Читать книгу Rules of Engagement - Bonnie Winn K. - Страница 12

TESS WAITED until the last possible moment to invite Cole. Her cousins wouldn’t be fooled if she invented a reason he couldn’t attend.

She expected him to have an excuse for not going to the party with her. To her relief, he accepted. She felt odd asking him, but he didn’t sound as though it was unusual.

Because of restaurant events, Tess had an extensive collection of evening wear. But nothing seemed right as she picked through the dresses.

She finally settled on a long-sleeved, high-necked silk that bared her back. Since her hair matched the dark dress, Tess decided to pile it loosely in a topknot. She kept her accessories simple. Diamond stud earrings, heels and a purse just large enough to hold keys and lipstick.

And, of course, a gift for her aunt and uncle. Since she hadn’t elaborated on the reason for the party, she was still trying to decide how to explain it to Cole.

Then there were her cousins. They’d be watching. Like cats on a fence.

She hadn’t been on a date since David’s death. It was guilt. Going back to her old life didn’t seem right. Not when David had no life.

The doorbell rang, and the dogs let out a barrage of barking. Tess glanced in the mirror, then opened the door. Cole, in black tie, was an impressive sight. “Hello.”

“Evening. Am I early?”

“No. You’re perfect.” She bit her tongue. “I mean your timing’s perfect.”

He bent to greet Hector and Molly, who’d stopped barking as soon as they recognized him.

She checked the clock. “Would you like a glass of red wine?”

“A small one.” His glance followed her, taking in the gift-wrapped package on the table.

She poured two glasses, then handed him one. But she didn’t raise her glass, nervously running her fingers over the stem. “I should explain about tonight’s party.”

“It requires an explanation?”

Tess cleared her throat. “It’s an anniversary party for my aunt and uncle.”

“And?”

“Well, that’s it. I just didn’t want you to get the wrong idea about the family gathering.”

“And what idea would that be?”

Flustered, her cheeks warmed. “My cousins tend to give anyone…new…the third degree.”

“I’m not easily intimidated.”

She suspected as much, but then she hadn’t given him a true picture of her cousin’s expectations. “Good.”

“Does your family usually have their parties at the restaurant?”

Tess nodded. “At the original location. Uncle Stephen is on my mother’s side, but her family took up the Spencer tradition after she married my father. His family is a lot smaller, while Mother’s is a mob. Over the years, they’ve come to blend. We all get along reasonably well, so…” Nerves. She was talking too much. Sipping her wine, she tried to collect herself.

“You’re lucky.”

“Lucky?”

“Not every family is so close.”

“I’ve always taken that for granted. Dad’s older sisters, Gayle and Ruth, never married. They spoiled David and me—it was great. They did the same for all the kids. At Christmas, it was like having three Santas.”

“It sounds almost too good to be true.”

“I suppose.”

When Cole took the last sip of his wine, Tess smiled. “If you’re ready, I’ll grab my bag.”

He tipped his glass in her direction. “Ready.”

Tucked into Cole’s ground-hugging Mercedes CLK, it didn’t take long to reach Spencers. The valet quickly took their car.

“Good service.”

“It’s what we’re known for.”

Inside, Tess led the way to one of the private dining rooms. The room was overflowing with aunts, uncles, their children and significant others. More than sixty people crowded around the bar and buffet tables. She noticed Cole’s eyes widen when he saw the overwhelming amount of relatives. “I did warn you there’d be a mob.”

“As long as you don’t expect me to remember all their names.”

She grinned. “On my mother’s side there are seven De Villard siblings, three brothers, four sisters. Short version—I have fifteen first cousins and some of them are married and have children.”

Her aunt who was being honored that night waved from the head table, but it was impossible to get past the crowd. “That’s my aunt Lily,” Tess explained, waving back. “It’s her anniversary. And Stephen’s the one with the rosebud in his lapel.”

A waiter deftly swerved by, recognized Tess and paused, offering them champagne.

“I thought you weren’t going to stop, Ernie,” she teased, picking up a flute.

“These are for the head table,” he explained, offering Cole a drink.