Wilde at Heart (Wilde Security, #3)(64)
“Everything okay?”
“Nope. The HORNET boys are in trouble—again. Looks like I’m flying to Europe tonight.” He pocketed his phone, but he didn’t seem all that heartbroken about having to leave. He held out his hand to Shelby. “You keep this guy from working too hard. It was nice meeting you.” Then he clapped Reece on the shoulder. “Call my office, and let’s set something up for later this week. I should be back in town by then.”
As he strode away, Shelby squealed. “Reece! You didn’t tell me you know Tucker Quentin!”
Poor guy looked genuinely baffled. “Was…I supposed to?”
“Yes! He was only, like, every teenage girl’s fantasy guy when I was in high school. I had a poster of him hanging over my bed. I always imagined him riding in on a limo like Richard Gere at the end of Pretty Woman and taking me away from my life. I blew that poster a kiss every night before I went to sleep.”
His puzzlement faded into a scowl. “You better not still have it.”
“No, of course not. I was a teenager.”
“Good. I’m the only guy you should be kissing before bed.” He snaked an arm around her waist, pulled her in to his side, and planted a possessive kiss on her lips.
It should have been an act. Days ago, it would have been. But something had changed tonight and the kiss…it tugged all the way to the bottom of her heart. It was real, and it scared the ever-loving hell out of her.
He drew away slightly, resting his forehead against hers, and gazed down into her eyes. “How are you doing? You okay?”
“Yes.” And it was the truth. The events from the afternoon still played in the back of her mind like a broken record, but she wasn’t as heartsick over it now. She was actually glad for this gala. It provided exactly the distraction she’d needed.
She poked him in the ribs. “Just don’t spring any more former teen heartthrobs on me tonight. I don’t know if my fangirl can take it. Oh my God, did you hear me? I squeaked like a freaking mouse!”
He laughed. “No more teen heartthrobs. It’s a deal,” he said and sealed it with another quick peck on the lips.
Over his shoulder, she spotted Irving James headed in their direction and winced. “Oh boy. Looks like it’s show time.”
Reece followed her gaze. Swore softly. “Yeah, looks like.”
“Reece,” James said, all fake smiles. “Sheila. It’s good to see you both.”
“Her name is Shelby,” Reece corrected.
“Right, right. Of course.” James waved a hand. “Was that Tucker Quentin I just saw you talking to? I’d love an introduction.”
“He was called away,” Reece said, and the note of dismissive coolness in his voice made Shelby glance over at him in question. He’d been so relaxed talking to Tuc, but now his shoulders were tense, his smile tight and no longer easy. What was he doing? He was going to ruin his chances to secure the deal with James if he kept this up. Was it because he was still feeling uber-protective of her? James was an ass toward women, so maybe Reece was bracing for an off-color comment. If that was the case, she should excuse herself.
Across the room, she noticed Charlotte James speaking to several other women, including Alicia Porter. She gave Reece’s arm a little squeeze to get his attention, then excused herself with a polite smile for James.
On her way toward the women, she snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She was going to need it.
“Shelby!” Charlotte said and leaned in for a hug and an air kiss. “I was just saying I hoped you’d make it tonight. We’re so looking forward to the show, aren’t you?”
Show? Reece hadn’t mentioned she’d have to sit through a show tonight. “Yes, I’m excited.” For a nap, she tacked on silently. Because that’s what she’d end up doing if she was forced to sit through an opera.
The women spent several minutes chatting about the show, the singers, and spreading around some juicy bits of gossip about people Shelby didn’t know. She nodded and smiled and made all of the appropriate noises until Alicia leaned in.
“I noticed you’re not wearing your wedding ring,” she said in a hushed tone. But not hushed enough because the other women stopped talking and focused in on their conversation. “Is everything okay between you and Reece?”
“Oh.” She gazed down at her empty hand.
I don’t want this to end.
Nerves fluttered in her chest at the memory of Reece’s words, and she curled her fingers around the stem of her glass. Amazing how after such a short time as Mrs. Wilde, she’d gotten so used to wearing her ring that she now felt naked without it.
“Shelby?” Alicia’s expression filled with alarm. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything’s fine. But we, uh…” She floundered for a moment, grasping for an excuse, then decided the truth was the best course of action. Since there was a police report, the robbery would probably be posted in the newspaper tomorrow. “Well, honestly, we were robbed earlier this evening.”
The women all gasped.
“Then why on earth are you here tonight?” Alicia asked, eyes wide.
Shelby sipped her champagne to wet her suddenly parched throat. “Reece wanted to cancel, but I told him no. This is exactly what we need to take our minds off the robbery.”