Sunshine. Fields of long grass. Non-sensual thoughts.
The limestone exterior of the house was cool against my palm as I steadied myself and waited for an explosion of sensory shockwaves when her thoughts or her voice found me, whichever happened first.
Twenty feet behind the house, her soft voice instigated a natural pull in her direction.
Straightening my tie, I walked around the corner. Smiling people held glasses, discussed life issues, and nodded amicably in my direction.
Who’s that? one woman thought.
He’s a looker, another thought.
I wish I had this girl’s money. At least she’s doing something for the community. I really shouldn’t be envious. A blonde stared toward the right corner of the patio.
Holding a wineglass and smiling, Allie stood in a circle of about twenty people, men in black suits and women in flashy dresses. As much as she had worried about fitting in, she settled nicely with her surroundings. Allie’s benefactor, the late Ava Rollins, would have run the first car out of the drive. She hated visitors.
The whispering crowd hushed, parting like the Dead Sea as I approached Allie.
She hadn’t noticed the decrescendo of voices, as she gestured and nodded.
The women’s thoughts were almost synonymous.
She’s so sweet; you can’t hate her for having it all.
We’ll be great friends. I can tell.
I can’t believe I thought she’d be snooty.
She’s gorgeous. Doesn’t even need that makeup. Pay attention to what she’s saying. Quit lusting, Bill. The guy’s thoughts were considerably more troubling, but this was something I’d have to contend with in loving a woman as strikingly beautiful as Allie was, inside and out. So tonight I wouldn’t kick anyone in the throat.
Who could blame them? Hadn’t I responded the same way?
I stood five feet behind Allie as she continued in light, happy conversation. She rarely wore her hair up. It was the fashion when we’d first met in the late 1860s, and though it was appealing, tonight, loose curls fell down her back.
Why is everyone looking behind me? Her heart rate steepened and an instant swell of pheromones thickened the air. Is he here? Allie straightened and glanced around.
She turned and my breath caught between my throat and my amazement that she could become even more beautiful in a few weeks’ time.
Two-inch silver stilettos.
Long, toned, tanned legs.
A black dress that cupped every curve as if it had been painted onto her with intimate strokes.
A simple diamond necklace led my gaze straight into the swell of the two most perfectly formed—
In through the nose. Out through the mouth.
Curls framed a look of intrigue tempting me more than she ever had. My imagination had placed her in an infinitely more provocative eveningwear, but her black dress enticed me more than any deep-bodice dress. At twenty-one, she was even more voluptuous and curvy.
Her circle opened and accepted me in. The women, gladly, and the men, a little less eager.
“Is this your fiancé?” One of the ladies gave me a warm but speculative smile and poked out a hand.
Allie’s heart stuttered. The weight of her gaze pressed against me. She stared down at the clear contents of her wineglass.
Fiancé? This was news. I’d planned some elaborate proposal, but this would do just as well. My only concern was whether she’d still want to go through with it after she learned—
“I was beginning to worry he wouldn’t make it back in time for the ceremony. Tina Ari. Pleased to make your acquaintance,” another lady said. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. Why do all the hot men have to be either gay or off the market? Or serial killers?
A hint of a grin adorned Allie’s face, but a flash of wrath sparked in her eyes. When we’re alone, I was sure to experience the flame of her anger.
I searched for her thoughts to prepare myself, but I was somehow blocked. She narrowed her gaze as she considered me.
A lady’s elegant hand poked out before me.