A Convenient Proposal - By Lynnette Kent Page 0,52
but that would be the wrong question to ask at the beginning of the evening. And since the doctor had diagnosed Arden with the flu, there didn’t appear to be anything to worry about on that score. Yet.
He had timed their arrival at the club a little on the late side, to avoid the possibility of encountering Zelda and Al without other people around. The line for valet parking moved smoothly tonight and they pulled right up to the entrance staircase.
“Trip Morgan was only a couple of years ahead of me in high school,” Griff told Arden as they climbed the steps. “He’s a big wheel with insurance, has an office in Atlanta and another one in Charlotte. His wife and Zelda are best friends.”
The Morgans stood at the door to the ballroom. “Hey, Griff.” Trip had a strong grip, which he practiced several times a week on the golf course. “Glad to have you back in town.”
“Thanks. This is my friend, Arden Burke.”
Trip’s sandy eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Arden. Thank you for coming. Kayli, it’s Griff and Arden Burke.”
Ice coated his wife’s greeting. “Welcome, Griff.” Kayli offered her fingertips, but he’d barely touched them when she jerked her hand away. “It nice to meet you, Ms. Burke.” Before Arden could smile, Kayli turned to the next person in line.
“Ouch,” Arden said, moving away. “I believe I’ve developed frostbite.”
“We could leave.” Griff halted just inside the door. “You don’t deserve that kind of treatment.”
She shook her head. “We’re here to show off, remember? Let’s dance.”
Her reference to their arrangement left him feeling cold, but he managed a bow. “Your wish is my command.”
When they stepped onto the parquet dance floor, though, Arden melted into his arms and the world became a perfect place. “We’ll just keep dancing all night,” Griff said, putting his mouth close to her ear and inhaling the luscious scent she wore. “Maybe I can bribe the band to forget about their break.”
Her silent chuckle rippled through him. “There are union rules, you know.”
He hadn’t, actually. “Mandatory breaks?”
“And Broadway shows are supposed to end before 11:00 p.m. It’s in the actors’ contracts.”
“Now, why do you just happen to have these esoteric pieces of information in your brain?” Drawing back a little, he looked down at her. “Are you a former chorus girl? A closet stripper?”
“Nothing like that.” This time, she laughed out loud. “Nothing at all.”
They got two dances in before the dinner bell rang. Griff saw Kathy waving wildly at them from a table in the back corner. “I think we’re sitting with my family.” He walked Arden in that direction, noticing more than one appreciative male glance follow them. “One big happy family, isolated in the rear to avoid trouble.”
“Shush,” his mother told him, overhearing. “I’m assuming you’re on good behavior tonight.”
“I am.” He seated Arden and then took his own chair. “Are we sure there won’t be hemlock in the mashed potatoes?”
They all survived the meal, despite his dire expectations, and he raised his glass with goodwill for every single toast made to Zelda and Al. They could have a great life together, as far as he was concerned.
He’d intended to resume his nightlong dance with Arden when the band returned to the stage, but he looked around to see his dad pulling her chair back.
“Wait a minute,” Griff protested. “She’s my date.”
Jake nodded. “And I’m cutting in, son. That’s the way these social things work.”
“Don’t pout.” His mother put her hand on his arm. “Dance with me instead.”
“Nothing to pout about in that,” he said, meaning every word. “After all, you taught me the steps. At least I’m tall enough to lead now.”
Out on the floor, they glided past Arden and Jake.
“She looks beautiful,” his mother said. “So elegant and graceful.”
Griff steered past Jim and Kathy with a nod. “No arguments from me.”
“And I might be mistaken, but you seem quite happy.”
“I can’t say no to that, either.”
“Because of Arden, I gather?”
Griff grinned. “Ready for a dip?”
His mom smiled up at him and he bent close, supporting her back as she arched away. When they straightened again, a few bystanders applauded.
He grinned in that direction but continued dancing.
“Quite an evasive maneuver,” his mother said. “But I won’t forget the question just because you sent the blood rushing to my head. Is Arden Burke the woman of your future?”
Turning his head, he found her on the other side of the room, laughing at something his dad