Shade held Lily’s hand as they went into the dining room. The table had been set lavishly. Both Shade and King sat on opposite ends, Lily sat next to him, Evie sat next to King, and Beth and Razer sat across from them.
He was forced to admit to himself that the food was good—a standing rib roast with fingerling potatoes and asparagus tips. Afterward, Henry brought out a chocolate mousse which had Shade wanting to take Lily’s portion. Only the sensuous way she was eating the damned stuff kept him from swiping it.
King was deliberately flaunting his wealth in front of them. Shade could have told him it was a wasted effort. Lily didn’t care about money other than how it helped others.
“Would you like more?” King asked Evie.
“No, I think that was enough,” Evie replied coldly.
While Shade sensed chemistry between the two, she wasn’t a pushover. If King thought she was, he wasn’t as experienced as Shade had read.
King nodded then turned his attention to Lily. “Would you like more?”
“Yes, please. I have a weakness for chocolate.”
Fuck! Shade didn’t know if his dick could take him watching her eat another bowl of that stuff.
After they finished their dessert, they went back into the living room. Shade resumed his seat next to Lily on the couch, sitting tensely.
The dinner had gone well. King had fed them good food in a relaxing atmosphere, luring them in like all good predators did.
“How do you like working in the church store, Lily?” King asked.
“I love it. The Christmas holidays have left our shelves almost bare, though, so we’re having a clothing and food drive this Sunday after church. There’s supposed to be a break in the weather. Pastor Dean—I mean, Lucky—thought it would be a good way for the new pastor to meet the congregation.”
“I’ll have to attend. It will be a good time to meet the rest of your friends.”
“That would be nice.”
“You’re content at the store instead of using your degree? After all, anyone can be a cashier.”
And so it begins, Shade thought, stiffening at the indirect insult.
“No, I really like it. It’s more than being a cashier. I have to approve of the needs of the people coming in—”
“I’m glad you don’t feel like you’re settling with the job opportunities available in Treepoint.”
King’s interruption of Lily talking didn’t sit well with Shade, or Beth by her expression. Razer wasn’t much happier, but he was able to hide it better.
“Lily’s excellent at her job. Several families in the community have benefited from Lily working there. She’s also helping them find jobs.” Shade’s arm went around Lily’s shoulder, and her eyes smiled up into his. He smiled back, his thumb rubbing the delicate flesh behind her ear.
“So, how did you two meet?”
“We met at the lake when I was in high school.”
Lily’s choice of words had King straightening in his chair, his indolent attitude disappearing.
“You allowed her to date a man of his age while she was still in school?” His accusation was directed at Beth, who paled at his harsh words.
“Of course not! I started dating Razer when Lily was in high school. As they were friends, naturally she met Shade. However, Lily and Shade didn’t start seeing each other until last summer.”
“A whirlwind courtship?”
“We had known each other for years.” Shade’s voice equaled King’s in attitude.
Lily’s head went back and forth between the men until her eyes settled on King. “I didn’t feel rushed, if that’s what you’re getting at.” Lily took Shade’s hand in hers, gripping it tightly.
“I didn’t mean to insinuate it was. I’m sorry if I implied otherwise.”
Bullshit, Shade thought, gritting his teeth.
“I’m very happy, King. Shade and I are looking forward to a long and happy marriage with children.”
“You’re not pregnant, are you? You’ve only been married a month.”
At Lily’s hurt expression, Shade’s hand went to her jaw, raising her face to his. He leaned over, giving her a kiss which would reassure Lily while at the same time pissing off King. Lily’s face was bright red when Shade let her lips go.
“Lily and I are both anxious to start our family, but no, she isn’t pregnant. Yet.” Shade kept his face impassive as he stared at King.
He intended to get Lily pregnant as soon as possible. She wanted children, and she would make an exceptional mother. Not only that, but it would tie her to him irrevocably for the rest of their lives.
King opened his mouth to reply.
“I think that’s wonderful, Lily. You’re going to make a great mother,” Evie said, cutting in before King had the chance.
King’s mouth snapped closed at her words, and Shade saw his hands clench on the arms of his chair. He hadn’t appreciated Evie butting in to the conservation.