Serenity (Inevitable #5)(71)

Ian scowled at this bit of unsolicited advice, while Tessa's cheeks flushed and she glanced down at her lap, clasping and unclasping her hands in agitation.

"He doesn't flirt with me, Matthew," she murmured uncertainly. "At least no more than he does with any other woman. That's just who Jordan is. I can guarantee you that he'll do the same with Sasha tonight."

"He'd better not," declared Matthew. "She is most definitely spoken for."

"And she can most definitely speak up for herself," admonished Sasha calmly. "I'll handle this overly-eager Dr. Reeves if he makes an appearance. And now I think we should change the subject. We're upsetting Tessa."

"I'm sorry, Tessa," Matthew told her gently. "Sasha's right. We're supposed to be having a fun time tonight, so let's make sure we enjoy every moment, hmm?"

Tessa gave Sasha a grateful look, then squeezed Ian's hand reassuringly, changing his dark scowl into a tender smile. Sasha guessed the subject of the flirtatious Dr. Reeves was a sensitive one between the married couple, and she made a mental note to quiz Matthew for more details at another time.

The limo pulled up a short while later in front of the elegant Gregson hotel, often cited as one of the most beautiful structures in San Francisco. Sasha had only been inside the grand hotel once before, to attend a bridal shower for Tessa the previous spring. And while she wasn't sure she would ever truly feel comfortable around so much lavish grandeur, she could still admire the hotel's architecture and décor, just as she did most things of great beauty.

Fighting off an odd, somewhat unsettling sensation of unease, Sasha was more than content to let Matthew guide her inside the hotel and up a long, majestic staircase to the mezzanine level where the ballroom was located. The venue was already more than half filled with guests, and she gulped, wondering how many curious, calculating glances would be directed her way throughout the evening.

"Forget them," murmured Matthew in her ear, as he grabbed two flutes of champagne from a waiter hovering close by. "All of these other people here tonight - none of them matter. Oh, unfortunately there are a few I'll have to smile at and make polite small talk with - local government officials, members of my board, people I do business with. But aside from saying hello, how are you, enjoy your evening, I don't plan on socializing with any of them."

Sasha took a brief sip of the champagne, recognizing it as a pricey brand even though she knew little about wine or alcohol. "Apparently Lindsey enjoyed doing so."

Matthew grimaced. "Too much so, unfortunately. She loved going to these events, would make it her business to find as many as possible for us to attend. Especially if she knew there was going to be a celebrity or athlete or some politician in attendance, and she'd always make sure we had our picture taken with them. I think after a time she considered herself something of a minor celebrity herself, like she and I were the local equivalents of Bill and Melinda Gates or something." 

Sasha offered up a sympathetic smile. "I'll take it from your tone that you didn't share her love of socializing."

He made a sound of distaste. "That's the understatement of the century. It's not a coincidence that this is only the second event I've agreed to attend since I filed for divorce. And probably the last one I go to for several more months." He slid an arm around her waist. "I have to thank you again for coming with me tonight. You're the only thing that's going to make it bearable. Especially since I've cut way back on the alcohol, thanks to a certain someone's influence."

She deliberately let her eyes sparkle at him. "That was a good influence," she reminded him. "You admitted it yourself - you've lost that bit of a beer belly you were starting to accumulate, you don't have dark circles under your eyes any longer, and you sleep much better at night."

Teasingly, his hand slid down to her ass and gave it a squeeze. "Yes, but I get my very best sleep when you spend the night. Especially since you've usually worn me out by then."

Sasha gave him a look of mock outrage. "I think you're confusing who wears the other out," she replied with a knowing grin. Then she reached up to kiss his cheek, whispering in his ear, "I sleep very well when I'm in your bed, too. And it's not just because the mattress is so comfy."

Matthew laughed out loud, and would have continued trading quips with her, but at that particular moment an older, well dressed couple approached them.

"Matt. I wasn't sure we'd get to see you this evening," the man offered in greeting as he shook Matthew's hand.

"I'm afraid I haven't been in the mood to socialize much these past few months," acknowledged Matthew. "But I'm pleased to report all of that is beginning to change for the better."