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I lightly skim her upper arms. “Why didn’t you come and find me last night?”
Imogen moistens her lower lip. “I’m here to cover Kate, and she’d feel uncomfortable if she knew something happened between us.”
I lean closer to her. “Kate is an adult. And something tells me she’d encourage you to live your best life.”
She laughs. “Probably, but that doesn’t mean it’s smart.”
I like the way her laugh slides over me, getting me to relax and stay in the moment.
I move my hands down to her hips. “I plan to take you under my wing for the next few weeks and spend hours teaching you things.”
She stares into my eyes and slowly smiles. “I don’t want to mess up your schedule. Kate thought I could assist someone with her tours.”
I pull her closer. “You need more experience before that happens. It’s the most sensible plan for us to work together.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “Okay. Thank you. And I might surprise you with what I can do.”
I smile. “Maybe. You’ve surprised me thus far.”
Holding her gaze, I want to feel her mouth against mine, but I’m aware of guests lingering in the hallway. We’re both needed in the ballroom.
I step back, and she releases me with a sigh. I tell her, “You should go.” Moving aside, I watch her make a speedy exit.
I take a deep breath to calm my reaction. Imogen is holding me completely and utterly mesmerized. I can barely think of anything beyond her. Even being stuck in the middle of a wedding in the UK is not rattling me. Instead, I’m looking forward to the after-party. The stress of the event will be over, and we’ll be able to focus on other things. I want her all to myself. But is that what she wants?
9
The After Party (Imogen)
Hovering near the entrance to the ballroom, I signal the string quartet to begin the traditional wedding march.
Regina stands off to the side, waiting to make her entrance, holding a small bouquet of pink roses. Her off-the-shoulder fitted lace gown with a swath of draped tulle around her shoulders, along with her posture and smile, announces her elegance and happiness.
I open the pocket doors and move out of sight. Beaming, she steps into the middle of the doorframe and waits for the guests to turn. Watching her, I realize that as an actor, she has the reveal down.
As an appreciative murmur goes through the crowd, she gracefully makes her way up the center aisle that is littered with rose petals.
When the music stops, I slip into the back row and join the guests. I can’t believe the wedding has come together so beautifully. The staging company completely transformed the space into a winter garden with potted trees and plants, all with holiday decorations.
The next few hours pass in a blur as the ceremony ends. The cocktail hour happens in the formal front rooms while the ballroom is reconfigured into an elaborate dining room with round tables set with gold plates, luxurious linens, and candles. Afterward, a delicious dinner is served, the string quartet plays in the background, and the formal dances happen.
Alex stands beside me and says, “Your first wedding is a success.”
I look up at him. “Luckily, Kate had commissioned top-notch vendors.”
He takes a sip of whiskey. His eyes are dark and unreadable as he watches his mother and Graham dance. “It’s a new chapter for them. Let’s hope they make each other happy.”
I smile and say softly, “They seem good. And Graham’s children have been lovely.”
He lowers his voice. “Did you find a room for his daughter?”
I nod. “I spoke with a married couple who had insisted on separate rooms. I explained the situation, and they were gracious. I had the housekeeping service clean the room.”
“Do you want to take a walk?” His deep voice is seductive and encouraging.
I want to say yes, but I can’t. I smile. “I have to oversee the cake ceremony.”
His gaze lingers on my face, and then he gives a curt nod. “Good luck with that. I’ll see you later in the evening.”
