Page 57 of Dreaming of You

"It's not enough. What else can I do?"

He thought for a moment. "Well, if you really want to repay me…" He paused, then shook his head. "No, it's probably a bad idea."

"What's the idea?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Just tell me."

"My mother is having her sixty-fifth birthday party on Sunday night, and she keeps telling me about all the single daughters of her friends who will be there. If I were to bring a date, I wouldn't have to feign interest in any of them."

"What if one of them is perfect for you?"

"I'm not worried about that. But, like I said, it's probably not a good idea, because my mother is a wild card. She can be charming and gracious. She can be angry and vindictive. She can be your best friend or your worst enemy."

"A real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I'm both scared and intrigued. Would she care if you bring a date?"

"She'd probably love it. She is dying for me to give up my single status and give her some grandchildren. I've told her to put her money on Matt for both of those events, but she doesn't give up easily. When she gets stuck on a thought in her head, she just can't let it go."

"It's normal for parents to worry about their kids. She wants you to be happy."

"I know, and while I normally avoid any party she throws, it is her birthday. There will be plenty of food and drink, and you might make some good contacts. As I mentioned, she has a lot of friends with daughters and sons who might be getting married in the next few years."

"Now you're appealing to my business interests."

"Is it working? You know what—forget I said anything. I didn't hang out with your grandfather to put you in my debt. It was just the right thing to do. He was upset. He was alone. And it wasn't a hardship for me."

"Most people would have just dropped him off and left. I'll be your date Sunday night. I'd like to meet your mother and your brother."

"If you're sure."

"I'm sure. Is it fancy? What should I wear?"

"Some kind of sparkly cocktail dress."

"I can do that." She got to her feet. "I better get to work."

"I can clean this up," he said, as he stood up.

"All right." She hesitated, then impulsively leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.

He stared back at her, his green eyes darkening. "That was nice—but a little fast."

"Because it's good night." As she turned to leave, he grabbed her wrist.

"This is good night," he said, right before he gave her a long, passionate kiss that sent her head spinning.

"That was better," she agreed, her nerves tingling all over.

"Still too short."

"Not considering we both have work to do."

"I suppose."

"I'll see you Sunday." It took all of her willpower to walk out of the conference room. Then she ran up the stairs, before she could change her mind.

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