Page 110 of Dangerous Temptation
Elena bit her cheek. She was running into naysayers there, too. One thing was certain. People always had their opinions and they were willing to voice them. Loudly.
‘Well, I’m happy to join the debate.’ She gestured to the table full of cake. ‘Please, enjoy yourself.’
She looked about the room. That was what she was enjoying most about the party. Dignitaries were mixed with Wolfe Pack developers. A group of her classmates was gathered around a Yankee pitcher, and a television actor was getting cosy with Jorge over in a dark corner.
‘I had no idea this was up here,’ she admitted. ‘A ballroom.’
She thought they only existed in old stories.
Alex took a drink of his champagne. ‘It hasn’t been used in years, not since my parents were alive.’
She smoothed his lapel. ‘Thank you for opening it up again for me.’
‘I can’t think of a better reason.’
He looked so sexy and mysterious in the tuxedo, she could hardly keep her hands off him. She’d already failed once in that regard, ripping it off him about an hour before guests were scheduled to arrive. A blush heated her cheeks, and she hooked her hair over her ear.
A big part of her couldn’t wait to get him alone again. As much as she’d encouraged him to rejoin the world, she wasn’t accustomed to having so many people around. She’d never been comfortable with the limelight, but it was a role she was going to have to get used to. If he had to attend society parties again, she was going to be at his side.
‘Ms Bardot, hello.’
Elena spotted a familiar face. ‘Dr Hoff, I’m so glad you made it.’
It was the veterinarian from the zoo. She looked fantastic all dressed up, with her hair in an up-do. The woman held out a present. ‘I know these are supposed to go in the gift room, but I wanted to give it to you myself. It’s from everyone at the Grey Wolf exhibit.’
‘Oh, that’s sweet.’ Elena set her empty champagne glass on a passing waiter’s tray. A few people near her turned at the sound of ripping paper. The gift was flat and rectangular. Elena could tell it was a picture, and she hoped it was of Siren. When she opened the box, tears dampened in her eyes. ‘I love it.’
The veterinarian helped gather the torn pieces of paper so she could get a better look. The photograph was of more than just the wolf pup. It was a picture taken on the day the wolf exhibit had been dedicated – before things had gone so dreadfully wrong. There she was with Alex and the little black wolf pup. The shy little thing was snuggled up tight in her arms, but its head was tilted back to enjoy the scratching Alex was giving its ears. The photo was simple and sweet, and Elena cherished it.
‘Thank you,’ she said, giving the woman an impulsive hug.
‘Thank you for inviting me.’ The pretty blonde’s face was animated as she looked around the room. ‘I’ve never been to a fancy shindig like this.’
Elena laughed. ‘Hockey players are on your left. Movie stars are to your right.’
The woman wiggled her eyebrows. ‘Decisions, decisions.’
Like a phantom, Leonard appeared to take the framed photograph. ‘How wonderful. Where would you like me to put it?’
The butler was attending as a guest, but he couldn’t seem to help pitching in where he saw a need.
‘Above the fireplace,’ Alex decided.
‘Excellent choice, sir. I’ll make sure it’s hung tonight.’
The partying and dancing continued late into the wee hours. Elena spent time with her mother, who was leaving in the morning. She danced with Alex and opened gifts. Most of all, she just celebrated the big turning points in her life.
There were so many of them.
Finally, she had to catch her breath. Alex found her some time later alone on the balcony.
‘What am I going to do about you?’ The nip in the air was biting, but the night was crystal clear. He took off his tuxedo and wrapped it around her shoulders. ‘What does it take for you to put on a wrap?’
She tugged the jacket closer. It was still warm from his body heat. ‘I could go find the hoodie.’
He chuckled and stood behind her. He settled his chin on her shoulder and braced his hands against the balcony railing. ‘Don’t give me ideas.’
She was wearing the daring little black dress he’d bought for her. It was a bold choice, but she knew she looked good in it. With the secret black lace lingerie she wore underneath, she felt good, too.
