“I only have eyes for you, love.”
“You better.” She kissed him on the lips.
Another woman approached them. “Wow, Steph. I almost didn’t recognize you.” She wore her hair swept up and a strapless pink gown that showed all her curves.
“This dress is a little too much,” she said, pulling up the bodice. “What was I thinking?”
“Stop. You’re exquisite. Everyone here is.”
From behind, she heard, “That includes you, Dr. Shannon.”
Her heartbeat sped up. She turned. “Hello, Nick.”
Another man approached them. He said to Will, “Can I talk to you two. I’m Diego Rodriguez, by the way. This is my wife Annie. Sorry to drag them away.”
“No worries. I don’t want to monopolize the hosts.”
She and Nick were left alone. “Hi,” he said, in a hoarse voice.
“Hi. You look terrific.”
“This is my party suit.” It was deep gray, setting off his eyes, and tailored to fit every muscle in his body. Her mouth got dry just being near him.
“It suits you.”
“Did you get here okay?”
“I did. You?”
“Yes. Did you hear the news about Pax?”
“No, I haven’t worked in the last few days. What happened?”
“The case was dismissed at the pretrial hearing.”
“That’s where a judge reviews all the evidence gathered in discovery.”
“How do you know that?”
“I read it for some research I did for the upcoming book.”
“I didn’t know it was a legal thriller.”
“Mostly medical with lots of legal elements in it.”
“Is there a handsome lawyer among the characters?”
“Maybe.” It was fun flirting with him.
“Hmm. Are you hungry?”
“I am.”
“Let’s go to the dining room and get some food.”
She shouldn’t stay with him but she didn’t have anyone else to hang out with. So she let him take her hand and she followed him to another high-ceilinged room with a massive table filled with heavy hors d’oeuvres.
“What do you like?”
