Page 97 of Tame Me

Everybody said hello. Russell had changed dramatically since I’d last seen him. His jaw had squared out, he’d grown about seven inches, and his shoulders had become broader. At just shy of seventeen, Russell was growing into a very handsome man.

“You guys want something to eat?” I pointed at what was left of the food, and when they both strolled that way, Marjorie stepped toward me.

“Thanks for the party. It was great.”

“My pleasure; I’m glad you enjoyed it. What’re you doing now?”

“Helen and I are taking the kids ten-pin bowling. That should be fun after the drinks I’ve had.”

“It might be more fun with the alcohol.”

She chuckled. “Yeah, maybe.”

“Do you want to take some food home with you?”

“Hell no, those little buggers will eat it all. Save some for me in the staff fridge.”

I giggled, agreed to her suggestion, and stepped forward to save some treats for her before Dan devoured them all.

The bell at reception chimed, and I turned to see who’d pressed it. Even with his back to me, I knew it was Hunter, my sexy chocolatier. . . my date for the evening. My heart skipped a few beats as he turned toward us.

I spun my back to him, fearful he might recognize me.

Bailey scurried past and headed toward reception. I nudged in behind the Christmas tree and stayed there until Bailey rejoined us a few minutes later.

Marjorie took forever to leave, and I felt the pressure of the clock ticking toward my date with Hunter. The rest of the staff looked like they were settling in. I thought by eight o’clock, they’d all be leaving.

“Would I be able to take some of these home?” Nora pointed at the food trays.

“Of course, help yourself.”

Nora selected a few nibbles and sealed them in the foil that originally covered the trays.

Dan shoved a few more in his mouth, tossed back the last of his beer, and plonked the bottle on the bar. “Thanks for a great night, Jane.”

“You’re welcome. Thanks for coming.”

“Hey, if the boss’s paying, I’m in.” He gave me a gentle punch on my bicep, and I chuckled.

“Are you going home?” Tracy pulled a sad face, and Dan’s smile could have lit up the Christmas tree.

“Don’t have to.”

“Cool. Want to show me around Surfers?” She tugged her lip into her mouth, and it became plainly obvious that I’d missed the relationship that was brewing between these two.

Dan put his elbow out. “I’d love to.”

“See ya, Jane. Thanks for a great night.” Tracy tucked her arm into Dan’s, and the two of them giggled as they strolled from the bar.

My jaw was still ajar as I turned to Tania and Pete.

Pete huffed. “That didn’t take long.” I wasn’t sure if I detected jealousy in Pete’s comment or not.

“You’re not kidding.” I glanced at the clock over the bar. The tick, tick, tick in my head was as loud as a jackhammer. Hunter was likely to come strolling into this bar at any second now, and I needed to get out of there. “Sorry guys . . . but I have to go.”

“That’s okay. Thanks for a great party,” Tania said.

“You’re welcome.” I felt terrible leaving before they’d all gone, but the prospect of seeing Hunter quickly changed my focus. As I counted the seconds for the elevator to arrive, I prayed Hunter wasn’t in there when the doors finally opened. He wasn’t, and I sighed with relief as I stepped into the empty elevator.

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