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“Well, I come from a family of first responders, and every year for my entire life we’ve participated in this annual fundraiser, but never quite at this level. I decided this year to shake things up a bit and throw a big party. My goal was to attract some deep pockets that could really make a difference in our financial goals. A lot of children in D.C. depend on their local community center for after-school care, school supplies, free sports activities, free tutoring, mentoring, and a safe place to wait for their parents to finish work. This wharf has sat unused for years, so I thought we could highlight its potential and hopefully raise some money for the kids tonight.”
“You have impressive event planning skills. I know I’ll be tapping you for ideas for my wedding next summer.”
Hannah smiled, and heat filled her cheeks.
“Thank you. I guess party planning is my other passion when I’m not responding to emergency calls.”
“Amazing. Alright, D.C., let’s show up for these kids and our first responders. You can contribute to the fund by texting this number or using this website listed on the screen below.”
Hannah just smiled into the bright light, not sure what else to do until the man with the mohawk saidcut. Then the hot light turned off.
“That was perfect. You’re a real natural. Now we better get in there to bid on that yacht in the Maldives,” she said to Rory. She gave Hannah a quick hug. “You, my dear, have more press.”
Hannah found several other reporters lined up, and when she turned back, Conner stood at the end of the red carpet. She gave him a quick smile before the next reporter rattled off several questions. She needed to get back inside and see how the auction was going, but first she needed to speak to Conner.
Walking the ten feet toward him felt like a mile while his eyes ran up and down her figure.
“This dress makes me want to throw you over my shoulder and lock you up in a tower forever.” He wore a dark charcoal gray suit with a green tie, his jaw was clean shaven, and his hair perfectly coiffed.
Running her hand reverently down his tie, she stepped closer. “Perhaps you could use this to tie me up so I can’t get away this time.”
“Excellent idea.” His hands rested on her arms and warmed her cool skin.
“I’m sorry I freaked out.”
He was quiet and listened.
“I do believe you, and I’m not going to let my need to be the perfect sister ruin my chance at true love with you.”
Conner’s arms wrapped around her, and his mouth was on hers.
“I couldn’t stop loving you even if I wanted to,” he said.
“Good, because I’m not going to let you.”
Their kiss was filled with apologies and promises. By the time Conner broke the kiss, they were both out of breath.
“Did your date stand you up?” she asked, searching his eyes.
“More like she realized she needs a plan B. Lucky for her, you have filled this event with several wealthy men.”
“What a fool.” Hannah went up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. “Only an idiot would let you out of their sight.”
“Hmmm, maybe she didn’t like the fact that she had to take a taxi to get here. Or that I told her I wasn’t interested in finishing what she started five years ago.”
“Oh, that may have done it. Did she deny it?”
“No, she confirmed what I already thought: nothing happened between us, and Parker arrived too early that morning for her to try to convince me it had.”
“Too bad Parker didn’t hear her say it.”
“I recorded it, not that he’ll agree to listen to it.”
She kissed him again. “It’s worth a shot. I have to get back inside, but I’ll find you after the auction.”
“Deal.”
Conner opened the door for her, and they were immediately immersed into the ambiance. With his hand on the small of her back, he led her through the crowd back to the stage before he made his way back to his seat.
