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knew that many of the people at this party could make
or break the event. And they could add more names to the guest list that would
heighten the visibility.
    “Appreciate it,” Cord told her.
    “Our pleasure. Leland, let’s get these people a drink and
introduce them to our friends.”
    Fallon hitched the narrow strap of her thin purse over her
shoulder and followed Leland and Winnie Grange down a step into the huge sunken
living room.
    Here we go, Fallon. If anyone recognizes you and asks
where you’ve been, just say you were reordering your priorities.
    With that uncanny ability he had to sense her every mood,
Cord laced his fingers with hers, the pressure of them reassuring.
    The spacious living room was filled with people in similar
cocktail attire. Fallon thought they could almost be a group anywhere in the
country, except here, many of the suits were Western. Most of the men wore
expensive boots—some hand-tooled—and the women had a flair she’d come to
discover was unique to Texas.
    The house was exactly what she’d expect from someone with
deep pockets. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, soaring to the
raised ceiling. Expensive rugs were placed strategically on the polished
hardwood floor, and picture windows looked out onto an enormous side yard where
tiny lights twinkled. Furniture was arranged in comfortable groupings, the room
so large none of it had to be moved to accommodate the crowd.
    The majority of the guests stood, moving easily from one
group to another. It was obvious most of them knew each other; they possessed
the easy familiarity of people who ran in the same circles.
    Cord moved among them, greeting the men he knew and
introducing Fallon. Throughout the evening, Grange made sure they had a few
words with everyone else. Fallon caught the predatory looks the women gave Cord
and the curious stares afforded to her. She scanned faces subtly, looking for
any that might seem familiar, but none rang a bell. She didn’t recognize
anyone. Of course, San Antonio was a big city, and the people who had been her
clients or attended her functions weren’t necessarily part of this circle. She
relaxed just a fraction.
    Most importantly, he wasn’t here.
    At the bar that was set up against one wall, Cord ordered a
glass of white wine for her and she sipped it as if the liquid had life-giving
properties. When had she become so uncomfortable in large gatherings? She used
to attend them a lot when she lived in San Antonio, but then her life had
changed dramatically. And since the move she’d become so much more at ease in
her new environment.
    Better get used to this if you’re throwing the big party
for Cord. Can’t have a hostess that’s insecure around people. Get your act
together. Now.
    She had no idea what she said over the next hour or so as
they continued to mingle. She smiled at everyone, gave polite answers to
equally polite questions. Wondered if the men who stared at her breasts could
see the outline of the nipple rings and what they thought. Though she could
pretty well guess what they thought. They all reminded her so much of him ,
with their ultra-expensive suits and their arrogant attitudes. She tried not to
let a panic attack break through.
    Cord never left her side, even when engaged in conversation.
Sometimes he had his arm around her, his hand casually at her hip. Other times
it banded her waist, keeping her close. Or he rested his hand at the nape of
her neck, those long fingers stroking lightly.
    I’m here , he was telling her. It’s all good.
Relax.
    And his touched grounded her. Kept her steady. Secure.
    It was also a clear notice to everyone that she was his.
Belonged to him. In all ways. Everyone else back off. His overt possession
thrilled her.
    Finally Cord steered them back to Grange.
    “I think we’re going to run off to dinner, Leland. Thanks
for including us.”
    “My pleasure.” He pumped Cord’s hand. “We’re all looking
forward to the big opening