The Engagement

Chapter Eleven

Glass of wine in hand, Alex watched Emme traverse the room. True to her word, she was polite, engaging and charming. He gave her credit for knowing how to mingle, what to say, and how to pretend nothing at all was wrong between them. When she was at his side, she held onto his arm and cast him adoring looks a jury would be hard-pressed to say were false. Though he doubted she cared at the moment, he appreciated her.

One of the partners stopped at his elbow. "You did very well, Alex. I like her."

Sipping from his wine, he nodded. "I do too..."

Jeffrey laughed. "I hope so."

Forcing a smile, Alex glanced at him. "Well, that goes without saying."

Jeffrey lifted his hand to acknowledge another colleague. "We should talk soon, Alex."

"Definitely."

Jeffrey smiled and wandered away. Alex knew he should be concentrating on the slice of victory, but instead, he found his eyes wandering to Emme. She charmed everyone. Watching her talking with another man, he felt tension grip his spine, tightening his jaw as she brushed her hair aside, smiled and let her fingers linger on the man's arm.

He set his drink aside on a roving platter and was about to cross the room, when another partner approached him. Ben Tanaka was one of the oldest of all the partners. Though he was born in the United States, his parents immigrated from Japan. Many of the traditions they brought with him, Ben adhered to. Alex thought him as Americanized as he possibly could be, without completely giving up his heritage. Alex also knew, he would be the most difficult partner to convince.

"Good evening, Alexander."

Alex inclined his head respectfully. "Ben. How are you enjoying the fundraiser?"

Ben gestured to his wife a few feet away. "I believe she enjoys this more than me."

Following Ben's gaze, Alex noted the admiration and love in the other man's face. His reasons for the engagement to Emme were largely with the intent of impressing and ensuring Ben that he would be a good fit for a partner. While he suspected the others agreed, their desire for a decent partner outweighed their disapproval of his behavior. When Aaron (the first and oldest of all the partners) retired in six months to a year, Alex was hoping his reform would be enough to secure him the position.

"She's a very wonderful hostess."

Ben smiled. "She lives for it, I think." He shifted, pointing to Emme, changing the subject. "Would you like to introduce me to your fiance? I had no idea you were seeing someone so seriously, Alex."

Expecting this, Alex shrugged. "I thought it prudent to keep it quiet." He could see approval surface in Ben's expression. "Emme isn't like others," he added, unwillingly finding his eyes drawn to her again. Though he spoke the words to impress Ben, he realized the truth in them after they left his lips.

Ben's hand went to his shoulder. "Once you find her, that woman you will marry... Well, you just know."

"Yes." His eyes never left Emme. She threw her head back, laughing, and then her eyes caught his. She stilled, expression guarded. He wished he could know what she was thinking. But she wasn't immune, he knew, because her fingers nervously played with the stem of her wineglass. Warmth filled him at the knowledge, the hum of the fight pricking his skin, and he knew, whatever happened, he couldn't let her walk away.

Ben laughed softly. "Will you introduce me now?"

Alex shook off the spell cast by Emme. "Oh, yes, I'm sorry."