Page 21 of It Had to be You

questions or need direction, just ask."

Ben and Pearl moved a few feet over to put some room between them and where Alexander was standing. Tatum could see them in the mirror and admired the way the older couple really showed care and concern for each other. It was so sweet to watch.

And behind her, Alexander was standing alone.

It was wrong. So wrong, that she was hoping that his match, Blair, might be sleeping in. Sure, Alexander and Blair were going to make an amazing couple and they’d probably be all over the

society pages in New York when they went back, but for a few hours she could spend some time with him.

It had only been a curious attraction at first, but it was building, and she knew it wasn’t going to become anything.

Still, she’d spent her life missing out on opportunities to date and have relationships, so for the moment, she’d enjoy what time she had and make sure to keep her heart surrounded in bubble wrap.

The music came on a moment after she touched the control and she turned around.

Wishful thinking. That’s what it was.

Imagining that the look in Alexander’s eyes was something more than a growing appreciation for her as a person. A friend, hopefully.

And when he lifted his hand and held it out to her, she had to work to draw air into her lungs. It only grew worse when she put her hand in his and let him draw her into the proper hold.

She didn’t have to say a word.

He didn’t need reminders.

She felt the subtle pressure of his hand on her lower back and the nudge of her clasped hand as he stepped forward.

Looking up into his eyes, she saw confidence and a thoughtful concern. He was a good man. That was easy enough to see.

As they ended the first full sequence of turns, he leaned in and spoke softly to her.

"I was thinking," he darted a look toward the older couple, "I mean, I think Blair signed us up for that food tour."

"Oh?" She fought down the ridiculous feeling of envy at the mention of Blair. "Are you looking forward to it?"

"Sure," he paused, and they slowed their steps on the floor, "but I’m not sure she’s going to show up."

She winced. "I wanted to ask you about that. I wasn’t sure if something was wrong. Is she feeling all right?"

"She’s busy with work. There’s a problem with some contracts and she’s been on and off the phone with her staff. Just when it seems like the problem’s solved… it just…" His words faded off.

"It gets more complicated?"

"Yes," he laughed.

And while she returned the gesture, she was well aware how her own life was mirroring his. How much more complicated could it get?

When Tatum walked down to the tour check-in stand near the parking lot, she adjusted the brim of her hat. It had looked good online when she’d ordered it, hoping for something broad enough

that she’d be able to keep herself from burning in the sun, but in real life it was huge, likeGone With the Windhuge. She should literally be running from the doors of Tara, huge.

Laughing at herself for her always-odd flight of fancy, she almost missed hearing someone call her name.

Turning, she caught sight of Ben and Pearl sitting on a bench near the line. Tatum moved quickly enough to keep Ben seated. The dear man would have gotten up on his feet to be polite, but she

wasn’t about to let him tire out before they went on their tour.

If, she reminded herself, they went on the tour.

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