Promise of Love by Jodi Vaughn

Author:Jodi Vaughn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jodi Vaughn

Chapter 17

Neal rang the doorbell as Tabitha held an elaborate cheese platter in her hand. He had his hand on her lower back. Something in his gut clenched and he needed to make sure she was near him the whole night.

The door swung open and a man in a suit stood there. He was obviously security for the night.

“Hi, we’re Tabitha and Neal. Peter invited us over.” Tabitha flashed a smile.

Neal didn’t miss the way the guy looked over Tabitha.

“Peter didn’t mention you coming.”

“Then ask him.” Neal countered.

The man narrowed his gaze at him before pulling out his phone and sending a quick text. The man looked up and gave an apologetic smile. “My mistake. Come on in. Everyone is in the backyard.”

Tabitha walked inside gazing at the elaborately decorated mansion.

“Wow, this place is gorgeous.” She leaned into Neal.

“Yep.” He agreed.

She stopped and looked up at him. “What’s wrong? Are you upset because your place doesn’t look like this?”

“No.” He cringed. “I like my place just fine.”

“Nothing wrong with doing better in life.” Peter appeared from a hallway. He smiled at Tabitha. “My dear, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She beamed.

“Neal.” Peter stuck out his hand and the two men shook.

“We brought a cheese platter. I was going to make potato salad but I ran out of time.” She looked around. “Want me to set it outside or in the kitchen?”

“The kitchen is fine. And that’s very kind of you. My guests usually don’t bring anything. It’s nice to be thought of.”

“Well, I was raised right.”

“Your mother did a wonderful job.” Peter commented as she seat the platter down on the quartz countertop.

“My mother left when I was little. My father raised me, actually.” She cringed. “Which meant the ladies in the community had to teach me how to be a lady.”

“Interesting.” Peter was completely charmed by her honesty.

“Is everyone outside?” Neal looked around.

“Yes. Please this way. Help yourself to any of the food and there’s an open bar.” Peter opened the French doors that led outside.

Tabitha gaped at the massive pool and waterfall. There was an outside living area and a kitchen where two chefs were making gourmet burgers and fries. A large table laden with seafood sat near the bar. Another large table filled with desserts sat along a decorative wall.

“Here’s the plan.” He leaned near Tabitha’s ear.

“The plan is I’m going to eat. I’m starving.” She made a beeline for the grill where she ordered a burger from the cook.

Grimacing he made his way over to her.

She looked up just as the cook put a burger on her plate. “Want one? This looks delicious.” She sighed.

“No. I need to stay alert.”

“Well, I am more alert on a full stomach.” She added toppings to her burger, piled some fries on her plate and then grabbed an iced tea from the bar.

He reluctantly followed her over to a table where two burly men sat.

“Mind if we sit?” Tabitha asked politely.

“Not at all. Please sit.” The one dressed in shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt with the top three buttons undone made room.

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