you’ve had a good time. Thanks for helping a guy out.”
I stood watching my brother as he walked away. When he left for the army, I was scared I’d never see him again. I wanted him to stay with me, to stay in Chicago, and to stay safe.
Did I owe him the same?
If he was aware of lurking danger, should I respect his wishes?
A grin began to form as I imagined telling Anna I quit. Jane was right; I’d paid my debt to her. She didn’t deserve any more of my life. Taking another glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I stood watching the conductor as the orchestra began a new set.
At a small table near a fountain, I noticed two women. One was Alexandra. The other I didn’t know. She was a bit older but beautiful with darker hair and a stunning green gown. Even knowing I didn’t belong with this crowd, I made my way over to them. I wanted to thank Alex for her reassurance and let her know that tonight had been magical.
“Excuse me.”
The ladies turned to me. Alex smiled as did the other lady. A flash of reflection caught my eye. The woman in the green gown had the biggest diamond on her finger that I’d ever seen. When I looked away, what caught my attention were her emerald eyes, greener than Pierce eyes.
“Lorna,” Alex said, motioning to a chair. “Please join us.”
“Thank you.” Arranging the skirt of my dress, I sat.
The other lady lifted her right hand. “Hello, my name is Claire.”
We shook. “Nice to meet you, Claire. I’m Lorna.”
“Is your husband off in some secret meeting?” Claire asked with a grin.
I waggled the fingers on my left hand. “No husband. No ring. But yes, my date has been preoccupied most of the night.”
She leaned toward me. “I’d tell you to forget him. He’s no good.” Her cheeks rose and a sparkle shone in her eyes. “But when the right one comes around, it’s hard to walk away.”
“So was Tony difficult to walk away from?” Alex asked.
Claire’s eyes widened behind her beautiful, ornate mask. “Impossible would be a better word.”
“And you were all right with that?” I asked.
“Oh, Lorna, it’s a long story, but I would say that I’m undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to Anthony Rawlings.”
We all laughed.
“I tell Nox that all the time,” Alex said.
The three of us chatted until nearly eleven thirty. Once I realized the time, I stood and said, “I really must be going.” After goodbyes, I began to make my way toward the entrance to the house.
With twinkling lights lining the sidewalk, I made my way around the winding path.
“They crossed.”
I sucked in a breath as my mystery man walked from the shadows. He was as handsome as I’d made him up to be in my mind. “Our paths?” I asked.
He reached for my hand and tugged me toward the art gallery. The room was now empty of guests because the real excitement was in the dance hall. Circles of light lined the perimeter coming from the small bulbs over each work of art. By the time we came to a stop, the corset felt too tight, and I was out of breath.
With my back against the wall, the man came to a stop in front of me. While I was caged by his strength and at his mercy, I didn’t feel in danger. Instead, with his proximity and masculine scent of his cologne, combined with the champagne I drank, I felt a sense of safety. As if he wasn’t caging me but wrapping me in a cocoon.
My gaze was on his tie and the way the starched white shirt fit over his chest. Tipping my chin upward, I took in his wide neck, bobbing Adam’s apple, square chin, sensual lips, and kaleidoscope orbs. My smile grew. “I’m glad.”
“That they crossed?”
I nodded.
“I shouldn’t be here” —he looked from side to side— “but I hoped I’d find you. I wanted to...”
“Say goodbye?”
As he grasped my chin, his thumb caressed my cheek. “No, Lorna, to see you again.”
I inclined my cheek toward his touch. “I’d love to see you too beneath that mask.” Warmth filled my cheeks.
His breathing deepened. “I’d like to see beneath more than your mask.” His gaze slowly moved over my body. “You’re so fucking gorgeous.” His eyes met mine as he again twirled a strand of my curls in his fingers. “You’re dressed like a princess, but damn, your hair is beautiful. You