Invitation to Love by Groovy Lee Page B

are.”
    “And
Raven?” He barely got the question out before he started laughing. “Sorry,
couldn’t help that.”
    “No,
honestly, we connected. I think I made a new best friend.”
    “Oh,
really. I’ll believe that when I see it.”
    They
were at her bedroom door, and the humorous air dissipated to an anxious moment
of civil smiling, and efforts to seem at ease. But, there was no mistaking the
drawing power in the eyes regarding her now. She swallowed and glanced back at
the door she wished was between them now.
    “Why
don’t you bring the girls into the city tomorrow? I’d like to show them around
the office, introduce them to the staff. Then we can have lunch afterwards—if
that’s okay with you.”
    “Sounds
adventurous. They’d love it.”
    “Good.
I’ll send the car to pick you up.”
    She
suddenly felt the air between them change, that familiar pull she’s constantly
fighting to control. Just go into the bedroom and close the door. Say
good-night, Taryn. But, she stood rooted, unable to. In her heart what she wanted
more than anything for him to repeat that first kiss between them. That kiss
she still hasn’t forgotten. Does he feel the same? Would she run scared if he
tried? She felt like an idiot when, instead of the intense kiss she was
expecting, he just touched his mouth to her cheek.
    “Good-night,
Taryn.”

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    The
girls’ excitement at visiting Michael’s office did nothing to curb Taryn’s
apprehension. A nervous wreck doesn’t even begin to describe her state of mind.
It’s time to play the crowning role of the loving wife in front of his
employees, clients, and associates. This is the moment, her big test, so to
speak, that will determine whether or not she can do her part and help save his
career.
    The smooth
limousine pulled off the busy city street and stopped in front of a mirrored
building. They exited the interior and instantly their heads arched back to
scan all the way to the top of the blue tinted windows. They pushed through the
glass door and walked across the cool lobby of the Ritz Plaza office building.
A boulder of a security guard at the information desk directed them to the top
floor. The girls’ hands were like valium to Taryn as the numbers of the floors
continued to count up all the way to the top.
    It
felt as if they were being deposited in a foreign country when the elevator
doors slid open and they stepped out to strange surroundings.
    A few people smiled politely
as they exited the elevators across from them and proceeded on their way. The
gold and black logo of Michael’s company was proudly etched into the marble
floor along their path. To the left, behind the plate-glass doors, were
draftsmen busy at their desks working to meet the latest deadline. The pert
red-headed receptionist greeted them with an eager smile as she hurried from
behind her station toward them.
    “Hi.
You must be Mrs. Vande-xx,” she crooned.
    “Yes.”
Taryn felt a little at ease now that help had arrived.
    “I
was told to recognize you by the twins. He’s not in his office at the moment,
but I’ll take you in.”
    Taryn
followed her through the pristine office. Remi and Rachel slipped from her
hold, and hop-scotched on each giant V they came to. When they arrived at the
double doors that opened to Michael’s office, she stood back for them to enter.
    “Wow,”
Remi and Rachel said as they tipped into the room.
    A
black lacquered desk, neatly organized with a large calendar that also
protected it from scuffs and spills, stood against one side; Across the room
was a wall of glass towering over the working city below; The V-shaped emblems
of Michael’s success dotted the entire floor. Taryn motioned for the girls to
follow her over to the gray sectioned sofa to sit down.
    “Can
I get you anything to drink? Coffee?  Juice for the girls?”
    “No,
thank you. We’re fine.”
    “Mr.
Vande-xx will be here in a moment. If you need anything, just press the