Free Reunion for the First Time by K. M. Daughters Page A

payee blank for your discernment of the worthiest cause.”
    “Big word discernment, Wally. Good job,” Jack quipped.
    Unsteady, Lizzie looked up at Wallace.
    Did he know how much this meant to her? Finally he cared about something that was deeply important to her?
    Her heart leaped, hopeful. “This is wonderful. I don’t know how to thank you.”
    “Of course.” He slipped the checkbook into his jacket’s inner pocket.
    Wallace stared at her, a soft, pleading expression in his brown eyes. What does he want from me?
    “Well, then.” His tone was as soft as his unspoken plea.
    He shuffled his weight back and forth on his feet. “I’ll get back to my table. Perhaps you’ll save a dance for me?”
    “Of course, I will.” Touched, Lizzie couldn’t believe his behavior. In her past fantasies, he would be generous, giving and he would want her again. Maybe she was dreaming now.
    “Better get back to your date, Wally.” Jack dismissed him in a monotone.
    “I came stag.” Wallace bared his teeth in a frozen smile at Jack, excused himself and walked away.
    He’s alone? Maybe he’s not serious about that woman?
    The lights on the crystal chandeliers dimmed low, and the banquet hall glowed with flickers of candlelight reflected in a mirrored wall to Lizzie’s left intensifying the dream-like nature of the evening so far.
    Through the wall of French doors on her right, strings of white lights dotted trees and foliage. The orchestra played something sweet, melodic and heavy on the strings.
    “First dance with me, Beth?” Jack pushed his chair back and held out his hand.
    She placed her hand in his. Lizzie loved fairy lights and dreamy music. Jack’s warm hand covered hers so completely. He pulled her to her feet. She moved, light and graceful, to the dance floor and he took her in his arms.
    Resting her head against Jack’s chest, the solidity of him, she closed her eyes and let him take her wherever he chose. Grateful for her bodyguard, who fortified her with his strength, she was safe.
    When he whispered, “Is tonight going the way you wanted?” His warm breath on her hair sent shivers coursing down her body.
    “Yes, so far it’s perfect.” She looked up at him and savored the special intimacy of the slow dance. His deep blue eyes smoldered with an emotion she couldn’t read.
    “Wally seems to be coming around,” his voice gruff.
    “He does seem to be interested in me.”
    She rested her head against Jack’s chest again.
    “Want him to make his move?” Jack shifted his hand higher on her back as he turned her in the dance.
    “I suppose.” Curious about Jack’s intentions, she raised her head. His eyes blazed with a fierce and seductive power.
    His hand never left her back and pushed her closer to him. Heat pulsed from him, spiking her heartbeat. He bent his head and with one fluid motion tightened his hold even more. His soft lips pressed against hers.
    Embarrassed from the public display in the middle of a crowded dance floor, she wanted to pull away. His lips teased, the kiss deepened and the impulse to disengage evaporated. Lizzie didn’t care that people swirled near and she didn’t hold back. She couldn’t. Her lips answered his.
    Jack slowly ended the tantalizing connection. He continued dancing; still holding her, but he kept his distance from her body now and looked away from her over her head.
    She reeled and throbbed with the reaction he had stirred in her. “Jack…”
    “Ssshhhh. Here he comes.”
    “What?” Her mind didn’t seem to be working. “Here who comes?”
    “Wally will be cutting in, in three, two…” His voice a low whisper, his breath sent more tingles from her ear down her spine.
    Wallace tapped on Jack’s shoulder, and he let her go. Jack, straight-faced, stepped away and allowed Wallace to take his place. Lizzie awkwardly linked her hand in Wallace’s, so smooth and unlike Jack’s, and continued to dance. She didn’t feel safe at all anymore.
    ****
    Jack