• PROLOGUE •
I looked around in accomplishment. Small bouquets adorned the linen-draped cocktail tables, and I meticulously arranged every detail around the grazing table. Stations of food were set along the perimeter, and a string quartet accompanied the light, jazzy piano music on the stage.
The Annual May Mixer was my crowning achievement every year. It was when the established and potential clients came together and met with the agents of Elevated Financials. This year was special, as the company had new owners, so introducing them was paramount for the company to enjoy continued success.
I smiled as I saw everything I was expecting to see - the cocktails flowing, smiles on faces, and nods of appreciation as everyone mingled. The pleased looks on faces as hors d’oeuvres were passed and sampled.
Except for my husband. Richard’s smile was forced and tight, and I noticed he was becoming a little unsteady on his feet. What the hell.
“Richard,” I whispered-yelled at him. “What are you doing? You’re supposed to be talking to our clients!”
“Our clients, Samantha?” He mocked condescendingly. “I think you mean my clients.” He was speaking too loudly, and I was afraid he was going to cause a scene.
Frustration welled up as I realized he did indeed have too much to drink. I could smell the scotch coming off of him. “Pull yourself together,” I snapped fiercely.
His face screwed up in anger and his hand clamped onto my upper arm. He began to say something when he was interrupted by a boisterous voice that commanded attention.
“Mr. Covington, Mrs. Covington,” I heard our names being called. I looked up to see the sandy hair of Mr. Dunn, the new COO, approach us. I turned, putting on a smile, hoping I could hide my stress at Richard’s antics. I moved closer to Richard, to hide his hand on my arm, then elbowed him in the ribs to let me go. I prayed he didn’t leave a mark or bruise.
“Mr. Dunn,” I greeted him warmly. “What do you think of our presentation?” He reached out his hand, and I placed my right one in his. Thankfully, Richard had gone for my left one.
“I think you’ve done an excellent job,” he said, clearly impressed as he encompassed his hands around mine. “I expected no less! I don’t believe you’ve had the chance to meet our CEO, have you? He’s been around, but prefers a less hands-on approach and hates crowds.”
A well-muscled man with dark hair and dark eyes approached us. I looked over from Mr. Dunn to stare straight into the eyes of the man I’d been sleeping with for over a month, and my heart skipped a beat.
He owned a security company. I didn’t know his acquisition of Elevated was the business that brought him to town.
He looked at me, then at Richard darkly.
“Samantha, meet Daniel Sanford. Daniel, this is Samantha. She’s responsible for the success of the event tonight.”
My breathing became shallow as I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I saw a flicker of gold flash in his eyes and could feel his anger bristling toward me.
Mr. Dunn seemed to notice the tension between us. Unfortunately, as did Richard.
What was I going to do?
