It was crazy how awareness flared to life when the younger Diamond was within her vicinity, and yet when Celia made introductions earlier, there hadn’t been a single tingle with either of his handsome brothers, or her fiancé, Robert. The older brother had a solemn intensity about him, while the youngest one was an outright charmer she recalled seeing at the wedding last weekend. He’d seemed equally…charming…then, too.
By comparison, Asher wasn’t even looking at her, and clear as day, she could picture his amber irises framed by thick, dark lashes. Her heart thumped hard in her chest as she recalled how she’d barely been able to breathe while he fixed her zipper. The graze of his warm hand on her back and her butt nearly had her hyperventilating.
It was a miracle she’d managed to walk away when the urge to turn around and press up against his tall body left her stomach quivering with the most intense longing. Hell, a move like that would’ve had her thinking of pulling him into the room and shutting the door. Undoing that perfect bowtie of his, stripping off his shirt, and seeing what he looked like lying on a bed for real instead of only in her late night fantasies. (And a few daydreams, too.)
Yep. It was an honest to God miracle she’d retained enough common sense to walk away.
When he’d come downstairs for the party, he’d circled close a few times while taking pictures, but they hadn’t spoken again. She dreaded and anticipated the moment they were face to face because it seemed something had changed upstairs, after he’d learned she wasn’t engaged—to two men.
Sheesh. He must’ve thought she was a real piece of work to accept a ring from two different guys while going to a wedding with a third. No wonder he’d given her the cold shoulder.
But now…now she had the distinct feeling if that had been what was holding him back, she was in trouble. Up in the doorway of his room, he hadn’t even tried to hide the heat in his gorgeous eyes when she’d met his gaze over her shoulder. Just thinking about the moment made her body go hot and her breath turn shallow.
Governor Diamond called for his guests’ attention from the podium. The older man was as dashing up there as his sons, and Mrs. Diamond looked like a movie star on the red carpet with her dark hair in an elegant up-do, diamonds sparkling at her ears and throat, and a long sleeved, floor length white gown hugging her svelte figure. As the governor thanked his wife, family, and staff for their hard work, Honor was able to lean against a nearby column and watch Asher while his attention was wholly focused on his parents.
So many wants and wishes ran through her mind. Unfortunately, whatever may have changed for him, nothing had changed for her. He was still her neighbor, and worse, he was a Diamond. No matter how fast the guy made her pulse race, she couldn’t risk losing the commission from his sister’s wedding.
But after the wedding—
No—neighbor.
The firm reminder made her sigh with disappointment.
“He’s a great guy.”
Honor started at the hushed female voice directly to her right. She turned her head to see the tall, willowy brunette who’d been with Asher at the wedding the weekend before. She’d seen them together tonight, though again, she got the distinct impression they were friends, not lovers.
The woman was probably close to her age, with a cascade of incredible curls that reached nearly to her waist. She wore a dark pair of wide-leg, tye-dyed silk pants paired with a sleek black halter top. Not many women could pull off such an outfit, but she managed to look exotic and elegant all at once. A quick downward glance had her thinking Mae would be so jealous of her black boots.
After offering a quick smile, Honor returned her attention back to the podium. “The Governor seems very nice, though I’ve only met him briefly.”
The brunette tipped her head slightly to the right while she sipped some reddish-orange, fruity-looking drink. “I meant Asher.”
She realized her sigh must’ve made her sound like a love-sick school girl. “We’ve barely met. I don’t know him well enough to say if he’s great or not.”
“Well, I do, and he is.”
Lucky you. With a sideways glance, she asked, “How long have you two been together?”
“Me and Ace? Oh, God no.” The woman laughed softly while giving a delicate shudder. “That would be like dating my brother. Not that I have a brother, but I imagine that’s what it would feel like.”
The concrete confirmation sparked relief she had no business feeling. “Ace?”
“Just a nickname.” She extended her free hand. “I’m Roxanna, by the way.”
“Honor.”
When she accepted Roxanna’s handshake, the woman’s grip tightened as her eyes widened. Then she jerked free, her sculpted eyebrows drawn down in a frown.
“Sorry,” she muttered. “Static electricity.”
Honor hadn’t felt anything…but, o-kay.
“You’re the wedding cake baker.”
“I am. I did the anniversary cakes for tonight, too.” Celia had made numerous introductions and provided plenty of networking opportunities.
“They’re beautiful.” The flat note of Roxanna’s voice didn’t match the complimentary words.