In the morning, she was going to pack a few clothes to take to his place. Trace wanted her to stay with him until the bank robbers were caught, and Connie had agreed. She loved his condo. The security was great, and the weekend she’d stayed with him felt like being at a retreat of sorts.
Now that she had decided to break her rule about not dating coworkers, Connie was looking forward to her and Trace getting even closer. She was tired of trying to keep their relationship platonic when what she really wanted was him naked and in her bed again. Her sex-starved body hummed with anticipation of the night to come.
“The car will be here in three minutes. Do you have everything?” he asked.
“Yes. Before we go, we should probably talk about Indie. You’re not going to make a scene tonight, are you?” Connie asked, knowing she sounded like someone’s mother instead of a date.
Technically, this wasn’t a date. Trace was just escorting her to the event, but in Connie’s heart, this was going to be their first date. And she wanted to make sure it was perfect.
“I promise I won’t make a scene, and I won’t embarrass you. Hopefully, I’ll see Indie and get a chance to apologize for the other day.”
“As long as that’s all you do,” Connie said as she straightened his tie. “Don’t forget—tonight you’re mine.”
Trace’s tempting lips twisted into a sexy grin, and he looped his arm around her waist. “You know I love it when you talk dirty.”
Connie burst out laughing. “Only you would consider that talking dirty.”
“Maybe, but still, I liked the way it sounded, and don’t worry. I’m all yours and not just for tonight.” He lowered his head and covered her mouth with his, and Connie’s toes curled inside her high heels as she gave herself freely to the slow, drugging kiss. She would never get enough of this strong, sexy man who had her panting even after their lip-lock ended. “Now, let’s get out of here so that I can go and show you off looking all sexy in that dress.”
Connie couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. “All right, if you insist.”
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the convention center. The event had been advertised as being one of the premier shows of the year. From what Connie could see so far, it was going to be spectacular.
While Trace talked to a couple of the security guys on duty who worked for LEPA, Connie glanced around. This was her first celebrity fashion show, and she took in every detail. The beautifully decorated ballroom was large and had black-and-gold gossamer fabric draped from the ceiling, giving the space a whimsical ambience.
The oversize room was playing double duty. On one side, a long, elevated runway covered in red carpet. Large gold stars, like those on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, ran down the center of it and took up much of the space. Clear, twinkling lights going around the outer edge lit the space. Hundreds of chairs were set up on both sides of the platform, but the area was roped off, since the show didn’t start until eight o’clock. The show’s theme was Old Hollywood, and not only would the models be dressed accordingly, but the decor was befitting with oversize movie reels, old-fashioned film strips and vintage spotlights strategically placed in the area.
On the other side of the ballroom were four cash bars and at least forty tall cocktail tables. They were strategically placed around the large dance floor in the center of the space. Waiters, dressed in tuxedos, carried trays of bite-size hors d’oeuvres and floated about seamlessly. And a live band, set up on the side of the room, played soft jazz and added to the magical atmosphere.
Though Trinity and Gunner called to say that they wouldn’t be able to attend, Connie was glad she and Trace were there. He approached her from behind and slid an arm around her waist.
“How about we get a drink? Or would you like to dance first?”
Connie couldn’t wait to dance with him but opted for a drink first. “What do you think so far?” Trace asked when he handed Connie a glass of white wine. “It looks like no expense was spared in pulling all of this together.”
“I agree. I’m already impressed with what I’ve seen. I can only imagine how great the show will be.”
For the next few minutes, they talked, laughed and mingled with others. What she was enjoying most, though, was her time with Trace. Being with him reminded Connie of how long it had been since she’d been out with a man. She could honestly admit that no other compared to Trace. He was attentive, funny and sociable. It amazed her how many people he knew in attendance. Even with that, he hadn’t left her side and treated her as if she was a precious gift.
Would it always be like that with him? Connie imagined it would be, and that only made her look forward to their relationship growing.
“Dance with me,” Trace said and took her almost empty wineglass from her hand, setting it on a nearby table. “I don’t want this evening to end without having you in my arms.”
Connie smiled, and her pulse quickened at the idea of being hugged up against him. “I’d love to dance with you.”
Trace grasped her hand, and they wove around small groups of people and tables as he guided her to the dance floor. Once they were there, the band started playing Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.” There were two lead singers, but only the man was currently performing. Connie felt each note deep in her soul. He crooned the words
