My back looks fantastic in this dress.
You can also see my entire tattoo.
I pulled my hair up into an intricate knot and am wearing my mother’s diamond chandelier earrings.
The shoes are sparkling silver heels, and I bet when I stand next to Ty, I will be able to look directly into those sexy gray eyes of his.
I snag my silver clutch off my vanity and descend the stairs to the front door.
“Holy shit,” I whisper as I take in the sight of Ty. He’s in a fitted black tux that makes his shoulders look wide and his hips narrow. His inky-black hair has been tamed into a sleek style, and he’s holding a bouquet of red roses in his hands.
I bite my lip and step back into the foyer so he can come inside and shut the door.
“Turn around,” he murmurs softly. His eyes are on fire as they rake over me from head to toe.
I toss him a sly smile and slowly turn in a tight circle.
“Dear God, stop,” he mutters, and approaches me from behind. The flat of his hand glides down my spine, from my neck to where my tattoo ends, right above my rear. “This is the most beautiful ink I’ve ever seen.”
I smile softly and glance back at him over my shoulder. “Thank you.”
I have a line of brightly colored flowers that fall down my spine on vines.
“What kind of flowers are they?” he asks softly, his fingertips tracing the lines of the vines up and down my spine, sending goose bumps all over my body.
“They’re rose of Sharon.”
“What do they mean to you?”
“I’ll tell you later. It’s a long story.” I turn to face him. My breath stutters at the primal lust burning in his eyes. “Thank you for this dress.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I think I need to thank you for wearing it. I knew the color would make your eyes shine, and it does. But I had no idea that little treat was waiting for me on your back.”
“You look completely hot yourself, counselor.”
He smirks and holds the flowers out for me. “These are for you.”
“They’re lovely.” I bury my nose in the soft, fragrant blooms and take a deep breath, fussing over them. “Mmm, they smell great.”
I turn and head for the kitchen to put the flowers in water.
“Are you ready?” I ask as I return to the foyer.
“When you are.”
“We’re not taking the Jeep?” A classic red convertible Mustang is parked in the drive.
“It’s a beautiful night for a drive in the ’Stang.”
“Uh, I worked on this hair for a long time, Ty. It’s not convertible-safe.”
He laughs and presses a button in the car and the roof closes smoothly. “Better?”
“Thanks.” I sit in the soft vinyl seat. “I didn’t know you were into classic cars.”
“I like to tinker.” He shrugs as he pulls onto the highway. “It’s a hobby, not an obsession.”
“Ah, so that’s why you like to change your oil yourself.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.” He nods, smiles warmly, and takes my hand in his, then pulls it to his mouth. “You are stunning, Lo.”
“It’s the dress.” I smooth my free hand down the soft skirt.
“It’s the woman wearing it,” he murmurs, and kisses my hand again. “Are you okay with coming to this thing tonight, given that Jack will be there?”
“We live in a small town, Ty. I see Jack here and there. I can’t avoid it even if I want to.” Jack is the athletic director for the school district, and given that this is a fund-raiser for the high school athletic department, Jack will be there.
“I’ll be by your side all night.”
My gaze turns to his profile as he pulls into the recently built O’Malley Center, which houses a five-hundred-seat theater and a grand ballroom for special occasions. “He won’t threaten me here. It’s too public.”
“You still haven’t told me what he threatened you with last week.” Ty turns his gaze to mine, but I just shake my head and look away. “You will tell me eventually, you know.”
Not if I can help it.
The valet opens my door and offers me a hand, helping me from the car. Ty is quickly by my side.
“You’re tall in those shoes,” he murmurs in my ear. I’m just the right height that all I have to do is tilt my head up slightly and my lips will meet his.
So I do.
I press my lips to his in a chaste, simple kiss before he presses his hand to the small of my back and ushers me into the ballroom.
Round tables are covered in black tablecloths with white place settings. Simple centerpieces of orange, fall flowers grace each table. At the head of the room stands a podium, and along one wall is a long line of tables full of silent-auction prizes.
Ty snags two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and hands me one. “Shall we go browse?” He gestures to the auction tables.
“Sure.”
The auction items range from spa days and handmade quilts to ski packages and trips for two to Mexico.
I sign my name on a trip for four to Disneyland, and Ty raises his eyebrows. “Are we going to visit Mickey?”
“No,” I giggle. “My publicist and her family could use a vacation.”
His eyes soften as he runs his hand down my bare back. The man can’t keep his hands off me, and it’s quickly becoming addicting. “That’s nice of you.”
I shrug as he leads us farther down the tables. He bids on a few things before we decide to go find our seats for dinner.
“Ty! Come sit with us!” Cara is waving from a table smack-dab in the middle of the room. Josh is sitting next to her, looking hot, but uncomfortable, in his suit.
“Shall we sit with Josh and Cara?” Ty asks, linking his fingers through mine.
“Sure.” I nod and smile at Cara as we approach.
Josh stands and shakes Ty’s hand, then shakes mine. “You look lovely, Lauren.”
“Thanks. You both look fantastic.” Cara’s dress is gray and fitted, showing off all of her curves. Her blond hair is loose and hanging in big curls. Josh’s black suit and gray tie look magnificent on him.
He pulls on his collar and fidgets in his chair with a grimace. “I hate wearing a suit.”
“Suck it up.” Ty laughs as he pulls a chair out for me. “It’s only for a few hours.”
“Maybe we can find something fun to do with your tie later,” Cara suggests, and bats her eyelashes at Josh. He looks down at her with such tenderness and affection it takes my breath away.
Ty finds my hand under the table and links our fingers again, giving me a gentle squeeze.
The room is filling with beautifully dressed people, and soon two more couples join us, completing our table.
“Where is Jill tonight?” I ask Cara.
“She said, and I quote, ‘I would rather walk through the bowels of hell without sunblock than go to that thing,’ ” Cara replies with a wide smile.
“So, how does she really feel?” I ask with a straight face, making everyone laugh.
“I think she had a date tonight,” Cara confides, wiggling her eyebrows.
“On a Thursday?” Ty asks with a scowl. “With who?”
“We’re all out on a Thursday,” I remind him.
“She didn’t say who.” Cara shrugs. “I’ll get the dirt later.”
Conversation flows around the table while our dinner of chicken cordon bleu with pilaf is served and devoured. I glance around the ballroom and spy Jack near the front of the room, laughing with a group of his colleagues. His eyes catch mine and he offers me a smug smile before rising and moving to the podium. I automatically stiffen at the sight of him and just pray that he’s smart enough to stay away.
He can be so embarrassing. He rarely cares what he says or who hears him.
“Excuse me,” Jack speaks into the microphone, calming the conversation around us. “First, I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight to support the athletics department here in Cunningham
Falls.”
Ty threads his fingers through mine and leans in to whisper in my ear, “You okay?”
I just nod, and he squeezes my hand in silent support, and I’m thankful to have Ty here with me. He grounds me, which surprises me. I’m growing to really like him.
To trust him.
“Each dollar raised tonight will go toward buying new uniforms and equipment for our athletes, as well as help pay for lodging and transportation to events out of town.” Jack clears his throat and gazes about the room. “I’d also like to take just a moment to thank you for so graciously welcoming me into this community. I’m proud to work for a school system that continues to produce such amazing athletes. As most of you know, I was married to one of the best athletes Cunningham Falls has ever seen, and I’m confident that with your help we can continue to make you proud of your students.”
Ty growls low in his throat as Jack’s eyes seek me out in the crowd. That son of a bitch! He did that on purpose, and we all know it.
I make an effort to maintain my composure, not letting my face show the horror or embarrassment of being linked to Jack. I will never give him that satisfaction.
“What an asshole,” Josh murmurs.
“All of the winners of tonight’s silent auction will be contacted by phone before the end of the month. I hope no one outbid me on that golf package in Monterey. I have a feeling I’ll need a celebratory vacation soon. We are about to start the dancing portion of the evening. Have fun, everyone.” Jack flashes that charming smile of his that turns my stomach and returns to his table.
I turn to face Ty, surprised to find his eyes glittering in anger.
“Hey,” I murmur, and pull my fingers down his face. “It’s okay.”
“Don’t let that jackass ruin your night, guys.” Cara pats Ty on the arm and smiles over at me. “You’re way too pretty for him, you know. You are one hundred percent his loss.”
I laugh and shake my head, some of the unease lifting from my shoulders.
Ty relaxes and his face softens as he gazes over at me. “She’s right. And thank God he’s an idiot and didn’t know what he had when he had it.” Ty plants his lips on my forehead in a soft kiss and pulls me to my feet. “Let’s dance.”
The DJ queues a slow song, the same song that played in my house while Ty and I painted last weekend. Ty grins and pulls me into his arms as other couples join us on the dance floor. He holds my right hand close to his chest and rests his other hand on the skin at the small of my back and begins to sway to “Beneath Your Beautiful.”
“You look magnificent in this dress,” he murmurs into my ear. “And I love how tall you are in these shoes. Tall enough that I can whisper anything I want into your ear without bending in half to reach you.”
I grin and inhale deeply, enjoying the musky scent of him, enjoying being pressed against his firm body. My fingers comb through the soft, inky hair at the back of his head and he sighs deeply.
God, his body wakes mine up in ways it hasn’t in a long, long time.
“That feels good,” he whispers.
“This tux is nice,” I murmur, running my hand up and down his arm. “It’s definitely not something off-the-rack.”
“I like nice suits.” He shrugs. “I’m in them almost every day.”
“Custom?” I ask with a raised brow. He nods with a smirk. “Very fancy, Mr. Sullivan.”
He chuckles softly. “I’m just as happy to wear an old shirt and jeans.”
“I like that about you. It makes you . . .” I narrow my eyes and tilt my head, trying to find the right word.
“Human?” he asks with a chuckle.
“I was thinking approachable.” I run my hand down the lapel of his jacket over his chest, then trace down his arm with my fingertips. “And what’s beneath here,” I whisper, “is damn hot.”
His breath catches and his eyes blaze as he watches me. “Keep that up, Lauren, and I won’t be responsible for fucking you right here on the ballroom floor.”
It’s my turn for my breath to catch, and then I smile, a slow, wide smile. I love that I’ve turned him on as much as he does me. “I’ll behave for now.”
“Damn,” he mutters.
I rest my head on his shoulder, enjoying the feel of his strong arms wrapped tightly around me. I don’t care that many of the members of our community are watching us, including my asshole of an ex-husband. All I know is that this song is romantic and this man is a breath of fresh air.
We stay on the dance floor for two more songs. Ty is an excellent dancer, twirling me about and leading me effortlessly around the room.
When the third song ends, he dips me low and then ushers me back to mingle with our friends. He keeps one hand on me at all times, whether it be on my back, my neck, or holding mine, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. He introduces me to anyone I don’t already know, which aren’t many, and engages me in conversation.
He’s looking out for me. Who said chivalry is dead?
Warmth that has nothing to do with the three glasses of champagne I’ve consumed tonight settles on my skin and I just can’t stop smiling.
Finally, we circle back around to Cara and Josh.
“How is the school year going so far, Cara?” I ask, and sip a fresh glass of champagne.
“Pretty well.” Cara nods. “I have some good kids this year.”
“Ah, hell,” Josh mutters as he looks over my shoulder. I follow his gaze and my heart sinks when I see Jack making his way toward us.
Ty immediately grabs my hand, catching Jack’s attention. Jack’s eyes narrow on my face as he stops before me.
“Can I help you?” I ask, maintaining my composure.
His mouth tilts up in a perfect smile, showing off his straight teeth. “That’s a loaded question, baby.”
“Don’t call me baby,” I reply quietly.
His smile fades and his eyes shift to Ty before landing on me again. “I see you’re doing the right thing by pinching pennies.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Fucking your lawyer rather than paying him,” Jack replies softly so only our small group can hear him.
God forbid he causes a scene.
Cara gasps, but I just smile at Jack and squeeze Ty’s hand when I feel his body tighten in anger. “Anything and anyone I choose to do is my business, Jack.”
“Just remember what I told you the other day.” He winks at me.
My heart lodges directly in my throat. Damn him!
“You might want to watch your language, Jack,” Ty murmurs. His hand is holding mine like a vise and I can feel the anger coming off him in waves.
“Or what?” Jack challenges.
Ty steps forward into Jack’s space and replies calmly, “Or I will make your life a living hell.”
“Are you threatening me?” Jack demands.
“I didn’t hear him threaten you,” Josh replies coldly. “I think he made his intentions pretty clear.”
Jack’s nostrils flare and he pins me in another glare before turning on his heel and stalking away.
“Does he always talk to you like that?” Josh asks from behind me. I turn to him and nod, my face flushing now in embarrassment. Ty tucks me against his side and kisses my cheek.
“What did he mean about what he said to you the other day?” Cara asks with a frown.
I shake my head, but Ty catches my chin in his fingers and makes me meet his gaze. “Answer the question, Lauren.”
I bite my lip and hate myself for letting my eyes fill with tears when I whisper, “He just threatened more of the usual. He’s an ass.” I refuse to tell these people that my ex-husband threatened to freaking rape me! How humiliating.
“Motherfucker,” Josh bites out.
Ty’s eyes narrow on my face for a long moment, and then without looking away he addresses the other two. “I’m taking Lo home.”
“Drive safe,” Cara says. “Lo, please call me if you need anything. I have two good ears.” She folds
me into a hug and it’s almost my undoing.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
Ty grips my hand again and leads me out to the valet. He doesn’t speak as we wait for the car. He doesn’t even look me in the eye.
His body is humming with tension. He swears under his breath and pushes his free hand through his hair, and when the valet returns with his car, he doesn’t wait to help me inside before he stalks around to his side, slips in, and drives toward my house.
Why is he so mad?
I don’t know what to say. He’s so damn angry, and I’m not sure what I did to earn it. Not telling him about Jack’s threat? Jesus, I can’t even think about it without losing my lunch.
He pulls up to my house and leads me to my porch, waits for me to unlock the door and disarm the alarm system.
“Thank you for joining me this evening.” His voice is stiff and formal.
“Would you like to come inside?”
“I shouldn’t.” He begins to back away, but I stop him.
“Ty, what did I do?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Why are you so mad at me?”
He watches me for a moment and then deflates like a balloon, exhaling and letting his shoulders and head fall.
When he looks up at me, his eyes are sad and worried, confusing me even more.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what made you so angry, but I really don’t want to be alone tonight.” The last few words are whispered and I’m embarrassed again. “It’s okay.” I back into the house, ready to make a hasty retreat. “I’m being silly. I’ll see you around.”
I’m suddenly swept up in his embrace. He pulls me against him, tucks my face against his neck, and rocks me back and forth soothingly.
“Ah, sweetheart, I’m not mad at you, I’m mad for you.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Are you sure you want me to stay?” he whispers back.
I nod and he lifts me effortlessly into his arms. He locks the door behind us and moves up the stairs, raising his brow at me in silent question.
“Over there.” I point to my room.
Ty sets me on my feet by the bed and cradles my face in his hands. He kisses my lips softly and then backs away. “Go get ready for bed, and I’ll meet you back here.”
I admit that I’m thrown. He’s not going to tear this dress off me and make love to me?