Cliffhanger from A Wife for Jay Prescott

                All the tension he’d felt throughout the evening vanished in the warmth of Lilli’s arms. For the first time in his life, he knew he’d come home. He wanted to stay with her forever.

                From the moment he’d met Lilli, he’d been attracted to her. Only he’d struggled with his feeling before he admitted that he truly cared about her.

                He pressed his cheek against hers, breathing in her delicate floral scent. “You smell wonderful. Do you realize you were a puzzle to me even before we met?” Jay laughed quietly against her hair. “I smelled your fragrance in the men’s room and knew something was different.” Only I didn’t realize you’d have such an effect on my life.

                “And now?” She pulled away from his then looked into his eyes.

                “I think you’ll always puzzle me. That’s part of your mystic.”

                She released a sigh as if she’d held her breath waiting for his answer. Then she rested her head on his shoulder.

                Although the dance floor was crowded, Jay ignored the other people around them. For him there was only Lilli. With his hand at the small of her back, he pulled her closer. Her breast pressed against his chest. She trembled slightly. Could she feel the same chemistry he did?

                His heart ached with the need to have Lilli in his life all the time. Not just occasionally for Mimi’s benefit but for the rest of their lives.

                The middle of the dance floor surrounded by their employees wasn’t the place to pledge his undying love. They needed an intimate surrounding for their conversation. After stating, not once but several times, he never wanted to get married, Jay knew it would be hard to convince Lilli that he needed to share the rest of his life with her.

                Gradually they slowed their movements until they were standing still. Content, Jay continued to sway with Lilli in his arms. When the sound of applause filled the banquet room, he looked up. So in turned to Lilli and his love for her, he didn’t realize the music had ended and they were the only ones left on the dance floor.

                Lilli’s hand griped his tighter. Jay bowed to break the tension and stop the applause. With her hand still in his, he led her to their table.

                “Way to go, Jay,” someone shorted from the back room.

                Before they were able to sit down, Mimi walked up to the microphone. “For those of you who are new to the company, I’m Jay’s grandmother and every year, at this time, I give a toast.”

                Jay held the chair out for Lilli then returned to his seat beside her.

                When Mimi removed the microphone from the stand, a sharp squeal sounded throughout the room. “I usually stand up here and say how proud I am of all of you. Only this year is different. Now don’t get me wrong, you’ve all done a wonderful job. I’m so excited I forgot my glass. Just a minute.” She started to walk toward the table. Before she reached her destination, Jay handed her a glass of champagne. Mimi’s eyes sparkled.

                Steve shrugged his shoulders then he turned his chair around apparently to have a better view.

                “Most of you are like family to me so I’d like to make a personal toast. To Jay and Lilli.” She held her glass up. “May they set a date soon and not keep this old woman waiting any longer.”