A Pregnancy, a Party & a Proposal by Teresa Carpenter

Author:Teresa Carpenter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-05-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

THE BLUE FABRIC clung to Lauren’s curves. A fitted bodice flowed into two straps that both went over one shoulder, creating an asymmetrical keyhole. The straps narrowed to two-inch strips spanning her bare back. The skirt hugged her hips before falling in a straight line to the floor.

Ray sipped a well-balanced whiskey as he half listened to the mayor talking about the summit underway at the United Nations. Undoubtedly it was a worthy endeavor, but Ray found his attention held by two blue straps—or, more specifically, by the creamy skin they didn’t cover. His fingers itched to touch.

A few members of the society press were covering the event out front. They’d lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they’d spied him and Lauren. Made him glad he had the press statement ready.

Lauren had handled the congratulations and intrusive questions well, but her poise had failed to disguise the tremors running through her body—especially when an idiot had demanded to know if she was pregnant.

Ray had wanted to plant his fist in the man’s mouth. Instead he’d shut the questions off and moved her inside. They’d made it through the informal procession line with no further incident.

He enjoyed having her at his side. She neither preened nor disappeared. Nor did she defer to him, but treated him as he imagined she treated all her dates—as an equal. Which influenced those around them, easing the burden of his celebrity.

It was a treat he took full advantage of for over an hour. Difficult to enjoy an event when people feared approaching you or made the conversation all about you. This room held important men who wielded real power. Even casual discussions rippled with nuances of bigger things.

It was almost enough to engage his whole attention. But there was always a part of him aware of Lauren, whether she stood at his side or had wandered a few feet away in a breakaway discussion.

Something about the woman got to him.

He’d earned a reputation for being a hardcore bachelor long ago because he guarded his privacy and made it clear to all his companions that they could expect nothing more from him than a good time and a fond farewell.

Generally he stuck to two dating pools when he wanted female company: women in the industry but behind the camera, because they were familiar with what it meant to be in the limelight, or women unconnected with the industry, because he didn’t have to worry that they were trying to further their careers.

Lauren straddled the line, giving him the best of both worlds. He was comfortable with her—which might freak him out except for the sizzling chemistry between them.

He wouldn’t be used because of his occupation. He wouldn’t be used, period. Being seen as a meal ticket and an escape out of the neighborhood had taught him that harsh lesson before he’d ever made it big.

And the price had been the life of his child.

On his wedding day he had truly understood that anybody could be driven to kill.

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