Free Texas fury by Fern Michaels Page B

attention," he said. "I must leave with them."
    "I'll see you back at the house, Grandfather. I have to take Lacey home."
    "Say good night for me," the old man said softly.
    Riley watched his grandfather make his way around the table. He didn't approve. Somehow he'd known he wouldn't. None of the family approved. Jesus, what had he gotten himself into?
    Cary and Amelia walked around the empty ballroom. "What do you think, babe? Was this a party to end all parties?"
    "That about sums it up. All I want to do is go upstairs and take off my shoes."
    "Everyone had a good time. I don't know about you, but I think those Saudis made the night. When they came trooping in, all eyes were on them. And when Billie danced with one of them, I couldn't believe it. That's the picture that's going on the front page. You wait and see."
    Amelia yawned. "I wouldn't be surprised. I'm just grateful we don't have to clean up this mess." She looked at her watch. "It's two minutes after twelve. It's history now. Don't look so forlorn, darling. There will be other projects for you to work on. You deserve a rest."
    Cary swept his wife into his arms. "Tonight, my darling, you get a free ride, and I'm going to carry you over the threshold. Hang on!"
    Amelia squealed with delight. A perfect ending to a perfect evening.
    {48}

    UiUiiU CHAPTER THREE ))»))}»
    The overpowering stretch limo pulled into the long drive of Buckalew Big Wells. Ivy didn't wait for the turbaned driver to step out and open her door. She scrambled out and muttered a breathless "Thanks." The driver frowned. The young lady was supposed to wait. These Americans, they were all so impatient. He bowed low and offered his arm to escort her to the door. Ivy giggled and then sobered when she saw a look of horror spread across the man's face at the sight of the reindeer on top of the roof.
    Ivy was mortified. "It's... it's an advertisement. This is fine; you don't have to walk me any further. I can manage from here on. Listen, would you mind... What I mean is, oh hell, what do you guys wear under all those white sheets?"
    The driver grinned, his teeth as white as the turban on his head. "As little as possible."
    "Uh huh, that's kind of what I thought. Thank you for driving me home. I really appreciate it. I know you must want to get back to the party and all...."
    "Yes, the party. I will sit in the car and wait. You are the wise one to leave so early. It sounded like a... rousing party."
    "It was rousing all right. Thanks again."
    Ivy grinned in the darkness when she saw the driver glance back over his shoulder at the garish Christmas display on the roof. She laughed aloud when she saw him shake his head in disbelief.
    Ivy closed her bedroom door and stripped off the ugly brown dress, a defiant purchase made years ago to annoy her mother. It had backfired, though, when Tess said, "It suits you."
    Snug in a beautifully tailored mauve robe with satin piping down the front, a Christmas gift last year from Lacey, she settled herself in a chair by her bedroom window. She stared into the black, cold night waiting for the first sight of Riley and Lacey's return.
    {49}

    She'd been so sure Riley would ask her to dance. She'd boned up on the latest steps so she wouldn't appear awkward and nervous in his arms. Not only didn't he dance with her, he didn't come near her all evening. Three times she'd fought her way to the banquet table, and then to the bar when she saw Riley heading that way, but she'd been stonewalled by the crowds. The highlight of the evening was her dance with Cole, and their serious conversation, and her meeting with Riley's grandfather. She loved the old Japanese on sight.
    Damn Riley Coleman!
    The evening wasn't a total loss. Shadaharu Hasegawa had liked her, she could tell. She'd made him laugh aloud and she'd made him smile and she'd made him talk. When he arranged for her to get home, he'd patted her on the head and then clasped both her hands in his frail ones. "We have