her than she had in very long time? Had it been so long since she had been held by a man that even Bradford Price could make her feel breathless and cause her pulse to speed up?
“You’ve lost your mind, girlfriend,” she muttered to herself as she steered her luxury SUV around the circular drive and out onto the street.
She wasn’t looking to be held by any man, let alone a playboy like Bradford Price. With his piercing hazel eyes and dark good looks, he represented trouble with a great big capital T and she wanted no part of it.
Besides, after experiencing the pain of losing her husband, she wasn’t about to give her heart to another man and put herself in the position to go through something like that again. She was a survivor and it was only through working for various charities that she had kept herself going after the many disappointments of the past year. And although she did get lonely at times, community service would have to be enough for her. It was far less dangerous to her peace of mind than the almost irresistible combination of Bradford Price, with his rock-hard biceps and movie star good looks, and the most adorable baby girl Abby had ever seen.
“How much longer do you think we need to stay before it’s socially acceptable to leave?” Brad asked Zeke, as he checked his watch.
If the informal cocktail party he was attending hadn’t been in honor of the candidates for the various club offices, he would have declined the invitation. Instead, he had sipped on his club soda, engaged in the obligatory mingling with all of the other guests and counted the minutes until he could politely thank the election committee chairman, Travis Whelan, and his wife, Natalie, for hosting the party and leave.
“What’s the rush?” Zeke asked, looking puzzled. “I thought you’d be glad to have an evening off from your child-care duties. After all, you’ve been on your own with Sunnie now for the past week.”
Brad shrugged. “Sunnie isn’t the easiest baby to get to sleep, and I’m pretty sure my sister will be ready to throw me to the coyotes by the time I get back.”
“What happened to Bad Brad, the heartthrob of every sorority sister on the UT campus?” Zeke laughed. “If you’re not careful, you’re going to ruin your reputation as a world-class player.”
“The reports of my past conquests are greatly exaggerated,” Brad said, grinning. “If you’ll remember, I was the one sitting in our dorm room studying while you and Chris Richards were out on the town.”
“Yeah, maybe once,” Zeke shot back, his smile wide. “If you’ll remember, Chris Richards and I were usually with you in those days and doing anything but studying.”
As he and his best friend stood there reminiscing about their college days and their friend, Chris, another member of the TCC, Brad noticed Abby walk through the Whelans’ front door. Wearing a pair of black slacks, a matching jacket and a pink silk blouse, she was utterly stunning. To his amazement, the sight of her robbed him of breath.
Maybe Zeke was right about his needing a night out, Brad decided, forcing himself not to stare. If the sight of his lifelong nemesis peaked his interest like this, then he was in definite need of some female companionship.
“Looks like Sheila’s trying to get my attention,” Zeke said, nodding toward his wife. “I’ll bet she’s not feeling well again and wants to go home.”
“Has she seen a doctor?” Brad asked, concerned for the woman who would soon be Sunnie’s godmother. He couldn’t think of anyone else he’d rather have for the baby’s godparents than the Traverses. Brad knew for certain that if anything happened to him, they would see that Sunnie was loved and cared for.
“Not yet,” Zeke said, looking worried. “She has an appointment tomorrow.” He placed his champagne glass on a passing waiter’s tray. “I’ll see you the day after tomorrow at our meeting with the commissioner.”
“Tell Sheila I hope she’s feeling better soon,” Brad said, as his friend started across the room toward his wife.
“I’m worried about Sheila,” Abby said, walking over to him.
“So is Zeke, but I’m sure she’ll be all right,” Brad said, turning his attention to the woman beside him. “You look very nice this evening.”
She gave him a suspicious look. “Really?”
Her question surprised him. “I wouldn’t have said it if I hadn’t meant it.”
“In that case, thank you,” she said, taking a sip of the drink she held.
“Why would you think I’m not sincere?” he asked, frowning.
“You have to ask?” Her laughter caused an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. “I’m not used to something like that from you, Price. Veiled insults and jokes at my expense—yes. Compliments—no.”
Brad started to deny her claim, but with sudden clarity, he realized she was right. When she had joined the TCC, he had made comments and jokes about her that, looking back, he wasn’t overly proud of. It was no wonder she didn’t believe him when he made a favorable remark.
“I believe an apology is in order,” he said, clearing his throat.
“You’re out of your mind if you think I owe you an apology, Price,” she said incredulously. “Of all the arrogant—”
“Hush.” Setting his drink on a nearby table, Brad took her by the elbow and led her out into the Whelans’ enclosed courtyard before she drew too much attention to them. If he was going to have to eat crow, he didn’t particularly want witnesses.
“What are you up to now, Price?” she demanded.
When they were safely out of earshot of anyone eavesdropping, he placed his hands on her shoulders to keep her from walking away. “If you’ll stop jumping to conclusions and let me finish, I would like to tell you that my behavior the past several months has been out of line and uncalled for.” He could tell by the widening of her vibrant blue eyes that it was the last thing she expected from him. “I’m sorry for that, Abby.”
She shook her head. “I … um … don’t know what to say.”
“You could start by telling me you accept my apology.” He shrugged. “But that’s up to you.”
“Y-yes …” She cleared her throat. “I accept.”
“Good.” He smiled. “Now that we have that out of the way, I want you to know that I meant what I said.” He slowly slid his palms down her arms until he caught her hands in his, then stepped back and took in the sight of her. “You really do look incredible, Abby.”
“Thank you,” she said, her voice soft.
From the muted landscape lighting, he wasn’t certain, but it looked as if she blushed. Fascinating. For reasons he didn’t fully understand, Brad pulled her into his arms and held her close.
“What on earth do you think you’re doing?” she asked, starting to pull away from him.
“I’m giving you a friendly hug to go along with my apology,” he said, enjoying the feel of her lithe body pressed to his a little more than he anticipated. He felt a tiny shiver course through her and instinctively knew it had nothing to do with her
