Wanted A Real Family(30)

Why not? Liam was Jase’s colleague and seemed genuinely interested in helping her have a good time.

Before, Sara had stood on the fringe of the groups, trying to figure out how she wanted to jump in...if she wanted to jump in. But now Liam swept her right to the center of the action. In the living room, he laid his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward a group of men and women. She knew his hand on her back was simply a courtesy, but it didn’t feel right. She moved ahead, letting it slip off, but not before she spotted Jase. He’d been watching her and Liam cross the room. Though she tried, she couldn’t read his expression and she wondered if he would be spending any time with her tonight.

Before she could give the question more thought, Liam introduced her to a round of guests. One was a food writer for the L.A. Times, another a chef at a five-star restaurant. After a few minutes of conversation that Liam facilitated, the woman who had accompanied the chef looked Sara over. “Beautiful dress. The designer’s Carzanne, isn’t it?”

Designer? Sara really hadn’t kept up with designers. How could the woman tell? Quickly she said, “The dress just seemed right for tonight.”

“That it is. You’ve got a lot of heads turning. Liam’s, of course. But Mr. Cramer’s, too. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since you walked in.”

Was that true? Had she wowed Jase?

Another couple joined the group and Sara recognized the gentleman. He’d had a sports injury. After arthroscopic surgery, she’d helped him build up his leg muscles again. However, like any health-care professional, she didn’t give away the identity of her clients.

He remembered her, however, and didn’t hesitate to say, “Sara! I never expected to see you here.” He put his arm around his wife. “Margery, this is my physical therapist, the one who got me playing tennis again.”

Suddenly a deep baritone over Sara’s shoulder said, “She’s good at what she does. I should know.”

The group went silent for a minute as Jase stepped into their circle. In a tuxedo, pristine white shirt and black tie, he was absolutely magnificent. So much so, that Sara had to swallow hard as she looked at him. His gaze on her was assessing, admiring, maybe even a little intimate. And maybe she was reading way too much into a look...just because of an errant kiss.

Music had begun on the patio outside the French doors in the dining room. There were tables set up there and couples were going out to the patio to dance.

Jase gazed in that direction for a fraction of a second, and then he held his hand out to her. “How about some fresh air and music?”

Sharing music and a dance with Jase sounded wonderful about now, so she nodded. They made their excuses and Jase led her outside to the patio. He headed to one of the corners, slightly in shadow.

Holding her loosely as they danced, he asked, “So what do you think of Raintree’s soiree?”

Easily she responded, “I think it’s elegant and tasteful, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”

“You included?”

There was a hint of something in Jase’s tone that told her his question was more than conversational. She wasn’t sure exactly what he was asking, but something seemed to be on his mind. “Marissa and I split up when we came in, and I felt out of my element at first.”

“That’s natural when you don’t know anyone. Liam seemed to put you at ease.”

She wasn’t exactly sure what to say to that. After all, he and Liam worked together. So she said, “Liam’s nice. And friendly. He made me feel not so out of place. He introduced himself and then insisted I get to know everyone here.”

“I see,” Jase said, then added, “Some women find him hard to resist.”

“As in plural women?”

“When Liam’s not making wine, he’s an adventurer. He mountain climbs, rock climbs, likes to sample beaches in Croatia and South America.”

“You’re telling me he’s multidimensional,” she said lightly, joking, although Jase’s tone was serious.

“I’m telling you he likes diversity in his adventures and in his women.”

She felt as if Jase was warning her away from Liam. For her sake...or his? “I’ll keep that in mind.” It wasn’t as if Jase could advise her on who she should or shouldn’t see. It wasn’t as if he had any right to say. Not that she’d fall for Liam’s practiced charm and easy conversation.

Jase seemed to accept her response for what it was: a declaration of her independence. But then his hand held hers a little tighter and he pulled her just a little closer. “You look beautiful tonight. Any man here would like to spirit you off to his own private beach or vineyard or whatever.”