Chapter 25

Summer had to hit her other elbow to get a shocked Spring to focus. "Hello, Mr. Wayland. Your home is
lovely," Spring said as she offered her hand.

Mr. Wayland took Spring's offered hand and lightly kissed the back. "It's pretentious, but it's home." He
turned his attention back to Summer.

"This is Summer, my sister," Spring said with a smile.

Summer nodded to Mr. Stanley but blushed when she met Mr. Wayland's gaze. "Mr. Wayland."

Thomas Wayland, a tall gorgeous man with the most alluring dark skin and even darker hair and eyes,
extended his hand to Summer. She placed her hand in his and he slowly raised it to his lips and kissed
the back. After several beats of their obvious mutual attraction, he said, "Would you like a tour of
Wayland Mansion?"

"I would," Summer said with a smile then looked at Spring.

Mr. Spencer moved closer to Spring. "I'll keep her entertained until your return."

Spring nodded to her sister with a smile. Summer's face lit up as she threaded her hand around
Wayland's presented arm.

"I didn't notice your accent before," Spring said as she looked at Mr. Spencer. Now that she thought
about it, she didn't recall hearing him say anything during the shoot; he quietly relayed all his requests
through his assistant.

Mr. Spencer looked at her. They stared at each other. At first, he said nothing. The silence was so long
that Spring began to fidget with her glass. When it was at the point of being unbearable, he said, "I was
born in Australia. My parents raised me in Paris, and I now reside in America." He peered around the



room then took her glass from her hands. "I really wanted you to meet someone but it seems he isn't
around. So, would you like to dance?"

Mr. Spencer gave her no time to say no. He placed their glasses down and took her by the hand to the
dance floor. The way he placed his hand around her, grazing his fingers and thumb over her bare back,
felt too intimate. The way he pulled her to him, pressing their bodies together...

"I..." Spring started but stopped. She was about to embarrass herself. She was about to question his
intentions.

(It's a dance, Spring. Calm down.)

"How is Taylor, Mr. Spencer?" she asked instead.

Mr. Spencer leaned back to look her in the face. "I would ask that you call me Stanley, please." He
pulled her close once more. "Taylor is fine. Currently, she is preparing to go with me to California. The
trip has her very excited."

"I bet." Spring felt his fingers as they pressed into her side. Not painfully but...

"Have you been?"

"No. I'm a small-town girl. This is the most excitement I've ever had." Spring laughed. "Well, this and
the photo shoot."

He spun them around slowly, leading her in the dance like an expert. "What a grand opportunity for the
man who desires to make you his, to show you the delights of the world."

(Is he flirting with me?)

Spring looked down to hide her blush. "Mr. Spenc-"



"Stanley," he whispered as his face slowly moved toward hers.

(This cannot be happening...)

----------

DEZMOND

Fallon smiled at a passing woman staring at him who happened to be with a date. He winked. The
woman smiled but her date wasn't as friendly. He glared at them both then pulled her away.

"I'd appreciate it if you'd act like you were raised with a little couth and," Dez pinched his fingers
together, "just a pinch of the self-control your dear mother bestowed upon you."

"Don't speak of my mother when I'm in party mode. It's worse than drenching me with a bucket of ice
water. And I prefer the ice water." Fallon adjusted his tie.

His friend looked like he belonged. His tuxedo was custom made to fit perfectly. His shoes were shined
to reflect all light. His look was perfect and effortless. Perfectly effortless.

Dez on the other hand, looked like he tried and was still in the process. His tux was new and nice but
because he preferred jeans and a comfy shirt or sweater, he suspected he gave the impression that he
was uncomfortable. He was.

"Loosen up, or they'll pounce. You know wealthy folk are like sharks when they smell fear." Fallon
grabbed two champagne flutes off of a tray held by a passing waiter. He handed Dez one. "Down this,
then tell me what we are doing here."

Dez took the glass and did what his friend told him. He handed the empty glass to another passing
waiter. "We're socializing."



Fallon chuckled. "Right. Tell me something, you've been getting these Wayland invites for years and
never once attended."

"I had a change of mind." Dez took a moment to scan the area.

(She's here.)


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