Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)(56)

Still, she was humiliated. Not because of what she’d done, but because it made her seem unprofessional. She was good at her job and she didn’t want people thinking less of her.

Someone knocked on her door. She opened it and found Taryn in the hallway.

“How are you holding up?” her friend asked as she walked in.

“I’ve had better moments,” Dellina admitted. “And I’m sorry about...”

Taryn waited, her blue-violet gaze more amused than judgmental. “Yes? I don’t think you’re sorry for sleeping with Sam. You liked it the last time.”

“Well, it’s more about work than anything else.”

Taryn shook her head. “It’s not you, it’s Lark. We all get that. I’m not going to say anything and the guys aren’t going to say anything. No clients heard. I figured you were upset and I came to say don’t be.”

Dellina wished letting go was that easy. “I’m worried about tonight.”

“Try to let it go. I had a little talk with Lark and Reggie and they promise to be on their best behavior.”

“Is that enough?”

“They can be controlled for short periods of time. It’s fine.” Taryn headed for the door, then turned back. “About Sam,” she began. “Like I said before. Don’t break his heart.”

“I won’t.” An easy promise. Sam wasn’t interested in her that way.

Taryn smiled and then left.

Dellina finished getting ready. She put on simple gold hoops, then slid on the beautiful bangle she’d been given earlier. She took her tote and her ever-present lists, then headed out.

When she got to the dining room, Sam was already there. He wore a dark suit and white shirt, both of which looked really good on him. He’d obviously showered and shaved, and when she looked at him she felt a distinct quiver deep in her chest.

Attraction, she told herself. Nothing more. And if it was something else, then it was Taryn’s silly comments about not breaking his heart. As if she could.

“I’ve already checked the place settings and talked to the head server for the dinner,” he said.

“That would be my job.”

“I know, but I wanted to talk to you.” He moved close and lightly touched her cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Of course. Busy, but otherwise, just peachy.”

His mouth twisted. “My mother is a problem.”

“She’s always interesting, I’ll give you that.”

“I’m sorry about what she said. We both wanted to keep that private. Taryn and the guys won’t say anything and none of our guests heard. I talked to her and she’s promised to be on her best behavior for tonight.”

“Taryn talked to her, too.”

“She mentioned that.” He paused. “You know it’s not personal. She blurts things out without considering the consequences.”

Dellina nodded. “She can’t help herself. It would be better if she weren’t so intuitive.”

“I agree.”

He looked worried, which was sweet. And he’d come down early to talk to her. The concern was nice. She smiled. “I’ll be okay. It’s just one of those wacky things. I don’t regret this morning.”

Heat flared in his eyes. “Me, either. You were spectacular.”

“I can live with that description.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

FAYRENE PULLED ON the hem of her T-shirt and told herself she was dressed appropriately and that she wasn’t the least bit bitter that while she was with twelve children, her sister got to preside over an elegant dinner. That was for later. For now, she had a crisis.

Ryan had gotten stuck at work. He had texted to let her know he would be a few minutes late. She’d reminded him to stop by her apartment and pick up Caramel. She’d left the dog home alone for a few hours, but now that everything had been delivered to the hotel, she planned to have the little Pomeranian spend the weekend with her. Because right now Fayrene could use a friendly face.

Twelve children of varying ages all stared at her. They didn’t know one another and they didn’t know her. The extra babysitters, the ones who did this sort of thing on a regular basis, were checking on dinner, which meant Fayrene was alone in a room that was way too quiet.

“I want my mom,” a little girl of maybe seven or eight said. “Why does she and my dad get to go to a nice dinner while I have to stay here? It’s not fair.”

“This is stupid,” one of the boys said. “We’re supposed to be having fun and we’re not.”

Fayrene swallowed against rising panic. She’d taken the job with the kids for a number of reasons. For one, she wanted to help her sister. For another, the reference and experience would be good for business. But more important, she’d hoped that hanging out with a bunch of kids would allow her and Ryan to talk about what it would be like when they had their own children. Which would lead to a conversation about getting married. Which would mean he would finally propose.

But none of that was going to happen if she had a mutiny on the very first night. Dellina would not be happy if the kids broke ranks and sought out their parents.

Fayrene looked around the large room they were using for their first event. There were balloons and a working jukebox and tables with ingredients. But no activity and no conversation. She didn’t know what to do or how to make it better, but she’d best come up with something fast.