Free My Only Wish by Anna Robbins Page B

evident.
    “I think that’s wonderful.”
    “It doesn’t matter that I don’t have a family?”
    “No. I can’t imagine not having mine, but that’s not it. What you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished, not many people can make the same climb. It takes a drive and ambition well beyond the normal person to do that. You must be very proud.”
    He looked into her eyes a moment as if searching for something before he turned away, filling up his glass with more water. “Not many people feel that way. They usually see a lack of family as inferior breeding.”
    Her eyes narrowed as she looked down at her lap, seeing him only in her periphery. “What nonsense. I never understood the idea that you are somehow better because you were born with more.” A slow smile curved his lips. “What?”
    “Just you. I’ve never had someone so willing to defend me.” He leaned in for a soft kiss. “Thank you.”
    Thrown off by the tender words, his gratitude, she blushed again. “Well, I meant it. No one can look at you now, at what you’ve done, and think you’re inferior to anyone.”
    The lull in conversation gave her the chance to compose herself.
    As the sun set, the lights came on inside the vehicle, accentuating their soft conversation until the driver interrupted. “We’ll be there shortly.”
    It only took a few more minutes to pull up to the museum that was hosting the benefit. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the modern structure was composed of a range of buildings all constructed in the same rose granite. The Hardy museum housed a range of pieces that pleased even the pickiest guest. With large courtyards and a variety of gardens surrounding the grounds, it boasted breathtaking views.
    “Ready?” he asked her as they pulled up, only nodding to the driver now that the privacy screen was down when she answered.
    The door opened, bringing in the crisp night air. The sounds of a string quartet mingled softly with the conversation of arriving guests.
    Tucking her hand into his arm, Dylan nodded to a few people as they walked in, allowing her the chance to fully experience the atmosphere.
    It was warmer inside, and her nose twitched at the faint mix of perfume in the air. Large crowds shuffled by the buffet tables, jockeying for the choicest morsels. Others twirled around the dance floor, entertaining the nearby onlookers who hovered at tables arranged around the floor.
    It was obvious that this particular building was where the more ancient pieces were housed; the classical décor whispered of a bygone time. It was easy to imagine men and women in Regency–style dress dancing a quadrille on the marble floors, surrounded by Doric columns and silhouetted by candles.
    The lighting, though modern of course, was muted, casting a rosy haze over the dancers as they swirled across the floor, occasionally catching a flash of the crystals above.
    Dylan leaned down, whispering in her ear. “What do you think?”
    “I think I’ve never seen anything like this. It looks like it should be in a magazine.”
    “It probably will be.”
    Her jaw dropped at the thought.
    “Dylan, it’s nice to see you.” A gentleman with graying hair stopped to greet him.
    “You too, Spencer. My I introduce my date, Miss Abby Carter?”
    She turned toward the man, offering him a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “The pleasure is mine, I assure you.” Though he looked to be the same age as her father, he cast her an appraising look that made her want to blush. “I would stay close to this one, Dylan.”
    “I plan on it.”
    The man laughed before moving on to speak with someone else.
    “Don’t mind him,” Dylan whispered in her ear as he led her farther into the room. “He hasn’t yet figured out that not every woman desires him.”
    “How is that possible?”
    Dylan shrugged after nodding to another person. “Usually someone worth that much money can have whoever he wants, regardless of his