Taming the Lone Wolff(45)
His voice came out gruff, scratchy and hungry.
“Behave yourself,” she muttered.
They walked side by side down the wide hallway, close, but not touching. His entire body was rigid. Though he loved his family dearly, he could consign them all to the devil at this exact moment. And if they saw the look on his face, they would be in no doubt about his plans for Winnie.
As they descended the stairs and headed toward the formal dining room, he concentrated on anything but the smell of Winnie’s innocent scent. He didn’t really care if his family speculated about the nature of his relationship to Winnie. But revealing his obsession was another matter entirely.
No one noticed them for several long seconds when they entered the room. Everyone was present and accounted for except the children. Larkin leaned his head toward Winnie. “The little ones are with a sitter tonight. Dad and Uncle Victor wanted a formal, grown-up dinner. It’s rare that we all make it here at one time.”
Suddenly, Larkin’s uncle spotted them. Raising his voice and tapping his wineglass with a spoon, the old man boomed out a greeting. “It’s about time you showed up. I’m starving.”
Laughter broke out, and in moments Larkin was enveloped in a wild rush of hugs and kisses. He looked over his shoulder in the midst of the mayhem to see that Winnie had stepped to one side, a contemplative smile curving her lips. Their eyes met. He jerked his head, indicating his wish for her to join him. But Winnie waited until everyone melted away to take his or her seat.
Larkin remained standing and pulled her to his side. “It’s good to be home,” he said simply. “This is my friend Winnie Bellamy. She’s been having some trouble with the press, so I’m stashing her here on the mountain for a couple of weeks until things blow over. I told her you all wouldn’t mind. Do me a favor and don’t overwhelm her. I’ll give her the playlist while we eat, but take pity on her and remind her of your names if she forgets.”
After a chorus of Hello, Winnie, Larkin held her chair, seated her and took his own place at the table. He realized almost immediately that all eyes were on him and his guest.
He sighed and muttered in a low voice. “I might as well introduce them all now. Or else we’ll never get to eat.”
Winnie nodded, looking a bit like the proverbial deer in the headlights, though he was pretty sure he was the only one who noticed. She had an innate sense of poise and composure that stood her well in the midst of this crazy group.
Before Larkin could begin, Victor Wolff stood and raised a glass. “I’d like to propose a toast.”
Everyone lifted a wine goblet, including Winnie. Larkin listened, half wincing, to see what his outspoken uncle would say.
Victor was still bluff and dictatorial, but his manner had softened over the years. He and Larkin’s father had been in their forties when they’d both married much younger wives. Now they were beginning to look like old men. “This family has seen its share of sorrow.” He paused, his throat working visibly. “I never imagined that when you were all grown you would have the sense to pick such fine partners. I think I should have more than two grandchildren by now—” he slanted a stern look at Jacob “—but I am so damned proud of each and every one of you. To the Wolffs.”
To the Wolffs. The toast echoed around the table, and Larkin felt his own throat tighten with emotion. It had been a long, sometimes dreary road, but now he finally had the satisfaction of seeing his brother and sister happy—really happy.
Larkin started to say something to Winnie, but Victor wasn’t finished. “We’re delighted Larkin brought along a friend. As cohost tonight, Winnie, I hope you’ll allow me to present you to this somewhat motley crew.”