Page 55 of Wild Promises

I escorted her out of the apartment and to my truck. I helped her climb into the passenger seat. Then I shut the door. I sucked in the cold air, hoping it would freeze my lungs and maybe my overactive brain.

I turned on the heat, ensuring the vents were pointed toward Tori.

"What is the winter ball?" she asked. "I don't remember there being one before."

"This is the first one. I'm not sure what to expect. But it was Scarlett's idea. She enjoys entertaining, and she thought it would be fun for locals and guests to participate."

"Who doesn't love an excuse to dress up and dance?"

I chuckled. "I can't say that's my favorite thing in the world." But I'd do it to make Tori happy. I didn't want to think about how many dances there were during her college and med school years that she attended with other men.

"You prefer to be outdoors," Tori said simply, and I reached over and squeezed her hand which was resting on her thigh.

Tori understood me in a way no one else did. "That's true. How are you feeling about staying in Telluride now that you've been here for a bit?" I desperately needed to change the subject, get it off of me and my reaction to her.

Tori let out a breath. "I love it here. It just sucks that I can't get everything I want."

I became instantly alert to her words. "What do you want?"

"My father's practice. I wouldn't mind working with him for a few years, transitioning him out of the office, before I officially took over. Maybe by then, I'd have the funds to purchase the place outright."

"I think that's it. You should talk to someone at the bank, figure out what could be done."

Instead, Tori sighed. "That's not what Dad wants."

"How do you know if you don't talk to him?" I saw my life flashing in front of me, and whether I was with Tori or not, she was in my life. I felt that in my soul.

"He wants to sell and get that lump sum of cash."

I wasn't so sure about that. "But this is different. He'd still be able to work for a while while you saved the money to pay him in installments. I think it could work."

"I told myself I wouldn't interfere with the sale. I want my father to be happy, and this is what he wants." Tori looked out the window, her tone dismissive.

I wanted to insist that it wouldn't hurt to ask, but this was Tori's decision. I wouldn't interfere. I pulled up to the valet, letting the attendant park the truck. When I met Tori on the sidewalk, she said, "This is so fancy."

There were couples walking in, women in gowns and men in tuxes. I took her hand and followed them inside, where another attendant took our coats and handed me the coat check numbers. I wanted to be a good date tonight. I wanted to show Tori that I could be the man for her. I'd started out this arrangement proving something to my brothers, but it was Tori I wanted to impress.

We entered the ballroom, where the lights were dim and twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, giving the room a magical glow.

"This is so nice," Tori said, her voice full of aw.

Scarlett and Eli appeared in front of us. "I'm so glad you could make it. It's so good to see you again, Tori." Scarlett hugged Tori, talking about her being back in town. Eli moved closer to me, keeping his hand on Scarlett's lower back.

Those two practically orbited around each other. It made me long for something similar. "How is the new house?" I could make small talk like anybody else.

"We're settling in. Thinking of having a house warming party here soon."

I was wondering when he was going to officially invite us over. I'd wanted to give them space for a while. They'd hired a moving company, not needing our assistance to move. "Isn't that what this is?"

Eli clasped my shoulder briefly. "You have a lot to learn about relationships and parties. You can have one for every occasion. But maybe you'll get those lessons now."

I was eager to learn. I wanted to be the man for Tori. I just wished some of this came naturally to me or that I'd practiced on other women. It felt new, which was scary. "I'm learning as I go."

Eli nodded.

"It's so good to see you two. We're greeting everyone who's coming in for now. But hopefully we'll see you later on the dance floor." Scarlett winked at us before Eli wrapped an arm around her shoulder and guided her toward another couple who'd just walked in.

"It was good to see Scarlett again."

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