Page 41 of Hayes

"And you are still not together, are you?" Simone asked him bitterly, looking over to where Camelia was in deep conversation with several people.

"That guy attached to her side like a leech appears to be more than an acquaintance, and you are over here, doing nothing about it." She relished the tightening of his jaw as he looked over to where they were.

"We agreed to keep things discreet for now."

"You mean she wanted it that way, and you had no choice but to agree." Simone shook her head. "She really has a hold on you, doesn't she? She says jump, and you ask how high."

His eyes glittered as he stared at her. "Be very careful, Simone. I can and will tolerate so much and no more."

"And I have to toe the line, don't I?" Her eyes flashed. "Because you and your precious company hold all the cards. Daddy warned me to be courteous, and I am trying my best to be." Taking a deep breath, she handed him her glass of champagne. "See you around, Hayes."

Camelia was so acutely aware of his presence that she could barely concentrate on the conversation going on around her. The apprehension she felt on her way here about how people were going to receive her had been dispelled. Leesa Wellington and Kelly Takahashi had seen to it that the uncomfortable questions were not being asked.

Other than one from Brandy Taylor, a washed-up former actress, about the rumors that had been circulating regarding her parents, which had been it. And Leesa had told the woman firmly, before Camelia could respond, that both parties were dead, and they should be left in peace.

But how she wanted to be with Hayes. He was right. They could face whatever it was together, and it does not make any sense whatsoever for them to be hiding their relationship. She did not want to hide the fact that she was with him. If the furor starts again, then so be it.

Meanwhile, James Gallagher was hanging onto her as if they had made some sort of promise to each other and one look over at where Hayes was standing showed her that he was having a difficult time dealing with it. It was the same thing for her.

Excusing herself politely, she put away her champagne glass and threaded her way over to where he was.

He saw her coming and the smile that curved his lips had her hastening her steps.

"Hi," she murmured, holding out a hand.

"Hi yourself. Are we supposed to be doing this?" he asked, taking her hand.

"I was standing over there with that guy clinging to me and decided that I would much prefer to be with the man I love, and damn the consequences."

His eyes flared at that, his fingers clinging to hers. "That's funny, I was over here thinking about how much I wanted to knock him on his ass for touching what's mine."

She grinned at him. "I have to confess that the glower on your face had me trying to prevent a scene. Wanna dance?"

"I would love to." He led her onto the dance floor and ignored the attention they were garnering. "I am afraid we might be bombarded by the press soon after this. Are you prepared?"

She nodded, sliding her hands up his chest and over his shoulders. "You were right."

"About what?" Having her in his arms in public was making him giddy and he could not stop smiling.

"About us not hiding." She moved closer to him, her body fitting him like a glove. "We spent so many years away from each other, and whatever happens, we should face it together."

The expression on his face was fiercely tender. "Who do I have to thank for this turnabout?"

"I looked over and saw you and I could not stay away. I love you, Hayes, and I want the world to know. I also do not care about them bringing up the past."

His hands were rubbing up and down her back slowly, igniting her desire. "Shall I tell you what the reward for such a bold action is, or would you like me to show you?"

Linking her hands around his neck, she tilted her face up to his. "I was thinking it's time I reacquaint myself with your bedroom suite."

He felt his heart thundering inside his chest at the import of that statement. "It has been redecorated over the years." he told her hoarsely.

"You mean, no more posters hanging on the walls?"

"They are now stuffed in some drawers." His hands tightened around her waist. "I looked at it just recently and realized it needed a woman's touch. Any recommendations?"

"I might have a few. Only tonight would not be the appropriate time for that."

"Why not?"