As Long As I Have You

~ Chapter Thirty ~

Kirsten laughed and shifted herself out from under the growing weight of Evan's body. He wasn't ready to let her go just yet though, so he twisted with her until she was on top of him, and she contented herself by laying her head on his chest. The air held the fading scent of their lovemaking and his skin remained warm beneath her hands as she toyed with his chest hair between her fingers. Her backside was completely exposed, and although she was starting to feel a slight chill in the room, the heat that radiated from Evan was still enough to keep her warm.

Evan was just as content to lay with his wife on his chest, and he unconsciously began mimicking the movements of her hands when he started casually twirling a lock of her hair that caught his attention. He absentmindedly examined the coffee-coloured wave and started thinking about something she said earlier.

"You mentioned my mother being a socialite."

She lifted herself up and rested her head in one hand. "She is, isn't she? I just thought from all the stories you told me about her when we met at the gallery..."

"I think she would prefer being called a philanthropist. At least she helps raise money for charities and not just as a way to elevate her status."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"You're apologizing for nothing, kitten, so stop. What I was going to say is that she might be just the thing we need. My mother sits on the Royal Museum's foundation board, and their annual preservation gala is coming up. Whatever family is unfortunate enough to be around is asked to attend and make a donation."

"By asked you mean—"

"Required. On both counts."

"Do you go?"

He smiled wryly. "Oddly enough I usually have meetings out of town."

"And she lets you get away with that?"

"The size of my donation tends to get me off the hook."

She laughed. "Why am I not surprised."

"Short of an actual wedding reception though, this might be the best way to satisfy everyone. It'll also get them off your back so you can wrap things up with Travis Enterprises and get back to your real work."

"Could I bring my stepmother?"

"Bring her and Danny. I'm sure they'll have fun."

"Sure," she replied half-heartedly, even though fun sounded like the last thing any of them would have if Danny attended. Elizabeth would likely see a lot of her acquaintances and undoubtedly be the perfect guest, but would Danny behave nearly so well? Would he check his animosity at the door for one night, or would he see it as an opportunity to let the rest of the world in on their closely guarded secret?

"You think Danny will cause a scene, don't you? Providing he shows up at all."

She smiled ruefully and sighed. "Is reading my mind one of your favourite pastimes?"

"It used to be. I think I've found a better way to spend my afternoons with you." He squeezed her bottom suggestively and she swatted his hand away with a look of playful disapproval.

"Your brother is just upset because he cares about you, kitten. Once he sees I'm not actually 'Evan the Terrible' he'll come around."

"You want to bet?"

"Name your price."

"Ha! One hundred dollars says Danny doesn't come to your mother's gala."

"One hundred?" He wrinkled his nose. "How about one thousand? I'll even give you odds. Ten to one he comes through by Saturday."