Page 53 of Harvey

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And she had fun. The minute she stepped inside the impressive ballroom of the Royal Palace Hotel, it was apparent she belonged there. The room had been decorated with hundreds of sconces, reflecting the theme of the early eighteenth century.

The wives of the Elite Club members had done much planning, with Leesa and Kelly at the helm of the planning committee.

The women wore dazzling gowns that splashed color against the water-green silk wallpaper, and the floor had been cleared for dancing. She was introduced to the wives and made to feel welcome. Within minutes, she was drawn into discussions about her store and what charities she would like to participate in.

Standing in the corner of the room with his brother, his dad, and several others, Harvey sipped champagne and watched her from across the room. The mask fitted over her eyes, giving her small face an alluring, utterly beguiling look.

The form-fitting dress she was wearing left her shoulders and back bare. And he was not the only one staring at her in admiration. More than a few men were casting appreciative looks at her and stirring up violent thoughts inside him.

His reaction to her was startling, and for the first time in his life, he felt acute jealousy, enough to suggest they leave the damn ball and go back home where he alone could feast his eyes on her.

“If you keep looking at her like that, people will start talking.”

Jerking his attention from his wife, he sent his brother a scowling look. “I don’t know what you are going on about.”

Silas handed him a fresh glass of the expensive bubbly. “You have not taken your eyes off her since you reluctantly handed her over to the other wives.”

“Still don’t know what you are talking about,” Harvey muttered as he sipped champagne. His fingers tightened on the stem of the glass when someone stepped over and touched her on the arm intimately. “Who the hell is he?”

“Michael Addington, a childhood friend and owner of several high-end restaurants. He just moved back to the neighborhood.”

“You seem very well informed.”

“He started attending services, and Kendra introduced him. The man seems to be enchanted by her.” Silas murmured in amusement as his brother sent a volcanic look over at the couple, who were now a little distant from the group she had been with.

“Has she forgotten she is married?”

“They are just talking, Harv.”

“He is touching her.” Harvey snapped. The urge to march over and punch the guy’s light out was so strong that he had almost physically to restrain himself.

“Like I said, they are friends.” Silas pointed out smoothly.

“And when they are at the chapel, where does he sit?”

“Right next to Kendra. They are friends.”

“You have said that several times. He is being way too friendly. Now he is dancing with her. He knows she is married, right?”

Silas was enjoying himself immensely. He had never seen his brother so worked up over a woman, and it was amazing to see.

“She told him, and she is also wearing a ring.”

“Damn him! I should never have allowed her to wear that blasted dress outside the house; it’s practically indecent. And I thought she was a churchgoing girl who is supposed to know better.”

“She is a beautiful woman and is coming into herself.”

“What the hell does that mean?” he turned his biting fury on his brother, silver eyes blazing.

“It means she is highlighting her assets- “Silas cleared his throat at the dangerous gleam in his brother’s eyes. “Her – er- She is an exquisite woman, and – They are finished dancing!”

He was eager to end the discussion, placing him in a challenging and uncomfortable situation.

“Perhaps I should introduce myself to this Addington fellow.” Putting his glass down, he started forward.

“I will accompany you.” Silas put away his glass as well. “We do not want to start a scene, and the place is filled with reporters after all.”

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