Tanner is leaning against a Porsche, watching us. No, his eyes are locked solely on me, and I can tell from his intense stare, they have been this whole time. As ten sets of footsteps don’t miss a beat, my lips part. I grip Hannah’s hand and she looks over.
Tanner pushes off the car and slides his hands in his pockets.
I break free of his gaze and disappear.
CHAPTER 29
T ANNER
T he hall is dimly lit, round, black table cloths rest under a dozen glimmering chandeliers. There is a podium and stage, long curtains tied with gilded rope along the walls. Two bars accommodate the guests. One is to my right as I walk inside and the other, outside under hanging strings of Edison lightbulbs dipping across the large patio. Elaborate bouquets accent every corner, and smaller arrangements are centered on each table.
Atlanta has dressed to impress, both men and women, but it’s Emma Cocker who I can’t take my eyes off of.
A bubbly woman approaches me. “Mr. Hamilton! Evelyn Stockbridge! I’m so glad you could make it. When I received your acceptance of our invitation I was delighted. Have you just arrived?”
“I have.”
She loops her arm through mine. “Up ahead you’ll find a silent auction. We’ll be playing several games throughout the evening, as well! Dinner is just lovely. Nancy Cocker hired the best caterers and she’s managing them! So if everything goes off without a hitch, it’s all her!”
“Nancy Cocker, you say?”
“Yes, the second matriarch of the very prestigious Cocker family, after May Cocker who is sitting right over there! She’s such a doll!” Evelyn points to a slight woman sitting in a long gown on two floral-print cushions that don’t belong in this environment. Beside her is a grey-haired, handsome man in his seventies. Perhaps eighties, but his build is so strong I’d be surprised, despite the lines in his face that have me unsure. “That’s her son, Michael Cocker with her. He’s married to Nancy. But don’t try to keep up! Goodness knows it’s not easy since there are so many of them! But if you love a challenge, those Cockers will give you one.”
Frowning, I say, “Indeed.”
“Outside is where most of the socializing is, before the meal, since it’s such a lovely evening! Can you believe this weather? Does it get this warm in San Francisco?”
“I see you’ve done your homework.”
Demurring with a glint in her eyes she waves my comment away. “As President of the Atlanta Woman’s Group I like to know who my guests are!” She lights up as she sees more money walking in. “Eleanor! Don’t you look divine tonight! Mr. Hamilton, enjoy yourself and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to find me, promise?”
“Promise.”
She runs off, my attention on Michael Cocker, ex-Congressman and Jake’s father, Emma’s grandfather. He leans over to say something to May and rises, walking to the bar. She is now by herself at the table and she looks so old. I frown as she accidentally drops her napkin. Taking swift steps to pick it up, I offer it to her.
Blue eyes sharp as a twenty-year-old’s drink me in. Her smile follows and a sweet southern drawl after that. “Thank you, young man. Aren’t you a handsome rake. Are you single?”
Stifling a laugh I answer, “I am, but I hope not to be for long.”
“Oh?” Frail hands unfold the retrieved napkin across her lap. “Anyone in mind?”
“Perhaps.”
“That’s too bad.” She winks at me.
“Mrs. Cocker, are you flirting with me?”
Her eyes narrow. “How did you know my name?”
Caught, I feel a flush heat my neck. “Evelyn Stockbridge just told it to me.”
“Ahh,” she smiles. “Evelyn is a climber, but it’s gotten her far so I guess that works for some people.”
I laugh outright, charmed. “You’re a blunt woman, Mrs. Cocker. I like that.”
“No, I’m honest…and too old for pretenses. What’s your name?”
“Tanner Hamilton,” I bow, lifting her hand to my lips and kissing it.
She points at me, squinting in her appraisal. “You really are special, aren’t you? Look at those eyes! My Emma would love you.”
I nearly choke on my own saliva. Clearing my throat I glance up and see Jake Cocker heading my way, dressed in a well tailored black suit. Damn if he hasn’t aged a day in ten years, save for more grey. And that rage hasn’t left him either. “Excuse me, Mrs. Cocker, I have an appointment with your grandson.”
She looks up and beams, “Jake! Do you know Mr. Hamilton? Wouldn’t he be a wonderful match for Emma?”
It’s a testament to how much he loves his grandmother that he doesn’t punch me right here and now. He smiles politely to her, kissing her head. “No, Grams, he wouldn’t. But you look lovely this evening as always.”
Grumbling, she floats a hand my way. “He’s a real man like you boys are, and like my Jerald. Emma needs a good man at her side, especially since Ethan went and beat her to the alter!”
Because of the look in Jake’s eyes, I don’t laugh or even smile. Right now I’m not sure I ever will again.
“Grams, excuse us but we have some…business to discuss. I see Dad returning with your brandy.” He gives her one last smile and walks away expecting me to join him. And of course I will. I’m no coward, and I’m not afraid of Jake no matter how good a fighter he is. I’m no slouch myself. Growing up with my father mopping floors at our school I got teased a lot. That didn’t last long. I earned their respect by kicking their bullying asses. It’s the only way to win, in my opinion.
As we cross to somewhere private I see Drew Cocker has spotted me with her husband. She and I lock eyes for the first time in a decade, and her lips part, just like Emma’s did. She stays put,
