Chapter Eight
Tess had always been able to read Scott’s moods fairly accurately. Some of their coworkers claimed to have a hard time telling what he was thinking when he got quiet or preoccupied, but it had always been easier for her. She couldn’t read his mind, of course, but she could usually tell when he was working out a problem in his head, when he was making mental lists or plans, even when he just wasn’t feeling well. Tonight she could see he was annoyed—and his irritation was directed right at her.
It had never occurred to her that he’d be upset with her for not calling him after the accident. Stevie was almost always the one she called when she needed a hand, and Stevie knew, of course, that Tess would gladly return the favors. That was what one did in a personal predicament such as a fender bender—call a friend, a family member, a significant other.
Not the boss.
Apparently she was still in the process of adjusting to the major change in her relationship with Scott. Was that why he was so cross with her? He’d taken her unintentional slight as an indication that she wasn’t invested in their relationship. But seriously, shouldn’t the past week have convinced him otherwise?
She turned to ask him, but they’d arrived at their destination. Dana’s party was being held in her west Little Rock home, a sprawling Mediterranean modern–style house built beside a golf course in a gated community. Dana had married into money, becoming the second wife of a considerably older investment banker who indulged her shamelessly. Though she considered her cousin rather materialistic and showy, Tess still liked her well enough. In small doses.
“Nice house,” Scott commented as he parked among the other cars in the big circular drive. Knowing Scott as she did, Tess was sure he thought the place was overdone, particularly when it came to the holiday lights and decorations that covered nearly every square inch of the house and grounds.
“Dana does like her flash.”
“I see that. I’m sure your sister approves.”
“My sister is so jealous her brown eyes turn green here,” Tess corrected him wryly.
He looked a bit puzzled. “So Nina won’t be here this evening?”
“Oh, Nina will be here to spend time with her dear cousin Dana. Snuggly selfies will be taken and posted to Facebook before the evening is over. Probably in front of a sixteen-foot Christmas tree done up in real gold and crystal.”
Scott laughed. “Okay.”
“Trust me. My sister will bask in our cousin’s social glory all evening, even as she secretly hopes every bite Dana nibbles goes straight to her thighs.”
He laughed again. “Sounds like a fun party.”
“Well, I can assure you the food will be amazing. Dana always puts out a great spread.”
“That sounds promising anyway.” He unfastened his seat belt and reached for his door handle. “Tell me again how she’s related. Your mom’s side or your dad’s?”
“Her mother and my mother were first cousins. But they were very close, almost like sisters, so we saw Dana quite a bit growing up. She’s five years older than I am.”
“Got it.” He opened the door and climbed out.
At least he’d seemed to have put her car wreck out of his mind for now, she thought. She needed to do the same. She’d worry about insurance and repairs and a man’s prickly ego after the party.
She had to admit it felt good to walk into the soaring foyer with Scott at her side. The two-story entryway was anchored by a curving staircase laden with garland and lights leading up to a balcony-railed second floor. Beyond the staircase was the ballroom-size
great room, from which guests could see into the formal dining room and elegant music room. The whole place looked as if Christmas had exploded inside, coating every surface with glitter and garland.
She couldn’t help noticing the women whose eyes widened in appreciation at seeing Scott, then in surprise at recognizing her with him. It occurred to her that she’d attended the last social gathering here solo, and she’d been perfectly comfortable doing so—but she didn’t mind having a polished, handsome escort, either. Was that shallow? Probably. She’d do some sort of penance tomorrow to make up for it.
Nina spotted them almost immediately, most likely because she’d been watching the door. Tess saw the startled expression on her sister’s face when she recognized Scott. And then Nina shook her head. Tess knew her well enough to recognize the expression. Why was Nina exasperated with her now? Seriously, what could she possibly find to criticize about Scott?
Towing Ken in her wake, Nina made a beeline straight for them. “I’m glad you could finally make it, Tess.”
It was all of five minutes past seven, Tess thought with a stifled sigh.
“And Scott. It’s so nice to see you again.” Nina offered her right hand with its gaudy profusion of diamonds. “Such a nice surprise.”
He shook her hand lightly. “It’s good to see you, too, Nina. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” He’d met her a few times during the past six years when she’d dropped by the office.
“Yes, it has. Tess doesn’t invite me to join her for lunch very often these days.”
“Actually, I’ve invited you to lunch several times in the past few months,” Tess refuted evenly. “You’re the one who always has something else to do.”