He was starting to worry Scott wasn't going to show when a familiar SUV pulled up to the valet. The jet-black Escalade was hard to miss, but the G4M3G0D vanity plates were a dead giveaway. A whisper of relief passed over him. An attendant opened the passenger door, and Zach's eyes grew wide as he saw who stepped out. He slid his sunglasses down his nose to make sure he wasn't imagining it.
A white sundress that dipped low enough to show a hint of cleavage, but not so low it was inappropriate, had replaced Rae's gauzy top and denim skirt. A sliver of pink peeked out from under one of the shoulder straps. Apparently, even though she’d grown up, that hint of unique he'd always adored in her was still tucked away right under the surface. The bottom edge of her dress swirled around her legs and ended just above her knees, elongating well-toned legs. The sinking sun caught traces of auburn in her sandy hair, refreshing the lingering memory of strawberry shampoo that had teased Zach since he’d lifted her onto his desk. Scott had said he was bringing someone and insisted she was just a friend who’d make things more comfortable. Maybe Zach should have asked for more details.
The couple stepped onto the curb, and Zach extended a hand. “Running into you is becoming a habit.”
Rae hesitated before accepting the handshake. “No date?” She flushed and ducked her head, leaning into Scott. “Sorry, wasn't thinking.”
Scott wrapped an arm around her waist.
Zach noted the intimate interaction. He had to bite the tip of his tongue to keep from making a joke about the two dating. No reason to make things even more awkward in a situation that already promised to be less than pleasant.
Rae wrapped the strap of her purse around her finger and released it.
Even if Zach had known what to say, their dinner companions heading toward them put a hold on any casual conversation. He pasted on a smile, and taking the hint, Scott turned to face Vance and Selina. Both were dressed in their work clothes still, even though Selina had taken her hair down and let it drape around her shoulders and down her back.
Zach hadn’t had a chance to get a good look at her in the office. He took the opportunity now, using his sunglasses to hide his observations. Selina’s jacket accentuated every subtle curve on her tall frame without showing any skin between the neck and knees. He let his fantasy trip over what was hidden under the burgundy suit and peach button-down. Black lace, maybe? Or something more practical?
Probably nothing as fun as hot pink. He glanced at Rae. Yeah, he needed to fix that wandering distraction. Maybe she was free after dinner.
“Gentlemen, I’m glad you had time this evening.” Vance shook their hands.
Like we had a choice. “It sounded like a great chance to get away and get to know the two of you better.”
“I'm sorry to see your girlfriend couldn't join us. Or is she not here yet?” Selina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I'm afraid work demands so much of my time I don’t have a social life.” Zach tried not to choke on the pleasantries. He didn't mind the platitudes most of the time, but hated discussing his private life. “There's no girlfriend.”
Scott stepped in. “This is Lorraine.”
Zach bit back his surprise. Rae was using her full name. Some of the muscles in his neck loosened, and his shoulders relaxed. She was taking this as seriously as they were. There to support Scott, nothing more. That might actually make the night go smoother.
Vance shook Rae’s hand. “We should head inside. I'd hate to keep you out so late you can't finish your homework.”
Zach’s bit the inside of his cheek. He was seconds away from giving a notably unprofessional response. He knew the older man was rude, but really?
Rae’s smile didn’t match the way her hand tightened on her purse. “It's all right. I don't usually work at night, but the right people know how to get a hold of me.”
“What do you do, dear?” Selina asked.
Rae unzipped the outside pocket on her purse. She plucked two business cards from a small silver case and held them out. “Financial and operations consultant.”
Vance tucked the offered card into his jacket pocket. “Interesting. I didn't realize the unemployed got such fancy titles.”
Rae's smile twisted but didn't falter. “Neither did I.”
“You misunderstand.” Zach couldn’t keep the edge from his tone. It took most of his remaining restraint to keep from speaking through clenched teeth. “Lorraine is one of the most sought after names in the country. Anyone worth the C in front of their title is familiar with her name and knows she can make any budget work. A talent like that doesn’t tie herself to a single employer.”
“That’s an impressive recommendation.” Selina stepped between Zach and Vance.
Scott cleared his throat. “She deserves it. I think our reservations are waiting?” As they headed toward the restaurant, he wrapped an arm around Rae’s waist again and shot Zach a glance, eyebrow raised.