Rory's Proposal by Lynda Renham Page A

Dad.
    ‘I’ll keep her on a short leash,’ he smiles.
    ‘We have three weeks to prepare,’ I say.
    ‘I so wish you’d just find a husband,’ says Mum, ‘instead of gallivanting around activating like this.’
    ‘I think it’s very commendable,’ says Yvonne, lifting her wine glass. ‘Here’s to you and your fight against Rory’s.’ She clinks her glass against mine.
    Great, that’s eight people. I need to get more. I wonder if you can rent a crowd. I’ll ask Devon.
    ‘Wonderful,’ I say.

Chapter Twelve
    I’d decided to wear my slinky black dress after scattering my whole wardrobe across the bed. I’d bought it two years ago in Zara and I think it enhances my figure. I’d used large heated rollers to add some bounce to my unmanageable hair and attached some sparkly drop earrings that Devon and I had found at Camden Market. I’d been pleased with my appearance until I had entered the Jacksons’ hall and seen all the other women in their designer outfits. I would have turned around and gone home if Luke hadn’t spotted me. He pushed passed the guests and wrapped his arm around my waist.
    ‘You look gorgeous Flora. Did you get the car sorted?’
    Now is the time to tell him about Tom, but before I can say anything he whisks me into the hall.
    ‘Okay if I mingle? There are some good contacts here. I promise not to be too long,’ he says, and then whispers in my ear, ‘and then we can go home and check out that basque.’
    He squeezes my bum and I suppress a squeal. Ooh maybe there is still time for Luke to propose. I kiss him on the cheek.
    ‘It’s fine, mingle as much as you like. I’ll check out the buffet.’
    ‘They have a nice spinach quiche, and the vegetarian spring rolls are delicious. I’ve had two,’ he smiles.
    I grimace. They also have some lovely sausages on sticks, an enormous cheeseboard and nice ham from what I’ve seen on people’s plates, not to mention pizza. The Jacksons’ house, or I should say mansion, is heaving with people and a live band is playing If Not for Me. It’s all very decadent and snobbish. There is more food going spare than at a rehearsal for the Great British Bake Off. Seriously, the place is bursting with it. A large banner hangs above the table.
     
    Fundraising for those starving in Africa tonight.
     
    Not the best place for the banner. I try to work out if we are fundraising for those who are starving tonight . Or if tonight we are fundraising for the starving. You have to admit it is confusing. It seems a bit unfair to only fundraise for those starving tonight, don’t you think? What about those starving tomorrow? Or come to that those who starved yesterday.
    ‘An unusual sign,’ says a familiar voice behind me. I turn sharply, my heart fluttering. It’s him again. In the last few days I seem to be bumping into Tom everywhere.
    ‘If I didn’t know better I’d think you were stalking me,’ I say with a smile.
    ‘Maybe I am,’ he says, his eyes mischievous. He is so gorgeous that I’m surprised every woman in the room isn’t looking at him. His hair falls beautifully across his forehead and he brushes it back. His eyes are sharp and keen. He is wearing an open-necked shirt and I glimpse a few hairs on his chest. The feelings that run through me seem so unfamiliar. This man is sex on legs. I wish Devon were here. She would love to be this close to him. Then again, maybe not, because whenever Devon is around she always gets the attention. Not that I’m interested in Tom. I’ll be engaged soon and I’m so excited about it that it is all I can do not to ask Luke right away.
    ‘I could smell your perfume as I came in from the patio, I knew you were here.’
    ‘Oh really, is it that strong?’
    I sniff my wrist. I wish Luke had said something.
    ‘No, it has a real pheromone effect,’ he says pretending to sway in ecstasy. ‘What is it?’
    I blush. My scent is turning him on, is what he’s saying. Wait till I tell Devon, I can barely