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The delicate lace clung like a second skin under the polished silk dress from Aunt Rose — the one Will hadn’t ripped to pieces in the woods. The dress had hung in the back of my closet since June, alongside the cream silk dress she’d given me that I’d worn to the ballet. I’d thought a dozen times about taking them both to the Salvation Army, but I couldn’t bring myself to give them away.
When I stepped outside the elevator, lips met my cheek. Will’s crisp shirt and slacks outlined his lean body. His silk tie was impeccably knotted. Flashing perfect teeth at me, he rested a hand on my back, guiding me into the crowd.
I glanced from one chatting group to another, trying to act normal. My cousin’s green eyes were polite and attentive. The protective hand on my back was perfectly appropriate, gentlemanly. And each brush of his fingers sent a shudder through my body that ended in a pulse between my legs.
“Andrea.” Aunt Rose, sparkling with jewels, appeared and took both my hands. Her cascading blonde waves caught the lights on the rooftop. “The city is doing wonders for you. So nice to see you put together now.” She stretched up to kiss her son’s cheek. “Will, you remember Andrea’s wardrobe over the summer. She would barely let me help her. I was ready to let you take her in hand.”
A prickling flush spread over my skin. “Thanks, Aunt Rose. I don’t think Will paid that much attention to my clothes over the summer.”
Will just flashed his dazzling smile. “I was paying attention. Andie looked nice.”
I clenched my thighs together. Will’s thumb was rubbing the small of my back in tiny motions.
Rose blinked long lashes, her glance lingering on her son’s hand at my back, then turned to greet newcomers with more kisses. Introductions followed, gushing introductions to people I might have met at the garden party back in June. Hard to tell, because the lights sparkling off their jewelry and cufflinks, their smiles and bright voices, blinded me too much to recognize them. Will’s warm palm on my back distracted me beyond belief.
“Our niece, Andrea,” Rose drawled to another person, indicating me with a sweep of her wrist. “We got her all set up. Richard got her a job and she’s very up-and-coming. We took her in for the summer until she was on her feet. She learned quite a bit over those few months, wouldn’t you say, Andrea?”
Will stiffened. Only I knew, because of his fingers on my back, and because I knew him now. I stiffened too.
Rose turned before I could answer, beckoning a manicured hand to my uncle, who stood by the bar with a laughing group of men.
“Richard, come say hello to Andrea.” Space cleared around him as he strolled over. “Would you even have recognized her after just two months on her own?”
“Wouldn’t have.” My uncle’s dark eyes assessed me before he took both my shoulders in his hands. The glance was casual, businesslike, analyzing. Richard was built like a football player. Sleek bulk, broad shoulders. When he leaned in to kiss my cheek, Will’s hand tightened on my back. I smelled expensive cologne, heavier than Will’s.
Rose’s eyes flicked over the three of us before her heels clicked across the rooftop pavement to welcome another group.
“How’s your job going, Andrea?” Richard’s voice was hearty. “The position’s working out?”
“Yes.” I felt hot in the cool fall air, prickling with sudden sweat. “Very well. I have a lot on my plate. Thank you for all your help.”
“Glad to hear they’re keeping you busy. I was happy to arrange it for you.” He squeezed my shoulders. “Remember, if you need anything — anything at all — you can always ask.”
My cheeks flushed. “I appreciate it.”
“She’s doing great,” Will cut in. “We’re getting drinks now. I promised Andie wine.” A firm touch on my waist began to steer me away.
“You’re a lucky girl, Andrea.” Richard smiled at me, his hands still resting on my shoulders, keeping me in place. I’d never seen much resemblance between Richard and Will, but I knew that smile. A warm, friendly smile that didn’t reach his eyes. It had been a while since I’d seen it on Will’s face, long enough that I’d almost forgotten. “Our boy here has decided to look out for his cousin. I’m sure you understand what that means.”
Will’s fingers dug into my back. Tension ran up his arm. I swallowed. “It’s been nice to — reconnect with family after all these years.”
“I’m sure it is,” Richard said genially. “I’m sure your parents appreciate it too.”
“Okay, Dad, enough.” Will’s tone was politely bored. He glanced at his father’s hands on my shoulders, his face bland and pleasant. “Andie needs wine.”
Richard released my shoulders. As Will walked me to the bar, I tried to get my breathing under control. His grip on my back didn’t relax until we both had a glass in our hands and were standing behind a bank of potted trees.
I gulped white wine, grateful for the crisp chill. Will took a long pull of his old-fashioned and closed his eyes.
“Does your mom know I’m not a friendless orphan?” I asked, once my glass was empty.
“She’s all talk,” he muttered. “Don’t let her get to you.”
“Or you.” Clear green eyes opened, looking down into mine. “Look, my parents don’t want your family’s money,” I blurted. Not true, but I wanted it to be true. I remembered arguments from when I was a kid, whenever times were tight. My father yelling at my mother: Go to Rose. Once, just once. It can’t hurt… “I don’t want it either. If your dad thinks I’m trying—“
“It doesn’t matter what he thinks.” Will’s face went dark with sudden anger. “He’s not going to play his stupid games with you.” He took a deep breath, his beautiful features smoothing over. Then he tucked my hair behind my ears, his fingers brushing my cheeks and neck. Sparks ran down my body from his light touch. “Really, Andie. Don’t worry.”
“He knows. Your mom knows,” I whispered.
