Page 28 of Conner's Choice
“Did I have a choice?” she retorted in a caustic tone.
“Not if you want to stay out of trouble.”
The D.A., a good-looking guy in his late thirties, stepped forward and handed Lexi her immunity agreement in writing. “Read it carefully before you sign it, Miss Loveland. If we find out you didn’t tell us everything we wanted to know about Kevin Warner, the deal is null and void.”
Lexi took him seriously and read the document word for word. Satisfied with the deal the D.A. offered, she signed her name on the appropriate blank. “No offense, guys, but I hope I never lay eyes on you again.” She handed Rawson his pen and returned to the Grand Ballroom.
Chapter Nine
By ten o’clock,the crowd in the ballroom began to disperse. Kevin waited for Elizabeth, anxious to throw her into a taxi so he could have the rest of the evening to himself. He’d spent most of his time networking, garnering pledges of financial support for his campaign for mayor the following year, and dancing with Alexa, who knew exactly how to whet his appetite. For propriety’s sake, he’d danced a few times with Elizabeth, too, though she’d been stiff in his arms and distracted, constantly glancing around the ballroom instead of focusing on him.
As he roamed the room, searching for his wife, he caught sight of Conner O’Donnell and Christian Stone conversing next to the open bar. He knew both men by reputation. O’Donnell was a high-profile divorce attorney who earned his name by representing socially prominent men and women. His aggressive tactics were well-known in the legal community. As far as Stone was concerned, Kevin cared about the family’s vast wealth and unlimited resources at their disposal. Deciding he needed O’Donnell and Stone on his side, he made his way toward them.
Elizabeth panicked when she saw Kevin approaching Conner and Christian. Although Conner kept his distance all evening, she’d felt his eyes boring into her, watching her every move, filling her with excitement and anticipation. They’d only met once since he took her to his apartment, and he’d refrained from touching her. After her sexy fantasy about him, though, she’d had to call on all her strength to keep her hands to herself. She reached the pair at the same time as her husband.
He thrust his hand forward. “Kevin Warner. It’s nice to meet you, O’Donnell. Stone. I assume you know my wife, Elizabeth.”
Christian shook Kevin’s hand first. “Yes, I do. It’s good to see you again, Elizabeth.” He indicated Conner. “My best friend, Conner O’Donnell.”
Conner took Elizabeth’s hand and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze before dropping it and exchanging a handshake with Kevin. “Warner.”
“Great party, Elizabeth,” Christian commented.
“Thank you. I wanted it to be perfect for Mayor Monahan and his wife.”
“It was,” Conner added. “The Monahans seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.”
Kevin did not want to waste time on Elizabeth’s trivial business. Besides, she needed to leave for the airport soon. “I have a proposition I’d like to discuss with both of you,” he interjected. “Will you join me for dinner one evening next week at The Palm?”
“I prefer the Golden Pheasant,” Christian replied with a sideways glance at Conner. “The atmosphere and the food are better.”
“Of course, wherever you prefer to meet is fine with me.” Kevin forced himself to smile.
“Call our secretaries and make the arrangements.” Conner’s eyes rested briefly on Elizabeth. “Good night, Mrs. Warner.” He nodded at Kevin.
Christian bid the couple good night and followed Conner out of the ballroom.
Kevin’s jaw tightened, feeling as if he’d been dismissed like a naughty child. He grabbed Elizabeth roughly by the elbow. “Say good night to Harrison and Debra. You have to leave now, or you’ll miss your flight.”
Not wishing to cause a scene, Elizabeth allowed Kevin to lead her through the scattering of guests toward the Monahans. She offered a harried farewell to the couple with a promise to keep in touch and left with her husband. Inwardly, she rejoiced. This was her last night with him. She didn’t even care that she was leaving her personal possessions behind, for she could always pack them later.
Within twenty minutes, a valet tossed her luggage into the trunk of a taxi. She bid Kevin goodbye and climbed into the back seat. As the cab pulled into traffic, she looked straight ahead without a single regret.
“I’m not going to the airport,” Elizabeth informed the driver. She gave him the address of a cottage owned by Christian’s parents on the lake in West Bend and sent Conner a text message.
Elizabeth:I’m on my way.
Conner:See you soon.
When Conner saw the headlights of the cab flash in the large plate glass window of the living room, he stepped outside to retrieve Elizabeth’s luggage and pay the driver. Finally alone, an awkward silence fell between them. They stared at each other. Neither moved nor spoke. Longing and need, and another far deeper emotion they had never felt before, washed through them. Stunned by the depth of feeling they perceived in each other’s eyes, Conner and Elizabeth stood immobile, fighting against their most primal urges. Now wasn’t the time to explore this new awareness, though their attraction was magnetic.
Not knowing what else to do with his hands, which ached to touch her, Conner shoved them into the pockets of his dress pants. “It’s not going to be long now, Elizabeth. Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she murmured.
“You don’t have to do this. We have proof of Kevin’s infidelity. I can serve him divorce papers on Monday and catch him off guard.”
Her eyes turned to steel. “I want to. I want to see his face when he realizes I’m not a stupid, blind fool after all. The truth is, Kevin should be arrested tonight for poisoning the diamond necklace. There’s enough evidence against him to make a case for premeditated murder.”
