Page 37 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

“Of course. We’ll finish catching up later.” He turned to Alden. “Nice to meet you.”

Alden gave a slight dip of his chin and escorted me out of the room.

“I think I’m ready to leave.”

His hand skimmed across my waist as he removed his arm from around me and I instantly missed his touch, his warmth, but it was for the best.

“Do you need to say your goodbyes?” Alden was back in full bodyguard mode.

“I’d like to say goodbye to Lauren.” I’ll send her a donation in the morning.

He stayed close as I walked through the room in search of my friend.

“There she is.” I raised my hand to Lauren.

She strode toward me and gave me a quick hug, “Having fun?” She released me and took a step back. “You look like you’re leaving.”

“Yes, I’m sorry. It’s been a long day.” More like, two hours of fighting my attraction to Alden and then dealing with Jareth had left me emotionally drained.

“I understand.” Lauren sighed. “I’m looking forward to going home soon myself. Oh, I snuck a peek at some of Eli’s photos and we have more than what we need.” Her eyes scanned over me. “By the way did I mention how gorgeous you are in that dress?”

“No, you didn’t, but thank you.” I smiled and ran my hands over the fabric at my waist.

“Your beautiful necklace and earrings compliment the gown perfectly. Wherever did you get them?”

“I thought you sent it.” A chill ribboned down my spine as my hand flew to the cool stone at my throat.

“No, I don’t think so, but I can check with my assistant.” She waved her hand like it was no big deal. “I don’t remember seeing them in the accessories I had her send over. Perhaps my assistant decided to provide a few options.”

That didn’t explain why this piece made me feel so uneasy.

“You’re probably right.” I hugged her. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

“Alden, it was good meeting you.” Lauren shook his hand, turned and walked away.

“Anyone else you’d like to see before we leave?” He asked.

“Why don’t you get the car while I say some more goodbyes?” I started to turn away and he stopped me with a hand on my arm.

“We go together or not at all.”

I looked down at his hand and back up to his face.

“Excuse me?” I jerked my arm free, my anger and frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “You’re just being paranoid. What do you think is going to happen in front of all these people?”

“Jess, will youpleasecome with me to the car?” His calm politeness took some of the steam out of my looming tantrum.

“Fine.” If he could be polite, so could I.

Of course, he wanted me with him because it was his job to keep me safe.His job. It hurt knowing he didn’t have the same feelings for me I had for him.

Side by side, we walked through the large front doors. The humid night air hit me like a warm, wet blanket. I sucked in a deep breath as the doors quietly swung shut behind us. Two security guards stood on either side of the wide entryway, their eyes scanning the darkness.

Alden shifted in front of me when a kid in a red vest over a white dress shirt and bowtie, wearing black slacks hustled toward us.

“Can I bring your car up, sir?” The valet clasped his hands behind his back.

“No, thanks, kid. We’ll get it.”

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