Page 44 of Passion and Privilege

“Congratulations, Scott,” Timothy said, standing to shake his hand. The forced camaraderie was painful to watch.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?” Scott sneered.

“Timothy Hastings,” he replied confidently.

Scott’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nice to meet you.” Scott looked at me as I stood up. “Catherine,” he said curtly.

“Scott,” I responded just as coldly. His new wife shot me an icy glance before giving Scott a bright smile.

“Let me introduce my wife, Amanda,” Scott announced. We all exchanged polite nods and hollow congratulations.

Amanda extended her hand, her diamond-encrusted wedding band flashing under the lights. “I’m so happy you could join us on our special day.” Her voice dripped with false enthusiasm.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” I replied, maintaining my composed demeanor. “I’m glad I could be here.”

“I don’t think we got your RSVP,” Amanda said.

“We weren’t sure we could make it,” Timothy answered. “I have a busy schedule.”

Scott was staring at him. “You’re not from Sleepy Hollow.”

“I am now,” Timothy replied easily. “I understand you recently moved.”

“Yes,” Scott said, nodding.

I could tell he was dying to ask more questions.

“We should greet our other guests,” Amanda said.

“We were just headed out to take advantage of the excellent DJ,” Timothy said. “Congratulations again.”

As Timothy took my hand to lead me toward the dance floor, I couldn’t resist one last look at Scott. His eyes were fixated on us. The fleeting satisfaction swept over me. It should have been more satisfying, but I honestly didn’t care as much as I thought I did.

A slow song came on. He pulled me into his arms. I was grateful for the comforting warmth that radiated from his body. It enveloped me, wrapping me in his security. He was everything Scott never was. He was attentive and considerate. He listened and he cared. Dancing with Timothy, I felt my burdens lighten and my heart dance along to the music with us.

“Are you okay?” Timothy asked as we moved elegantly across the dance floor. His voice was soft, a soothing balm over the sting of Scott’s betrayal.

“I am.” I assured him and meant it. “You’ve made this bearable. Better than bearable. Thank you.”

We continued to dance with my head resting against his shoulder.

“Don’t thank me,” he murmured, lifting my chin to lock his gaze with mine. “It’s all you, Catherine. You’re stronger than you’re giving yourself credit for.”

I didn’t know how to respond. Not because his words had caught me off guard but because no one had ever spoken to me like that before. He made me feel valued and respected, something that was foreign, given my past relationships.

When the dance ended, he quietly led me outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens.

“Timothy, I have to admit, I’m actually enjoying myself tonight,” I confessed.

We stood on the veranda overlooking the glistening lake. The stars above were so pretty. The cool summer air brushed against my heated skin. I inhaled and then slowly exhaled. I had been dreading this night, but now it all felt like nothing. It wasn’t bad at all.

“Thank you for making this thing look real,” I said.

He glanced inside toward the ballroom. “He’s watching us,” he whispered. “Can I kiss you and make this look as real as possible?”

Unable to summon any words, I nodded in agreement and closed my eyes. His lips met mine, and the kiss was anything but ordinary. It ignited a fire within me, sending sparks coursing through my veins. The kiss deepened. We both lost ourselves in the intoxicating dance of passion. His fingers tangled in my hair, holding my face close to his.

Timothy pulled away just when I was getting into the kiss. His gaze was filled with a hint of horror. Confusion and disappointment flooded through me. I let myself believe the kiss was real. I should have known better. It was all part of the show and he had shown he was a very good actor.