Page 56 of An Unexpected Match

Arden flushed, feeling that fluttering inside again. She wished they were alone. Would he kiss her if they were?

Stop it, she admonished herself. She had to stop thinking about his kisses.

He introduced her to Jamie Sue, and then turned slightly to say softly,

“You look lovely.”

Avery danced over to her father and smiled up at him.

“Aren’t I pretty, Daddy?” She fluttered her eyelashes to make sure he could see the makeup.

Before Brendan could say a word, Arden reached out to touch his arm.

“Both girls decided to dress up like me. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

“Give me some credit,” he murmured.

Stooping to Avery’s level, he gravely studied her face, then smiled. “You are beautiful, honey. All dressed up. You look like a princess.”

“Uh-huh. And me and Hailey are going to get dressed up again. Next time, we’ll have fancy dresses like Arden.”

“I look forward to that.”

“Can we go dancing?” Hailey asked, drawn to her sister’s side.

“One day, when you’re a little taller.”

He stood up and looked at Jamie Sue. “Any questions? I left the usual information by the house phone, doctor’s number, neighbor’s number and, of course, my cell number.”

“No, questions. We’ll be fine. They’re great kids. Have a nice time.”

The Andrews party was at their stately old home in Ghent. Since parking in the area was difficult and they’d arranged valet service, so Brendan drove right to the front and gave the young man the keys.

The wide veranda that ran the width of the house was crowded with guests. Uniformed waiters circulated with beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Brendan escorted Arden up the shallow steps and through the wide-open double doors. They greeted their hosts and then began to mingle with the other guests.

“Are you here for fun or business?” Arden asked when he appeared to be searching the crowd.

“Business. Large parties aren’t my idea of fun.”

“Oh, why not?”

He dropped his gaze to her.

“I prefer picnics in the backyard, or watching television with my daughters.”

“You’d have loved the beach last weekend.”

“I already said I’ll go next time.”

For a moment Arden almost forgot there’d be no next time for her.

She smiled and looked away. She changed her mind. She wouldn’t spoil tonight by announcing her departure. Time enough for that in the morning.

“Does your firm supply security for private homes or only offices and public buildings?” she asked.

“We do both. The Andrews have been clients for years. They were one of my first private homes. You’ll like Cissy Andrews if you have time to visit with her. She’ll talk your ear off, but she’s funny and always kind. Ah, the very person I want to see.”

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