Passion Play

Rose scanned the room. She told herself she wasn’t searching for Donovan. If she repeated that statement often enough, she might eventually believe it. What would Donovan think of her formfitting black dress?

Why do I care?

“Actually, I did have plans for tonight.” Lily’s voice was barely audible above the pop song blaring through the speakers.

“What were they?” Rose was puzzled. Lily hadn’t mentioned another appointment.

Her middle sister shook her head. “They aren’t important.”

Lily’s response further piqued Rose’s curiosity but she didn’t push. She glanced at her sister’s outfit. The high-waisted, magenta dress complemented Lily’s warm gold complexion and highlighted her stunning figure. Not for the first time, Rose wished she had Lily’s cleavage.

“You look beautiful.” Rose squeezed her sister’s hand.

Lily gave her a startled look. “Thank you. So do you.”

“Thank you.” Rose turned away to scan the room again. Iris had explained that, unlike the initial internal launch, for this celebration, Anderson Adventures’ associates had been encouraged to bring a date. That explained why the large ballroom was packed. Rose finally spotted Donovan walking toward her with a smile that would sell a lot of toothpaste. Tyler was beside him, along with three other very attractive people. Were good looks a requirement for admittance to the computer gaming company’s executive team?

“I’m glad you could make it.” Donovan took her hand. His deep voice shot through her system like rum.

“Thank you for inviting me.” Rose wrestled her gaze from Donovan’s smiling hazel eyes.

Tyler wrapped an arm around Iris, tucking her against his side. “Can you make the introductions?”

“Of course.” Iris gestured first to Rose. “My sisters, Rose and Lily Beharie.” She then turned to the Anderson family. “You’ve met Ty. This is Foster Anderson, Ty’s father and the company’s chief executive officer.”

Tyler had inherited his father’s strikingly handsome features. Foster stepped forward to shake hands with Rose. “Soon to be the company’s retired CEO. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear.”

Iris had explained to Rose and Lily that Foster was going to announce his retirement later this summer and turn the company’s leadership over to Tyler.

Foster turned to greet Lily. “And it’s a pleasure to see you again, Lily. I can’t thank you enough for giving me Iris’s business card.”

Lily grinned as she shook Foster’s hand. “It’s wonderful to see you again, sir.”

“Foster, please.” Foster patted her shoulder.

Iris continued the introductions. “Kayla Cooper Anderson is a member of the executive board.”

The older woman exuded timeless grace and style as she stepped forward to take Rose’s and Lily’s hands. Her large onyx eyes twinkled with satisfaction and perhaps mischief. “I’ve been anxious to meet Iris’s sisters. You both look lovely. Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for having us.” Rose returned Kayla’s smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Lily’s tone was gracious. If Rose didn’t know better, she’d think her sister was happy to be here.

“Rose and Van have already met.” Iris interrupted the exchange. “Lily, this is Van Carroll. He’s vice president of sales for Anderson Adventures.” She paused as her middle sister greeted the sales executive. “And Xavier Anderson is the company’s vice president of finance and Kayla’s son.”

Rose offered Tyler’s cousin a warm smile, but inside she was hurting for him. She was aware that Xavier recently had been betrayed by his girlfriend. Rose knew how much such deception hurt.

“Nice to meet you.” Xavier inclined his head as he shook her hand. Then he turned to Lily and his greeting seemed to linger. “Thank you for coming.”

Lily returned his greeting without seeming to notice the intensity in Xavier’s onyx eyes.

“We’d be honored if you’d join us at the lead table.” Foster extended the invitation as he offered Kayla his left arm.

Tyler escorted Iris. Xavier gestured for Lily to precede him, which left Rose and Donovan to bring up the rear.

Rose racked her brain for something to say to break the awkward tension. “I submitted your statement this morning.”

“Thank you.” Donovan gave her his money smile.