Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)

“You okay?” he asked when they were relatively alone.

She made herself look into his dark eyes. “Yes. You?”

One corner of his mouth turned up. “Never better.” His mouth straightened. “About this morning,” he began. “It was unexpected.”

“I know.”

“And great.”

Now she smiled. “Better than great. But private.”

His expression relaxed. “Exactly.”

“Because it isn’t anyone else’s business and we have to work together this weekend.” Not to mention the fact that she had no idea if it had been a one-time thing or if they were going to see each other again.

“Hello, my love.”

Dellina saw Lark and Reggie approaching. “Parental alert behind you.”

“I knew my luck was too good to last,” Sam muttered before turning. “Mom. Dad. You made it.”

“Of course we made it,” Lark said as she pulled him close. “I’m very excited to meet your clients. Plus we get to spend more time with you.”

She stepped toward Dellina as Reggie hugged his son. But before Lark drew Dellina into what she knew would be an enthusiastic embrace, Lark hesitated. Her blue eyes widened and she smiled broadly.

“Reggie, look,” Lark said, her voice carrying through the foyer of the hotel. “Sam and Dellina had sex today. And from the glow on her face and the way she’s carrying herself, the orgasms were especially delicious.”

* * *

DELLINA CAREFULLY PULLED up the side zipper of the black taffeta dress she wore. It was by a designer whose name she couldn’t pronounce. One of Taryn’s castoffs from their clothing exchange a couple of months before and the only one Dellina had thought could be let out enough to actually fit her.

The bodice had lots of shirring and was fitted to the waist. The skirt flared out to just above the knee. A designer friend had worked her magic, inserting matching panels into the side seams, giving Dellina the extra few inches she’d needed. The V in front was low enough to be evening appropriate but not so low as to show anything. Tonight wasn’t about her. Despite being invited to the party, she was staff, not a guest. Staff who had slept with the boss.

Dellina pressed her hands to her cheeks. She’d redone her makeup, hoping to cover what seemed to be a permanent blush. While not everyone had heard what Lark had proclaimed, Taryn, Jack and Kenny had, along with the front desk clerks, a couple from Omaha and a few others she didn’t know. At least none of the Score guests had arrived yet.

Still, she was humiliated. Not because of what she’d done, but because it made her seem unprofessional. She was good at her job and she didn’t want people thinking less of her.

Someone knocked on her door. She opened it and found Taryn in the hallway.

“How are you holding up?” her friend asked as she walked in.

“I’ve had better moments,” Dellina admitted. “And I’m sorry about...”

Taryn waited, her blue-violet gaze more amused than judgmental. “Yes? I don’t think you’re sorry for sleeping with Sam. You liked it the last time.”

“Well, it’s more about work than anything else.”

Taryn shook her head. “It’s not you, it’s Lark. We all get that. I’m not going to say anything and the guys aren’t going to say anything. No clients heard. I figured you were upset and I came to say don’t be.”

Dellina wished letting go was that easy. “I’m worried about tonight.”

“Try to let it go. I had a little talk with Lark and Reggie and they promise to be on their best behavior.”

“Is that enough?”

“They can be controlled for short periods of time. It’s fine.” Taryn headed for the door, then turned back. “About Sam,” she began. “Like I said before. Don’t break his heart.”

“I won’t.” An easy promise. Sam wasn’t interested in her that way.

Taryn smiled and then left.

Dellina finished getting ready. She put on simple gold hoops, then slid on the beautiful bangle she’d been given earlier. She took her tote and her ever-present lists, then headed out.

When she got to the dining room, Sam was already there. He wore a dark suit and white shirt, both of which looked really good on him. He’d obviously showered and shaved, and when she looked at him she felt a distinct quiver deep in her chest.

Attraction, she told herself. Nothing more. And if it was something else, then it was Taryn’s silly comments about not breaking his heart. As if she could.

“I’ve already checked the place settings and talked to the head server for the dinner,” he said.

“That would be my job.”

“I know, but I wanted to talk to you.” He moved close and lightly touched her cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Of course. Busy, but otherwise, just peachy.”

His mouth twisted. “My mother is a problem.”

“She’s always interesting, I’ll give you that.”