Page 56 of Like You Love Me

Bianca breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.”

The limousine glided to a stop in the circle drive of the Beaumont Hotel, and within seconds they were standing underneath a dark blue awning over the revolving door. London tucked Bianca’s arm through his, and with a wink, he escorted her into the lobby.

“Ms. Bianca, you look lovely!” Olivia cried as she took their coats.

She smiled up at the long-haired brunette with the prettiest green eyes. “Thank you, dear.” Olivia managed the guest services desk and was training a new employee. Barton was fresh out of high school and eager to learn. He handed London a ticket to claim their coats.

“Have fun!” Olivia called after them as the couple departed across the marble floor toward the ballroom.

London laced their fingers and squeezed. “You good?”

Bianca stared up at him and wanted desperately to tell him what had been bothering her. Seeing Collin at the auction had startled her to realize that he could pop up anywhere at any time. He may even be here attending the ball for all she knew. The thought made her shiver. She was certain London would recognize him, and then all hell would break loose. Time was running out to tell him, but she didn’t want to ruin the evening.I’ll let him know after Valentine’s Day.But tonight, she was going to enjoy a romantic evening with London.

“Yes, everything is wonderful. I was dreading this night, but I’m actually looking forward to an evening of dancing,” she replied.

He winked. “We need this.”

“Yes, even if it’s attending one of my mother’s parties.”

“It will be great,” London said with a chuckle. “The gang will all be here, so at least we’re not alone.”

It was Bianca’s time to laugh. “Yes, that does count for something.”

As they stepped into the Princess Ballroom, Bianca marveled at the sight. The floor was a sea of tuxedos and beautiful gowns gliding around the room. Guests were laughing and drinking champagne, and there was no denying the event was in celebration of the day of love. The waitstaff walked around dutifully, holding trays of hors d’oeuvres and flutes of champagne. The couple weaved their way through the crowd of city officials, community leaders and other guests near and far who had come out tonight to have fun and support a good cause. They were stopped and engaged in brief conversations with friends they both knew. The mood was light. Joy filled Bianca’s chest, and thoughts of Collin were quickly forgotten—not really. But she felt somewhat better once she made a sweep of the space and didn’t see him among the men dressed handsomely in tuxedos. She put on her best smile and brushed aside the thoughts. She was determined to enjoy this time with her husband and worry about Collin tomorrow.

London’s arm went around his wife’s waist as he led her through the clusters of people and tables. Bianca’s eyes pivoted left and right, and she beamed as her gaze perused the décor. The room had been transformed into an evening of love. Silk red rose petals were on the floor. Round tables were covered with white linen and fine China with glass votive candles as sparkling centerpieces. A band serenaded the guests with timeless classical music that had several couples locked in an intimate embrace on the dance floor. Bianca spotted the family table where her brothers and their wives were seated.

“Finally!” Jace said when he spotted them coming.

“Took you long enough,” Jaden replied as he rose and embraced Bianca with a hug and a kiss to her cheek. “If we have to endure, then so do you, Squirt.”

She playfully punched him in the arm. “Oh, whatever. It’s not that bad.”

“It’s worse,” Jaden replied with a snort.

She laughed. They were all out of their seats, and Bianca found herself surrounded and smothered with hugs and kisses.

“You are wearing that dress,” Bianca complimented as her gaze swept over Danica’s pink gown that was a racerback style with a fitted bodice and a flowing floor-length skirt. High splits showcased her long legs. She loved that Danica didn’t let her height stop her from wearing four-inch silver high heels.

“And you also look beautiful,” she said to Sheyna as she admired the elegant strapless black and white mermaid-style gown that accentuated all her curves. The women started laughing and chatting as they showed off their shoes.

“Where’s Jabarie and Brenna?”

Sheyna pointed toward the ballroom floor. “Out there, next to your parents dancing.”

Bianca’s gaze shifted to the dance floor to see her brother and his wife. Brenna looked adorable in a red dress that showed off her growing baby bump. The couple was dancing and having a great time. All the years their parents made them take ballroom dancing had paid off. Jabarie was a great dancer. Brenna had been eager to learn, and shortly after they had married, she signed them up for couple’s dance lessons and enjoyed every moment of it. Now the two leaped at any opportunity to show off on the dance floor.

London helped Bianca into her chair before lowering in the seat beside her. “Is everyone having fun?”

Jaden drew a deep breath. “I only have to stay until eight.”

“Really?” Danica said with a playful eye roll and a smile before shifting her gaze to Bianca. “Your brother is such a party pooper.”

“This is not how I planned on spending my Valentine weekend with my wife.”

Bianca couldn’t help but laugh at Jaden. He always thought spending family time was torture. He even dreaded Thursday night dinners with the family. If it weren’t for Danica, he probably wouldn’t even show up. As usual, her brother looked uncomfortable in the black tuxedo that she was certain Danica had picked out for him. Jaden’s long locks had been braided neatly away from his face instead of in its typical disarray, which brought a sexy style to his rugged looks.

“I would rather be doing something else as well, but Mother won’t have it, so I’m going to grin and bear it.” Jace also looked handsome in his tux. As always, he looked distinguished and polished with his hair and goatee, both precision cut.

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