“Not the one I would have chosen.”
His mother rubbed his shoulder. “How quickly she taught you the art of patience. Being willing to wait for what you want means it is that much sweeter once you have it.” He smiled tightly. “I’ll see you later, darling.”
The hired band began to play a slow song and he was moving across the room before he registered it.
Appearing at her side as she checked her list, he murmured, “Dance with me.”
She gave a small jump and a tiny yelp before she turned to him. “Elliot. You did it again.”
Stepping closer, he slid his hand along her waist and tugged her in the direction of the dance floor. “Dance with me.”
“I-I can’t dance.”
“A woman who has watched enough classic films to duplicate the wardrobe has practiced in her living room.”
Her small chuckle was accompanied by a light blush. Meeting his eyes, she shrugged one bare shoulder. “I’ve only danced once – with my dad – in public.”
“Allow me the privilege, Aubrey.”
At the edge of the parquet floor, he held out his hand and she placed hers in it with a deep breath.
From the first step he took with Aubrey Price in his arms, he knew the time had come to put up or shut up. She was graceful in her movements, confident in the steps, and satisfied to let him lead. She felt fantastic and he pulled her slightly closer to his body during the first turn.
“You look stunning tonight,” he told her quietly.
Her fingers gripped his shoulder. “Thank you, Elliot. You always look so lovely in a tuxedo.” She punctuated the statement with a happy sigh that made him feel ten feet tall. “I noticed that cameras were installed in the parking garage. It was kind of you.”
“Not kind so much as completely selfish.” He gave himself permission to stroke his thumb over the satin skin of her back just above the line of the dress and she stumbled slightly enough that no one watching would notice. “I’m sorry.”
Looking up, she met his eyes. “Don’t be.”
His eyes flicked down and he realized her nipples were barely visible through the heavier material around her breasts. They were hard.
“When I see you at events, you always stand out. Your fashion sense is incredible.”
Executing another turn, he pulled her closer still and rested his palm flat on the skin between her shoulder blades. Her fingers tightened around his.
“I drive into the city with a printout for a seamstress there to duplicate. I don’t know how to shop for a formal gown but if Ava Gardner or someone similar wore it, I like to hope it will still be appropriate. I have a local woman do my hair and makeup the day of because I only need help for business functions.”
“Didn’t you go to your senior prom?” She shook her head. “Why not?”
The song ended and she stopped, gently removing her hands and folding them in front of her. “I wouldn’t have felt right.”
“Why?”
Deep brown eyes that were more stunning every time he looked into them held his own. “I had a blind spot. Thank you for the dance, Elliot. Excuse me.”
He watched her return to her podium and smile for several people who approached. Bracing himself against one of the bar height tables surrounding the dance floor, he allowed the impact of what she’d said sink in.
Noah appeared at his side and handed him a drink. “Looks like you need this.”
Elliot took a long pull of the whiskey. He murmured, “She’s truly been in love with me for years.”
“Yup.”
Looking at his brother, he frowned. “You knew?”
“It’s a rare female who turns down two out of three McAllister men.” Noah shrugged and took a sip of his own drink. “I started paying attention.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You were the one she wanted. As much as we chased her, talked about her, watched her…how did you not know?”
Elliot let his eyes find her across the room, took his time strolling over the vision of her from the back, and couldn’t figure out how he’d been so clueless.
As she glanced over her shoulder, their eyes met. Setting down his drink, he said firmly, “I know now.”
This time, she watched him walk across the room to her. It was the first time in weeks that he hadn’t managed to startle her.
Stepping close, he leaned his arm on the podium and stared into her face. “Aubrey?”
“Yes, Elliot?” Her voice was breathless.
“Allow me to take you home.”
Her possible answer was lost as his older brother entered with his new bride. Tiffany listened as Gage murmured in her ear and her eyes went wide.
The woman released her husband’s arm, hiked up her designer gown, and ran toward Aubrey in four-inch heels.
* * *
A small blonde whirlwind practically knocked Aubrey off her feet before clutching her in an almost painful hug. Out of reflex, she hugged the woman back and earned a delicate sniffle against her shoulder.
The hug went on for a long time.
Finally pulling back, the exquisite woman stared at her with huge blue eyes filled with unshed tears.
“Aubrey, I’m Tiffany. Tiffany McAllister.”
“Oh goodness! It’s so wonderful to meet you at last.” She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “You’re far more beautiful in person. The photo announcing your marriage didn’t do you justice.”
“How kind of you to say that. I’ve been anxious to meet you, to thank you for protecting me several times over the past months. Only Gage and my cousin have ever done that for me.”
Tiffany held both her hands so she simply smiled at the woman’s husband. “Hi, Gage.”
“Aubrey. You’re pretty as a picture tonight.” He took in the room with a firm nod. “Another excellent turnout as far as I can see.”
She winked. “I hope so. The money raised will drastically change things for the three charities we’re highlighting.” Smiling at Tiffany, she added, “Your wife is lovely.”
“She’s been dying to meet you but I explained that your workload before an event is pretty intense.” He chuckled and bent to kiss his wife’s temple. “She was ready before I was tonight. Positively unheard of occurrence.”
Grinning, Tiffany took a deep breath. “Gage tells me you live just up the road. I didn’t know that or I’d have stopped by to thank you weeks ago. I wouldn’t want to invade your personal space. I mean, you didn’t know me, after all. Still, now that I know, I hope you won’t mind if I pop in now and again. I’ll give you my cell phone number. You simply must let me take you to lunch. I haven’t made many friends here but Gage has so many great things to say about you and we’re almost the same age. What do you think?”
“I think you have excellent lung capacity.” Aubrey tried to keep the awe out of her voice and failed.
The other woman laughed warmly, drawing a few censoring stares from some of the other guests.
Frowning, Aubrey firmed her expression and moved to wrap her arm around the blonde’s waist.
“We’re going to put an end to this bullshit tonight if I have to make a damn announcement. Come on, Tiffany. Gentlemen, please excuse us.”
* * *
Walking toward other side of the room, Aubrey held Tiffany back when she would have rushed.
“Slow your pace and keep your head up. With the older rich people in this town, it’s the appearance of propriety rather than actual propriety that counts.” Looking into bright blue eyes, she smiled. “The McAllisters excel at playing the game and the rules are easy to learn. I’ll help.”
Stopping in front of Bob and Mary Newgate, Aubrey smiled and kissed their cheeks.
“It’s wonderful to see you both. I was telling Mrs. McAllister about the incredible work the paper has done covering children’s issues. It’s a topic I happen to know is particularly dear to her. She asked me to introduce you personally.”
“My in-laws spe
ak highly of you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the couple I’ve heard so much about over the last few months. When Aubrey told me you’d be here, I couldn’t wait to commend you on the feature you published about homeless children.”
As Aubrey listened appreciatively, Tiffany drew Bob and his wife into an in-depth conversation. After five minutes, the blonde glanced over her shoulder and smiled.
“Gage is talking to his parents and I didn’t get a chance to see them this morning. It was such a pleasure.”
“The pleasure was ours, Mrs. McAllister.”
“I hope to see you during the holiday events. I hear Aubrey arranges the most beautiful Christmas celebrations.”
“She does indeed and we look forward to them every year.”
They made their exit and Tiffany was practically vibrating as they sedately approached Phillip and Octavia McAllister who stood with their sons.
“Oh my…” Aubrey gently stroked her forearm. “Crap. Let me start over with my indoor voice. Okay!”
She took a deep breath and explained her introduction to the Newgates. When she was done, she told them with a smile, “Aubrey is going to make me a lady.”
“You’re already a lady who is intelligent, articulate, and beautiful. I’m simply going to show you how to navigate the self-righteous hypocrites you might encounter.”
“Very well said, Aubrey,” Phillip told her quietly.
The blonde blinked back tears. “You really think I’m a lady, Aubrey?”
“I know you are. You also have a kind and generous heart.” Stepping closer, she whispered in the other woman’s ear. Pulling back, Tiffany gripped her in a tight hug and Aubrey excused herself.
* * *
“What did she say?” Gage asked as Aubrey returned to the podium where guests waited. “Why are you crying?”
Tiffany accepted a tissue from Octavia. “She said she’d known you since she was little but had never really seen you smile until you brought me home with you.”
Elliot watched his older brother cup his wife’s face in his big hands and kiss her lips lightly. “Absolutely true.”
“I hope she’ll be my friend.”
As the words left her mouth, Aubrey returned. “I have another little break. Ready?” She wrapped her arm through Tiffany’s and tugged her toward a small group of dour faced men and women.
By the time the two young women moved on, the group was clearly charmed.
Gage said, “She’ll change everything for Tiffany.”
Octavia replied quietly, “Aubrey was born and raised in this town. Though her father was a simple farmer, she understands how to conduct herself better than most debutantes do. People love her but more importantly, they respect her. She will ensure they leave Tiffany alone. It was a skill her mother possessed as well.”
Throughout the evening, Aubrey facilitated Tiffany’s interactions with the town’s elite. Twice, she brought her to Gage and whispered, “Dance break.”
Tilting his head the second time she did it, Elliot asked, “Why dance breaks?”
“I typically only play songs from the forties and fifties at these events because it makes the stuffy church set feel nostalgic. If Tiffany appears to enjoy a song by Sinatra and dances with her husband to it, it adds another layer of acceptability. It’s a ridiculous process but one that is required in small towns all over the country.”
He stared at her in silence until she met his eyes. Smiling shyly, she asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You fascinate me.”
“I’m the same person I’ve always been, Elliot.”
“I wasn’t paying attention.” Taking her hand, he led her toward the dance floor without another word. Only when she was in his arms did he feel sane. “Let me take you home, Aubrey.”
“No.”
Her rejection stung but he thought he understood. “Tell me why.”
“I think you’ve finally figured out that you’re a particular weakness of mine. I’d rather you be sure you know what you’re doing. I don’t want to regret time spent with you. I love my home and I love my job.”
“I like your honesty.” Gathering her closer, he felt her inhale sharply. “Allow me to return the favor. I like the person you are, Aubrey. I respect you and I’m ashamed to admit I don’t respect many women.” He let his palm smooth across her back, massaging lightly. “I want you. So much that it borders on desperation.”
The song ended and he hugged her tighter before reluctantly letting her go. Turning her hand, he kissed the back. His eyes lifted and he smiled at her expression.
“I’ll wait. Perhaps not patiently, but I’ll wait.”
Seeming to organize her thoughts, she took a step closer to him and stared up into his face. “Waiting helps the mind to focus. I ask that you be cautious, be certain of your motives, because it is more than desire for me.”
Chapter Ten
Beginning October 2013
Aubrey was helping one of her father’s friends load in the hay Trix would need for the winter months when she heard a car in the drive.
Peeking through the double doors of the barn, she saw Gage’s SUV stop near the house. He and Tiffany got out. The blonde waved enthusiastically and headed in her direction. She wore a pink jogging suit and sneakers.
When she moved to give her a hug, Aubrey said, “I’m literally covered in hay and dust. You’ll get your pretty clothes dirty.”
Rolling her eyes, she delivered the hug anyway. “I don’t care about a little ol’ hay. I grew up in Georgia. As a matter of fact, you need any help?”
“Certainly not! You’ll be all wrecked and it’ll be my fault.” At that moment, Kyle Washington walked out of the barn.
“You’re all set, Aubrey.”
“Thanks so much for your help, sir. I’d have gone out to Josh’s place to get the hay.”
“I’m happy to bring it. I wanted to bring Kia’s pie for you. She was real upset to hear about your daddy. I told her how nice you planned things for Brian and she told me she knew you’d have done it up right. She was away helping one of her sisters after surgery. Said she’ll be out soon enough with the girls.”
“That would be lovely. I haven’t seen Kate and Krista in years.” She gave him a smile. “Real nice about Josh and Kate.”
“You’ll be getting an invitation to that chaos soon enough.” He gave her a wink and turned to Gage. “Boy, you grew up big.”
“Thank you, sir. This is my wife, Tiffany.”
“You sure are pretty and not even a single horn. I have to admit my disappointment. Overheard that old bat at Krista’s salon last week going on about you. I swear her jealousy is like a glow around her.”
Tiffany laughed and he shrugged. “My girl told her to keep her trash talk to herself. I’m just relieved things didn’t escalate.” He gave a mock shiver and glanced at Aubrey. “You know that girl ain’t always got a lot of decorum.”
“I know that’s right. Would you like to join us for coffee?”
“Nah, honey. I have to get back out to the house. We have grandbaby duty tonight. I’m gonna spoil ‘em rotten and send ‘em home wound for sound.” With a tip of his hat, he headed for his truck.
“If y’all will give me just a minute to clean up, I’ll put some coffee on.” They followed her to the house and waited while she took off her filthy boots. “Make yourselves at home and I’ll be out in five.”
“Girl take your time. Do you ever rest?”
Pausing to think about it, Aubrey laughed. “Not really, I guess. When I’m still, it makes me miss my dad. I try to stay busy. It helps. Be right back.”
In her bedroom, Aubrey stripped and took a fast shower. Piling her hair on her head, she slipped worn jeans and an old t-shirt over her underthings. Barefoot, she returned to her unexpected but welcome company.
Elliot stood in the middle of her living room.
His eyes tracked up and down the length of her body and she took in his outfit that was similar t
o her own, with worn boots on his feet.
Walking across the hardwood floor to her kitchen, she tried to stop the pounding of her heart and the tingling of her lips. Since experiencing his kiss, it was all she thought about day after day.
Aubrey walked straight to the kitchen to start coffee. It was jarring to see Elliot in her house again.
By the time it was brewing, she was able to turn to her guests with a sincere smile.
Gage and Tiffany approached her at the island as she set out sugar and creamer. Elliot stood slightly behind them.
She set out a tray of cookies from the local bakery and poured coffee when it was ready. Moving to lift the tray, she chuckled when Elliot carried it to the farm table for her with a wink. They took chairs and she smiled at the blonde.
“Tiffany, the stuff you provided for the auction made a big difference. The patrons practically fought over every item. You’re a natural at this fund-raising crap.”
Reaching out, Tiffany squeezed her forearm. “Thank you. For everything you did for me. I received invitations for the first time in the last week. That’s because of you and how you made me seem acceptable.”
“No, honey. You were already acceptable. These old rednecks just get stuck up in their ways and need to remember common decency. It’s not hard. It’s all about being consistent. If you follow those stupid little rules I gave you for a few events, appear on the arm of one of this town’s golden boys, you’ll be brought into the fold.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“It is. I’m not anybody, Tiffany. My daddy was a farmer and worked hard every day of his life. It isn’t about money or even power. None of that matters. It’s looking people in the eye, using soothing manners, smiling pretty while you make them write big checks, and not showing too much cleavage in the case of us women.”
Tiffany burst out laughing. “I might need some help with that last one.”
Aubrey shook her head. “Nope. You dress real pretty and you do have money and power on your side. Victoria might huff and puff but at the end of the day, she knows Gage and his family will burn down her life if she shows her ass too much.”
Somebody: A Country Romance Page 6