Entangled by Ginger Voight Page A

candid reaction prior to his turning to face me. His mouth fell open slightly as his eyes widened. He looked dumbstruck, which only made me more nervous than I already was. He turned to face me.
    “Wow,” was all he could say.
    I smiled. “Thanks.”
    He offered his arm and we headed to the garage, opting for the hybrid for our drive into town. He remained uncharacteristically silent all the way to Beverly Hills, stealing glances my direction possibly to see if I had turned back into a pumpkin.
    When we pulled up to the opulent mansion I had fled months before, I thought I was going to puke from my nerves. The last time I had been there had been the morning Alex blew my fairy romance to shreds with stark, cold reality. Drew had made love to me in that upstairs bedroom that had leather bound furniture and Corinthian leather on the walls. If I closed my eyes I could still feel him inside me, which left me breathless as the car pulled to a stop. I struggled to take a deep breath so that I wouldn’t panic and beg Alex to turn the car around and get the hell out of there.
    I counted to ten, focusing on deliberate inhaling and exhaling, as Alex walked around to the passenger side. He opened the door and offered me his arm, helping me out of the car. I grabbed his strong bicep with my other hand. He patted it with his free hand as he gave me that famous Fullerton smirk. “Ready to make him eat his heart out, sweetheart?” he said softly.
    “Yes,” I said while I shook my head no. He chuckled and led me into the one place I swore I would never return.
    Drew and Olivia stood greeting guests, with Jonathan standing woodenly at his father’s side. The adults were all smiles until Drew saw me approach on Alex’s arm. I watched his jaw clench as he glanced me over. I clutched Alex’s arm and he patted my hand as we stopped in front of our hosts.
    “So glad you could make it,” Drew murmured as he stared into my face. “Aren’t we, darling?” he asked of the spectacular blonde at his side.
    She nodded as she greeted both of us with a kiss on our cheeks. Likely she didn’t even recognize me from the occasions when our positions were reversed, and I was the hostess standing next to Drew. I couldn’t worry about that. Instead I looked down at Jonathan. His eyes were unreadable as he examined my new appearance, and how cozy I appeared with his uncle.
    Drew was even angrier as he stared at Alex. “So what spectacle do you intend to make at my party, Alex?”
    Alex merely grinned. “Why would I create a spectacle, Drew? We’re family. Right?”  Drew didn’t know what to say so Alex guided me toward the ballroom.
    The theme as red, white and blue, and important figures from entertainment and politics filled the patriotically decorated room. Many danced courtesy of the stringed orchestra set up in the far corner. Every memory I had of the holiday parties I had thrown here came flooding back and I felt panic rise in my throat. What the hell was I doing here?
    “Champagne, miss?”
    I turned to see Harrison offer crystal flutes of bubbly liquid on a silver serving tray. “Harrison,” I breathed gratefully.  He smiled and I could see his true joy in seeing me again. I wanted to apologize for leaving so suddenly, but he was old school. He’d never expect anyone to explain such personal behavior to a servant. I just accepted a glass with a nod and he moved along to other guests.
    I drained the flute in one swallow as I surveyed the room.
    “You’re doing fine, champ,” Alex leaned in to whisper. “Let’s dance.”
    I deposited the glass on a table as I allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. We fell into step easily, with his arm around my waist. Unlike the awkward two-step back at the ranch, he fitted me to his strong body. My eyes shot to his, which were unreadable as he stared down at me. Our eyes stayed locked the duration of the dance. I could only assume that he was willing his strength to me, as his gaze was