Wildly (Crimson Romance) by Debra Kayn Page A

Bruce has agreed to stay an extra day so the crowd and safety won’t be a concern.”
    “Humph.” Mr. Stephenson pursed his lips. “What about the hotels, campgrounds, and local stores? Will they be able to keep up with the throng of people bound to come to town? What about media coverage?”
    On and on, the committee asked questions, arguing their point, and each time she answered them with a growing confidence. The tension across the back of her shoulders eased, and she sat back and crossed her legs. By the time Ella came in and announced she was going home, each person had shaken Shauna’s hand and congratulated her on a job well done.
    They left the building with a new sense of spirit and hope for Cottage Grove. Shauna waited five minutes after the last car pulled out of the parking lot, and locked the door. Weeks of worry and stress had her wound up, and she was exhilarated. Too wired to go home, she headed out of town to Grayson’s house to share the news.

Chapter Twelve
    The interior beyond the locked glass doors at the tennis center lay dark. Without wondering what to do, Shauna walked around the building to the paved lane that led to Grayson’s house.
    Lights lined the asphalt driveway, guiding her toward the front door of the two-story colonial brick house as if they were personally urging her forward. She stepped up on the porch and rang the doorbell. A melodic chime sounded off inside.
    A few seconds later, Grayson answered the door, a phone held to his ear, and motioned for her to enter. She crossed the threshold and followed him deeper into the house. That’s when the magnitude of what she’d done hit her smack in the chest and left her unsure of what to do next.
    She’d invaded Grayson’s private domain. In all the time she’d known him, she’d never met him on his own turf. She’d respected his privacy.
    “Call me tomorrow, and I’ll give you my final answer.” Grayson stared at her, but talked on his phone. “Okay. Talk to you then. Bye.”
    She bit the inside of her cheek, waiting for him to yell at her for trespassing.
    “How did the meeting go?” He set the phone on the end table and motioned for her to sit down.
    “Great.” She remained standing. “You know, this wasn’t such a brilliant idea. I didn’t think my idea of coming here to see you all the way through. I’ll go, and leave you alone. Maybe, you can call me tomorrow … at work, if you have time.”
    “Wait.” He frowned. “You were all excited when I opened the door and now you look upset. What happened?”
    “Nothing. I’m happy. I wanted to share with you that the committee’s given me their wholehearted approval on the planned benefit. That’s all. I also wanted to thank you. I think it helped, mentioning that you were helping me.” She gazed around the room. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here and interrupted you.”
    The one lamp in the room lit the area enough to see she was out of her element. This wasn’t the average house with the mismatched couches and a stack of newspapers beside the recliner.
    All leather furniture dotted the room, accented by red throw pillows. The floor to ceiling rock fireplace displayed two golden tennis rackets on the mantel. She squeezed the cushion of a nearby chair and sighed. Soft and plush, the leather pliable under her fingers screamed money.
    “Shauna?”
    “Yes?” She jerked her hands away and clasped them in front of her.
    “Don’t you think that good news calls for a celebration?” He cocked his eyebrow. “I was getting ready to open a bottle of wine. How about staying and having a glass with me?”
    Buck up. This is my dream. I’m standing in the middle of Grayson’s house, and he’s inviting me to stay.
“Are you reneging on your advice you gave me about not drinking? You know how I get.” She lifted her shoulder and grinned. “What was it you said … I go crazy when I drink?”
    “I think I can handle you.” He laughed. “Besides, you