ly have left to go to another room for brandy and cigars while the women gossiped about them. Thank god it wasn’t another time, because for some reason Melissa didn’t like Becca. She could tell by the weird side glances she kept getting.
Maybe she was used to being Queen Bee around here.
“We still need to talk business at some point,” Daniel said as he sipped his coffee. “When would be a good time?”
Lawrence smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “We’re pretty tied up with the Charity Ball at the moment. It’s this weekend.” He blinked, as though an idea just hit him. “Why don’t you join us there?” He glanced at Becca. “Both of you. Then we can take some time on Sunday to talk about the business.”
Daniel swallowed. “I’m not sure. We’ll have to check our schedules.”
Becca leaned against him, kissing his cheek. “Don’t be silly, darling. We’d love to, wouldn’t we? I bet you look amazing in a tux.” She bit down a smile. “And even better out of it.”
Daniel coughed out a laugh. “Now do you see why I like her?”
“She’s refreshing,” Nina said, her voice warm.
“I like her, too,” Charles said, nodding.
Neither Lawrence or Melissa said anything. They were too busy staring at each other, having an unspoken conversation.
Five minutes later, Daniel had paid for the bill, sliding a card into the leather folder so stealthily Becca hadn’t realized it was there until the waiter brought over the slip for Daniel to sign. “We should get back to the hotel,” Daniel said, standing. He held a hand out for Becca. “It’s been a long day, especially for you.”
She smiled up at him. “I still have some energy left.”
Charles sniggered.
Daniel lifted a brow. “I know something that can help with that.” He leaned forward, brushing his lips against her cheek. “The hotel has a good gym,” he murmured. It was Becca’s turn to bite down a grin. Touché.
Sliding his hand casually around her waist, Daniel nodded at his family. “Thank you for a pleasant evening.”
They stood to say their goodbyes, Lawrence and Charles shaking hands, Nina hugging them both. Melissa gave air kisses.
“We’ll see you at the ball,” Lawrence said, giving Becca a nod.
“I’ll try to remember my glass slippers.”
Daniel grinned again, and pressed his palm into her back. “Come on, let’s get you back to the hotel.”
Chapter Thirteen
The car pulled away from the restaurant, driving through the empty roads toward Daniel’s hotel. There was a half smile on his face as he leaned back against the seat, his long legs stretched out in front of him. He turned to Becca, looking casually amused.
“I’ll try to remember my glass slippers?” he quoted. His thigh was pressed against hers, the warmth of him burning through his dress pants. She tipped her head and lifted a brow.
“It was funny,” she told him. “Or at least you thought it was.”
His smile widened. “I thought it was hilarious. It went over Lawrence’s head though.”
“Well, right now I’m wishing I had a crowd of willing mice to make me a dress. What do people wear to balls anyway?”
“I’ll tell Lawrence you couldn’t make it. You don’t have to endure a second evening with my family. I’m pretty sure once was more than enough.”
Becca looked at him carefully. “Are you afraid I’ll embarrass you?”
His smile dissolved. “No.” He shook his head quickly. “That’s not what I’m thinking at all. I’ll go to the ball for an hour, show my face, then meet Lawrence and Nina on Sunday. You shouldn’t have to endure it for my sake.”
“What if I want to go?” she asked him.
Daniel tipped his head, eyeing her carefully. “Do you?”