every now and again.I’m here to make contacts, this isn’t a date,Holly told herself.Why didn’t I just bring Ethan?If Nina was all over Ethan, she would not have been bothered in the slightest.
A man approached. He was, she guessed, what Jaz would call asilver fox.
‘Hello there, are you here alone?’ he said.
‘No, I’m with my neighbour.’ Holly pointed to Mitch who was laughing as Nina poked at his chest.
‘Ah, Councillor Smith is keeping him entertained.’ He smiled. ‘And you are?’
‘Holly Loveland.’
‘Oh yes, indeed. The landscape artist. I’m Councillor David Bunning. I love your work.’
‘Thank you.’
‘We’ve an interesting evening ahead. Before the meal there’s a tour around the exhibition room, where everyone can view the artwork. It’s all really very good. There’s a plethora of local talent. We’ve sculptures, paintings, tapestries and more.’
‘I can’t wait to see it.’
