that she was halfway down before she saw Cy standing by the door in his black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and perfectly tied black bowtie. The tuxedo emphasized his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and hugged his muscled legs.
“I think I’m going to cry,” Kenna whispered to Dani as she sniffled.
Crying wasn't what Gemma was thinking about. Roaring emotions flooded her as she felt happiness, fear, and guilt. Cy was fun to be with and she felt a closeness to him that she couldn’t even describe. She just knew that no matter what, through the highs or the lows in life, he’d be there for her with a cocky smile and a gentle touch. But thinking of a future she badly wanted was scary, too. What if he didn’t feel the same way? What if he really was the player that he seemed to be in California? And then there was the guilt. The loss of her sister was overwhelming at times and she felt horrible that Gia would never have these feelings. It was that feeling that was winning out. She shouldn’t be engaging in an affair while her sister’s killer was free.
Cy had been waiting for what seemed like forever when he finally heard the group of women emerge from Gemma’s room. He was lucky he already owned a tux and was ready and waiting for Gemma as soon as he ironed the wrinkles out. One look at her, though, and the wait had been worth it. She looked breathtaking as she came down the stairs. It was going to be hard to remember tonight was a job.
“You’re beautiful,” Cy said as he took her hands in his and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
“She is, isn’t she?” Kenna blew her nose into a tissue and batted her teary eyes.
“What is the matter with you?” Dani whispered as she nudged her.
“It just reminds me of Will and me and this house and . . .” Cy didn’t know what to do as Kenna wiped the tears from her eyes. She was all red in the face and teary-eyed and he felt a slight moment of panic.
“Oh, bless your heart,” Miss Lily cried as she too grabbed a tissue and raced across the entranceway to embrace Kenna.
“What?” His sister seemed as confused as he was.
Dani smacked Paige and then joined Miss Lily in the hugs and tears. Cy almost laughed as Paige’s eyes widened before squealing and leaping into the knot of friends.
“I think we’re missing something,” Cy whispered to Gemma. When she didn’t answer, he looked down at her face and saw a single tear running down her face and a huge smile on her lips. “Okay, what’s going on?”
“She’s pregnant, you goof,” Gemma said as if he were the stupidest man in the world. But it was the envious yet happy look on her face that had him picturing her carrying his child.
“I’m so sorry to ruin your moment. These pregnancy hormones kick in and won’t stop until I’ve cried them out,” Kenna apologized as she fanned her face with her hands.
“Don’t worry. I’m very happy for you and Will. Now, if y’all will excuse me, I have a gorgeous woman to dance with. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.” Cy turned and held out his arm for Gemma before leading her down the stone path toward the truck.
Gemma looked up at the old colonial house where the ball was being held. A valet came and opened her door before taking the keys from Cy. A red carpet ran up the brick pathway lined with roses. She felt as if she were both in a fairy tale and a nightmare. She didn’t know which to attribute to the nerves she was feeling.
“Relax. We’re just here to have a good time,” Cy whispered as he led her into the large open ballroom. Couples were dancing, drinking, and mingling as Cy led her straight onto the dance floor.
Cy put his arm around her waist and swept her into the dance. Gemma fumbled and cringed when she slammed her foot onto his toe. “I’m so sorry. I’m used to dancing in clubs, not like this.”
She relaxed some when he just laughed. She didn’t hear it, but she felt his shoulders bounce. “It’s okay. We can go clubbing next. For now, just stop looking at your feet. Look at me and trust me to lead you safely around the dance floor.”
Gemma looked up into his clean-shaven face and wanted to run a hand down his cheek. He exuded confidence as he navigated her through the crowded floor. She leaned forward and noticed the subtle smell of cologne—cedar dancing with fresh lemon. She drew in a deep breath, and Cy’s arm tightened around her back, bringing her flush against him.
“You keep doing that and I may forget all about dancing,” he whispered before pressing a kiss to the delicate skin beneath her ear.
Gemma warmed as he pulled slightly back and looked into her eyes. She felt such intimacy when he looked at her that her body started to hum with anticipation. She ran her tongue over her lips, closed her eyes, and leaned forward to kiss him.
“There he is,” Cy stated as he turned her abruptly on the dance floor and started leading her toward the far side of the room.
“Huh?” Gemma tripped over her foot and stomped on Cy’s toes again.
“Arthur Pinnelli. He’s talking to the mayor and I think it’s time to go say hi.” Cy dropped the pretense of dancing and grabbed her hand.
“Wait. Shouldn’t we have a game plan?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Cy’s mask fell into place as he shot her a carefree smile. Gemma took a deep breath and ran through everything her improv teacher taught her back in school.
“Mayor Austin, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Cy interrupted as he came to stand next to the tall mayor across from the goateed man.
“Cy Davies, you son of a bitch. I didn’t know you were back in town.” The mayor slapped Cy on the back and Gemma didn’t know who was more surprised—she or Pinnelli.
“Just got back a couple days ago. And don’t forget you owe me twenty dollars from that pick-up game last year. Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Cy shot Pinnelli a look that said he was definitely anything but sorry.
“Nonsense. Meet Arthur Pinnelli. He’s just moved here and is looking to open…” the mayor turned to Pinnelli questioningly. “What kind of business were you looking to open again?”
“Art gallery. I’m so very sorry, but I just received a text that a painting I want to buy is about to go up for auction. I need to call my buyer and make sure he knows what to bid. Excuse me.” Pinnelli gave a brief smile to the mayor and shook his hand before making a quick departure toward the valet.
Gemma wanted to race after him, but Cy started talking guy-talk with the mayor and squeezing her hand as she watched Pinnelli wind his way through the crowd. Finally Cy squeezed so hard she realized he was talking to her.
“This is my girlfriend, Gemma Perry. Gemma, meet one of my old buddies, Dan Austin.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Gemma forced out as she tried to keep an eye on Pinnelli.
“It’s nice to meet you, too. I didn’t know you had settled down, Cy,”
“She hasn’t agreed to yet. Maybe after one more dance I can convince her. Excuse us, Dan. Give Janie my best and let’s meet up next week for a pick-up game,” Cy said as he started directing Gemma to the dance floor.
“Sounds good. Enjoy your night. It was nice meeting you, Miss Perry.”
Gemma shot him a quick smile as Cy whisked her onto the dance floor and danced her right toward the entrance. “I had the valet keep the truck handy. I told him we wouldn’t be long.”
“You could've told me you knew the mayor. And what good did it do to let Pinnelli know we knew who he was?”
“People do stupid things when they get panicked. He didn’t have time to prepare a response or think how to act. If I lose him now, though, it'll be bad.” Cy hurried her from the floor and through the crowd.
Gemma felt her stomach drop at the sight of the red convertible zipping out of the circular drive. Cy gave a sharp whistle as they ran down the red carpet. The valet looked up and with a nod grabbed a set of keys and tossed them to Cy.
“Right there, sir.” The young man pointed to the truck sitting just fifteen feet away.
“Oh thank goodness,” Gemma said with a sigh of relief as she hiked up her dress and sprinted toward the truck—well, as fast as one could sprint in four-inch heels.
“You know, you really should have more faith in me. I do this stuff for a living, after all,” Cy shot back to her as he reached the truck and started it.
Gemma didn’t have time to respond before the large V8 engine hurled the truck forward. She scrambled to put on her seatbelt and hang on for dear life as he took turns faster than she thought possible in such a big
