Sway With Me(58)

She paused then shook her head. “Not at all. But I’m hoping you’ll trust me enough to tell me.” She laughed. “I’m confused, but Ryan, I know whatever you did, you had your reasons.”



He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you.” With her by his side, he could accomplish anything. If she didn’t walk away from him after learning the truth about him tonight, he’d come clean about his feelings for her and celebrate by making love to her the whole night long.

They pulled up to the valet in front of the hotel. A few formally dressed people spilled out of the cars in front of them and he immediately recognized one of the women—Samantha Bennington.

When had she gotten back?

She didn’t look much different then the last time he saw her . . . when she dumped him. Still not a blond hair out of place. Flawless tan skin. Emerald eyes. His throat grew tight, but surprisingly, he didn’t feel the anxiety he would’ve expected, and he knew it had everything to do with Portia.

Oblivious to his presence, Samantha sauntered into the lobby.

The valet took the keys, and with a possessive hand on the small of her back, Ryan led Portia inside. She wasn’t used to this scene and if he didn’t protect her, the vultures would peck at her until there was nothing left. Samantha was tame compared to some of the women he’d encountered over the years.

Sometime tonight he’d have to face his past. He just didn’t want his past to catch up with him before he was ready. He tightened his hold on Portia.

It was more than his pride at stake now.





Chapter 17



You can’t always judge a book by its cover.

William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, act 3, scene 2

Strolling into the Grand Ballroom, Portia tried not to become too overwhelmed. She’d lived in New York. Danced in off-Broadway productions. Yet nothing prepared her for the spectacle they encountered.

The room screamed of money. Ryan had warned her, but she’d never imagined how elaborate this fundraiser would be. His family’s fundraiser.

The room looked like Rockefeller Center at Christmastime. Colorful lights illuminated beautiful ice sculptures, plunging them into a true winter wonderland. White twinkling Christmas lights wrapped around miniature pine trees on tables covered with silver cloths and bars covered by ice were offered in several spots throughout the room.

She grabbed Ryan’s hand for support, hoping her palms weren’t sweating. This was his world and somewhere in here were his parents and brothers. What would they think when they discovered who she was?

Her stomach rolled. She didn’t belong here.

Ryan took a step further into the room, but she remained rooted to her spot, terrified. If she could, she would’ve spun on her heels and run out of there, but she couldn’t. She had stage fright and she wasn’t even on a stage. Come to think of it, she’d rather dance half-naked on a stage than pretend she belonged in this scene.



He twisted to face her, pulling her close. “I know what you’re thinking. Stop it.”

“What? You couldn’t—”

“I know you, Portia. You think you don’t belong, that you’re different.” He played with one of her curls. “And you’re right.”

How could he say that to her? Her heart pounded and the urge to flee the room consumed her.

He searched her face, obviously noticing her reaction and his eyes widened as he yanked her against his chest. “I’m sorry, that didn’t come out the way I intended. You are different, in every way that counts. You’re kind and strong and determined.” She moved back and looked up at him. “Some of these people haven’t worked a day in their lives and they take everything they have for granted. But that’s not what makes you different. You’re different because of how I feel about you. I lo—”

A shorter replica of Ryan smacked him on the back. “Nice of you to make your annual appearance, oh prodigal brother of mine.”

Wincing, Ryan stepped back and gave his brother a manly half-hug. “Portia, this is Sean, my youngest brother. Sean, this is Portia, my . . .”

“Friend,” she said, offering her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Ryan’s talked a lot about you and Drew.”

Sean smirked at his brother. “Good to know he hasn’t forgotten us.”

The brothers could’ve passed for twins except for a few subtle differences. Sean’s eyes, while the same shape as Ryan’s, were hazel and his hair just a touch darker. He wore a more modern tuxedo with a skinny tie rather than a bow tie, giving her just a hint of his personality.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around.” Ryan banded his arm around her waist. “I’m going to change that. I owe all of you an apology.”