Covet (51 page)

Andrew shrugged. “Mr. Gregson didn’t want a repeat of what happened with Sarah to occur with any more employees. So, yes, I was asked to keep a discreet eye on him. As for this evening – well, Mrs. Baldwin is in attendance, as are Mr. Gregson’s parents. He wanted to make sure there wasn’t any sort of potentially ugly scene.”

“Oh. Of course.”

Tessa tried to mask the disappointment she felt at this revelation. Somehow, she’d assumed that Ian had sent Andrew to rescue her because he was worried about her personally. But of course it made all the sense in the world that his real concern was for his family, and to make sure they weren’t embarrassed or upset with Jason’s very blatant flirting.

The song ended at that moment and Tessa took a step backwards as Andrew released her. “Thank you for the dance, Andrew. I hope your girlfriend doesn’t mind.”

He made a dismissive motion with his hand as he escorted her back to the table. “Not to worry. Even if Isobel was here tonight, she wouldn’t care. But she despises these sort of events so I’m usually here alone.”

“She’s an artist, isn’t she?” Tessa had only met Andrew’s long-time girlfriend once, when she’d run into the couple at a coffee shop near the office. She had been startled to meet the pierced and tattooed Isobel with her purple-streaked hair and funky clothes, never in her wildest imagination having pictured the straight-laced Andrew with someone like her.

“Yes, she’s a sculptor. And when the inspiration hits, she can work for hours and hours at a time. When I left tonight she’d been at it since noon, and will probably keep on working until three or four in the morning.” He shook his head in mild disgust.

“My mother was like that, except she could literally go for two or three days at a time without any sleep.”

Tessa wasn’t sure who was more shocked at the words that had just slipped so unthinkingly out of her mouth – herself or Andrew. She
never
talked about her mother, except perhaps to Peter and then only sparingly. It had just seemed like the most natural thing in the world, sharing confidences with Andrew, and she had zero idea why.

Andrew stood by her chair as they reached the table and regarded her curiously. “Your mother was an artist?”

“No.” She shook her head. “A writer. At times a brilliant one but in later years she mostly wrote a bunch of gibberish.”

When she didn’t offer up any additional information, Andrew tactfully changed the subject. “Well, thank you for the dance, Tessa. I see some of your tablemates starting to return, so I doubt Jason will bother you again tonight.”

She smiled at him gratefully. “I’ll probably be leaving soon, anyway, it’s getting a little late. Thank you, Andrew. I’ll, um, see you on Monday.”

He gave her a little nod. “Bright and early as usual. Good night, Tessa.”

Kevin and Terence arrived back at the table mere seconds after Andrew left, with Kevin gaping in astonishment.

“Were you really dancing with the Ice Man?” he asked in disbelief. “My God, I think I might have just witnessed one of the seven signs of the apocalypse.”

Tessa smiled indulgently at his usual high drama. “He was just being nice. Though he could admittedly use a few dance lessons.”

Kevin gave an eye roll. “And a personality transplant. Maybe surgery to remove that stick wedged up his ass, too. At least he looks halfway decent in that tux and he actually bothered to style his hair tonight.”

“So what you’re saying is that there’s hope for him?” teased Tessa.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” sniffed Kevin. “Ooh, here’s the girls. I’m dying to hear what they’ve got planned for the rest of the evening. You
have
to go with us, Tessa.”

“Go where?” she asked in confusion.

As Gina, Alicia, and Shelby returned to the table with their dates, they were chattering excitedly about the round of clubs they wanted to make after leaving the party. Marisol and her husband had left after dessert since their younger child was ill with a cold, and they felt obliged to get home and tend to her. Terence did not appear terribly thrilled at the idea of going clubbing with a group who were all a dozen or more years his junior, but Kevin was doing his best to sweet talk him into it.

Tessa, meanwhile, was trying desperately to think up a valid excuse for not joining them. Not only did the thought of drinking heavily and dancing with a bunch of groping strangers repel her, but she simply didn’t have the money to pay for cover charges and drinks. The cash tucked away in her clutch would barely cover her cab fare home, but she was too proud to admit this to her co-workers. Instead, she decided to play the sympathy card.

“I’m sorry, it sounds like a lot of fun, but – well, I’m just not ready for all that,” she confessed almost tearfully. “It’s still too soon after my breakup with Peter, you know? You guys understand, right?”

Kevin put his arm around her shoulders. “Oh, honey, of course we do. God, we don’t mean to be insensitive.”

“You’re sure, Tessa?” asked Gina. “Maybe it might get your mind off things if you joined us.”

“You can ride with Alicia and me,” offered Ross. “We’ll even drop you off at your place afterwards.”

Alicia gave him a not so subtle look of displeasure before smiling at Tessa with an almost sickly sweet expression. “Sure, we could do that. It’ll be fun, Tessa.”

Tessa shook her head, standing as she picked up her clutch. “Thank you all for thinking of me, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much fun. You guys go have a great time and I’ll see you all on Monday. Don’t get
too
crazy, okay?”

Kevin gave her a hug goodbye, and this time she did have to turn her head away, for his potent cologne was now mingled with the strong scent of vodka. “You want one of us to walk you out?”

“No, thanks. I’ll be fine. I’m sure there are plenty of cabs right outside the front entry.” She smiled and waved good night to everyone at the table before exiting the ballroom.

Tessa was waiting for the attendee to retrieve her coat when she heard an achingly familiar voice from just behind her.

“You’re leaving already, Tessa?” asked Ian Gregson in his deep, crisp British accent.

She whirled to face him, her heart thudding rapidly when she realized he was standing mere inches from her. “Yes, sir. I, um, the others are going to head out to some clubs and I wasn’t really in the mood to join them, so I figured I would just go home.”

Ian frowned. “A wise move. Some of your co-workers have been drinking a bit too much this evening so I’m relieved to see that you’re being sensible at least.”

“Here’s your coat, miss.”

Tessa turned, but before she could take the coat Ian had already done so and was holding it open for her.

“Allow me.”

She was torn between being embarrassed at how old and worn her coat was, and enjoying the little thrill that traveled up her spine at his gallantry. She closed her eyes briefly at the feel of his big, powerful hands glancing over her arms and shoulders as he helped her into the coat.

“Thank you, Mr. Gregson,” she murmured, turning to face him once again but keeping her gaze downcast this time.

“Your husband wasn’t able to attend this evening?” he inquired politely.

Tessa paused yet again this evening at the mention of Peter. But, after finally telling her co-workers and supervisor the truth, she couldn’t in all good conscience not be honest with her boss at this moment.

“Um, no. That is – my husband and I – we aren’t together, sir. We’re in the process of getting a divorce.”

She didn’t know who was more shocked – Ian at her announcement or herself at his reaction to the news. He was staring at her in obvious disbelief, and Tessa could swear his tanned skin had paled a shade or two.

“Divorce.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You’re – you’re getting a divorce.”

Tessa frowned, completely perplexed by his odd behavior. “Yes, sir. We, um, separated in September but the divorce will be final next month.”

“Christ.” He ran a hand over his face, giving his head a shake as if to clear his thoughts. “I’m so sorry, Tessa. I had no idea or I certainly wouldn’t have been so rude as to ask about your husband.”

“No, it’s fine,” she assured him. “I didn’t tell anyone at the office until very recently. Andrew just found out tonight himself.”

“Ah, well that would explain things.” He gave her an assessing look. “Are you all right, Tessa? Especially considering the unexpected encounter with Jason this evening. I’m very sorry you had to be subjected to his appalling behavior yet again.”

“I’m okay, thank you. Andrew came to the rescue again. It seems that one or the other of you is always there to make sure Jason doesn’t bother me.”

Ian smiled. “Yes, well, that’s always been the plan after all.”

Tessa felt her knees grow weak at the force of his dazzling smile. She couldn’t ever remember him smiling at her in quite
this
way before. She could feel the awareness that flared up between them like an electrical surge, and very nearly had to put her hand against the wall to support her suddenly wobbly legs.

“Well, thank you, sir. For watching out for me and all, that is. I’d better be on my way now. Good night.”

His hand grasped her arm firmly. “Let me see you out.”

She let him guide her down the wide, sweeping staircase that led from the mezzanine level where the ballroom was located down to the lobby. “I don’t want to keep you from your guests, sir. I’ll be fine,” she assured him, while still being thrilled at his concerned attention. Even through the fabric of her coat she could feel the warmth of his hand around her upper arm, and she longed to lean into his big, hard body, to rest her head on his broad shoulder, and feel his arm slide around her waist and hold her close.

“I’m not worried about my guests. They can look out for themselves for a few minutes while I see you safely on your way. Do you have your valet ticket?” he asked.

Tessa shook her head. “No, I don’t own a car, sir. I took a cab here.”

“Then we’ll get you a cab.”

They had reached the front doors of the hotel, which Ian held open for her as she stepped outside. The night air was biting cold and she shivered as she belted her raincoat about her.

Ian gave her a brief, assessing glance. “It’s freezing out tonight with these winds, Tessa. You should have worn a warmer coat.”

“I don’t have – I mean, you’re right,” she stammered, refusing to admit this was the only coat she owned but she feared he had already suspected that.

His mouth tightened with displeasure. “Let’s get you that cab so you can get inside and keep warm.”

He motioned over a valet who seemed extremely eager to provide assistance to the regional director. An idling taxi pulled up directly in front of Tessa mere seconds later.

Ian opened the back door and handed her inside. “Hold on just a moment, Tessa. I need to speak to the driver.”

She watched curiously as he walked over to the driver’s window and spoke to him in a low voice. Tessa’s eyes widened in surprise as Ian reached into the pocket of his tuxedo trousers and drew out a money clip. He peeled several bills off and handed them to the driver before walking back around to Tessa’s side of the car.

“The driver has instructions to walk you to your door and make sure you get in safely. And the fare has been taken care of, you’re not to worry about it,” he told her firmly.

“Mr. Gregson –” she started to protest, until she saw the steely look in his eyes. “You don’t – thank you, sir. That’s very kind of you.”

“It’s my pleasure, Tessa, the least I can do. Now, you get home safely and I’ll see you in the office on Monday.” He hesitated, still holding her door open, and then added, “I’m sorry again to hear about your divorce. I hope you’ll let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you through this difficult time.”

Tessa gulped and stared up at him, touched by his kindness and generosity. “I appreciate the offer, sir. Good night.”

Ian closed the door to the cab and stood watching as it pulled away. Tessa felt a warm glow spread through her whole body, and couldn’t help the smile that teased at the corners of mouth. It was almost a certainty that he had only been acting out of concern for one of his employees, but for tonight at least she could pretend it was because he was as attracted to her as she was to him. And she couldn’t help but wonder if knowing about her breakup with Peter would do anything to change the nature of her relationship with her gorgeous, charismatic boss.

Ian remained rooted in place for long seconds after Tessa’s cab had disappeared from sight. He stood there so long, in fact, that the same valet who’d hailed the cab asked if he needed anything else. Pulling himself out of his daze, Ian almost brusquely shook his head before striding back inside the hotel.

Tessa was getting a divorce. After all this time, she was going to be a free woman. Free to date other men, to be pursued by other men, and – most importantly – free for
this
man to finally claim her for himself.