Derringer’s mouth dropped. They hadn’t gone near his home. “That’s a lie.”
“I know, but she’s intent on spreading that rumor. I don’t know what you have planned for the ball, but it better be good, and hopefully it will put a stop to Ashira once and for all.”
Derringer nodded. “Trust me. It will.”
“You sure you’re all right, sweetheart?”
Lucia glanced over at her parents, namely, her dad, who had a concerned look on his face. “Yes, Dad, I’m fine.”
He smiled. “Well, you look simply beautiful.”
And considering everything, she felt beautiful. Chloe had nearly worn her out last weekend. They hadn’t just shopped in Denver but had caught one of those commuter planes to Boulder to do some shopping there as well. In the end, she felt like Cinderella entering the ball. And just like good ole Cinderella she feared she would leave the ball without her man.
The moment she and her parents entered the huge ballroom she drew in a deep breath at the number of people in attendance. But then, she really wasn’t surprised. The Westmoreland Foundation provided funds to a number of charities and for that very reason the people of Denver were always supportive.
It didn’t take long to pick out all the Westmorelands, especially the males. Whether they were from the north, south, east or west, they had similar looks and builds. In their black tuxes, they were all tall, dashing and ultrahandsome and, not surprisingly, even with their wives on their arms most of the other women present had their eyes on them with wishful expressions on their faces.
She had met all of them at Chloe’s wedding and again at Gemma’s. They were a nice group of people and she thought Chloe was blessed to be a part of the Westmoreland clan.
It seemed Chloe spotted her the moment she arrived and eagerly pulled her from her parents’ side, telling her over and over just how ravishing she looked. So did Bailey, Megan, Gemma and a number of the other Westmoreland women. All the men spoke to her and as usual Zane gave her a naughty wink, which made her chuckle.
She released a deep breath, glad no one was acting or behaving any differently toward her, although all that might change once Derringer arrived with Ashira on his arm. She was just speculating and couldn’t help doing so when both he and Ashira didn’t appear to be present. No sooner had that thought left her mind than she glanced up and Ashira walked in with a couple of her girlfriends. Lucia was surprised she wasn’t with Derringer.
A short while later, Lucia was dancing with Jason when Derringer cut in. She glanced up and tried her best not to narrow her gaze at him. The last thing she wanted was to let him know just how badly he had hurt her, although she was sure he had a clue, which was the reason for the flowers. But if he thought he could woo her and sleep with Ashira at the same time then he had another thought coming.
“Lucia.”
She wished he didn’t say her name quite that way. With that same throatiness she remembered so well. “Derringer.”
“You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. You look handsome yourself.” That was no lie. For some reason, tonight he looked more handsome than ever.
“I’m glad you came.”
“Are you?”
“Yes, and I hope you liked the flowers.”
“I did, but they mean nothing as far as rekindling our relationship. It’s over, Derringer.”
He shook his head. “Things will never be over between us. If you read all those cards then you know you’re the only woman I want.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right, go tell that to someone else.”
He smiled. “I don’t have a problem telling anyone else. In fact, I think I will tell everyone.”