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He saw the minute shecame in and felt something inside him. It had to be pride, becausedamn, she was the most beautiful woman in the room.
Her grace wasunmistakable. In a room filled with models and society princesses,she stood out. The dress, which was undoubtedly her design, fittedher snugly, from the generous bosom to her small waist.
The bold colors madestriking contrasts against her caramel skin. Her hair was loosearound her face and drifted down her back in gentle and lustrouswaves. He had to quell the urge to rush over to her. The room waspacked with reporters.
He had his fill ofthe pack of vultures as he liked to think of them. They’ddelved into his life and put it out there for everyone to read and hecouldn’t forget or forgive them.
He had to endure theattention for the company. After all, he was the face of Horton's andhe guessed that was why his 'episode' had made such a splash. Tearinghis gaze from the beautiful woman having a conversation with some ofthe models, he forced himself to concentrate on the one going onaround him.
Odette was so awareof him she had to make a concentrated effort not to stare. Their eyeshad met as soon as she walked into the room, but then she’dseen the reporters milling around. She was a recognizable name andface, not as much as his was, but people knew her because of herdesigns and the way she’d climbed up the ladder.
She’d workedfor Horton's at one point and it was well documented that she wasfriends with him. At one point, a persistent reporter had startedcalling her up to find out how much of a 'good friend' they were,right after what had happened to him and she’d told the guy toget a life.
They couldn’tafford to start up anything, not now. It’d be easy for aninnovative reporter to put two and two together and come up with theanswer. They were visiting a fertility clinic and even though thestaff there were very discreet, people could be bought.
If it came outthat Dion Horton was embroiled in yet another intrigue, it’d beall over the press. She’d never do that to him.
Even though it killedher to be standing in one corner of the room and him in another,especially now, she’d play the part of a best friend. She’ddo anything for him, she realized with a jolt. She wanted to protecthim.
She’d justgrabbed a glass of champagne when she noticed to her surprise andamusement that Ilene Horton was making her way over.
"My dear."The woman said charmingly, a smile on her face. "Could we have aminute?"
Odette allowedherself to be guided over to a fairly private area of the largeballroom.
"If Dion sentyou to remind me I’m not supposed to be drinking, it's just oneglass of champagne, he’s going to have to get over it."She told the woman mildly.
To her surprise,Ilene laughed in delight, light green eyes twinkling. "I used tothink you were rude."
"I still am."
"Of course youare." Ilene gestured to a passing waiter and picked up a flutefrom the tray. "I want to invite you over for dinner on Sunday?"
Odette blinked at herin surprise. "Why?"
Ilene laughed again."Your bluntness is refreshing and somewhat offensive. You’rethe woman carrying my grandchild."
"I’m justthe surrogate."
Ilene gave her aspeculative look. "Is that all you are?"
"What do youmean?"
Ilene sippedchampagne and studied the woman she’d disapproved of in thepast. She was beautiful and classy and wore her designs with flair.More than that, Odette Billings had given her son hope and draggedhim from the darkness.
"My dear, I’mnot blind."
"I have no ideawhat you’re talking about." Odette took tiny sips of thechampagne and pretended innocence.
"You’rehis best friend."
"Yes."
"I think it’smore than that for you. You wouldn’t have agreed to do whatyou’re doing out of the kindness of your heart."
"I happen tohave a very kind heart. Ask your son."
"I’ve seenthe way you look at him." Ilene continued in a determined tone."You’re in love with him."
