Page 70 of Flynn
*****
“You are exquisite,” he whispered behind her as he closed the clasp on the stunning diamond necklace he had given her along with the square-cut one that was her engagement ring.
She was five months pregnant and barely showing. The dress was styled so that it covered the slight bump and swirled around her from waist to ankles in a gossamer cloud of emerald green. The bodice was snugly fitted, the sleeves transparent and gathered at the wrists, echoing the material of the top of the dress.
She placed a hand over the necklace and met his eyes in the mirror. They were still tentatively cautious about the pregnancy.
Nothing untoward had happened after the two weeks she had spent in bed, and she could return to work at a diminished capacity. The pregnancy was going wonderfully well, but Flynn was still determined to treat her like a Dresden China. It was as annoying as hell.
He made love to her with unusual gentleness as if he was going to rupture something if he did otherwise.
The papers were full of their sudden romance, and they were photographed wherever they went. The wedding was in June, and she could not do anything except pick out her dress. She had stopped arguing with him because it was exhausting. Julia was no better, insisting on arranging everything with the wedding planners.
“I am allowed one glass of champagne.” She warned.
His dark brows lifted. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“You monitor my every move whenever we are at a function, attaching yourself to me as if you are my shadow.” She complained.
Reaching for her wrap, he draped it around her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I am just doing my part.”
“What part is that?”
“Being an attentive and concerned fiancé.” Tilting her chin, he studied the exquisite face with a rebellious tilt to the stubborn chin and grinned at her. “I love you to pieces.”
“That’s not going to work.” She grumbled, but she was lying, and they both knew it. He could turn her insides into jelly whenever he declared his love for her. It was no different now.
Placing a kiss on her lips, he took her hand and guided her towards the doors. Much to his relief, she had cut down on her duties at the office and was content to mostly work from home.
Maurice Daley had ceased to be a threat, and Flynn hoped that would not change. Tucking her hand through his arm, they made their way down the stairs, where his mother was waiting.
*****
She had no idea he would be present. She had caught glimpses of him when she was out with Flynn, but that had been it - just glimpses. Flynn was over the opposite end of the enormous ballroom with a group of associates, a champagne glass in his hand.
She was surrounded by some of the ‘wives’ and Rosalyn when he called her name from behind. The conversation broke off immediately as she turned to face the man who had turned her life upside down.
Glen Ritchie was tall, not as tall as Flynn, and he certainly did not have her fiancé’s powerful presence. Seeing him now, dressed in his dark blue tuxedo, she could look at him without feeling anything, and it felt beautiful.
His light blue eyes swept over the curious onlookers before staring at her. “Could I have a minute of your time?” His voice was cultured and slightly musical, which attracted her when she met him.
“Of course.” Excusing herself, she went with him to a corner of the room that gave them a small measure of privacy. She knew all eyes were on them and did not dare look in Flynn’s direction.
“You look ravishing,” he said huskily, eyes wandering over her exquisite face. “I am sorry.”
She shrugged slender shoulders. “You said that several times. Some of which you emphasized with lavish bouquets of silver roses.”
“I know they are your favorite.” His eyes clung to her face. “You are engaged to Flynn Zimmermann.”
“And having his baby.”
His eyes flew to her stomach, and she saw the pain flashing across his face. “You are happy.”
“Ecstatically.”
“I hurt you and understand the need to return the favor.” He held out a well-manicured hand in appeal, which she ignored, forcing him to drop it. “I couldn’t help myself, Ry; I tried to ignore the urges, telling myself they would disappear. When I was with you, it seemed possible.” He threw her a whimsical smile.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I thought it would be okay. That the attraction I felt for you would make it okay.”