Beauty's Kiss(45)
Even though it was almost seven, lots of people were still arriving and the entry hall outside the hotel’s grand ballroom echoed with laughter and chatter as couples arrived for the Valentine Ball, and checked their coats and greeted each other.
Taylor handed over her winter coat and then shivered as she stepped away from the coat room, feeling almost naked in the strapless gown.
But she wasn’t naked, she was a walking Valentine... light, lovely, delicious.
She wasn’t going to allow herself to feel one negative emotion, either. She wasn’t going to let herself feel doubt or fear.
No, tonight was a celebration, of not just one thing, but many things--the restoration of the historic Graff Hotel, the launch of the 100 year anniversary of The Great Wedding Giveaway, and the intrepid individual who dared to take risks, and dream.
Troy saw her enter the ballroom, passing through the tall double doors alone, and then hesitate in the doorway, her ball gown gleaming in the pink lighting, a clutch pressed to her chest, her dark hair pulled up in an elegant chignon, reminding him of a young Audrey Hepburn.
Striking features, and wide bright eyes. No glasses tonight. She’d left them home.
She scanned the ballroom.
He pretended he didn’t know her and imagined the man she was looking for—her boyfriend or lover. Not her husband.
It wasn’t that she was too young to be married—many women in Montana married young, choosing their high school or college sweethearts—but she didn’t have a married look. She didn’t appear settled, although he wasn’t entirely sure what settled would look like, but married women carried themselves differently. They had a different confidence about them--perhaps it was complacency--that young, unmarried women didn’t have.
Either way, in the doorway, she was truly lovely, and in that moment he realized she wasn’t merely pretty, but beautiful, and delicate, in her romantic ball gown with the sweetheart bodice.
Troy walked towards her, wondering how she’d managed to sneak away from the house to be here, hoping she didn’t regret doing so, either. He was so happy to see her. So glad she’d come after all.
There was no other woman he’d rather be with tonight.
But then, from the heavy staccato within his chest, and the silver heat in his veins, he suspected that there was no other woman he’d rather be with, any night.
“Taylor,” he said, reaching her side.
Her head turned sharply and she looked at him, smiling. “Hello, Troy,” she said, her voice soft, light. Even her dark eyes were so full of light they sparkled. “You look very dashing tonight.”
“And you look stunning, my lady. You are the belle of the Ball.”
“I hope you still need a date. Please tell me you haven’t replaced me.”
“I could never replace you.”
“So full of flattery.”
“I am speaking the absolute truth. There is only one Taylor Harris and I very much want her.”
She blushed. “Why?”
“I have a secret soft spot for book girls. I happen to think you book girls are very cool.”
Her eyes lit up and her lips curved. “I’ve always said the same thing.”
“As you should.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we find a glass of champagne and then locate our table? Dinner is about to be served.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
At seven thirty Jane went to the microphone and welcomed everyone to the Valentine Ball and the launch of The Great Wedding Giveaway. She pointed out the handsome wooden box in the back near the chocolate fountain. The box had been made by the French wood carver and furniture designer, Laurent X, for the occasion. All nominations and submissions of couples for the Wedding Giveaway would go there. Jane added that she’d taken a peek inside the box just a few minutes ago, and there were at least a half dozen entries inside.
Jane thanked Troy and the staff at the Graff Hotel for hosting the Valentine’s Ball, and then asked all the committee members on the Great Wedding Giveaway to stand. Taylor shyly stood, noting that nearly every table had a committee member at it. The Great Wedding Giveaway had been a lot of work but Taylor was glad she’d volunteered. She’d gotten to know some wonderful people in Marietta, including McKenna Douglas who waved to Taylor from across the ballroom.
Taylor sat down again and Troy refilled her champagne flute. “Have I told you how beautiful you look?” he asked, leaning towards her, his blue gaze resting intently on her face.
“Yes.” Taylor settled her pink napkin across her lap and looked up at him. “It’s because I’m not wearing my glasses tonight.”
“I like your glasses.”