Page 16 of Perfect Together

She pivoted to greet the man who starred in her dreams and fantasies, only to see he wasn’t alone. She blinked, but the fact remained he had a woman by his side. A pretty blonde, her arm hooked through Sam’s. With their light hair and good looks, Nicole had to admit they made a striking couple, and more than a few heads turned as they made their way across the room.

Nicole’s stomach, along with her hopes, plummeted at the sight, and she now knew what Sam had been about to tell her the other day. She drew her shoulders back, determined to get through this with grace and class. Her disappointment could come later when she was alone.

Erin hugged her brother. “You two know each other, right?” Erin asked, oblivious to the undercurrent between them.

“Of course. It’s good to see you again.” Swallowing over her unreasonable hurt and disappointment, Nicole managed a politeness she didn’t feel.

Sam’s gaze remained steady on hers, but she didn’t let herself make eye contact.

“Sam, aren’t you going to introduce me?” his date asked.

Nicole forced a smile and waited for the inevitable, telling herself all she had to do was make it through the introductions, smile, and then she could leave.

***

Sam’s stomach twistedas if he physicallyfeltNicole’s discomfort and hurt. He wished she would at least look up, see him, and catch on that he wasn’t happy about this situation either.

“Margie, you know my sister, Erin, and this is Nicole Farnsworth. She’s new in town. Nicole, this is Margie Stinson. Her parents are big donors for tonight’s event,” he said, hoping she’d have to look at him now.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Nicole said, her voice sweet, covering the obvious hurt Sam knew he’d inflicted. “That’s wonderful of your parents. It’s a very worthy cause. In fact, that’s how Macy persuaded me to come tonight.” She paused and glanced around. “Speaking of Macy, I need to go find her,” she said, turning fast.

“Nicole—” Erin called her name, obviously sensing something was wrong.

Nicole was already walking away. But Sam had caught the wounded look in her eyes, and he muttered a curse.

His sister glanced at him, clearly confused.

Je didn’t have time for Erin’s curiosity or Margie’s arm still entwined with his. With every step Nicole took away from him, Sam felt opportunity and something more slipping away.

“I need to see to something,” he said, tipping his head in the direction of where Nicole had gone, shooting his sister a pleading look.

Erin narrowed her eyes, suspicion in her expression.

“Honey? I would love a drink,” Margie said, oblivious to anyone other than herself, as she’d been since he’d picked her up.

Honey?

Erin choked over a laugh.

“A white wine spritzer,” she continued. “No, make that a vodka with a splash of cranberry juice. No, a mimosa.”

Just as on the car ride over, Margie talked to fill up space. Earlier, she’d discussed her dress, her shoes, and her shopping, leaving Sam unable to get a word in edgewise. Sam thought she talked just to hear her own voice. She didn’t need much in the way of conversation, only an escort on her arm and an ear for her long-winded stories, which was fine with him. Her parents must have catered to each whim she’d ever had for her to be so self-absorbed.

“Sam, why don’t you go get us all drinks,” Erin said.

“I’ll go with you—” Margie immediately said.

“No, Margie. The line looks long. Stay here and keep me company. I’m home with a baby and could really use some adult conversation,” his sister lied smoothly.

Sam shot her a look filled with gratitude. He didn’t miss the mouthed, “You owe me one.” He did and figured babysitting and diaper changing were in his future. Well worth it, he thought, as he took off after Nicole.

By now, the bar area as well as the ballroom had filled up, and he focused on searching for a deep blue dress or glossy, long dark hair. He’d noticed her immediately when he’d walked into the room: her lush curves accentuated by the gown, her beautiful smile a draw, at least for him. He found her now, disappearing out the door into the area where the restrooms must be.

He caught up with her in the nearly empty hall. Just a few women were walking out of the ladies’ room. Sam waited until they were alone and stepped up behind her.

“It’s not what you think.”

She flinched and turned, clearly startled at the sound of his voice. “It doesn’t matter what it is. You don’t owe me an explanation.” She pivoted toward the restroom.