debating a cheesy line about how your beauty struck me from across the room. Guess you’re a bit too savvy than to fall for that.”
“Yeah. Every woman hates to be called beautiful.”
He chuckled. “In that case, it’s true. I did notice you as soon as you came through the door.”
“It was either that or the commotion from the kids.”
“Nah. I really did notice you.”
What should she say now? She felt her face flush and hoped beyond measure her cheeks didn’t light up like a neon sign flashing her guilty pleasure. How often did a good-looking guy notice her from across the room? Ah...never?
“Despite your line, I am glad you were here when I tripped.”
“I live to serve.”
She half expected a formal bow, like the staid British lords she read about in Regency novels. “So... I need to get going.”
“You can’t stay a few more minutes?”
She wanted to. More than anything. “I’m busy. Besides, this looks like a family reunion as well as a reception. I don’t want to overstep.”
“To be honest, that’s kind of why I’d like you to stay. My cousin is the bride, so yeah, this is a reunion. I haven’t seen most of my relatives for a few years and I’m all talked out. If my grandmother asks me one more time when I’m getting married, then points me to one of my cousin’s single friends, I may lose it.”
“Gee, that’s tough. Dealing with people who love you.”
He had the grace to smile disparagingly. “I’m a rotten grandson.”
They both chuckled. Despite his complaining, she heard the affection in his tone for his grandmother. “So why haven’t you seen your family in a while, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“My job, mostly.”
A waiter passed by, carrying a tray of sparkling champagne in crystal flutes. When he stopped, Dylan removed two, handing one to Kady.
“Oh, no. I shouldn’t. I’m working.”
“How about a quick toast. To new friends.” He clinked his glass to hers.
“To new friends,” she agreed.
She took a sip, noticing Dylan did the same. She was glad to see he didn’t knock it back like some of the party animals she’d run across at other receptions.
They stood in awkward silence. Finally, Kady placed her glass on the table beside her. “So, it was nice meeting you.”
“Maybe we’ll run into each other?”
“Are you staying in Cypress Pointe long?”
“Depends on the coin toss.”
“Excuse me?”
His mouth curved at the corners. “Inside family joke. Sorry.”
She opened her mouth to ask him to elaborate, when an older gentleman approached Dylan and started a conversation. Boxed into the corner, she couldn’t leave until one of the men moved. After a few long minutes of trying not to eavesdrop, she cleared her throat. Dylan glanced her way.
“Uncle Frank, give me a few?”
Uncle Frank looked at Kady, then back to Dylan, and winked. “Sure, son.”
Dylan slanted her an amused glance. “See.”
“I get it now. Is your entire family comprised of matchmakers?”
“Yep. And I have three brothers who are also single. We try to stay low-key during family events. Keeps the meddlers from focusing on us.”
“So you’re saying I actually rescued you?”
His stunning eyes widened in surprise. “Yes, I’d say you had.”
“Rescuer and floral designer.” She pantomimed a motion of wiping her hands. “My work is done here.”
Dylan laughed, his eyes filled with...admiration?
“Sure I can’t convince you to stick around?”
“Sorry. I have a meeting I can’t miss.”
“Too bad. With you, this reception might have been fun.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
At his wink, her heart thumped.
“Anytime.”
* * *
DYLAN MATTHEWS WATCHED Kady as she weaved through the crowd, stopped to hug the bride and then exited through the same doors she’d first walked through. He wasn’t kidding when he dropped the line about noticing her from across the room. She’d caught his eye at first glance and he was immediately fascinated.
Was it because the light draped her just the right way when she’d entered the room? What else explained how his gaze lit on her pretty face? He rubbed a hand over his cleanly shaven jaw. He’d been cooped up far too long. That would explain the unusually poetic notions rummaging around in his head.
As she’d drawn closer, he noticed she was tall, not as tall as his six feet, but it wouldn’t take much effort for their eyes to meet. Her brown hair was pulled into a ponytail, with little fly-away strands framing her face. She’d smiled, her cheeks flushed as she went about her business.
When he’d braced her arms with his hands to keep her from falling, he’d caught a whiff of something fruity as he pulled her close. Raspberry? Her expression, when she turned, was shaken but grateful. Then he got up close to her honey-brown eyes. A jolt seared his gut and he hesitated letting go of the connection.
When was the last time he’d recognized such a buzz of attraction? A long time, if he was honest. And he always tried to be honest with himself—good, bad or otherwise.
Best of all, she traded quips like a pro. Didn’t miss a beat. Had to be the best quality about her. After talking with her, he realized he’d enjoyed every minute.
Something he hadn’t experienced in quite a while.
With a sigh, he set down his glass beside Kady’s. Too bad she took off. He would have liked to get to know her better. Her good humor had lifted some of the darkness that hung over him.
Before he had a chance to dwell on the past, his older brother, Derrick, joined him.
“Mom’s worried about you.”
“When is she not worried?” Dylan countered.
“When we’re all at home under her roof where she can keep an eye on us.”
“She does realize we’re grown men, right?”
