Page 26 of Conner's Choice
Without another option, Lexi agreed to Rawson’s plan. After all, she wasn’t ruining her life for Kevin Warner. She’d get even with him by ensuring thatheended up in prison, not her.
“I hope youwon’t be too busy tonight to enjoy the party,” Kevin commented as he zipped Elizabeth’s strapless, black-beaded cocktail dress.
She barely paid attention to him as she wondered what Conner would think when he saw her in this dress. “Huh? What? Oh, I hired a full staff tonight to oversee everything. I want to mingle and dance with you, Kevin.” She met his eyes in the mirror and smiled at him.
Kevin frowned as she slipped her small gold hoop earrings in her ears. “Where did you get those earrings, Lizzie?”
“These? A gift from Mom and Dad for my birthday.” She stepped into a pair of three-inch black stilettos.
“Wear the diamonds tonight, my darling.”
Elizabeth shivered. The previous morning she’d seen the lab report confirming her worst suspicions. Kevin poisoned the necklace and fathered the Parkers’ baby. The knowledge sickened her.
“Not tonight, sweetheart. I don’t want to upstage Debra. She doesn’t own diamonds as fine as mine. I’m saving them for averyspecial occasion.” She bestowed a sweet smile on him.
Kevin grinned. Elizabeth saw the pleasure shining in his eyes. His birthday was at the end of the month. Maybe he thought she’d wear the diamonds then and imagined her being poisoned as the perfect gift to himself.
“Are you ready, Lizzie?”
“Yes. Don’t forget I’m heading straight to the airport after the party. This bridal show in Tampa is one of a kind, featuring the best wedding gown designers and event planners in the business. Afterward, I’m flying down to Miami for a floral show. I’ll be gone for several days.”
“Do you want me to take you to the airport?”
“No, that’s not necessary. I’ll take a taxi.”
“It’s not a problem, Lizzie.”
She touched his smooth cheek. “You’re very thoughtful, Kevin, but I am fine with taking a taxi.”
He caught her hand and kissed it. “As you wish, Mrs. Warner.”
Not for much longer, she thought.
Limousines, luxury cars,and taxis pulled up in front of the Grand Hotel in a constant stream. Valets rushed to meet each vehicle in a timely manner, eager to provide the exceptional service everyone expected of the Grand, especially on a night like this when Denver’s elite gathered to celebrate Mayor Harrison Monahan’s birthday.
Various guests approached Elizabeth throughout the party and complimented her on planning another amazing social event. They raved about the food, the free booze, the service of the staff, the atmosphere, and the music. Many of the attendees toasted Elizabeth with champagne flutes in their hands. As the evening wore on, the Monahans approached Elizabeth, hugged and kissed her, and offered their warmest thanks and appreciation for her hard work.
“The ballroom looks wonderful,” Debra noted without being effusive. “Everything came together well, Elizabeth.”
“Yes, thank you,” Harrison added. “It was a wonderful surprise. I thought I was having a quiet dinner with my wife.”
Debra laughed. “Harrison was quite overwhelmed when we arrived.”
The mayor turned toward Kevin and offered his hand. “Your wife is certainly talented, Kevin.”
“Yes, she is,” he answered dutifully, although Elizabeth suspected the conversation bored him. His eyes flicked past Harrison and lit on Alexa. “If you’ll excuse me, I see a group of acquaintances I’d like to greet. Lizzie, do you mind?”
Her stomach turned, yet she answered calmly, “No, not at all. I need to check in with the staff. Harrison. Debra. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”
She ignored the irritation of Kevin’s infidelity. Why should she care at this stage? Let him go to Alexa. She had better things to focus on. Her mind immediately went to Conner, the thought bringing a smile to her lips as she walked confidently through the ballroom.
From across thecrowded ballroom, Conner couldn’t stop staring at Elizabeth. She looked gorgeous in her strapless cocktail dress, which showed to advantage her incredible body. He half-listened to the conversation flowing around him, showing an interest only when someone mentioned Elizabeth’s name. While most of the comments were complimentary, some that focused on her husband were muttered in low voices. No one was pleased with Kevin’s decision to defend Ray Farmer or with the rumors about his bid for mayor.
“Right under Harrison’s nose,” one whispered.
“I’m not voting for him if it comes to that,” another replied. “Everyone knows he’s having an affair with his partner Alexa Wainwright. Look at them.”
Conner looked. Kevin and Alexa were slow dancing, pressed indecently against each other. His eyes caught Elizabeth’s. She was embarrassed but handled the situation with her usual grace. He didn’t dare go near her. If he did, he wouldn’t be able to control himself.
