“I’m sorry if I seemed less than enthusiastic. I was a little overwhelmed by your generosity and the fact that you remembered my year anniversary.” Not to mention there’d been that pesky longing to throw herself into his arms. “I can’t believe how fast the time has gone.”
“Claire.”
Don’t look at him. Don’t look...
She might as well try to stop the sun from rising. His vivid blue eyes were mesmerizing. While it was true she’d shut down her sexuality, choosing instead to focus on being a mother, her body recognized the signs of sexual interest even as her brain denied it.
Linc, attracted to her?
Ridiculous.
Yet maybe not?
Living in such close proximity had enabled her and Linc to become friends of a sort. After all, Claire was the woman who took care of his house and fussed over him like a mother hen, making sure he ate well and providing a sounding board for him to share his thoughts. And in his vulnerable state after breaking off his engagement, he could feel safe around her because she was just his employee.
And that was all it should be between them.
Besides, she was wary of romantic entanglements after dealing with the way Jasper had changed over the course of their relationship. And Linc wouldn’t repeat his mistake of falling for someone his mother didn’t approve of. Claire put the brakes on her train of thought.
“I probably shouldn’t say this...” He dragged his gaze over her lips.
Her dormant hormones flared to life. She swayed and placed her palm against the cool granite countertop to steady herself.
Falling for Linc was the height of stupidity, but how much harm could there be in tumbling into bed with him? Such an arrangement might benefit them both in the short-term. Besides, the gossip was already circulating about just such a thing. If she was already being blamed, why not actually be guilty.
“Say what?” she asked, losing her fight with temptation.
A knock sounded on the kitchen door. Regret filled her as she took a jerky half step away from Linc.
“That’ll be tonight’s waitstaff,” she said in a breathless rush. “Your guests will be arriving shortly. You should...” Claire found herself unable to finish the statement. Her thoughts darted and spun, refusing to form any recognizable pattern. “Be ready to greet them,” she concluded at last.
Linc’s wide grin left little doubt he recognized his ability to fluster her. “I’ll go do that.”
Claire’s knees wobbled as she made her way toward the kitchen door. She’d met the two people working for her tonight when she’d first arrived in Charleston. She and Jenny Moore had become friends and often met for lunch. Steve Henning was Jenny’s boyfriend, and on a couple occasions, Claire had agreed to be fixed up with one of Steve’s friends so the four of them could double date. While the evenings had been fun, none of the men had appealed to her enough to keep seeing them.
“Thanks for helping me out tonight,” Claire said as she invited them into the kitchen.
“We’re glad to be here,” Jenny replied. She was a bubbly brunette who often spoke for the pair. “I can’t believe we’re serving for Linc Thurston’s dinner party. Is he as gorgeous in person as on TV?”
“You’ll have to see for yourself.” Claire glanced at Steve to see his reaction but glimpsed only fond amusement on his narrow face as he gazed at Jenny. They really were the cutest couple.
“Steve’s nephew gave us Linc’s rookie card,” Jenny said, reaching into her purse and pulling out a card encased in plastic. “Do you think he’d sign it for him?”
“I’m sure he would.” Claire glimpsed a bit of sparkle on Jenny’s left hand and gasped. “You two are engaged? When did that happen?”
Jenny was glowing as she glanced up at Steve. “Last night.”
“That’s amazing.” Claire wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed, before turning to Steve. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“We’re pretty excited as well,” Jenny said.
“Have you set a date?”
“We’re thinking next April. Both of us have huge families, so the wedding is going to be big. We’ll need lots of time to plan.”
As much as Claire could’ve stood around and listened to Jenny describe her dream wedding, all three recognized they had a job to do. There would be plenty of time to talk after the meal was served and the guests left.
While Claire walked them through her menu and the wines she’d chosen, she noticed a trace of wistfulness threading through her emotions. Although she and Jasper had dated for several years, she’d never enjoyed the type of partnership Jenny and Steve had. Would she ever feel that with anyone? Should she settle for less? The thought didn’t appeal to her. Yet she loved being a mom and wanted more children. And as much as she’d adapted to raising Honey on her own, she didn’t want to slip up and get pregnant a second time without a solid commitment with the child’s father.
The sound of the door chimes came from the front of the house. Linc’s guests were starting to arrive. She needed to focus on the meal and push all unprofessional thoughts out of her mind. This proved easy once she heard all the laughter and jovial voices in the dining room. Claire was determined to make her first big dinner party for Linc memorable. She’d spent hours on the menu, deciding what flavor combinations might impress a group of people who were used to the finest.
“They’re raving about your lamb,” Jenny crowed as she entered the kitchen with an armload of empty plates. “I’d say Linc will be thanking you for making this dinner party memorable.”
Claire smiled in pleasure as she assembled the final course. “I’m really glad. I was nervous that the food wouldn’t be up to their regular standards.”
“Are you kidding?” Jenny peered over Claire’s shoulder as she plated the decadent chocolate cake with pomegranate sauce. “Your food rivals anything these types could find along King Street.”
Her friend’s
