Page 86 of Free to Fall

He holds out his arm and before long, we’re seated in the car for the short ride to the event.

As we wait for our limo to slither forward, I note, “Looks like the paparazzi are out in full force tonight.” Not that I expected any differently. The Greenwich Hospital Annual Fundraiser at Lord Thomson Manor is considered one of the preeminent events of the year.

Liam reaches across the armrest and removes my fingers from where they’ve been clutching the flowers he gave me. He takes my hand in his. “It’s just me and you, Laura. And if you give me the word, I’ll ask the driver to pull straight past, and we’ll drive around for hours. Listen, we can go to McDonald’s and grab a cheeseburger.”

I glance down at the deep royal blue silk emblazoned with sweeping white amaryllis flowers Aunt Emily designed before nodding solemnly. “Totally screams the ball pit. Maybe we can get a kid’s toy in our Happy Meal?”

“That’s what the paparazzi feels like.”

“The Happy Meal?”

“The kids toy.”

“Some of them are actually quite charming.”

Liam leans back and gives me the once over to make certain I didn’t turn into an alien on the ride over. “Who are you, and what did you do with Dr. Laura Lockwood? Wherever she is, I’d like her back right now.”

I burst into laughter. His slow, devastating smile is my reward. I twist a bit and lean forward until I’m close enough to his ear to whisper. “Can I tell you a secret?”

I’m also close enough to watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “You can tell me anything you want.”

My lips brush the shell of his ear. “I really enjoy StellaNova.”

He groans. “They’re the worst. I hear they’re the ones who gave you the nom de plum ‘Queen Gore.’”

My lips curve against his ear. “That’s because the owner, Arek Ronan, has a weak stomach. His wife was too busy laughing at him when he turned a lovely shade of green as I gave a very detailed description of what it was like to disimpact a bowel.”

“What?”

“Liam, I, we, the whole family, is very friendly with StellaNova’s owner and his entire family.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

I shake my head, a few loose curls brushing my neck. His eyes follow the dancing strands before fiery green eyes lock onto mine. His reaction causes my heart to pump faster, distracting me as the car inches forward to the glare of lights we’re all too quickly approaching “Thus why...” My voice trails off.

“Why what?”

“Later,” I reply faintly. The limousine has stopped and the driver is hurrying around the car. I squeeze Liam’s fingers one last time for strength before the driver opens the door, waiting for him to ascend. “It’s show time.”

He doesn’t move. “Last chance. I have no problem with a quarter pounder with cheese.”

I give him a gentle nudge. “Not if you want to bring Bailey home dessert.”

His eyes soften before he slips out of the car. Holding his hand back, he waits for me to put mine into it. Just as I’m about to alight into the shouts and noise, he leans back in to whisper, “Tonight’s already been the perfect first date, Laura. Anytime you want to ask me out on the second one, I’m game.”

So, it’s with an enormous smile I exit the vehicle and make my way down the red carpet.

Chapter

Forty-Seven

She’s beautiful as she poses for pictures on the red carpet. Her sweeping halter neck gown with its deep backless plunge is striking. But it isn’t until she stops right in front of StellaNova’s call out of “Gore! Hey, Gore!” I realize how magnificent she is.

Slipping an arm through mine, she guides us to the well-lit area where she answers question after question about the event and how it benefits the ER. “In a year where we’ve lost so much, to have our community surround us is the cushion after the fall. Day after day, they’ve kissed our healing cuts. We appreciate those who have donated everything from the venue, goods, services, and, above all, their time to support Greenwich Hospital.” She takes a deep breath and continues, “But there’s always more to do. We’re not the only organization that needs help. Send Me An Angel—chaired by the incredible Ursula Moore—is one such organization. If you’re looking for other ways to help, I’m certain StellaNova will have their information included on their website tonight, as well as ours.”

After she’s done, the lights dim and to my shock, the cameraman lowers his camera a bit before winking at her. She returns the gesture.

From behind him, a dark-haired man steps forward. Ignoring me completely, he hooks an arm around my date’s shoulders and pulls her in for a quick hug. “Thanks, Gore.”

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