Page 53 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

“I’ve had a great dinner. I danced with a beautiful woman. I’m more than happy to head home. I went in to work at 5:00 a.m. this morning. Believe me, I wouldn’t mind going to bed at a decent hour.”

She searched his face. “You’re a very nice man, Jared Perlman.”

He smiled at her. “You can reward me with a home-cooked meal one night soon.”

“Done. I’ll walk you to the door.”

“No need.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Don’t be afraid, Daley. Once upon a time, I let fear and uncertainty cost me a relationship when I was in grad school. I’ve always regretted it. I don’t want that for you.”

She nibbled the edge of her fingernail. “I know you’re right. It’s terrifying, though—you know?”

“Tabby and John made it happen,” he said.

“But they’re perfect for each other.” She grimaced. “That doesn’t mean the rest of us will be so lucky.”

“Is it luck or something else?” he asked. “Things like working hard at a relationship. Choosing vulnerability over protecting the status quo. Maybe Tabby and John are not so different from the rest of us.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ve always assumed it was easy for my sister to fall in love with such a great guy.”

“Is that what Tabby told you?”

“No. We never really discussed it.”

“Probably because she’s loyal to her husband and chooses to keep the bumps in their relationship private. You could ask her, though. Not tonight, obviously. But if you really want a chance with Tristan, Tabby might have some insight.”

“Maybe. But she’s already warned me that he doesn’t do permanent.”

“So change his mind. I’ve seen you in action. Goal-oriented. Focused. He won’t know what hit him.”

“Very funny. I don’t want a man who has to be cajoled or trapped into a relationship. He should fall at my feet and express his devotion.”

Jared chuckled. “I hope you’re not serious.”

“No. I’m not.” She glanced across the ballroom, trying to spot the man in question. “Thanks for bringing me tonight.”

“My pleasure. I’ll be in touch.”

When Jared exited, Daley grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and watched the dancers. She wanted to go home, too. But that meant saying goodbye to Tabby. Her sister would assume something was wrong.

It was easier to stay and smile. In another hour, her exit wouldn’t seem remarkable.

A deep voice came from behind her shoulder. “I didn’t expect to see you being a wallflower.”

She whirled around. “Tristan...” Her heart pounded. How had he sneaked up on her? “You scared me to death.” In formal clothes, he looked like the man at the wedding. The man who had made her throw caution to the wind.

He shrugged. “You were lost in thought. Is something wrong?”

“Wrong? No. I enjoy people-watching.”

“Where’s your date?”

Daley panicked. “He’s on call. Had to head back to the hospital.” The lie stuck in her throat, but she wasn’t ready for this. For Tristan. She hadn’t decided how or if she was going to pursue an inconvenient attraction.

“I see.” His expression was completely unreadable. A blank slate. Concealing his emotions. “Would you like to dance?”

The band had settled into a dreamier, more romantic mood. Slow dances. Poignant lyrics. Perfect for a late-night rendezvous.

“Yes,” she said. “I would.”

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