A Lone Star Love Affair / Falling for the Princess: A Lone Star Love Affair / Falling for the Princess

“This is beautiful and makes the evening seem even more of a celebration—at least to me. You’ve been riding in limos all your life.”

“I’m glad you like it. I didn’t remember what you were majoring in when we met. After I recognized you, it came back to me that you were interested in graphic arts even back then.”

“Yes. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

“If I had recalled that, I would have known you and Jessie were one and the same. I debated the possibility that you were Jessie and dismissed it. You’re more sophisticated now. You’ve been far cooler, less receptive, not the party girl I recall from that night.”

“Responsibilities. Also, some resentment over your buyout of Morris, something I can’t help. They’ve been great to work for and I had a dream staff.”

“Hopefully, you’ll like your new life even better. I’ll see what I can do,” he said, his tone conveying a promise that sounded removed from work.

“I’ll manage,” she replied, thinking he had incredibly dark brown eyes, almost black now in the faint glow inside the limousine.

He touched a lock of her hair on her shoulder. It was a casual touch, yet it was as fiery as a caress and made her wonder whether she was tempting fate by going with him.

“You’re decisive—another good trait,” he said. “Simplifies life. It’s always good to know exactly what you want to do.”

“One trait we probably have in common,” she answered, thinking she usually was decisive, but she hadn’t been around Tony.

Tony’s cell phone buzzed and he reached for it, giving her a nod. “Sorry, I better take it.”

“Of course,” she answered, turning to look at the scenery outside as they sped along the freeway. She heard Tony discussing a business problem with renovations on a hotel that wasn’t connected with Morris, so she ceased paying attention to his conversation, surreptitiously studying him when his focus was elsewhere. If she could continue to appear as cool and composed the entire evening, she should be able to get through this dinner, perhaps making him lose a degree of interest in her. She would have a celebration of sorts if she could only ignore the man beside her, but that was impossible. She focused on the new title and job prospect, clinging to it, feeling a tingly excitement over her promotion and trying to ignore who had caused it and why. Finally he put away his phone and turned to her.

“Sorry for the interruption. Tell me, what’s gone on in your life during the years between when we met and now?”

“Graduation, getting started in business, gaining experience at my job, making friends. What about you?”

“Mostly business. Nothing unusual. Have you told your family about your promotion?” he asked.

“No. Simply because I was late getting home from work and had to rush to get ready for tonight.”

He was staring at her. “I like your hair. I like it best completely down—the way I remember it. Maybe before the evening is over.”

“I doubt it,” she said. “This is a partial concession. I rarely leave it down and unfastened. As for my family—I’ll call them tomorrow night.”

“Are they all here in Dallas?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact. Makes it easy for us to get to gether.”

Shortly after, the limo turned into a private driveway, passing a pond with fountains as they drove to a canopied entrance with sparkling lights lending a festive atmosphere. She had heard about the restaurant, a famous one in the area, but beyond her means. Another reminder of the differences between her life and Tony’s.

The door was held open for them and inside, the maître d’ knew Tony, motioning them to follow as soon as they arrived. They were led to a cozy alcove with a fire burning in a fireplace and a view of the dance floor and stage where a small combo with a bass fiddle, a piano and drums played.

The table was covered in white linen with a bouquet of white gardenias floating in a crystal vase. She could detect the flowers’ sweet scent, but her attention was held by the handsome man she was with. A candle highlighted Tony’s prominent cheekbones, catching glints in his midnight curls.

A bottle of champagne on ice already waited and the sommelier appeared to uncork the Dom Pérignon. As soon as he received Tony’s approval, he poured the pale, bubbly liquid into crystal flutes. Iced shrimp, a steaming artichoke dip and a plate of bruschetta were brought for appetizers. Menus were placed before them.

When they were alone, Tony raised his glass. “Here’s to a fabulous promotion in your career and a night to celebrate.”

“Thanks to you,” she said, thinking he still made it sound as if work was the last thing on his mind even though he referred to her career.

“Actually, both Mandy and Porter were enthusiastic about you and deserve some of the credit for your job offer.”

“That’s nice to hear,” she said, surprised. She had assumed the exorbitant raise and promotion had been all Tony’s doing to keep her at Morris. “You can’t tell me Mandy and Porter helped set the salary you’ll pay me.”

The corners of Tony’s mouth raised slightly. “No, they didn’t. I don’t want to lose you. I go after what I want.”

Her heartbeat fluttered in spite of the red flags of warning his statement raised. He had made his intentions clear and she hoped she was making hers just as clear, although accepting dinner tonight had to have sent a mixed signal. Though turning down a celebration of his fantastic offer would have been its own announcement of how much she reacted to him.

“Don’t read too much into this dinner,” she cautioned. “I’m celebrating with you, which frankly, is more of a celebration than sitting at home by myself tonight or worse, working late. As you said, it is not a monumental deal,” she added, hoping she sounded casual about the whole evening with him.

He looked amused. “I’m glad you’re here, whatever the reason. I want to get to know you.”

“Try to keep an employer-employee view. That’s all it will be between us. Unless of course, you decide to become a marrying man. I’m interested in marrying in my near future,” she added, enjoying herself because she suspected he did not want to hear what she was telling him. She was not only telling him the truth, she was also hoping to make him realize they had no future together. She had no doubt that a woman looking for a husband was the last person Tony would want to spend time with.

“I’m not a marrying man. We can still enjoy an evening out,” he replied smoothly, and she wished she could remain as cool as he was. “As a matter of fact, with your attitude, I’m surprised there’s no wedding ring on your finger. I can’t imagine there haven’t been proposals.”

“I’ve been far too busy. The right person has never come along. Where we differ—You don’t want to be tied down for years. I do. I want a family, so our association outside of work isn’t a good idea.”

“We’ll see about that one,” he said, smiling at her. “I realize you know how to enjoy life. I have a memory.”

“I’m older now and life changes,” she said, sparring with him. “What are your goals, Tony?” she asked, hoping to change the conversation, which was taking a direction she didn’t want.

“I have a goal—billionaire by forty.” “Unattainable for ninety-nine point nine percent of the world.”

“I doubt if the odds are that bad. What about your main goal? Did your promotion bring you closer to achieving it?”

“No. I want to succeed and have a rewarding career, but I want a family like the one I grew up in. I love my family. I hope to be married by thirty.”

“Married by thirty. That’s unique today. Your goal doesn’t scare away most guys?”

She hoped it scared away Tony, which was why she was happy to continue bringing up the topic. “I don’t tell my intentions to every one. You may be the first to ask about my goals. You’re business oriented.”

“Not altogether,” he said softly.

“Oh, yes, you are. Time will prove my case.”

“Business wasn’t my driving purpose the night we met. It’s not tonight.” She gazed into his dark eyes across the candlelight. In depths of brown was craving that kept her excitement simmering. “Forget business. Let’s go dance once before dinner,” he suggested.

He held her hand and she stepped into his arms for a ballad. She already knew he was a good dancer, remembering vividly being in his arms the night they met. He pulled her closer and they danced in perfect rhythm. In that moment she realized just how hard it would be to stay away from him in her new role. Besides his handsome looks, he had too much else going for him. He had made it clear he was not into marriage, family, children—commitment—because they would interfere with his focus on business. He had already mapped out his most important goal. If she didn’t want heartbreak, she needed to continue to guard her heart.

“Why so quiet?”

“Thinking how strange it is to be dancing with my boss.”

“Stop thinking of me as your boss. It’s Tony—the Tony you met a long time ago. Forget the office. Enjoy the night.”

“I’m enjoying every minute. A limo, champagne, candlelight, a handsome man.”