Page 22 of The CEO

“Oh, don’t worry, I will be.”

The drive to the party was quiet for the first half as Bree stewed.

“I can’t believe you manipulated me like that.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”

“Well, don’t let it happen again. I don’t like it.”

“Oh, Bree. You know I didn’t do it on purpose…at least, consciously. I definitely didn’t want to be late, though, and that might have played into it.”

She rolled her eyes and leaned her head back against the headrest, knowing since her hair was done in curls down to the middle of her back, it wouldn’t be messed up. “Okay. It didn’t hurt anything, but you should know, if anyone asks about Lilly, that’s what I’m leading with. Her first word.” Bree couldn’t help but smile. “Mama. I still can’t believe it.”

Adam chuckled. “We’ve both been working with her to say it. I don’t know why you’re surprised.”

“Because she said it without coaxing, and she knew that it meant me. She held out her arms.” She patted her chest.

He reached over and laid his right hand on her leg. “I’m glad you’re so happy. You deserve every bit of happiness, Bree. I want you to know that.”

She covered his hand with hers. “I am happy, Adam. I didn’t know I would ever be this happy again after losing Brad. But it’slike he’s here and telling me it’s time to let go. Time to grab for my happiness.”

Adam stared at her.

It was still light outside, and she could see his face. “Adam? What is it?”

He closed his eyes, swallowed and shook his head. “It’s just odd, because I’ve been feeling the same thing. I mean literally. It’s like Brad has been here for me, too. Saying it’s time to move on. To let the past go and embrace the future.”

“I agree with him. We need to concentrate on Lilly. She is my happiness.”

“I know and I’m glad. She’s definitely mine, too.”

Bree wondered if Adam could truly be happy in a marriage like theirs. He was a man, after all, and had never been a celibate one. He and Brad used to laugh over his conquests. Was it just because Adam had never found love? Would he even be open to it if he saw it? Could he eventually love her?

CHAPTER 6

They arrived at the party. The building was huge with two stories and huge double doors. It was the biggest house she’d ever seen. It had to be at least thirty thousand square feet.

Adam hurried around to help her from the SUV. Then he handed his keys to the valet.

Bree leaned toward Adam and whispered, “I’ve never seen a valet at a private residence before.”

They stood and looked up at the building.

Adam placed his hand at Bree’s waist as they walked up the stairs. “This isn’t his residence. This is the country club. I thought it would be at his home, but I didn’t pay much attention to the address. Obviously, I was mistaken.”

“Actually, that’s good. I won’t feel like I’m being nosy when I have a look around.”

They entered through the open double doors into a foyer with another set of double doors directly in front of them. The foyer went the length of the building and was about fifteen feet wide.

Adam opened the right side of the interior double doors and then held out his arm to her.

She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. They stopped first at the coatroom where Bree gave over her wrap. She put the ticket into her clutch and took Adam’s arm again.

He led them inside, where he released her arm and grabbed them each a glass of champagne from the tray held by a server.

Bree took hers with her left hand and sipped the drink while looking around her. The room was painted a cream color with dark wood trim. The bar was old-looking, made from a dark wood, maybe mahogany, and was about fifteen or twenty feet long. Large windows were across both of the walls on the east and west sides of the room. The area was open and was full, but yet not overly crowded. Tables were set up along the windows, leaving the center open and easily navigable.

She stuck close to Adam. He knew these people she didn’t.